SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

By Della Domingo

With nearly 3,000 media in attendance, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media attention to their booths.

The SEMA Show Online Media Center is now available for exhibiting companies to submit Show-related press releases to be included on the SEMA Show website.

Exhibitors can post releases at www.SEMAShow.com/press to generate excitement for new products and Show-related announcements through the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Press releases submitted may be used in association publications and promoted to media attendees.

With nearly 3,000 media in attendance, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media attention to their booths. The Online Media Center was designed specifically for journalists to find Show-related news and announcements.

Here are a few press release tips from SEMA Show management:

• Use a strong, short headline that catches the attention of the reader.
• Keep the press release brief. Introduce the product without added fluff. Readers want to know what the press release is about right from the beginning.
• Include a photo when you can. Many editors use only releases that have photos. Submit photos in a high-resolution (300 dpi) image format.
• Always include your booth number and contact information.

Exhibiting companies can submit their releases at www.SEMAShow.com/press.

By Della Domingo

With nearly 3,000 media in attendance, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media attention to their booths.

The SEMA Show Online Media Center is now available for exhibiting companies to submit Show-related press releases to be included on the SEMA Show website.

Exhibitors can post releases at www.SEMAShow.com/press to generate excitement for new products and Show-related announcements through the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Press releases submitted may be used in association publications and promoted to media attendees.

With nearly 3,000 media in attendance, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media attention to their booths. The Online Media Center was designed specifically for journalists to find Show-related news and announcements.

Here are a few press release tips from SEMA Show management:

• Use a strong, short headline that catches the attention of the reader.
• Keep the press release brief. Introduce the product without added fluff. Readers want to know what the press release is about right from the beginning.
• Include a photo when you can. Many editors use only releases that have photos. Submit photos in a high-resolution (300 dpi) image format.
• Always include your booth number and contact information.

Exhibiting companies can submit their releases at www.SEMAShow.com/press.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to make it easier for companies, trade associations and unions to develop federally recognized apprenticeship programs. Such apprenticeships are paid positions that combine on-the-job training with classroom education and earn the participant a credential. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) oversees the national apprenticeship program in conjunction with the states. It establishes federal and state standards for private programs sponsored by individual employers, industry associations, educational institutions and others.

The DOL will attempt to reduce red tape and overly rigid requirements for administering apprenticeship programs. The federal program’s funding will also nearly double to $200 million. The United States has an estimated 6 million job vacancies, many of which remain unfilled because of a skilled labor shortage. Traditionally, apprenticeships have been largely confined to the construction industry and building trades, although this order is designed to unlock the private sector’s expansion of these programs in other fields. 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to make it easier for companies, trade associations and unions to develop federally recognized apprenticeship programs. Such apprenticeships are paid positions that combine on-the-job training with classroom education and earn the participant a credential. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) oversees the national apprenticeship program in conjunction with the states. It establishes federal and state standards for private programs sponsored by individual employers, industry associations, educational institutions and others.

The DOL will attempt to reduce red tape and overly rigid requirements for administering apprenticeship programs. The federal program’s funding will also nearly double to $200 million. The United States has an estimated 6 million job vacancies, many of which remain unfilled because of a skilled labor shortage. Traditionally, apprenticeships have been largely confined to the construction industry and building trades, although this order is designed to unlock the private sector’s expansion of these programs in other fields. 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to make it easier for companies, trade associations and unions to develop federally recognized apprenticeship programs. Such apprenticeships are paid positions that combine on-the-job training with classroom education and earn the participant a credential. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) oversees the national apprenticeship program in conjunction with the states. It establishes federal and state standards for private programs sponsored by individual employers, industry associations, educational institutions and others.

The DOL will attempt to reduce red tape and overly rigid requirements for administering apprenticeship programs. The federal program’s funding will also nearly double to $200 million. The United States has an estimated 6 million job vacancies, many of which remain unfilled because of a skilled labor shortage. Traditionally, apprenticeships have been largely confined to the construction industry and building trades, although this order is designed to unlock the private sector’s expansion of these programs in other fields. 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

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.

Nominations are now open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards that are presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show. The awards are 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 2017 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet takes place Thursday, November 2, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the Westgate Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas.

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

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.

Nominations are now open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards that are presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show. The awards are 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 2017 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet takes place Thursday, November 2, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the Westgate Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas.

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

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.

Nominations are now open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards that are presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show. The awards are 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 2017 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet takes place Thursday, November 2, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the Westgate Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas.

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The 7th Annual Lucas Oil NMCA West Coast Shootout presented by JE Pistons June 2-4, 2017, featured an array of heads-up and index classes and the Hotchkis Auto X presented by Nitto Tire.

Race Wrap - 7th Annual Lucas Oil NMCA West Coast Shootout presented by JE Pistons

The 7th Annual Lucas Oil NMCA West Coast Shootout presented by JE Pistons, June 2–4, featured an array of heads-up and index classes and the Hotchkis Auto X presented by Nitto Tire.

ProCharger Outlaw Street: Johnny Coleman and his ’69 Camaro faced the ’68 Camaro of Michael Orban in the final round, where Orban edged him out at the stripe, 5.386 to 5.501.

ARP Outlaw 8.5: George Raygoza and his Chevy Nova faced Tim Orello in the final round of competition. At the stripe, it was Raygoza first with a 5.15 to Orello’s off-pace 7.43 effort.

Lucas Oil Ultra Street: Mike Silva came up short in the final round against Dan Dagata, who edged Silva out with a 5.341 to Silva’s 5.347.

Lucas Oil NA 10.5: The final round pitted Joe Keurjikian’s ’69 Firebird against the late-model ’91 Camaro of Victor Brum, who advanced to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle after his 8.246 to 8.249 victory.

Meziere Top Sportsman: Mack Moffat raced to the final round, where he was paired up with the ’09 Cobalt of Don Meziere. Meziere drilled Moffat to the tree with a .037-to-.257 reaction time advantage and then pushed him out at the top end, with Moffat’s break-out 6.87 run on his 6.90 dial-in while Meziere’s 7.14 on a 7.06 proved victorious.

Champion Cooling Pro Comp: Zach Meziere went .009 on the tree to Kenny Snow’s .050—enough for his 8.924 on an 8.90 to defeat Snow’s 8.902/8.90 effort.

NMCA West Open Comp: Ron DeHoop drove his ’67 Chevelle to a 10.561 on his 10.54 dial in, while Kevin Stokesberry and his ’71 Chevelle gave up the win by running under his 9.53 dial-in with a 9.512.

TBT Racing Products Street Comp: At the stripe, the Nova of Mike Sayle had run 10.938 on his 10.92 dial in, but it wasn’t enough to beat Mustang of Jan Vanderpool’s 10.545 on a dial in of 10.54 seconds.

Edelbrock Super Quick: Jay Shelton ran a 10.505 on his 10.54 dial-in, thus handing Mark Miyashiro (8.399 on an 8.32) the win and a trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

Calvert Racing Quick Street: Trey Sommer’s wheel-standing ’56 Chevy faced Kris Johnson’s ’72 Duster in the final, and grabbed a significant reaction-time advantage—.048 to .108. He used it and his 10.346 on a 10.27 dial-in to defeat Johnson’s 10.091 on a 10.07 effort.

Mustang Madness: Brent Calvert met Justen Spencer in the final, where Calvert went 8.782 on an 8.78 dial-in for the win.

Classic Performance Products Nostalgia Street Car: Merle Williams squared off against Steve Cox, who was .015 on the tree and ran it flat out to a victorious 10.470 on his 10.50 index.

Gear Vendors True Street: Bill Fowler averaged 9.579 seconds across three runs, which proved quicker than runner-up Dan Geis’ 9.756 average. Michael Webb grabbed the 10-second win with a 10.549 average; and Sean Oltan was right behind him with an 11.148 to nab the 11-second award in his Nissan GTR. The ’00 Camaro of Drew McKinley edged out a tight group with a 12.018 average, and Gene Federico was similarly accurate at 13.036 for the 13-second prize. Melanie Green once again proved her ’06 Mustang was a consistent 14-second-winning car with a 14.136 average, and Victor Vallicella drove his ’14 Mustang to a 15.275 average for the 15-second win.

2017 Lucas Oil NMCA West Coast Shootout: The event win last weekend went to Jason Dawson, who faced Dustin Lee in the final round of competition. Lee drove to a 7.844 on a 7.84 dial-in. Dawson’s 7.680 on his 7.65 dial in likely wouldn’t have been enough, but Lee was -.007 on the tree and handed Dawson the win.

Edelbrock Bracket Showdown: Bob Earleywine took the Super Pro win, Mike Nordahl grabbed the Pro award, and Jack Swanson grabbed the trophy in Sportsman. Sunday’s winners were Cecil Wiles Jr. in Super Pro, Trevor Hayes in Pro, and Willie Hoefer in Sportsman.

Hotchkis Auto X presented by Nitto Tire: Saturday winners included: Sports Car Class—Tom Kamman ’02 Corvette, Classic Muscle—Greg Thurmond ’65 Corvette, Modern Muscle—Paul Molina ’17 Mustang, Compact—James Gassor—’08 Saturn Sky, Truck—Wes Drelleshak ’59 Apache. On Sunday, the winners were: Sports Car Class—John Lazorack III ’88 Dodge Conquest, Classic Muscle—Greg Thurmond ’65 Corvette, Modern Muscle—Gregg Biddlingmeier ’88 Mustang, Compact—Pat Sheely ’17 Ford Focus ST, Truck—Mike Sullivan ’65 El Camino, Hotchkis Cup Winner— Mike Cuthbertson ’68 Camaro.

The championship chase continues at the 6th Annual Energy Suspension NMCA West Street Car Nationals, September 15–17, 2017.

Steve Torrence secured his third victory of the season with a 3.857-second pass at 320.28 mph in his Capco Contractors dragster to defeat Antron Brown who ran a 3.932 at 306.74 in his Matco Tools dragster in the final round.

Torrence, Beckman, Anderson, Savoie Notch Victories at NHRA Summernationals

Steve Torrence powered his Top Fuel dragster to victory last Sunday at the 48th annual NHRA Summernationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Jerry Savoie (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners in their respective categories at the 10th of 24 events on the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Torrence secured his third victory of the season with a 3.857-second pass at 320.28 mph in his Capco Contractors dragster to defeat Antron Brown who ran a 3.932 at 306.74 in his Matco Tools dragster in the final round. Torrence now trails Brown by seven points in the Top Fuel standings, while previous points leader Leah Pritchett fell to third with a first round exit in Englishtown. Beckman earned his 25th career victory and first of the season with a 4.100 at 312.42 in the final round to defeat Ron Capps who ran a 4.143 at 299.66. This was Beckman’s first win since St. Louis in 2016, and his first final round appearance of the season. With the win, Beckman sits at third in the standings as the fifth different Funny Car winner of the season. Capps maintained his lead atop the Funny Car standings with the runner-up finish in Englishtown. Anderson secured the victory in Pro Stock after driving to a 6.613 at 210.44 to knock off Vincent Nobile, who ran a 6.665 at 210.21. Anderson now has two victories on the year as he notched his first win since Phoenix. With the victory, Anderson now sits second in the points standings behind Bo Butner, who he defeated in the semifinals. Nobile sits seventh in the Pro Stock standings after his best finish of the year. Defending Pro Stock Motorcycle Champion Savoie emerged victorious with a 6.918 at 192.85 to defeat Hector Arana Jr.’s pass of 6.862 at 195.62. Savoie notched his seventh career victory and first of the season. With his first victory of the season, Savoie now sits third in the Pro Stock Motorcycle standings, becoming the third winner in four events in the category. Arana Jr. is sixth in the standings following his best finish of the season. The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues with the 17th NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, June 16–18.

VP Racing to Sponsor Prime Motivation as Official Fuel

VP Racing Fuels has announced its support for Prime Motivation—a non-profit organization dedicated to helping disconnected youth stay in school and focus on future personal and career oriented goals. As Official Fuel, VP will help support events staged by Prime Motivation on high-school campuses to showcase customized vehicles with the latest aftermarket and high-tech products and gadgets. The vehicles facilitate discussion of the work and skills needed to customize vehicles and associated career opportunities in the automotive Industry. Teens can participate in hands-on workshops, educational seminars and demonstrations that cover such topics as mobile electronics, manufacturing, research and development, auto body and more.