Whether its face-to-face, through a press release or a local paper, provide reporters with reasons to cover your company and products now.

Looking for ways to reach more consumers and customers? Ever want to see a product from your company in the news?

During July, editors and reporters are looking for stories related to summer and warm weather. In fact, thousands of articles highlighting must-have auto products for the summer have already appeared in publications across the country.  

SEMA members that manufacture, sell or install products that are especially useful during the summer months may consider outreach to their local media to pitch a story focused on this topic. While media interest will vary based on a number of factors, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Make it timely. Give reporters a reason to cover your story now. Review current news stories and use that information to offer a product or story that fits what is trending. As an example, if the weather is unusually hot and you have a product that is ideal to use in hot weather, make that connection for the reporter. Summer storms? Provide a product useful in rain or mud.

• Do your research. Ensure you are reaching out to the right reporter at your local paper. Don’t reach out to the sports editor for a story on the latest performance accessory. Typically, reporters in the metro, lifestyle or business section are the ones to contact.

• Provide product reviews. If you have a unique product, be able to provide it to the reporter for review. Don’t offer a product that is still in production. Oftentimes, if they are interested, a reporter will want to physically see it or be able to use it.

• Provide materials. If the product is too large to give to a reporter, have recent photos or video of the product. Don’t use a rendering.

	Whether its face-to-face, through a press release or a local paper, provide reporters with reasons to cover your company and products now.

Looking for ways to reach more consumers and customers? Ever want to see a product from your company in the news?

During July, editors and reporters are looking for stories related to summer and warm weather. In fact, thousands of articles highlighting must-have auto products for the summer have already appeared in publications across the country.  

SEMA members that manufacture, sell or install products that are especially useful during the summer months may consider outreach to their local media to pitch a story focused on this topic. While media interest will vary based on a number of factors, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Make it timely. Give reporters a reason to cover your story now. Review current news stories and use that information to offer a product or story that fits what is trending. As an example, if the weather is unusually hot and you have a product that is ideal to use in hot weather, make that connection for the reporter. Summer storms? Provide a product useful in rain or mud.

• Do your research. Ensure you are reaching out to the right reporter at your local paper. Don’t reach out to the sports editor for a story on the latest performance accessory. Typically, reporters in the metro, lifestyle or business section are the ones to contact.

• Provide product reviews. If you have a unique product, be able to provide it to the reporter for review. Don’t offer a product that is still in production. Oftentimes, if they are interested, a reporter will want to physically see it or be able to use it.

• Provide materials. If the product is too large to give to a reporter, have recent photos or video of the product. Don’t use a rendering.

	Hear from industry experts on relevant topics at Keynote & Coffee.

• Register early. Showgoers who register before Friday, October 16, will pay the discounted rate of just $25 and have their badges mailed to them prior to the Show. The international attendee deadline for badges to be mailed in advance is September 19.

• Book with Travel Planners. As the official housing partner of the SEMA Show, Travel Planners offers low-price guarantees and reduced or no resort fees for those who book through them. With rooms starting as low as $89 a night, visit SEMA's Travel & Lodging page to make your hotel accommodations today.

• Use the Free Shuttle Service. SEMA provides free shuttle service to the Las Vegas Convention Center from select partner hotels. As a great alternative to taxi cabs, which can quickly add up, Showgoers who use the shuttle can take advantage of the opportunity to network with other Show attendees. Check the SEMA Show website in September for the official list of SEMA Show shuttles.

• Attend Keynote & Coffee. Save yourself a few bucks and grab a free cup of coffee while hearing from industry experts on relevant topics. Happening Monday–Thursday, November 2–5, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. in Room N258, it’s a great way to start off each day at the Show. Register to attend.

• Attend a Networking Event. In addition to Keynote & Coffee, there are a number of free receptions and events that allow you to mingle and network with other Showgoers while grabbing a bite to eat. For example, the New Products Breakfast, taking place Tuesday, November 3, at 7:30 a.m. at the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, gives attendees a look at the hot products that will be on display at the Show. For more information and a complete list of the events happening at the Show visit the SEMA Show website.

The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Learn more about what your SEMA Show badge gets you, or visit the SEMA Show website.

Register to attend before October 16 and pay the discounted rate of just $25.

	Hear from industry experts on relevant topics at Keynote & Coffee.

• Register early. Showgoers who register before Friday, October 16, will pay the discounted rate of just $25 and have their badges mailed to them prior to the Show. The international attendee deadline for badges to be mailed in advance is September 19.

• Book with Travel Planners. As the official housing partner of the SEMA Show, Travel Planners offers low-price guarantees and reduced or no resort fees for those who book through them. With rooms starting as low as $89 a night, visit SEMA's Travel & Lodging page to make your hotel accommodations today.

• Use the Free Shuttle Service. SEMA provides free shuttle service to the Las Vegas Convention Center from select partner hotels. As a great alternative to taxi cabs, which can quickly add up, Showgoers who use the shuttle can take advantage of the opportunity to network with other Show attendees. Check the SEMA Show website in September for the official list of SEMA Show shuttles.

• Attend Keynote & Coffee. Save yourself a few bucks and grab a free cup of coffee while hearing from industry experts on relevant topics. Happening Monday–Thursday, November 2–5, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. in Room N258, it’s a great way to start off each day at the Show. Register to attend.

• Attend a Networking Event. In addition to Keynote & Coffee, there are a number of free receptions and events that allow you to mingle and network with other Showgoers while grabbing a bite to eat. For example, the New Products Breakfast, taking place Tuesday, November 3, at 7:30 a.m. at the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, gives attendees a look at the hot products that will be on display at the Show. For more information and a complete list of the events happening at the Show visit the SEMA Show website.

The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Learn more about what your SEMA Show badge gets you, or visit the SEMA Show website.

Register to attend before October 16 and pay the discounted rate of just $25.

	Hear from industry experts on relevant topics at Keynote & Coffee.

• Register early. Showgoers who register before Friday, October 16, will pay the discounted rate of just $25 and have their badges mailed to them prior to the Show. The international attendee deadline for badges to be mailed in advance is September 19.

• Book with Travel Planners. As the official housing partner of the SEMA Show, Travel Planners offers low-price guarantees and reduced or no resort fees for those who book through them. With rooms starting as low as $89 a night, visit SEMA's Travel & Lodging page to make your hotel accommodations today.

• Use the Free Shuttle Service. SEMA provides free shuttle service to the Las Vegas Convention Center from select partner hotels. As a great alternative to taxi cabs, which can quickly add up, Showgoers who use the shuttle can take advantage of the opportunity to network with other Show attendees. Check the SEMA Show website in September for the official list of SEMA Show shuttles.

• Attend Keynote & Coffee. Save yourself a few bucks and grab a free cup of coffee while hearing from industry experts on relevant topics. Happening Monday–Thursday, November 2–5, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. in Room N258, it’s a great way to start off each day at the Show. Register to attend.

• Attend a Networking Event. In addition to Keynote & Coffee, there are a number of free receptions and events that allow you to mingle and network with other Showgoers while grabbing a bite to eat. For example, the New Products Breakfast, taking place Tuesday, November 3, at 7:30 a.m. at the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, gives attendees a look at the hot products that will be on display at the Show. For more information and a complete list of the events happening at the Show visit the SEMA Show website.

The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Learn more about what your SEMA Show badge gets you, or visit the SEMA Show website.

Register to attend before October 16 and pay the discounted rate of just $25.

	Hear from industry experts on relevant topics at Keynote & Coffee.

• Register early. Showgoers who register before Friday, October 16, will pay the discounted rate of just $25 and have their badges mailed to them prior to the Show. The international attendee deadline for badges to be mailed in advance is September 19.

• Book with Travel Planners. As the official housing partner of the SEMA Show, Travel Planners offers low-price guarantees and reduced or no resort fees for those who book through them. With rooms starting as low as $89 a night, visit SEMA's Travel & Lodging page to make your hotel accommodations today.

• Use the Free Shuttle Service. SEMA provides free shuttle service to the Las Vegas Convention Center from select partner hotels. As a great alternative to taxi cabs, which can quickly add up, Showgoers who use the shuttle can take advantage of the opportunity to network with other Show attendees. Check the SEMA Show website in September for the official list of SEMA Show shuttles.

• Attend Keynote & Coffee. Save yourself a few bucks and grab a free cup of coffee while hearing from industry experts on relevant topics. Happening Monday–Thursday, November 2–5, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. in Room N258, it’s a great way to start off each day at the Show. Register to attend.

• Attend a Networking Event. In addition to Keynote & Coffee, there are a number of free receptions and events that allow you to mingle and network with other Showgoers while grabbing a bite to eat. For example, the New Products Breakfast, taking place Tuesday, November 3, at 7:30 a.m. at the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, gives attendees a look at the hot products that will be on display at the Show. For more information and a complete list of the events happening at the Show visit the SEMA Show website.

The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Learn more about what your SEMA Show badge gets you, or visit the SEMA Show website.

Register to attend before October 16 and pay the discounted rate of just $25.

	Hear from industry experts on relevant topics at Keynote & Coffee.

• Register early. Showgoers who register before Friday, October 16, will pay the discounted rate of just $25 and have their badges mailed to them prior to the Show. The international attendee deadline for badges to be mailed in advance is September 19.

• Book with Travel Planners. As the official housing partner of the SEMA Show, Travel Planners offers low-price guarantees and reduced or no resort fees for those who book through them. With rooms starting as low as $89 a night, visit SEMA's Travel & Lodging page to make your hotel accommodations today.

• Use the Free Shuttle Service. SEMA provides free shuttle service to the Las Vegas Convention Center from select partner hotels. As a great alternative to taxi cabs, which can quickly add up, Showgoers who use the shuttle can take advantage of the opportunity to network with other Show attendees. Check the SEMA Show website in September for the official list of SEMA Show shuttles.

• Attend Keynote & Coffee. Save yourself a few bucks and grab a free cup of coffee while hearing from industry experts on relevant topics. Happening Monday–Thursday, November 2–5, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. in Room N258, it’s a great way to start off each day at the Show. Register to attend.

• Attend a Networking Event. In addition to Keynote & Coffee, there are a number of free receptions and events that allow you to mingle and network with other Showgoers while grabbing a bite to eat. For example, the New Products Breakfast, taking place Tuesday, November 3, at 7:30 a.m. at the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, gives attendees a look at the hot products that will be on display at the Show. For more information and a complete list of the events happening at the Show visit the SEMA Show website.

The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Learn more about what your SEMA Show badge gets you, or visit the SEMA Show website.

Register to attend before October 16 and pay the discounted rate of just $25.

By SEMA Editors

Discover the Middle East market during the fifth SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 29–April 2, 2016, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Registration will open in November, so take advantage of the limited number of subsidized slots to meet with pre-vetted buyers from throughout the Middle East.

This event will give SEMA-member manufacturers the opportunity to explore the potential for their products in the UAE and neighboring countries of Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait, where consumers seek out the latest and greatest new products to personalize their rides. They are eager for the newest American products for classic-car restoration, off-roading and street performance.

Forty-one SEMA-member companies participated in the 2015 event, featuring the first-ever overseas-based SEMA Garage, which included an all-day measuring session for vehicles popularly customized overseas but not sold in the United States. In addition to the measuring session, participating members exhibited in the trade-only SEMA section of the Custom Show Emirates, networked with pre-vetted buyers from 10 countries and attended a range of shop tours.

Check out the 2015 trip report and see who exhibited. Find program details at sema.org/middleeast, or contact Linda Spencer for more information.

By SEMA Editors

Discover the Middle East market during the fifth SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 29–April 2, 2016, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Registration will open in November, so take advantage of the limited number of subsidized slots to meet with pre-vetted buyers from throughout the Middle East.

This event will give SEMA-member manufacturers the opportunity to explore the potential for their products in the UAE and neighboring countries of Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait, where consumers seek out the latest and greatest new products to personalize their rides. They are eager for the newest American products for classic-car restoration, off-roading and street performance.

Forty-one SEMA-member companies participated in the 2015 event, featuring the first-ever overseas-based SEMA Garage, which included an all-day measuring session for vehicles popularly customized overseas but not sold in the United States. In addition to the measuring session, participating members exhibited in the trade-only SEMA section of the Custom Show Emirates, networked with pre-vetted buyers from 10 countries and attended a range of shop tours.

Check out the 2015 trip report and see who exhibited. Find program details at sema.org/middleeast, or contact Linda Spencer for more information.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	With Derek West's win in Badlands, he now has a substantial lead in the Nitto National Series points.

West Wins in Badlands and Takes Lead in Nitto National Series

More than 40 ULTRA4 drivers braved the rain and mud to take part in the fourth annual RCV ULTRA4s at Badlands race. Derek West was the last driver to qualify, and beat Macy Higgins’ time by more than 6 seconds, earning him both the pole position in the main race and the Billet Rifle Hot Shot Award. West started on the pole and held the fastest lap times. By the end of the race, West would finish one lap ahead of Doug Jackson and two laps ahead of Chris May. In addition to the 4400s, the 4500s raced the identical track starting behind the ULTRA4s. In the 4500 class, 451 driver James Cantrell took first place. In the UTV race sponsored by Badlands with a $1,000 purse, Brian Strane took first place.

With West's win in Badlands, he now has a substantial lead in the Nitto National Series points. The next race in the ULTRA4 Nitto National Championship will be this weekend with the 4 Wheel Parts Glen Helen Grand Prix, July 10–11. The next 4WD Hardware East Coast regional race is the Sturgis Off Road Blowout in Sturgis, Kentucky, July 31–August 1. For more information on ULTRA4 Racing, visit www.ultra4racing.com.

	Chris “BoostedGT” Hamilton will sign autographs and race in the NMRA's first-ever Grudge Night.

Chris “BoostedGT” Hamilton from Discovery Channel's “Street Outlaws” Attending NMRA All-Ford World Finals

The NMRA has arranged for Chris “BoostedGT” Hamilton, No. 5 on the “Street Outlaws’’ 405 list, to sign autographs and race in the first-ever Grudge Night to be held after hours during the 17th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals. This is the largest NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals event of the year, and it takes place at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the weekend of October 1–4, 2015. BoostedGT will sign autographs, hang out with racers and take pictures with NMRA's fans all day Saturday, October 3. BoostedGT races a Team Z Motorsports-built ’03 SVT Cobra with a Ford small-block that is pumped up by a Precision turbocharger. BoostedGT's Mustang is the first small-tire car to crack into the top half of the Street Outlaws list.

Irwindale Speedway NASCAR Results

Results from the NASCAR event at Irwindale Speedway, July 4, 2015:

Seidner's Collision Centers Late Models - Race 1 – 30 Laps

• Trevor Huddleston
• Riley Herbst
• Toni McCray

NASCAR Mini Stocks – 35 Laps

• Garrett Green
• Robby Harryman
• Aubree Porter

Pick Your Part Super Stocks – 35 Laps

• Zack Green
• Jimmy Sloan
• Greg Crutcher

Seidner's Collision Centers Late Models – Race 2

• Toni McCray
• Trevor Huddleston
• Mike Johnson

The next NASCAR race will be held Saturday, July 18, featuring Seidner's Collision Centers Late Models Twins, Pick Your Part Super Stocks, Mini Stocks, Legend Cars, Bandoleros and the Figure 8 Skid Plate Race. Discount tickets available at www.irwindaleventcenter.com. The Saturday Night Drag Racing NHRA Street Legal "Test & Tune" Session will be held July 11.