By SEMA Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

CAD Designer/Engineer: Artec Industries is hiring a CAD designer/engineer to manage the company’s R&D department. The successful candidate must have 2–3+ years of daily Solidworks experience and off-road parts design and CNC machining experience.

Automotive Leather Upholsterer: Rau Automotive Woodwork is hiring an automotive leather upholsterer with experience working on steering wheels. This position will require restitching leather on customized steering wheels, changing the stitching and re-leathering an entire wheel and/or performing other modifications.

National Sales Manager: E&G Corp. is hiring a national sales manager with a demonstrated ability to establish business in new and diverse sales channels and develop a sales and distribution plan on a national scale. The successful candidate will have 2 to 3 years of demonstrated experience using strategic approaches to business; an analytical aptitude toward production, P&L reviews and basic financial aspects of business; and experience in delivering professional business presentations. Travel is necessary to develop customer relationships and provide in-person support to distributors.

Off-Road Mechanic/Installer: LGE*CTS Motorsports is hiring an off-road mechanic/installer to properly install replacement parts on customer vehicles, remove and reinstall damaged and repaired vehicle components, and store and reinstall all parts and fasteners removed during component/part removal. The successful candidate must have a high school diploma, experience in installing automotive parts, a valid driver's license and safe driving record, and a mechanical aptitude with knowledge of bodywork, frame damage and minor mechanical repairs.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, trucks or wheels and tires—there’s a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit MPMC’s website.

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) is gearing up to host four industry events at the PRI Trade Show in December. MPMC is dedicated to the growth and prosperity of motorsports parts manufacturers by providing meaningful solutions to industry-specific issues and challenges. All MPMC members as well as prospective members are encouraged to attend the events during the PRI Trade Show.

MPMC General Membership Meeting

A general membership meeting will be held Wednesday, December 7, from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m, at the Indiana Convention Center in room 243 to update MPMC members on the most current and ongoing council initiatives. The meeting will serve as a great opportunity to meet the select committee and learn how to become more involved. The event will feature a presentation entitled “Marketing in 2016 and Beyond: It’s Different, But Here’s How to Succeed,” by Brian Lohnes of Bangshift.com, and Zan Martin and Jeff Lee from Martin & Company Advertising. From this open discussion, attendees will take away tools for maximizing exposure for their companies.

Sanctioning Body Discussion

Issues, challenges and opportunities between motorsports manufacturers and sanctioning bodies will be addressed at an open discussion between manufacturers and a panel of representatives from several motorsports sanctioning bodies. This valuable discussion will take place Thursday, December 8, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center in room 242. Scheduled to participate are representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, ProMedia (NMCA/NMRA) and Formula Drift. This session is open to manufacturers only.

Preparing a Sponsorship Proposal

When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecasts for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: “Which events should we be part of? What opportunities should we jump on? How do we negotiate maximum exposure within our budget?” In a session to take place Friday, December 9, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., in the Indiana Convention Center in room 242, Alex Striler, director of sales and marketing for Team Lucas, will help attendees navigate these tough questions. Striler is also the author of Motorsports Marketing and Sponsorships and X Play Nation of Action Sports.

Over the Road Rules for Motorsports Haulers Part 3

MPMC continues its interactive discussion on laws that affect racers and manufacturers alike for the third year in a row. Not a rehash of previous seminars, this 2016 edition will pick up where last year’s session ended. There are numerous state and federal regulations that apply to the operation of anyone hauling a race car to or from an event in order to distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. Guest speakers will share their extensive experience navigating the myriad regulations of hauling race cars and equipment. This popular discussion takes place Friday, December 9, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center in room 242.

Hall of Fame Industry Reception

Join MPMC as it honors and immortalizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work by inducting them into the MPMC Hall of Fame—the most prestigious award the council presents. The reception serves as a wonderful opportunity to close out the PRI Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. The reception will take place Friday, December 9, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center in rooms 208 and 209.

Register now for these events.

If you have any questions regarding these events or MPMC, contact Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, trucks or wheels and tires—there’s a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit MPMC’s website.

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) is gearing up to host four industry events at the PRI Trade Show in December. MPMC is dedicated to the growth and prosperity of motorsports parts manufacturers by providing meaningful solutions to industry-specific issues and challenges. All MPMC members as well as prospective members are encouraged to attend the events during the PRI Trade Show.

MPMC General Membership Meeting

A general membership meeting will be held Wednesday, December 7, from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m, at the Indiana Convention Center in room 243 to update MPMC members on the most current and ongoing council initiatives. The meeting will serve as a great opportunity to meet the select committee and learn how to become more involved. The event will feature a presentation entitled “Marketing in 2016 and Beyond: It’s Different, But Here’s How to Succeed,” by Brian Lohnes of Bangshift.com, and Zan Martin and Jeff Lee from Martin & Company Advertising. From this open discussion, attendees will take away tools for maximizing exposure for their companies.

Sanctioning Body Discussion

Issues, challenges and opportunities between motorsports manufacturers and sanctioning bodies will be addressed at an open discussion between manufacturers and a panel of representatives from several motorsports sanctioning bodies. This valuable discussion will take place Thursday, December 8, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center in room 242. Scheduled to participate are representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, ProMedia (NMCA/NMRA) and Formula Drift. This session is open to manufacturers only.

Preparing a Sponsorship Proposal

When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecasts for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: “Which events should we be part of? What opportunities should we jump on? How do we negotiate maximum exposure within our budget?” In a session to take place Friday, December 9, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., in the Indiana Convention Center in room 242, Alex Striler, director of sales and marketing for Team Lucas, will help attendees navigate these tough questions. Striler is also the author of Motorsports Marketing and Sponsorships and X Play Nation of Action Sports.

Over the Road Rules for Motorsports Haulers Part 3

MPMC continues its interactive discussion on laws that affect racers and manufacturers alike for the third year in a row. Not a rehash of previous seminars, this 2016 edition will pick up where last year’s session ended. There are numerous state and federal regulations that apply to the operation of anyone hauling a race car to or from an event in order to distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. Guest speakers will share their extensive experience navigating the myriad regulations of hauling race cars and equipment. This popular discussion takes place Friday, December 9, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center in room 242.

Hall of Fame Industry Reception

Join MPMC as it honors and immortalizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work by inducting them into the MPMC Hall of Fame—the most prestigious award the council presents. The reception serves as a wonderful opportunity to close out the PRI Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. The reception will take place Friday, December 9, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center in rooms 208 and 209.

Register now for these events.

If you have any questions regarding these events or MPMC, contact Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

Back to Top

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• 2016 PRI Show, December 8–10, 2016, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• MPMC General Membership Meeting, December 7, 2016, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• Sanctioning Body Discussion, December 8, 2016, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• Preparing a Sponsorship Proposal, December 9, 2016, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• Hall of Fame Industry Reception, December 9, 2016, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• What Are the Motorsports Hauler Rules of the Road? Part 3, December 9, 2016, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• SEMA Measuring Session: ’17 Global Ford Ranger T6, December 12–14, 2016, SEMA Garage, Diamond Bar, California

• 2017 MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 24–26, 2017, Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North, Santa Ana, California

• 2017 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 28, 2017–April 1, 2017, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• 2017 SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference, May 23–27, 2017, Melbourne, Australia

• Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 14, 2017

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

By SEMA Editors

In 2017, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow will partner with Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series.

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) has announced the addition of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Dragster Series. In 2017, HROT will partner with Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series (MJSS), which is run by Dave Beimfohr, and is currently scheduled to feature nine events. Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series is greatly supported by Trevor Wiggins from COMP Cams and three-time NHRA Top Fuel Champion Antron Brown. With its partnership with the Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series, HROT will be well on its way to establishing a nationwide program for Junior Dragsters. Both Brown’s and Wiggins’ children currently compete in the Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series.

MJSS will bring an additional 600 students into the HROT program. With the growth of HROT and the addition of the Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series, the HROT program will have approximately 1,600 students enrolled in 2017.

“This new alliance between HROT and the MJSS will allow us to reach a much larger segment of our young enthusiasts, giving them more opportunities to become involved with this great industry and sport. This is just the beginning,” Beimfohr said.

HROT will use this blueprint to expand the series over the next few years to become a Nationwide Jr. Dragster Program.

“The merger between Hot Rodders and Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series will extend the reach of this fantastic program,” said Lee Robinson, a national sales manager at Hedman Hedders. “The more kids that you can reach out to and show there are several different opportunities in the automotive world, the better.”

When informed of HROT merging with the Jr. Dragster Series, Antron Brown commented, “MJSS teaches great life lessons using science, technology, engineering and mathematics as its backbone. That is why the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow and MJSS are a perfect fit.”

For more information on the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Jr. Dragster Series, contact Beimfohr at dave@midwestjrseries.com or Rodney Bingham at rbingham@hotroddersoftomorrow.com.

By SEMA Editors

In 2017, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow will partner with Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series.

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) has announced the addition of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Dragster Series. In 2017, HROT will partner with Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series (MJSS), which is run by Dave Beimfohr, and is currently scheduled to feature nine events. Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series is greatly supported by Trevor Wiggins from COMP Cams and three-time NHRA Top Fuel Champion Antron Brown. With its partnership with the Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series, HROT will be well on its way to establishing a nationwide program for Junior Dragsters. Both Brown’s and Wiggins’ children currently compete in the Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series.

MJSS will bring an additional 600 students into the HROT program. With the growth of HROT and the addition of the Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series, the HROT program will have approximately 1,600 students enrolled in 2017.

“This new alliance between HROT and the MJSS will allow us to reach a much larger segment of our young enthusiasts, giving them more opportunities to become involved with this great industry and sport. This is just the beginning,” Beimfohr said.

HROT will use this blueprint to expand the series over the next few years to become a Nationwide Jr. Dragster Program.

“The merger between Hot Rodders and Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series will extend the reach of this fantastic program,” said Lee Robinson, a national sales manager at Hedman Hedders. “The more kids that you can reach out to and show there are several different opportunities in the automotive world, the better.”

When informed of HROT merging with the Jr. Dragster Series, Antron Brown commented, “MJSS teaches great life lessons using science, technology, engineering and mathematics as its backbone. That is why the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow and MJSS are a perfect fit.”

For more information on the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Jr. Dragster Series, contact Beimfohr at dave@midwestjrseries.com or Rodney Bingham at rbingham@hotroddersoftomorrow.com.

By Chad Simon

The Thermal Club is finalizes its third and final phase of track development.

Thermal Club Completes Newest Development

Beginning January 2017, pro racers and auto/motorcycle enthusiasts alike are expected to flock to Palm Springs, California, as The Thermal Club finalizes its third and final phase of track development, complete with modern safety technology. Previous additions to Thermal—the North and South Palm Circuits—received the highest accolades. Phase 3, the Desert Circuit, is poised to be no less impressive. Thermal has become the go-to club among the racing and driving communities, building upon innovation, safety and passion for motorsports as its core foundations. For driver protection, the Thermal Club outfitted all three track phases with state-of-the-art barrier technology pioneered by Impact Safety Systems (ISS) and created by long-time champion pro-racer RJ Valentine.

By Chad Simon

The Thermal Club is finalizes its third and final phase of track development.

Thermal Club Completes Newest Development

Beginning January 2017, pro racers and auto/motorcycle enthusiasts alike are expected to flock to Palm Springs, California, as The Thermal Club finalizes its third and final phase of track development, complete with modern safety technology. Previous additions to Thermal—the North and South Palm Circuits—received the highest accolades. Phase 3, the Desert Circuit, is poised to be no less impressive. Thermal has become the go-to club among the racing and driving communities, building upon innovation, safety and passion for motorsports as its core foundations. For driver protection, the Thermal Club outfitted all three track phases with state-of-the-art barrier technology pioneered by Impact Safety Systems (ISS) and created by long-time champion pro-racer RJ Valentine.

By SEMA Editors

MAVTV’s Dave Despain will host this year’s Grand Opening Breakfast.

Attendees of the 2016 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show will have ample opportunities to listen and learn from an array of industry leaders when the event kicks off in two weeks in Indianapolis. Known as Race Industry Week, the days leading up to and including the PRI Show offer more than 45 conferences, seminars and special events in and around the Indiana Convention Center beginning December 5. Among the week’s informational and educational opportunities include:

Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), December 6-7. This conference focuses on the latest engineering ideas, and gives those in attendance a chance to spend one-on-one time with experts, including Gale Banks Engineering President and CEO Gale Banks, Gary Patterson of ECR Engines, Roush Yates Engines Technical Director Jamie McNaughton, and Star Racing CEO George Bryce, among many others.

Race Track Business Conference (RTBC), December 7. Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles, Red Bull Global Rally Cross President Chip Pankow, and Racer Magazine CEO Paul Pfanner will be among the industry leaders taking part in eight presentations on the current status of motorsports, covering topics such as motorsports market research and legislation, risk management and track operations.

Grand Opening Breakfast, December 8. Hosted by MAVTV’s Dave Despain, this year’s breakfast provides a unique opportunity to hear from IndyCar legend Rick Mears and NASCAR star Jeff Gordon in a casual and intimate stage setting. It is offered free of charge to registered attendees and exhibitors.

Student Breakfast, December 9. New for this year, top-performing students and future industry leaders from throughout the country will join established experts in the racing industry during this free breakfast. NASCAR driver David Ragan will be among the featured speakers.

International Motorsports Trade Seminar, December 9. Wilfried Eibach (Eibach Springs) and Darrick Dong (Performance Friction Brakes) will lead a panel of top international buyers and sellers who will share their insights on purchasing international products for the U.S. market, selling U.S. products internationally, buying U.S. products for international markets, and selling foreign products in the United States. This inaugural seminar is offered free of charge, but RSVP is required.

This year’s PRI Show-sponsored seminars will include four of the industry’s most accomplished professionals—IndyCar legend Lyn St. James, driver/fabricator/TV personality Jessi Combs, Jennifer LaFever of Roush Yates Engines, and Jeanette DesJardins of Car Chix—discussing opportunities for women in motorsports on Friday, December 9. The following day, performance engine and turbocharging guru Ken Duttweiler will sit down for an exclusive Q&A with PRI editors, while in an adjacent room, world-class racer, broadcaster, entrepreneur, speaker and author Derek Daly delivers his acclaimed “Derek Daly Academy Driver Development Seminar” for young drivers and parents eager to learn the critical skills required to become a complete champion. Additional seminar topics on Friday and Saturday include digital marketing, social media and building successful business relationships.  

The 2016 PRI Trade Show will feature more than 1,100 companies throughout 3,300 booths showcasing the latest developments in auto-racing technology. Tens of thousands of buyers from all 50 states and 70 countries will be on hand for the three biggest business days in racing.

For a complete list of events, visit www.pri2016.com/events. To register, or for more on the 2016 PRI Trade Show, including hotel and and travel information, visit www.pri2016.com.