Meet Alex Carmona—the artist behind the 2018 SEMA Show artwork. Learn more about his unique creation process and what influences his designs.
By SEMA Editors
SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.
Compiled by SEMA Editors
![]() Team Falken’s Piotr Wiecek took home first at Monroe’s Evergreen Speedway last weekend, wrapping up Round 5 of the 2019 Black Magic Formula DRIFT Championship. |
Team Falken Takes Formula DRIFT Trifecta at Evergreen Speedway’s Round 5 Throwdown
Team Falken’s Piotr Wiecek took home first at Monroe’s Evergreen Speedway last weekend, wrapping up Round 5 of the 2019 Black Magic Formula DRIFT Championship. Defending Formula D champion James Deane built up points with a second-place finish and Daijiro “Dai” Yoshihara enjoyed his first podium of the season in third. All Team Falken members performed well throughout the night, with Wiecek qualifying first and earning a bye in the first round, as did Deane, who qualified second. Yoshihara was fourth in qualifying, followed by Falken teammates Justin Pawlak in seventh, Matt Field in 10th, and Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis in 13th. All advanced to the Top 16, with the three finishers and Pawlak moving to the Top 8. Ultimately, it came down to Wiecek vs. Deane, and Wiecek’s car was the stronger of the two Saturday night. With Falken’s triple podium result, it moved into a strong lead in the Tire Manufacturers Cup. Standings after round five continue to place Bakchis in second, just two points behind the leader; while Wiecek moves to third; Deane, fourth; Yoshihara jumps to eighth; Pawlak, ninth; and Field 13th. The 2019 Black Magic Formula DRIFT Pro Championship Series goes to the Midwest for the Crossroads at St. Louis, August 8–10.
![]() Thermo-Tec will sponsor the Elite Motorsports 2019 Pro Stock Ford Mustang for three races as Steve Matusek competes on the NHRA’s Western Swing. |
Thermo-Tec Backs Matusek’s Pro Stock Effort
Drag racer and aftermarket business owner Steve Matusek made his NHRA Pro Stock debut, and Thermo-Tec will sponsor the Elite Motorsports 2019 Pro Stock Ford Mustang for three races as Matusek competes on the NHRA’s Western Swing, which began last weekend at the Mile High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado.
For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.
Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.
- SEMA Installation & Gala, July 26, 2019, Anaheim Marriott, Anaheim, California
- SEMA Seminar: “Additive Manufacturing in Automotive,” July 30, 2019, SEMA Garage, Diamond Bar, California
- HRIA Education Days, August 1–2, 2019, Kentucky Expo Center, Louisville, Kentucky
- SBN Biannual General Membership Call, August 6, 2019
- YEN General Membership Call, August 21, 2019
- SBN Gear-up Girl Networking Event, September 12, 2019, NASCAR Technical Institute, Mooresville, North Carolina
- YEN General Membership Call, October 16, 2019
- YEN Meetup Formula DRIFT, October 18, 2019, Irwindale Event Center, Irwindale, California
- SEMA Launch Pad: Entrepreneurs Pitch Their Ideas, November 4, 2019, Westgate Theater, Las Vegas
- Gear-up Girl Networking Event, Powered by SBN, November 4, 2019, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
- YEN Top Golf General Membership Meeting, November 4, 2019, Top Golf, Las Vegas
- YEN Reception, November 5, 2019, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Paradise Center, Las Vegas
- 2019 SEMA Show, November 5–8, 2019, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
- 2019 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference, December 10–11, 2019, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
- YEN Meetup at PRI, December 12, 2019, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
- 2019 PRI Trade Show, December 12–14, 2019, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
- YEN General Membership Call, January 15, 2020
- SBN Biannual General Membership Call, February 4, 2020
- YEN General Membership Call, April 15, 2020
For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.
The annual Pinewood Drag Races has quickly become a signature event by combining just the right elements of charitable giving, community participation, automotive passion and youthful spirit.
The annual Pinewood Drag Races has quickly become a signature event by combining just the right elements of charitable giving, community participation, automotive passion and youthful spirit.
The annual Pinewood Drag Races has quickly become a signature event by combining just the right elements of charitable giving, community participation, automotive passion and youthful spirit.
By Kyle Cheng
![]() Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. |
Want more information on the trends affecting the automotive specialty-equipment industry? Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. In this report, published monthly, you’ll get a snapshot of the overall economy and our industry, including:
- Overall Economic Outlook
- New-Vehicle Sales and Statistics on Auto Parts Production
- Consumer Sentiment and Spending
- Economic Growth and Unemployment
- Other Important Industry Insights
Looking for a deeper dive into the specialty-equipment market? The “2019 SEMA Market Report” is now available from SEMA Market Research. This report provides a comprehensive look at how the products your company sells are purchased and installed. You’ll also find information on parts buyers, key industry trends and forecasts, and insights into the vehicles currently on the road.
Download the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report and “2019 SEMA Market Report” today for free on SEMA’s website.
By Kyle Cheng
![]() Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. |
Want more information on the trends affecting the automotive specialty-equipment industry? Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. In this report, published monthly, you’ll get a snapshot of the overall economy and our industry, including:
- Overall Economic Outlook
- New-Vehicle Sales and Statistics on Auto Parts Production
- Consumer Sentiment and Spending
- Economic Growth and Unemployment
- Other Important Industry Insights
Looking for a deeper dive into the specialty-equipment market? The “2019 SEMA Market Report” is now available from SEMA Market Research. This report provides a comprehensive look at how the products your company sells are purchased and installed. You’ll also find information on parts buyers, key industry trends and forecasts, and insights into the vehicles currently on the road.
Download the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report and “2019 SEMA Market Report” today for free on SEMA’s website.
Registration for the 2019 SEMA Show is open.


