SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

You may be fed up with political antics in Washington but there’s a lot happening in our nation’s capital that affects your bottom line. SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) helps you keep pace by supporting the Congressional car guys and gals who have our industry’s back.

Whether it’s the law or the people that make laws, things in our nation’s capital are always changing. We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while others determine the future of our industry. Make your voice heard in 2015 by visiting SEMAPAC.com and becoming SEMA PAC Approved. It takes seconds and there is never an obligation to contribute. The more people who join, the louder our voice and the greater our ability to impact change.

To learn more, contact SEMA PAC and Congressional Relations Manager Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA urged the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to set aside efforts to establish a mandatory safety standard for recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) in favor of an industry standard developed in consultation with the CPSC over the past five years. The CPSC held a public meeting January 7 to discuss the issue. SEMA joined with the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) and a number of other organizations and companies in voicing concerns that the proposed CPSC rule would have the unintended effect of imposing design restrictions and stifling future safety innovations.

The industry standard was produced by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and ROHVA. SEMA questioned whether the CPSC had sufficient basis for abandoning the current industry standard since the law directs the Agency to pursue a voluntary consumer product safety standard whenever possible. The CPSC acknowledges that it lacks sufficient data to estimate whether there would be reduced injury rates from its mandatory approach. SEMA noted that it is much easier to update an industry standard with government collaboration to reflect technological changes since a government safety standard requires a lengthy rulemaking process.

ROVs are a popular form or recreational transportation on backcountry roads and trails. They can attain speeds greater than 30 miles-per-hour and are configured differently than all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). ROVs generally accommodate a side-by-side driver/passenger in a compartment equipped with roll bars. They include automotive-type controls for steering, throttle and braking.

View a copy of SEMA’s comments. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA urged the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to set aside efforts to establish a mandatory safety standard for recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) in favor of an industry standard developed in consultation with the CPSC over the past five years. The CPSC held a public meeting January 7 to discuss the issue. SEMA joined with the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) and a number of other organizations and companies in voicing concerns that the proposed CPSC rule would have the unintended effect of imposing design restrictions and stifling future safety innovations.

The industry standard was produced by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and ROHVA. SEMA questioned whether the CPSC had sufficient basis for abandoning the current industry standard since the law directs the Agency to pursue a voluntary consumer product safety standard whenever possible. The CPSC acknowledges that it lacks sufficient data to estimate whether there would be reduced injury rates from its mandatory approach. SEMA noted that it is much easier to update an industry standard with government collaboration to reflect technological changes since a government safety standard requires a lengthy rulemaking process.

ROVs are a popular form or recreational transportation on backcountry roads and trails. They can attain speeds greater than 30 miles-per-hour and are configured differently than all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). ROVs generally accommodate a side-by-side driver/passenger in a compartment equipped with roll bars. They include automotive-type controls for steering, throttle and braking.

View a copy of SEMA’s comments. 

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Chris Corbett, Nitto Tire U.S.A.’s events and motorsports manager (left), and Dave Cole, president of Hammerking Productions/Ultra4 Racing (right).

Nitto Tire Named Title Sponsor of 2015 King of the Hammers

Nitto Tire U.S.A. has signed an agreement with Hammerking Productions (Ultra4) to be title sponsor of the 2015 Nitto King of the Hammers (KOH) race. Nitto Tire was previously the race’s presenting sponsor.

The King of the Hammers race is a one-day event in off-road racing and covers more than 200 miles on a course that combines triple-digit-speed desert sections with technical boulder climbs that often require winching. The 2015 running—the ninth annual King of the Hammers—will be the first one with Nitto Tire as the title sponsor.

The Nitto King of the Hammers race for the unlimited Ultra4 vehicles takes place February 6, 2015, in Johnson Valley, California. “Hammertown” on Means Dry Lake will open January 30 to kick off a full week of ultimate desert and rock action. Competition begins with the King of the Motos race February 1–2. The carnage-fest East/West Shootout on February 2 pits Southeastern Rock Racing Series (SRRS) drivers against Ultra4 racers in an obstacle course challenge.

Competition continues February 4 with the Polaris KOH UTV race. Street-based 4x4s hit the course February 5 for the Smittybilt Everyman Challenge. The action peaks Friday, February 6, with the main event: The Nitto Tire King of the Hammers race. Competitors will spend all day (and part of the night for the non-front-runners) on the approximately 225-mile course. The “King” will be officially crowned Saturday morning, followed by new-for-2015 “KOH The Experience” enthusiast trail rides.

	Falken Tire has a new endorsement agreement with factory Kawasaki Rider Davi Millsaps.

Falken Signs Supercross Star Davi Millsaps

Falken Tire has maintained a strong presence for many years in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross—an FIM World Championship series—as the Official Passenger Car and Light Truck Tire and returns in 2015 with a new endorsement agreement with factory Kawasaki Rider Davi Millsaps.

Returning to competition in 2015 after sitting out much of the previous year recuperating from knee surgery, Millsaps, aboard his new Kawasaki, is set to become a force once more in the Monster Energy Supercross Series and will be ready to run at the first event this weekend in Anaheim, California. The Murrieta, California, resident most recently won the Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas.

Millsaps turned pro in 2004 and finished second overall in the Monster Energy Supercross Championship in 2012 and 2013. An injury sidelined him for most of 2014, but he recently signed with Kawasaki and is confident about his prospects.

	Mickey Thompson will support the Yamalube Star Racing Yamaha team throughout the 2015 AMA Supercross and Motocross seasons.

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels to Sponsor Yamalube Star Racing Yamaha Team for the 2015 Season

American Robert Thorne joins Flying Lizard Motorsport for his return to the Rolex 24, seven years after his first run at the event.

Flying Lizard Motorsports Announces Rolex 24 Driver Lineup

After a controversial second-place finish at the 2014 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, Flying Lizard Motorsports has announced the driver lineup for their fight for the 2015 endurance event title. The #45 Audi R8 LMS will be driven by Japan's Tomonobu Fujii and Satoshi Hoshino, American Robert Thorne and German Markus Winkelhock. The team heads to Daytona International Speedway, January 9–11 to participate in the first official test of the season at the Roar Before the 24.

Audi Japan Super GT driver Tomonobu Fujii holds the 2007 Japan Le Mans Challenge LMGT1 title, the 2011 Super Taikyu Endurance Japan Champion title and a podium at the 2013 Dubai 24 Hours. In his past 10 years of experience in Super GT, Fujii picked up eight wins and 21 podiums. After finishing third and second at the Super GT Sprint Grand Prix in 2010 and 2011, Fuji went on to win the event in 2012. 2015 will mark the 34-year old's first Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.

Also new to the Rolex 24, Satoshi Hoshino brings experience of the Audi R8 LMS GT3 in GT Asia, as well as the 2014 class champion title in the Porsche Carrera Cup Japan. In the past four race seasons, Hoshino earned 18 wins in a variety of races around Japan.

American Robert Thorne joins Flying Lizard Motorsport for his return to the Rolex 24, seven years after his first run at the event. Thorne closed out the 2014 race season in Pirelli World Challenge with a win for K-PAX Racing at Miller Motorsports Park.

Markus Winkelhock completed the final laps in the No. 45 Flying Lizard Audi in the 2014 Rolex 24. In his other run at the event in 2013, Winkelhock was running second in the final lap, close behind the class leader when his car ran out of fuel, resulting in a frustrating 15th-place finish.

	The 2014 SEMA Show New Products Showcase included 220 registered products in the exterior category, and more than 5,500 scans within the category.

By Becca Butler

A variety of different automotive accessories can be used for car customization, and at the 2014 SEMA Show, exterior accessories drew the most interest from buyers and media in the New Products Showcase. With 16 different Showcase categories, the exterior accessories had the most scans over any other product category. There were 220 registered products in the exterior category, and more than 5,500 scans within the category.

These products include anything that dresses up a vehicle or improves capability. Products such as fender flares, headlights and door handles fall under this product category because of the exterior custom touches to cars, trucks and SUVs.

The top 10 exterior products that caught the attention of buyers and media were:

• Product: U-Bar projector headlights
• Company: AnzoUSA

• Product: Paramount LED grilles
• Company: Paramount Automotive

• Product: HD LED hood mounts
• Company: Westin Automotive Products Inc.

• Product: ShowTime Metal Works bumpers/grilles
• Company: ShowTime Metal Works

• Product: LUND Bull Bar with LED light bar
• Company: Lund International

• Product: Buffer Bit
• Company: Buffer Bit

• Product: ’09–’14 Ford F-150/Raptor light bar DRL projection headlights
• Company: Spyder Auto

• Product: RZMPBG-8502: ’14–’15 Chevy Silverado 1500 full-replacement all-black ABS mesh grille shell
• Company: Razer Auto Inc.

• Product: Rock-Slide Engineering Ford SuperDuty bumpers
• Company: Rock-Slide Engineering

• Product: Bumper mount 30 LED bar
• Company: Westin Automotive Products Inc.

The SEMA Show New Products Showcase allows Showgoers to see the latest trends and developments in automotive accessories. As the No. 1 buyer and media destination, the Showcase is the place to find the hottest products on display at the Show.

To see all products from the New Products Showcase, visit www.semaphotos.com.

	The 2014 SEMA Show New Products Showcase included 220 registered products in the exterior category, and more than 5,500 scans within the category.

By Becca Butler

A variety of different automotive accessories can be used for car customization, and at the 2014 SEMA Show, exterior accessories drew the most interest from buyers and media in the New Products Showcase. With 16 different Showcase categories, the exterior accessories had the most scans over any other product category. There were 220 registered products in the exterior category, and more than 5,500 scans within the category.

These products include anything that dresses up a vehicle or improves capability. Products such as fender flares, headlights and door handles fall under this product category because of the exterior custom touches to cars, trucks and SUVs.

The top 10 exterior products that caught the attention of buyers and media were:

• Product: U-Bar projector headlights
• Company: AnzoUSA

• Product: Paramount LED grilles
• Company: Paramount Automotive

• Product: HD LED hood mounts
• Company: Westin Automotive Products Inc.

• Product: ShowTime Metal Works bumpers/grilles
• Company: ShowTime Metal Works

• Product: LUND Bull Bar with LED light bar
• Company: Lund International

• Product: Buffer Bit
• Company: Buffer Bit

• Product: ’09–’14 Ford F-150/Raptor light bar DRL projection headlights
• Company: Spyder Auto

• Product: RZMPBG-8502: ’14–’15 Chevy Silverado 1500 full-replacement all-black ABS mesh grille shell
• Company: Razer Auto Inc.

• Product: Rock-Slide Engineering Ford SuperDuty bumpers
• Company: Rock-Slide Engineering

• Product: Bumper mount 30 LED bar
• Company: Westin Automotive Products Inc.

The SEMA Show New Products Showcase allows Showgoers to see the latest trends and developments in automotive accessories. As the No. 1 buyer and media destination, the Showcase is the place to find the hottest products on display at the Show.

To see all products from the New Products Showcase, visit www.semaphotos.com.

	The 2014 SEMA Show New Products Showcase included 220 registered products in the exterior category, and more than 5,500 scans within the category.

By Becca Butler

A variety of different automotive accessories can be used for car customization, and at the 2014 SEMA Show, exterior accessories drew the most interest from buyers and media in the New Products Showcase. With 16 different Showcase categories, the exterior accessories had the most scans over any other product category. There were 220 registered products in the exterior category, and more than 5,500 scans within the category.

These products include anything that dresses up a vehicle or improves capability. Products such as fender flares, headlights and door handles fall under this product category because of the exterior custom touches to cars, trucks and SUVs.

The top 10 exterior products that caught the attention of buyers and media were:

• Product: U-Bar projector headlights
• Company: AnzoUSA

• Product: Paramount LED grilles
• Company: Paramount Automotive

• Product: HD LED hood mounts
• Company: Westin Automotive Products Inc.

• Product: ShowTime Metal Works bumpers/grilles
• Company: ShowTime Metal Works

• Product: LUND Bull Bar with LED light bar
• Company: Lund International

• Product: Buffer Bit
• Company: Buffer Bit

• Product: ’09–’14 Ford F-150/Raptor light bar DRL projection headlights
• Company: Spyder Auto

• Product: RZMPBG-8502: ’14–’15 Chevy Silverado 1500 full-replacement all-black ABS mesh grille shell
• Company: Razer Auto Inc.

• Product: Rock-Slide Engineering Ford SuperDuty bumpers
• Company: Rock-Slide Engineering

• Product: Bumper mount 30 LED bar
• Company: Westin Automotive Products Inc.

The SEMA Show New Products Showcase allows Showgoers to see the latest trends and developments in automotive accessories. As the No. 1 buyer and media destination, the Showcase is the place to find the hottest products on display at the Show.

To see all products from the New Products Showcase, visit www.semaphotos.com.

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities.

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

Jim Campbell, General Motor's U.S. vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports visits SEMA Central to discuss SEMA Show 2014 highlights.

Each year, during the first week of November, manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories gather in Las Vegas to debut their new products and connect with buyers and media. As the largest annual gathering of small businesses, the SEMA Show provides these manufacturers with a venue for which to do business. They spend months in advance preparing their booths and securing meetings, and they work nonstop during the Show to connect with buyers who are seeking the hottest, newest products to fill their store shelves.

With more than 2,400 exhibitors at the 2014 SEMA Show, the most recent event was the ideal platform for industry professionals to discover new products and trends. In addition to four dedicated Show days, the 2014 SEMA Show included pre- and post-event activities that offered added opportunities for networking and training.
 

Jim Campbell, General Motor's U.S. vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports visits SEMA Central to discuss SEMA Show 2014 highlights.

Each year, during the first week of November, manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories gather in Las Vegas to debut their new products and connect with buyers and media. As the largest annual gathering of small businesses, the SEMA Show provides these manufacturers with a venue for which to do business. They spend months in advance preparing their booths and securing meetings, and they work nonstop during the Show to connect with buyers who are seeking the hottest, newest products to fill their store shelves.

With more than 2,400 exhibitors at the 2014 SEMA Show, the most recent event was the ideal platform for industry professionals to discover new products and trends. In addition to four dedicated Show days, the 2014 SEMA Show included pre- and post-event activities that offered added opportunities for networking and training.