By Chad Simon

The SEMA Installation Gala honors the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers, 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and the association’s incoming and outgoing SEMA Board members.

Held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Gala, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races will take place Friday, July 28, 2017, at the Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona, California.

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.

The 2017 SEMA Installation Gala will feature up-and-coming industry leaders and esteemed icons from the automotive accessories world. The celebration will include a cocktail reception, where the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races will take place, and dinner will follow. Purchasing a pinewood vehicle supports various SEMA Cares charities.

All SEMA-member companies are invited to join the festivities, but seats are limited, so register now at www.sema.org/gala.

Once again held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Gala, the SEMA Cares 2017 Pinewood Drag Races will take place during the cocktail reception, shortly before the gala begins. Each year, hundreds of SEMA-member companies step up to generously sponsor pinewood cars, with 100% of the proceeds going to qualified SEMA Cares charities. To learn more and register, visit www.sema.org/pinewood.

SEMA members can race either a car or a truck in three classes: Build It For Me (BIFM), Stock and Unlimited. Members can either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the BIFM or Stock Class, or they can build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock-Class racing usually garners the most entries with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule—that one item from the stock kit be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds, and many of the past top builders include some of the most recognized names in the industry.

SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races special features include the annual HRIA Builders Challenge and the Council Cup. Watch as some of the biggest names in hot rodding build state-of-the-art custom pinewoods that will be raced and then auctioned off, with all of the proceeds going to SEMA Cares. Council members are invited to come out and challenge their peers for the opportunity to win the coveted Council Cup. The more cars or trucks fielded by each council member, the greater their chances of winning.

Proceeds from the races will benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides a camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. Sponsoring a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races car or truck is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today!

Register for the Installation Gala at www.sema.org/gala.

By Chad Simon

The SEMA Installation Gala honors the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers, 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and the association’s incoming and outgoing SEMA Board members.

Held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Gala, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races will take place Friday, July 28, 2017, at the Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona, California.

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.

The 2017 SEMA Installation Gala will feature up-and-coming industry leaders and esteemed icons from the automotive accessories world. The celebration will include a cocktail reception, where the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races will take place, and dinner will follow. Purchasing a pinewood vehicle supports various SEMA Cares charities.

All SEMA-member companies are invited to join the festivities, but seats are limited, so register now at www.sema.org/gala.

Once again held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Gala, the SEMA Cares 2017 Pinewood Drag Races will take place during the cocktail reception, shortly before the gala begins. Each year, hundreds of SEMA-member companies step up to generously sponsor pinewood cars, with 100% of the proceeds going to qualified SEMA Cares charities. To learn more and register, visit www.sema.org/pinewood.

SEMA members can race either a car or a truck in three classes: Build It For Me (BIFM), Stock and Unlimited. Members can either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the BIFM or Stock Class, or they can build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock-Class racing usually garners the most entries with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule—that one item from the stock kit be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds, and many of the past top builders include some of the most recognized names in the industry.

SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races special features include the annual HRIA Builders Challenge and the Council Cup. Watch as some of the biggest names in hot rodding build state-of-the-art custom pinewoods that will be raced and then auctioned off, with all of the proceeds going to SEMA Cares. Council members are invited to come out and challenge their peers for the opportunity to win the coveted Council Cup. The more cars or trucks fielded by each council member, the greater their chances of winning.

Proceeds from the races will benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides a camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. Sponsoring a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races car or truck is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today!

Register for the Installation Gala at www.sema.org/gala.

By Chad Simon

The SEMA Installation Gala honors the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers, 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and the association’s incoming and outgoing SEMA Board members.

Held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Gala, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races will take place Friday, July 28, 2017, at the Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona, California.

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.

The 2017 SEMA Installation Gala will feature up-and-coming industry leaders and esteemed icons from the automotive accessories world. The celebration will include a cocktail reception, where the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races will take place, and dinner will follow. Purchasing a pinewood vehicle supports various SEMA Cares charities.

All SEMA-member companies are invited to join the festivities, but seats are limited, so register now at www.sema.org/gala.

Once again held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Gala, the SEMA Cares 2017 Pinewood Drag Races will take place during the cocktail reception, shortly before the gala begins. Each year, hundreds of SEMA-member companies step up to generously sponsor pinewood cars, with 100% of the proceeds going to qualified SEMA Cares charities. To learn more and register, visit www.sema.org/pinewood.

SEMA members can race either a car or a truck in three classes: Build It For Me (BIFM), Stock and Unlimited. Members can either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the BIFM or Stock Class, or they can build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock-Class racing usually garners the most entries with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule—that one item from the stock kit be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds, and many of the past top builders include some of the most recognized names in the industry.

SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races special features include the annual HRIA Builders Challenge and the Council Cup. Watch as some of the biggest names in hot rodding build state-of-the-art custom pinewoods that will be raced and then auctioned off, with all of the proceeds going to SEMA Cares. Council members are invited to come out and challenge their peers for the opportunity to win the coveted Council Cup. The more cars or trucks fielded by each council member, the greater their chances of winning.

Proceeds from the races will benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides a camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. Sponsoring a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races car or truck is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today!

Register for the Installation Gala at www.sema.org/gala.

In the mid-’50s, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) dispatched its Drag Safari to cross the country, preaching the gospel of safe, organized drag racing and helping local car clubs set up drag races of their own. Everything the Safari team needed to put on a race—from timing equipment to microphones and speakers—was loaded into a travel trailer and towed from coast to coast by a station wagon. (That same trailer, by the way, now enjoys retirement at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, California.)

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/06/on-their-way-to-the-top-time

In the mid-’50s, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) dispatched its Drag Safari to cross the country, preaching the gospel of safe, organized drag racing and helping local car clubs set up drag races of their own. Everything the Safari team needed to put on a race—from timing equipment to microphones and speakers—was loaded into a travel trailer and towed from coast to coast by a station wagon. (That same trailer, by the way, now enjoys retirement at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, California.)

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/06/on-their-way-to-the-top-time

By SEMA Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Technical Salesperson: AAM Competition LLC is hiring a technical salesperson responsible for answering technical questions in regard to different turbochargers, their applications and power levels. The qualified candidate must have at least two years of sales experience, be an expert in turbochargers and have a good understanding of vehicle engines and the ability to explain technical information to a non-technical audience.

Jobber Development Specialist: Air Lift Co. is hiring a jobber development specialist to work in Texas and the Southeast to drive sales by developing and growing both new and existing relationships with Air Lift dealers, their sales teams and end customers. This position works specifically in the load support division and reports to the national sales manager. The candidate must be able to travel a minimum 50% of the time. A University degree in marketing or business studies is preferred, and a strong knowledge/enthusiasm in automotive and the automotive aftermarket is required.

Manufacturer Sales Representative: Ballard & Allen is hiring a manufacturer sales representative responsible for selling to key accounts and developing new business; planning daily and weekly activities/appointments and providing a daily recap of results and accomplishments to the management team, and contacting new and existing customers to maintain and develop relationships at the purchasing level. Candidates must have prior automotive/aftermarket experience. This position will include some travel for trade shows or special events. 

Engineering Manager: Energy Suspension is hiring an engineering manager responsible for managing the engineering/R&D department’s objectives and initiatives; overseeing all design, development and improvement of polyurethane; implementing customer quality compliance, PPAP submittal and process documentation; analyzing and effectively identifying flaws during the product-development processes; and working with manufacturing and sales departments to develop new products and provide customer support. The successful candidate must have more than five years’ related work experience, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and be proficient in 3D CAD. A bachelor’s degree in engineering is preferred.

Service Writer/Manager: Nightmotorsport is hiring a service writer/manager with one to two years of related experience. Subaru experience is preferred but not required. This position is responsible for greeting customers when they arrive, answering questions, consulting with mechanics regarding any necessary repairs, advising customers of NMS warranties and addressing any warranty issues that arise, and calling customers to keep them up to date with the timeline. A thorough knowledge of OEM and aftermarket parts is required. A high school diploma or GED is required; a bachelor’s degree is preferred.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• TORA General Membership Meeting, June 9, 2017, Ontario Truck & Jeep Fest, Ontario, California

• PRO General Membership Meeting, June 15, 2017, Detroit Metro Airport Marriott, Detroit

• SEMA Measuring Session: 2017 Mazda CX-5, June 15, 2017, Mazda Technical Research Facility, Irvine, California

• Alex Xydias 95th Birthday Bash, June 17, 2017, Petersen Garage at Fairplex, Pomona, California

• SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 19–20, 2017, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

• HRIA General Membership Meeting, July 6, 2017, Goodguys PPG Nationals, Columbus, Ohio

• China Intellectual Property Road Show, July 10, 2017, Elijah J. McCoy Midwest Regional Office, Detroit

• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, July 11, 2017, Competition Specialties, Auburn, Washington

• SEMA Measuring Session: 2018 Ford F-150, Mustang and Expedition, July 13, 2017, Ford Motor Company Conference & Event Center, Dearborn, Michigan

• Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 14, 2017

• 2017 SEMA Export Fair, July 25–26, 2017, SEMA Garage, Diamond Bar, California

• SEMA Installation Gala, July 28, 2017, Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center, Pomona, California

• HRIA General Membership Meeting, August 24, 2017, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Pleasanton, California

• 2017 SEMA China Business Development Program, September 6–10, 2017, Shanghai, China

• Manufacturing Day, October 6, 2017

• 2017 SEMA Show, October 31–November 3, 2017, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

• 2017 PRI Trade Show, December 7–9, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• California Pony Cars
• Hamburger’s Performance
• Husky Liners
• Lazer Star Lights
• MBM
• Omix-ADA
• ORACLE Lighting
• Rock-Slide Engineering
• Superlift
• Vertex

In partnership with Mazda, the SEMA Garage has announced the ’17 Mazda CX-5 measuring session. Every angle and aspect of this best-selling CUV has been improved to make driving better, thanks to more than 250 enhancements. Mazda designers and engineers accomplished features including a quieter cabin and available metal wood trim without sacrificing driving dynamics. As a result, this carefully crafted and refined CX-5 is versatile, spacious, innovative and efficient, with up to an EPA-estimated 31 mpg (highway).

In partnership with Mazda, the SEMA Garage has announced the ’17 Mazda CX-5 measuring session. Every angle and aspect of this best-selling CUV has been improved to make driving better, thanks to more than 250 enhancements. Mazda designers and engineers accomplished features including a quieter cabin and available metal wood trim without sacrificing driving dynamics. As a result, this carefully crafted and refined CX-5 is versatile, spacious, innovative and efficient, with up to an EPA-estimated 31 mpg (highway).