By Jason Catullo

	The street performance niche comprised $8.72 billion in retail sales in 2013.

The street-performance niche is steeped in the American automotive tradition of increasing vehicle power and performance. Enthusiasts’ desire for the latest in speed and control have propelled this niche to be the strongest and largest in the specialty-equipment market, comprising $8.72 billion in retail sales in 2013. Performance products lead the way in terms of product segment, capturing 37.5% of the market share, followed by wheel, tire and suspension products at 31.8%, and accessory and appearance products with 30.7%.

Products that provide boosted horsepower and handling are most often associated with the niche and are seen as the key components of street-performance builds. A closer examination of the niche and the overall product-segment breakdown reveals that street-performance enthusiasts purchase from each of the three product segments fairly equally. At $8.72 billion in retail sales, the street performance niche increased more than a 16% compared to 2012. The sales of sports and musclecars have been strong for the past several years, helping the niche to sustain strong sales and supports its current upward trend.

“Classic musclecars are bringing record prices at auction and current-generation musclecars like the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger are channeling that styling and passion for performance to new-car buyers, said Gavin Knapp, SEMA senior market research manager. "Performance has become a great selling point for these new cars and the specialty-equipment market fuels that fire, producing and selling more products for this market niche than any other.”

This information and more is available through the recently released “2014 SEMA Annual Market Report.” Members: Download a free copy of the “2014 SEMA Annual Market Report,” which provides detailed insight on the compact-performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street-rod and custom, and racing niches.

The SEMA Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. SEMA research reports are available to SEMA members at no cost, and to nonmembers at a nominal fee. SEMA research reports are listed and can be accessed at www.SEMA.org/research.

By SEMA Editors

	The 2014 SEMA Show is less than two weeks away. Exhibitors should ensure they hit their deadlines.

The 2014 SEMA Show kicks off in 12 days. Here are key exhibitor deadlines that are about to pass or are fast approaching. In addition to the deadlines outlined below, exhibitors are encouraged to continuously review the Deadline Checklist to take advantage advance rates and secure orders for the Show.

Exhibitors using an Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC)—any third-party contractor performing services at the Show—must complete all EAC requirements to avoid delay or extra costs. EACs must conform to the EAC rules of the SEMA Show and complete an online application to be authorized to work at the Show by the October 17, deadline. They must also provide the SEMA with a certificate of insurance in order to be authorized to work onsite.

Contractors subject to the EAC rules are any companies and/or individuals that provide services to SEMA Show exhibitors, including, but not limited to, an installation and dismantling company, exhibit builder, sound and lighting company, detailer or any person or company providing direct services other than the official contractors listed in the Exhibitor Manual.

Questions? Contact Tom Gattuso or Gina Ledesma at 909-396-0289, or e-mail SEMAEAC@sema.org.

Discounted Monorail Tickets

Exhibitors will receive a discount on Las Vegas Monorail tickets when they purchase tickets online in advance of the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7. Visit the Ticket Selection page on the Las Vegas Monorail website. Current offers for unlimited-ride passes are: three-day pass, $24; four-day pass, $32; and seven-day pass, $50. Monorail trains arrive every few minutes and conveniently connect riders to the Las Vegas Convention Center and the restaurants, shows, shops and casinos in Vegas.

October 24 Deadlines

• Advance Shipments to Freeman Warehouse
• Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation
• Freight—Last day freight will be accepted at the warehouse without penalty

October 30 Deadline

• 1st Day Freeman will accept shipments at LVCC (Refer to target Floor Plan)

October 31 Deadline

• After-Hours Event - Proof of Security
• Photography Order - Expo Ease
• Plant and Floral Order - Expo Ease
• On-site Press Releases/Kits Submitted to the Media Center in N110

Missed A Deadline?

The deadline to submit Exhibit Space Notification and Hanging Sign Design Notification forms has already passed (September 12). Exhibitors who have not submitted either of the above-mentioned forms run the risk of having their booth design and layout affected at the Show. The forms are available in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual. Regardless of the deadline, exhibitors MUST SUBMIT Exhibit Space Notification and Hanging Sign Design Notification forms.

For more information or questions, contact Lorri Monty at lorrim@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

	The 2014 SEMA Show is less than two weeks away. Exhibitors should ensure they hit their deadlines.

The 2014 SEMA Show kicks off in 12 days. Here are key exhibitor deadlines that are about to pass or are fast approaching. In addition to the deadlines outlined below, exhibitors are encouraged to continuously review the Deadline Checklist to take advantage advance rates and secure orders for the Show.

Exhibitors using an Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC)—any third-party contractor performing services at the Show—must complete all EAC requirements to avoid delay or extra costs. EACs must conform to the EAC rules of the SEMA Show and complete an online application to be authorized to work at the Show by the October 17, deadline. They must also provide the SEMA with a certificate of insurance in order to be authorized to work onsite.

Contractors subject to the EAC rules are any companies and/or individuals that provide services to SEMA Show exhibitors, including, but not limited to, an installation and dismantling company, exhibit builder, sound and lighting company, detailer or any person or company providing direct services other than the official contractors listed in the Exhibitor Manual.

Questions? Contact Tom Gattuso or Gina Ledesma at 909-396-0289, or e-mail SEMAEAC@sema.org.

Discounted Monorail Tickets

Exhibitors will receive a discount on Las Vegas Monorail tickets when they purchase tickets online in advance of the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7. Visit the Ticket Selection page on the Las Vegas Monorail website. Current offers for unlimited-ride passes are: three-day pass, $24; four-day pass, $32; and seven-day pass, $50. Monorail trains arrive every few minutes and conveniently connect riders to the Las Vegas Convention Center and the restaurants, shows, shops and casinos in Vegas.

October 24 Deadlines

• Advance Shipments to Freeman Warehouse
• Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation
• Freight—Last day freight will be accepted at the warehouse without penalty

October 30 Deadline

• 1st Day Freeman will accept shipments at LVCC (Refer to target Floor Plan)

October 31 Deadline

• After-Hours Event - Proof of Security
• Photography Order - Expo Ease
• Plant and Floral Order - Expo Ease
• On-site Press Releases/Kits Submitted to the Media Center in N110

Missed A Deadline?

The deadline to submit Exhibit Space Notification and Hanging Sign Design Notification forms has already passed (September 12). Exhibitors who have not submitted either of the above-mentioned forms run the risk of having their booth design and layout affected at the Show. The forms are available in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual. Regardless of the deadline, exhibitors MUST SUBMIT Exhibit Space Notification and Hanging Sign Design Notification forms.

For more information or questions, contact Lorri Monty at lorrim@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Rob MacCachren	Bryce Menzies

BFGoodrich Off-Road and Desert Racers Gather at the 2014 SEMA Show

SEMA Showgoers will have a unique opportunity to meet leading off-road and desert race drivers, as they gather and sign autographs at the SCORE Baja 1000 Experience located outside of South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The autograph signings will take place during the 2014 SEMA Show, as follows:

• Casey Currie, short-course off-road racing sensation: November 4, 1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m.; November 5, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Rob MacCachren, off-road motorsports and Motorsports Hall of Fame member: November 4, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Ryan Arciero, three-time SCORE Baja 1000 overall winner, who is continuing his family’s 60-year legacy of championship driving: November 5, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Justin "Bean" Smith, previous competitor in X-Games as FMX rider, who moved into off-road desert racing and short-course racing and has more than 30 wins and five championships: November 4, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.; November 5, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Bryce Menzies, former Baja 1000 and Baja 500 winner: November 5, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

SCORE Qualifying Event and Press Conference Scheduled

Journalists and 2014 SEMA Showgoers are invited to attend the SCORE Press Conference and Baja 1000 Qualifying Event, Presented by BFGoodrich, taking place during the 2014 SEMA Show at the SCORE Baja 1000 Experience—a 70,000-sq.-ft. desert-racing exhibit located in front of the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

Activities and events schedule: 

Tuesday, November 4

• Driver Autograph Session: 1:30 p.m.
• Press Conference, introducing the qualifying event, starting order draw for the race, driver and team introductions: 2:30 p.m.–2:50 p.m. 
• Driver Interview and Autograph Sessions: 3:30 p.m.
• Trophy Trucks and Class 1 vehicles will start up and drive to Las Vegas Motor Speedway: 4:30 p.m.
• Practice sessions: 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
• Baja 1000 qualifying for Trophy Trucks and Class 1 teams: 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 5

• Press Conference announcing the qualifying order results from Tuesday night’s event, the Method Race Wheels Fastest Qualifier Award Presentation, and more: 2:30 p.m.          

The SCORE Exhibit will also include dozens of Baja 1000 Trophy Truck and Class 1 race vehicles, along with plenty of surprises for off-road and desert race fans.

Bart Tobener won the 2014 Edelbrock Renegade class championship at the NMRA World Finals.

Bart Tobener Wins NMRA Renegade Title With Holley EFI

Bart Tobener clinched the 2014 Edelbrock Renegade class championship at the NMRA World Finals, October 2. After qualifying No. 1 overall with an 8.101 at 168.37 mph timeslip, Tobener made his way through eliminations on his way to meeting Adam Arndt in the finals. Arndt took any suspense out of the situation by red-lighting. Tobener gave fans one more show, running 8.022 @ 170.28 mph to further solidify his championship claim.

13th Annual FEL-PRO NMCA World Finals Race Results

Visit the NMCA website for a full recap of the 13th annual FEL-PRO NMCA World Finals Race.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Rob MacCachren	Bryce Menzies

BFGoodrich Off-Road and Desert Racers Gather at the 2014 SEMA Show

SEMA Showgoers will have a unique opportunity to meet leading off-road and desert race drivers, as they gather and sign autographs at the SCORE Baja 1000 Experience located outside of South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The autograph signings will take place during the 2014 SEMA Show, as follows:

• Casey Currie, short-course off-road racing sensation: November 4, 1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m.; November 5, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Rob MacCachren, off-road motorsports and Motorsports Hall of Fame member: November 4, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Ryan Arciero, three-time SCORE Baja 1000 overall winner, who is continuing his family’s 60-year legacy of championship driving: November 5, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Justin "Bean" Smith, previous competitor in X-Games as FMX rider, who moved into off-road desert racing and short-course racing and has more than 30 wins and five championships: November 4, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.; November 5, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Bryce Menzies, former Baja 1000 and Baja 500 winner: November 5, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

SCORE Qualifying Event and Press Conference Scheduled

Journalists and 2014 SEMA Showgoers are invited to attend the SCORE Press Conference and Baja 1000 Qualifying Event, Presented by BFGoodrich, taking place during the 2014 SEMA Show at the SCORE Baja 1000 Experience—a 70,000-sq.-ft. desert-racing exhibit located in front of the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

Activities and events schedule: 

Tuesday, November 4

• Driver Autograph Session: 1:30 p.m.
• Press Conference, introducing the qualifying event, starting order draw for the race, driver and team introductions: 2:30 p.m.–2:50 p.m. 
• Driver Interview and Autograph Sessions: 3:30 p.m.
• Trophy Trucks and Class 1 vehicles will start up and drive to Las Vegas Motor Speedway: 4:30 p.m.
• Practice sessions: 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
• Baja 1000 qualifying for Trophy Trucks and Class 1 teams: 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 5

• Press Conference announcing the qualifying order results from Tuesday night’s event, the Method Race Wheels Fastest Qualifier Award Presentation, and more: 2:30 p.m.          

The SCORE Exhibit will also include dozens of Baja 1000 Trophy Truck and Class 1 race vehicles, along with plenty of surprises for off-road and desert race fans.

Bart Tobener won the 2014 Edelbrock Renegade class championship at the NMRA World Finals.

Bart Tobener Wins NMRA Renegade Title With Holley EFI

Bart Tobener clinched the 2014 Edelbrock Renegade class championship at the NMRA World Finals, October 2. After qualifying No. 1 overall with an 8.101 at 168.37 mph timeslip, Tobener made his way through eliminations on his way to meeting Adam Arndt in the finals. Arndt took any suspense out of the situation by red-lighting. Tobener gave fans one more show, running 8.022 @ 170.28 mph to further solidify his championship claim.

13th Annual FEL-PRO NMCA World Finals Race Results

Visit the NMCA website for a full recap of the 13th annual FEL-PRO NMCA World Finals Race.

By SEMA Editors

	In addition to being the presenting sponsor of “Live From SEMA,” Nitto Tire will sponsor the SEMA Show's Media Center.

Nitto Tire will help the thousands of journalists attending the 2014 SEMA Show deliver their coverage to consumers around the world as the sponsor of the Show’s Media Center. The Nitto Tire Media Center, which is open in advance of the Show for media registration and exhibitor press kit drop-off, features a dedicated WiFi connection, meeting rooms, a press conference area, seating areas and refreshments.

In addition to the Media Center, Nitto will also provide enthusiasts worldwide an insider’s view of the SEMA Show as the presenting sponsor of the “Live From SEMA” social aggregate service. The “Live From SEMA” service will automatically gather posts from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that are tagged with #LiveFromSEMA and display them in a real-time feed on the www.LiveFromSEMA.com website.

New for 2014, the website now allows users to filter by hashtag so that they can browse content specifically about the subjects in which they are interested. There will also be daily recaps of the day’s activity so that users can ensure they didn’t miss a single post. “Live From SEMA” will launch Tuesday, October 28—one week prior to the opening of the Show—giving exhibitors a chance to tease their latest products and booth vehicles before the Show officially opens November 4. In addition, the Nitto Tire Media Center will be outfitted with dozens of computers featuring a desktop background promoting the “Live From SEMA” website and official hashtags.

“Nitto Tire is a company that is proud of its direct connection to its enthusiast fans,” said Stephen Leu, Nitto Tire U.S.A.’s assistant brand publishing manager. “That is why we are so proud to help deliver coverage of the world’s largest trade show straight to enthusiasts through social media and traditional media.”

“We’re grateful to have an eager consumer audience for our industry’s products,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “‘Live From SEMA’ is an innovative channel to deliver all the exciting news to the audience outside the convention center walls,” he added.

Monitor the “Live From SEMA” feed at www.LiveFromSEMA.com starting Tuesday, October 28, 2014. To learn more, join Nitto Tire on Facebook, Twitter at @NittoTire, YouTube or visit www.nittotire.com.

By SEMA Editors

	In addition to being the presenting sponsor of “Live From SEMA,” Nitto Tire will sponsor the SEMA Show's Media Center.

Nitto Tire will help the thousands of journalists attending the 2014 SEMA Show deliver their coverage to consumers around the world as the sponsor of the Show’s Media Center. The Nitto Tire Media Center, which is open in advance of the Show for media registration and exhibitor press kit drop-off, features a dedicated WiFi connection, meeting rooms, a press conference area, seating areas and refreshments.

In addition to the Media Center, Nitto will also provide enthusiasts worldwide an insider’s view of the SEMA Show as the presenting sponsor of the “Live From SEMA” social aggregate service. The “Live From SEMA” service will automatically gather posts from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that are tagged with #LiveFromSEMA and display them in a real-time feed on the www.LiveFromSEMA.com website.

New for 2014, the website now allows users to filter by hashtag so that they can browse content specifically about the subjects in which they are interested. There will also be daily recaps of the day’s activity so that users can ensure they didn’t miss a single post. “Live From SEMA” will launch Tuesday, October 28—one week prior to the opening of the Show—giving exhibitors a chance to tease their latest products and booth vehicles before the Show officially opens November 4. In addition, the Nitto Tire Media Center will be outfitted with dozens of computers featuring a desktop background promoting the “Live From SEMA” website and official hashtags.

“Nitto Tire is a company that is proud of its direct connection to its enthusiast fans,” said Stephen Leu, Nitto Tire U.S.A.’s assistant brand publishing manager. “That is why we are so proud to help deliver coverage of the world’s largest trade show straight to enthusiasts through social media and traditional media.”

“We’re grateful to have an eager consumer audience for our industry’s products,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “‘Live From SEMA’ is an innovative channel to deliver all the exciting news to the audience outside the convention center walls,” he added.

Monitor the “Live From SEMA” feed at www.LiveFromSEMA.com starting Tuesday, October 28, 2014. To learn more, join Nitto Tire on Facebook, Twitter at @NittoTire, YouTube or visit www.nittotire.com.

The shooters at KGP Photography have provided their first shots of a ’16 Nissan Maxima prototype, which takes inspiration from Nissan's ’14 Sport Sedan concept.

The adventurously styled Sport Sedan concept furthers Nissan's crossover design language, taking it into the midsize sedan segment to battle style leaders, such as the Ford Fusion and Mazda6. With this rather lightly camo'd prototype, nearly all of the concept's key design traits have been adapted into a production design, only marginally toned down.

Sources at AutoPacific say to expect a performance-oriented hybrid Maxima variant, reportedly using a 2.5L supercharged, direct-inject four-cylinder engine mated to a battery to provide strong, V6-like performance. This system is seen as a way to further differentiate the Maxima from the encroaching Nissan Altima, which will use a more sedate, eco-minded hybrid setup. The Maxima's newly invigorated design is seen as a meaningful step to better separate the two sedans in Nissan's showrooms.  

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography have provided their first shots of a ’16 Nissan Maxima prototype, which takes inspiration from Nissan's ’14 Sport Sedan concept.

The adventurously styled Sport Sedan concept furthers Nissan's crossover design language, taking it into the midsize sedan segment to battle style leaders, such as the Ford Fusion and Mazda6. With this rather lightly camo'd prototype, nearly all of the concept's key design traits have been adapted into a production design, only marginally toned down.

Sources at AutoPacific say to expect a performance-oriented hybrid Maxima variant, reportedly using a 2.5L supercharged, direct-inject four-cylinder engine mated to a battery to provide strong, V6-like performance. This system is seen as a way to further differentiate the Maxima from the encroaching Nissan Altima, which will use a more sedate, eco-minded hybrid setup. The Maxima's newly invigorated design is seen as a meaningful step to better separate the two sedans in Nissan's showrooms.  

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography have provided their first shots of a ’16 Nissan Maxima prototype, which takes inspiration from Nissan's ’14 Sport Sedan concept.

The adventurously styled Sport Sedan concept furthers Nissan's crossover design language, taking it into the midsize sedan segment to battle style leaders, such as the Ford Fusion and Mazda6. With this rather lightly camo'd prototype, nearly all of the concept's key design traits have been adapted into a production design, only marginally toned down.

Sources at AutoPacific say to expect a performance-oriented hybrid Maxima variant, reportedly using a 2.5L supercharged, direct-inject four-cylinder engine mated to a battery to provide strong, V6-like performance. This system is seen as a way to further differentiate the Maxima from the encroaching Nissan Altima, which will use a more sedate, eco-minded hybrid setup. The Maxima's newly invigorated design is seen as a meaningful step to better separate the two sedans in Nissan's showrooms.  

Photo credit: KGP Photography