By SEMA Editors

The 28th annual AETC will feature expert technical speakers that deliver a real platform for engine-technology information exchange.

Speaking proposals are now being accepted for the 2017 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC)—the leading engineering conference for the performance automotive industry that gives attendees a firsthand look at some of latest technological advances in engine design and performance.

Held December 5–6, 2017, in conjunction with the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, the 28th annual AETC will feature expert technical speakers who deliver a real platform for engine-technology information exchange. Organizers are especially interested in speakers who are experts in engine technology crossover from varying motorsport focuses, including Circle Track, Formula Drift, truck and off-road, Formula E and green performance.

“The Advanced Engineering Technology Conference offers attendees a look at some of latest technological advances in the automotive industry,” said SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark. “In addition, networking at the AETC results in priceless camaraderie and endless opportunities. We encourage industry experts to submit a proposal to be a part of this year’s AETC lineup.”

AETC proposals should be technical in nature, no longer than one page and must include:

• A title.
• Description.
• Three primary learning objectives (what the audience will learn).
• Summary of industry relevance/impact.

Speaking proposals can be sent to Zane Clark at ZaneC@sema.org. The deadline is March 31, 2017.

By SEMA Editors

The 28th annual AETC will feature expert technical speakers that deliver a real platform for engine-technology information exchange.

Speaking proposals are now being accepted for the 2017 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC)—the leading engineering conference for the performance automotive industry that gives attendees a firsthand look at some of latest technological advances in engine design and performance.

Held December 5–6, 2017, in conjunction with the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, the 28th annual AETC will feature expert technical speakers who deliver a real platform for engine-technology information exchange. Organizers are especially interested in speakers who are experts in engine technology crossover from varying motorsport focuses, including Circle Track, Formula Drift, truck and off-road, Formula E and green performance.

“The Advanced Engineering Technology Conference offers attendees a look at some of latest technological advances in the automotive industry,” said SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark. “In addition, networking at the AETC results in priceless camaraderie and endless opportunities. We encourage industry experts to submit a proposal to be a part of this year’s AETC lineup.”

AETC proposals should be technical in nature, no longer than one page and must include:

• A title.
• Description.
• Three primary learning objectives (what the audience will learn).
• Summary of industry relevance/impact.

Speaking proposals can be sent to Zane Clark at ZaneC@sema.org. The deadline is March 31, 2017.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Team Nitto swept the 2017 King of the Hammers podium. Photo credit: Chris Collard, Adventure Architects

Team Nitto Sweeps the Podium at King of the Hammers

Team Nitto drivers Shannon Campbell, Wayland Campbell and Jason Scherer have swept the 2017 King of the Hammers podium, while 2016 champion Erik Miller finished just behind in fourth place. This victory makes Campbell the first three-time winner of the race, and is the first time a tire manufacturer has swept the podium in the race’s 10-year history. View complete results.

Lovell Brothers Repeat for a Second Consecutive Overall Win at the 2017 Smittybilt Every Man Challenge

Long-time ULTRA4 celebrities Brad and Roger Lovell claimed an overall win for a second year in a row at the 2017 Smittybilt Every Man Challenge (EMC), while Ben Varozza, owner of a small 4WD shop in Northern California, earned his place at the top of the podium in Pro Comp Stock. The big upset this year was brought forth by past King of the Motos competitor Marty Mann. With a long history of racing on two wheels, but only a few four-wheel events under his belt, Mann signed up for the Modified Stock class in a Toyota pickup. Not only did Mann take a class win, but he also pulled off a third place overall—well ahead of a number of KOH heavy hitters. View complete EMC results.

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels Returns to NHRA as Major Event Sponsor

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels continues its support of NHRA drag racing in 2017 as a major event sponsor of the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. The company will also continue its role as a contingency sponsor for all Sportsman racing classes, as well as Pro Mod and Pro Stock Motorcycle. In addition to sponsoring champions Dan Fletcher and Luke Bogacki, the company plans to attend all national events with the fully equipped Mickey Thompson trailer to provide trackside support to racers throughout the 2017 season. The 2017 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series kicks off with the Winternationals this weekend at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California. The Regional series begins in Chandler, Arizona, February 24, and the Pro Mod series begins March 16 with the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida. Mickey Thompson will also serve as a Divisional Level Associate Contingency Sponsor of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series in all Sportsman classes, and will support NHRA racers through the popular Team M/T program.

PEAK Motor Oil has expanded its partnership with John Force Racing for 2017 and beyond.

PEAK Expands Partnership With John Force, JFR

John Force Racing has announced an expanded partnership between the 18-time championship-winning team and PEAK/BlueDEF for the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season and beyond. PEAK’s parent company, Old World Industries, has supported Force and JFR since the 2014 season. As part of the extension in 2017, PEAK Motor Oil will also become the Official Motor Oil of John Force Racing. For 2017, Jimmy Prock returns to JFR to serve as crew chief for Force’s PEAK Coolant & Motor Oil Chevrolet, with Chris Cunningham serving as co-crew chief. PEAK Coolant & Motor Oil and BlueDEF will also adorn JFR’s three other cars: the Auto Club of Southern California Funny Car for Robert Hight, the Advance Auto Parts Funny Car for Courtney Force and the Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster for Brittany Force.

Summit Racing Equipment Partners With United States Touring Car Series

Summit Racing Equipment has expanded its presence in the circle-track world by entering into a partnership with the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS). Now in its 19th season, the open-wheel dirt modified series will feature 77 nights of racing over the course of 269 days during the 2017 season. Summit Racing will be the Official High Performance Source of the USMTS, title sponsor of the USMTS Southern region, presenting sponsor of the USMTS Central and Northern regions, and presenting sponsor of the annual King of America Modified Nationals through the 2019 season. In addition, Summit Racing is doling out more than $10,000 in gift cards to top finishers in regional and national points battles during the course of the season. The 2017 champion of the 21-race Summit Racing USMTS Southern region will earn $10,000. The season kicked off February 9 with a three-day event at the Cotton Bowl Speedway in Paige, Texas.

Watkins Glen International, Busch Beer Team Up to Bring Daytona 500 to New York State NASCAR Fans

Watkins Glen International and Busch Beer will welcome NASCAR fans to enjoy the 59th running of the Daytona 500 at nine New York State viewing parties, Sunday, February 26. The events will be held at venues in Syracuse, Gowanda, Pine City, Schoharie, Oswego, Plattsburgh, Utica, Palmyra and Chenango Forks, with each location offering multiple TVs to watch the race, food and/or drink specials, and prizes, including two tickets to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International. Compliments of Busch Beer, one winner will also walk away with the grand prize of a Watkins Glen International NASCAR weekend prize pack, including four weekend grandstand tickets, four Busch Turn 1 Tavern admission passes and four Sunday morning pace car rides.

Classic Instruments has announced it will be a contingency sponsor for all Sportsman races in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

Classic Instruments Will Participate in 2017 NHRA Contingency Program

Classic Instruments has announced it will be a contingency sponsor for all Sportsman races in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. The company has spent the past year creating the “racers gauge” by consulting racers such as Jason Line to reveal what racers really need and want. The manufacturer’s entire lineup of new performance series instruments is available at Summit Racing and other licensed Classic Instruments dealers.

Pritchett, Hagan and Line Win Season-Opening Circle K NHRA Winternationals

Leah Pritchett earned the second Top Fuel victory of her career at the 57th annual Circle K NHRA Winternationals last Sunday at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California. Matt Hagan (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) also had wins in their respective categories at the first event of 24 on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. Pritchett, who was also the No. 1 qualifier of the event, piloted her Papa John’s Pizza dragster to a 3.711-second pass at 324.98 mph to defeat Doug Kalitta and his Mac Tools dragster’s 7.630 at 103.85 after smoking the tires at the start. Pritchett defeated Steve Torrence and eight-time champion Tony Schumacher en route to the finals. Kalitta, who was in his third consecutive final at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, bettered Terry McMillen and three-time and reigning world champion Antron Brown. Hagan raced to his 23rd Funny Car victory with a 3.875 at 330.07 in his Mopar Express Lane Dodge Charger R/T. He defeated Courtney Force who ran a 3.901 at 326.95 in the final for his second win at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals. He also won in 2015. In Pro Stock, Line started his championship defense with a victory over teammate Greg Anderson. Line ran a 6.568 at 211.10 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro for his 46th career victory and 14th consecutive season with at least one win. Anderson ran a 6.579 at 211.56 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro. The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues February 24–26 at the NHRA Arizona Nationals being held at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona.

NMRA and Keystone Automotive have teamed up with Livernois Motorsports for the third year in a row to bring fans the EcoBoost Battle during the 23rd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout, March 2–5, 2017, at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida.

Livernois Motorsports to Sponsor the EcoBoost Battle at the NMRA Spring Break Shootout

NMRA and Keystone Automotive have teamed up with Livernois Motorsports for the third year in a row to bring fans the EcoBoost Battle—a class exclusively designed for Ford’s EcoBoost-powered vehicles—during the 23rd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout, March 2–5, 2017, at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida. EcoBoost Battle is open to all EcoBoost-powered vehicles, including Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Taurus, Explorer, F-150 and Mustang. Many aftermarket modifications are permitted, and vehicles must meet all NHRA safety regulations. The class will race heads-up on a .400 tree (sportsman ladder). EcoBoost Battle competitors can race two classes for the price of one because they will receive a free entry into Saturday’s QA1 True Street class (must fit True Street rules) for even more chances to win. This is a $100 bonus value as EcoBoost Battle racers join more than 120 of their friends for the largest True Street event of the year, presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords.

Permatex will continue its perennial sponsorship of the Follow A Dream Race Team as the team’s corporate sponsor for the 2017 NHRA Championship Top Alcohol Funny Car Series.

Permatex Sponsors Follow A Dream Race Team for 13th Straight NHRA Racing Season

Permatex will continue its perennial sponsorship of the Follow A Dream Race Team as the team’s corporate sponsor for the 2017 NHRA Championship Top Alcohol Funny Car Series. This year marks the 13th consecutive season that Permatex has partnered with Jay Blake and his Follow A Dream Race Team in the NHRA series. The Permatex Follow A Dream Race Team will compete in the 2017 NHRA series with veteran driver Phil Burkart behind the wheel. Burkart joined the Follow A Dream team as the full-time driver in 2016. He will help the team compete in 14 races this year, across the United States. Veteran Anthony Terenzio will also continue as the team’s tuner. Terenzio joined the team in 2016 season after the retirement of long-time tuner Tom Howell.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Team Nitto swept the 2017 King of the Hammers podium. Photo credit: Chris Collard, Adventure Architects

Team Nitto Sweeps the Podium at King of the Hammers

Team Nitto drivers Shannon Campbell, Wayland Campbell and Jason Scherer have swept the 2017 King of the Hammers podium, while 2016 champion Erik Miller finished just behind in fourth place. This victory makes Campbell the first three-time winner of the race, and is the first time a tire manufacturer has swept the podium in the race’s 10-year history. View complete results.

Lovell Brothers Repeat for a Second Consecutive Overall Win at the 2017 Smittybilt Every Man Challenge

Long-time ULTRA4 celebrities Brad and Roger Lovell claimed an overall win for a second year in a row at the 2017 Smittybilt Every Man Challenge (EMC), while Ben Varozza, owner of a small 4WD shop in Northern California, earned his place at the top of the podium in Pro Comp Stock. The big upset this year was brought forth by past King of the Motos competitor Marty Mann. With a long history of racing on two wheels, but only a few four-wheel events under his belt, Mann signed up for the Modified Stock class in a Toyota pickup. Not only did Mann take a class win, but he also pulled off a third place overall—well ahead of a number of KOH heavy hitters. View complete EMC results.

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels Returns to NHRA as Major Event Sponsor

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels continues its support of NHRA drag racing in 2017 as a major event sponsor of the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. The company will also continue its role as a contingency sponsor for all Sportsman racing classes, as well as Pro Mod and Pro Stock Motorcycle. In addition to sponsoring champions Dan Fletcher and Luke Bogacki, the company plans to attend all national events with the fully equipped Mickey Thompson trailer to provide trackside support to racers throughout the 2017 season. The 2017 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series kicks off with the Winternationals this weekend at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California. The Regional series begins in Chandler, Arizona, February 24, and the Pro Mod series begins March 16 with the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida. Mickey Thompson will also serve as a Divisional Level Associate Contingency Sponsor of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series in all Sportsman classes, and will support NHRA racers through the popular Team M/T program.

PEAK Motor Oil has expanded its partnership with John Force Racing for 2017 and beyond.

PEAK Expands Partnership With John Force, JFR

John Force Racing has announced an expanded partnership between the 18-time championship-winning team and PEAK/BlueDEF for the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season and beyond. PEAK’s parent company, Old World Industries, has supported Force and JFR since the 2014 season. As part of the extension in 2017, PEAK Motor Oil will also become the Official Motor Oil of John Force Racing. For 2017, Jimmy Prock returns to JFR to serve as crew chief for Force’s PEAK Coolant & Motor Oil Chevrolet, with Chris Cunningham serving as co-crew chief. PEAK Coolant & Motor Oil and BlueDEF will also adorn JFR’s three other cars: the Auto Club of Southern California Funny Car for Robert Hight, the Advance Auto Parts Funny Car for Courtney Force and the Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster for Brittany Force.

Summit Racing Equipment Partners With United States Touring Car Series

Summit Racing Equipment has expanded its presence in the circle-track world by entering into a partnership with the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS). Now in its 19th season, the open-wheel dirt modified series will feature 77 nights of racing over the course of 269 days during the 2017 season. Summit Racing will be the Official High Performance Source of the USMTS, title sponsor of the USMTS Southern region, presenting sponsor of the USMTS Central and Northern regions, and presenting sponsor of the annual King of America Modified Nationals through the 2019 season. In addition, Summit Racing is doling out more than $10,000 in gift cards to top finishers in regional and national points battles during the course of the season. The 2017 champion of the 21-race Summit Racing USMTS Southern region will earn $10,000. The season kicked off February 9 with a three-day event at the Cotton Bowl Speedway in Paige, Texas.

Watkins Glen International, Busch Beer Team Up to Bring Daytona 500 to New York State NASCAR Fans

Watkins Glen International and Busch Beer will welcome NASCAR fans to enjoy the 59th running of the Daytona 500 at nine New York State viewing parties, Sunday, February 26. The events will be held at venues in Syracuse, Gowanda, Pine City, Schoharie, Oswego, Plattsburgh, Utica, Palmyra and Chenango Forks, with each location offering multiple TVs to watch the race, food and/or drink specials, and prizes, including two tickets to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International. Compliments of Busch Beer, one winner will also walk away with the grand prize of a Watkins Glen International NASCAR weekend prize pack, including four weekend grandstand tickets, four Busch Turn 1 Tavern admission passes and four Sunday morning pace car rides.

Classic Instruments has announced it will be a contingency sponsor for all Sportsman races in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

Classic Instruments Will Participate in 2017 NHRA Contingency Program

Classic Instruments has announced it will be a contingency sponsor for all Sportsman races in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. The company has spent the past year creating the “racers gauge” by consulting racers such as Jason Line to reveal what racers really need and want. The manufacturer’s entire lineup of new performance series instruments is available at Summit Racing and other licensed Classic Instruments dealers.

Pritchett, Hagan and Line Win Season-Opening Circle K NHRA Winternationals

Leah Pritchett earned the second Top Fuel victory of her career at the 57th annual Circle K NHRA Winternationals last Sunday at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California. Matt Hagan (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) also had wins in their respective categories at the first event of 24 on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. Pritchett, who was also the No. 1 qualifier of the event, piloted her Papa John’s Pizza dragster to a 3.711-second pass at 324.98 mph to defeat Doug Kalitta and his Mac Tools dragster’s 7.630 at 103.85 after smoking the tires at the start. Pritchett defeated Steve Torrence and eight-time champion Tony Schumacher en route to the finals. Kalitta, who was in his third consecutive final at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, bettered Terry McMillen and three-time and reigning world champion Antron Brown. Hagan raced to his 23rd Funny Car victory with a 3.875 at 330.07 in his Mopar Express Lane Dodge Charger R/T. He defeated Courtney Force who ran a 3.901 at 326.95 in the final for his second win at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals. He also won in 2015. In Pro Stock, Line started his championship defense with a victory over teammate Greg Anderson. Line ran a 6.568 at 211.10 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro for his 46th career victory and 14th consecutive season with at least one win. Anderson ran a 6.579 at 211.56 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro. The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues February 24–26 at the NHRA Arizona Nationals being held at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona.

NMRA and Keystone Automotive have teamed up with Livernois Motorsports for the third year in a row to bring fans the EcoBoost Battle during the 23rd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout, March 2–5, 2017, at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida.

Livernois Motorsports to Sponsor the EcoBoost Battle at the NMRA Spring Break Shootout

NMRA and Keystone Automotive have teamed up with Livernois Motorsports for the third year in a row to bring fans the EcoBoost Battle—a class exclusively designed for Ford’s EcoBoost-powered vehicles—during the 23rd Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout, March 2–5, 2017, at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida. EcoBoost Battle is open to all EcoBoost-powered vehicles, including Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Taurus, Explorer, F-150 and Mustang. Many aftermarket modifications are permitted, and vehicles must meet all NHRA safety regulations. The class will race heads-up on a .400 tree (sportsman ladder). EcoBoost Battle competitors can race two classes for the price of one because they will receive a free entry into Saturday’s QA1 True Street class (must fit True Street rules) for even more chances to win. This is a $100 bonus value as EcoBoost Battle racers join more than 120 of their friends for the largest True Street event of the year, presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords.

Permatex will continue its perennial sponsorship of the Follow A Dream Race Team as the team’s corporate sponsor for the 2017 NHRA Championship Top Alcohol Funny Car Series.

Permatex Sponsors Follow A Dream Race Team for 13th Straight NHRA Racing Season

Permatex will continue its perennial sponsorship of the Follow A Dream Race Team as the team’s corporate sponsor for the 2017 NHRA Championship Top Alcohol Funny Car Series. This year marks the 13th consecutive season that Permatex has partnered with Jay Blake and his Follow A Dream Race Team in the NHRA series. The Permatex Follow A Dream Race Team will compete in the 2017 NHRA series with veteran driver Phil Burkart behind the wheel. Burkart joined the Follow A Dream team as the full-time driver in 2016. He will help the team compete in 14 races this year, across the United States. Veteran Anthony Terenzio will also continue as the team’s tuner. Terenzio joined the team in 2016 season after the retirement of long-time tuner Tom Howell.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Kooks’ new facility, which opened last fall, features a state-of-the-art R&D shop.

Kooks’ New Facility Expands Capabilities

Kooks Headers and Exhaust now occupies three buildings, including a new facility in Mooresville, North Carolina. The third facility, which opened last fall, features a state-of-the-art R&D shop. Kooks expanded its variety of production parts in the past year. This includes an increased selection of axle-backs, cat-backs and new applications for Jeep Wranglers, 4x4 trucks, imports and domestics. The company also crafts custom systems not currently in its catalog, particularly ’03-and-earlier street-performance, classic-car, and truck models.

HUBB Appoints National Sales and Marketing as Its Rep Agency for the Performance Channel

HUBB Filters has appointed National Sales and Marketing LLC (NSM) as its manufacturers’ representative agency for the U.S. automotive aftermarket performance channel. Based in Rexburg, Idaho, NSM is a company with more than 30 years of combined experience representing manufacturers in the automotive aftermarket distribution channel. The firm is led by its principals Troy Sakota and Jud Niederer.

Stellar Industries Signs Letter of Intent to Purchase ACI

Stellar Industries Inc. has announced that it has entered into a Letter of Intent to purchase the assets of American Crane Inc. (ACI) and Tire Trucks International (TTI). ACI and TTI are located in Garner, Iowa, and are led by John Collins, president and owner. Collins is a member of the Tire Industry Association (TIA) Hall of Fame; therefore, the acquisition allows Stellar to capitalize on his industry contributions and reputation. Closing and integrating operations is expected to take place within 90 days.

SpeedVideo’s live automotive broadcasts have reached more than 2 million fans throughout the course of their debut season in 2016.

SpeedVideo Debut Season Reaches More Than 2 Million Automotive Enthusiasts in 2016

With more than 5 million video views and more than 20 million minutes of viewing time, SpeedVideo’s live automotive broadcasts have reached more than 2 million fans throughout the course of their debut season in 2016. “Outlaw Armageddon” draws thousands of spectators to its home at Thunder Valley Raceway Park in Noble, Oklahoma. With the live stream in 2016, for the first time, “Outlaw Armageddon’s” event was available to anyone in the world. The broadcast brought in 1.5 million views and more than 400,000 online viewers. SpeedVideo’s live broadcast of the 2016 World Cup Finals accumulated more than 1.2 million views and racked up more than 285,000 unique viewers. SpeedVideo’s live drag-racing broadcasts will continue throughout 2017, covering events from the NMRA, PDRA, NMCA, TX2K, Dirty South, Radial Fest, Outlaw Armageddon, Shakedown at the Summit, MIR and more. View past and future events at www.speedvideo.com.

Prestone Celebrates 90th Anniversary With Nationwide Memorabilia Search, New Partnerships

In celebration of its 90th anniversary, Prestone has planned multiple activities throughout the year, including a large-scale, nationwide search for branded memorabilia to uncover previously lost or unknown artifacts from the brand’s past. The company is looking for vintage Prestone signs, cans, bottles, advertisements and any other historical items. Found items will ultimately come to rest in permanent display at the Prestone corporate archives. Noteworthy submissions may also be included in nationwide museum exhibits. Longtime fans and users can learn more about how to participate on the official Prestone Instagram and Facebook pages. Additionally, the brand is engaging in new partnerships this year, including a new deal with Barrett-Jackson. Prestone will also continue its partnership with Ringbrothers, who will build a custom ’72 AMC Javelin AMX in honor of the brand’s anniversary. To celebrate the brand and highlight the build, Prestone will kick-off the 2017 SEMA Show with a rally from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Prestone is also launching a Truck & Trailer Program that features a customized Ford F-750, currently being designed and built by the DieselSellerz. The program will activate at key auto and aftermarket events around the country, including the Hot Rod Power Tour, the SEMA Show, PRI Trade Show and multiple Goodguys Rod & Custom Association events.

Chris Compton

Distinctive Industries Names Chris Compton National Sales Manager

Distinctive Industries has announced the appointment of Chris Compton as national sales manager. Compton, a lifelong enthusiast and restoration guru, is responsible for sales and new-business development in the continental United States and for promoting the Distinctive Industries brand. He has more than 29 years’ experience in the automotive aftermarket, including 22 years in the restoration marketplace. After graduating from college, Compton landed his first sales job at Rick’s Camaros, which led to a 17-year career, in numerous management positions, including Camaro brand manager. More recently, he served as sales and new-product coordinator at Camaro Central, where his responsibilities included monitoring e-commerce products and data entry, and spearheading product research and new-product development.

Dee Zee Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Dee Zee Inc. is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a leading manufacturer in the light-truck accessory market. The manufacturer has six production locations, all in central Iowa. Dee Zee began operations in 1977 when the company manufactured its first set of running boards. The initial product line consisted of 12 different running board models, and in just a few years, Dee Zee would turn out more than 1,000 running boards per day, in addition to several related product lines. Today Dee Zee’s business is balanced between OEM business and aftermarket sales. OEM partners include Ford, Nissan, Chevy, GMC and Toyota. The aftermarket business has expanded to include toolboxes, fuel transfer tanks, bed protection and cargo management.

AAM Group Announces “Race 2 Daytona” Contest Winners

The AAM Group has announced that Bruce Baier from Competition Muffler & Shocks in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is the winner of the 2016 Flowmaster “Race 2 Daytona” contest. Baier, who sold the highest dollar amount of Flowmaster product from July 1, 2016–December 31, 2016, will be joined by six guests at the 2017 Daytona 500. All expenses—including travel, lodging, event tickets and official meals—will be covered by Flowmaster.

• Winning Jobber and Guest: Bruce Baier and Tammie Baier (Competition Muffler)
• Winning Jobber’s WD Salespersons: Brennan Clark, William Robertson and Corey Rogers (Dix Performance)
• Winning Jobber’s Biggest Flowmaster Customer and Guest: Bobby Joe Wilson and Deborah Wilson

Stage 8 Launches New Website for 2017

Stage 8 Locking Fasteners has recently launched a new website. Focused on product education, optimized dealer location and captivating visuals, the all-new www.stage8.com is designed to better serve both industrial and recreational customers in the coming years. The website will continue to grow in step with upcoming new-product releases and social media integration.

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.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is interested in speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media, and vehicle customization.

Applications are still being accepted for industry leaders to host a seminar at the 2017 SEMA Show, taking place October 31–November 3, 2017, in Las Vegas. The association is especially interested in speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media and vehicle customization.

The educational seminars make up an essential component of the SEMA Show—the premier automotive trade event that attracts more than 140,000 industry professionals annually. In addition to connecting automotive manufacturers with professional buyers from all over the world, the four-day SEMA Show is the leading venue for industry experts to network in person and learn new business strategies.

“The SEMA Show is about helping businesses succeed, and a big part of that is providing participants with information that will help their businesses,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The seminars give SEMA Show participants greater return on their investment and an opportunity to learn about better ways to do business.”

The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five dozen sessions. While topics address basic business practices, such as customer service, marketing and social media, the 2017 program will emphasize issues that are of greatest concern to businesses in the automotive aftermarket.

Topics of interest for the 2017 SEMA Show include:

• How YELP has Changed the Trust Landscape in Business
• The Automotive Industry in Five Years
• Hire and Retain Social Employees
• Vehicle Building and Fabrication
• Business Technology and Applications to Advance Business
• Practical Solutions for Small Businesses
• What Is Next in Social Media Marketing
• Bookkeeping and Payroll

All speakers should be able to focus on industry issues and not a specific company position or agenda.

“We pride ourselves in providing top-rated information from industry experts to attendees through the education program,” said SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark. “These seminars are some of the many benefits of attending the SEMA Show.”

Applications for speaker submissions are available at www.sema.org/speakers until February 20, 2017. Speaker entries will be answered no later than April 20, 2017. For more details, contact Clark at zanec@sema.org, 909-978-6743.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is interested in speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media, and vehicle customization.

Applications are still being accepted for industry leaders to host a seminar at the 2017 SEMA Show, taking place October 31–November 3, 2017, in Las Vegas. The association is especially interested in speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media and vehicle customization.

The educational seminars make up an essential component of the SEMA Show—the premier automotive trade event that attracts more than 140,000 industry professionals annually. In addition to connecting automotive manufacturers with professional buyers from all over the world, the four-day SEMA Show is the leading venue for industry experts to network in person and learn new business strategies.

“The SEMA Show is about helping businesses succeed, and a big part of that is providing participants with information that will help their businesses,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The seminars give SEMA Show participants greater return on their investment and an opportunity to learn about better ways to do business.”

The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five dozen sessions. While topics address basic business practices, such as customer service, marketing and social media, the 2017 program will emphasize issues that are of greatest concern to businesses in the automotive aftermarket.

Topics of interest for the 2017 SEMA Show include:

• How YELP has Changed the Trust Landscape in Business
• The Automotive Industry in Five Years
• Hire and Retain Social Employees
• Vehicle Building and Fabrication
• Business Technology and Applications to Advance Business
• Practical Solutions for Small Businesses
• What Is Next in Social Media Marketing
• Bookkeeping and Payroll

All speakers should be able to focus on industry issues and not a specific company position or agenda.

“We pride ourselves in providing top-rated information from industry experts to attendees through the education program,” said SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark. “These seminars are some of the many benefits of attending the SEMA Show.”

Applications for speaker submissions are available at www.sema.org/speakers until February 20, 2017. Speaker entries will be answered no later than April 20, 2017. For more details, contact Clark at zanec@sema.org, 909-978-6743.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is interested in speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media, and vehicle customization.

Applications are still being accepted for industry leaders to host a seminar at the 2017 SEMA Show, taking place October 31–November 3, 2017, in Las Vegas. The association is especially interested in speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media and vehicle customization.

The educational seminars make up an essential component of the SEMA Show—the premier automotive trade event that attracts more than 140,000 industry professionals annually. In addition to connecting automotive manufacturers with professional buyers from all over the world, the four-day SEMA Show is the leading venue for industry experts to network in person and learn new business strategies.

“The SEMA Show is about helping businesses succeed, and a big part of that is providing participants with information that will help their businesses,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The seminars give SEMA Show participants greater return on their investment and an opportunity to learn about better ways to do business.”

The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five dozen sessions. While topics address basic business practices, such as customer service, marketing and social media, the 2017 program will emphasize issues that are of greatest concern to businesses in the automotive aftermarket.

Topics of interest for the 2017 SEMA Show include:

• How YELP has Changed the Trust Landscape in Business
• The Automotive Industry in Five Years
• Hire and Retain Social Employees
• Vehicle Building and Fabrication
• Business Technology and Applications to Advance Business
• Practical Solutions for Small Businesses
• What Is Next in Social Media Marketing
• Bookkeeping and Payroll

All speakers should be able to focus on industry issues and not a specific company position or agenda.

“We pride ourselves in providing top-rated information from industry experts to attendees through the education program,” said SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark. “These seminars are some of the many benefits of attending the SEMA Show.”

Applications for speaker submissions are available at www.sema.org/speakers until February 20, 2017. Speaker entries will be answered no later than April 20, 2017. For more details, contact Clark at zanec@sema.org, 909-978-6743.

By SEMA Editors

(L-R): Matt Agosta, Chip Foose and Gary Hooker were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2016.

SEMA is now accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate an industry professional for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame forms before the March 10 deadline.

The 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were Matt Agosta, Steele Rubber Products; Chip Foose, Foose Design; and Gary Hooker, Hooker Headers.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

(L-R): Matt Agosta, Chip Foose and Gary Hooker were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2016.

SEMA is now accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate an industry professional for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame forms before the March 10 deadline.

The 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were Matt Agosta, Steele Rubber Products; Chip Foose, Foose Design; and Gary Hooker, Hooker Headers.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.