By Kristopher Porter

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days will return to the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, August 1–2.

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days will return to the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, August 1–2. Twelve manufacturers in the automotive specialty-equipment industry’s hot-rod segment will give hour-long presentations on not only their product lines but also tips and tricks for your own projects and builds.

These seminars are a great opportunity for Street Rod Nationals participants and spectators to learn product and installation techniques directly from manufacturers. The sessions will take place Thursday–Friday, August 1–2, beginning at 9:15 a.m. and concluding at 4:30 p.m. These valuable sessions are open to all NSRA Nationals attendees and seats are limited, so reserve your spot in the sessions that most interest you.

The following is a sneak peek at the manufacturers and the discussion topics taking place at the 2019 event:

Detroit Speed – “Basics of Performance and Handling”
Presenters: Paul Hammond and Peter Bruschi

Vintage Air – “Basics of Performance Air Conditioning”
Presenter: Rick Love

Classic Instruments – “Achieving the Finishing Touch With Classic Instruments”
Presenters: John McLeod and Devin Butterbrodt

Ron Francis Wiring – “Wiring 101: Tips and Tricks”
Presenter: Scott Bowers

Flaming River – “Steering You in the Right Direction”
Presenter: Brett Domin

Ridetech – “New-Product Development”
Presenter: Darren Schilling

Bowler Transmissions – “Shift Into Overdrive and Enjoy Your Hot Rod”
Presenter: Mark Bowler

Wilwood Disc Brakes – “Brake System Basics”
Presenter: Carl Bush

Hushmat – “Solutions for Heat and Noise”
Presenter: Tim McCarthy

Inland Empire Driveline – “Vibrations: Causes and Cures”
Presenter: Greg Frick

Axalta – “The Cromax EZ Difference”
Presenter: Titus Cartwright

Powermaster – “Charging and Cranking for Today's Rods”
Presenter: John Babcock

For questions, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690.

By Kristopher Porter

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days will return to the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, August 1–2.

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days will return to the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, August 1–2. Twelve manufacturers in the automotive specialty-equipment industry’s hot-rod segment will give hour-long presentations on not only their product lines but also tips and tricks for your own projects and builds.

These seminars are a great opportunity for Street Rod Nationals participants and spectators to learn product and installation techniques directly from manufacturers. The sessions will take place Thursday–Friday, August 1–2, beginning at 9:15 a.m. and concluding at 4:30 p.m. These valuable sessions are open to all NSRA Nationals attendees and seats are limited, so reserve your spot in the sessions that most interest you.

The following is a sneak peek at the manufacturers and the discussion topics taking place at the 2019 event:

Detroit Speed – “Basics of Performance and Handling”
Presenters: Paul Hammond and Peter Bruschi

Vintage Air – “Basics of Performance Air Conditioning”
Presenter: Rick Love

Classic Instruments – “Achieving the Finishing Touch With Classic Instruments”
Presenters: John McLeod and Devin Butterbrodt

Ron Francis Wiring – “Wiring 101: Tips and Tricks”
Presenter: Scott Bowers

Flaming River – “Steering You in the Right Direction”
Presenter: Brett Domin

Ridetech – “New-Product Development”
Presenter: Darren Schilling

Bowler Transmissions – “Shift Into Overdrive and Enjoy Your Hot Rod”
Presenter: Mark Bowler

Wilwood Disc Brakes – “Brake System Basics”
Presenter: Carl Bush

Hushmat – “Solutions for Heat and Noise”
Presenter: Tim McCarthy

Inland Empire Driveline – “Vibrations: Causes and Cures”
Presenter: Greg Frick

Axalta – “The Cromax EZ Difference”
Presenter: Titus Cartwright

Powermaster – “Charging and Cranking for Today's Rods”
Presenter: John Babcock

For questions, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media.

SEMA News is currently compiling exhibitor press releases for use in the October pre-Show issue. Exhibitors may benefit from this added exposure opportunity by posting new-product releases or other announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Those releases that are posted prior to the August 1 deadline will be considered for SEMA News publication on a first-come, first-served basis. As a benefit for participating in the Show, there is no cost for this additional product exposure.

Exhibitors are also encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media. The first product entered is free; all additional entries are $75 per product category before October 11 and $150 per entry thereafter.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media.

SEMA News is currently compiling exhibitor press releases for use in the October pre-Show issue. Exhibitors may benefit from this added exposure opportunity by posting new-product releases or other announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Those releases that are posted prior to the August 1 deadline will be considered for SEMA News publication on a first-come, first-served basis. As a benefit for participating in the Show, there is no cost for this additional product exposure.

Exhibitors are also encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media. The first product entered is free; all additional entries are $75 per product category before October 11 and $150 per entry thereafter.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media.

SEMA News is currently compiling exhibitor press releases for use in the October pre-Show issue. Exhibitors may benefit from this added exposure opportunity by posting new-product releases or other announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Those releases that are posted prior to the August 1 deadline will be considered for SEMA News publication on a first-come, first-served basis. As a benefit for participating in the Show, there is no cost for this additional product exposure.

Exhibitors are also encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media. The first product entered is free; all additional entries are $75 per product category before October 11 and $150 per entry thereafter.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media.

SEMA News is currently compiling exhibitor press releases for use in the October pre-Show issue. Exhibitors may benefit from this added exposure opportunity by posting new-product releases or other announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Those releases that are posted prior to the August 1 deadline will be considered for SEMA News publication on a first-come, first-served basis. As a benefit for participating in the Show, there is no cost for this additional product exposure.

Exhibitors are also encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media. The first product entered is free; all additional entries are $75 per product category before October 11 and $150 per entry thereafter.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media.

SEMA News is currently compiling exhibitor press releases for use in the October pre-Show issue. Exhibitors may benefit from this added exposure opportunity by posting new-product releases or other announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Those releases that are posted prior to the August 1 deadline will be considered for SEMA News publication on a first-come, first-served basis. As a benefit for participating in the Show, there is no cost for this additional product exposure.

Exhibitors are also encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media. The first product entered is free; all additional entries are $75 per product category before October 11 and $150 per entry thereafter.

By SEMA Editors

Photo credit: Mad Media

Baja racing legend Rod Hall, 82, has passed away. He began his racing career in the ’50s and won the inaugural NORRA Mexican 1000 in 1967. He was a hired driver for the legendary Bill Stroppe and co-drove with Larry Minor in a Ford Bronco. In 1975, Hall managed the Dodge off-road program with Jim Fricker.

Hall is the only off-road racer to have participated in 50 consecutive Baja 1000 events in a four-wheeled vehicle. His last green flag was in 2017 at the 50th anniversary of the SCORE Baja 1000. In 1969 Hall became the only off-road racer to win the Baja 1000 overall in a four-wheeled vehicle. In addition to SCORE races, Hall competed in HDRA, Best In The Desert, and several other off-road races throughout his career. Hall had 37 consecutive victories in SCORE and HDRA and more than 160 event wins, including 10 Mint 400s, 10 Parker 400s, 12 Fireworks 250s, and 12 Baja 500 and 17 Baja 1000 class victories. He won 14 major class points championships in production four-wheel-drive vehicles, according to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, which inducted him in 2005.

In addition to racing, Hall owned a company that supplied suspension products for military vehicles.

A memorial service open to all will be announced as soon as possible. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in Hall’s memory would be appreciated.

By SEMA Editors

Representing ACM during The Great Race is Jim Hedke with his wife Janet and daughter Allison.

America’s Car Museum to Celebrate the Finish of the Great Race

America’s Car Museum (ACM) will be the final destination for The Great Race 2019. To celebrate the arrival of more than 120 vintage vehicles departing from Riverside, California, ACM will host a Shine Time Car Show on June 30, open to all makes/models of collector vehicles, which will feature a Junior Judge Program for youth ages 10 to 16, “Taste of the Race” food truck festival, a beer garden, vendors and the ACM Member VIP party.

The Great Race, which began in 1983 as an homage to the 1965 Tony Curtis film of the same name, is an annual long distance vintage vehicle rally ending at various points throughout the country. 2019 marks the first time in the rally’s 36-year history that the tour will conclude at America’s Car Museum, located adjacent to the Tacoma Dome. A free, 90-minute “Junior Judge” program at the Great Race Shine Time Car Show will allow youngsters ages 10 to 16 to learn about cool vehicles, meet their owners and award their favorites of the show. Available to all ACM members is a private VIP party in Club Auto, where guests can cool off, relax and mingle.

Representing ACM during The Great Race is Jim Hedke with his wife Janet and daughter Allison, who will be driving in a ’64 Studebaker Lark Daytona, the vehicle that finished 5th overall in The Great Race 2015. Additionally, car enthusiasts can kick off their automotive adventures at the Seattle Art Museum’s (SAM) Rally for SAM: Coffee With Cars, on June 29, from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Dr. Otmar Scharrer, MAHLE’s Head of Corporate Research and Advance Engineering (center), accepted the CLEPA Innovation Award 2019 for the MAHLE e-compressor.

MAHLE e-Compressor Wins Environment Award

The electric air conditioning compressor from MAHLE has been recognized by the European Association of Automotive Suppliers through the European Association of Aftermarket Suppliers (CLEPA) Innovation Awards 2019. MAHLE prevailed in a field of 63 competitors to win the prize in the Environment category.

Dr. Otmar Scharrer, head of Corporate Research and Advanced Engineering, accepted the accolade at an award ceremony in Brussels/Belgium. MAHLE’s e-compressor is the result of a cooperative project within the MAHLE Group that has spanned disciplines, business areas and national borders. In addition to the e-compressors themselves, MAHLE develops and produces the electric drives they require as well as the electronics and software.

Warren Mault

Northwood University's Automotive Aftermarket Advisory Board Establishes Warren Mault Scholarship

The Automotive Aftermarket Advisory Board of Northwood University has established a scholarship to honor the distinguished career of Warren Mault, senior advancement director of Northwood University. A graduate of Northwood University, Mault began his professional Northwood career in 1980 as an administrative assistant to the co-founder of the university, Arthur E. Turner. He held several positions at the university throughout his career, including assistant to the president; national alumni director; director of annual giving, planned giving; and his current role of senior advancement director. Mault also serves as a member of the selection committee for the Northwood University Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award and the Northwood Athletic Hall of Fame.

The Warren Mault Honorary Scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student planning a career in the automotive aftermarket. Qualified candidates must be entering or attending a full-time, post-secondary program at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university or an ASE/NATEF certified automotive vocational school.

Kevin Boyd

Stertil-Koni Names Kevin Boyer New Service Manager
Stertil-Koni has announced that Kevin Boyer has joined the company as service manager. In his new post, Boyer provides technical support, troubleshooting assistance, vehicle lift installation supervision and vehicle lift use training to the company’s distributors and their customers across North America. Prior to joining Stertil-Koni, Boyer served as a sales manager and technician at BOE Marine and RV in Stevensville, Maryland, where he oversaw day-to-day operations, customer service and sales.

Kyle Martin

Energy Suspension Hires Kyle Martin as Marketing Manager

Energy Suspension has hired Kyle Martin to fill the role of marketing manager. He brings more than 10 years of professional sales and marketing experience with him.

By SEMA Editors

Feature vehicles provide exhibitors the ability to highlight products and upgrades on cars and trucks positioned in designated areas away from the company’s SEMA Show booth.

The deadline to apply for a feature vehicle at the 2019 SEMA Show is July 31. Exhibitors planning a feature vehicle for the Show are encouraged to mark their calendars now to allow ample time to choose the best car to represent their brand and promote its appearance appropriately.

Feature vehicles provide exhibitors the ability to highlight products and upgrades on cars and trucks positioned in designated areas away from the company’s SEMA Show booth. With unique style and unmatched innovations, feature vehicles are a visual marketing tool to help generate an organic appeal for an exhibitor’s products.

All feature vehicles must be approved and paid for by qualified exhibiting companies. Criteria for placement is based on how the exhibiting company’s products are showcased on the vehicle, whether the car has been featured in the SEMA Show previously, how complete the vehicle build is, and to what degree the vehicle captures all elements of the specialty-equipment market.

Each qualified exhibiting company is guaranteed placement for one feature vehicle. Additional vehicles will be prioritized by the exhibitors, using an electronic form that will be provided by SEMA Show management after July 31.

Complete details about feature vehicle registration are available in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual.

Questions about the process can be directed to Maurice O'Connell at mauriceo@sema.org or 909-978-6660.