By SEMA Editors

	The 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report is now available to members at no cost.

In 2013, sales of automotive specialty-equipment products reached $33 billion—a 6.7% increase over the previous year, according to the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. The figure represents the fourth consecutive year of growth.

“The report indicates that the marketplace has continued to move in a positive direction overall,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “This research suggests that the industry made smart, timely moves during the recession, and that those moves have paid off for many companies. Specifically in 2013, the specialty-equipment market produced the highest growth since the recent recession.”

Members: Get your free copy of the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Study.

The automotive specialty-equipment market began to see an upswing in 2010, when sales totaled to $28.60 billion—a 2% increase over the previous year. Sales reached $29.99 billion the following year, representing a growth of 5% over 2010. Sales in 2012 reached $31 billion—a 4% increase from the previous year.

Again, the growth in 2013 is largely attributed to a growth in the street-performance niche. Accounting for 26% of sales with $8.72 billion, the street-performance niche represents the largest niche in the industry.

“The renewed focus on performance models by the OEMs has helped drive interest in this segment,” Kersting said. “New models, such as the Scion FR-S; redesigns, including the ’15 Mustang; and high-performance packages, such as the Hellcat Challenger, have inspired the industry and consumer alike to aim for increased performance.”

Also noteworthy in the study is the light-truck market, which continues to rebound with 8% growth in 2013—the market's best sales year since 2007. New truck sales continue to climb amid anticipation for major redesigns to several flagship pickups.

“We see the 2014 SEMA Show shaping up to be the biggest yet as industry optimism continues to build,” Kersting said. “Attendance is trending upward, and buyers will see more exhibitors and products than ever on the Show floor. New this year is SEMA Ignited, a special consumer and media attraction on Friday night after the Show. SEMA Ignited meshes with other consumer-facing association projects, all part of a long-term plan to enhance awareness of specialty products.”

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 Annual Market Report is now available to members at no cost.

In 2013, sales of automotive specialty-equipment products reached $33 billion—a 6.7% increase over the previous year, according to the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. The figure represents the fourth consecutive year of growth.

“The report indicates that the marketplace has continued to move in a positive direction overall,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “This research suggests that the industry made smart, timely moves during the recession, and that those moves have paid off for many companies. Specifically in 2013, the specialty-equipment market produced the highest growth since the recent recession.”

Members: Get your free copy of the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Study.

The automotive specialty-equipment market began to see an upswing in 2010, when sales totaled to $28.60 billion—a 2% increase over the previous year. Sales reached $29.99 billion the following year, representing a growth of 5% over 2010. Sales in 2012 reached $31 billion—a 4% increase from the previous year.

Again, the growth in 2013 is largely attributed to a growth in the street-performance niche. Accounting for 26% of sales with $8.72 billion, the street-performance niche represents the largest niche in the industry.

“The renewed focus on performance models by the OEMs has helped drive interest in this segment,” Kersting said. “New models, such as the Scion FR-S; redesigns, including the ’15 Mustang; and high-performance packages, such as the Hellcat Challenger, have inspired the industry and consumer alike to aim for increased performance.”

Also noteworthy in the study is the light-truck market, which continues to rebound with 8% growth in 2013—the market's best sales year since 2007. New truck sales continue to climb amid anticipation for major redesigns to several flagship pickups.

“We see the 2014 SEMA Show shaping up to be the biggest yet as industry optimism continues to build,” Kersting said. “Attendance is trending upward, and buyers will see more exhibitors and products than ever on the Show floor. New this year is SEMA Ignited, a special consumer and media attraction on Friday night after the Show. SEMA Ignited meshes with other consumer-facing association projects, all part of a long-term plan to enhance awareness of specialty products.”

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 Annual Market Report is now available to members at no cost.

In 2013, sales of automotive specialty-equipment products reached $33 billion—a 6.7% increase over the previous year, according to the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. The figure represents the fourth consecutive year of growth.

“The report indicates that the marketplace has continued to move in a positive direction overall,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “This research suggests that the industry made smart, timely moves during the recession, and that those moves have paid off for many companies. Specifically in 2013, the specialty-equipment market produced the highest growth since the recent recession.”

Members: Get your free copy of the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Study.

The automotive specialty-equipment market began to see an upswing in 2010, when sales totaled to $28.60 billion—a 2% increase over the previous year. Sales reached $29.99 billion the following year, representing a growth of 5% over 2010. Sales in 2012 reached $31 billion—a 4% increase from the previous year.

Again, the growth in 2013 is largely attributed to a growth in the street-performance niche. Accounting for 26% of sales with $8.72 billion, the street-performance niche represents the largest niche in the industry.

“The renewed focus on performance models by the OEMs has helped drive interest in this segment,” Kersting said. “New models, such as the Scion FR-S; redesigns, including the ’15 Mustang; and high-performance packages, such as the Hellcat Challenger, have inspired the industry and consumer alike to aim for increased performance.”

Also noteworthy in the study is the light-truck market, which continues to rebound with 8% growth in 2013—the market's best sales year since 2007. New truck sales continue to climb amid anticipation for major redesigns to several flagship pickups.

“We see the 2014 SEMA Show shaping up to be the biggest yet as industry optimism continues to build,” Kersting said. “Attendance is trending upward, and buyers will see more exhibitors and products than ever on the Show floor. New this year is SEMA Ignited, a special consumer and media attraction on Friday night after the Show. SEMA Ignited meshes with other consumer-facing association projects, all part of a long-term plan to enhance awareness of specialty products.”

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 Annual Market Report is now available to members at no cost.

In 2013, sales of automotive specialty-equipment products reached $33 billion—a 6.7% increase over the previous year, according to the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. The figure represents the fourth consecutive year of growth.

“The report indicates that the marketplace has continued to move in a positive direction overall,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “This research suggests that the industry made smart, timely moves during the recession, and that those moves have paid off for many companies. Specifically in 2013, the specialty-equipment market produced the highest growth since the recent recession.”

Members: Get your free copy of the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Study.

The automotive specialty-equipment market began to see an upswing in 2010, when sales totaled to $28.60 billion—a 2% increase over the previous year. Sales reached $29.99 billion the following year, representing a growth of 5% over 2010. Sales in 2012 reached $31 billion—a 4% increase from the previous year.

Again, the growth in 2013 is largely attributed to a growth in the street-performance niche. Accounting for 26% of sales with $8.72 billion, the street-performance niche represents the largest niche in the industry.

“The renewed focus on performance models by the OEMs has helped drive interest in this segment,” Kersting said. “New models, such as the Scion FR-S; redesigns, including the ’15 Mustang; and high-performance packages, such as the Hellcat Challenger, have inspired the industry and consumer alike to aim for increased performance.”

Also noteworthy in the study is the light-truck market, which continues to rebound with 8% growth in 2013—the market's best sales year since 2007. New truck sales continue to climb amid anticipation for major redesigns to several flagship pickups.

“We see the 2014 SEMA Show shaping up to be the biggest yet as industry optimism continues to build,” Kersting said. “Attendance is trending upward, and buyers will see more exhibitors and products than ever on the Show floor. New this year is SEMA Ignited, a special consumer and media attraction on Friday night after the Show. SEMA Ignited meshes with other consumer-facing association projects, all part of a long-term plan to enhance awareness of specialty products.”

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 Annual Market Report is now available to members at no cost.

In 2013, sales of automotive specialty-equipment products reached $33 billion—a 6.7% increase over the previous year, according to the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. The figure represents the fourth consecutive year of growth.

“The report indicates that the marketplace has continued to move in a positive direction overall,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “This research suggests that the industry made smart, timely moves during the recession, and that those moves have paid off for many companies. Specifically in 2013, the specialty-equipment market produced the highest growth since the recent recession.”

Members: Get your free copy of the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Study.

The automotive specialty-equipment market began to see an upswing in 2010, when sales totaled to $28.60 billion—a 2% increase over the previous year. Sales reached $29.99 billion the following year, representing a growth of 5% over 2010. Sales in 2012 reached $31 billion—a 4% increase from the previous year.

Again, the growth in 2013 is largely attributed to a growth in the street-performance niche. Accounting for 26% of sales with $8.72 billion, the street-performance niche represents the largest niche in the industry.

“The renewed focus on performance models by the OEMs has helped drive interest in this segment,” Kersting said. “New models, such as the Scion FR-S; redesigns, including the ’15 Mustang; and high-performance packages, such as the Hellcat Challenger, have inspired the industry and consumer alike to aim for increased performance.”

Also noteworthy in the study is the light-truck market, which continues to rebound with 8% growth in 2013—the market's best sales year since 2007. New truck sales continue to climb amid anticipation for major redesigns to several flagship pickups.

“We see the 2014 SEMA Show shaping up to be the biggest yet as industry optimism continues to build,” Kersting said. “Attendance is trending upward, and buyers will see more exhibitors and products than ever on the Show floor. New this year is SEMA Ignited, a special consumer and media attraction on Friday night after the Show. SEMA Ignited meshes with other consumer-facing association projects, all part of a long-term plan to enhance awareness of specialty products.”

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.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	With the final addition of the Dodge Challenger last weekend, all three iconic pony cars (Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro) now call Trans Am’s TA2 class home. Photo credit: Chris Clark

Top 11 Spots at Mid-Ohio Claimed by 11 Different Teams
When the Trans Am Series introduced the TA2 class more than four years ago, the vision was to create a high-performance class that emphasizes driver talent in the three quintessential American icons: the Chevrolet Camaro, the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger. As of The 3-Dimensional Services Next Dimension 100, Round 7 of the 2014 Trans Am Championship, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, that vision is now reality. With the final addition of the Dodge Challenger last weekend, all three iconic pony cars now call Trans Am’s TA2 class home, and the battle for bragging rights appears set to head to the next level. While TA2’s growth has surged as of late, 24 entries were featured in the Mid-Ohio race.

Lawrence Loshak, driving the No. 42 Archer Racing/Race-keeper/Team TK Chevrolet Camaro took the pole position on his Trans Am debut. When the race was concluded, all three models were featured in the top 10, and the top 11 finishers all hailed from 11 different teams. The more established Mustang and Camaro effectively split the top five, with three for the Ford Mustang and two for the Camaro, with the No. 44 Engineered Components Chevrolet Camaro of Adam Andretti taking the top spot.

Fans of the Trans Am Series can see the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger do battle once more, next at Brainerd International Raceway, Sunday August 31, for Round 8 of the 2014 Trans Am Championship.

	The Farks Supercars/American Racing Headers ’10 Camaro driven by Louis Filippides dropped the IRS record at the NMCA’s 8th Annual Muscle Car Nationals with an 8.17-second pass at 171 mph. Photo credit: Jason Reiss

Farks Supercar/ARH Camaro Sets New IRS Record
The Farks Supercars/American Racing Headers ’10 Camaro driven by Louis Filippides dropped the IRS record at the NMCA’s 8th Annual Muscle Car Nationals at Summit Motorsports Part in Norwalk, Ohio, with an 8.17-second pass at 171 mph. The short time was a 1.30-second 60-ft., but the car has been a best of 1.22.

The late-model Camaro relies on a ProCharged 430-cube RHS LSX bullet with BMR Suspension components getting all that power hooked up. The Farks/ARH Camaro’s IRS rear suspension is upgraded with BMR’s Drag Racing Suspension Package (DRP007), which consists of lower control arms, trailing arms, upper coil-over mounts and rear brake conversion for 15-in. wheels (BCP001).

Final Open Wheel Spectacular of the 2014 Season Set for Grandview Speedway Sunday
The third and final Open Wheel Spectacular of the season is on tap at the Grandview Speedway this Sunday evening as the Hilborn Tri-State Race Saver Sprint Cars (TSRS) and the wingless midgets of the American Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) return to the high banks of the Grandview Speedway for another double header of open-cockpit competition.

Adam Carberry, Karl Freyer, Mike Haggenbottom, Kyle Reinhardt, Dave Brown, Kyle Purks and the winner of the July Open Wheel Spectacular, Jeff Geiges, are all looking to make a return trip to Victory Lane. Racing will get the green flag at 7:30 p.m. Filling out the Labor Day weekend at Grandview is the Saturday-night tripleheader sponsored by Bernheisel Racing Components and will see the BRC Late Models run in a special 30-lap feature with more than $5,000 worth of special products being shared by all Late Model racers that carry the BRC decals on both sides of the car. The NASCAR 358 Modifieds and Sportsman will also be in action. Just two point events remain in the season before the Freedom 76 Classic takes place Saturday, September 13.

	Brian Deegan, in the #38 Rockstar Energy Drink/Makita Power Tools Ford, finished third in Pro 2, with his fourth podium in Reno.

Deegan Closes in on Championship Points After LOORS Rounds 11 and 12
Last weekend, Brian Deegan and the #38 Rockstar Energy Drink/Makita Power Tools Ford took to Wild West Motorsports Park for the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing (LOORS) Series’ Rounds 11 and 12. Coming into Reno, Deegan sat behind points leader Sheldon Creed. While Deegan pulled away from the pack, a restart on lap 10 would give RJ Anderson a chance, but it was Deegan who pulled away in first.

In Pro Lite Unlimited on Saturday night, Deegan made a mid-air pass to take over third from Creed. Deegan battled it out for second with Myles Cheek after Casey Currie passed Cheek for the lead. Deegan ended up taking the checkered flag for his third win of the weekend. He moved up to second following the aftermath of an early battle between leaders Bryce Menzies and Patrick Clark. Deegan finished third in Pro 2, with his fourth podium in Reno.

8th Annual JE Pistons NMCA Muscle Car Nationals Race Wrap
Last weekend's 8th annual JE Pistons NMCA Muscle Car Nationals featured the Chevrolet Performance LSX Challenge Series. The fifth race of the Flowmaster NMCA Drag Racing Series, featuring NHRA Unleashed presented by Aerospace Components, produced record runs and personal bests at Summit Motorsports Park. A full list of race results is available on the NMCA website.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	With the final addition of the Dodge Challenger last weekend, all three iconic pony cars (Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro) now call Trans Am’s TA2 class home. Photo credit: Chris Clark

Top 11 Spots at Mid-Ohio Claimed by 11 Different Teams
When the Trans Am Series introduced the TA2 class more than four years ago, the vision was to create a high-performance class that emphasizes driver talent in the three quintessential American icons: the Chevrolet Camaro, the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger. As of The 3-Dimensional Services Next Dimension 100, Round 7 of the 2014 Trans Am Championship, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, that vision is now reality. With the final addition of the Dodge Challenger last weekend, all three iconic pony cars now call Trans Am’s TA2 class home, and the battle for bragging rights appears set to head to the next level. While TA2’s growth has surged as of late, 24 entries were featured in the Mid-Ohio race.

Lawrence Loshak, driving the No. 42 Archer Racing/Race-keeper/Team TK Chevrolet Camaro took the pole position on his Trans Am debut. When the race was concluded, all three models were featured in the top 10, and the top 11 finishers all hailed from 11 different teams. The more established Mustang and Camaro effectively split the top five, with three for the Ford Mustang and two for the Camaro, with the No. 44 Engineered Components Chevrolet Camaro of Adam Andretti taking the top spot.

Fans of the Trans Am Series can see the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger do battle once more, next at Brainerd International Raceway, Sunday August 31, for Round 8 of the 2014 Trans Am Championship.

	The Farks Supercars/American Racing Headers ’10 Camaro driven by Louis Filippides dropped the IRS record at the NMCA’s 8th Annual Muscle Car Nationals with an 8.17-second pass at 171 mph. Photo credit: Jason Reiss

Farks Supercar/ARH Camaro Sets New IRS Record
The Farks Supercars/American Racing Headers ’10 Camaro driven by Louis Filippides dropped the IRS record at the NMCA’s 8th Annual Muscle Car Nationals at Summit Motorsports Part in Norwalk, Ohio, with an 8.17-second pass at 171 mph. The short time was a 1.30-second 60-ft., but the car has been a best of 1.22.

The late-model Camaro relies on a ProCharged 430-cube RHS LSX bullet with BMR Suspension components getting all that power hooked up. The Farks/ARH Camaro’s IRS rear suspension is upgraded with BMR’s Drag Racing Suspension Package (DRP007), which consists of lower control arms, trailing arms, upper coil-over mounts and rear brake conversion for 15-in. wheels (BCP001).

Final Open Wheel Spectacular of the 2014 Season Set for Grandview Speedway Sunday
The third and final Open Wheel Spectacular of the season is on tap at the Grandview Speedway this Sunday evening as the Hilborn Tri-State Race Saver Sprint Cars (TSRS) and the wingless midgets of the American Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) return to the high banks of the Grandview Speedway for another double header of open-cockpit competition.

Adam Carberry, Karl Freyer, Mike Haggenbottom, Kyle Reinhardt, Dave Brown, Kyle Purks and the winner of the July Open Wheel Spectacular, Jeff Geiges, are all looking to make a return trip to Victory Lane. Racing will get the green flag at 7:30 p.m. Filling out the Labor Day weekend at Grandview is the Saturday-night tripleheader sponsored by Bernheisel Racing Components and will see the BRC Late Models run in a special 30-lap feature with more than $5,000 worth of special products being shared by all Late Model racers that carry the BRC decals on both sides of the car. The NASCAR 358 Modifieds and Sportsman will also be in action. Just two point events remain in the season before the Freedom 76 Classic takes place Saturday, September 13.

	Brian Deegan, in the #38 Rockstar Energy Drink/Makita Power Tools Ford, finished third in Pro 2, with his fourth podium in Reno.

Deegan Closes in on Championship Points After LOORS Rounds 11 and 12
Last weekend, Brian Deegan and the #38 Rockstar Energy Drink/Makita Power Tools Ford took to Wild West Motorsports Park for the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing (LOORS) Series’ Rounds 11 and 12. Coming into Reno, Deegan sat behind points leader Sheldon Creed. While Deegan pulled away from the pack, a restart on lap 10 would give RJ Anderson a chance, but it was Deegan who pulled away in first.

In Pro Lite Unlimited on Saturday night, Deegan made a mid-air pass to take over third from Creed. Deegan battled it out for second with Myles Cheek after Casey Currie passed Cheek for the lead. Deegan ended up taking the checkered flag for his third win of the weekend. He moved up to second following the aftermath of an early battle between leaders Bryce Menzies and Patrick Clark. Deegan finished third in Pro 2, with his fourth podium in Reno.

8th Annual JE Pistons NMCA Muscle Car Nationals Race Wrap
Last weekend's 8th annual JE Pistons NMCA Muscle Car Nationals featured the Chevrolet Performance LSX Challenge Series. The fifth race of the Flowmaster NMCA Drag Racing Series, featuring NHRA Unleashed presented by Aerospace Components, produced record runs and personal bests at Summit Motorsports Park. A full list of race results is available on the NMCA website.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The California Assembly and Senate have approved legislation to establish an advisory committee to study a road-usage fee.

Legislation to establish an advisory committee to study a road-usage fee was approved by the California Assembly and Senate. The bill now goes to the governor for his approval or veto. 

Under the bill, the group would propose the fee as an alternative to the gas tax and make recommendations on the design of a pilot program. According to supporters, a road-usage fee has the potential to distribute the gas tax burden across all vehicles regardless of fuel source and to minimize the impact of the current regressive gas tax structure.

According to opponents, the bill seeks to penalize national efforts to create a more fuel-efficient vehicle fleet by taxing drivers based on vehicle mileage. As gas tax revenues decrease due to hybrid and electric vehicle ownership, states are looking for new sources of funding for pet projects. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The California Assembly and Senate have approved legislation to establish an advisory committee to study a road-usage fee.

Legislation to establish an advisory committee to study a road-usage fee was approved by the California Assembly and Senate. The bill now goes to the governor for his approval or veto. 

Under the bill, the group would propose the fee as an alternative to the gas tax and make recommendations on the design of a pilot program. According to supporters, a road-usage fee has the potential to distribute the gas tax burden across all vehicles regardless of fuel source and to minimize the impact of the current regressive gas tax structure.

According to opponents, the bill seeks to penalize national efforts to create a more fuel-efficient vehicle fleet by taxing drivers based on vehicle mileage. As gas tax revenues decrease due to hybrid and electric vehicle ownership, states are looking for new sources of funding for pet projects. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The California Assembly and Senate have approved legislation to establish an advisory committee to study a road-usage fee.

Legislation to establish an advisory committee to study a road-usage fee was approved by the California Assembly and Senate. The bill now goes to the governor for his approval or veto. 

Under the bill, the group would propose the fee as an alternative to the gas tax and make recommendations on the design of a pilot program. According to supporters, a road-usage fee has the potential to distribute the gas tax burden across all vehicles regardless of fuel source and to minimize the impact of the current regressive gas tax structure.

According to opponents, the bill seeks to penalize national efforts to create a more fuel-efficient vehicle fleet by taxing drivers based on vehicle mileage. As gas tax revenues decrease due to hybrid and electric vehicle ownership, states are looking for new sources of funding for pet projects. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.