News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Racing News: Formula DRIFT to Kick Off Next Week in Streets of Long Beach

Thu, 04/02/2015 - 11:42

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Ford Motor Co. will support Mustang driver Vaughn Gittin Jr.

Formula DRIFT Continues Partnership With GoPro for 2015 Season; Ford Returns for Third Year as Official Sponsor

Formula DRIFT and GoPro continue their partnership for the 2015 season. GoPro will remain the exclusive and official camera partner for the Series. Tickets are now available for Round 1: Streets of Long Beach, April 10–11, via www.formuladrift.com, Ticketmaster outlets and the Long Beach Convention Center box office.

In its third year as official sponsor of the series, Ford Motor Co. will support Mustang drivers Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Justin Pawlak, while ramping up its “Drift with Ford” sweepstakes giveaway and track activities at all seven Formula DRIFT events. The custom Focus ST giveaway kicks off April 10–12 at the season opener in Long Beach, California. Ford is stepping up the “Drift with Ford” sweepstakes, giving away to one lucky fan a custom EcoBoost-powered Focus ST. Fans can enter the sweepstakes at any Formula DRIFT event or through the Formula DRIFT website.

VP Racing Fuels to be Official Fuel of TORC Series for 2015

TORC: The Off-Road Championship Presented by AMSOIL has announced VP Racing Fuels as its Official Fuel for the 2015 season. TORC competitors will be powered by VP’s high-performance racing fuels beginning with the April 24–25 season opener at Texas Motor Speedway near Dallas. As the Official Fuel of TORC, VP will provide trackside fuel service at each event, which will include an online pre-order procedure to provide for convenient delivery of specific fuels to teams at the track.

	ProMedia Events has announced the signing of a three-year contract with the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series.

ProMedia Events Announces Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series 2015 Schedule

ProMedia Events, home of the NMCA Flowmaster Muscle Car drag-racing series, has announced the signing of a three-year contract with Chevrolet Performance and the following 2015 schedule for the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series.

May 29–31, 2015
4th Annual Chevrolet Performance Nationals
Presented by Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center
The Largest All-GM Event of the Year
Atlanta Dragway – Commerce, Georgia

June 18–21, 2015
14th Annual NMCA Muscle Car Nationals
Featuring the 9th Annual Chevrolet Performance Shootout
The Largest LS Drag Race of the Year
Lucas Oil Raceway – Indianapolis

August 27–30, 2015
14th Annual NMCA World Street Finals
Featuring the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series
Summit Motorsports Park – Norwalk, Ohio

September 11–13, 2015
6th Annual Holley LS Fest
Final Event of the 2015 Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series
Beech Bend Raceway Park – Bowling Green, Kentucky

Toyo Tires Named the Official Tire of SPEED Energy Formula Off-Road for 2015

Toyo Tires will be the Official Tire of SPEED Energy Formula Off-Road for 2015. This marks the third season that Toyo Tires has supported the series, and the second year that all Stadium SUPER Trucks (SST) will compete on Toyo Open Country A/T II tires. The race series was founded by Team Toyo off-road champion and former NASCAR and IndyCar driver Robby Gordon. This weekend, drivers will compete in front of IndyCar fans during the Streets of St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg, Florida. In addition to the series sponsorship, six races will also feature a Toyo Tires-branded SST truck with a Team Toyo Off-Road driver at the wheel. The Toyo Tires big rig and models will also attend SPEED Energy Formula Off-Road events around the country.

	The 4th Annual Nitto Tire NMCA WEST Spring Nationals marked the start of the 2015 season for the NMCA WEST VP Racing Fuels Drag Racing series.

7th Annual Nitto Tire NMCA WEST Spring Nationals Official Race Wrap

The 4th Annual Nitto Tire NMCA WEST Spring Nationals, held March 27–29, 2015, at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, California, marked the start of the 2015 season for the NMCA WEST VP Racing Fuels Drag Racing series. The results:

Garrett Turbo Pro Mod: In a close race, Mark Luton snagged the holeshot, but Rick Snavely in the Turbos Direct '69 Camaro Snavely was able to get around him 5.24 to 5.50 for the win.

Mickey Thompson True Ten 5: Dana Cook's faster 4.67 fell to Johnny Coleman's 4.69—his holeshot earning him the True Ten 5 win in his '69 Camaro.

Lucas Oil N/A 10.5: Vic Brum was able to drive around Ryan Bell's holeshot to take the win, 8.22 to 8.37.

ARP Outlaw 8.5: George Raygoza streaked to a 5.17 for the win after Anthony Smith struck the tires early in the pass.

SCAT Crankshafts Open Comp: Justen Spencer and Brent Calvert squared off in a close race, but Spencer pushed Calvert out the back, forcing Calvert to dip .014 under his index and turn on Spencer's win light.

Edelbrock Super Quick: Ricky Deuschle and Michaelyn Roelle left with .004 of a second separating them, and on the top end, Roelle broke out by .012, allowing Deushle's .035 package to take the win.

Calvert Racing Quick Street: Chris Davis lit the Crimson Bulb of Despair, handing Dutcher the Quick Street win.

MMR Mustang Madness: Greg Dreher got the holeshot, but Brent Calvert was able to run him down and take the win light with an 8.617 on an 8.58 index.

Champion Cooling Systems Pro Comp: Doug Crumlich put together a .022 package pushing Hollis Colleasure to break out by .002-second.

Hedman Hedders Nostalgia Street Car: Steve Cox and Jim Losquardo were running on the E index of 10.50, but Losquardo left with a stout holeshot and took just enough stripe to turn on the win light.

Vortech Superchargers True Street: Dan Geis averaged 10.064 on his three passes for the overall True Street title.

Edelbrock Bracket Showdown: Joe Henchy defeated Steve Watkins in Bracket 2, Jack Swanson took the win light over Dave Boydstein in Bracket 3 and in a father-son final, Kevin McClelland defeated his son Daniel in Bracket 1. In Sunday's action, Katelyn Whynaught defeated Justin Rebrovich in Bracket 1, Frank Malone took the win light over Charlie Allen in Bracket 3, and Jeff Interlicchia beat Donald Horn in Bracket 2.

WELD Takes Top Two Spots in 2015 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Race

WELD's Daryn Pittman won in the 30-lap main feature at the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series race at Antioch, California, Speedway, March 29. Pittman’s victory with WELD Racing wheels marked his second World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series win of the year. Paul McMahan, also a WELD racer, finished a close second.

The week before at the FVP Western Spring Shootout at the Stockton, California, Dirt Track, Rico Abreu registered his second win of the season and WELD racers took the top six spots. Terry McCarl took second, followed by McMahan in third, David Gravel in fourth, Jason Johnson in fifth and Tim Kaeding in sixth. Shane Stewart is second in the current 2015 series championship standings.

Most Common SEMA Show Exhibitor Mistakes

Thu, 04/02/2015 - 11:29

By Becca Butler

	More than 70% of buyers visit the New Products Showcase searching for the best new products at the Show. The most successful exhibitors participate in the Showcase with not just one product, but with multiple entries.

Nearly 2,400 companies exhibit at the SEMA Show each year to increase brand awareness, generate leads and network with some of the greatest minds in the industry. While many exhibitors leave the SEMA Show reporting success, some companies wonder what more they could have done. SEMA provides a number of tools and resources to help exhibitors succeed at the Show, getting the highest possible return on their investment. Below are some common mistakes SEMA Show exhibitors should avoid:

Not Entering a Product in the New Products Showcase. More than 70% of buyers visit the New Products Showcase searching for the best new products at the Show. Yet, less than one third of all exhibitors enter a product into the Showcase. The most successful exhibitors participate in the Showcase with not just one product, but with multiple entries. Products that do not meet the criteria as a “new” product can be included in the feature product category.

Not Connecting With Their Sales Representatives. SEMA has designated account representatives to help exhibitors with any and all things related to the SEMA Show. Your sales rep can help with logistics and educate you on all the different branding opportunities. Plan on connecting with them sooner rather than later to ensure you know and understand all of the different resources available.

Not Choosing the Right Booth Size. Exhibitors can be successful by selecting a booth that best serves their SEMA Show goals. Having the right booth size involves having enough space for your product displays, vehicle(s), staff members and more. Check out more tips on how to select the right booth size.

Ignoring the Media. More than 2,500 automotive journalists attend the Show looking for the latest products and news in the industry. Exhibitors can connect with media through the Online Media Center—a place for them to submit Show-related press releases. Other opportunities for exposure include entering a product in the New Products Showcase or having a feature vehicle on display.

Not Participating in the Priority Booth Space Selection Process. The Priority Booth Space Selection process is the best time for exhibitors to select their booths. While exhibitors can sign up any time up until the actual event in November, those who participate in the priority booth space selection have an advantage and will benefit with the best location and advance promotion. Exhibitors who submit their applications by Monday, April 6, 2015, will be included in the 2015 process.

Not Promoting Their Participation in the SEMA Show. Exhibitors who promote their involvement prior to the Show not only connect with current customers, but they also attract new customers. Thousands of buyers come to the Show with a list of exhibitors they’re planning on visiting. Ensure you’re on that list by taking advantage of some of the low- and no-cost PR opportunities available to promote your SEMA Show participation.

What other mistakes or “lessons learned” have you made as an exhibitor? Share your thoughts in the comments area below.

Secure a booth for the 2015 SEMA Show.

Most Common SEMA Show Exhibitor Mistakes

Thu, 04/02/2015 - 11:29

By Becca Butler

	More than 70% of buyers visit the New Products Showcase searching for the best new products at the Show. The most successful exhibitors participate in the Showcase with not just one product, but with multiple entries.

Nearly 2,400 companies exhibit at the SEMA Show each year to increase brand awareness, generate leads and network with some of the greatest minds in the industry. While many exhibitors leave the SEMA Show reporting success, some companies wonder what more they could have done. SEMA provides a number of tools and resources to help exhibitors succeed at the Show, getting the highest possible return on their investment. Below are some common mistakes SEMA Show exhibitors should avoid:

Not Entering a Product in the New Products Showcase. More than 70% of buyers visit the New Products Showcase searching for the best new products at the Show. Yet, less than one third of all exhibitors enter a product into the Showcase. The most successful exhibitors participate in the Showcase with not just one product, but with multiple entries. Products that do not meet the criteria as a “new” product can be included in the feature product category.

Not Connecting With Their Sales Representatives. SEMA has designated account representatives to help exhibitors with any and all things related to the SEMA Show. Your sales rep can help with logistics and educate you on all the different branding opportunities. Plan on connecting with them sooner rather than later to ensure you know and understand all of the different resources available.

Not Choosing the Right Booth Size. Exhibitors can be successful by selecting a booth that best serves their SEMA Show goals. Having the right booth size involves having enough space for your product displays, vehicle(s), staff members and more. Check out more tips on how to select the right booth size.

Ignoring the Media. More than 2,500 automotive journalists attend the Show looking for the latest products and news in the industry. Exhibitors can connect with media through the Online Media Center—a place for them to submit Show-related press releases. Other opportunities for exposure include entering a product in the New Products Showcase or having a feature vehicle on display.

Not Participating in the Priority Booth Space Selection Process. The Priority Booth Space Selection process is the best time for exhibitors to select their booths. While exhibitors can sign up any time up until the actual event in November, those who participate in the priority booth space selection have an advantage and will benefit with the best location and advance promotion. Exhibitors who submit their applications by Monday, April 6, 2015, will be included in the 2015 process.

Not Promoting Their Participation in the SEMA Show. Exhibitors who promote their involvement prior to the Show not only connect with current customers, but they also attract new customers. Thousands of buyers come to the Show with a list of exhibitors they’re planning on visiting. Ensure you’re on that list by taking advantage of some of the low- and no-cost PR opportunities available to promote your SEMA Show participation.

What other mistakes or “lessons learned” have you made as an exhibitor? Share your thoughts in the comments area below.

Secure a booth for the 2015 SEMA Show.

Most Common SEMA Show Exhibitor Mistakes

Thu, 04/02/2015 - 11:29

By Becca Butler

	More than 70% of buyers visit the New Products Showcase searching for the best new products at the Show. The most successful exhibitors participate in the Showcase with not just one product, but with multiple entries.

Nearly 2,400 companies exhibit at the SEMA Show each year to increase brand awareness, generate leads and network with some of the greatest minds in the industry. While many exhibitors leave the SEMA Show reporting success, some companies wonder what more they could have done. SEMA provides a number of tools and resources to help exhibitors succeed at the Show, getting the highest possible return on their investment. Below are some common mistakes SEMA Show exhibitors should avoid:

Not Entering a Product in the New Products Showcase. More than 70% of buyers visit the New Products Showcase searching for the best new products at the Show. Yet, less than one third of all exhibitors enter a product into the Showcase. The most successful exhibitors participate in the Showcase with not just one product, but with multiple entries. Products that do not meet the criteria as a “new” product can be included in the feature product category.

Not Connecting With Their Sales Representatives. SEMA has designated account representatives to help exhibitors with any and all things related to the SEMA Show. Your sales rep can help with logistics and educate you on all the different branding opportunities. Plan on connecting with them sooner rather than later to ensure you know and understand all of the different resources available.

Not Choosing the Right Booth Size. Exhibitors can be successful by selecting a booth that best serves their SEMA Show goals. Having the right booth size involves having enough space for your product displays, vehicle(s), staff members and more. Check out more tips on how to select the right booth size.

Ignoring the Media. More than 2,500 automotive journalists attend the Show looking for the latest products and news in the industry. Exhibitors can connect with media through the Online Media Center—a place for them to submit Show-related press releases. Other opportunities for exposure include entering a product in the New Products Showcase or having a feature vehicle on display.

Not Participating in the Priority Booth Space Selection Process. The Priority Booth Space Selection process is the best time for exhibitors to select their booths. While exhibitors can sign up any time up until the actual event in November, those who participate in the priority booth space selection have an advantage and will benefit with the best location and advance promotion. Exhibitors who submit their applications by Monday, April 6, 2015, will be included in the 2015 process.

Not Promoting Their Participation in the SEMA Show. Exhibitors who promote their involvement prior to the Show not only connect with current customers, but they also attract new customers. Thousands of buyers come to the Show with a list of exhibitors they’re planning on visiting. Ensure you’re on that list by taking advantage of some of the low- and no-cost PR opportunities available to promote your SEMA Show participation.

What other mistakes or “lessons learned” have you made as an exhibitor? Share your thoughts in the comments area below.

Secure a booth for the 2015 SEMA Show.

Most Common SEMA Show Exhibitor Mistakes

Thu, 04/02/2015 - 11:29

By Becca Butler

	More than 70% of buyers visit the New Products Showcase searching for the best new products at the Show. The most successful exhibitors participate in the Showcase with not just one product, but with multiple entries.

Nearly 2,400 companies exhibit at the SEMA Show each year to increase brand awareness, generate leads and network with some of the greatest minds in the industry. While many exhibitors leave the SEMA Show reporting success, some companies wonder what more they could have done. SEMA provides a number of tools and resources to help exhibitors succeed at the Show, getting the highest possible return on their investment. Below are some common mistakes SEMA Show exhibitors should avoid:

Not Entering a Product in the New Products Showcase. More than 70% of buyers visit the New Products Showcase searching for the best new products at the Show. Yet, less than one third of all exhibitors enter a product into the Showcase. The most successful exhibitors participate in the Showcase with not just one product, but with multiple entries. Products that do not meet the criteria as a “new” product can be included in the feature product category.

Not Connecting With Their Sales Representatives. SEMA has designated account representatives to help exhibitors with any and all things related to the SEMA Show. Your sales rep can help with logistics and educate you on all the different branding opportunities. Plan on connecting with them sooner rather than later to ensure you know and understand all of the different resources available.

Not Choosing the Right Booth Size. Exhibitors can be successful by selecting a booth that best serves their SEMA Show goals. Having the right booth size involves having enough space for your product displays, vehicle(s), staff members and more. Check out more tips on how to select the right booth size.

Ignoring the Media. More than 2,500 automotive journalists attend the Show looking for the latest products and news in the industry. Exhibitors can connect with media through the Online Media Center—a place for them to submit Show-related press releases. Other opportunities for exposure include entering a product in the New Products Showcase or having a feature vehicle on display.

Not Participating in the Priority Booth Space Selection Process. The Priority Booth Space Selection process is the best time for exhibitors to select their booths. While exhibitors can sign up any time up until the actual event in November, those who participate in the priority booth space selection have an advantage and will benefit with the best location and advance promotion. Exhibitors who submit their applications by Monday, April 6, 2015, will be included in the 2015 process.

Not Promoting Their Participation in the SEMA Show. Exhibitors who promote their involvement prior to the Show not only connect with current customers, but they also attract new customers. Thousands of buyers come to the Show with a list of exhibitors they’re planning on visiting. Ensure you’re on that list by taking advantage of some of the low- and no-cost PR opportunities available to promote your SEMA Show participation.

What other mistakes or “lessons learned” have you made as an exhibitor? Share your thoughts in the comments area below.

Secure a booth for the 2015 SEMA Show.

Spy Shots—Next-Gen Porsche Panamera

Thu, 04/02/2015 - 10:59

The next-generation Porsche Panamera has hit the Nürburgring for some hot laps, and the encounter has revealed some new details for the new model. This latest prototype is sporting a huge rear wing that deploys at higher speeds. The new retractable wing looks much larger than on any of the current Panamera models.

KGP photographers have also grabbed the first look inside the next Panamera, and the shots reveal a revised center console, with a single arm rest for the driver, and a redesigned tunnel with an extra cup holder. The HVAC controls look similar to the current Panamera, although changes are expected throughout the interior.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Spy Shots—Next-Gen Porsche Panamera

Thu, 04/02/2015 - 10:59

The next-generation Porsche Panamera has hit the Nürburgring for some hot laps, and the encounter has revealed some new details for the new model. This latest prototype is sporting a huge rear wing that deploys at higher speeds. The new retractable wing looks much larger than on any of the current Panamera models.

KGP photographers have also grabbed the first look inside the next Panamera, and the shots reveal a revised center console, with a single arm rest for the driver, and a redesigned tunnel with an extra cup holder. The HVAC controls look similar to the current Panamera, although changes are expected throughout the interior.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Spy Shots—Next-Gen Porsche Panamera

Thu, 04/02/2015 - 10:59

The next-generation Porsche Panamera has hit the Nürburgring for some hot laps, and the encounter has revealed some new details for the new model. This latest prototype is sporting a huge rear wing that deploys at higher speeds. The new retractable wing looks much larger than on any of the current Panamera models.

KGP photographers have also grabbed the first look inside the next Panamera, and the shots reveal a revised center console, with a single arm rest for the driver, and a redesigned tunnel with an extra cup holder. The HVAC controls look similar to the current Panamera, although changes are expected throughout the interior.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

2015 SEMA Board Voting Opens in May

Thu, 04/02/2015 - 10:48

By SEMA Editors

The candidates have been announced for the 2015 SEMA Board election.

Voting will take place online between May 13–June 9, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

2015 SEMA Board of Director Candidates

Jim Bingham	Susan Carpenter	Laurel Dasher	Donnie Eatherly
Dave Edmondson	Nick Gramelspacher	Dan Kahn	Wade Kawasaki
Clint Sly	Parley Valora	David Ziozios

Voting Categories and Seats Open

Chairman-Elect Category (one open seat)

Donnie Eatherly – President and CEO, P&E Distributors
Wade Kawasaki – President and COO, Coker Group

Manufacturers Category (two open seats)

Susan Carpenter – President, JR Products
Laurel Dasher – Northeast Sales Manager, Powerteq
Dave Edmondson – Senior Vice President, Roadwire

Distributor/Retailer Category (two open seats)

Jim Bingham (Incumbent) – President and CEO, Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom
Nick Gramelspacher (Incumbent) – Vice President Sales & Marketing, Meyer Distributing
Parley Valora – Vice President, Premier Performance
David Ziozios – CEO, Motovicity Distribution

Services Category (one open seat)

Dan Kahn – President, Kahn Media
Clint Sly – Chief Marketing Officer, Hagerty Insurance Co.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

For more information about the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.

2015 SEMA Board Voting Opens in May

Thu, 04/02/2015 - 10:48

By SEMA Editors

The candidates have been announced for the 2015 SEMA Board election.

Voting will take place online between May 13–June 9, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

2015 SEMA Board of Director Candidates

Jim Bingham	Susan Carpenter	Laurel Dasher	Donnie Eatherly
Dave Edmondson	Nick Gramelspacher	Dan Kahn	Wade Kawasaki
Clint Sly	Parley Valora	David Ziozios

Voting Categories and Seats Open

Chairman-Elect Category (one open seat)

Donnie Eatherly – President and CEO, P&E Distributors
Wade Kawasaki – President and COO, Coker Group

Manufacturers Category (two open seats)

Susan Carpenter – President, JR Products
Laurel Dasher – Northeast Sales Manager, Powerteq
Dave Edmondson – Senior Vice President, Roadwire

Distributor/Retailer Category (two open seats)

Jim Bingham (Incumbent) – President and CEO, Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom
Nick Gramelspacher (Incumbent) – Vice President Sales & Marketing, Meyer Distributing
Parley Valora – Vice President, Premier Performance
David Ziozios – CEO, Motovicity Distribution

Services Category (one open seat)

Dan Kahn – President, Kahn Media
Clint Sly – Chief Marketing Officer, Hagerty Insurance Co.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

For more information about the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.