By Kristopher Porter

Dick Hill (center) was honored as an MPMC Hall of Fame inductee at last year’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception.

Just weeks after the 2018 SEMA Show, MPMC members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week of exhibiting, customer meetings, networking and Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)-sponsored educational seminars at the PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members and those who are planning on attending the PRI Trade Show are encouraged to attend the following MPMC events during the week:

MPMC Manufacturers Forum

MPMC will host a meeting with performance manufacturers, Wednesday, December 5, from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Along with updates on the resources that MPMC uses to help performance manufacturers, this is a great opportunity to discuss challenges and solutions with fellow manufacturers. The MPMC select committee will provide an overview of its newly updated Business Guidelines Manual, and seek feedback from meeting attendees on current topics, such as Prop 65, steel and aluminum tariffs and how to find and keep employees.

Register for the forum.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception

The reception serves as an opportunity to close out the second day of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of this year’s event is the induction of the newest three new members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. Open to all manufacturers and media, the event will feature hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks and provide an opportunity to mingle 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. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are Steve Williams from K&N, Steve Whipple from Edelbrock and Marla Moore of Coker Tire. They are being honored for their tireless contributions to the MPMC and industry. The reception will take place Friday, December 7, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center.

Register for your tickets.

Thursday, December 6
MPMC-Sponsored Seminar
“The Future of the Performance Landscape; A Panel Discussion”
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Room 241–242

NHRA and FoxSports personality Alan Reinhart will lead a panel of performance manufacturing experts in an interactive discussion about what the performance industry landscape could look like in the next five years, 10 years and 20 years.

Moderator: Alan Reinhart – NHRA and FoxSports

Panelists:

• Kirk Miller – AEM
• Rob Simmons – Edelbrock
• Shane Weckerly – Holley
• Kyle Fickler – Aeromotive
• Mike Spagnola – SEMA Garage

Friday, December 7
MPMC-Sponsored Seminar
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Room 241–242
“Marketing in 2019 and Beyond; It’s Different, But Here’s How to Succeed”

Martin and Co. Advertising will host a presentation about the changing landscape of marketing in the performance industry. Martin and Co. have a long history of helping companies maintain effective marketing strategies through the rapid pace of change in today’s world.

Speakers:

• Zan Martin – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Jeff Lee – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Kelly Hogan – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Matt Graves – American Powertrain
• Chad Reynolds – BangShift

By Kristopher Porter

Dick Hill (center) was honored as an MPMC Hall of Fame inductee at last year’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception.

Just weeks after the 2018 SEMA Show, MPMC members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week of exhibiting, customer meetings, networking and Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)-sponsored educational seminars at the PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members and those who are planning on attending the PRI Trade Show are encouraged to attend the following MPMC events during the week:

MPMC Manufacturers Forum

MPMC will host a meeting with performance manufacturers, Wednesday, December 5, from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Along with updates on the resources that MPMC uses to help performance manufacturers, this is a great opportunity to discuss challenges and solutions with fellow manufacturers. The MPMC select committee will provide an overview of its newly updated Business Guidelines Manual, and seek feedback from meeting attendees on current topics, such as Prop 65, steel and aluminum tariffs and how to find and keep employees.

Register for the forum.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception

The reception serves as an opportunity to close out the second day of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of this year’s event is the induction of the newest three new members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. Open to all manufacturers and media, the event will feature hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks and provide an opportunity to mingle 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. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are Steve Williams from K&N, Steve Whipple from Edelbrock and Marla Moore of Coker Tire. They are being honored for their tireless contributions to the MPMC and industry. The reception will take place Friday, December 7, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center.

Register for your tickets.

Thursday, December 6
MPMC-Sponsored Seminar
“The Future of the Performance Landscape; A Panel Discussion”
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Room 241–242

NHRA and FoxSports personality Alan Reinhart will lead a panel of performance manufacturing experts in an interactive discussion about what the performance industry landscape could look like in the next five years, 10 years and 20 years.

Moderator: Alan Reinhart – NHRA and FoxSports

Panelists:

• Kirk Miller – AEM
• Rob Simmons – Edelbrock
• Shane Weckerly – Holley
• Kyle Fickler – Aeromotive
• Mike Spagnola – SEMA Garage

Friday, December 7
MPMC-Sponsored Seminar
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Room 241–242
“Marketing in 2019 and Beyond; It’s Different, But Here’s How to Succeed”

Martin and Co. Advertising will host a presentation about the changing landscape of marketing in the performance industry. Martin and Co. have a long history of helping companies maintain effective marketing strategies through the rapid pace of change in today’s world.

Speakers:

• Zan Martin – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Jeff Lee – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Kelly Hogan – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Matt Graves – American Powertrain
• Chad Reynolds – BangShift

By Kristopher Porter

Dick Hill (center) was honored as an MPMC Hall of Fame inductee at last year’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception.

Just weeks after the 2018 SEMA Show, MPMC members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week of exhibiting, customer meetings, networking and Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)-sponsored educational seminars at the PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members and those who are planning on attending the PRI Trade Show are encouraged to attend the following MPMC events during the week:

MPMC Manufacturers Forum

MPMC will host a meeting with performance manufacturers, Wednesday, December 5, from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Along with updates on the resources that MPMC uses to help performance manufacturers, this is a great opportunity to discuss challenges and solutions with fellow manufacturers. The MPMC select committee will provide an overview of its newly updated Business Guidelines Manual, and seek feedback from meeting attendees on current topics, such as Prop 65, steel and aluminum tariffs and how to find and keep employees.

Register for the forum.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception

The reception serves as an opportunity to close out the second day of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of this year’s event is the induction of the newest three new members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. Open to all manufacturers and media, the event will feature hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks and provide an opportunity to mingle 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. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are Steve Williams from K&N, Steve Whipple from Edelbrock and Marla Moore of Coker Tire. They are being honored for their tireless contributions to the MPMC and industry. The reception will take place Friday, December 7, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center.

Register for your tickets.

Thursday, December 6
MPMC-Sponsored Seminar
“The Future of the Performance Landscape; A Panel Discussion”
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Room 241–242

NHRA and FoxSports personality Alan Reinhart will lead a panel of performance manufacturing experts in an interactive discussion about what the performance industry landscape could look like in the next five years, 10 years and 20 years.

Moderator: Alan Reinhart – NHRA and FoxSports

Panelists:

• Kirk Miller – AEM
• Rob Simmons – Edelbrock
• Shane Weckerly – Holley
• Kyle Fickler – Aeromotive
• Mike Spagnola – SEMA Garage

Friday, December 7
MPMC-Sponsored Seminar
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Room 241–242
“Marketing in 2019 and Beyond; It’s Different, But Here’s How to Succeed”

Martin and Co. Advertising will host a presentation about the changing landscape of marketing in the performance industry. Martin and Co. have a long history of helping companies maintain effective marketing strategies through the rapid pace of change in today’s world.

Speakers:

• Zan Martin – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Jeff Lee – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Kelly Hogan – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Matt Graves – American Powertrain
• Chad Reynolds – BangShift

Take Part in SEMA's First Cars & Coffee Holiday Fundraiser

Join us at SEMA headquarters to enjoy cars, coffee, donuts and a special inside look at the SEMA Garage.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sema-cares-cars-coffee-inaugural-fundraiser-tickets-51566253051

By Linda Spencer

“We knew we’d have a chance to meet a few automotive enthusiasts while attending the Custom Show Emirates in Abu Dhabi, but the number and overall demand for aftermarket auto parts in general far exceeded our expectations,” noted Scott Spiva (left), who works in sales for Icon Vehicle Dynamics.

“Truck Hero took full advantage of the well-organized and balanced SEMA Middle East conference, ranging from several insightful presentations to numerous selected businesses visits,” said Yannick Greiner (left), who works in international sales for Truck Hero and seen here with Sally Goldberg (second left), director of international sales. “We at Truck Hero were able to efficiently focus on prospecting for new leads and nurturing existing business relationships in the Middle East while at the same time gathering valuable feedback and market intelligence.”

Join SEMA on Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) for an hour-long conference call to learn more about a popular member benefit—SEMA Business Development Programs in both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Australia. The conference call will also provide SEMA members an opportunity to propose additional markets for consideration. More than 200 companies have participated in SEMA’s business development programs to meet potential vetted buyers, visit local specialty-equipment shops and exhibit at regional customizing shows. U.S. government grants are available to qualified companies to defray the cost of participating. A turnkey booth, hotel and meals are included at a rate starting at $3,850 per company.

SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 26–31, 2019

Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get 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.

The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

SEMA Australia Business Development Conference, Melbourne, Australia, May 9–13, 2019

Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Sales of the new Ford Mustang are red-hot, and rumor has it that they have more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.

The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

For more information about the SEMA Business Development Programs, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs, at lindas@sema.org.

Register now for the conference call!

By Linda Spencer

“We knew we’d have a chance to meet a few automotive enthusiasts while attending the Custom Show Emirates in Abu Dhabi, but the number and overall demand for aftermarket auto parts in general far exceeded our expectations,” noted Scott Spiva (left), who works in sales for Icon Vehicle Dynamics.

“Truck Hero took full advantage of the well-organized and balanced SEMA Middle East conference, ranging from several insightful presentations to numerous selected businesses visits,” said Yannick Greiner (left), who works in international sales for Truck Hero and seen here with Sally Goldberg (second left), director of international sales. “We at Truck Hero were able to efficiently focus on prospecting for new leads and nurturing existing business relationships in the Middle East while at the same time gathering valuable feedback and market intelligence.”

Join SEMA on Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) for an hour-long conference call to learn more about a popular member benefit—SEMA Business Development Programs in both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Australia. The conference call will also provide SEMA members an opportunity to propose additional markets for consideration. More than 200 companies have participated in SEMA’s business development programs to meet potential vetted buyers, visit local specialty-equipment shops and exhibit at regional customizing shows. U.S. government grants are available to qualified companies to defray the cost of participating. A turnkey booth, hotel and meals are included at a rate starting at $3,850 per company.

SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 26–31, 2019

Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get 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.

The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

SEMA Australia Business Development Conference, Melbourne, Australia, May 9–13, 2019

Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Sales of the new Ford Mustang are red-hot, and rumor has it that they have more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.

The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

For more information about the SEMA Business Development Programs, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs, at lindas@sema.org.

Register now for the conference call!

By Linda Spencer

“We knew we’d have a chance to meet a few automotive enthusiasts while attending the Custom Show Emirates in Abu Dhabi, but the number and overall demand for aftermarket auto parts in general far exceeded our expectations,” noted Scott Spiva (left), who works in sales for Icon Vehicle Dynamics.

“Truck Hero took full advantage of the well-organized and balanced SEMA Middle East conference, ranging from several insightful presentations to numerous selected businesses visits,” said Yannick Greiner (left), who works in international sales for Truck Hero and seen here with Sally Goldberg (second left), director of international sales. “We at Truck Hero were able to efficiently focus on prospecting for new leads and nurturing existing business relationships in the Middle East while at the same time gathering valuable feedback and market intelligence.”

Join SEMA on Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) for an hour-long conference call to learn more about a popular member benefit—SEMA Business Development Programs in both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Australia. The conference call will also provide SEMA members an opportunity to propose additional markets for consideration. More than 200 companies have participated in SEMA’s business development programs to meet potential vetted buyers, visit local specialty-equipment shops and exhibit at regional customizing shows. U.S. government grants are available to qualified companies to defray the cost of participating. A turnkey booth, hotel and meals are included at a rate starting at $3,850 per company.

SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 26–31, 2019

Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get 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.

The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

SEMA Australia Business Development Conference, Melbourne, Australia, May 9–13, 2019

Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Sales of the new Ford Mustang are red-hot, and rumor has it that they have more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.

The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

For more information about the SEMA Business Development Programs, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs, at lindas@sema.org.

Register now for the conference call!

By Katie Carson

SEMA has launched the Automotive Aftermarket Grant Program, in which the association will engage elementary school teachers and students across the nation in the automotive hobby, career pathing and lifestyle.

SEMA is offering grants of up to $1,000 to at least 50 elementary school teachers to support the incorporation of a hands-on, interactive automotive lesson plan or activity into their classrooms. Ideas for the automotive-driven projects are solely up to the creativity of the teachers applying for the grants and must be incorporated into their curriculum before the end of the 2018–2019 school year. This program directly supports SEMA’s youth-engagement initiatives to inspire and ignite the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.

If you work with elementary schools or know an educator who may be interested in this program, please spread the word. Educators may apply for up to $1,000 in grants to fund their automotive inspired projects. The application period will end Monday, December 10, 2018.  

Industry professionals can support this program by sharing the details with elementary schools and teachers in their local area.

For more details, contact Katie Carson, SEMA’s youth engagement programs manager.

By Katie Carson

SEMA has launched the Automotive Aftermarket Grant Program, in which the association will engage elementary school teachers and students across the nation in the automotive hobby, career pathing and lifestyle.

SEMA is offering grants of up to $1,000 to at least 50 elementary school teachers to support the incorporation of a hands-on, interactive automotive lesson plan or activity into their classrooms. Ideas for the automotive-driven projects are solely up to the creativity of the teachers applying for the grants and must be incorporated into their curriculum before the end of the 2018–2019 school year. This program directly supports SEMA’s youth-engagement initiatives to inspire and ignite the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.

If you work with elementary schools or know an educator who may be interested in this program, please spread the word. Educators may apply for up to $1,000 in grants to fund their automotive inspired projects. The application period will end Monday, December 10, 2018.  

Industry professionals can support this program by sharing the details with elementary schools and teachers in their local area.

For more details, contact Katie Carson, SEMA’s youth engagement programs manager.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

CRP Awarded 2018 Best Performance Product for Aluminum Water Pump Pulley & Belt Kit

CRP Automotive received the Best Performance Product Award from the Import Vehicle Community.

CRP Automotive received the Best Performance Product Award from the Import Vehicle Community at its annual Import Products and Marketing Awards ceremony during the 2018 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Show. The award was given for the Rein automotive aluminum water pump pulley and belt kit. The Rein aluminum pulley is designed to deliver an extended service life and reduce the potential for catastrophic engine damage. The Rein aluminum pulley replaces the OE plastic pulley, which has been known to crack from use over time or during water pump replacement.

Yokohama Tire Relaunches EXCEED Online Dealer Training Program

Yokohama Tire’s redesigned EXCEED online dealer training program is now available. EXCEED, which originally launched in 2010, stands for “Excellence Through Certification & Education,” and is available to authorized Yokohama consumer and commercial dealers. The new site includes updated content and an improved user experience, including streamlined access to product modules. EXCEED is designed to teach dealers through a series of interactive training modules where they can learn everything about Yokohama’s consumer and commercial tires. The structure of the program allows dealers to prioritize training that is most relevant to their market.

Continental Receives Award for Best B2B Technical Video

Continental received the 2018 Automotive Communications Award for the Best Use of Video – Technical, in the Business-to-Business Category.

Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket earned a 2018 Automotive Communications Award for its VDO cooling fan assembly installation video. The award was presented during the Automotive Communications Awards ceremony, sponsored by Women in Auto Care. Continental received the award for the Best Use of Video – Technical, in the Business-to-Business category. The instructional video featuring a VDO cooling fan assembly is one of several training and installation videos developed by Continental to help technicians properly install its VDO and ATE products. Technicians can view the video to see an overview of the installation procedure, learn valuable safety tips and watch a step-by-step part removal and installation. The video also points out potential installation pitfalls and common mistakes.

New General Manager Ryan Turri Prepares for First Sonoma Speed Festival

Ryan Turri

Sonoma Speed Festival has named racer and car enthusiast Ryan Turri the event’s new general manager. The multi-day race and festival is set for May 31–June 2, 2019, at Sonoma Raceway. The raceway reports that Turri has been touring the country to invite racers and collectors to attend and participate in the new event, and hired the PR firm Tony Fay Public Relations, to tell the story and vision of the event. Turri, a member of Porsche R Gruppe, has run a Northern California Porsche restoration and customization business specializing in designing and building custom air-cooled 911s.

Mitchell 1 and ASE Present 2018 Technician of the Future Award

Matthew Wolfe (left) was named the 2018 Mitchell 1/Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Technician of the Future.

Matthew Wolfe of Rebersburg, Pennsylvania, was named the 2018 Mitchell 1/Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Technician of the Future during the ASE Fall Board of Governors Meeting and Annual Technician Awards. Wolfe received a $1,000 cash prize, a one-year subscription to ProDeman auto repair software from Mitchell 1, and airfare and hotel accommodations to attend the event to receive his award. Wolfe studied automotive technology at Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology in Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania, and diesel industrial technology at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Exton, Pennsylvania. His accomplishments include being named Automotive Student of the Year 2017 by Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology; earning fifth place in 2016 and second place in 2017 in the Universal Technical Institute Top Tech Challenge; receiving a full scholarship to Universal Technical Institute and being named top of the class student speaker at the UTI graduation.

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