By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The state of Illinois will advance to phase four of his Restore Illinois plan on June 26, allowing spectator sports to reopen to fan attendance at 20% of a venue's capacity.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced on Monday that the state will advance to phase four of his Restore Illinois plan on June 26. During phase four, spectator sports facilities, including racetracks, may reopen to fan attendance at 20% of a venue’s capacity. Previously, motorsports venues were restricted to testing and tuning, and off-limits to spectators.

The SEMA-supported Illinois Motorsports Coalition (IMC), a group comprised of racing facilities across Illinois, previously submitted an eight-step plan to Governor Pritzker to allow motorsports to safely resume statewide.

Performance Racing Industry has compiled an up-to-date listing of motorsports’ status in each state. Discover whether racing venues in your area are ready to drop the green flag.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Free, easy-to-print signs are available to SEMA members to help communicate a variety of health and safety measures.

As businesses continue to reopen, they may find themselves requiring face masks to be worn, offering curbside pickup, or practicing six-foot social distancing in the store or at the office. Free, easy-to-print signs are available to SEMA members to help communicate a variety of health and safety measures.

Available as PDFs, the files can be easily downloaded and printed, and are applicable and relevant to any business or office. Download the signs.

Additional information on industry-produced PPE, reopening state-by-state guidelines, and other resources to help members navigate their business operations and get back to work safely are available at www.sema.org/reopen.

By Ashley Reyes

Free, easy-to-print signs are available to SEMA members to help communicate a variety of health and safety measures.

As businesses continue to reopen, they may find themselves requiring face masks to be worn, offering curbside pickup, or practicing six-foot social distancing in the store or at the office. Free, easy-to-print signs are available to SEMA members to help communicate a variety of health and safety measures.

Available as PDFs, the files can be easily downloaded and printed, and are applicable and relevant to any business or office. Download the signs.

Additional information on industry-produced PPE, reopening state-by-state guidelines, and other resources to help members navigate their business operations and get back to work safely are available at www.sema.org/reopen.

By Ashley Reyes

Riser is the senior director of marketing, accessory brands at Truck Hero, where she is professionally skilled in marketing and sales strategy, sales and marketing processes, and online and social marketing.

Lee Riser of Truck Hero has been named this week’s SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) volunteer spotlight member. Riser is the senior director of marketing, accessory brands at Truck Hero, where she is professionally skilled in marketing and sales strategy, sales and marketing processes, and online and social marketing.

Riser continues to give back to the industry through her volunteerism with SEMA, and has helped lead and guide the association as a prior Chair for the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) and Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA), now known as TORA.

Get to know what inspires Riser about the industry in her Q&A with the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Lee Riser: I got a little taste of the industry fresh out of college and I decided then it was the industry I wanted to make it in. It was full of passionate people who enjoyed what they did and that really appealed to me.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

LR: The reason I choose TORA (LTAA at the time) is because it was so applicable to the part of the industry I was involved in. It has impacted me in so many ways. I was so honored to join the long legacy of leaders like George Lathouris, Melanie White and others to shape LTAA and now TORA to what it is today. It was very meaningful to be a small part of that.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

LR: My advice is NETWORK. Get involved and volunteer no matter how busy work or life gets! You find a way to make it happen. Connecting with people who share your same passions truly inspires you to do better not only for your company and career, but the industry as a whole. When you surround yourself with volunteers that have the same goals and visions as you, it is amazing what you can accomplish.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would you take that vehicle on any weekend?

LR: I love a Jeep and have had several of those so I would say right now mine is a Ford Bronco (maybe the new one). I would like to get one out and see what it could do! You would find me in it on the weekend checking out some back road or bayou with the family.

By Ashley Reyes

Riser is the senior director of marketing, accessory brands at Truck Hero, where she is professionally skilled in marketing and sales strategy, sales and marketing processes, and online and social marketing.

Lee Riser of Truck Hero has been named this week’s SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) volunteer spotlight member. Riser is the senior director of marketing, accessory brands at Truck Hero, where she is professionally skilled in marketing and sales strategy, sales and marketing processes, and online and social marketing.

Riser continues to give back to the industry through her volunteerism with SEMA, and has helped lead and guide the association as a prior Chair for the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) and Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA), now known as TORA.

Get to know what inspires Riser about the industry in her Q&A with the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Lee Riser: I got a little taste of the industry fresh out of college and I decided then it was the industry I wanted to make it in. It was full of passionate people who enjoyed what they did and that really appealed to me.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

LR: The reason I choose TORA (LTAA at the time) is because it was so applicable to the part of the industry I was involved in. It has impacted me in so many ways. I was so honored to join the long legacy of leaders like George Lathouris, Melanie White and others to shape LTAA and now TORA to what it is today. It was very meaningful to be a small part of that.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

LR: My advice is NETWORK. Get involved and volunteer no matter how busy work or life gets! You find a way to make it happen. Connecting with people who share your same passions truly inspires you to do better not only for your company and career, but the industry as a whole. When you surround yourself with volunteers that have the same goals and visions as you, it is amazing what you can accomplish.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would you take that vehicle on any weekend?

LR: I love a Jeep and have had several of those so I would say right now mine is a Ford Bronco (maybe the new one). I would like to get one out and see what it could do! You would find me in it on the weekend checking out some back road or bayou with the family.

By Rachel Tatum

Although the SEMA Show is months away, exhibitors can begin strengthening media relations now.

Although the SEMA Show is months away, exhibitors can begin strengthening media relations now. Journalists will have already developed a plan by the time the SEMA Show arrives. Below are tips for working with the media that exhibitors can use now:

Update Media List: A media list contains important contact information, including the journalist’s name, media outlet, their topic of interest, location and contact information. Journalists often change companies, and receiving a press release addressed to a predecessor ranks among a reporter’s top pet peeve. Take your time to research recent articles and social media profiles so that you can updated information.

Tailor Media Pitches: Journalist are more likely to view pitches if they are tailor-made and relevant to each recipient. Don’t send a bulk email blast that contains generic company information or product releases. Instead, take the time to use your media database to find the journalist covering topics related to your story.

Understand the Media’s Needs: Reporters often vary in how they like to receive company pitches. Some media prefer to receive calls while others prefer content emailed. Each journalist is different, so do your research to determine if a reporter needs content by a specific deadline. Traditional print media outlets have longer lead deadlines compared to online outlets. Understanding that media relations is not a one-way relationship goes a long way in achieving media outreach goals. Be useful and helpful.

Provide Correct Information: Providing the correct information with clear, specific, newsworthy pitches is key in aligning media relations. Media rely on manufacturers to deliver worthwhile content that is detailed and easy to cover. Present pitches via email with clear subject lines and always include company links, personal contact or interview details and company facts.

SEMA provides services to help exhibitors connect with media at the SEMA Show and is available to assist. For details about SEMA Show exhibitor PR opportunities, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

By Rachel Tatum

Although the SEMA Show is months away, exhibitors can begin strengthening media relations now.

Although the SEMA Show is months away, exhibitors can begin strengthening media relations now. Journalists will have already developed a plan by the time the SEMA Show arrives. Below are tips for working with the media that exhibitors can use now:

Update Media List: A media list contains important contact information, including the journalist’s name, media outlet, their topic of interest, location and contact information. Journalists often change companies, and receiving a press release addressed to a predecessor ranks among a reporter’s top pet peeve. Take your time to research recent articles and social media profiles so that you can updated information.

Tailor Media Pitches: Journalist are more likely to view pitches if they are tailor-made and relevant to each recipient. Don’t send a bulk email blast that contains generic company information or product releases. Instead, take the time to use your media database to find the journalist covering topics related to your story.

Understand the Media’s Needs: Reporters often vary in how they like to receive company pitches. Some media prefer to receive calls while others prefer content emailed. Each journalist is different, so do your research to determine if a reporter needs content by a specific deadline. Traditional print media outlets have longer lead deadlines compared to online outlets. Understanding that media relations is not a one-way relationship goes a long way in achieving media outreach goals. Be useful and helpful.

Provide Correct Information: Providing the correct information with clear, specific, newsworthy pitches is key in aligning media relations. Media rely on manufacturers to deliver worthwhile content that is detailed and easy to cover. Present pitches via email with clear subject lines and always include company links, personal contact or interview details and company facts.

SEMA provides services to help exhibitors connect with media at the SEMA Show and is available to assist. For details about SEMA Show exhibitor PR opportunities, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

By SEMA Editors

While there's no doubt that the 2020 SEMA Show will be different, the SEMA team is making plans to preserve the Show’s core business value in a safety-first environment.

This November SEMA will host the automotive industry for four days of business, innovation, inspiration, and education at the 54th SEMA Show. In some respects, it will be one of the most challenging events the association has delivered. But it will also be among the most rewarding for those participating.

SEMA members have made clear the event is essential this year to help the industry renew business ties, find new opportunities and accelerate into a successful 2021. While there's no doubt that the 2020 SEMA Show will be different, the SEMA team is making plans to preserve the Show’s core business value in a safety-first environment. Expect the opportunity to introduce new products, make connections, share ideas and strategize for the future.

What will the 2020 SEMA Show look like? Plans are taking shape around best practices, such as:

• Crowd density concepts, including directional traffic flow and social-distancing measures.
• Use of CDC recommended personal protective equipment, such as facemasks, face shields and safety partitions.
• Reducing touch points in high-traffic areas like Registration and the New Products Showcase.
• Efficient health query protocols as you arrive on campus.
• Increasing frequencies of facility cleaning and adding a process for nightly sanitization.
• Streamlining food service locations to create touchless and cashless transactions.
• Encouraging early registration so credentials can be mailed in advance the Show.

While specific plans are still fluid, SEMA’s work with state and local authorities and a range of experts in the fields of health, facilities management and event production is keeping us apprised of evolving recommendations and best practices.

SEMA will work in the months ahead to evaluate and incorporate these measures to keep your health and safety as our highest priority. Look for regular updates on our developing safety plans throughout the Summer and into September.

Thank you for your continued support of the SEMA Show, and we look forward to seeing you in November.

By SEMA Editors

While there's no doubt that the 2020 SEMA Show will be different, the SEMA team is making plans to preserve the Show’s core business value in a safety-first environment.

This November SEMA will host the automotive industry for four days of business, innovation, inspiration, and education at the 54th SEMA Show. In some respects, it will be one of the most challenging events the association has delivered. But it will also be among the most rewarding for those participating.

SEMA members have made clear the event is essential this year to help the industry renew business ties, find new opportunities and accelerate into a successful 2021. While there's no doubt that the 2020 SEMA Show will be different, the SEMA team is making plans to preserve the Show’s core business value in a safety-first environment. Expect the opportunity to introduce new products, make connections, share ideas and strategize for the future.

What will the 2020 SEMA Show look like? Plans are taking shape around best practices, such as:

• Crowd density concepts, including directional traffic flow and social-distancing measures.
• Use of CDC recommended personal protective equipment, such as facemasks, face shields and safety partitions.
• Reducing touch points in high-traffic areas like Registration and the New Products Showcase.
• Efficient health query protocols as you arrive on campus.
• Increasing frequencies of facility cleaning and adding a process for nightly sanitization.
• Streamlining food service locations to create touchless and cashless transactions.
• Encouraging early registration so credentials can be mailed in advance the Show.

While specific plans are still fluid, SEMA’s work with state and local authorities and a range of experts in the fields of health, facilities management and event production is keeping us apprised of evolving recommendations and best practices.

SEMA will work in the months ahead to evaluate and incorporate these measures to keep your health and safety as our highest priority. Look for regular updates on our developing safety plans throughout the Summer and into September.

Thank you for your continued support of the SEMA Show, and we look forward to seeing you in November.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Jessi Combs

Jessi Combs Officially Breaks Female Land-Speed Record

Jessi Combs has officially been named the world’s fastest woman, breaking the record during her fatal attempt in the Alvord Desert, Oregon, August 27, 2019. During that run, the Guinness Book of World Records certified that Combs reached 522.783 mph before the crash. The previous record was 512.710 mph, set by Kitty O'Neil in a three-wheeled, jet-powered car. Combs’ four-wheeled North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger had already made her the fastest woman on four wheels, achieving 398 mph in 2013.

IMSA WeatherTech 240 At Daytona to Host 5,000 Fans on July 4

Officials at Daytona International Speedway have announced a plan to introduce the return of fans to the iconic venue for the sports car classic IMSA WeatherTech 240 at Daytona, Saturday, July 4. Working closely with public health officials and local, state and federal authorities on amended safety protocols and procedures, the Speedway will offer a limited number of fans (5,000) to attend the event with available seating in the frontstretch grandstands, as well as a limited number of infield camping spots. All fans must be Florida residents and adhere to social-distancing guidelines. This year's IMSA WeatherTech 240 At DAYTONA, part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the first event in IMSA's return to racing, will be showcased on the 3.56-mile high-banked tri-oval/infield road course. For tickets and event-day guidelines, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

In the Sportsman class, Reza Arsham (IRA) won in the Konig Wheels/GoGoGear.com BMW M3, becoming the youngest driver ever to win a USTCC race at 20 years old.

Arsham Sets Record for Youngest Race Winner in United States Touring Car Championship History While Harper Wins GT Class

Finishing first in the GT class and overall was the AP Racing/BC Forged Chevrolet Corvette of Rob Harper (IRL). In the Sportsman class, Reza Arsham (IRA) won in the Konig Wheels/GoGoGear.com BMW M3, becoming the youngest driver ever to win a USTCC race at 20 years old. Doug Makishima (USA) extended his win streak from last season and won the Super Touring class in the ARG/Summit Tech BMW M3. Gary Sheehan (USA) took the win in the Touring Car class in the GoGoGear.com/Konig Wheels Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Winning the Top Team award was the GoGoGear.com racing team with two wins, Arsham in Sportsman and Sheehan in Touring Car. The Plastex Plastic Repair Kit Top Rookie award went to Gary Trudeau with a second place finish in his class. Next, the teams move to Thunderhill Raceway Park, August 1–2.

Eric Heller

Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) Announces New Segment Manager

The Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) and FM3 Performance Marketing have appointed Eric Heller as the new segment manager for the autocross and Speed-Stop competitions. In his new position, Heller will be responsible for all aspects of competition elements for the two segments, including course design and set-up, timing and scoring, staffing and more. In addition to USCA events, including OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car presented by Advance Auto Parts, Heller will also assist FM3 at events, including LSFest, Roadkill Nights, HOT ROD Power Tour, FM3 Cars & Cones and more. Heller has an extensive background in the automotive events industry and also has experience in event management and course design.

The 2020 Bonneville Speed Week will take place as planned at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, August 8–14.

Bonneville Speed Week Gets Green Light For 2020

The Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) has announced the 2020 Bonneville Speed Week will take place as planned at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, August 8–14. The organization has received all necessary approvals and permits from local health and government associations and will follow protocols set by the Utah Office of the Bureau of Land Management for the event. The new guidelines include sneeze guards, required masks for workers, additional hand sanitizer stations, social-distancing procedures and more. For the complete list, visit the SCTA webpage. SCTA is still accepting entries for the event. For more information, visit www.scta-bni.org. In related news, the future of land speed racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah is still in jeopardy. For more information, including how to help, visit the SEMA Action Network website.

Fans Allowed at July 17-18 INDYCAR Event in Iowa

INDYCAR will welcome fans to Iowa Speedway for the upcoming July 17–18 race weekend featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Iowa 250 races and the ARCA Menards Series race. Under the guidance of public health officials, medical experts, and local, state and federal authorities, INDYCAR and Iowa Speedway will observe safe social distancing and provide enhanced hygiene and safety precautions for all in attendance. All guests will be screened in their vehicles with contactless temperature checks before entering the parking areas and only essential racing personnel will have access to the infield. Hand sanitizer and face coverings will also be distributed to each guest. For the complete protocols and guidelines, visit www.iowaspeedway.com. All previously purchased tickets for the race weekend will be honored by Iowa Speedway, including season tickets. A limited number of remaining tickets will then go on sale Friday, June 26.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.