By SEMA Editors

Last year, nearly 40 SEMA-member companies traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the fifth SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference. This year, California-based companies are eligible for a $1,500 grant to help defray the costs to participate.

The State of California STEP program (a federal-state trade initiative) has just confirmed that qualified California-based companies traveling with SEMA for the 2017 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference from March 28–April 1 are eligible for a $1,500 grant to help defray the costs to participate. These newly announced funds are in addition to the $900 being provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce for a total of $2,400 in grants. Subsidized slots are limited. 

To learn more about SEMA overseas trips, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org. Information regarding the SEMA Middle East trip is available online. For those who are not from California but want to find out if their state offers funds to participate in the Middle East trip, contact Linda Spencer.

By SEMA Editors

Last year, nearly 40 SEMA-member companies traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the fifth SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference. This year, California-based companies are eligible for a $1,500 grant to help defray the costs to participate.

The State of California STEP program (a federal-state trade initiative) has just confirmed that qualified California-based companies traveling with SEMA for the 2017 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference from March 28–April 1 are eligible for a $1,500 grant to help defray the costs to participate. These newly announced funds are in addition to the $900 being provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce for a total of $2,400 in grants. Subsidized slots are limited. 

To learn more about SEMA overseas trips, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org. Information regarding the SEMA Middle East trip is available online. For those who are not from California but want to find out if their state offers funds to participate in the Middle East trip, contact Linda Spencer.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a proposed rule to require installation of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications technology on new cars. A wireless chip would allow connected cars to communicate over a special wireless frequency called Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC). The DSRC system operates in a fashion similar to the Wi-Fi used in personal computers. Vehicles would transmit a 360-degree status report location, speed and direction to other connected vehicles within the immediate vicinity. Computers in the cars would be able to respond to an impending crash by sending an alert to the driver (flashing message, audible warning, rumbling seat or steering wheel). The technology could eventually be more interactive, applying the brakes, increasing speed or turning the car.

V2V devices would speak the same language through standardized messaging developed with industry. This would also allow aftermarket companies to market products to retrofit older cars. Once the rule is finalized, the automakers will be provided a four-year phase-in period to install the products on new vehicles.

In a separate action, the Federal Highway Administration is expected to soon issue guidance for Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I), allowing communications with roadways and traffic lights in order to improve mobility and safety, and reduce congestion. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a proposed rule to require installation of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications technology on new cars. A wireless chip would allow connected cars to communicate over a special wireless frequency called Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC). The DSRC system operates in a fashion similar to the Wi-Fi used in personal computers. Vehicles would transmit a 360-degree status report location, speed and direction to other connected vehicles within the immediate vicinity. Computers in the cars would be able to respond to an impending crash by sending an alert to the driver (flashing message, audible warning, rumbling seat or steering wheel). The technology could eventually be more interactive, applying the brakes, increasing speed or turning the car.

V2V devices would speak the same language through standardized messaging developed with industry. This would also allow aftermarket companies to market products to retrofit older cars. Once the rule is finalized, the automakers will be provided a four-year phase-in period to install the products on new vehicles.

In a separate action, the Federal Highway Administration is expected to soon issue guidance for Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I), allowing communications with roadways and traffic lights in order to improve mobility and safety, and reduce congestion. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a proposed rule to require installation of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications technology on new cars. A wireless chip would allow connected cars to communicate over a special wireless frequency called Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC). The DSRC system operates in a fashion similar to the Wi-Fi used in personal computers. Vehicles would transmit a 360-degree status report location, speed and direction to other connected vehicles within the immediate vicinity. Computers in the cars would be able to respond to an impending crash by sending an alert to the driver (flashing message, audible warning, rumbling seat or steering wheel). The technology could eventually be more interactive, applying the brakes, increasing speed or turning the car.

V2V devices would speak the same language through standardized messaging developed with industry. This would also allow aftermarket companies to market products to retrofit older cars. Once the rule is finalized, the automakers will be provided a four-year phase-in period to install the products on new vehicles.

In a separate action, the Federal Highway Administration is expected to soon issue guidance for Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I), allowing communications with roadways and traffic lights in order to improve mobility and safety, and reduce congestion. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

A Message From SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

Over the past year, the racing community undertook an unprecedented effort to protect Americans’ right to modify street vehicles into dedicated racecars and our industry’s right to sell the parts that support the sport. In February, more than 100,000 racers, industry members and enthusiasts rallied to sign a White House petition in a single day. Since March, you have flooded Congress with nearly 200,000 letters in support of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act—a bill that makes clear that the Clean Air Act allows motor vehicles to be converted into dedicated race vehicles. The bill also protects our ability to sell the parts and equipment that enable racers to compete.

You have been heard! Your persistence and enthusiasm resulted in 148 Congressional lawmakers signing on to co-sponsor the RPM Act. These efforts underscore the passion of our community and industry. We are grateful for your unyielding commitment to motorsports.

But, there’s still more work to do. Our industry and community will continue this effort into 2017 as we work with the new Congress and the incoming Trump Administration to reintroduce the RPM Act and get it passed into law. Your ongoing support is critical to achieving our goal and to protecting this great American tradition now and into the future.

Thank you again. We look forward to working with you to get the bill enacted in the coming year. 

A Message From SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

Over the past year, the racing community undertook an unprecedented effort to protect Americans’ right to modify street vehicles into dedicated racecars and our industry’s right to sell the parts that support the sport. In February, more than 100,000 racers, industry members and enthusiasts rallied to sign a White House petition in a single day. Since March, you have flooded Congress with nearly 200,000 letters in support of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act—a bill that makes clear that the Clean Air Act allows motor vehicles to be converted into dedicated race vehicles. The bill also protects our ability to sell the parts and equipment that enable racers to compete.

You have been heard! Your persistence and enthusiasm resulted in 148 Congressional lawmakers signing on to co-sponsor the RPM Act. These efforts underscore the passion of our community and industry. We are grateful for your unyielding commitment to motorsports.

But, there’s still more work to do. Our industry and community will continue this effort into 2017 as we work with the new Congress and the incoming Trump Administration to reintroduce the RPM Act and get it passed into law. Your ongoing support is critical to achieving our goal and to protecting this great American tradition now and into the future.

Thank you again. We look forward to working with you to get the bill enacted in the coming year. 

A Message From SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

Over the past year, the racing community undertook an unprecedented effort to protect Americans’ right to modify street vehicles into dedicated racecars and our industry’s right to sell the parts that support the sport. In February, more than 100,000 racers, industry members and enthusiasts rallied to sign a White House petition in a single day. Since March, you have flooded Congress with nearly 200,000 letters in support of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act—a bill that makes clear that the Clean Air Act allows motor vehicles to be converted into dedicated race vehicles. The bill also protects our ability to sell the parts and equipment that enable racers to compete.

You have been heard! Your persistence and enthusiasm resulted in 148 Congressional lawmakers signing on to co-sponsor the RPM Act. These efforts underscore the passion of our community and industry. We are grateful for your unyielding commitment to motorsports.

But, there’s still more work to do. Our industry and community will continue this effort into 2017 as we work with the new Congress and the incoming Trump Administration to reintroduce the RPM Act and get it passed into law. Your ongoing support is critical to achieving our goal and to protecting this great American tradition now and into the future.

Thank you again. We look forward to working with you to get the bill enacted in the coming year. 

A Message From SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

Over the past year, the racing community undertook an unprecedented effort to protect Americans’ right to modify street vehicles into dedicated racecars and our industry’s right to sell the parts that support the sport. In February, more than 100,000 racers, industry members and enthusiasts rallied to sign a White House petition in a single day. Since March, you have flooded Congress with nearly 200,000 letters in support of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act—a bill that makes clear that the Clean Air Act allows motor vehicles to be converted into dedicated race vehicles. The bill also protects our ability to sell the parts and equipment that enable racers to compete.

You have been heard! Your persistence and enthusiasm resulted in 148 Congressional lawmakers signing on to co-sponsor the RPM Act. These efforts underscore the passion of our community and industry. We are grateful for your unyielding commitment to motorsports.

But, there’s still more work to do. Our industry and community will continue this effort into 2017 as we work with the new Congress and the incoming Trump Administration to reintroduce the RPM Act and get it passed into law. Your ongoing support is critical to achieving our goal and to protecting this great American tradition now and into the future.

Thank you again. We look forward to working with you to get the bill enacted in the coming year. 

By Juan Torres

Big Mike, one of three Young Guns who made it into the Top 10 in the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, has been modifying cars for nine years. Based in Garden Grove, California, he specializes in the design of custom cars and focuses on the color coordination, texture and shaping of the build. His custom designs have been on the covers of Honda Tuning and Banzai magazines.

He describes his ’92 Prelude as an amalgamation of different worlds, combining hot rod, race and show styling. The car has a custom front end that was handmade using clay modeling and covered in fiberglass. Additional custom modifications include stainless lines throughout the chassis, Alcantara-wrapped dash, and custom door panels and a center console. The car was also upgraded with Garret turbos, Competition Clutches twin discs, Axalta Cromax paint, Sparco safety equipment, and Wilwood brakes, among other items.

Big Mike is proud that his Honda Prelude received such high recognition and was considered a Top 10 build, especially after the amount of work required to finish it. “We physically assembled the car and got it running in about two weeks,” he said. “It was the most brutal two weeks of my life."

Behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and stories of the 2016 Battle of the Builders competition will be showcased in an hour-long TV special that will air February 6, 2017, on the Velocity Network. Mark your calendars, set your DVR and tell your friends not to miss the show. 

For more information, visit www.semashow.com/botb.