By Della Domingo

The 15,000-sq.-ft. SEMA Garge is equipped with an Installation Center, Dyno and Emissions Lab, Photo Studio and Training Facility.

Having assumed operation of the SEMA Garage – Industry Innovations Center just more than one year ago, SEMA is hosting an Open House to celebrate the completion of the facility designed to help manufacturers develop automotive parts and accessories. The Open House, which is set for Thursday, July 17, 2014, 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., in Diamond Bar, California, will include tours, displays and demonstrations, along with food, music and celebrity appearances.

“The recent completion of the Photo Studio marks the completion of the fourth component of the SEMA Garage, and represents a key milestone,” said Mike Spagnola, vice president of OE and product development. “The SEMA Garage now includes all the tools and resources needed for members to develop products from beginning to end.”

The four key components of the SEMA Garage include:

• Installation Center: Includes two vehicle lifts, a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM), a 3D printer, digital race car scales and more. In collaboration with automakers, new model vehicles are often available to help manufacturers develop products and have them ready for sale when the vehicles are made available to the public.

• Dyno and Emissions Lab: Fully certified Executive Order (EO) aftermarket-part certification lab. Working in conjunction with the Auto Club, members are able to obtain certifications at an affordable, low cost.

• Photo Studio: Includes two coves, including one large enough to fit a full-size vehicle and complete with a 30x10-ft. adjustable light box. The studio includes an abundance of lighting equipment, strobes and umbrellas.

• Training Facility: Ideal for sales meetings or training demonstrations, the room includes a high-tech video monitor with Internet access and more.

During the SEMA Garage Open House, members will be able to see each area and learn about all the equipment available to them.

“The SEMA Garage is the ultimate production facility,” said Spagnola. “The building was purpose-built to include state-of-the-art equipment specific to auto-parts manufacturers. We’ve further filled the SEMA Garage with tools and equipment, so that members simply need to show up and do what they do best.”

RSVP online for the SEMA Garage Open House.

For more information about the SEMA Garage, contact Mike Spagnola at mikes@sema.org.

By Della Domingo

The 15,000-sq.-ft. SEMA Garge is equipped with an Installation Center, Dyno and Emissions Lab, Photo Studio and Training Facility.

Having assumed operation of the SEMA Garage – Industry Innovations Center just more than one year ago, SEMA is hosting an Open House to celebrate the completion of the facility designed to help manufacturers develop automotive parts and accessories. The Open House, which is set for Thursday, July 17, 2014, 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., in Diamond Bar, California, will include tours, displays and demonstrations, along with food, music and celebrity appearances.

“The recent completion of the Photo Studio marks the completion of the fourth component of the SEMA Garage, and represents a key milestone,” said Mike Spagnola, vice president of OE and product development. “The SEMA Garage now includes all the tools and resources needed for members to develop products from beginning to end.”

The four key components of the SEMA Garage include:

• Installation Center: Includes two vehicle lifts, a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM), a 3D printer, digital race car scales and more. In collaboration with automakers, new model vehicles are often available to help manufacturers develop products and have them ready for sale when the vehicles are made available to the public.

• Dyno and Emissions Lab: Fully certified Executive Order (EO) aftermarket-part certification lab. Working in conjunction with the Auto Club, members are able to obtain certifications at an affordable, low cost.

• Photo Studio: Includes two coves, including one large enough to fit a full-size vehicle and complete with a 30x10-ft. adjustable light box. The studio includes an abundance of lighting equipment, strobes and umbrellas.

• Training Facility: Ideal for sales meetings or training demonstrations, the room includes a high-tech video monitor with Internet access and more.

During the SEMA Garage Open House, members will be able to see each area and learn about all the equipment available to them.

“The SEMA Garage is the ultimate production facility,” said Spagnola. “The building was purpose-built to include state-of-the-art equipment specific to auto-parts manufacturers. We’ve further filled the SEMA Garage with tools and equipment, so that members simply need to show up and do what they do best.”

RSVP online for the SEMA Garage Open House.

For more information about the SEMA Garage, contact Mike Spagnola at mikes@sema.org.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.

Visit TORA's website.

Carlisle Truck Nationals Give Platform for Free Product Promotion

By Amanda Gubbins

For the fifth year, accessory manufacturers for light trucks, Jeeps, off-road vehicles and SUVs are invited to display new products at the Carlisle Truck Nationals, August 1–3.

The TORA New Products Showcase provides council members with a platform to promote their new products to one of the largest groups of truck enthusiasts in the country. The products are housed in the TORA tent, where attendees can view the descriptions and inquire about purchase options from 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. each day. The accessories are also professionally photographed for use with descriptions on www.sema.org, and presentations at the TORA booth and awards reception at the SEMA Show.

All of this exposure is available to TORA members for only the cost of shipping the products to Carlisle Events. Register today to save a place for your product.

Not yet a member? Need more info about the event? Contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696.

Intended to celebrate the classics of the past and the future, Collector Car Appreciation Day events can be as simple as encouraging staff members to drive their special ride to work.

By SEMA Editors

Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) will return for its fifth commemoration, July 11, and SEMA-member companies are encouraged to recognize this annual celebration by hosting their own events. At the request of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), this “holiday” has been marked each year since 2010 by a U.S. Senate Resolution.

Intended to celebrate the classics of the past and the future, these events can be as simple as encouraging staff members to drive their special ride to work. Other ideas include hosting a community car show, staging an open house or promoting a “holiday sale” in honor of CCAD. Members can partner with local car clubs, community groups and other automotive businesses. Invite your local legislators to participate as well. The SAN can help with identifying these legislators and locating car clubs and museums near you.

Whether public or private, register your July gathering to take advantage of promotional support from SEMA. Participating organizers will receive a copy of the year’s U.S. Senate Resolution for display at each registered event.

Visit www.semasan.com/CCAD for details, event listings, planning suggestions and registration. Contact SAN Director Colby Martin at SAN@sema.org for more information.

Brainstorm Solutions to Your Pressing Business Challenges

By Amanda Gubbins

Leaders of the light-truck, off-road, Jeep, diesel and SUV industries will meet July 16 for an industry discussion and TORA Long-Range Planning meeting. Members of the council and those who are interested in learning more about the benefits it offers are invited to attend from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

The meeting will take place at the SEMA Garage–Industry Innovations Center in Diamond Bar, California. Attendees will spend time discussing issues they face in their business, and developing strategies that SEMA and the TORA can use to address them. For member companies, participating is a chance to let the association know in person what challenges their businesses face, and to be a part of the solutions. Lunch will be served with an opportunity to network with members of the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO).

For those who can’t make the trip to Southern California, sessions can be attended through web meeting services and teleconference lines.

Register today to save your seat. To learn more about the event, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696.

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Visit PRO's website.

Planning the Future of the Restyling and Accessory Business

By Clayton Drescher

On July 16, 2014, leaders of the restyling and accessory world will converge at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. Join the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) as they hold their Long-Range Planning meeting and industry discussion. The SEMA Garage–Industry Innovations Center will play host as leading manufacturers, WDs, installers and restyling professionals discuss the future of the industry and develop strategies that SEMA and the PRO Select Committee will use in addressing the challenges and opportunities confronting your business.

Your insight and perspective is critical. Whether your business has been impacted by new trends in auto sales and discretionary spending, vehicle technology, installation concerns, or if there is a need to identify markets for expansion, you will benefit by being in the room when these and other topics are discussed.

The meeting is open to all employees of PRO-member companies, as well as those interested in joining PRO. The day will include a joint networking luncheon with members of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) council.

Traveling from out of town? Contact us for quality hotel options in the area. Not able to attend but want to stay involved? Consider attending the sessions through our web meeting services and teleconference lines.

Register online today. For more information about the meeting, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696.

Visit SBN's website.

Vote Now for SBN Select Committee Election

By Gigi Ho

Looking to be more active in the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)? Start with your vote.

 SBN’s Select Committee election is taking place now. Look for your voting information in your e-mail inbox, from announcement@associationvoting.com.



The Select Committee is a team of elected volunteers who work hard to represent the network’s initiatives, interests and mission of providing meaningful programs and opportunities. Members of the Select Committee have the opportunity to serve three consecutive two-year terms.



The candidates running in this year’s elections are:

• Leslie Allen – PR Manager, The Marx Group
• JoAnn Bortles – Owner, Crazy Horse Custom Paint
• Camee Edelbrock – Director of Marketing, ProMedia, LLC
• Miranda Fuller – Marketing Director, Rigid Industries LED Lighting
• Jenna Jefferies – National Account Manager, K&N Engineering
• Julia Johnson – Professor of Automotive Technology, Skyline College
• Kristy Neukam – Human Resources Director, Meyer Distributing
• Jacqueline Parral – Account Executive, The Promotion Co. (Family Events)
• Marlena Solomon – Communications Specialist, Royal Purple LLC

It only takes a few minutes to invest in the future of SBN. Vote today—the election closes June 13 at 5:00 p.m. (PDT).

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Visit YEN's website

Launch Pad Competition Offers Winner Free SEMA Show Booth

By Bryan Harrison

After the success of last year’s Launch Pad competition, SEMA has announced that it will return for a second year.

This competition offers innovators under the age of 40 an industry platform to showcase their business for marketing a new automotive product or service.

Industrywide Awareness


The top 10 competitors will vie for the most votes on SEMA’s official Facebook/YouTube voting platform. The top five will receive an invitation to pitch their businesses in front of an industry-packed crowd during a live event at the SEMA Show.

Tools to Fuel Your Biz


The winner’s prize package will include a 10x10 booth at the 2015 SEMA Show, a one-page ad in SEMA News, an ad in Hot Rod magazine or 4-Wheel & Off Road magazine, a rep consultation with the Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN), public relations and social media consultation from Kahn Media, an event-level sponsorship package to either a Family Events truck and off-road group property or a Family Events performance car group property and much more.

Access to Decision Makers


This year’s event will feature another judging panel composed of industry experts who will offer coaching and advice to the contestants. Returning from the 2013 event will be Doug Evans, executive vice president and group publisher at Source Interlink Media, and SEMA’s chairman-elect of the Board, and Ron Coleman, president and CEO of COMP Performance Group. Joining them will be Tracie Nunez, president of the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA); Todd Ballard, director of sports marketing at GoPro; and Glenn Rogers, partner at Beyond Marketing.

Interested? It’s time to launch the next young automotive entrepreneur. For more information and to fill out an application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, please contact Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

MASSEY EXCITED FOR BUSY STRETCH STARTING AT BRISTOL DRAGWAY: After back-to-back victories in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, Spencer Massey suffered a first-round loss at the most recent event in Englishtown. But to hear the ever-optimistic Top Fuel standout talk, he may be as thrilled to get back in his 10,000-hp Battery Extender by Schumacher Electric dragster as he has been at any point in 2014.

"I’m definitely excited to get back out there because I feel like we have our race car back," Massey said. "The car is moving in the right direction. We need to be running strong and need to be consistently in the 3.70s, and after Englishtown, I feel like we have a car and motor that can make that power. Hopefully, we can go back to the final round in Bristol and maybe even win it this year."

FORCE REFLECTS ON 100TH VICTORY, SETS SIGHTS ON CHAMPIONSHIP: Growing up around the sport and having a legendary driver for a father, Courtney Force knew all about the history of females succeeding in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and what was on the line as she faced off with Funny Car veteran Cruz Pedregon in the final round at Topeka, May 25. But as she prepared to make her own historic moment in earning the milestone 100th NHRA victory by a female, Force could not help but think back to her childhood.

"As a kid growing up watching my dad (John Force) race, his biggest competitor out there was Cruz Pedregon," Courtney Force said. "They both had good cars and they were both great drivers. I kind of felt like I was a part of history, always watching him race my dad. Then to have me in the lane next to him, all of my childhood was flashing before my eyes. Cruz is one of the toughest guys out there and luckily we were able to get that win."

TWO PROMOTED IN NHRA RACING OPERATIONS: The NHRA announced two key promotions in racing operations, including one to a newly created safety role. Bob Lang has been promoted to senior director, safety and emergency services, and will continue to direct the Safety Safari presented by AAA—NHRA’s world-renowned safety team responsible for emergency response and track preparation at NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events. His duties will expand to the corporate level where he will be directly involved with safety initiatives. Dave Mohn has been promoted to division director of the NHRA’s northeast division where he previously served as assistant division director under Lang.

He Said, She Said

"I just remember how hard we all worked for the two weeks before that race. We went and tested up there for three days, and that gave us a bit of an advantage over the guys who didn't test. But we weren't the only ones to test, and we had to go and do it on race day. I've told this story a lot, too, but the radio plug came out of my helmet before the final against Erica, and I didn't know I'd won until I turned the corner at the top end. It was that close."

—Rodger Brogdon on defeating Erica Enders-Stevens in the Pro Stock finals in Bristol in 2013. It was his first career Pro Stock victory and his second final-round appearance.

Inside the Numbers

5: Number of career Top Fuel wins seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher has at Bristol Dragway. His five wins lead the 10,000-hp Top Fuel category at the facility, as well as all the categories, and his most recent Thunder Valley victory came in 2012 when he defeated Doug Kalitta to end a winless drought that dated back to 2010. This season Schumacher has one win, Las Vegas 1, and currently finds himself seventh in the points standings.

Did You Know

CLASSIC CARS, QUARTER-MILE DRAG RACING AT HOLLEY NATIONAL HOT ROD REUNION: The NHRA Motorsports Museum Holley National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance returns to scenic Beech Bend Raceway Park, June 12–14, for the 12th annual event and will again feature the finest nostalgia racing and custom cars from across the country. The Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA) recently selected the National Hot Rod Reunion as one of its 2014 Summer Top 10 Festivals & Events. Criteria for selection include the popularity of the event, its impact on the local tourism economy and the event’s cultural and historical significance.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

MASSEY EXCITED FOR BUSY STRETCH STARTING AT BRISTOL DRAGWAY: After back-to-back victories in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, Spencer Massey suffered a first-round loss at the most recent event in Englishtown. But to hear the ever-optimistic Top Fuel standout talk, he may be as thrilled to get back in his 10,000-hp Battery Extender by Schumacher Electric dragster as he has been at any point in 2014.

"I’m definitely excited to get back out there because I feel like we have our race car back," Massey said. "The car is moving in the right direction. We need to be running strong and need to be consistently in the 3.70s, and after Englishtown, I feel like we have a car and motor that can make that power. Hopefully, we can go back to the final round in Bristol and maybe even win it this year."

FORCE REFLECTS ON 100TH VICTORY, SETS SIGHTS ON CHAMPIONSHIP: Growing up around the sport and having a legendary driver for a father, Courtney Force knew all about the history of females succeeding in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and what was on the line as she faced off with Funny Car veteran Cruz Pedregon in the final round at Topeka, May 25. But as she prepared to make her own historic moment in earning the milestone 100th NHRA victory by a female, Force could not help but think back to her childhood.

"As a kid growing up watching my dad (John Force) race, his biggest competitor out there was Cruz Pedregon," Courtney Force said. "They both had good cars and they were both great drivers. I kind of felt like I was a part of history, always watching him race my dad. Then to have me in the lane next to him, all of my childhood was flashing before my eyes. Cruz is one of the toughest guys out there and luckily we were able to get that win."

TWO PROMOTED IN NHRA RACING OPERATIONS: The NHRA announced two key promotions in racing operations, including one to a newly created safety role. Bob Lang has been promoted to senior director, safety and emergency services, and will continue to direct the Safety Safari presented by AAA—NHRA’s world-renowned safety team responsible for emergency response and track preparation at NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events. His duties will expand to the corporate level where he will be directly involved with safety initiatives. Dave Mohn has been promoted to division director of the NHRA’s northeast division where he previously served as assistant division director under Lang.

He Said, She Said

"I just remember how hard we all worked for the two weeks before that race. We went and tested up there for three days, and that gave us a bit of an advantage over the guys who didn't test. But we weren't the only ones to test, and we had to go and do it on race day. I've told this story a lot, too, but the radio plug came out of my helmet before the final against Erica, and I didn't know I'd won until I turned the corner at the top end. It was that close."

—Rodger Brogdon on defeating Erica Enders-Stevens in the Pro Stock finals in Bristol in 2013. It was his first career Pro Stock victory and his second final-round appearance.

Inside the Numbers

5: Number of career Top Fuel wins seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher has at Bristol Dragway. His five wins lead the 10,000-hp Top Fuel category at the facility, as well as all the categories, and his most recent Thunder Valley victory came in 2012 when he defeated Doug Kalitta to end a winless drought that dated back to 2010. This season Schumacher has one win, Las Vegas 1, and currently finds himself seventh in the points standings.

Did You Know

CLASSIC CARS, QUARTER-MILE DRAG RACING AT HOLLEY NATIONAL HOT ROD REUNION: The NHRA Motorsports Museum Holley National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance returns to scenic Beech Bend Raceway Park, June 12–14, for the 12th annual event and will again feature the finest nostalgia racing and custom cars from across the country. The Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA) recently selected the National Hot Rod Reunion as one of its 2014 Summer Top 10 Festivals & Events. Criteria for selection include the popularity of the event, its impact on the local tourism economy and the event’s cultural and historical significance.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

MASSEY EXCITED FOR BUSY STRETCH STARTING AT BRISTOL DRAGWAY: After back-to-back victories in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, Spencer Massey suffered a first-round loss at the most recent event in Englishtown. But to hear the ever-optimistic Top Fuel standout talk, he may be as thrilled to get back in his 10,000-hp Battery Extender by Schumacher Electric dragster as he has been at any point in 2014.

"I’m definitely excited to get back out there because I feel like we have our race car back," Massey said. "The car is moving in the right direction. We need to be running strong and need to be consistently in the 3.70s, and after Englishtown, I feel like we have a car and motor that can make that power. Hopefully, we can go back to the final round in Bristol and maybe even win it this year."

FORCE REFLECTS ON 100TH VICTORY, SETS SIGHTS ON CHAMPIONSHIP: Growing up around the sport and having a legendary driver for a father, Courtney Force knew all about the history of females succeeding in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and what was on the line as she faced off with Funny Car veteran Cruz Pedregon in the final round at Topeka, May 25. But as she prepared to make her own historic moment in earning the milestone 100th NHRA victory by a female, Force could not help but think back to her childhood.

"As a kid growing up watching my dad (John Force) race, his biggest competitor out there was Cruz Pedregon," Courtney Force said. "They both had good cars and they were both great drivers. I kind of felt like I was a part of history, always watching him race my dad. Then to have me in the lane next to him, all of my childhood was flashing before my eyes. Cruz is one of the toughest guys out there and luckily we were able to get that win."

TWO PROMOTED IN NHRA RACING OPERATIONS: The NHRA announced two key promotions in racing operations, including one to a newly created safety role. Bob Lang has been promoted to senior director, safety and emergency services, and will continue to direct the Safety Safari presented by AAA—NHRA’s world-renowned safety team responsible for emergency response and track preparation at NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events. His duties will expand to the corporate level where he will be directly involved with safety initiatives. Dave Mohn has been promoted to division director of the NHRA’s northeast division where he previously served as assistant division director under Lang.

He Said, She Said

"I just remember how hard we all worked for the two weeks before that race. We went and tested up there for three days, and that gave us a bit of an advantage over the guys who didn't test. But we weren't the only ones to test, and we had to go and do it on race day. I've told this story a lot, too, but the radio plug came out of my helmet before the final against Erica, and I didn't know I'd won until I turned the corner at the top end. It was that close."

—Rodger Brogdon on defeating Erica Enders-Stevens in the Pro Stock finals in Bristol in 2013. It was his first career Pro Stock victory and his second final-round appearance.

Inside the Numbers

5: Number of career Top Fuel wins seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher has at Bristol Dragway. His five wins lead the 10,000-hp Top Fuel category at the facility, as well as all the categories, and his most recent Thunder Valley victory came in 2012 when he defeated Doug Kalitta to end a winless drought that dated back to 2010. This season Schumacher has one win, Las Vegas 1, and currently finds himself seventh in the points standings.

Did You Know

CLASSIC CARS, QUARTER-MILE DRAG RACING AT HOLLEY NATIONAL HOT ROD REUNION: The NHRA Motorsports Museum Holley National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA Insurance returns to scenic Beech Bend Raceway Park, June 12–14, for the 12th annual event and will again feature the finest nostalgia racing and custom cars from across the country. The Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA) recently selected the National Hot Rod Reunion as one of its 2014 Summer Top 10 Festivals & Events. Criteria for selection include the popularity of the event, its impact on the local tourism economy and the event’s cultural and historical significance.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A wide range of automotive events are held on the second Friday in July to honor Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). At the request of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), this “holiday” has been marked each year since 2010 by a U.S. Senate Resolution recognizing that the “collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.” As this annual event continues to grow worldwide, states, provinces, counties and cities are following suit with their own recognition. The SAN encourages participation throughout the month of July to honor the classics of the past and the future.

Celebrate the hobby your way:

• Attend an official vehicle-inspired event.
• Host your own gathering or club meeting.
• Promote a “holiday sale” at your business.
• Drive your special ride, new or old, whatever the destination.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A wide range of automotive events are held on the second Friday in July to honor Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). At the request of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), this “holiday” has been marked each year since 2010 by a U.S. Senate Resolution recognizing that the “collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.” As this annual event continues to grow worldwide, states, provinces, counties and cities are following suit with their own recognition. The SAN encourages participation throughout the month of July to honor the classics of the past and the future.

Celebrate the hobby your way:

• Attend an official vehicle-inspired event.
• Host your own gathering or club meeting.
• Promote a “holiday sale” at your business.
• Drive your special ride, new or old, whatever the destination.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A wide range of automotive events are held on the second Friday in July to honor Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). At the request of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), this “holiday” has been marked each year since 2010 by a U.S. Senate Resolution recognizing that the “collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.” As this annual event continues to grow worldwide, states, provinces, counties and cities are following suit with their own recognition. The SAN encourages participation throughout the month of July to honor the classics of the past and the future.

Celebrate the hobby your way:

• Attend an official vehicle-inspired event.
• Host your own gathering or club meeting.
• Promote a “holiday sale” at your business.
• Drive your special ride, new or old, whatever the destination.