By Zane Clark

Several 2018 SEMA Show Education sessions will focus on vehicle technology and its impact on the automotive specialty-equipment market.

It is no secret how rapidly the automotive landscape is changing. Advanced vehicle technologies, driver-assist systems and alternate transportation have certainly shifted the paradigm and created disruptions in the service, repair and customization fields. Despite such disruptions, however, vehicle personalization remains a driving factor that influences the automotive marketplace and creates business opportunities.

Below are five programs taking place at the 2018 SEMA Show that will help your business navigate and capitalize on the evolving landscape:  

Which is Worth More: Your Expertise or Your Time?

Learn to apply the principles of product management to increase your profitability on labor billing for installations related to aftermarket automotive electronics, such as audio, safety (ADAS) and convenience systems.

Metal Fabrication in Automotive Interiors—Tips From the Pros

Reliability and serviceability are the foundation of any great car audio system or custom interior build that utilizes aftermarket electronics. In this seminar, learn uses of materials, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as plastic composites.

Custom Radar/Laser Detector Installation—A Highly Profitable Category

This informative and eye-opening seminar provides detailed insight into a profitable and opportune category—custom (hidden) radar/laser detection systems. With the high cost of insurance premiums on high-end vehicles and the safety concern of speeding in general, high-end vehicle owners can’t afford to have even one speeding ticket.

New Technologies, New Opportunities: Vehicle Technology Roundtable

Advanced vehicle technologies are changing how cars are designed, developed, customized, sold, serviced, shared and owned. We are witnessing one of the most fundamental shifts in the history of the automotive industry.

The Next Two Years: Navigating the Technology Landscape, Powered by PRO 

In today’s ever-evolving automotive environment, keeping up with technology is more important—and challenging—than ever. What knowledge and tools do the industry need to adapt? Join an expert panel as they provide insights into new technologies and deliver practical resources that can immediately benefit your shop.  

Sign Up. Show Up. Preview all sessions and register.

Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.

By Zane Clark

Several 2018 SEMA Show Education sessions will focus on vehicle technology and its impact on the automotive specialty-equipment market.

It is no secret how rapidly the automotive landscape is changing. Advanced vehicle technologies, driver-assist systems and alternate transportation have certainly shifted the paradigm and created disruptions in the service, repair and customization fields. Despite such disruptions, however, vehicle personalization remains a driving factor that influences the automotive marketplace and creates business opportunities.

Below are five programs taking place at the 2018 SEMA Show that will help your business navigate and capitalize on the evolving landscape:  

Which is Worth More: Your Expertise or Your Time?

Learn to apply the principles of product management to increase your profitability on labor billing for installations related to aftermarket automotive electronics, such as audio, safety (ADAS) and convenience systems.

Metal Fabrication in Automotive Interiors—Tips From the Pros

Reliability and serviceability are the foundation of any great car audio system or custom interior build that utilizes aftermarket electronics. In this seminar, learn uses of materials, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as plastic composites.

Custom Radar/Laser Detector Installation—A Highly Profitable Category

This informative and eye-opening seminar provides detailed insight into a profitable and opportune category—custom (hidden) radar/laser detection systems. With the high cost of insurance premiums on high-end vehicles and the safety concern of speeding in general, high-end vehicle owners can’t afford to have even one speeding ticket.

New Technologies, New Opportunities: Vehicle Technology Roundtable

Advanced vehicle technologies are changing how cars are designed, developed, customized, sold, serviced, shared and owned. We are witnessing one of the most fundamental shifts in the history of the automotive industry.

The Next Two Years: Navigating the Technology Landscape, Powered by PRO 

In today’s ever-evolving automotive environment, keeping up with technology is more important—and challenging—than ever. What knowledge and tools do the industry need to adapt? Join an expert panel as they provide insights into new technologies and deliver practical resources that can immediately benefit your shop.  

Sign Up. Show Up. Preview all sessions and register.

Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.

By Rachel Tatum

Find out what’s new and different for 2018 by participating in the SEMA Show Facebook Live Chat every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Log on to the SEMA Show Facebook Page, Thursday at 12:00 p.m. (PDT), for a live broadcast with SEMA Trade Show Director Tom Gattuso, who will discuss Show updates, breaking news and provide one-on-one customer service as he answers your most pressing questions.

Find out what’s new and different for 2018, get insider tips and learn how to plan for a successful Show experience by participating in the SEMA Show Facebook Live Chat every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Set your alarms and mark your calendars—we’ll see you soon! 

By Rachel Tatum

Find out what’s new and different for 2018 by participating in the SEMA Show Facebook Live Chat every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Log on to the SEMA Show Facebook Page, Thursday at 12:00 p.m. (PDT), for a live broadcast with SEMA Trade Show Director Tom Gattuso, who will discuss Show updates, breaking news and provide one-on-one customer service as he answers your most pressing questions.

Find out what’s new and different for 2018, get insider tips and learn how to plan for a successful Show experience by participating in the SEMA Show Facebook Live Chat every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Set your alarms and mark your calendars—we’ll see you soon! 

By Della Domingo

Blues-inspired rock-pop artist ZZ Ward will entertain Showgoers throughout the week of the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

SEMA Show attendees will be treated to live music by blues-inspired rock-pop artist ZZ Ward. Performing at numerous SEMA Show activities, including the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet and SEMA Ignited (the official after-party that is open to the public), the Los Angeles-based vocal powerhouse will entertain Showgoers throughout the week of the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Ward made headlines earlier this year when NBC kicked off the second half of its NASCAR season coverage with her singing Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream.”

The schedule kicks off Monday, October 29, at the Exhibitor Appreciation Reception, featuring the Media Exclusive Vehicle Reveal. The fedora-rocking guitarist will continue during the week in SEMA Central, where industry icons, celebrities and influencers are interviewed on stage. Before her final SEMA appearance at SEMA Ignited, Ward will perform at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 1.

Considered by many to be the industry’s premier awards ceremony where the Person of the Year is announced, the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is open to all SEMA Showgoers, and includes dinner.

Exhibitors qualify to obtain a limited number of free tickets to the banquet. All Showgoers are also able to purchase banquet tickets online. 

The 2018 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas. The annual trade show brings manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories together with industry buyers from all over the world.

By Della Domingo

Blues-inspired rock-pop artist ZZ Ward will entertain Showgoers throughout the week of the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

SEMA Show attendees will be treated to live music by blues-inspired rock-pop artist ZZ Ward. Performing at numerous SEMA Show activities, including the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet and SEMA Ignited (the official after-party that is open to the public), the Los Angeles-based vocal powerhouse will entertain Showgoers throughout the week of the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Ward made headlines earlier this year when NBC kicked off the second half of its NASCAR season coverage with her singing Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream.”

The schedule kicks off Monday, October 29, at the Exhibitor Appreciation Reception, featuring the Media Exclusive Vehicle Reveal. The fedora-rocking guitarist will continue during the week in SEMA Central, where industry icons, celebrities and influencers are interviewed on stage. Before her final SEMA appearance at SEMA Ignited, Ward will perform at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 1.

Considered by many to be the industry’s premier awards ceremony where the Person of the Year is announced, the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is open to all SEMA Showgoers, and includes dinner.

Exhibitors qualify to obtain a limited number of free tickets to the banquet. All Showgoers are also able to purchase banquet tickets online. 

The 2018 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas. The annual trade show brings manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories together with industry buyers from all over the world.

By Della Domingo

Blues-inspired rock-pop artist ZZ Ward will entertain Showgoers throughout the week of the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

SEMA Show attendees will be treated to live music by blues-inspired rock-pop artist ZZ Ward. Performing at numerous SEMA Show activities, including the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet and SEMA Ignited (the official after-party that is open to the public), the Los Angeles-based vocal powerhouse will entertain Showgoers throughout the week of the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Ward made headlines earlier this year when NBC kicked off the second half of its NASCAR season coverage with her singing Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream.”

The schedule kicks off Monday, October 29, at the Exhibitor Appreciation Reception, featuring the Media Exclusive Vehicle Reveal. The fedora-rocking guitarist will continue during the week in SEMA Central, where industry icons, celebrities and influencers are interviewed on stage. Before her final SEMA appearance at SEMA Ignited, Ward will perform at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 1.

Considered by many to be the industry’s premier awards ceremony where the Person of the Year is announced, the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is open to all SEMA Showgoers, and includes dinner.

Exhibitors qualify to obtain a limited number of free tickets to the banquet. All Showgoers are also able to purchase banquet tickets online. 

The 2018 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas. The annual trade show brings manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories together with industry buyers from all over the world.

By Della Domingo

Blues-inspired rock-pop artist ZZ Ward will entertain Showgoers throughout the week of the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

SEMA Show attendees will be treated to live music by blues-inspired rock-pop artist ZZ Ward. Performing at numerous SEMA Show activities, including the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet and SEMA Ignited (the official after-party that is open to the public), the Los Angeles-based vocal powerhouse will entertain Showgoers throughout the week of the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Ward made headlines earlier this year when NBC kicked off the second half of its NASCAR season coverage with her singing Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream.”

The schedule kicks off Monday, October 29, at the Exhibitor Appreciation Reception, featuring the Media Exclusive Vehicle Reveal. The fedora-rocking guitarist will continue during the week in SEMA Central, where industry icons, celebrities and influencers are interviewed on stage. Before her final SEMA appearance at SEMA Ignited, Ward will perform at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 1.

Considered by many to be the industry’s premier awards ceremony where the Person of the Year is announced, the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is open to all SEMA Showgoers, and includes dinner.

Exhibitors qualify to obtain a limited number of free tickets to the banquet. All Showgoers are also able to purchase banquet tickets online. 

The 2018 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas. The annual trade show brings manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories together with industry buyers from all over the world.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The world’s fastest street cars descended on Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, last weekend for the 17th Annual Honeywell Garrett NMCA All-American Nationals.

Race Wrap—17th Annual Honeywell Garrett NMCA All-American Nationals

The second to last stop on the 2018 NMCA tour—the 17th Annual Honeywell Garrett NMCA All-American Nationals featuring the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series—could make or break it for some racers chasing the championship. The world’s fastest street cars descended on Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, last weekend for another drag-racing event.

VP Racing Fuels Xtreme Pro Mod: Jason Hamstra claimed victory over number-two qualifier Don Walsh Jr., who hurt the drivetrain in his Corvette in the semi-finals bad enough that he wasn’t able to make the call to the start the next time out.

Mickey Thompson Radial Wars: James Lawrence and Enzo Pecchini both advanced to the last match-up of the weekend, where Lawrence had the starting-line advantage with his DragZine.com-backed, ProCharged Corvette, and never trailed to take the win with a 3.986 at 188.31 mph blast. Pecchini stopped the clocks in 4.128 at 180.48 mph.

Vortech Superchargers Street Outlaw: Nick Bacalis in his ’96 Mustang drilled Daniel Pharris in his turbocharged ’95 Mustang on the tree and refused to give up the lead.

Holley EFI Factory Super Car: Mark Pawuk reached the finals in his ’15 Dodge Challenger, where he was paired with Leonard Libersher for a Dodge vs. Chevy duel. A 0.001-second foul start for Libersher turned on the red light for his ’15 COPO Camaro and let Pawuk cruise to victory on his 8.152 at 169.23 mph jaunt through the traps.

ARP Nitrous Pro Street: Jordan Ensslin scored an easy win in the finals, running his ’02 Pontiac Trans Am down the 1320 unopposed, due to Jennifer Brooke Rice’s mechanical issue, which took her out of the running.

Fuel Systems Technology NA 10.5: David Theisen in his ’69 Firebird met Leonard Long in the finals, where he ran 7.933 at 174.91 mph over Long’s 7.985 at 172.76 mph response.

Edelbrock Xtreme Street: Jesse Coulter in his turbocharged ’91 Camaro earned his spot in the finals, where he ran against Tim Knieriem, who had qualified second with his ’95 Mustang. Knieriem was the first off the line, but Coulter drove around him to take the win with a 4.749 at 149.46 mph payday.

Coan Engineering Stock/Super Stock Combo: Jeffrey Frees took on Charlie Walc in the final round, and Frees chopped down the tree to his advantage. His holeshot, combined with his 10.015 at 124.64 mph pass on his 9.97 dial-in helped him find success against Walc.

ATI Performance Products Nostalgia Super Stock: Kevin Gass met Doug Poskevich in the final, where Gass’s ’66 Chevelle turned on the win light in its lane.

Detroit True Trac Nostalgia Muscle Car: Andy Warren in his ’71 Caprice secured the win over Chad Brewer in the finals.

MagnaFuel Open Comp: Kurt Anderson and Greg Bagnell met in the finals, where Bagnell broke out with his ’85 Mustang, but Anderson and his ’69 Camaro ran 9.784 at 135.16 mph on his 9.78 dial-in to secure the win.

Mickey Thompson Heavy Street: Terry Reeves in his ’18 Mustang faced Simon Haddad and his ’16 Challenger in the finals. Reeves had the hole shot, but Haddad was able to drive around him and take the win with a 10.400 at 136.06 mph pass against Reeves’s 11.899 at 124.90 mph effort.

Baskin Truck Sales F.A.S.T.: Terry Pennington in his ’69 Corvette got the win over Bill Atwood in the finals.

Diversified Products Marketing Vintage Cobra Jet: Steven Hall took on Rod Hetzel in the finals, where a -0.009-second foul start for Hetzel meant game over, while Hall stopped the traps in 9.768 seconds at 126.23 mph to make his win official.

Diversified Products Marketing Modern Cobra Jet: In the finals, Mike Pustelny and Rod Hetzel were the last two men standing, where Pustelny went on to earn the win in his ’14 Cobra Jet with a 9.831 at 136.25 mph.

Vintage vs. Modern Cobra Jet: Hall in his ’68 and Pustelny in his ’14 both left the line hard, but Pustelny went 9.863 at 135.88 mph on his 9.81 dial-in over Hall’s 9.754 at 136.46 mph trip on a 9.74 dial.

Gear Vendors True Street: Randy Thomas and his ’10 Mustang averaged an 8.777-second elapsed time across their three runs. Codey Woodby won the 9-second group with a 9.406-second average and Jeff Yepper won the 10-second group with his 10.059-second average. Topping the 11-second group was Joe Glockner. Dakota Poston won the 12-second average, Mark Storts won the 13-second bunch and Rob Tackett won the 14-second group.

Dodge/Mopar Hemi Shootout: Brian Fielder and his ’08 Challenger averaged 10.032 seconds to take the overall win. John Keyes was a winner for the 10-second pack, Eric Cunningham and Brian Borawski won the 11- and 12-second groups, respectively, Rich Sprintzl won the 13-second honors, Casey Fitzgerald won for the 14-second runners and Grady Alley won in the 15-second pack.

Bracket 3: Don Fotti who took the win in the finals, going 11.595 at 97.77 mph on his 11.50 dial-in with his ’68 Cobra Jet against Rob Tackett, who ran a low 14-second pass.

The NMCA Drag Racing season, presented by E3 Spark Plugs, wraps up September 21–23, at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis with the 17th Annual NMCA World Street Finals.

Drivers of the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series joined drivers of the NMCA, this time for the 17th Annual Honeywell Garrett NMCA All-American Nationals, August 23–26, at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series Drivers Stand Out at Summit Motorsports Park

For the second race in a row, drivers of the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series joined drivers of the NMCA, this time for the 17th Annual Honeywell Garrett NMCA All-American Nationals featuring the 50th Anniversary Ford Performance Cobra Jet Reunion, presented by TascaParts.com, August 23–26, at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

Chevrolet Performance Stock presented by Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center: Haley Rounsavall in her Camaro met Jesse Wilson in his Camaro, where Wilson wheeled to the win with a 10.29, while Rounsavall ran to the runner-up with a 10.57.

LME Street King: Taylor Lumsden landed his second win of the season with a 10.05 on a 10.00 index in his Firehawk, and Kurt Anderson was the runner-up with a 9.82 on a 9.75 index in his Camaro.

ProForm Rumble: Tom Calabrese and David Rickey made it to the final for a battle of the Camaros. Rickey ran to the holeshot win with an 11.55 on an 11.50 index, and Calabrese was the runner-up with a 12.01 on a 12.00 index.

Chevrolet Street Car Challenge: Stephen Chechak was the overall winner with an 9.41 average. George Messer was the runner-up with a 10.23 average, and Kevin Rowand rolled out the 11-second win. Bob Sanders secured the 12-second win and Bill Schoenberger picked up the 13-second win. Kurt Hindel scored the 14-second win.

Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series champions will emerge at the next (and final) race on this year’s tour—the Holley Fest, September 7–9, at Beech Bend Raceway in Kentucky.

Brian Deegan finished first in the Pro 2 class during last Saturday’s race.

Team M/T Sees the Podium Three Times at LOORRS Weekend in Utah

Team M/T visited the podium three times during the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) competition last Friday and Saturday at the Utah Motorsports Campus in Tooele, Utah. Brian Deegan finished first in the Pro 2 class during last Saturday’s race. Darren Hardesty Jr. finished second in the Pro Buggy class on both Friday and Saturday, preserving his Pro Buggy class points lead heading in to the final three LOORRS rounds of the 2018 season. Additionally, Deegan had the fastest lap time Friday. Three rounds remain in the 2018 LOORRS season, with the next race weekend scheduled for September 21–22 at Glen Helen Raceway. Originally slated to be the opening weekend of the 2018 season, the Rockstar Energy Golden State Off Road Nationals at Glen Helen was delayed due to heavy rain at the track in March. Currently, Hardesty Jr. is in second place overall in the Pro Buggy class.

Subaru driver David Higgins and co-driver Craig Drew took a win at the 2018 Ojibwe Forests Rally, earning their third straight victory and fourth total of the 2018 American Rally Association (ARA) season.

David Higgins Dominates the Ojibwe Forests Rally for Fourth Win of 2018

Subaru driver David Higgins and co-driver Craig Drew took a win at the 2018 Ojibwe Forests Rally, earning their third straight victory and fourth total of the 2018 American Rally Association (ARA) season. Higgins led from the start of the rally in his Subaru WRX STI and then managed his lead to take victory on the technical Minnesota dirt roads. Higgins’ teammate and rival Travis Pastrana, with co-driver Robbie Durant, made a rare mistake on the opening stage and was forced to miss the first day of action before re-joining the rally the next day. The expected close battle between Higgins and Pastrana never came to fruition as Pastrana was caught out on the slippery opening stage and clipped a concealed cement block. Although he would power through the remainder of the stage, suspension damage to the #199 Subaru would force Pastrana and Durant to retire from the day’s remaining stages. Higgins would press on, taking the lead and managing it for the remainder of the event, while Pastrana re-joined on the second day and secured overall fastest times on most of the Day 2 stages. The next ARA round for Subaru Rally Team USA is the Idaho Rally, September 14–15, in Boise, Idaho.

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

Celina Ingargiola, a member of SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) committee, sits down to explain what YEN is and some of the things it does for the industry.