Compiled by SEMA Editors

Video: Toyo Tires Celebrates 52nd SCORE Baja 1000 Overall and the 2019 Overall SCORE World Desert Championship Wins

Hear the story and see the race through the eyes of 2019 SCORE Baja 1000 winners Alan and Aaron Ampudia of Team Toyto and 2019 Overall SCORE World Desert Champion Andy McMillin.

Red Line Synthetic Oil Named Presenting Sponsor for United Championship Racing Alliance Series

Red Line Synthetic Oil has announced a new partnership with the United Championship Racing Alliance Series (UCRA). With this new collaboration, Red Line Synthetic Oil will be on location at all upcoming UCRA racing events, providing attendees with firsthand product information and samples. The UCRA was founded in 2014 by a group of like-minded track promoters in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee who sought to form a series that allowed racers to unite and compete in an economical touring series. GM 604 and Promax Ford 351 crate motors were selected and a points structure was devised for the tracks within a 300-mile radius. The series supports local racers as they hone their skills.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

By Linda Spencer

First-time exhibitor Specialty Vehicle Engineering Inc./DBA Hamburger’s Superchargers Inc. attracted lots of attention among local buyers.

Register now for the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 31–April 5, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and April 5–7, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where attendees will meet with pre-vetted trade buyers from throughout the region. Explore the potential for your products in this customizing-crazy market, where consumers are eager to buy the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

Attendees of the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference will:

• Exhibit at the leading customizing show in the region—Custom Show Emirates—in a turn-key booth.
• Participate in a seminar with top distributors.
• Participate in an official U.S. government briefing.
• Tour specialty-equipment shops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE featuring performance, off-road and styling upgrades.
• Attend networking receptions.

All meals, hotel accommodations, a turnkey booth at Custom Show Emirates and airfare from the UAE to Saudi Arabia are included. Attendees can self-certify to qualify for up to $1,250 in U.S. government grants to defray trip costs. California-based companies are eligible for additional funds, including state grants of up to $1,500 to help defray the costs of participating.*

Slots are limited, so register today!

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Conference, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

*Check with SEMA staff regarding additional funds for SEMA members located in other states.

By Linda Spencer

First-time exhibitor Specialty Vehicle Engineering Inc./DBA Hamburger’s Superchargers Inc. attracted lots of attention among local buyers.

Register now for the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 31–April 5, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and April 5–7, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where attendees will meet with pre-vetted trade buyers from throughout the region. Explore the potential for your products in this customizing-crazy market, where consumers are eager to buy the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

Attendees of the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference will:

• Exhibit at the leading customizing show in the region—Custom Show Emirates—in a turn-key booth.
• Participate in a seminar with top distributors.
• Participate in an official U.S. government briefing.
• Tour specialty-equipment shops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE featuring performance, off-road and styling upgrades.
• Attend networking receptions.

All meals, hotel accommodations, a turnkey booth at Custom Show Emirates and airfare from the UAE to Saudi Arabia are included. Attendees can self-certify to qualify for up to $1,250 in U.S. government grants to defray trip costs. California-based companies are eligible for additional funds, including state grants of up to $1,500 to help defray the costs of participating.*

Slots are limited, so register today!

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Conference, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

*Check with SEMA staff regarding additional funds for SEMA members located in other states.

By Kristopher Porter

Rich Barsamian	Mike Thermos

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Performance Industry Reception—to be held December 13, at the Indiana Convention Center in rooms 208–209, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.—serves as an opportunity to close out day two of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. Open to all manufacturers and media, a highlight of this year’s event is the induction of the three latest members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC Select Committee, fellow manufacturers and this year’s MPMC Hall of Fame inductees.

The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include Rich Barsamian and Mike Thermos.

Barsamian has spent his entire career in the automotive aftermarket working with companies, including Grant, Edelbrock, GT Performance Products and Advanced Clutch Technology, where he works today as vice president, sales and marketing. Always grateful for the opportunity to work in the specialty automotive aftermarket, Barsamian started volunteering early in his career. He has served on select committees for the Young Executives Network (YEN), Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), three terms on the MPMC Select Committee and ultimately serving as chair. During his 13 years with the MPMC, he was instrumental in the creation of the Business Guidelines Manual, various education initiatives and the founding of the MPMC Hall of Fame in 2010. Still committed to volunteering, he then served on the SEMA Scholarship Committee. Along the way, he has earned several industry awards, including the YEN Executive of the Year, YEN Vanguard Award, 2011 PWA Person of the Year and the 2014 SEMA Person of the Year. For his unending dedication and commitment to the industry, to SEMA and especially to the MPMC, the council will induct Barsamian into the 2019 MPMC Hall of Fame.

When Thermos founded Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS) in 1978 he wasn’t looking to start an entirely new market segment in the performance world. But that’s exactly what he did. “We were just having fun making cars go fast,” said Thermos about how it all began. His innovations went far beyond simply “plumbing in some nitrous.” He and his company designed A-to-Z kits for safely and efficiently using nitrous oxide as a new way to boost an engine without a supercharger or turbocharger. Along the way, other companies sprang up to either make their own kits or supply various support hardware or software. He sold NOS in 1999, and it is still an industry leader under the Holley banner. Not one to really retire, he returned to the industry with another company, Nitrous Supply. Thermos has always been a strong supporter of SEMA and the MPMC. His companies have participated in more than a dozen Media Trade Conferences and he is often seen at MPMC meetings. As an industry leader who is credited with founding the Nitrous Oxide market segment, MPMC will induct Thermos into the 2019 MPMC Hall of Fame.

RSVP now!

By Kristopher Porter

Rich Barsamian	Mike Thermos

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Performance Industry Reception—to be held December 13, at the Indiana Convention Center in rooms 208–209, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.—serves as an opportunity to close out day two of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. Open to all manufacturers and media, a highlight of this year’s event is the induction of the three latest members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC Select Committee, fellow manufacturers and this year’s MPMC Hall of Fame inductees.

The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include Rich Barsamian and Mike Thermos.

Barsamian has spent his entire career in the automotive aftermarket working with companies, including Grant, Edelbrock, GT Performance Products and Advanced Clutch Technology, where he works today as vice president, sales and marketing. Always grateful for the opportunity to work in the specialty automotive aftermarket, Barsamian started volunteering early in his career. He has served on select committees for the Young Executives Network (YEN), Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), three terms on the MPMC Select Committee and ultimately serving as chair. During his 13 years with the MPMC, he was instrumental in the creation of the Business Guidelines Manual, various education initiatives and the founding of the MPMC Hall of Fame in 2010. Still committed to volunteering, he then served on the SEMA Scholarship Committee. Along the way, he has earned several industry awards, including the YEN Executive of the Year, YEN Vanguard Award, 2011 PWA Person of the Year and the 2014 SEMA Person of the Year. For his unending dedication and commitment to the industry, to SEMA and especially to the MPMC, the council will induct Barsamian into the 2019 MPMC Hall of Fame.

When Thermos founded Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS) in 1978 he wasn’t looking to start an entirely new market segment in the performance world. But that’s exactly what he did. “We were just having fun making cars go fast,” said Thermos about how it all began. His innovations went far beyond simply “plumbing in some nitrous.” He and his company designed A-to-Z kits for safely and efficiently using nitrous oxide as a new way to boost an engine without a supercharger or turbocharger. Along the way, other companies sprang up to either make their own kits or supply various support hardware or software. He sold NOS in 1999, and it is still an industry leader under the Holley banner. Not one to really retire, he returned to the industry with another company, Nitrous Supply. Thermos has always been a strong supporter of SEMA and the MPMC. His companies have participated in more than a dozen Media Trade Conferences and he is often seen at MPMC meetings. As an industry leader who is credited with founding the Nitrous Oxide market segment, MPMC will induct Thermos into the 2019 MPMC Hall of Fame.

RSVP now!

By Kristopher Porter

Rich Barsamian	Mike Thermos

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Performance Industry Reception—to be held December 13, at the Indiana Convention Center in rooms 208–209, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.—serves as an opportunity to close out day two of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. Open to all manufacturers and media, a highlight of this year’s event is the induction of the three latest members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC Select Committee, fellow manufacturers and this year’s MPMC Hall of Fame inductees.

The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include Rich Barsamian and Mike Thermos.

Barsamian has spent his entire career in the automotive aftermarket working with companies, including Grant, Edelbrock, GT Performance Products and Advanced Clutch Technology, where he works today as vice president, sales and marketing. Always grateful for the opportunity to work in the specialty automotive aftermarket, Barsamian started volunteering early in his career. He has served on select committees for the Young Executives Network (YEN), Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), three terms on the MPMC Select Committee and ultimately serving as chair. During his 13 years with the MPMC, he was instrumental in the creation of the Business Guidelines Manual, various education initiatives and the founding of the MPMC Hall of Fame in 2010. Still committed to volunteering, he then served on the SEMA Scholarship Committee. Along the way, he has earned several industry awards, including the YEN Executive of the Year, YEN Vanguard Award, 2011 PWA Person of the Year and the 2014 SEMA Person of the Year. For his unending dedication and commitment to the industry, to SEMA and especially to the MPMC, the council will induct Barsamian into the 2019 MPMC Hall of Fame.

When Thermos founded Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS) in 1978 he wasn’t looking to start an entirely new market segment in the performance world. But that’s exactly what he did. “We were just having fun making cars go fast,” said Thermos about how it all began. His innovations went far beyond simply “plumbing in some nitrous.” He and his company designed A-to-Z kits for safely and efficiently using nitrous oxide as a new way to boost an engine without a supercharger or turbocharger. Along the way, other companies sprang up to either make their own kits or supply various support hardware or software. He sold NOS in 1999, and it is still an industry leader under the Holley banner. Not one to really retire, he returned to the industry with another company, Nitrous Supply. Thermos has always been a strong supporter of SEMA and the MPMC. His companies have participated in more than a dozen Media Trade Conferences and he is often seen at MPMC meetings. As an industry leader who is credited with founding the Nitrous Oxide market segment, MPMC will induct Thermos into the 2019 MPMC Hall of Fame.

RSVP now!

By SEMA Editors

Performance Racing Industry (PRI) has announced plans to increase engagement and support for the racing industry through new tools and initiatives specifically for the motorsports community. These programs will be designed to support race-related businesses and racers and to further protect the motorsports community.  



“For more than 30 years, PRI has served as a partner to the racing community, evolving alongside the industry,” said Tim Martin, SEMA chairman of the Board. “As we prepare for the future, PRI will continue to provide the racing industry’s world-class trade event and publications, and will now add enhanced resources, advocacy and representation for the motorsports industry.”



Created in response to feedback from the industry through surveys, town hall gatherings and meetings at various industry events, these initiatives are outlined in PRI’s newly created mission statement:


PRI fuels the passion for motorsports.
 We build, promote and protect the racing community.

 We will do this by:

• Representing the interests of the PRI community: racers, enthusiasts, builders, tracks, sanctioning bodies and businesses.
• Protecting motorsports through legislative action, legal support and advocacy.
• Producing world-class trade events and media.
• Providing market research, education and best practices in motorsports business and racing technology.
• Encouraging and recruiting new racers and professionals in motorsports.

In the coming months, PRI will create a new executive leadership position and office in Indianapolis to better serve and engage the racing community. Industry resources will also be expanded to connect industry professionals throughout the year. Longtime readers of PRI Magazine can also expect to see new features and an updated design in 2020.



“Over the years, industry professionals have identified opportunities to help the race industry thrive,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We listened, and the enhanced PRI team will be providing additional programs, support and investment back into the future of the community.”



PRI welcomes feedback from the racing community as we continue to evolve to meet the industry’s needs. Individuals are welcome and encouraged to send comments, questions or ways PRI can help to: Mission@PerformanceRacing.com.

By SEMA Editors

Performance Racing Industry (PRI) has announced plans to increase engagement and support for the racing industry through new tools and initiatives specifically for the motorsports community. These programs will be designed to support race-related businesses and racers and to further protect the motorsports community.  



“For more than 30 years, PRI has served as a partner to the racing community, evolving alongside the industry,” said Tim Martin, SEMA chairman of the Board. “As we prepare for the future, PRI will continue to provide the racing industry’s world-class trade event and publications, and will now add enhanced resources, advocacy and representation for the motorsports industry.”



Created in response to feedback from the industry through surveys, town hall gatherings and meetings at various industry events, these initiatives are outlined in PRI’s newly created mission statement:


PRI fuels the passion for motorsports.
 We build, promote and protect the racing community.

 We will do this by:

• Representing the interests of the PRI community: racers, enthusiasts, builders, tracks, sanctioning bodies and businesses.
• Protecting motorsports through legislative action, legal support and advocacy.
• Producing world-class trade events and media.
• Providing market research, education and best practices in motorsports business and racing technology.
• Encouraging and recruiting new racers and professionals in motorsports.

In the coming months, PRI will create a new executive leadership position and office in Indianapolis to better serve and engage the racing community. Industry resources will also be expanded to connect industry professionals throughout the year. Longtime readers of PRI Magazine can also expect to see new features and an updated design in 2020.



“Over the years, industry professionals have identified opportunities to help the race industry thrive,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We listened, and the enhanced PRI team will be providing additional programs, support and investment back into the future of the community.”



PRI welcomes feedback from the racing community as we continue to evolve to meet the industry’s needs. Individuals are welcome and encouraged to send comments, questions or ways PRI can help to: Mission@PerformanceRacing.com.

By SEMA Editors

Fresh from the 2019 SEMA Show, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) would like to honor the 2019 SBN Woman of the Year recipient Jennifer LaFever in the November #SheIsSEMA Member Spotlight. LeFever has been a leader in the automotive specialty-equipment industry and role model for future female trailblazers. Check out her Q&A with SEMA and SBN below: 

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Jennifer LaFever: You aren't always in control of what is happening, but you are always in control of how you respond to what is happening. Choose to turn every situation into something positive for your life.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

JL: The passion. It is incredible how much passion overrides any negative situation that might arise. Passion drives the teamwork, determination and work for the greater good of the industry or the automotive sport; it is incredible. Automotive leaders are passionate about their products and business models, and the passion drives them to work tirelessly, even when the odds are stacked against them. It is inspiring! I can't imagine going back to working on a widget from 8–5, then leaving work with no connection to the end product. It is incredible to see the results of your hard work, to be a part of a team working for a greater purpose and to have a heartfelt connection to the end product or end purpose.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

JL: DIY everything! I enjoy trying to solve problems around the house and in my life by doing it myself! Whether it is with our vehicles, household items or other projects, it is awesome to build your own custom solution!

SEMA: How do you prepare for going to an important meeting?

JL: I’m five minutes early, have my notes in hand and have already reviewed any relevant information the night before and a few moments before. Game time!

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

JL: Henry Ford. He was a forward thinker and way ahead of his time. I would love to just listen to him talk about his ideologies first hand. “Be ready to revise any system, scrap any method, abandon any theory, if the success of the job requires it.” – Henry Ford, 1923

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.

By SEMA Editors

Fresh from the 2019 SEMA Show, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) would like to honor the 2019 SBN Woman of the Year recipient Jennifer LaFever in the November #SheIsSEMA Member Spotlight. LeFever has been a leader in the automotive specialty-equipment industry and role model for future female trailblazers. Check out her Q&A with SEMA and SBN below: 

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Jennifer LaFever: You aren't always in control of what is happening, but you are always in control of how you respond to what is happening. Choose to turn every situation into something positive for your life.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

JL: The passion. It is incredible how much passion overrides any negative situation that might arise. Passion drives the teamwork, determination and work for the greater good of the industry or the automotive sport; it is incredible. Automotive leaders are passionate about their products and business models, and the passion drives them to work tirelessly, even when the odds are stacked against them. It is inspiring! I can't imagine going back to working on a widget from 8–5, then leaving work with no connection to the end product. It is incredible to see the results of your hard work, to be a part of a team working for a greater purpose and to have a heartfelt connection to the end product or end purpose.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

JL: DIY everything! I enjoy trying to solve problems around the house and in my life by doing it myself! Whether it is with our vehicles, household items or other projects, it is awesome to build your own custom solution!

SEMA: How do you prepare for going to an important meeting?

JL: I’m five minutes early, have my notes in hand and have already reviewed any relevant information the night before and a few moments before. Game time!

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

JL: Henry Ford. He was a forward thinker and way ahead of his time. I would love to just listen to him talk about his ideologies first hand. “Be ready to revise any system, scrap any method, abandon any theory, if the success of the job requires it.” – Henry Ford, 1923

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.