By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Awards Gala, taking place on July 29, in Anaheim, California, is a celebration of the volunteers and pioneers who have helped build today's $50-billion specialty-equipment industry. Among those to be honored at this year’s Gala are incoming and outgoing board members, and 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Walker Evans, Jack Roush and “Gene” Winfield.

A limited number of tickets are still available for the prestigious SEMA Awards Gala. Get you tickets at www.sema.org/gala.

“The SEMA Awards Gala is a great opportunity for the industry to come together at mid-year to connect in person and have meaningful conversations in an intimate setting,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.

The SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags, a cherished Gala tradition, will also return to offer industry participants the chance to sponsor a child-built pinewood racecar or challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition. The SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags fundraiser runs in conjunction with the Gala. If you’d like to sponsor a race car or challenge colleagues, visit www.sema.org/semacares.

The races, which are run throughout the Friday reception and into the evening.

Tickets for the gala are available at www.sema.org/gala.

Immediately following the gala, there is a private SEMA PAC reception scheduled. For more information, contact Samantha Large at samanthal@sema.org or 202-796-2252.

  Exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2022 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2022 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

By Ashley Reyes

Automakers have been creating high-performance vehicles for decades. The Big Three U.S. manufacturers have been a particularly dominant source for the aftermarket community.

SEMA members are invited to join a Facebook and Instagram live chat on Wednesday, July 27, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT), where three performance builders—each of whom focuses on a different brand—will share their expert opinions on where the industry is going, and why they choose to work with the OEMs that they do. Featuring Brian Tooley, Brian Tooley Racing; Sujal “Skip” Patel, partner at Demon Performance; and Joe Irwin, Fast Forward Race Engines, the live chat will dive into the unique characteristics of each of the Big Three OEMs and include live interactive questions and answers from the group.

Live Chat Location: SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) Facebook page and Instagram live (@ettn_sema). Sign up for live chat reminders here.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a final rule to update the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for rear underride guards on trailers and semi-trailers. The final rule requires rear-impact guards with sufficient strength and energy absorption to protect occupants of passenger vehicles in multiple crash scenarios. The guards should be able to withstand a rear underride crash of 35 mph, up from 30 mph, which matches the current Canadian standard.

According to NHTSA, 94% of trailers and semitrailers already meet the new standard. Used trailers are not required to be retrofitted with compliant rear-impact guards. The rule takes effect January 11, 2023, with a compliance deadline of July 15, 2024.

To view the final rule click here.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The upcoming National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, will provide visitors with the chance to participate in high-powered education sessions featuring top manufacturers in the hot-rod and auto-restoration segments.

HRIA Education Days participants will join manufacturers as they share details about their products and systems through face-to-face educational seminars.

By signing up for HRIA Education Days, August 4–5, participants will join manufacturers as they share details about their products and systems through face-to-face educational seminars. Attendees will learn valuable tips, connect directly with the manufacturers and learn about important processes for working on various hot-rod projects.

Also taking place at the Kentucky Expo Center is an HRIA open meeting and social on August 3, at 3:30 p.m. in room B101. Open to current HRIA members and businesses in the hot-rod market, the meeting will feature the HRIA select committee, which will be on-site as they share updates on the council’s latest initiatives and answer questions about the resources that are available. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

The 2022 schedule includes 12 seminars, six seminars per day, each presented by a different manufacturer. This year’s presenting manufacturers and topics are:

• Flaming River: Steering Systems & Solutions
• Vintage Air: The Basics of Hot Rod and Muscle Car Air Conditioning
• Heidts: How to Choose the Best Suspension for Your Hot Rod
• Hushmat & ZyCoat: Heat is the Enemy of Speed, Performance & Comfort
• Driven Racing Oil: Oil & Storage: Preserving Your Engine
• Wilwood Brakes: Brake System Basics
• Ididit: Advancements in Push Start Ignitions and Installing a Safe Steering System
• Wizard: Automotive Detail and Ceramic Coating
• RideTech: Air Suspension Basics
• Inland Empire: Power Train Vibrations and How to Cure Them
• Borgeson: The Hook Up: Steering Linkage Connections & Components
• Powermaster: Alternators & Starters—Install it Right the First Time

For the full list of Education Days sessions and to RSVP, click here.

Michelin Appoints New Motorsports Director

Michelin North America Inc. in Greenville, South Carolina, has named Jason Anzalone director of motorsports, effective August 1, succeeding Tony Ménard, who is returning to Michelin headquarters in France after three years in North America.

Anzalone has served in several positions during his 11-year Michelin career, most recently as a strategic account director for Discount Tire and Tire Rack. Anzalone started his career in the automotive industry as a mechanic, working predominantly with Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari. He has worked closely with the motorsport teams since May to help prepare for his new role.

Ménard helped advance Michelin’s involvement in IMSA sports-car racing, including the new Porsche Carrera Cup partnership. In his three years, Michelin Motorsports was able to support all IMSA races through the pandemic with great success.

Under Ménard’s leadership, BFGoodrich achieved the 100th overall SCORE Baja victory and introduced the first 18-in. Baja T/A KR3 for Trophy Truck and Unlimited Truck classes. His tenure also includes three Baja 500 wins, two Baja 1000 wins, three Mint 400 wins, and a victory at King of Hammers. Lastly, he helped continue the successful partnership of the Mazda MX-5 Cup, which highlights the development and competition of up-and-coming drivers.

Edelbrock Group Announces New Vice President of Human Resources

Sondra Dowdell has joined Olive Branch, Mississippi-based Edelbrock Group as the vice president of human resources. Edelbrock Group is the parent company of automotive brands, including Edelbrock, COMP Cams, Fuel Air Spark Technology (FAST), TCI Automotive, and Russell. Prior, Dowdell served as the senior HR business partner for Memphis, Tennessee-based Tru Green, and before that, as an HR business partner with National BevBak in Gainesville, Georgia.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Della Domingo

Applications for SEMA Show exhibitors to be included in the official 2022 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule are due Friday, August 5.

Exhibitors who have breaking news announcements that will be of interest to a large number of media can utilize press conferences during the 2022 SEMA Show by submitting a press conference application before the August 5 deadline.

Exhibitors who have breaking news announcements that will be of interest to a large number of media can utilize press conferences during the 2022 SEMA Show by submitting a press conference application before the August 5 deadline. After submitting an application, exhibitors should receive an automatic email confirming that the application was received. Those who do not receive the automatic email may have experienced a technical problem and are encouraged to email pr@sema.org for assistance.

Because media are not required or obligated to attend press conferences, many exhibitors opt to utilize other tools for reaching media at the SEMA Show, including submitting a press release in the Exhibitor Online Media Center.

To learn more about press conferences, the online media center or other PR resources for SEMA Show exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org.

Click here for a complete listing of 2022 SEMA Show deadlines.

SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2022 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show Block.

Making hotel reservations in the block provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.

The SEMA Show block offers convenient access to the Las Vegas Monorail.

The following are advantages of booking in the SEMA Show block versus an Airbnb:

Customer Service

Lodging through the SEMA Show block will give you dedicated customer service support for managing your reservation and will still have onsite customer service from the hotel. This includes check-in, housekeeping and concierge services.

Airbnb customer service can be difficult to contact, and is often left to the Airbnb host to manage. Check-in for your lodging can be difficult to navigate with lock boxes, keycodes or having to make a trip to an alternate location to access lodging keys.  Airbnb lodgings often do not include dedicated customer service unless booking through the Airbnb Luxe program.

Proximity to Venue

For larger city venues, such as the Las Vegas Convention Center, proximity should be factored in. Hotels are typically offered within a radius that allows for an event-sponsored shuttle route, walking distance to the convention center or a short and inexpensive ride-share option. With Airbnb, locations tend to be further away from the city center, main attractions or the convention center.  

Booking Lodging for a Large Group?  

Airbnb does tend to lend for a better budget when traveling in large groups; however, this option does not cater to privacy for your group members, and keep an eye out for fees associated with additional guests. You may find the hotel will offer more privacy at a better rate.

Hotel Group reservations (those including multiple rooms) are available for the 2022 SEMA Show. The SEMA Show block online system makes this complex responsibility easy: simply look for the “Group Bookings (2+ Rooms)” option when conducting your initial search and you’ll be all set to make/manage rooms for your whole team with more flexibility than anywhere else.

Hotel Reward Points    

Airbnb currently doesn’t offer loyalty rewards that most major hotels do, which can be utilized for room upgrades, free room nights and more, depending on the hotel loyalty program.

By booking in the SEMA Show block, you can earn rewards points with your preferred hotel chain—simply enter your rewards or frequent guest number when booking through our online system. When we transfer your reservation details to the hotel approximately two weeks prior to the event, your frequent guest number will be included with your information, and you will receive your points.

Transportation to and From the SEMA Show

The SEMA Show block offers convenient access to the Las Vegas Monorail with station stops at the below hotels:

• SAHARA
• Westgate
• Harrah’s/The Linq
• Flamingo/Caesars Palace Station
• Bally’s/Paris
• MGM Grand

Shuttle bus service is provided from all hotels in the SEMA Show block, excluding those located within a quarter-mile distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Book your hotel now!

To reserve your booth for the 2022 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members will be able to connect with notable off-road racer, entrepreneur and professional stuntwoman Sara Price during a Facebook and Instagram live chat on Wednesday, August 3, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).   

Sara Price was the first factory-supported female racer under Monster Energy Kawasaki, as well as an X-Games medalist.

Named the 2016 Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Rising Star, Price’s racing career is unlike any other. A versatile competitor, she was the first factory-supported female racer under Monster Energy Kawasaki, as well as an X-Games medalist. She has also competed in a vast array of competitions, and has many wins under her belt for motocross, rallying, the X Games and Stadium Super Trucks. Today, Sara can be found competing with RPM Offroad in a Trophy Truck Spec. in Baja, Mexico, in the SCORE International Desert Series.  

Tune into the SBN Facebook page where you will have the exclusive opportunity to ask Price questions on her career accomplishments, anecdotes and the challenges she’s overcome.  

Live Chat Location: SBN Facebook page and SBN Instagram page (@sbn_sema).

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will celebrate the talents and craftsmanship of automotive restylers at the 2022 SEMA Show through its PRO Cup Challenge.

The SEMA PRO Cup Challenge promotes the accessorization of new cars and trucks, and is a great way for restylers to showcase their talents to dealerships and consumers.

Now in its third year, the SEMA PRO Cup Challenge promotes the accessorization of new cars and trucks, and is a great way for restylers to showcase their talents to dealerships and consumers. Restylers enter the competition by creating a package for a new-model car or truck that is marketable, easy to replicate and profitable. If selected to compete, the build will be displayed and voted on at the SEMA Show in the PRO Booth, and may win an award!

“I’ve always dreamed of having a car at the SEMA Show,” said 2021 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge winner Tom Waitzman of DPS Automotive. “I knew choosing a brand like VW, which doesn’t get accessorized as much as other brands, would set us apart. Winning the challenge brings an enormous amount of pride and satisfaction for the hard work we put into the build.”

The essence of the program is to inspire and motivate others—including consumers, dealers and restylers—to customize their vehicles.

“We benefitted in many ways. It was a hit with our social media. We gained new followers, with a percentage turning into customers. It provided a boost of credibility with our suppliers,” added Chris Turgeon of On the Rocks 4x4. Turgeon was selected for the 2021 competition for his customized ’21 Chevrolet Silverado. “One of the best benefits was exposure to dealers. When we finished the truck, we showed it around. This has led to many leads and steady accessory work with two multi-line dealer groups. The exposure is already paying dividends.”

Past PRO Cup Challenge participants have been featured in industry magazines, on the evening news and in SEMA publications. Winning packages will be announced and celebrated during the PRO Happy Hour on Wednesday, November 2, at the SEMA Show.

If you have what it takes to create a vehicle package with a maximum MSRP price of $15,000, maximum labor hours of 40 hours per package installed and a wholesale cost no more than $11,000 to the dealer, we encourage you to apply today at www.sema.org/pro-cup-challenge.