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 Becca Butler and Andrea Brake, who both represent the Racing & Performance section of the 2019 SEMA Show.

The Racing and 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.

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 Becca Butler and Andrea Brake, who both represent the Racing & Performance section of the 2019 SEMA Show.

The Racing and 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.

By SEMA Editors

The Travel & Lodging page (www.SEMAShow.com/travel) on SEMAShow.com has a comprehensive listing of nearly 40 hotels offering guaranteed low rates for the 2019 SEMA Show.

With a quick look on the website, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the rate per night, distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center and hotel star rating.

• Wynn Las Vegas
• Encore at Wynn Las Vegas
• SLS Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
• Las Vegas Marriott
• Hilton Grand Vacations

Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

Note: Attendees and exhibitors should be vigilant if approached by companies or services other than OnPeak that imply or claim to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Management is aware of other housing companies and travel agencies that may be aggressively pursuing you or your company to book your guest rooms through their company at supposedly significant discounts.

Reservations made through an agency other than OnPeak are at your own risk. Exhibitors and attendees contacted by another housing company trying to sell hotel rooms should notify SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289.

By SEMA Editors

The Travel & Lodging page (www.SEMAShow.com/travel) on SEMAShow.com has a comprehensive listing of nearly 40 hotels offering guaranteed low rates for the 2019 SEMA Show.

With a quick look on the website, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the rate per night, distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center and hotel star rating.

• Wynn Las Vegas
• Encore at Wynn Las Vegas
• SLS Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
• Las Vegas Marriott
• Hilton Grand Vacations

Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

Note: Attendees and exhibitors should be vigilant if approached by companies or services other than OnPeak that imply or claim to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Management is aware of other housing companies and travel agencies that may be aggressively pursuing you or your company to book your guest rooms through their company at supposedly significant discounts.

Reservations made through an agency other than OnPeak are at your own risk. Exhibitors and attendees contacted by another housing company trying to sell hotel rooms should notify SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289.

By SEMA Editors

Yokohama Tire Named Official Tire of Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle USA

Yokohama is now the Official Tire of Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle.

Yokohama Tire has a new motorsports partnership: The Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle USA (SLB/GTA). Yokohama is now the Official Tire of SLB/GTA. The first Super Lap Battle race is February 16-17 at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. There will also be the “Yokohama Challenge” championship for drivers competing on Yokohama tires at the three Global Time Attack events.

2019 Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle USA Schedule:

• February 16–17: Super Lap Battle USA Circuit of the Americas
• May 10–11: GTA Road Atlanta
• August 9–10: GTA New Jersey Motorsports Park
• November 16–17: GTA Finals Buttonwillow Raceway

The Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle USA adds to an already extensive list of 2019 North American-based motorsports activities both on- and off-road for Yokohama. This includes the IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Yokohama, the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama, 24 Hours of Lemons, Spec MX-5 Challenge, TrophyLite, One Lap of America, Yokohama NORRA Mexican 1000 and Yokohama Sonora Rally.

Mickey Thompson Sponsors NMRA's Cobra Terminator/GT500 Shootout Class

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels has signed on as sponsor of an exclusive Mustang drag race showdown, in addition to its continued support of the National Mustang Racers Association.

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels has signed on as sponsor of an exclusive Mustang drag race showdown, in addition to its continued support of the National Mustang Racers Association.

The NMRA Cobra Terminator/GT500 Shootout class runs at two of the largest NMRA events on the schedule: the NMRA Spring Break Shootout season opener February 28-March 3, at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida; and the NMRA All-Ford World Finals Sept. 26-29 at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Mickey Thompson is posting valuable racer contingencies on Mickey Thompson tires (all four) in all NMRA championship classes and will also continue to offer onsite trackside support at most events, as well as contingency awards to drivers competing in Pro, Sportsman and various special event classes.

Fans to Decide Brackets for Upcoming NHRA “Unfinished Business” Competition

Earlier this year, the NHRA released the names of the eight NHRA Legends who would be competing in a one-time-only “Unfinished Business” competition as part of the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Now it’s time for the fans to decide who will face off in the first round of eliminations.

The legendary lineup features some of the biggest stars in NHRA Championship Drag Racing including “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, Joe Amato, Kenny Bernstein, Ed “The Ace” McCulloch, Warren Johnson and Terry Vance. To top it all off, Florida native and NHRA fan favorite Darrell Gwynn will serve as the honorary starter for this prestigious group of competitors. Each driver will compete in a custom Toyota Camry distinctly wrapped to emulate looks inspired by some of the drivers’ favorite rides.

The competitive bracket is up to NHRA fans. From now until February 22, fans can visit www.nhra.com/unfinishedbusiness to vote for the first-round matchups they want to see. Follow the hashtag #UnfinishedBusiness on NHRA's social media pages and NHRA.com for updates on NHRA Unfinished Business.

AMSOIL Expands Partnership With Seehorn Rally Team

Jeff Seehorn and Karen Jankowski of Seehorn Rally Team announced that AMSOIL has expanded its partnership with the team for 2019. After a rewarding 2018 season together, AMSOIL will be title sponsor for the team this season.

Seehorn and Jankowski are the first back-to-back national class champions in the American Rally Association championship. In the 2018 season they scored five class wins out of six events, and five top-three overall finishes, which placed them both second in the overall championship. They are also the top-placing privateer team two years running. Having AMSOIL as title sponsor will be essential for the team’s success in the 2019 season.

Read more news from the PRI Newletter.

• Paul Buddin Announced As CFO Of McLaren Group
• Kooks Adds To Leadership Team
• POWRi, BCRA Form Lucas Oil Midget Series
• PDRA Adds Industry Veterans To Leadership Team
• Xtreme Concepts To Launch NASCAR Team
• USSR To Host Sprint Car Driving Seminar
• SAM Tech Announces Series Of High-Performance Marketing Seminars
• Late Model Truck Series Announces 2019 Schedule

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

Editor Dan Schechner shares how the editorial team makes the PRI magazine interesting, helpful and relevant to the motorsports industry.

https://youtu.be/JEFxppSflDI

Editor Dan Schechner shares how the editorial team makes the PRI magazine interesting, helpful and relevant to the motorsports industry.

https://youtu.be/JEFxppSflDI

By SEMA Editors

Long was selected president and CEO by the MEMA board of directors to replace former MEMA President and CEO Steve Handschuh, who retired in December 2018.

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), a leading trade association focused on advancing the fast-changing mobility industry, has named William (Bill) Long as president and CEO, effective immediately.

Long was selected by the MEMA board of directors after a national search conducted by Egon Zehnder to replace former MEMA President and CEO Steve Handschuh, who retired in December 2018.

Long takes the helm of the 115-year-old trade association at a critical time, according to MEMA. The motor vehicle parts supplier industry, which represents the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the United States, is rising to significant challenges and opportunities. In addition to the biggest technological advances in 100 years, the industry is adapting to threats to international free trade, wide-ranging tariffs, significant regulatory shifts, and workforce development initiatives. MEMA has earned a seat at the table in the Trump administration and has emerged as a consistent and trusted voice in the national conversation on the issues that affect MEMA’s division members. Long will be tasked with ensuring MEMA is able to continue to successfully represent its 1,000 company members in Washington and around the world.

“Bill brings to bear decades of level-headed experience participating in all market sectors in this industry, and we are fortunate to have his guidance as we address unprecedented levels of change,” said MEMA Board Chairman Dan Sceli, president and CEO of Peterson American Corp. “Bill is a staunch advocate for our members. With his leadership, we will be able to face these headwinds and advance our industry in the global marketplace. I am excited to have Bill in this key role at this important time.”

Previously, Long was president and COO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), MEMA’s light vehicle aftermarket division, which exclusively serves and represents North American aftermarket product manufacturers. He also served as executive vice president of government affairs for MEMA, representing the business interests of all four MEMA divisions, including AASA, as well as the Original Equipment Manufacturers Association, Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association, and MERA, the Association for Sustainable Manufacturing.

“Our industry and our members are both experiencing and driving transformational advances in vehicle technology while at the same time adapting to tectonic shifts in the global marketplace,” Long said in a statement. “Now more than ever, it is important that our collective voice—across all of our divisions—be clear and strong on the issues that affect us all. I am grateful to the board and the MEMA membership for the opportunity to serve them at this level.”

Prior to joining AASA in 2012, Long served as president of Long Strategies LLC and as managing partner of BC Partners LLC, providing strategic planning, brand relevance and leadership services to the automotive industry. He is most recognized for his 25 years at Echlin/DANA, where he led the company’s Engine Management Division and during his time as executive vice president, North American Operations for Proliance International, a leading manufacturer of temperature control and heat exchange products.

Long is also well-known in motorsports circles, having been a corporate officer for NASCAR in Daytona Beach and a top executive for the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Long serves on the board of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) and as member of the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Advisory Board and the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Board. He is also a past chairman of the National Car Care Council. Long was awarded the prestigious MEMA Triangle Award and Northwood University’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award, both recognizing his work in educating federal lawmakers and serving as a technical expert on issues concerning the industry’s access to vehicle on-board diagnostics and repair information. He also was honored with the Jack Arute Sr. Excellence in Motorsports Award for his contribution and dedication to the motorsports industry.