By SEMA Editors

With his ’69 Camaro, Cam Miller was the winner of the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders Competition, and was featured on the March 2017 cover of SEMA News.

Builders with a car or truck on display at the 2017 SEMA Show, to be held October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas, may enter the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition by applying online. The program recognizes and brings increased media exposure to top vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products that make the vehicles unique.

Now in its fourth year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders program shines the spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders who have already proven themselves by being a part of the SEMA Show.

New for this year is the expanded “Young Guns” category—a program that was introduced in 2016 to provide heightened exposure for up-and-coming builders. As part of the Young Guns program, SEMA has partnered with AutoCon, Bonnier Corp. and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association to award builders age 27 and younger (as of November 3, 2017) who do not have a vehicle at the Show an opportunity to participate in SEMA Battle of the Builders. Partnering organizations will award six winners at select regional events a prize package that includes an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2017 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot at the Show and automatic entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Winners from the partnering organizations will then compete in Battle of Builders at the SEMA Show, alongside the builders who entered with a feature or booth vehicle from the annual trade-only event. All competitors, their vehicles and sponsoring exhibitors receive increased exposure at the SEMA Show and the possibility of being featured in a one-hour, nationwide television special that will air on the Velocity Network.

To enter or for more information on how you can showcase your car and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, visit www.sema.org/botb.

By SEMA Editors

With his ’69 Camaro, Cam Miller was the winner of the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders Competition, and was featured on the March 2017 cover of SEMA News.

Builders with a car or truck on display at the 2017 SEMA Show, to be held October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas, may enter the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition by applying online. The program recognizes and brings increased media exposure to top vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products that make the vehicles unique.

Now in its fourth year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders program shines the spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders who have already proven themselves by being a part of the SEMA Show.

New for this year is the expanded “Young Guns” category—a program that was introduced in 2016 to provide heightened exposure for up-and-coming builders. As part of the Young Guns program, SEMA has partnered with AutoCon, Bonnier Corp. and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association to award builders age 27 and younger (as of November 3, 2017) who do not have a vehicle at the Show an opportunity to participate in SEMA Battle of the Builders. Partnering organizations will award six winners at select regional events a prize package that includes an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2017 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot at the Show and automatic entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Winners from the partnering organizations will then compete in Battle of Builders at the SEMA Show, alongside the builders who entered with a feature or booth vehicle from the annual trade-only event. All competitors, their vehicles and sponsoring exhibitors receive increased exposure at the SEMA Show and the possibility of being featured in a one-hour, nationwide television special that will air on the Velocity Network.

To enter or for more information on how you can showcase your car and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, visit www.sema.org/botb.

By SEMA Editors

With his ’69 Camaro, Cam Miller was the winner of the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders Competition, and was featured on the March 2017 cover of SEMA News.

Builders with a car or truck on display at the 2017 SEMA Show, to be held October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas, may enter the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition by applying online. The program recognizes and brings increased media exposure to top vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products that make the vehicles unique.

Now in its fourth year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders program shines the spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders who have already proven themselves by being a part of the SEMA Show.

New for this year is the expanded “Young Guns” category—a program that was introduced in 2016 to provide heightened exposure for up-and-coming builders. As part of the Young Guns program, SEMA has partnered with AutoCon, Bonnier Corp. and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association to award builders age 27 and younger (as of November 3, 2017) who do not have a vehicle at the Show an opportunity to participate in SEMA Battle of the Builders. Partnering organizations will award six winners at select regional events a prize package that includes an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2017 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot at the Show and automatic entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Winners from the partnering organizations will then compete in Battle of Builders at the SEMA Show, alongside the builders who entered with a feature or booth vehicle from the annual trade-only event. All competitors, their vehicles and sponsoring exhibitors receive increased exposure at the SEMA Show and the possibility of being featured in a one-hour, nationwide television special that will air on the Velocity Network.

To enter or for more information on how you can showcase your car and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, visit www.sema.org/botb.

By SEMA Editors

With his ’69 Camaro, Cam Miller was the winner of the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders Competition, and was featured on the March 2017 cover of SEMA News.

Builders with a car or truck on display at the 2017 SEMA Show, to be held October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas, may enter the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition by applying online. The program recognizes and brings increased media exposure to top vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products that make the vehicles unique.

Now in its fourth year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders program shines the spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders who have already proven themselves by being a part of the SEMA Show.

New for this year is the expanded “Young Guns” category—a program that was introduced in 2016 to provide heightened exposure for up-and-coming builders. As part of the Young Guns program, SEMA has partnered with AutoCon, Bonnier Corp. and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association to award builders age 27 and younger (as of November 3, 2017) who do not have a vehicle at the Show an opportunity to participate in SEMA Battle of the Builders. Partnering organizations will award six winners at select regional events a prize package that includes an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2017 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot at the Show and automatic entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

Winners from the partnering organizations will then compete in Battle of Builders at the SEMA Show, alongside the builders who entered with a feature or booth vehicle from the annual trade-only event. All competitors, their vehicles and sponsoring exhibitors receive increased exposure at the SEMA Show and the possibility of being featured in a one-hour, nationwide television special that will air on the Velocity Network.

To enter or for more information on how you can showcase your car and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, visit www.sema.org/botb.

By SEMA Editors

Tim Martin, K&N Engineering vice president and SEMA chairman-elect, thanked an audience of more than 2,500 who had gathered for the annual SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet, where he was named the association’s Person of the Year for 2016. The award is among SEMA’s highest honors.

This is the last call to submit nominations for SEMA’s prestigious annual industry awards, which include: Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, Representative Agency of the Year, Warehouse Distributor of the Year and GEN-III Innovator of the Year. All SEMA members are invited to nominate individuals and companies who have made a significant impact on the specialty-equipment market.

The award winners will be celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 2, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the Westgate Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas.

The nomination period will close July 14, so nominate now!

Person of the Year: The SEMA Person of the Year Award was established in 1969 to honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to the association and the automotive aftermarket as a whole. During the selection process, the task force takes into consideration the nominees’ service beyond their normal job functions over the past year. Full criteria is available on the SEMA Awards webpage, along with a listing of past honorees. In order to assist the Person of the Year Task Force in making its selection, a brief statement, including the nominee’s accomplishments, is required at the time of submission.

Manufacturer of the Year: The SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Award has been established to honor a Manufacturer for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. 

GEN-III Innovator of the Year: SEMA is also seeking nominations to recognize young innovators who exhibit the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders, and whose work is changing the way the automotive aftermarket does business. He or she may have been the first to act on a new trend, invented an original product or devised and implemented ideas that better suit the current marketplace. Qualifying nominees must be younger than 40 as of December 31, 2016.

Rep Agency of the Year: The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award honors a manufacturers’ rep agency for its contribution to the industry for the past 12 months. Considerations include product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets and continuous training and education programs.

Warehouse Distributor of the Year: The SEMA WD of the Year Award recognizes a warehouse distributor that operates with the integrity and business practices that set the company apart as an industry leader. Over the last year, the ideal candidate will have been involved in industry events, serviced and communicated with suppliers and resellers with excellence and provided development opportunities for clients and staff.

All SEMA members are invited to nominate the companies and individuals that conduct business in a way that furthers the interests of the entire industry. The SEMA awards website provides photos from previous banquets and information regarding the rich history of award winners, award criteria and how to nominate industry leaders for awards in multiple categories.

For questions regarding the SEMA awards program, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

Join friends and colleagues for the SEMA Installation Gala, Friday, July 28, from 6:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m., at the Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona, California. This special evening honors the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers, 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—GiGi Carleton, Doug Evans and Barry Meguiar—and the association’s incoming and outgoing SEMA Board members.

Join friends and colleagues for the SEMA Installation Gala, Friday, July 28, from 6:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m., at the Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona, California. This special evening honors the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers, 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—GiGi Carleton, Doug Evans and Barry Meguiar—and the association’s incoming and outgoing SEMA Board members.

Join friends and colleagues for the SEMA Installation Gala, Friday, July 28, from 6:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m., at the Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona, California. This special evening honors the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers, 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—GiGi Carleton, Doug Evans and Barry Meguiar—and the association’s incoming and outgoing SEMA Board members.

Join friends and colleagues for the SEMA Installation Gala, Friday, July 28, from 6:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m., at the Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona, California. This special evening honors the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers, 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—GiGi Carleton, Doug Evans and Barry Meguiar—and the association’s incoming and outgoing SEMA Board members.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The Save the Salt Coalition and Utah Alliance are working with government officials and adjoining mine owners to replenish the Bonneville Salt Flats through a comprehensive salt-brine pumping program.

Bonneville Racers Launch Clean-Up Campaign

The Save the Salt Coalition and Utah Alliance have begun a volunteer salt clean-up program called “Saving Bonneville One Wheel at a Time.” As vehicles exit the Bonneville Salt Flats, drivers will have a chance to stop and scrape-off salt from wheel wells, bumpers and undercarriages. The clean-off area will be located where the access road ends at the salt crust. The Bonneville Salt Flats is a unique land formation in northwestern Utah with a hard salt crust that is perfect for both speed and safety. However, the once-13-mile race track is now less than eight miles due to salt erosion. The Coalition/Alliance is working with government officials and adjoining mine owners to replenish the Salt Flats through a comprehensive salt-brine pumping program. The Save the Salt Coalition, of which SEMA is a founding member, is comprised of automotive and motorsports companies and organizations with a vested interest in restoring the Bonneville Salt Flats. It is a collaborative effort with the Utah Alliance—a volunteer Utah-based advocacy group with expertise and contacts at the local level. The “One Wheel at a Time” program allows racing enthusiasts to do their part in helping protect Bonneville. The program will be sponsored by the venue’s four sanctioning bodies, the Southern California Timing Association, Utah Salt Flats Racing Association, Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials and Land Speed Events. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org. For the latest information on Bonneville, go to www.savethesalt.org.

RPM Foundation “Off to the Races with RPM” Program to Return for 2018

The RPM Foundation has finished its inaugural “Off to the Races with RPM” program. Aimed at inspiring young adults to pursue careers in the automotive restoration industry by introducing them to the world of vintage racecars, the initiative brought students to world-renowned tracks, including Road America Wisconsin and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. At the tracks, students passionate about vintage automobiles met vehicle owners, racers and their teams. Participants also received guided tours of the pit and paddocks, viewed the work of the teams between sessions and connected with sanctioning organizations and track management. Off to the Races with RPM was inspired by the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association, and launched by two iconic racing legends, Lyn St. James and Bobby Rahal. Together, they are major proponents of getting young adults to fill the employment void in the automotive restoration/preservation industry being created as existing master craftsmen enter retirement. The RPM Foundation is a member entity of America’s Automotive Trust (AAT), which is at the center of the movement to secure America’s automotive heritage and to promote the continued enjoyment of the automobile.

The overall winner of The Great Race was car #66, driven and navigated by Jody Knowles and Beth Gentry from Tyrone, Georgia, in their ’32 Ford Cabriolet.

Champion Racing Oil Team Wins Top Honors at 2017 Great Race 

Champion Oil has announced that the overall winner of The Great Race was car #66, driven and navigated by Jody Knowles and Beth Gentry from Tyrone, Georgia, in their ’32 Ford Cabriolet. The team won the top honors for the lowest accumulative score over the 2,500 miles on the 2017 professional road rally. The team, which ran Champion Racing Oil in their classic race car, won the 2017 Champion Motor Oil Top Performer Trophy and also won the Expert Class and $50,000 in the competition. In all, their prizes included trophies, cash and a garage full of Champion Motor Oil. The Great Race, presented by Hemmings Motor News, Hagerty Insurance and Coker Tire, is an automotive competition based on precision driving and navigational skills in classic, antique and vintage automobiles. This year, the race went from Jacksonville, Florida, to Traverse City, Michigan.

Riccardo Agostini and Trent Hindman Win From Pole in Second Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Race

Riccardo Agostini and Trent Hindman finally claimed their first victory of the season in last weekend’s second Super Trofeo North America race at Watkins Glen International. Hindman brought the No. 1 Prestige Performance entry, representing Lamborghini Paramus, home to the checkered flag, holding off a late-race charge from Austin Versteeg, who closed to finish just .541 seconds behind the race winner. Versteeg’s second-place finish overall also netted him his second ProAm class victory. Ashley Freiberg finished in third place overall, becoming the first woman to stand on the overall podium of any of the worldwide Lamborghini Super Trofeo series. The next Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America event will be August 4–6, at Road America as part of the Continental Tire Road Race Showcase in conjunction with the IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship.