News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Discounts for SEMA Show Hotel Rates Available for a Limited Time

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 11:52

By SEMA Editors

The Signature at MGM Grand is just one of the hotels available to Showgoers at an exclusive low rate.

Several hotels for the 2019 SEMA Show are offering additional discounts for a limited time.

Make your SEMA Show hotel reservations before March 27 for additional early-bird discounts. The hotels are:

All hotel rates listed on the Travel & Lodging page of www.SEMAShow.com include resort fees.

Space Is Limited—Measure the 2020 Supra at the SEMA Garage

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 11:38

Toyota and the SEMA Garage are providing members with a rare opportunity to measure the new 2020 Supra, well in advance of its Summer 2019 release.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-toyota-gr-supra-measuring-session-april-3-and-4-2019-tickets-57635376964

Space Is Limited—Measure the 2020 Supra at the SEMA Garage

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 11:38

Toyota and the SEMA Garage are providing members with a rare opportunity to measure the new 2020 Supra, well in advance of its Summer 2019 release.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-toyota-gr-supra-measuring-session-april-3-and-4-2019-tickets-57635376964

Racing News: 25th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout Race Results

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 11:08

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Yando Ulloa took the win in both the TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout and Mickey Thompson Cobra/Terminator vs. GT500 Shootout.

25th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout Race Wrap

The 25th Annual Nitto Tire Spring Break Shootout was held last weekend at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida. Below are the results.

VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Vince Palazzolo and his ’09 Mustang squared off against Dominic Didonato’s ’04 Mustang in the finals, where Palazzolo hauled in an Edelbrock Victor award on the merit of a 4.47 at a 160.54-mph pass.

Edelbrock Renegade: Haley James and her ’93 Mustang LX squared off with Joe Guertin’s four-eyed Fox in the finals, where James cruised into the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle with a 4.82 at 146-mph rip.

ProCharger Modified Street: Bob Cook’s Fox met Brad Schehr in the final round, where Schehr flexed his 7.95-second muscle, while Cook ran well off the pace, making for an easy victory.

Limited Street: Michael Ciborowski faced Sondra Leslie in the finals, where he won with an 8.841 to Leslie’s 8.844.

G-Force Racing Transmissions Coyote Stock: Tim Matherly and his ’03 Mustang faced Clair Stewart II in the finals, where Matherly took the win with a 10.282 to Stewart’s quicker, but losing, 10.249.

Richmond Gear Factory Stock: Both driving ’90 Mustangs, Dan Ryntz met Gary Windsor in the finals, where Ryntz took the win on a 10.45 at 125-mph pass.

Exedy Racing Clutches Modular Muscle: Shane Williams met Susan McClenaghan in the finals, where Williams ran closer to his dial-in to take the trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

Detroit Locker Truck & Lightning: Randy Conway piloted his ’85 Ranger to the uncontested win.

Roush Performance Super ’Stang: Miles Wagoner and his ’16 Mustang GT took the win in the final round against Marvin Knack.

ARP Open Comp: Junior McKenzie lit the red bulb and handed Larry Geddes the win and a trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

Race Star Wheels Ford Muscle: Bill Lee Jr. got the jump on John Butsko in the finals to take the win.

QA1 True Street: Jeff Bloem earned the trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle courtesy of 7.82-, 7.79- and 8.09-second passes that delivered a 7.904-second average. Not only did Bloem take home the class win, but he also earned the first entry into the eight-car IDIDIT King of the Street eliminator that will be settled at the 21st Annual NMRA All-Ford World Finals in September. The other winners in QA1 True Street include Dwayne Hickman (9 seconds), Joshua Levin (10 seconds), Robert Ball (11 seconds), Mike Baker (12 seconds), Louis Mendes (13 seconds), Chris Parisi (14 seconds) and Patrick Bruce (15 seconds).

TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout: Yandro Ulloa and his turbo Cobra squared off against Steve Shrader’s New Edge racer in the finals, where Ulloa cruised to the win.

JLT Performance Spring Break Shootout: Jeff Bloem took the win over Mike Jovanis with a final-round blast of 7.62 at 168.82.

Watson Racing Cobra Jet Showdown, presented by Ford Performance: Paul Roderick and his ’13 Cobra Jet met David Swanson’s ’14 Cobra Jet in the finals, where the newer Cobra Jet struck just a little too soon and lit the red bulb, handing the win to Roderick, who still ran a 9.14 on a 9.15 dial-in on the free pass.

Mickey Thompson Cobra/Terminator vs. GT500 Shootout: Yandro Ulloa faced Randy Thomas in the finals, where Ulloa’s Cobra took the win on an 8.11 at 165-mph run.

Hellion Turbo Battle: Justin Jordan’s turbocharged Coyote machine met Paul Albino’s ’04 Lightning in the finals, where Jordan cruised to the win with a 7.45 at 191.65-mph blast.

NMRA Bracket 1 and Bracket 2: Stanley Albritton took the win over Jerry Norton in the finals. Meanwhile, Doug Poskevich soldiered through six rounds to the finals, where he defeated Bill Unkel.

Presented by COPO Parts Direct, the 50th Anniversary Chevrolet Performance COPO Camaro Shootout is open to all Chevrolet COPO Camaro vehicles from 1969 to present.

50th Anniversary Chevrolet Performance COPO Camaro Shootout Announced

ProMedia Events has been selected to host the 50th Anniversary Chevrolet Performance COPO Camaro Shootout at its NMCA All-American Nationals event at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, August 22–25. Presented by COPO Parts Direct, this event is open to all Chevrolet COPO Camaro vehicles (tributes/clones permitted) from 1969 to present, with activities that include a drag race, custom winners circle experience, racer happy hours, special celebration luncheons and a free parts raffle. The winner of the COPO Camaro Shootout will receive $3,000 cash, an NMCA Victor award and will be treated to a champagne celebration in the Aerospace Components Winners Circle.

Yokohama is partnering with Porsche Motorsport North America and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Organization as the sponsor and exclusive tire supplier for The Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama.

Yokohama Tire Returns as Sponsor and Exclusive Tire Provider for Porsche Pikes Peak Division

For the second straight year, Yokohama is partnering with Porsche Motorsport North America and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Organization as the sponsor and exclusive tire supplier for The Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama. Action sports star and Nitro Circus founder Travis Pastrana won the inaugural class last year and is set to defend his title in the “Race to the Clouds,” June 30, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Pastrana will race against five others in the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy division, including fellow Team Yokohama member and Nitro Circus performer Blake “Bilko” Williams.

4 Wheel Parts President Craig Scanlon Seeks History in Mint 400 Desert Race

Craig Scanlon, an experienced professional UTV racecar driver, will attempt to complete the unofficial Mint 800, Sunday, March 10, with a UTV Pro class race in the morning followed by a Class 6100 Trophy Truck Spec race in the afternoon. The attempt will be chronicled in “Chasing the Mint,” a mini-documentary in development that will spotlight Scanlon’s Mint 800 participation at the same time he’s running Transamerican Auto Parts. The three-part video series began on The Dirt by 4WP, Monday, March 1, and gave an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the effort it takes to prepare for such an endeavor. For more information, visit www.4wp.com/TheDirt.

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

Know Your SEMA Sales Representatives: Brendan Gillespie and Eric Jurado

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 10:57

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show sales representatives are the first point of contact for exhibitors with general Show questions, seeking sponsorship opportunities or looking to stretch their Show budgets by taking advantage of existing, value-added programs.

SEMA eNews will highlight sales people each week, continuing this week with Brendan Gillespie and Eric Jurado, who both represent the Racing & Performance section of the 2019 SEMA Show.

The Racing & Performance section is one of the most expansive specialty markets represented at the SEMA Show, featuring exhibitors in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and in the Racing Annex and Performance Pavilion. Judging by the New Product Showcase, interest in the market is high, with nearly 800 entries—from both first-time and veteran racing and performance exhibitors.

Eric Jurado

How many years in the automotive aftermarket industry? I have been in the automotive performance industry for 16 years.

What year was your first SEMA Show? 2005 was my first SEMA Show.

What do you feel is the biggest opportunity for exhibitors?
SEMA gives the exhibitors Direct Access to the market; The SEMA system gives exhibitors the ability to reach their primary market efficiently through our proven market strategies.

What advice do you have for exhibitors?
It is important to maintain your regular presence through the SEMA marketing channels. With regular presence in SEMA, the exhibitor will continue to develop awareness, thereby reinforcing the company’s position in the marketplace.

What is the most common mistake you see exhibitors make?
Many new companies come in with a big story to tell, and oftentimes remain a secret throughout the show. They rely on their exhibit display alone and do not take full advantage of all trade-show marketing opportunities.

What is the one thing you want all exhibitors to know?
Pre-show marketing dramatically increases sales. Exhibitors who market themselves attract 56% more buyers than those who do not. I can work with the exhibitor to get the attention of that buyer, get them to the website, get them to the exhibit, get them to contact the exhibitor to inquire about being a dealer, and get them to be part of distribution network. What are you doing to bring buyers into your booth?

Brendan Gillespie

How many years in the automotive aftermarket industry? 5 years

What year was your first SEMA Show? 2014

What do you feel is the biggest opportunity for exhibitors?
New exhibitors should be sure to attend the Exhibitor Summit to learn how to make the most of their SEMA Show investment. All exhibitors should also enter a new or featured product into the New Products Showcase.

What advice do you have for exhibitors?
Pre-market your presence at the Show. Know who you’re going after and target those potential buyers. They will NOT just fall into your lap; you need to have a plan!

What is the most common mistake you see exhibitors make?
Not making use of the resources that are available to you as an exhibitor. When you are approved for a booth, there are numerous free and paid opportunities available to you to promote your booth. Be sure to enter a new product and submit a press release, but also, try to attend the Exhibitor Summit!

What is the one thing you want all exhibitors to know?
The number-one resource for exhibitors is the Exhibitor Services Manual (www.semashow.com/esm). Here you will find pertinent information and deadlines that will help you plan and stay on track for a very successful Show.

Know Your SEMA Sales Representatives: Brendan Gillespie and Eric Jurado

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 10:57

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show sales representatives are the first point of contact for exhibitors with general Show questions, seeking sponsorship opportunities or looking to stretch their Show budgets by taking advantage of existing, value-added programs.

SEMA eNews will highlight sales people each week, continuing this week with Brendan Gillespie and Eric Jurado, who both represent the Racing & Performance section of the 2019 SEMA Show.

The Racing & Performance section is one of the most expansive specialty markets represented at the SEMA Show, featuring exhibitors in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and in the Racing Annex and Performance Pavilion. Judging by the New Product Showcase, interest in the market is high, with nearly 800 entries—from both first-time and veteran racing and performance exhibitors.

Eric Jurado

How many years in the automotive aftermarket industry? I have been in the automotive performance industry for 16 years.

What year was your first SEMA Show? 2005 was my first SEMA Show.

What do you feel is the biggest opportunity for exhibitors?
SEMA gives the exhibitors Direct Access to the market; The SEMA system gives exhibitors the ability to reach their primary market efficiently through our proven market strategies.

What advice do you have for exhibitors?
It is important to maintain your regular presence through the SEMA marketing channels. With regular presence in SEMA, the exhibitor will continue to develop awareness, thereby reinforcing the company’s position in the marketplace.

What is the most common mistake you see exhibitors make?
Many new companies come in with a big story to tell, and oftentimes remain a secret throughout the show. They rely on their exhibit display alone and do not take full advantage of all trade-show marketing opportunities.

What is the one thing you want all exhibitors to know?
Pre-show marketing dramatically increases sales. Exhibitors who market themselves attract 56% more buyers than those who do not. I can work with the exhibitor to get the attention of that buyer, get them to the website, get them to the exhibit, get them to contact the exhibitor to inquire about being a dealer, and get them to be part of distribution network. What are you doing to bring buyers into your booth?

Brendan Gillespie

How many years in the automotive aftermarket industry? 5 years

What year was your first SEMA Show? 2014

What do you feel is the biggest opportunity for exhibitors?
New exhibitors should be sure to attend the Exhibitor Summit to learn how to make the most of their SEMA Show investment. All exhibitors should also enter a new or featured product into the New Products Showcase.

What advice do you have for exhibitors?
Pre-market your presence at the Show. Know who you’re going after and target those potential buyers. They will NOT just fall into your lap; you need to have a plan!

What is the most common mistake you see exhibitors make?
Not making use of the resources that are available to you as an exhibitor. When you are approved for a booth, there are numerous free and paid opportunities available to you to promote your booth. Be sure to enter a new product and submit a press release, but also, try to attend the Exhibitor Summit!

What is the one thing you want all exhibitors to know?
The number-one resource for exhibitors is the Exhibitor Services Manual (www.semashow.com/esm). Here you will find pertinent information and deadlines that will help you plan and stay on track for a very successful Show.

Know Your SEMA Sales Representatives: Brendan Gillespie and Eric Jurado

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 10:57

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show sales representatives are the first point of contact for exhibitors with general Show questions, seeking sponsorship opportunities or looking to stretch their Show budgets by taking advantage of existing, value-added programs.

SEMA eNews will highlight sales people each week, continuing this week with Brendan Gillespie and Eric Jurado, who both represent the Racing & Performance section of the 2019 SEMA Show.

The Racing & Performance section is one of the most expansive specialty markets represented at the SEMA Show, featuring exhibitors in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and in the Racing Annex and Performance Pavilion. Judging by the New Product Showcase, interest in the market is high, with nearly 800 entries—from both first-time and veteran racing and performance exhibitors.

Eric Jurado

How many years in the automotive aftermarket industry? I have been in the automotive performance industry for 16 years.

What year was your first SEMA Show? 2005 was my first SEMA Show.

What do you feel is the biggest opportunity for exhibitors?
SEMA gives the exhibitors Direct Access to the market; The SEMA system gives exhibitors the ability to reach their primary market efficiently through our proven market strategies.

What advice do you have for exhibitors?
It is important to maintain your regular presence through the SEMA marketing channels. With regular presence in SEMA, the exhibitor will continue to develop awareness, thereby reinforcing the company’s position in the marketplace.

What is the most common mistake you see exhibitors make?
Many new companies come in with a big story to tell, and oftentimes remain a secret throughout the show. They rely on their exhibit display alone and do not take full advantage of all trade-show marketing opportunities.

What is the one thing you want all exhibitors to know?
Pre-show marketing dramatically increases sales. Exhibitors who market themselves attract 56% more buyers than those who do not. I can work with the exhibitor to get the attention of that buyer, get them to the website, get them to the exhibit, get them to contact the exhibitor to inquire about being a dealer, and get them to be part of distribution network. What are you doing to bring buyers into your booth?

Brendan Gillespie

How many years in the automotive aftermarket industry? 5 years

What year was your first SEMA Show? 2014

What do you feel is the biggest opportunity for exhibitors?
New exhibitors should be sure to attend the Exhibitor Summit to learn how to make the most of their SEMA Show investment. All exhibitors should also enter a new or featured product into the New Products Showcase.

What advice do you have for exhibitors?
Pre-market your presence at the Show. Know who you’re going after and target those potential buyers. They will NOT just fall into your lap; you need to have a plan!

What is the most common mistake you see exhibitors make?
Not making use of the resources that are available to you as an exhibitor. When you are approved for a booth, there are numerous free and paid opportunities available to you to promote your booth. Be sure to enter a new product and submit a press release, but also, try to attend the Exhibitor Summit!

What is the one thing you want all exhibitors to know?
The number-one resource for exhibitors is the Exhibitor Services Manual (www.semashow.com/esm). Here you will find pertinent information and deadlines that will help you plan and stay on track for a very successful Show.

Video—Exclusive Interview With Shell Director of Marketing Don Moser

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 09:22

Shell participated in the 2018 SEMA Show for the fourth consecutive year, exhibiting in the outdoor area with a stage and interactive activities. Hear from Don Moser as he shares insights on Shell's current initiatives.

Video—Exclusive Interview With Shell Director of Marketing Don Moser

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 09:22

Shell participated in the 2018 SEMA Show for the fourth consecutive year, exhibiting in the outdoor area with a stage and interactive activities. Hear from Don Moser as he shares insights on Shell's current initiatives.

New Products From Members of the SEMA Data Co-op

Thu, 03/07/2019 - 09:08

By Douglas McColloch

The SEMA Data Co-op is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers, and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

Holley NOS Dry Nitrous Plates Holley has released new NOS Dry Nitrous Plates for its LS Hi-Ram EFI intake manifolds. Said to be the fastest and easiest way to upgrade to a dry-nitrous system, the plates bolt up between the top plate and bottom baseplate on two-piece Hi-Ram LS manifolds in a one-piece configuration. Specially designed .103-inch passages machined into the billet 6061-T6 aluminum plate spray fuel through eight .040-inch openings into the center of each intake runner for optimal nitrous distribution and maximum power output. The plates come complete with jetting for 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 additional horsepower, but are said to be able to handle upwards of 1,000 horsepower. Available in black-anodized or clear designs, the kits include the plate itself, jet holders, an application-specific gasket, and all hardware needed for installation. 270-782-2900 www.holley.com PN 12535BNOS
Roush Performance 2018-19 Mustang/F-150 5.0L Supercharger Rush Performance has received CARB E.O. numbers for its new TVS R2650 Phase 1 Supercharger Kit for the 2018-19 Ford Mustang and F-150 pickup. The complete kits, which are said to be a direct bolt-on, boost power levels on the Mustang 5.0L V-8 to 700 horsepower and 610 lbs-ft of torque; power output for the F-150’s 5.0L is said to be improved to 650 horsepower and 610 lbs-ft. Developed in partnership with Ford Performance, the new supercharger combines a new, larger 2.65-liter Roots-type positive-displacement blower with a custom aluminum intercooler and heat exchanger; an additional rotor helix for greater efficiency and power delivery; and an included high-performance engine calibration tune. The supercharger comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile limited powertrain warranty when installed at a Ford dealership or by an ASE-certified technician. 800-597-6874 www.roushperformance.com PN 422090
Sinister Diesel 1999-2016 Powerstroke Master Cylinder Cap Sinister Diesel Manufacturing has released a new Master Cylinder Cap for 1999-2016 Ford Super Duty trucks equipped with the Powerstroke diesel V-8. The new cap, which is constructed of solid billet aluminum, is said to be an upgrade over the OEM plastic cap, which can crack or embrittle over time and which in turn can lead to contamination or loss of brake fluid. The Sinister unit's added hand grips enable easy screw-on and screw-off, and the cap is anodized in Sinister Blue with a laser-etched logo to give the engine bay a sharper look. 916-772-9253 www.sinisterdiesel.com PN SD-MCC-FORD-99
GForce Engineering Axle Line Upgrades G-Force Engineering has announced revisions to its product lineup, including significant upgrades to its flagship Outlaw performance half-shaft axle (pictured) and the introduction of a new axle line, the Renegade. Tho Outlaw CV half-shafts, said to feature the industry’s largest diameter and strongest axle bars with complete CNC-machined, one-piece billet inner and outer stubs, will be upgraded for 2019 with polished CVs inside and out. The polishing is said to significantly reduce friction and heat buildup and to improve the CVs' wear characteristics. The Outlaw will also receive an internal alloy upgrade for increased strength, and ARP fasteners for added strength. The new Renegade will replace the 850HP (L2) axle in the company's product line, with a price point lower than the Outlaw's. Both axles are available in a variety of street-performance applications. 316-260-8433 www.gforce1320.com PN varies by application
Smittybilt Modular Bumper for 2017-Present Wrangler JK/JL Smittybilt has released its new Stryker Modular Bumper for the 2017 Jeep Wrangler JK and 2018-and-later Wrangler JL. The new bumper is deep-draw press-formed from 3mm cold-rolled steel, a process that is said to result in increased strength and durability while offering a significant weight savings over standard steel and traditional welding. A bolt-on inner winch plate (when fitted with a winch up to 12,000-lbs capacity), integrated lift points and 7/8-inch D-ring mounts can facilitate off-road recoveries. A heavy-duty reinforced skidplate with added lower mounting support provides additional protection for the undercarriage. The solid overrider can accommodate a single-row LED lightbar and is removable when not in use. Stryker Side Wings offer more front and side protection while providing mounts for additional auxiliary lighting. 888-717-5797 www.smittybilt.com PN 76730 (center section), 76731 (side wings)