Compiled by SEMA Editors

“Chasing Perfect” will be broadcast on Discovery’s Motor Trend for North American viewers starting February 1.

Motor Trend to Broadcast “Chasing Perfect” Across North America

The feature-length documentary, “Chasing Perfect,” revealing the untold story of Frank Stephenson—the man behind some of the world’s most iconic car designs—is to be broadcasted in the United States and Canada on Motor Trend. “Chasing Perfect” offers insight into the world of automotive design, revealing to the audience the creative process behind every design. Stephenson led design teams at Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia, McLaren and MINI, and shares unheard anecdotes about the creation of his many automotive masterpieces with the audience. “Chasing Perfect” was made available to stream on Netflix in the United Kingdom in November 2019 and will be broadcast on Discovery’s Motor Trend for North American viewers starting February 1.

VP Racing Fuels Official Fuel of Factory Connection Racing

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has signed a multi-year deal to become the official fuel supplier to Factory Connection Racing/GEICO Honda for its 250cc Supercross/Motocross program.
 
Factory Connection Racing has been a satellite race team for American Honda since 1998 and the official 125cc, then 250cc team for American Honda since 2001. Race wins in both classes in AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross have led to nine regional 250 Supercross titles and two 250 National Motocross Championships on Honda motorcycles.

Power Automedia and SpeedVideo.com have announced that they will broadcast the Shakedown Nationals XVIII with a multi-year agreement.

SpeedVideo.com and Virginia Motorsports Park Announce Multi-Year Agreement to Broadcast Shakedown Nationals XVIII

Virginia Motorsports Park (VMP) hosted the Shakedown Nationals for the first time last year, which featured the best of Pro Mod, Radial vs. World, Limited Drag Radial, X275, Ultra Street, Outlaw 10.5 and DXP 235. Power Automedia and SpeedVideo.com have announced that they will broadcast the Shakedown Nationals XVIII, September 16–19, with a multi-year agreement. The event will be available in its entirety to SpeedVideo subscribers. In addition, there will be free bonus content, including Thursday’s test and tune, Round 1 qualifying and more.

Global Electronic Technology joins Paul Lee Racing for the 2020 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season.

Global Electronic Technology Joins Paul Lee’s Nitro Funny Car Team

Global Electronic Technology joins Paul Lee Racing for the 2020 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season on his Nitro Funny Car. Lee will adorn the blue of Global Electronic Technology as the major marketing partner for 12 selected races. Lee currently plans to run 15 total races in 2020 with his “friends and family” funny car team. The Global Electronic Technology team will make appearances at the first four races and will continue to be at select events for the remainder of the year. In addition to Global Electronic Technology, the team welcomes Red Line Oil, Gates and Justice Brothers to the roster, joining Weld Wheels, Mac Tools, TMS Titanium and ARP as iproduct suppliers. The team plans on testing in Las Vegas for the PRO pre-season session and will begin the 2020 season at the WinterNationals in Pomona, California.

Red Line Synthetic Oil to Support the H.E.P. Motorsports Team Throughout 2020 Motocross and Supercross Season

Red Line Synthetic Oil has announced that its partnership with the H.E.P. Motorsports team, supported by Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI), will continue through 2020. In addition to the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross series, Red Line will also provide products and technical support to the team as they compete in the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. The 2020 H.E.P team is comprised of riders Kyle Cunningham, Adam Enticknap, Ryan Breece, Max Anstie and crew chief Clark Jones. The team will compete on ’20 Suzuki RMZ 450s that are built specifically to each racer’s preference. Red Line will remain in close contact with Jones in order to obtain feedback from the riders as they compete throughout both the Supercross and Motocross season.

Exhibitors interested in getting a jump on SEMA Show planning for 2020 can reserve booth space now at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Exhibitors interested in getting a jump on SEMA Show planning for 2020 can reserve booth space now at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

By Kyle Cheng

The monthly “SEMA Industry Indicators” report provides a snapshot of the overall economy and automotive specialty-equipment industry.

The United States enters 2020 on strong economic footing. The economy continues to grow—its longest period of expansion in history. Trade tensions appear to be easing and the odds of a recession this year continue to decrease. Likewise, consumers are confident and spending their money. While overall total vehicle sales are slightly down, consumers are spending more on cars than they ever have.

Amid this optimism, there are some concerns, particularly in the manufacturing sector. However, improving trade relations should help spur exports and reignite manufacturing in the year ahead.

Want more information on the trends affecting the specialty-equipment industry? Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. In this report, published monthly, you’ll get a snapshot of the overall economy and automotive specialty-equipment industry, including:

• Overall economic outlook
• New-vehicle sales and statistics on auto parts production
• Consumer sentiment and spending
• Economic growth and unemployment
• Other important industry insights

To learn more, download the January “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

The monthly “SEMA Industry Indicators” report provides a snapshot of the overall economy and automotive specialty-equipment industry.

The United States enters 2020 on strong economic footing. The economy continues to grow—its longest period of expansion in history. Trade tensions appear to be easing and the odds of a recession this year continue to decrease. Likewise, consumers are confident and spending their money. While overall total vehicle sales are slightly down, consumers are spending more on cars than they ever have.

Amid this optimism, there are some concerns, particularly in the manufacturing sector. However, improving trade relations should help spur exports and reignite manufacturing in the year ahead.

Want more information on the trends affecting the specialty-equipment industry? Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. In this report, published monthly, you’ll get a snapshot of the overall economy and automotive specialty-equipment industry, including:

• Overall economic outlook
• New-vehicle sales and statistics on auto parts production
• Consumer sentiment and spending
• Economic growth and unemployment
• Other important industry insights

To learn more, download the January “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

By Kristopher Porter

The open meeting is a great opportunity to learn about HRIA’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the hot-rod industry at large.

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) invites you to its open meeting to be held Friday, January 24, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. (PST), at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California, in meeting rooms Sonoma 2 and 3. If you are in town for the Media Trade Conference or Grand National Roadster Show, HRIA invites you to stop by and join the meeting as well.

The open meeting is a great opportunity to learn about HRIA’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the hot-rod industry at large. HRIA select committee members and SEMA staff will be on hand to answer questions for those interested in joining HRIA.

A continental breakfast will be provided.

Register now!

For more information, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or via email at jimsk@sema.org.

By Kristopher Porter

The open meeting is a great opportunity to learn about HRIA’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the hot-rod industry at large.

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) invites you to its open meeting to be held Friday, January 24, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. (PST), at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California, in meeting rooms Sonoma 2 and 3. If you are in town for the Media Trade Conference or Grand National Roadster Show, HRIA invites you to stop by and join the meeting as well.

The open meeting is a great opportunity to learn about HRIA’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the hot-rod industry at large. HRIA select committee members and SEMA staff will be on hand to answer questions for those interested in joining HRIA.

A continental breakfast will be provided.

Register now!

For more information, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or via email at jimsk@sema.org.

By Kristopher Porter

The SBN biannual general membership call will review 2020 and 2021 SBN initiatives and discuss opportunities for members to get more involved in the group’s programming.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) biannual general membership call, taking place February 4, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), will review 2020 and 2021 SBN initiatives and discuss opportunities for members to get more involved in the group’s programming.

Do you have colleagues interested in the advancement of women in the automotive aftermarket? Invite them to join SBN. It’s easy and free for all employees of SEMA-member companies.

Call Agenda:

• Welcome and Mission Statement    
• Introductions    
• Major Initiatives    
• SBN Events
• SBN Meetup at Keystone Big Show     
• SBN Lunch & Learn    
• On-Going Volunteer Opportunities    
• Social Media/Website
• Articles—Print and Digital
• Regional Ambassadors    
• New Programs
• Member Feedback     

RSVP to SEMA’s Director of Networks Bryan Harrison to receive the teleconference number and calendar invite.

SEMA encourages those who have questions or comments during the call to ask them via the phone and/or to post inquiries on the SBN General Membership Facebook Events page.

By Kristopher Porter

The SBN biannual general membership call will review 2020 and 2021 SBN initiatives and discuss opportunities for members to get more involved in the group’s programming.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) biannual general membership call, taking place February 4, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), will review 2020 and 2021 SBN initiatives and discuss opportunities for members to get more involved in the group’s programming.

Do you have colleagues interested in the advancement of women in the automotive aftermarket? Invite them to join SBN. It’s easy and free for all employees of SEMA-member companies.

Call Agenda:

• Welcome and Mission Statement    
• Introductions    
• Major Initiatives    
• SBN Events
• SBN Meetup at Keystone Big Show     
• SBN Lunch & Learn    
• On-Going Volunteer Opportunities    
• Social Media/Website
• Articles—Print and Digital
• Regional Ambassadors    
• New Programs
• Member Feedback     

RSVP to SEMA’s Director of Networks Bryan Harrison to receive the teleconference number and calendar invite.

SEMA encourages those who have questions or comments during the call to ask them via the phone and/or to post inquiries on the SBN General Membership Facebook Events page.