By Juan Torres

Zach Johanson won the Young Guns category with his ’70 Camaro at the Goodguys West Coast Nationals in late August, which also awarded him an all-expenses-paid trip to the SEMA Show to participate in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

While growing up a car aficionado and builder in Hayward, California, Zach Johanson hoped to one day attend the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and he will finally get the opportunity as a participant in one of the industry’s most prestigious vehicle-build competitions—SEMA Battle of the Builders—which will be held during the 2017 SEMA Show, October 31–November 3.

“I’ve only seen the SEMA Show through coverage in social media, TV and magazines, so I’m very excited to finally experience it,” said Johanson. “Everyone says it’s like being a kid in a candy store, except this is for car guys.”

To earn a spot in this year's SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, the 22-year-old won the Young Guns category with his ’70 Camaro at the Goodguys West Coast Nationals in late August, which also awarded him an all-expenses-paid trip to the SEMA Show to participate in the competition.

“It was surprising to win and amazing to realize that I’m now heading to the SEMA Show,” said Johanson. “I entered the Goodguys event just to see how it would go, to experience it, not necessarily thinking I could win the Young Guns category.”

His winning Camaro is a project car that had humble beginnings, but eventually turned into a standout build.

“I purchased the car from my dad’s boss. It was sitting in the backyard, and I paid $500 for the shell,” said Johanson. “I bought it to try new things out, and I figured if I did something I didn’t like, well at least I didn’t pay too much for it. I started off little by little by changing the suspension and other things, but it eventually turned into a pro-touring build.”

In an effort to support young builders and recognize them as the future of the industry, SEMA created the Young Guns regional program this year and partnered with car shows to highlight builders 27 years old or younger, six of whom will be sent to the 2017 SEMA Show.

“We partnered with Goodguys because of their dynamic events, including the West Coast Nationals, and to recognize and encourage participation of young builders throughout the country,” said SEMA Vice President of Marketing, PR and Communications Ira Gabriel. “The youth are essential to our industry, and there are many talented younger vehicle builders who can look to the SEMA Show and Battle of the Builders and get excited about our industry.”

Johanson is now anxiously waiting the day when he and his Camaro will take their place in the Las Vegas Convention Center premises as SEMA Show participants.

“Thanks to SEMA, I will not only have the opportunity to finally experience the SEMA Show first-hand and speak to the companies who make the parts I used in the car, but also get my name out there a bit,” said Johanson. “I’m just a younger builder going up against big names with more experience, and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the competition and talk to the other builders.”

Learn more about SEMA Battle of the Builders by visiting www.sema.org/botb. For more information on Goodguys and the West Coast Nationals, visit www.good-guys.com.

By SEMA Editors

The Signature at MGM Grand is just one of the hotels available to Showgoers at an exclusive low rate.

Several hotels have expanded the number of rooms offered through the SEMA Show’s official housing partner. Showgoers who book a room in the official block receive a guaranteed low rate, special amenities and an extra level of customer service.

To view all of the hotels available and book now, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel. Here are examples of six hotels available:

The official SEMA Show hotel partner is OnPeak. Showgoers are encouraged to be vigilant if approached by any other company or service that claims to be a housing provider for AAPEX or the SEMA Show.

By SEMA Editors

The Signature at MGM Grand is just one of the hotels available to Showgoers at an exclusive low rate.

Several hotels have expanded the number of rooms offered through the SEMA Show’s official housing partner. Showgoers who book a room in the official block receive a guaranteed low rate, special amenities and an extra level of customer service.

To view all of the hotels available and book now, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel. Here are examples of six hotels available:

The official SEMA Show hotel partner is OnPeak. Showgoers are encouraged to be vigilant if approached by any other company or service that claims to be a housing provider for AAPEX or the SEMA Show.

Chairman of SEMA's Young Executive Network (YEN), Rory Connell talks about how getting involved with YEN can help the younger generation in the industry connect with their peers, learn from each other and advance their careers.

Chairman of SEMA's Young Executive Network (YEN), Rory Connell talks about how getting involved with YEN can help the younger generation in the industry connect with their peers, learn from each other and advance their careers.

Chairman of SEMA's Young Executive Network (YEN), Rory Connell talks about how getting involved with YEN can help the younger generation in the industry connect with their peers, learn from each other and advance their careers.

By Katie Carson

Krista Baldwin

The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) recently had a chance to talk with Krista Baldwin, creative director for McLeod Racing.

How did you get involved in the automotive aftermarket?

My true passion is drag racing. Both my grandfather Chris “the Greek” Karamesines and my late father Bobby Baldwin were Top Fuel dragster pilots. When I was a freshman in college at Northern Arizona University, I attended a race and met Paul Lee, president of McLeod Racing. We started talking, and I explained that I needed an internship in order to graduate from college. He brought me on as a social-media intern for his Nitro Funny Car race team, where I worked for two years and was introduced to the world of the performance aftermarket. I enjoyed my time as an intern, so when I graduated from college, Paul offered me a full-time position to handle both the McLeod and Paul Lee Racing marketing duties.

What is your role with McLeod?

I am a creative director. I work on anything from ad creation to trade-show coordination to T-shirt sales. I produce press releases and deal directly with the media. I also am part of the on-the-road team where we display our product at race tracks and shows. It’s a lot, but I wouldn’t change it for the world because this is what I love to do.

What sparked your interest in becoming a creative director?

When I was little, I also knew I wanted to be a Top Fuel dragster driver. I made a promise to myself and my family that I would finish college and find a full-time job before I stepped into Top Fuel. I decided I wanted to learn everything I could about marketing and find a position in the field. Being a creative director is not easy at times, but I love it because I get to express my mind and present new and fresh content for the company.

What do you love about your company and what you do?

McLeod is awesome; hands down the best. I love that there are only 20 employees, so we are able to interact with each other on a daily basis. My team is amazing and we all work well together to produce great-quality products with our established brand. I also love that almost all of us are car enthusiasts or racers. Paul Lee is an NHRA Nitro Funny Car driver. Lana Chrisman, vice president, grew up with her legendary father Jack Chrisman and drag-racing pioneer cousin Art Chrisman. Joe Macasero, our import salesman, is a weekend warrior in his EG Civic, tackling the dragstrip and Time Attack tracks. It’s fun to be with people who have the same passion as you. It makes for work to be enjoyable.

What one aspect brought you the most success in your career?

Definitely one of the things that I’m proud of each year is the SEMA Show. It brings so much pressure to the company because it is the Show of all shows. This is the time to feature new product to thousands of our customers and distributors. Show planning literally takes a whole year. It’s one giant puzzle, and I am the one placing the pieces to make sure everything fits together. We always have back-to-back meetings during the Show with media and customers to discuss what we want to accomplish together for the coming year. It’s a ton of work, but completely worth it because it is four days of quality content being discussed.

How important are technology trends to you?

In dealing directly with technology to reach new customers every day, trends are extremely important. You have to stay on top of what is happening in the digital world to produce fresh content to bring to the company. Consumers are constantly evolving, and whatever will get them to shop for our products or learn about our brand is essential to a successful media campaign.

How do you see the automotive aftermarket evolving over the next 10–15 years?

The automotive aftermarket will be bigger than ever. Coming from the drag-racing scene, each year I see younger attendees who have an interest in the aftermarket. The next generation is going to help carry the aftermarket into the new era. As a millennial, I believe that we may do something completely off the wall and unconventional, but that’s what will set us apart. Just watch, the aftermarket will be booming with crazy new technology.

What would you like to see from the ETTN?

Technology is constantly changing. Sometimes it’s difficult to be privy to new trends and products. The ETTN does a great job of informing us of what’s new and what we should watch out for.

What is your daily driver?

A ’14 Dodge Dart. But my weekend ride is a 4,000hp, nitro-methane-injected A/Fuel dragster capable of reaching 275 mph in 5.2 seconds down the quarter-mile.

What is your favorite OE car or truck coming off of the line right now and why?

Not going to lie, I’ve had my eye on the ’18 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. A supercharged 700+ hp SUV? Yes, please! 

By Katie Carson

Krista Baldwin

The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) recently had a chance to talk with Krista Baldwin, creative director for McLeod Racing.

How did you get involved in the automotive aftermarket?

My true passion is drag racing. Both my grandfather Chris “the Greek” Karamesines and my late father Bobby Baldwin were Top Fuel dragster pilots. When I was a freshman in college at Northern Arizona University, I attended a race and met Paul Lee, president of McLeod Racing. We started talking, and I explained that I needed an internship in order to graduate from college. He brought me on as a social-media intern for his Nitro Funny Car race team, where I worked for two years and was introduced to the world of the performance aftermarket. I enjoyed my time as an intern, so when I graduated from college, Paul offered me a full-time position to handle both the McLeod and Paul Lee Racing marketing duties.

What is your role with McLeod?

I am a creative director. I work on anything from ad creation to trade-show coordination to T-shirt sales. I produce press releases and deal directly with the media. I also am part of the on-the-road team where we display our product at race tracks and shows. It’s a lot, but I wouldn’t change it for the world because this is what I love to do.

What sparked your interest in becoming a creative director?

When I was little, I also knew I wanted to be a Top Fuel dragster driver. I made a promise to myself and my family that I would finish college and find a full-time job before I stepped into Top Fuel. I decided I wanted to learn everything I could about marketing and find a position in the field. Being a creative director is not easy at times, but I love it because I get to express my mind and present new and fresh content for the company.

What do you love about your company and what you do?

McLeod is awesome; hands down the best. I love that there are only 20 employees, so we are able to interact with each other on a daily basis. My team is amazing and we all work well together to produce great-quality products with our established brand. I also love that almost all of us are car enthusiasts or racers. Paul Lee is an NHRA Nitro Funny Car driver. Lana Chrisman, vice president, grew up with her legendary father Jack Chrisman and drag-racing pioneer cousin Art Chrisman. Joe Macasero, our import salesman, is a weekend warrior in his EG Civic, tackling the dragstrip and Time Attack tracks. It’s fun to be with people who have the same passion as you. It makes for work to be enjoyable.

What one aspect brought you the most success in your career?

Definitely one of the things that I’m proud of each year is the SEMA Show. It brings so much pressure to the company because it is the Show of all shows. This is the time to feature new product to thousands of our customers and distributors. Show planning literally takes a whole year. It’s one giant puzzle, and I am the one placing the pieces to make sure everything fits together. We always have back-to-back meetings during the Show with media and customers to discuss what we want to accomplish together for the coming year. It’s a ton of work, but completely worth it because it is four days of quality content being discussed.

How important are technology trends to you?

In dealing directly with technology to reach new customers every day, trends are extremely important. You have to stay on top of what is happening in the digital world to produce fresh content to bring to the company. Consumers are constantly evolving, and whatever will get them to shop for our products or learn about our brand is essential to a successful media campaign.

How do you see the automotive aftermarket evolving over the next 10–15 years?

The automotive aftermarket will be bigger than ever. Coming from the drag-racing scene, each year I see younger attendees who have an interest in the aftermarket. The next generation is going to help carry the aftermarket into the new era. As a millennial, I believe that we may do something completely off the wall and unconventional, but that’s what will set us apart. Just watch, the aftermarket will be booming with crazy new technology.

What would you like to see from the ETTN?

Technology is constantly changing. Sometimes it’s difficult to be privy to new trends and products. The ETTN does a great job of informing us of what’s new and what we should watch out for.

What is your daily driver?

A ’14 Dodge Dart. But my weekend ride is a 4,000hp, nitro-methane-injected A/Fuel dragster capable of reaching 275 mph in 5.2 seconds down the quarter-mile.

What is your favorite OE car or truck coming off of the line right now and why?

Not going to lie, I’ve had my eye on the ’18 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. A supercharged 700+ hp SUV? Yes, please! 

By SEMA Editors

The NHRA Breakfast takes place Wednesday, November 1, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Westgate Paradise Events Center.

Often referred to as the “can’t-miss” event of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, this year’s NHRA Breakfast—to be held Wednesday, November 1, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino Paradise Events Center—promises to be the most buzzworthy affair yet. Featuring “Untold Stories of the NHRA,” some of the most prominent and memorable names in drag racing will come together to share insider information from their time in the sport.

The NHRA Breakfast will feature drag-racing pioneers Shirley Muldowney and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, as well as current NHRA drivers John Force and Antron Brown. Joining this all-star lineup will be NHRA Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Graham Light. Broadcasting legend Bob Frey will serve as the panel moderator, asking probing questions to provide attendees with a revealing glimpse into some of the best kept stories in drag racing. NHRA legends will be available to sign autographs after the breakfast at the NHRA booth (#10000) from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

“Everyone attends the NHRA Breakfast at SEMA purely for the entertainment,” said moderator Frey. “Where else do you get to connect with a panel of this caliber? Hopefully we will unearth some stories that people haven’t ever heard. The interaction between the fans and the panel always generates memorable moments as well.”

The NHRA Breakfast is open to all registered SEMA Show attendees at no cost; however, reserved tickets are required. A continental breakfast will be served. To order your NHRA Breakfast tickets or register for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register and click “Add Event Tickets.”

About The Panel:

Shirley Muldowney: A three-time NHRA world champion and winner of 18 NHRA national events, Muldowney was the first woman to receive a Top Fuel Dragster license from the NHRA. Her willingness to buck the system changed the sport of drag racing and paved the way for many other women drivers.

Don “The Snake” Prudhomme: Prudhomme had 49 national event victories—35 in Funny Car and 14 in Top Fuel—as well as four consecutive Funny Car world championships. As a team owner, he garnered 63 victories and two Top Fuel world championships with Larry Dixon as his driver in 2002 and 2003.

John Force: A 16-time Funny Car world champion, Force has 148 career victories and counting, making him the winningest driver in NHRA history.

Antron Brown: Although Brown began his professional racing career in Pro Stock Motorcycle, he is currently a three-time Top Fuel world champion and has more than 60 career victories under his belt. Additionally, he is the co-host of “Top Gear America,” a popular TV series focused on cars and motorsports.

Graham Light: As NHRA’s senior vice president of racing operations, Light oversees competition and operations for all aspects of NHRA drag racing. He is a former Top Fuel racer and track operator as well. Light currently serves on the NHRA Board of Directors and as president of the FIA Drag Racing Commission.

By SEMA Editors

The NHRA Breakfast takes place Wednesday, November 1, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Westgate Paradise Events Center.

Often referred to as the “can’t-miss” event of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, this year’s NHRA Breakfast—to be held Wednesday, November 1, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino Paradise Events Center—promises to be the most buzzworthy affair yet. Featuring “Untold Stories of the NHRA,” some of the most prominent and memorable names in drag racing will come together to share insider information from their time in the sport.

The NHRA Breakfast will feature drag-racing pioneers Shirley Muldowney and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, as well as current NHRA drivers John Force and Antron Brown. Joining this all-star lineup will be NHRA Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Graham Light. Broadcasting legend Bob Frey will serve as the panel moderator, asking probing questions to provide attendees with a revealing glimpse into some of the best kept stories in drag racing. NHRA legends will be available to sign autographs after the breakfast at the NHRA booth (#10000) from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

“Everyone attends the NHRA Breakfast at SEMA purely for the entertainment,” said moderator Frey. “Where else do you get to connect with a panel of this caliber? Hopefully we will unearth some stories that people haven’t ever heard. The interaction between the fans and the panel always generates memorable moments as well.”

The NHRA Breakfast is open to all registered SEMA Show attendees at no cost; however, reserved tickets are required. A continental breakfast will be served. To order your NHRA Breakfast tickets or register for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register and click “Add Event Tickets.”

About The Panel:

Shirley Muldowney: A three-time NHRA world champion and winner of 18 NHRA national events, Muldowney was the first woman to receive a Top Fuel Dragster license from the NHRA. Her willingness to buck the system changed the sport of drag racing and paved the way for many other women drivers.

Don “The Snake” Prudhomme: Prudhomme had 49 national event victories—35 in Funny Car and 14 in Top Fuel—as well as four consecutive Funny Car world championships. As a team owner, he garnered 63 victories and two Top Fuel world championships with Larry Dixon as his driver in 2002 and 2003.

John Force: A 16-time Funny Car world champion, Force has 148 career victories and counting, making him the winningest driver in NHRA history.

Antron Brown: Although Brown began his professional racing career in Pro Stock Motorcycle, he is currently a three-time Top Fuel world champion and has more than 60 career victories under his belt. Additionally, he is the co-host of “Top Gear America,” a popular TV series focused on cars and motorsports.

Graham Light: As NHRA’s senior vice president of racing operations, Light oversees competition and operations for all aspects of NHRA drag racing. He is a former Top Fuel racer and track operator as well. Light currently serves on the NHRA Board of Directors and as president of the FIA Drag Racing Commission.