Compiled by SEMA Editors

Baja Designs is the presenting sponsor of the King of the Motos motorcycle race on February 4, during the ULTRA4 Racing King of the Hammers (KOH) week of trials and races at Mead Dry Lake, in Johnson Valley, California.

Baja Designs is Presenting Sponsor of King of the Motos

Off-road lighting manufacturer Baja Designs is the presenting sponsor of the King of the Motos motorcycle race on February 4, during the ULTRA4 Racing King of the Hammers (KOH) week of trials and races at Mead Dry Lake, in Johnson Valley, California. The challenging race is completely GPS-based and features a night-race section for the top riders. In addition to King of the Motos, drivers from Baja Designs’ Team BD, including Tom Wayes, Branden Sims, Mitch Guthrie and previous King of the Hammers winners Bomber Fabrication, will compete in the KOH race on February 11. Baja Designs will host racers and spectators in a display located on Bestop Boulevard, next to the Bestop fire pit, in the temporary “Hammertown” racing community for the weeklong series of events. Visitors can pick up a copy of the course/spectator map and sign up to enter a raffle for one pair of XL Sport auxiliary lights and one Squadron Sport universal motorcycle AC headlight kit. 

TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout & Racer Appreciation Party Announced

TREMEC has announced that it will host the fifth annual Stick Shift Shootout as part of this year’s Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout, March 2–5, 2017, in Bradenton, Florida, where more than 120 entrants will battle for top QA1 True Street honors, with the fastest eight stick cars receiving a special shootout plaque to recognize their prowess. Afterward, the four quickest manual-equipped vehicles will have an all-out slugfest with a winner-takes-all heads-up finale, in which the winner will go home with a brand-new TREMEC transmission of choice. Following the True Street competition, TREMEC will host a Racer Appreciation Party for all True Street racers, along with their families and crew, that will take place before the Aerospace Components winners circle awards ceremony, Saturday, March 4. For more information about the NMRA Spring Break Shootout visit www.NMRAdigital.com/FL.

Bobby Rahal will join the RPM Foundation for a fundraising event in Chicago, February 5.

Legendary Drivers Lyn St. James and Bobby Rahal to Join RPM Foundation for Fundraising Event

Legendary auto racers Lyn St. James and Bobby Rahal will join the RPM Foundation—a not-for-profit dedicated to providing young adults with a pathway to careers in automotive restoration—for a fundraising event at Collectors’ Car Garage in Chicago, Sunday, February 5, for its newly announced “RPM Racing Program Series.” RPM’s Racing Program Series will take student interns to three leading race circuits around the United States: Road America Wisconsin, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Watkins Glen International New York. While at these historic tracks, students will go on guided tours for an up-close look at the pit and paddocks; get direct access to owners, racers and their teams; see the work of the teams between sessions and connect with the sanctioning organizations and track management; and meet sponsors and vendors.

SpeedVideo to Live Broadcast Season Two Of Dirty South No-Prep Drag Racing Events

SpeedVideo has further expanded its 2017 event schedule, signing an agreement to live broadcast drag-racing events from the Dirty South No-Prep Drag Racing Series throughout 2017. Owned by drag-racing legend Mike Murillo and TV personality Scott Taylor, the Dirty South No Prep Series is the first racing series that was specifically dedicated to No-Prep style racing. SpeedVideo will live broadcast the following events in the Dirty South Racing Series:

• Dirty South: Season Opener Weekend – Hub City Dragway, Mississippi, March 31–April 2, 2017
• Dirty South: Bluegrass Weekend – Mountain Park Dragway, Kentucky, April 20–21, 2017
• Dirty South: Alamo City Weekend – San Antonio Raceway, Texas, May 12–13, 2017
• Dirty South: Black Gold Weekend – Penwell/Caprock Raceway, Texas, June 16–17, 2017
• Dirty South: World Finals Weekend – Hub City Dragway, Mississippi, November 10–11, 2017

By AJ Carney

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Phoenix, where members and prospective members will gather at Baer on Thursday, February 16, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of tours and networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

Register for the Phoenix Town Hall Meeting.

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. Attendees also gain valuable feedback, which helps them identify how current benefits can enhance their business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information on the 2017 Town Hall Series or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website or contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6681 or kristenf@sema.org.

By AJ Carney

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Phoenix, where members and prospective members will gather at Baer on Thursday, February 16, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of tours and networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

Register for the Phoenix Town Hall Meeting.

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. Attendees also gain valuable feedback, which helps them identify how current benefits can enhance their business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information on the 2017 Town Hall Series or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website or contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6681 or kristenf@sema.org.

There’s a reason why the tire and wheel section remains one of the largest display areas of the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas. For consumers, tires and wheels continue to be one of the first, best and most basic ways to personalize a passenger car or light truck. Whether enhancing looks and stance from the get-go or breathing new life into a well-traveled vehicle, consumers love their wheel-and-tire packages. And through a variety of performance and style options aimed at every taste, the specialty-equipment industry stands readier than ever to fulfill their custom desires.

There’s a reason why the tire and wheel section remains one of the largest display areas of the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas. For consumers, tires and wheels continue to be one of the first, best and most basic ways to personalize a passenger car or light truck. Whether enhancing looks and stance from the get-go or breathing new life into a well-traveled vehicle, consumers love their wheel-and-tire packages. And through a variety of performance and style options aimed at every taste, the specialty-equipment industry stands readier than ever to fulfill their custom desires.

The SEMA Launch Pad, the premier young entrepreneur automotive competition enters its fourth year offering new prize packages for semi-finalists and finalists, a stronger grand prize, increased brand awareness opportunities for participating companies and an easier application process. The competition offers innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an automotive industry platform at world’s largest B2B gathering, the SEMA Show, to pitch their business to a panel of iconic industry judges at a live event.

The SEMA Launch Pad, the premier young entrepreneur automotive competition enters its fourth year offering new prize packages for semi-finalists and finalists, a stronger grand prize, increased brand awareness opportunities for participating companies and an easier application process. The competition offers innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an automotive industry platform at world’s largest B2B gathering, the SEMA Show, to pitch their business to a panel of iconic industry judges at a live event.

By SEMA Editors

Project vehicle proposals for Ford's project vehicle program, which includes the Mustang, must be received by February 17, 2017.

The Ford booth at the 2017 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles for its 2017 project-vehicle program, in addition to its existing lineup:

• ’18 All-New Ford EcoSport – Fun, capable and connected, EcoSport gives drivers the freedom and versatility to go small and live big. Technology—including SYNC 3 with a high-resolution 8-in. floating touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—easily integrates your smartphone and keeps you connected to friends and family while on the move.

• ’18 Freshened Ford Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT) – The new Mustang features a more athletic look, with new front- and rear-end design that delivers a leaner and meaner look and refined aerodynamics. New Mustang technologies include a 12-in. all-digital customizable instrument cluster, MyMode with memory function that remembers your driving preferences for the next time you drive, and new driver-assist features such as Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection for increased confidence behind the wheel. Powerful engine upgrades, plus an all-new available 10-speed automatic transmission give the Mustang even more performance, while available MagneRide suspension offers optimum handling; optional active valve exhaust affords complete auditory control.

• ’18 Freshened F-150 – The new F-150 features bolder, Built-Ford-Tough style and segment-first high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body. Available class-exclusive pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection can automatically apply F-150 brakes to help prevent a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian, plus available WiFi hotspot can help you stay connected. The F-150 features the best towing ability ever, thanks to more powerful, efficient engine offerings that include standard auto start-stop across the range, all-new 3.0L Power Stroke turbodiesel and expanded availability of a segment-first 10-speed automatic transmission.

• ’18 Ford Raptor – The F-150 Raptor combines more power and torque with a 500-lb. weight reduction and advanced powertrain control technology to deliver the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup.  A second-generation 3.5L high-output EcoBoost engine produces 450 hp and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, plus a 23% improvement in EPA-estimated combined fuel economy. An advanced 10-speed transmission enables Raptor customers to enjoy exhilarating performance and efficiency both on- and off-road.

• ’17 Ford Transit – The Ford Transit offers the flexibility to fit any business by offering a cargo van or passenger wagon plus your choice of three roof heights, three lengths and two wheelbases. Also available is the choice of three engines along with a seemingly endless list of upfitting options.

• ’17 Ford Transit Connect – With new features and plenty of carryover content, Ford Transit Connect continues to cater to the needs of tradesmen, small businesses and commercial fleets—customers looking for a versatile, capable, maneuverable and efficient business vehicle in a compact package.

• ’17 Ford Focus RS – The Ford Focus RS introduces advanced performance technologies for an ultimate driving experience; pioneers innovative, race-inspired Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive, and industry-first drift mode. An aggressive, functional design inside and out makes Focus RS the most powerful production Focus ever, with highly capable performance on both road and track, and powered by Ford’s 2.3L EcoBoost engine.

• ’17 Ford Super Duty – America’s work truck reinvented: The Ford Super Duty is the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever.

• ’17 Ford Fiesta ST – Fiesta ST is still more proof that small cars from Ford Motor Company are anything but boring. In addition to a precision sport-tuned suspension and an improved braking system, Fiesta ST packs more punch under its hood than any other car in the segment.

• ’17 Ford Focus ST – Since its debut, Focus ST has been bringing fun-to-drive DNA to the hot hatch segment with a unique Ford blend of driving dynamics, performance and style. Now, with improved dynamics, an updated suspension, new styling and a more sophisticated cabin, expect the ’17 Focus ST to remain the hottest hatch worldwide.

Information for the above models, including high-resolution images for proposal renderings, can be found at the Ford Media Center or Ford homepage. 

While the above vehicles have the greatest probability of being awarded, the entire retail Ford product lineup, with the exception of Ford GT, GT350/R, Lincoln and Hybrid products, is eligible for the Project Vehicle Program.

2017 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2017
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2017

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary—must be received by February 17, 2017. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2017 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2017. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at: www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new-product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker's compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner's discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Social media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Mike Nicopolis & Bob Galan
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

Project vehicle proposals for Ford's project vehicle program, which includes the Mustang, must be received by February 17, 2017.

The Ford booth at the 2017 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles for its 2017 project-vehicle program, in addition to its existing lineup:

• ’18 All-New Ford EcoSport – Fun, capable and connected, EcoSport gives drivers the freedom and versatility to go small and live big. Technology—including SYNC 3 with a high-resolution 8-in. floating touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—easily integrates your smartphone and keeps you connected to friends and family while on the move.

• ’18 Freshened Ford Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT) – The new Mustang features a more athletic look, with new front- and rear-end design that delivers a leaner and meaner look and refined aerodynamics. New Mustang technologies include a 12-in. all-digital customizable instrument cluster, MyMode with memory function that remembers your driving preferences for the next time you drive, and new driver-assist features such as Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection for increased confidence behind the wheel. Powerful engine upgrades, plus an all-new available 10-speed automatic transmission give the Mustang even more performance, while available MagneRide suspension offers optimum handling; optional active valve exhaust affords complete auditory control.

• ’18 Freshened F-150 – The new F-150 features bolder, Built-Ford-Tough style and segment-first high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body. Available class-exclusive pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection can automatically apply F-150 brakes to help prevent a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian, plus available WiFi hotspot can help you stay connected. The F-150 features the best towing ability ever, thanks to more powerful, efficient engine offerings that include standard auto start-stop across the range, all-new 3.0L Power Stroke turbodiesel and expanded availability of a segment-first 10-speed automatic transmission.

• ’18 Ford Raptor – The F-150 Raptor combines more power and torque with a 500-lb. weight reduction and advanced powertrain control technology to deliver the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup.  A second-generation 3.5L high-output EcoBoost engine produces 450 hp and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, plus a 23% improvement in EPA-estimated combined fuel economy. An advanced 10-speed transmission enables Raptor customers to enjoy exhilarating performance and efficiency both on- and off-road.

• ’17 Ford Transit – The Ford Transit offers the flexibility to fit any business by offering a cargo van or passenger wagon plus your choice of three roof heights, three lengths and two wheelbases. Also available is the choice of three engines along with a seemingly endless list of upfitting options.

• ’17 Ford Transit Connect – With new features and plenty of carryover content, Ford Transit Connect continues to cater to the needs of tradesmen, small businesses and commercial fleets—customers looking for a versatile, capable, maneuverable and efficient business vehicle in a compact package.

• ’17 Ford Focus RS – The Ford Focus RS introduces advanced performance technologies for an ultimate driving experience; pioneers innovative, race-inspired Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive, and industry-first drift mode. An aggressive, functional design inside and out makes Focus RS the most powerful production Focus ever, with highly capable performance on both road and track, and powered by Ford’s 2.3L EcoBoost engine.

• ’17 Ford Super Duty – America’s work truck reinvented: The Ford Super Duty is the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever.

• ’17 Ford Fiesta ST – Fiesta ST is still more proof that small cars from Ford Motor Company are anything but boring. In addition to a precision sport-tuned suspension and an improved braking system, Fiesta ST packs more punch under its hood than any other car in the segment.

• ’17 Ford Focus ST – Since its debut, Focus ST has been bringing fun-to-drive DNA to the hot hatch segment with a unique Ford blend of driving dynamics, performance and style. Now, with improved dynamics, an updated suspension, new styling and a more sophisticated cabin, expect the ’17 Focus ST to remain the hottest hatch worldwide.

Information for the above models, including high-resolution images for proposal renderings, can be found at the Ford Media Center or Ford homepage. 

While the above vehicles have the greatest probability of being awarded, the entire retail Ford product lineup, with the exception of Ford GT, GT350/R, Lincoln and Hybrid products, is eligible for the Project Vehicle Program.

2017 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2017
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2017

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary—must be received by February 17, 2017. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2017 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2017. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at: www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new-product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker's compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner's discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Social media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Mike Nicopolis & Bob Galan
semainfo@ford.com

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.