By SEMA Editors

	Comedian and SEMA Show crowd favorite Sinbad provided the evening's laughs.

Celebrating the specialty-equipment market industry’s contributors and innovators, the 2014 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet—themed “Dream. Build. Drive.”—featured comedian and SEMA Show crowd favorite Sinbad, along with up-and-coming soul and R&B artist Curtis Harding, who provided entertainment throughout the night. Celebrity guest speakers included guitarist Billy Gibbons and Linda Vaughn.

In addition, the banquet paid tribute to the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame—industry pioneers, volunteers and personalities who helped to pave the way and shape a specialty automotive marketplace that is more than $30 billion strong. The 2014 Hall of Fame inductees were Nick Cornelison, Jim Cozzie, John Menzler and Fred C. Offenhauser.

The annual celebration included an awards program where SEMA's Person of the Year, GEN-III Innovator Award, Manufacturers' Rep Agency of the Year and WD of the Year honors were presented. The winners were:

• Person of the Year – Rich Barsamian, Advanced Clutch Technology
• GEN-III Innovator Award – Blake Fuller, Braille Battery
• Manufacturers' Rep Agency of the Year – KAM Marketing
• WD of the Year – Motor State Distributing

The accolades continued throughout the evening as the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) announced the winners of two of its top honors—PWA Manufacturer of the Year and PWA Person of the Year. The PWA Manufacturer of the Year—which recognizes a manufacturer for outstanding contributions, dedication and support—was presented to MacNeil Automotive. PWA presents its Person of the Year annually in recognition of the commitment on an individual. The 2014 Person of the Year is Jeep Worthan of Auto Meter Products.

Rich Barsamian of Advanced Clutch Technology was named 2014 SEMA Person of the Year.		Curtis Harding and his band offered up tunes throughout the evening.
Guitar icon and car aficionado Billy Gibbons addressed the banquet crowd.		Linda Vaughn was another of the banquet's celebrity guests.
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomes banquet attendees.		Jeep Worthan of Auto Meter Products was named 2014 PWA Person of the Year.
MacNeil Automotive was honored as the 2014 PWA Manufacturer of the Year.		KAM Marketing was recognized as SEMA’s 2014 Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year.
Motor State Distributing won the award for SEMA’s 2014 WD of the Year.		Blake Fuller of Braille Battery won SEMA’s 2014 GEN-III Innovator Award.

By SEMA Editors

	Comedian and SEMA Show crowd favorite Sinbad provided the evening's laughs.

Celebrating the specialty-equipment market industry’s contributors and innovators, the 2014 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet—themed “Dream. Build. Drive.”—featured comedian and SEMA Show crowd favorite Sinbad, along with up-and-coming soul and R&B artist Curtis Harding, who provided entertainment throughout the night. Celebrity guest speakers included guitarist Billy Gibbons and Linda Vaughn.

In addition, the banquet paid tribute to the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame—industry pioneers, volunteers and personalities who helped to pave the way and shape a specialty automotive marketplace that is more than $30 billion strong. The 2014 Hall of Fame inductees were Nick Cornelison, Jim Cozzie, John Menzler and Fred C. Offenhauser.

The annual celebration included an awards program where SEMA's Person of the Year, GEN-III Innovator Award, Manufacturers' Rep Agency of the Year and WD of the Year honors were presented. The winners were:

• Person of the Year – Rich Barsamian, Advanced Clutch Technology
• GEN-III Innovator Award – Blake Fuller, Braille Battery
• Manufacturers' Rep Agency of the Year – KAM Marketing
• WD of the Year – Motor State Distributing

The accolades continued throughout the evening as the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) announced the winners of two of its top honors—PWA Manufacturer of the Year and PWA Person of the Year. The PWA Manufacturer of the Year—which recognizes a manufacturer for outstanding contributions, dedication and support—was presented to MacNeil Automotive. PWA presents its Person of the Year annually in recognition of the commitment on an individual. The 2014 Person of the Year is Jeep Worthan of Auto Meter Products.

Rich Barsamian of Advanced Clutch Technology was named 2014 SEMA Person of the Year.		Curtis Harding and his band offered up tunes throughout the evening.
Guitar icon and car aficionado Billy Gibbons addressed the banquet crowd.		Linda Vaughn was another of the banquet's celebrity guests.
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomes banquet attendees.		Jeep Worthan of Auto Meter Products was named 2014 PWA Person of the Year.
MacNeil Automotive was honored as the 2014 PWA Manufacturer of the Year.		KAM Marketing was recognized as SEMA’s 2014 Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year.
Motor State Distributing won the award for SEMA’s 2014 WD of the Year.		Blake Fuller of Braille Battery won SEMA’s 2014 GEN-III Innovator Award.

This year’s SEMA Awards for the top-trending vehicle models in four categories were announced on the opening day of the 2014 SEMA Show. The Ford Mustang was named Hottest Car, the Honda Fit took the Hottest Sport-Compact honors, the Chevrolet Silverado won Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler received the Hottest 4x4-SUV award.

“The SEMA Show has always been the annual event where the newest and most innovative products are seen first,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The SEMA Award celebrates the industry’s unique ability to identify and set the trends that influence consumers worldwide.”

The SEMA Award recognizes vehicle models that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and that showcase the year’s coolest products. It also underscores the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies.

“Now in its fourth year, the SEMA Award helps guide consumers toward the hottest-trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the market,” added Kersting. “Our Show exhibitors are industry visionaries who determine the winners of the SEMA Award. The booth space is a ballot, and the vehicles they choose to showcase in their booths are a vote. The most prominent models in each category are the winners.”

The 2014 SEMA Show features more than 2,400 exhibiting companies that manufacture thousands of products designed to improve performance, safety and convenience, as well as those that enhance appearance and comfort. While products are available for every make and model, exhibitors are investing more in the Ford Mustang, Honda Fit, Chevrolet Silverado and Jeep Wrangler than any other vehicles. Consumers, therefore, can expect to find great specialty products for accessorizing these vehicles.

To learn more about the SEMA Award winners and the products that are available for them, visit www.sema.org/semaaward.

Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer receives the Hottest Car award for the ’15 Ford Mustang.	Pietro Gorlier, president and chief executive officer, MOPAR brand service, parts and customer care, Chrysler Group, accepts the Hottest 4x4-SUV award for the ’14/’15 Jeep Wrangler.
Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division, receives the Hottest Sport Compact award for the ’15 Honda Fit.	Alan Batey, president of GM North America, global Chevrolet brand chief, accepts the Hottest Truck award for the ’14/’15 Chevrolet Silverado.

This year’s SEMA Awards for the top-trending vehicle models in four categories were announced on the opening day of the 2014 SEMA Show. The Ford Mustang was named Hottest Car, the Honda Fit took the Hottest Sport-Compact honors, the Chevrolet Silverado won Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler received the Hottest 4x4-SUV award.

“The SEMA Show has always been the annual event where the newest and most innovative products are seen first,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The SEMA Award celebrates the industry’s unique ability to identify and set the trends that influence consumers worldwide.”

The SEMA Award recognizes vehicle models that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and that showcase the year’s coolest products. It also underscores the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies.

“Now in its fourth year, the SEMA Award helps guide consumers toward the hottest-trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the market,” added Kersting. “Our Show exhibitors are industry visionaries who determine the winners of the SEMA Award. The booth space is a ballot, and the vehicles they choose to showcase in their booths are a vote. The most prominent models in each category are the winners.”

The 2014 SEMA Show features more than 2,400 exhibiting companies that manufacture thousands of products designed to improve performance, safety and convenience, as well as those that enhance appearance and comfort. While products are available for every make and model, exhibitors are investing more in the Ford Mustang, Honda Fit, Chevrolet Silverado and Jeep Wrangler than any other vehicles. Consumers, therefore, can expect to find great specialty products for accessorizing these vehicles.

To learn more about the SEMA Award winners and the products that are available for them, visit www.sema.org/semaaward.

Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer receives the Hottest Car award for the ’15 Ford Mustang.	Pietro Gorlier, president and chief executive officer, MOPAR brand service, parts and customer care, Chrysler Group, accepts the Hottest 4x4-SUV award for the ’14/’15 Jeep Wrangler.
Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division, receives the Hottest Sport Compact award for the ’15 Honda Fit.	Alan Batey, president of GM North America, global Chevrolet brand chief, accepts the Hottest Truck award for the ’14/’15 Chevrolet Silverado.

This year’s SEMA Awards for the top-trending vehicle models in four categories were announced on the opening day of the 2014 SEMA Show. The Ford Mustang was named Hottest Car, the Honda Fit took the Hottest Sport-Compact honors, the Chevrolet Silverado won Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler received the Hottest 4x4-SUV award.

“The SEMA Show has always been the annual event where the newest and most innovative products are seen first,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The SEMA Award celebrates the industry’s unique ability to identify and set the trends that influence consumers worldwide.”

The SEMA Award recognizes vehicle models that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and that showcase the year’s coolest products. It also underscores the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies.

“Now in its fourth year, the SEMA Award helps guide consumers toward the hottest-trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the market,” added Kersting. “Our Show exhibitors are industry visionaries who determine the winners of the SEMA Award. The booth space is a ballot, and the vehicles they choose to showcase in their booths are a vote. The most prominent models in each category are the winners.”

The 2014 SEMA Show features more than 2,400 exhibiting companies that manufacture thousands of products designed to improve performance, safety and convenience, as well as those that enhance appearance and comfort. While products are available for every make and model, exhibitors are investing more in the Ford Mustang, Honda Fit, Chevrolet Silverado and Jeep Wrangler than any other vehicles. Consumers, therefore, can expect to find great specialty products for accessorizing these vehicles.

To learn more about the SEMA Award winners and the products that are available for them, visit www.sema.org/semaaward.

Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer receives the Hottest Car award for the ’15 Ford Mustang.	Pietro Gorlier, president and chief executive officer, MOPAR brand service, parts and customer care, Chrysler Group, accepts the Hottest 4x4-SUV award for the ’14/’15 Jeep Wrangler.
Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division, receives the Hottest Sport Compact award for the ’15 Honda Fit.	Alan Batey, president of GM North America, global Chevrolet brand chief, accepts the Hottest Truck award for the ’14/’15 Chevrolet Silverado.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Lingenfelter's new C7 Corvette intercooler manifold received a 2014 Global Media Award at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering C7 Corvette Intercooler Manifold Receives SEMA Global Media Award

A panel of 35 top international automotive journalists have chosen Lingenfelter Performance Engineering's new C7 Corvette intercooler manifold to receive a 2014 Global Media Award at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Representing more than 20 countries, the journalists reviewed hundreds of entries in the SEMA New Products Showcase to select the specialty-equipment products that would most appeal to their home markets. The intercooler manifold from Lingenfelter Performance Engineering was chosen for its low-profile design, which fits with a stock C7 hood and integrates neatly into the engine compartment. The new Corvette engine intercooler builds on the previous success of products Lingenfelter created for Gen-3 and Gen-4 engines, and is designed for turbocharged or centrifugal supercharged applications of up to 1,200 hp.

The Global Media Award, introduced by SEMA in 2004, was created to highlight specialty-equipment products to a growing audience of automotive enthusiasts around the world. According to SEMA research, more than 25% of the buyers at this year's SEMA Show came from more than 100 nations outside of the United States.

Trent Van Arsdalen of Trent's Trick Upholstery holds the Mother's Choice Award for A.R.E. Accessories’ ’15 Ford F-150 Extreme Sport Project Truck.

A.R.E. Accessories' Ford F-150 Project Truck Wins 2014 Mothers Choice Award

The new A.R.E. Accessories’ ’15 Ford F-150 Extreme Sport Project Truck was selected for the top 10 Mothers Choice Award at the 2014 SEMA Show. Started in 2001 to honor excellence in vehicle design, the awards are presented to the most outstanding SEMA Show vehicles chosen by a panel of industry judges.

The winning project truck, built by A.R.E. and Trent's Trick Upholstery, is designed to showcase the extreme sports lifestyle for the Ford F-150 truck. Featuring a completely customized interior from award-winning Trent's Trick Upholstery and the contributions of more than 20 aftermarket product leaders, the project truck is equipped with an array of sporty customization features, including an A.R.E. fiberglass truck cap, DUB wheels, Rigid Industries light bars, Corsa exhaust, Bushwacker fender flares, Skyjacker suspension, Air Lift air springs, Toyo tires and a Lynch Concepts custom gloss/matte paint treatment. In addition, GoPro cameras integrated into the design help capture and share all of the extreme sports action.

	James Wilkins, Performance Motorsports News owner/president.

Performance Motorsports News Launches Online Publication to Serve the Classic Car and American Motorsports Communities

Performance Motorsports News (PMN) has launched Classics-Racers.com, a content-driven website for classic car/American motorsports enthusiasts and specialty-equipment manufacturers and jobbers/retailers. The new site can be found at classics-racers.com/brochure. PMN, which was created a decade ago to help facilitate interaction between manufacturers, jobbers/retailers and consumers by providing free catalogs, will be an integral part of Classics-Racers.com.

Cecil County Dragway and New Smyrna Speedway Partner With VP Racing Fuels

VP Racing Fuels has announced an agreement with Cecil County Dragway extending its long-standing Official Fuel partnership through 2017. An NHRA-sanctioned dragway, Cecil County conducted its first race in April 1963 and has been the host to many past and present high-profile racers and events, including the Yellow Bullet Nationals and the NHRA Division 1 sportsman event.

Officials at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida also have announced a two-year agreement extending VP Racing Fuels as the track’s Official Fuel Supplier through 2016. Under the agreement, VP will be the track's exclusive supplier of race fuels with VP110 and C12 available on site and fuel service to be provided by VP-Southeast, VP’s Ft. Lauderdale-based distributor for the state of Florida.

Toyo Tires Recognized for Quality Design and Manufacturing Factory Receives ISO/TS 16949:2009 Certification

Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing, Inc. (TNA) of White, Georgia, has received ISO/TS 16949:2009 certification for the design and manufacturing of passenger and light-truck tires. The quality management system standards certification was issued by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance Limited of Houston. Established in June 2004, the manufacturing facility produces both Toyo Tires and Nitto brand tires using a proprietary automated production system called Advanced Tire Operation Module (A.T.O.M.). In addition to replacement tires, the factory also produces original-equipment tires for vehicle brands, including Ford and Toyota. The plant is currently undergoing its fourth expansion, adding more than 1 million sq. ft. to its current 2 million sq. ft. of manufacturing and warehousing. TNA also plans to hire an additional 650 employees over the next year. Also named on the certificate is the Toyo Tires Technical Center in Itami City, Japan.

	Erika Garcia from BOLT Locks received the STAR Award at last week's SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

BOLT National Sales Manager Receives SEMA Star Award

SEMA’s Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) has selected BOLT Locks national sales manager Erika Garcia as the recipient of the Sales Team Annual Recognition (STAR) Award at last week's 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The STAR Award is presented to the most outstanding manufacturer's sales team, chosen from nominations made by the general membership of the MRN. In the four years that the BOLT lock brand has been in the automotive aftermarket industry, Garcia has focused on developing significant market share gains and greater awareness for the product line.

Coming into the aftermarket industry from the OEM world took some adjustment, Garcia noted, and she acknowledges the assistance of the MRN and support of a dedicated sales team and experienced manufacturer's representatives as critical contributors to BOLT's success.

TI Automotive Announces Marketing Partnership With The Marx Group

TI Automotive has announced a new marketing partnership with The Marx Group. As part of that relationship, The Marx Group will help TI Automotive with marketing, branding and public relations for its performance aftermarket products. TI Automotive is a global OE supplier to auto manufacturers and a leader in the development and production of automotive fluid systems.

Calumet Specialty Products Appoints Leah Herrington as VP of Marketing for Packaging and Branded Products Division

Calumet Specialty Products Partners L.P. has appointed Leah Herrington to the position of vice president of marketing for its packaging and branded products division, reporting to Calumet Vice President of Packaging and Branded Products Bryan Yourdon.

Effective immediately, Herrington will be responsible for overseeing all facets of strategy and execution of branding, marketing, advertising, public relations and corporate communications initiatives for Calumet’s Royal Purple, Bel-Ray, Quantum and TruFuel brands. Herrington brings more than 20 years of domestic and international marketing expertise to her new position, working with companies such as PepsiCo Inc., IBM, Mary Kay and Quaker State oil. Most recently, Herrington served as the OTC marketing group director for Gaderman S.A.—a division of Nestle Skin Health.

	Mahle Aftermarket's new website contains updated information on the company's newest division.

MAHLE Service Solutions Unveils New Website

MAHLE Aftermarket, Service Solutions, formerly MAHLE RTI, has introduced its new website at www.servicesolutions.mahle.com. The site contains updated information on MAHLE Aftermarket’s newest division, providing visitors with a user-friendly site with comprehensive information on the company’s automotive tools and maintenance equipment.

According to Max Dull, general manager, MAHLE Service Solutions, the new website helps complete the transition that started in 2013 when MAHLE purchased RTI Technologies. He said the new site provides MAHLE Service Solutions with the opportunity to display the new MAHLE branding for the division’s newest tool, TechPRO, along with its existing ArcticPRO, FluidPRO and NitroPRO lines. The site includes detailed equipment specifications for each machine they sell. Dull said the website will soon feature a “Where to Buy” section so customers can find the nearest location to purchase the division’s tools and equipment. A new, interactive contact section is currently being built that will provide the most current answers to frequently asked customer questions.

The shooters at KGP Photography have gotten the first definitive shots of the ’16 Camaro Convertible, caught testing with clear evidence of a soft-top in place.

Some recent Camaro prototypes have had newly camouflaged roofs, leading to some speculation that they might be testing the new convertible. Those prototypes had several details, however, that pointed to the existence of solid roof rails, and no noticeable breaks at the Camaro's A-pillar and headliner. With these latest Camaro test cars, it is certain that those earlier prototypes are clearly not convertibles. Whether they're hiding something else—like a throwback to the classic T-Top—is still up for debate.

The Camaro Convertible's soft roof is uncovered in these new shots, and elements of the roof's understructure can be seen underneath the soft surface. A redesigned B-pillar area has more of a glass-to-glass treatment than the Camaro Coupe. There is also the clear presence of a seam where the soft-top meets the headliner. The Camaro convertible exists, and it's now testing alongside the Camaro Coupe, suggesting a possible simultaneous launch—just as on the new ’15 Mustangs.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography have gotten the first definitive shots of the ’16 Camaro Convertible, caught testing with clear evidence of a soft-top in place.

Some recent Camaro prototypes have had newly camouflaged roofs, leading to some speculation that they might be testing the new convertible. Those prototypes had several details, however, that pointed to the existence of solid roof rails, and no noticeable breaks at the Camaro's A-pillar and headliner. With these latest Camaro test cars, it is certain that those earlier prototypes are clearly not convertibles. Whether they're hiding something else—like a throwback to the classic T-Top—is still up for debate.

The Camaro Convertible's soft roof is uncovered in these new shots, and elements of the roof's understructure can be seen underneath the soft surface. A redesigned B-pillar area has more of a glass-to-glass treatment than the Camaro Coupe. There is also the clear presence of a seam where the soft-top meets the headliner. The Camaro convertible exists, and it's now testing alongside the Camaro Coupe, suggesting a possible simultaneous launch—just as on the new ’15 Mustangs.

Photo credit: KGP Photography