By Jason Catullo

The first step to getting announcements out to the media and in SEMA’s Show publications is to upload releases to the Online Media Center, www.SEMAShow.com/press.

From now until the opening of the 2017 SEMA Show, exhibitors are encouraged to highlight their Show plans through SEMA’s Online Media Center. Announcements about new product releases, celebrity appearances, demonstrations and unique booth attractions are just some examples of what companies submit. As the database of information grows, it serves as a beneficial, one-stop resource for buyers and media leading up to the Show. There is no cost to upload press releases and related images.

An additional benefit of using the Online Media Center is that many of the releases and announcements are used in SEMA Show publications, both electronic printed materials, prior to and during the Show. SEMA’s Show publications are ideal for promoting Show plans and new products, while creating more outreach opportunities for business. 

There are three content types that are relevant for both October and November issues of SEMA News and the four-issue SEMA Show Daily: new product announcements, Show-related actives and custom-vehicle premieres.

SEMA News Magazine

October SEMA News
Commonly known as the “pre-Show” issue, the October issue features a dedicated section previewing the products to be unveiled during the Show. The deadline for submissions is August 10.

November SEMA News
As the “Show” issue, November includes a preview of some of the world’s most impressive, innovative project vehicles and rare builds, as well as a Show map, schedule of celebrity appearances, Show educational seminars schedule and more. The deadline for submissions is September 8. The issue also contains a sneak peek of several vehicles that are taking part in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition. More information is available at www.SEMAShow.com/botb.

SEMA Show Daily

There are four issues of the SEMA Show Daily, three of which are distributed at the Show on (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday).

• The first issue has a circulation of 40,000 and mails October 1, providing a sneak-peek of the SEMA Show’s major attractions and can’t-miss features. The deadline for the first issue is August 3.
• Show Daily #2 will be distributed Tuesday, October 31—the first day of the 2017 SEMA Show. It has a circulation of 10,000 and will be distributed at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The deadline is [September 1].
• Show Daily #3 and #4 also have a circulation of 10,000 each. They will be distributed Wednesday, November 1, and Thursday, November 2. The deadline for both issues is September 15.

SEMA News November and all issues of Show Daily feature press releases regarding celebrity appearances and related Show activities. Exhibitors should closely monitor editorial deadlines to finalize their Show promotions. To submit a release for consideration, upload it directly to the Online Media Center.

Editorial content is chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, once you do have a release and image ready, submit it, even if it is after the deadline. Journalists from around the world access this library for potential stories. When additional space becomes available, SEMA’s editorial team will continue to utilize the Online Media Center for new stories.

In terms of releases, oftentimes there is only space for 100–200 words. Our editorial team will shorten a longer release given space constraints. When it comes to images, the art department is looking for high-resolution images. That means 300 dpi and in one of the following file types—JPG, EPS or TIF. It is also perfectly acceptable to submit renderings of new products or a picture of a car while it’s still being built.

Key contacts for SEMA’s Online Media Center and SEMA’s editorial department:

Della Domingo
Public Relations Director
dellad@sema.org

John Stewart
Vice President, Editorial Director
johns@sema.org

By Jason Catullo

The first step to getting announcements out to the media and in SEMA’s Show publications is to upload releases to the Online Media Center, www.SEMAShow.com/press.

From now until the opening of the 2017 SEMA Show, exhibitors are encouraged to highlight their Show plans through SEMA’s Online Media Center. Announcements about new product releases, celebrity appearances, demonstrations and unique booth attractions are just some examples of what companies submit. As the database of information grows, it serves as a beneficial, one-stop resource for buyers and media leading up to the Show. There is no cost to upload press releases and related images.

An additional benefit of using the Online Media Center is that many of the releases and announcements are used in SEMA Show publications, both electronic printed materials, prior to and during the Show. SEMA’s Show publications are ideal for promoting Show plans and new products, while creating more outreach opportunities for business. 

There are three content types that are relevant for both October and November issues of SEMA News and the four-issue SEMA Show Daily: new product announcements, Show-related actives and custom-vehicle premieres.

SEMA News Magazine

October SEMA News
Commonly known as the “pre-Show” issue, the October issue features a dedicated section previewing the products to be unveiled during the Show. The deadline for submissions is August 10.

November SEMA News
As the “Show” issue, November includes a preview of some of the world’s most impressive, innovative project vehicles and rare builds, as well as a Show map, schedule of celebrity appearances, Show educational seminars schedule and more. The deadline for submissions is September 8. The issue also contains a sneak peek of several vehicles that are taking part in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition. More information is available at www.SEMAShow.com/botb.

SEMA Show Daily

There are four issues of the SEMA Show Daily, three of which are distributed at the Show on (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday).

• The first issue has a circulation of 40,000 and mails October 1, providing a sneak-peek of the SEMA Show’s major attractions and can’t-miss features. The deadline for the first issue is August 3.
• Show Daily #2 will be distributed Tuesday, October 31—the first day of the 2017 SEMA Show. It has a circulation of 10,000 and will be distributed at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The deadline is [September 1].
• Show Daily #3 and #4 also have a circulation of 10,000 each. They will be distributed Wednesday, November 1, and Thursday, November 2. The deadline for both issues is September 15.

SEMA News November and all issues of Show Daily feature press releases regarding celebrity appearances and related Show activities. Exhibitors should closely monitor editorial deadlines to finalize their Show promotions. To submit a release for consideration, upload it directly to the Online Media Center.

Editorial content is chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, once you do have a release and image ready, submit it, even if it is after the deadline. Journalists from around the world access this library for potential stories. When additional space becomes available, SEMA’s editorial team will continue to utilize the Online Media Center for new stories.

In terms of releases, oftentimes there is only space for 100–200 words. Our editorial team will shorten a longer release given space constraints. When it comes to images, the art department is looking for high-resolution images. That means 300 dpi and in one of the following file types—JPG, EPS or TIF. It is also perfectly acceptable to submit renderings of new products or a picture of a car while it’s still being built.

Key contacts for SEMA’s Online Media Center and SEMA’s editorial department:

Della Domingo
Public Relations Director
dellad@sema.org

John Stewart
Vice President, Editorial Director
johns@sema.org

By Katie Carson

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is hosting a series of general membership meetings at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association events taking place in Columbus, Ohio; Pleasanton, California; and at the NSRA Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky.

The meetings serve as an opportunity for hot-rod industry professionals to connect with the SEMA council that represents their market. Learn about the latest initiatives and projects the council is working on, and let your voice be heard by bringing your ideas to the table.

Select Committee members and SEMA staff will be onsite to network and discuss opportunities on how to become more involved.

By Katie Carson

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is hosting a series of general membership meetings at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association events taking place in Columbus, Ohio; Pleasanton, California; and at the NSRA Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky.

The meetings serve as an opportunity for hot-rod industry professionals to connect with the SEMA council that represents their market. Learn about the latest initiatives and projects the council is working on, and let your voice be heard by bringing your ideas to the table.

Select Committee members and SEMA staff will be onsite to network and discuss opportunities on how to become more involved.

By Katie Carson

ARMO's Hot Products Showcase photo gallery features product images that were taken at Spring Carlisle in April.

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) members sent their products to be displayed at the ARMO Hot Products Showcase, held annually at the Spring Carlisle Car Swap Meet, where nine companies received new product awards in multiple categories. This free program for ARMO members potentially exposes their products to 100,000 automotive enthusiasts.

In addition to free product exposure, participating ARMO-member companies also receive professionally photographed images to use for their own marketing purposes. These photos will be displayed in a gallery on SEMA’s website and at the ARMO booth at the 2017 SEMA Show.

View the 2017 ARMO Hot Products Showcase gallery.

If you have any questions about the ARMO Hot Products Showcase program and how you can participate next year, contact SEMA Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

By Katie Carson

ARMO's Hot Products Showcase photo gallery features product images that were taken at Spring Carlisle in April.

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) members sent their products to be displayed at the ARMO Hot Products Showcase, held annually at the Spring Carlisle Car Swap Meet, where nine companies received new product awards in multiple categories. This free program for ARMO members potentially exposes their products to 100,000 automotive enthusiasts.

In addition to free product exposure, participating ARMO-member companies also receive professionally photographed images to use for their own marketing purposes. These photos will be displayed in a gallery on SEMA’s website and at the ARMO booth at the 2017 SEMA Show.

View the 2017 ARMO Hot Products Showcase gallery.

If you have any questions about the ARMO Hot Products Showcase program and how you can participate next year, contact SEMA Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

Rob Fisher from E3 Spark Plugs talks about SEMA program benefits for advancing businesses.

Rob Fisher from E3 Spark Plugs talks about SEMA program benefits for advancing businesses.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The 14th Annual NMRA Ford SuperNationals presented by WyoTech—was held June 8–11, at the recently renovated National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio.

NMRA Drivers Battle it Out in Ohio

The fourth of six events on this year’s NMRA tour—the 14th Annual NMRA Ford SuperNationals presented by WyoTech—was held June 8–11, at the recently renovated National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio.

VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Dwayne Barbaree in the ’95 SVT Cobra met madman Manny Buginga, who ran a 4.49 at 165 mph to win over Barbaree, who ran 4.52 at 163 mph.  

Edelbrock Renegade: Alton Clements cruised to the win over Brian Mitchell with a 7.49 at 184 mph over Mitchell’s 10.27.

ProCharger Coyote Modified: John Kauderer turned on the win light with an 8.49 at 167 mph while Haley James-Schneider ran into issues and was forced to get out of the throttle.  

Richmond Gear Factory Stock: Bart Welte got the best of Matt Amrine and won with a 10.80 at 121 mph to Amrine’s 11.01 at 122 mph.

G-Force Racing Transmissions Coyote Stock: Shane Stymiest sailed to the win over Charlie Booze Jr. with a 10.33 at 128 mph to Booze, Jr.’s 10.36 at 128 mph.

Detroit Locker Truck and Lightning: Gerry Van Veen won with an 11.36, while Bob Dill clocked a 9.59.

Exedy Racing Clutch Modular Muscle: Bobby Barrick had ran a 11.75 to win over Don Jones Jr., who turned in an 11.19.

Roush Performance Super Stang: Chris Parisi pulled out yet another victory with a 14.48 over Chad Wendel, who stopped clocks with an 11.46.

Aerospace Components Open Comp: Michael Lewandowski took the win over Terry Haynal with a 9.20 while Haynal put up an 11.67.

Race Pages Ford Muscle: Mike Roup ousted Dave Mormann with a 13.94 to Mormann’s 14.33.

QA1 True Street, presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords: Jeremiah McGreevy was declared the overall winner with a 9.05 average. Kevin McCotter was the 9-second winner, Jeff McCool was the 10-second winner, Robert Ball was the 11-second winner, Shannon Jones was the 12-second winner, Katrina Wiggins was the 13-second winner, Anthony Jager was the 14-second winner and Brian Flanagan was the 15-second winner.

Race Pages Bracket: On June 10, Greg Myers won in Bracket 1, Gary Fitzgerald was the winner in Bracket 2, Tristyn Strouse was the winner in Bracket 3 and Tom Brown was the winner in Bracket 4. On June 11, Dan Chiles won in Bracket 1, Jeff McMillen won in Bracket 2, Daniel Inhoff was the winner in Bracket 3 and Brian Kuta was the winner in Bracket 4.

Trick Flow Super Ford Showdown: Pitted the June 10 and June 11 Race Pages Bracket winners against each other, and Brian Kuta earned the win over Gary Fitzgerald.

The action continues with the 12th Annual Nitto NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing, where the NMRA will take on the NMCA, July 27–30, 2017, at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois.

Four Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GTs finished the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Grabs Second Place in GTE Pro at Le Mans 24 Hours

The #67 Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GT of Andy Priaulx, Harry Tincknell and Pipo Derani grabbed the runner-up spot of the 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours at the final corner of the final lap.  Last-minute struggles for the second-placed Corvette gave Tincknell the opportunity to pounce at the Ford Chicane and take the place just as the chequered flag fell. All four Ford GTs finished the Le Mans 24 Hours, which has been one of the most brutal 24-hour races at the Circuit de la Sarthe for many years. 

Millican, Capps and Laughlin Take Home Wallys at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals

Clay Millican piloted his Parts Plus/Great Clips dragster to his first career Top Fuel victory last Sunday at the 17th annual NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Alex Laughlin (Pro Stock) were also winners in their respective categories at the 11th event of 24 on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Millican raced a 3.825-second pass at 316.38 mph to defeat Leah Pritchett, who raced a 3.881 at 307.09 in her Papa John’s dragster. Steve Torrence now has possession of the Top Fuel points lead. Defending Funny Car world champion Capps raced to his fifth victory this season and 55th of his career in the NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T. He won on a holeshot against Don Schumacher Racing teammate Jack Beckman in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T with a pass of 4.054 at 317.05. In Pro Stock, Laughlin clinched his first Wally of the season and second of his career with a perfect reaction time in the finals. He powered his Gas Monkey Energy Chevrolet Camaro to a 6.718 at 205.04 to defeat Bo Butner in his Jim Butner’s Auto Chevy Camaro. Laughlin is the eighth different Pro Stock winner this season. The 2017 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at the 11th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, June 22–25, at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park.

Tanner Foust took his second win of the season and second podium finish of the weekend.

Three More Podiums, Including 1–2 Finish, for Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross in Ottawa

A difficult track on the grounds of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and fierce competition from its rivals tested Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross in Ottawa, but by the end of last weekend, the team had recovered to collect another 1–2 finish in Race 2 on Sunday. After a red flag and restart for a first-lap incident, Tanner Foust leapt to the lead and never looked back, taking his second win of the season and second podium finish of the weekend. Scott Speed—who had enjoyed a similarly strong take off during the race’s initial launch—got shuffled back on the restart and spent most of the race stuck behind a slower car. On the final lap, the driver of the No. 41 ORAFOL Beetle GRC took advantage of a competitor’s mistake, earning a last-gasp second-place finish. With last Sunday’s victory, Foust assumed the championship lead for the first time this season. Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross will return to action for Red Bull Global Rallycross’s inaugural visit to Indianapolis, Sunday, July 9.

Forrest Lucas

Forrest Lucas To Receive Bob Russo Heritage Award at 29th Annual MSHFA Induction Ceremony

The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) has announced that Forrest Lucas will receive the Bob Russo Heritage Award at the 29th Annual MSHFA Induction Ceremony Presented By Bridgestone, June 28, at The Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach, Florida. The award, named in honor of the longtime motorsports journalist and historian Bob Russo, is presented at the recommendation of the MSHFA Board of Directors in recognition of the recipient's contributions to motorsports throughout his or her career. According to the MSHFA Board of Directors, few people have done more to support motorsports at every level in the United States than Forrest Lucas, the founder of Lucas Oil Products Inc. Lucas and his wife Charlotte founded the company in 1989 and motorsports became the cornerstone of the company’s marketing strategy a few years later. Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri, is a multisport complex encompassing a state-of-the-art dirt track, a newly built short-course off-road race track and a purpose-built drag boat lake. The company owns and operates seven race series, works with other track owners and promoters and supports the sponsorship of hundreds of race teams, series and individuals. Lucas Oil also has the naming rights to Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The 14th Annual NMRA Ford SuperNationals presented by WyoTech—was held June 8–11, at the recently renovated National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio.

NMRA Drivers Battle it Out in Ohio

The fourth of six events on this year’s NMRA tour—the 14th Annual NMRA Ford SuperNationals presented by WyoTech—was held June 8–11, at the recently renovated National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio.

VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Dwayne Barbaree in the ’95 SVT Cobra met madman Manny Buginga, who ran a 4.49 at 165 mph to win over Barbaree, who ran 4.52 at 163 mph.  

Edelbrock Renegade: Alton Clements cruised to the win over Brian Mitchell with a 7.49 at 184 mph over Mitchell’s 10.27.

ProCharger Coyote Modified: John Kauderer turned on the win light with an 8.49 at 167 mph while Haley James-Schneider ran into issues and was forced to get out of the throttle.  

Richmond Gear Factory Stock: Bart Welte got the best of Matt Amrine and won with a 10.80 at 121 mph to Amrine’s 11.01 at 122 mph.

G-Force Racing Transmissions Coyote Stock: Shane Stymiest sailed to the win over Charlie Booze Jr. with a 10.33 at 128 mph to Booze, Jr.’s 10.36 at 128 mph.

Detroit Locker Truck and Lightning: Gerry Van Veen won with an 11.36, while Bob Dill clocked a 9.59.

Exedy Racing Clutch Modular Muscle: Bobby Barrick had ran a 11.75 to win over Don Jones Jr., who turned in an 11.19.

Roush Performance Super Stang: Chris Parisi pulled out yet another victory with a 14.48 over Chad Wendel, who stopped clocks with an 11.46.

Aerospace Components Open Comp: Michael Lewandowski took the win over Terry Haynal with a 9.20 while Haynal put up an 11.67.

Race Pages Ford Muscle: Mike Roup ousted Dave Mormann with a 13.94 to Mormann’s 14.33.

QA1 True Street, presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords: Jeremiah McGreevy was declared the overall winner with a 9.05 average. Kevin McCotter was the 9-second winner, Jeff McCool was the 10-second winner, Robert Ball was the 11-second winner, Shannon Jones was the 12-second winner, Katrina Wiggins was the 13-second winner, Anthony Jager was the 14-second winner and Brian Flanagan was the 15-second winner.

Race Pages Bracket: On June 10, Greg Myers won in Bracket 1, Gary Fitzgerald was the winner in Bracket 2, Tristyn Strouse was the winner in Bracket 3 and Tom Brown was the winner in Bracket 4. On June 11, Dan Chiles won in Bracket 1, Jeff McMillen won in Bracket 2, Daniel Inhoff was the winner in Bracket 3 and Brian Kuta was the winner in Bracket 4.

Trick Flow Super Ford Showdown: Pitted the June 10 and June 11 Race Pages Bracket winners against each other, and Brian Kuta earned the win over Gary Fitzgerald.

The action continues with the 12th Annual Nitto NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing, where the NMRA will take on the NMCA, July 27–30, 2017, at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois.

Four Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GTs finished the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Grabs Second Place in GTE Pro at Le Mans 24 Hours

The #67 Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GT of Andy Priaulx, Harry Tincknell and Pipo Derani grabbed the runner-up spot of the 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours at the final corner of the final lap.  Last-minute struggles for the second-placed Corvette gave Tincknell the opportunity to pounce at the Ford Chicane and take the place just as the chequered flag fell. All four Ford GTs finished the Le Mans 24 Hours, which has been one of the most brutal 24-hour races at the Circuit de la Sarthe for many years. 

Millican, Capps and Laughlin Take Home Wallys at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals

Clay Millican piloted his Parts Plus/Great Clips dragster to his first career Top Fuel victory last Sunday at the 17th annual NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Alex Laughlin (Pro Stock) were also winners in their respective categories at the 11th event of 24 on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Millican raced a 3.825-second pass at 316.38 mph to defeat Leah Pritchett, who raced a 3.881 at 307.09 in her Papa John’s dragster. Steve Torrence now has possession of the Top Fuel points lead. Defending Funny Car world champion Capps raced to his fifth victory this season and 55th of his career in the NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T. He won on a holeshot against Don Schumacher Racing teammate Jack Beckman in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T with a pass of 4.054 at 317.05. In Pro Stock, Laughlin clinched his first Wally of the season and second of his career with a perfect reaction time in the finals. He powered his Gas Monkey Energy Chevrolet Camaro to a 6.718 at 205.04 to defeat Bo Butner in his Jim Butner’s Auto Chevy Camaro. Laughlin is the eighth different Pro Stock winner this season. The 2017 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at the 11th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, June 22–25, at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park.

Tanner Foust took his second win of the season and second podium finish of the weekend.

Three More Podiums, Including 1–2 Finish, for Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross in Ottawa

A difficult track on the grounds of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and fierce competition from its rivals tested Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross in Ottawa, but by the end of last weekend, the team had recovered to collect another 1–2 finish in Race 2 on Sunday. After a red flag and restart for a first-lap incident, Tanner Foust leapt to the lead and never looked back, taking his second win of the season and second podium finish of the weekend. Scott Speed—who had enjoyed a similarly strong take off during the race’s initial launch—got shuffled back on the restart and spent most of the race stuck behind a slower car. On the final lap, the driver of the No. 41 ORAFOL Beetle GRC took advantage of a competitor’s mistake, earning a last-gasp second-place finish. With last Sunday’s victory, Foust assumed the championship lead for the first time this season. Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross will return to action for Red Bull Global Rallycross’s inaugural visit to Indianapolis, Sunday, July 9.

Forrest Lucas

Forrest Lucas To Receive Bob Russo Heritage Award at 29th Annual MSHFA Induction Ceremony

The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) has announced that Forrest Lucas will receive the Bob Russo Heritage Award at the 29th Annual MSHFA Induction Ceremony Presented By Bridgestone, June 28, at The Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach, Florida. The award, named in honor of the longtime motorsports journalist and historian Bob Russo, is presented at the recommendation of the MSHFA Board of Directors in recognition of the recipient's contributions to motorsports throughout his or her career. According to the MSHFA Board of Directors, few people have done more to support motorsports at every level in the United States than Forrest Lucas, the founder of Lucas Oil Products Inc. Lucas and his wife Charlotte founded the company in 1989 and motorsports became the cornerstone of the company’s marketing strategy a few years later. Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri, is a multisport complex encompassing a state-of-the-art dirt track, a newly built short-course off-road race track and a purpose-built drag boat lake. The company owns and operates seven race series, works with other track owners and promoters and supports the sponsorship of hundreds of race teams, series and individuals. Lucas Oil also has the naming rights to Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis.