Just like real auto races and drags, pinewood winners are determined by tenths, sometimes hundredths, of a second.

The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, moved to a new location for 2011—the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California—bringing new challengers and former champions together to race against the clock for a good cause.

The annual drags took place July 29 and featured hundreds of pinewood cars constructed primarily by the children at Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp and sponsored by SEMA-member companies. Childhelp is a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect, and the Victory Junction Camp is a facility dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences.

The Pinewood Drag Races includes three vehicle classes—Stock, Modified and Unlimited. There is also the Build It for Me/Sponsor a Child category, where a child from Childhelp or Victory Junction Camp builds a car and a member-company representative races it on the child's behalf. In addition, the races also feature the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder's Challenge and the Council Cup Challenge.

The HRIA Builder's Challenge included uniquely styled pinewoods crafted by an incredible class of hot-rod builders. These design creations will be on display at the HRIA booth during the 2011 SEMA Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas, before being placed on eBay for public auction. All of the proceeds from the auction will go to the Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp children’s charities.

The final heat for this year's Pinewood Drag Races was the Council Cup Challenge—which pits SEMA-member company representatives on SEMA’s 10 councils and committees up against one another for council honor. In 2010, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) took the checkered flag in the inaugural Council Cup Challenge and earlier this year, the group put all of the council and committees on notice by proudly stating, "We're ready for win number two!"

As the flag dropped, the SBN's defense of its crown was over in seconds, and a new council group took home the cup—SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC).

"It's in our blood," joked Vic Wood, chair-elect of the MPMC. "Honestly, there's a lot of pride in putting together the winning pinewood dragster, but this event goes far beyond winning a race." Wood explained that all the council's efforts and handwork were ultimately dedicated to the children's charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp. "It's a rare opportunity to have this much fun while actually 'working.' I can't tell you how much the children inspired our members, and we'll be back at the track next year to defend our title."

Results

HRIA Builders Challenge:
Winner – Street Vizions
Runner Up – Rich Evans

Unlimited Class:
Winner – Mitch Williams
Runner Up – eBay Motors

Grand National Trophy (fastest time of the meet):
Mitch Williams – 2.85 seconds

Modified Class:
Winner – Tony Schumacher

Stock Class:
Winner – Justin Hoffend

Build it For Me Class:
Winner – Justin Hoffend

SEMA Council Cup
Winner – Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council

Here are some highlights:

 

Hundreds of pinewood cars, built primarily by the children of Childhelp and the Victory Junction Camp, complete inspection and are readied for the friendly competition.		Specially crafted, uniquely designed pinewood cars, built by a talented class of hot rodders, are featured in the HRIA Builders Challenge. These creations will be on display at the SEMA Show before being placed on eBay for auction.
Mitch Williams (right), former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors, took first place in the Unlimited Class and had the fastest run of the day at 2.85 seconds, earning him the 2011 Grand National Trophy.		Tony Schumacher (left), first-place winner in the Modified Class, and John Menzler, who took second in Modified, take a break from some mild trash talk to show off their plaques.
Pinewood cars ready at the starting line and looking to stay in the competition by qualifying for the next round.		Stylish entries from Bedslide and Takit show off their curves before taking to the track.

	Just like real auto races and drags, pinewood winners are determined by tenths, sometimes hundredths, of a second.

The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, moved to a new location for 2011—the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California—bringing new challengers and former champions together to race against the clock for a good cause.

The annual drags took place July 29 and featured hundreds of pinewood cars constructed primarily by the children at Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp and sponsored by SEMA-member companies. Childhelp is a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect, and the Victory Junction Camp is a facility dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences.

The Pinewood Drag Races includes three vehicle classes—Stock, Modified and Unlimited. There is also the Build It for Me/Sponsor a Child category, where a child from Childhelp or Victory Junction Camp builds a car and a member-company representative races it on the child's behalf. In addition, the races also feature the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder's Challenge and the Council Cup Challenge.

The HRIA Builder's Challenge included uniquely styled pinewoods crafted by an incredible class of hot-rod builders. These design creations will be on display at the HRIA booth during the 2011 SEMA Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas, before being placed on eBay for public auction. All of the proceeds from the auction will go to the Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp children’s charities.

The final heat for this year's Pinewood Drag Races was the Council Cup Challenge—which pits SEMA-member company representatives on SEMA’s 10 councils and committees up against one another for council honor. In 2010, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) took the checkered flag in the inaugural Council Cup Challenge and earlier this year, the group put all of the council and committees on notice by proudly stating, "We're ready for win number two!"

As the flag dropped, the SBN's defense of its crown was over in seconds, and a new council group took home the cup—SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC).

"It's in our blood," joked Vic Wood, chair-elect of the MPMC. "Honestly, there's a lot of pride in putting together the winning pinewood dragster, but this event goes far beyond winning a race." Wood explained that all the council's efforts and handwork were ultimately dedicated to the children's charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp. "It's a rare opportunity to have this much fun while actually 'working.' I can't tell you how much the children inspired our members, and we'll be back at the track next year to defend our title."

Results

HRIA Builders Challenge:
Winner – Street Vizions
Runner Up – Rich Evans

Unlimited Class:
Winner – Mitch Williams
Runner Up – eBay Motors

Grand National Trophy (fastest time of the meet):
Mitch Williams – 2.85 seconds

Modified Class:
Winner – Tony Schumacher

Stock Class:
Winner – Justin Hoffend

Build it For Me Class:
Winner – Justin Hoffend

SEMA Council Cup
Winner – Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council

Here are some highlights:

 

Hundreds of pinewood cars, built primarily by the children of Childhelp and the Victory Junction Camp, complete inspection and are readied for the friendly competition.		Specially crafted, uniquely designed pinewood cars, built by a talented class of hot rodders, are featured in the HRIA Builders Challenge. These creations will be on display at the SEMA Show before being placed on eBay for auction.
Mitch Williams (right), former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors, took first place in the Unlimited Class and had the fastest run of the day at 2.85 seconds, earning him the 2011 Grand National Trophy.		Tony Schumacher (left), first-place winner in the Modified Class, and John Menzler, who took second in Modified, take a break from some mild trash talk to show off their plaques.
Pinewood cars ready at the starting line and looking to stay in the competition by qualifying for the next round.		Stylish entries from Bedslide and Takit show off their curves before taking to the track.

	Just like real auto races and drags, pinewood winners are determined by tenths, sometimes hundredths, of a second.

The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, moved to a new location for 2011—the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California—bringing new challengers and former champions together to race against the clock for a good cause.

The annual drags took place July 29 and featured hundreds of pinewood cars constructed primarily by the children at Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp and sponsored by SEMA-member companies. Childhelp is a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect, and the Victory Junction Camp is a facility dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences.

The Pinewood Drag Races includes three vehicle classes—Stock, Modified and Unlimited. There is also the Build It for Me/Sponsor a Child category, where a child from Childhelp or Victory Junction Camp builds a car and a member-company representative races it on the child's behalf. In addition, the races also feature the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder's Challenge and the Council Cup Challenge.

The HRIA Builder's Challenge included uniquely styled pinewoods crafted by an incredible class of hot-rod builders. These design creations will be on display at the HRIA booth during the 2011 SEMA Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas, before being placed on eBay for public auction. All of the proceeds from the auction will go to the Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp children’s charities.

The final heat for this year's Pinewood Drag Races was the Council Cup Challenge—which pits SEMA-member company representatives on SEMA’s 10 councils and committees up against one another for council honor. In 2010, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) took the checkered flag in the inaugural Council Cup Challenge and earlier this year, the group put all of the council and committees on notice by proudly stating, "We're ready for win number two!"

As the flag dropped, the SBN's defense of its crown was over in seconds, and a new council group took home the cup—SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC).

"It's in our blood," joked Vic Wood, chair-elect of the MPMC. "Honestly, there's a lot of pride in putting together the winning pinewood dragster, but this event goes far beyond winning a race." Wood explained that all the council's efforts and handwork were ultimately dedicated to the children's charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp. "It's a rare opportunity to have this much fun while actually 'working.' I can't tell you how much the children inspired our members, and we'll be back at the track next year to defend our title."

Results

HRIA Builders Challenge:
Winner – Street Vizions
Runner Up – Rich Evans

Unlimited Class:
Winner – Mitch Williams
Runner Up – eBay Motors

Grand National Trophy (fastest time of the meet):
Mitch Williams – 2.85 seconds

Modified Class:
Winner – Tony Schumacher

Stock Class:
Winner – Justin Hoffend

Build it For Me Class:
Winner – Justin Hoffend

SEMA Council Cup
Winner – Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council

Here are some highlights:

 

Hundreds of pinewood cars, built primarily by the children of Childhelp and the Victory Junction Camp, complete inspection and are readied for the friendly competition.		Specially crafted, uniquely designed pinewood cars, built by a talented class of hot rodders, are featured in the HRIA Builders Challenge. These creations will be on display at the SEMA Show before being placed on eBay for auction.
Mitch Williams (right), former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors, took first place in the Unlimited Class and had the fastest run of the day at 2.85 seconds, earning him the 2011 Grand National Trophy.		Tony Schumacher (left), first-place winner in the Modified Class, and John Menzler, who took second in Modified, take a break from some mild trash talk to show off their plaques.
Pinewood cars ready at the starting line and looking to stay in the competition by qualifying for the next round.		Stylish entries from Bedslide and Takit show off their curves before taking to the track.

	Just like real auto races and drags, pinewood winners are determined by tenths, sometimes hundredths, of a second.

The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, moved to a new location for 2011—the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California—bringing new challengers and former champions together to race against the clock for a good cause.

The annual drags took place July 29 and featured hundreds of pinewood cars constructed primarily by the children at Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp and sponsored by SEMA-member companies. Childhelp is a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect, and the Victory Junction Camp is a facility dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences.

The Pinewood Drag Races includes three vehicle classes—Stock, Modified and Unlimited. There is also the Build It for Me/Sponsor a Child category, where a child from Childhelp or Victory Junction Camp builds a car and a member-company representative races it on the child's behalf. In addition, the races also feature the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder's Challenge and the Council Cup Challenge.

The HRIA Builder's Challenge included uniquely styled pinewoods crafted by an incredible class of hot-rod builders. These design creations will be on display at the HRIA booth during the 2011 SEMA Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas, before being placed on eBay for public auction. All of the proceeds from the auction will go to the Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp children’s charities.

The final heat for this year's Pinewood Drag Races was the Council Cup Challenge—which pits SEMA-member company representatives on SEMA’s 10 councils and committees up against one another for council honor. In 2010, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) took the checkered flag in the inaugural Council Cup Challenge and earlier this year, the group put all of the council and committees on notice by proudly stating, "We're ready for win number two!"

As the flag dropped, the SBN's defense of its crown was over in seconds, and a new council group took home the cup—SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC).

"It's in our blood," joked Vic Wood, chair-elect of the MPMC. "Honestly, there's a lot of pride in putting together the winning pinewood dragster, but this event goes far beyond winning a race." Wood explained that all the council's efforts and handwork were ultimately dedicated to the children's charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp. "It's a rare opportunity to have this much fun while actually 'working.' I can't tell you how much the children inspired our members, and we'll be back at the track next year to defend our title."

Results

HRIA Builders Challenge:
Winner – Street Vizions
Runner Up – Rich Evans

Unlimited Class:
Winner – Mitch Williams
Runner Up – eBay Motors

Grand National Trophy (fastest time of the meet):
Mitch Williams – 2.85 seconds

Modified Class:
Winner – Tony Schumacher

Stock Class:
Winner – Justin Hoffend

Build it For Me Class:
Winner – Justin Hoffend

SEMA Council Cup
Winner – Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council

Here are some highlights:

 

Hundreds of pinewood cars, built primarily by the children of Childhelp and the Victory Junction Camp, complete inspection and are readied for the friendly competition.		Specially crafted, uniquely designed pinewood cars, built by a talented class of hot rodders, are featured in the HRIA Builders Challenge. These creations will be on display at the SEMA Show before being placed on eBay for auction.
Mitch Williams (right), former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors, took first place in the Unlimited Class and had the fastest run of the day at 2.85 seconds, earning him the 2011 Grand National Trophy.		Tony Schumacher (left), first-place winner in the Modified Class, and John Menzler, who took second in Modified, take a break from some mild trash talk to show off their plaques.
Pinewood cars ready at the starting line and looking to stay in the competition by qualifying for the next round.		Stylish entries from Bedslide and Takit show off their curves before taking to the track.

Buyers from throughout China will travel to Beijing to meet one on one with SEMA-member companies.

Buyers from 24 cities throughout China will meet with SEMA-member manufacturers September 7–10, 2011, in Beijing, for the 2011 SEMA China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE) China Business Development Conference.

For more information or to register for the conference before the August 19 deadline, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/china.

Buyers from throughout China will travel to Beijing to meet one on one with SEMA-member companies.

Buyers from 24 cities throughout China will meet with SEMA-member manufacturers September 7–10, 2011, in Beijing, for the 2011 SEMA China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE) China Business Development Conference.

For more information or to register for the conference before the August 19 deadline, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/china.

 

	Through the Opinion Leaders Program, influential automotive enthusiasts are called upon to help industry professionals identify future trends.

After two successful years, the Opinion Leaders Program will once again expand at the 2011 SEMA Show. Through the research project, some of the nation’s most active and influential automotive enthusiasts are called upon to help industry professionals identify future trends by attending the Show and providing first-hand feedback on the products and vehicles that debut.



“The Opinion Leaders Program continues to grow each year and exceeds our expectations,” said Thomas Myroniak, SEMA vice president of marketing and member services. “Not only do we get an exceptional group of participants, but also we are able to provide exhibitors and attendees immediate and in-depth feedback based on these influencers’ preferences, attitudes and outlook toward our industry and its products.”



The 2010 program included 459 enthusiasts, who were selected through a comprehensive application process, to attend the second day of the SEMA Show. This year, the program is expected to attract more than 800 enthusiast participants. In addition to completing a pre-Show survey, participants are tasked with using social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube, to share their feedback on product, vehicle and trend highlights from the Show.

“Not only is this feedback considered invaluable research to SEMA Show exhibitors, but they also gain a great deal of exposure from the Opinion Leaders Program,” said Myroniak. “Through the use of social media platforms, the exposure is much more impactful because the information comes from a trusted source.”

In addition, onsite focus groups are conducted to provide deeper insight into enthusiasts’ perspectives and attitudes about the specialty-equipment industry. This input, combined with the social media feedback and pre-Show survey results, is captured in a comprehensive market research report and provided to exhibitors prior to being released to the industry-at-large.



“The information generated from the program is some of the best research we’ve ever done because it’s based on first-hand experience and knowledge from the influencers who help drive trends in our industry,” said Myroniak. “By giving these enthusiasts access to the newest products, we’re able to learn what resonates and what doesn’t. Exhibitor feedback indicates they find this information incredibly valuable and it undoubtedly aids in shaping future plans.”

To learn more about the SEMA Show Opinion Leaders Program, contact Megan McKernan at opinionleaders@sema.org.

 

	Through the Opinion Leaders Program, influential automotive enthusiasts are called upon to help industry professionals identify future trends.

After two successful years, the Opinion Leaders Program will once again expand at the 2011 SEMA Show. Through the research project, some of the nation’s most active and influential automotive enthusiasts are called upon to help industry professionals identify future trends by attending the Show and providing first-hand feedback on the products and vehicles that debut.



“The Opinion Leaders Program continues to grow each year and exceeds our expectations,” said Thomas Myroniak, SEMA vice president of marketing and member services. “Not only do we get an exceptional group of participants, but also we are able to provide exhibitors and attendees immediate and in-depth feedback based on these influencers’ preferences, attitudes and outlook toward our industry and its products.”



The 2010 program included 459 enthusiasts, who were selected through a comprehensive application process, to attend the second day of the SEMA Show. This year, the program is expected to attract more than 800 enthusiast participants. In addition to completing a pre-Show survey, participants are tasked with using social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube, to share their feedback on product, vehicle and trend highlights from the Show.

“Not only is this feedback considered invaluable research to SEMA Show exhibitors, but they also gain a great deal of exposure from the Opinion Leaders Program,” said Myroniak. “Through the use of social media platforms, the exposure is much more impactful because the information comes from a trusted source.”

In addition, onsite focus groups are conducted to provide deeper insight into enthusiasts’ perspectives and attitudes about the specialty-equipment industry. This input, combined with the social media feedback and pre-Show survey results, is captured in a comprehensive market research report and provided to exhibitors prior to being released to the industry-at-large.



“The information generated from the program is some of the best research we’ve ever done because it’s based on first-hand experience and knowledge from the influencers who help drive trends in our industry,” said Myroniak. “By giving these enthusiasts access to the newest products, we’re able to learn what resonates and what doesn’t. Exhibitor feedback indicates they find this information incredibly valuable and it undoubtedly aids in shaping future plans.”

To learn more about the SEMA Show Opinion Leaders Program, contact Megan McKernan at opinionleaders@sema.org.

 

	Through the Opinion Leaders Program, influential automotive enthusiasts are called upon to help industry professionals identify future trends.

After two successful years, the Opinion Leaders Program will once again expand at the 2011 SEMA Show. Through the research project, some of the nation’s most active and influential automotive enthusiasts are called upon to help industry professionals identify future trends by attending the Show and providing first-hand feedback on the products and vehicles that debut.



“The Opinion Leaders Program continues to grow each year and exceeds our expectations,” said Thomas Myroniak, SEMA vice president of marketing and member services. “Not only do we get an exceptional group of participants, but also we are able to provide exhibitors and attendees immediate and in-depth feedback based on these influencers’ preferences, attitudes and outlook toward our industry and its products.”



The 2010 program included 459 enthusiasts, who were selected through a comprehensive application process, to attend the second day of the SEMA Show. This year, the program is expected to attract more than 800 enthusiast participants. In addition to completing a pre-Show survey, participants are tasked with using social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube, to share their feedback on product, vehicle and trend highlights from the Show.

“Not only is this feedback considered invaluable research to SEMA Show exhibitors, but they also gain a great deal of exposure from the Opinion Leaders Program,” said Myroniak. “Through the use of social media platforms, the exposure is much more impactful because the information comes from a trusted source.”

In addition, onsite focus groups are conducted to provide deeper insight into enthusiasts’ perspectives and attitudes about the specialty-equipment industry. This input, combined with the social media feedback and pre-Show survey results, is captured in a comprehensive market research report and provided to exhibitors prior to being released to the industry-at-large.



“The information generated from the program is some of the best research we’ve ever done because it’s based on first-hand experience and knowledge from the influencers who help drive trends in our industry,” said Myroniak. “By giving these enthusiasts access to the newest products, we’re able to learn what resonates and what doesn’t. Exhibitor feedback indicates they find this information incredibly valuable and it undoubtedly aids in shaping future plans.”

To learn more about the SEMA Show Opinion Leaders Program, contact Megan McKernan at opinionleaders@sema.org.

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) joins Kristen Felder with Collision Hub during a recent industry meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, to discuss the advancements in store for the Repairer Driven Education sessions featured at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Listen in to the conversation with SCRS Chairman Aaron Clark, SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg and SCRS Membership and Events Coordinator Jeff Hendler as the team discusses education, evening activities and the massive growth of the Collision Repair and Refinish section at this year's Show.