News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Introducing SEMA’s 35 Under 35 for 2015

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 09:07

Now in its fourth year, the SEMA News 35 Under 35 roster has become a much-anticipated annual feature. In the following pages, we are again pleased to present 35 young trendsetters who are bringing exciting new ideas and renewed enthusiasm to every segment of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

In order to land on our 35 Under 35 list, honorees must first be nominated by one or more industry peers. Pouring through the nominations, SEMA News looks for candidates who are already making a significant industry impact through their leadership within their organization or business. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in our decision-making.

Introducing SEMA’s 35 Under 35 for 2015

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 09:07

Now in its fourth year, the SEMA News 35 Under 35 roster has become a much-anticipated annual feature. In the following pages, we are again pleased to present 35 young trendsetters who are bringing exciting new ideas and renewed enthusiasm to every segment of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

In order to land on our 35 Under 35 list, honorees must first be nominated by one or more industry peers. Pouring through the nominations, SEMA News looks for candidates who are already making a significant industry impact through their leadership within their organization or business. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in our decision-making.

Introducing SEMA’s 35 Under 35 for 2015

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 09:07

Now in its fourth year, the SEMA News 35 Under 35 roster has become a much-anticipated annual feature. In the following pages, we are again pleased to present 35 young trendsetters who are bringing exciting new ideas and renewed enthusiasm to every segment of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

In order to land on our 35 Under 35 list, honorees must first be nominated by one or more industry peers. Pouring through the nominations, SEMA News looks for candidates who are already making a significant industry impact through their leadership within their organization or business. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in our decision-making.

Racing News: Royal Purple-Sponsored Teams Lead GT Daytona Class

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 08:40

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	The Royal Purple-sponsored No. 007 Aston Martin V12 Vantage of TRG Aston Martin Racing currently stands as the GT-Daytona class points leader. Photo credit: TRG-AMR/Scuderia Corsa

Royal Purple-Sponsored Teams Lead GT Daytona Class in Quest For 2015 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship

Royal Purple-sponsored race teams, TRG Aston Martin Racing (TRG-AMR) and Scuderia Corsa, are leading the GT Daytona (GTD) class in the run up to the final races of the 2015 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship (TUSCC). With only two events remaining in the season, TRG-AMR currently stands in first place closely followed by Scuderia Corsa in second. TRG-AMR’s No. 007 Aston Martin V12 Vantage current co-drivers Christina Nielsen and Kuno Wittmer have secured more podium finishes than any other GTD-class team. Scuderia Corsa’s No. 63 Ferrari 458 Italia current co-drivers Bill Sweedler and Townsend Bell moved even closer to the lead following a victory at Virginia International Raceway on August 23.

The GTD class winner for the 2015 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship will be decided in the final two rounds of the season: Lone Star Le Mans at the Circuit of The Americas on September 19, and Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta on October 3.

Ian Crerar Locks Up 2015 GT Championship in CTCC With Podium Finish in Round 10

Holding a decisive points lead going into the final three rounds of the Canadian Touring Car Championship (CTCC) at GP Trois-Rivieres, Ian Crerar looked to finish strong and buffer his points lead in advance of the final round in August at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Despite challenges leading up to and during Round 9 of competition, Crerar was able to complete both races and grab the runner-up podium spot at the conclusion of Round 10, securing the 2015 CTCC GT Championship in his AEM Infinity-tuned ClearWater Design Porsche 996.

	The 14th annual NMCA Flowmaster World Finals was rescheduled for August 27–30, at Summit Motorsports Park, in Norwalk, Ohio.

2015 Chevrolet Performance Shootout Race Wrap from Summit Motorsports Park

Rescheduled to be hosted at the 14th annual NMCA Flowmaster World Finals in Norwalk, Ohio, the Chevrolet Performance Shootout came to Summit Motorsports Park, August 27–30. The quickest cars of the Chevrolet Performance Shootout compete in JE Pistons Drag Radial presented by K1 Technologies, and Anthony Manna was the quickest, posting a 4.31-second elapsed time (eighth-mile) at 180 mph—some 8 mph faster than No. 2 qualifier Mark Carlyle. Carlyle went out in the first round, and it was David Atkins that would face Manna in the all-fourth-gen-Camaro final. Adkins took a slight advantage at the hit (.114 to .128), but Manna's black machine powered past, running 4.35 at 179 to Adkin's 4.61 at 167. For complete event coverage, visit the NMCA website.

Heading into the 14th Annual NMCA Flowmaster World Finals, class championships were on the line. The World Finals played host to the third round of the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series. Visit the NMCA website for full event coverage.

NASCAR at Irwindale Speedway Race Results

NASCAR came to Irwindale Speedway, September 4–5, featuring Seidner’s Collision Centers Late Models and Skid Plate Cars. Visit Irwindale's website for a full list of results. The next race will be held Saturday, September 19, featuring Lucas Oil Modifieds, Seidner's Late Models, Legends, Universal Bandoleros and Irwindale Race Trucks.

Racing News: Royal Purple-Sponsored Teams Lead GT Daytona Class

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 08:40

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	The Royal Purple-sponsored No. 007 Aston Martin V12 Vantage of TRG Aston Martin Racing currently stands as the GT-Daytona class points leader. Photo credit: TRG-AMR/Scuderia Corsa

Royal Purple-Sponsored Teams Lead GT Daytona Class in Quest For 2015 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship

Royal Purple-sponsored race teams, TRG Aston Martin Racing (TRG-AMR) and Scuderia Corsa, are leading the GT Daytona (GTD) class in the run up to the final races of the 2015 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship (TUSCC). With only two events remaining in the season, TRG-AMR currently stands in first place closely followed by Scuderia Corsa in second. TRG-AMR’s No. 007 Aston Martin V12 Vantage current co-drivers Christina Nielsen and Kuno Wittmer have secured more podium finishes than any other GTD-class team. Scuderia Corsa’s No. 63 Ferrari 458 Italia current co-drivers Bill Sweedler and Townsend Bell moved even closer to the lead following a victory at Virginia International Raceway on August 23.

The GTD class winner for the 2015 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship will be decided in the final two rounds of the season: Lone Star Le Mans at the Circuit of The Americas on September 19, and Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta on October 3.

Ian Crerar Locks Up 2015 GT Championship in CTCC With Podium Finish in Round 10

Holding a decisive points lead going into the final three rounds of the Canadian Touring Car Championship (CTCC) at GP Trois-Rivieres, Ian Crerar looked to finish strong and buffer his points lead in advance of the final round in August at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Despite challenges leading up to and during Round 9 of competition, Crerar was able to complete both races and grab the runner-up podium spot at the conclusion of Round 10, securing the 2015 CTCC GT Championship in his AEM Infinity-tuned ClearWater Design Porsche 996.

	The 14th annual NMCA Flowmaster World Finals was rescheduled for August 27–30, at Summit Motorsports Park, in Norwalk, Ohio.

2015 Chevrolet Performance Shootout Race Wrap from Summit Motorsports Park

Rescheduled to be hosted at the 14th annual NMCA Flowmaster World Finals in Norwalk, Ohio, the Chevrolet Performance Shootout came to Summit Motorsports Park, August 27–30. The quickest cars of the Chevrolet Performance Shootout compete in JE Pistons Drag Radial presented by K1 Technologies, and Anthony Manna was the quickest, posting a 4.31-second elapsed time (eighth-mile) at 180 mph—some 8 mph faster than No. 2 qualifier Mark Carlyle. Carlyle went out in the first round, and it was David Atkins that would face Manna in the all-fourth-gen-Camaro final. Adkins took a slight advantage at the hit (.114 to .128), but Manna's black machine powered past, running 4.35 at 179 to Adkin's 4.61 at 167. For complete event coverage, visit the NMCA website.

Heading into the 14th Annual NMCA Flowmaster World Finals, class championships were on the line. The World Finals played host to the third round of the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series. Visit the NMCA website for full event coverage.

NASCAR at Irwindale Speedway Race Results

NASCAR came to Irwindale Speedway, September 4–5, featuring Seidner’s Collision Centers Late Models and Skid Plate Cars. Visit Irwindale's website for a full list of results. The next race will be held Saturday, September 19, featuring Lucas Oil Modifieds, Seidner's Late Models, Legends, Universal Bandoleros and Irwindale Race Trucks.

Exhibitors: 7 Things Your Competitor Doesn’t Want You to Know

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 08:20

	Fifty-four percent of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor by the New Products Showcase.

By Becca Butler

With the 2015 SEMA Show just two short months away, many exhibitors have firmed up their Show strategies and are finalizing their plans. There are a number of different programs and resources in place to assist exhibitors in reaching their goals and getting the greatest return on their SEMA Show investment. In fact, most buyers are taking advantage of these tools and don’t want you to know about it. Here’s what they’re doing:

They entered the New Products Showcase. Exhibitors who enter their products in the New Products Showcase benefit from increased exposure and additional publicity. Fifty-four percent of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor by the New Products Showcase. Participating exhibitors also benefit from the leads that are generated by buyers who scan their products in the Showcase. Exhibitors can enter their first product for free.

Their vehicle owners entered Battle of the Builders. All display, booth and feature vehicles at the 2015 SEMA Show are encouraged to enter SEMA Battle of the Builders—a nationwide competition that recognizes the top builders at the Show. Exhibitors whose builders enter can benefit from the immense media exposure that the products on the vehicles will gain. Enter online.

They’re attending SEMA Ignited. Exhibitors can participate in SEMA Ignited by having their feature or booth vehicle on display at the event, and using it as exhibit space to connect with consumers and the industry. The second annual event will take place Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., in the Gold Lot, across the street from the LVCC. Entrance is free with your Show credentials.

They posted their news on the Online Media Center. The SEMA Show Online Media Center is a place for editors, reporters and buyers to stay up-to-date on the latest exhibitor-related news. Product announcements, vehicle debuts and other Show news that’s posted is covered in a number of media outlets as well as SEMA’s own publications. Post a release online.

They offered their products to project-vehicle builders. Exhibitors who offer their products to SEMA Show project vehicle builders will increase their product exposure and Show-floor presence by having their products on display. Interested exhibitors can easily connect with builders by filling out the online form.

They’re offering SEMA Show specials/discounts. Buyers who place orders while at the SEMA Show take advantage of a limited-time SEMA Show special. In fact, three out of four buyers place an order as a result of a special or discount being offered.

They connected with their account reps. A designated account representative is assigned to each exhibiting company to assist with Show-related questions and help exhibitors receive the greatest return on their investment. The most successful exhibitors stay connected to their account rep in the months leading up to the Show to ensure they’re taking advantage of all exhibitor resources.

Ensure you’re on track for a successful Show. For more information on all the tools and resources available, visit the Exhibitor Services Manual or contact your account rep at sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289. For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Exhibitors: 7 Things Your Competitor Doesn’t Want You to Know

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 08:20

	Fifty-four percent of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor by the New Products Showcase.

By Becca Butler

With the 2015 SEMA Show just two short months away, many exhibitors have firmed up their Show strategies and are finalizing their plans. There are a number of different programs and resources in place to assist exhibitors in reaching their goals and getting the greatest return on their SEMA Show investment. In fact, most buyers are taking advantage of these tools and don’t want you to know about it. Here’s what they’re doing:

They entered the New Products Showcase. Exhibitors who enter their products in the New Products Showcase benefit from increased exposure and additional publicity. Fifty-four percent of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor by the New Products Showcase. Participating exhibitors also benefit from the leads that are generated by buyers who scan their products in the Showcase. Exhibitors can enter their first product for free.

Their vehicle owners entered Battle of the Builders. All display, booth and feature vehicles at the 2015 SEMA Show are encouraged to enter SEMA Battle of the Builders—a nationwide competition that recognizes the top builders at the Show. Exhibitors whose builders enter can benefit from the immense media exposure that the products on the vehicles will gain. Enter online.

They’re attending SEMA Ignited. Exhibitors can participate in SEMA Ignited by having their feature or booth vehicle on display at the event, and using it as exhibit space to connect with consumers and the industry. The second annual event will take place Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., in the Gold Lot, across the street from the LVCC. Entrance is free with your Show credentials.

They posted their news on the Online Media Center. The SEMA Show Online Media Center is a place for editors, reporters and buyers to stay up-to-date on the latest exhibitor-related news. Product announcements, vehicle debuts and other Show news that’s posted is covered in a number of media outlets as well as SEMA’s own publications. Post a release online.

They offered their products to project-vehicle builders. Exhibitors who offer their products to SEMA Show project vehicle builders will increase their product exposure and Show-floor presence by having their products on display. Interested exhibitors can easily connect with builders by filling out the online form.

They’re offering SEMA Show specials/discounts. Buyers who place orders while at the SEMA Show take advantage of a limited-time SEMA Show special. In fact, three out of four buyers place an order as a result of a special or discount being offered.

They connected with their account reps. A designated account representative is assigned to each exhibiting company to assist with Show-related questions and help exhibitors receive the greatest return on their investment. The most successful exhibitors stay connected to their account rep in the months leading up to the Show to ensure they’re taking advantage of all exhibitor resources.

Ensure you’re on track for a successful Show. For more information on all the tools and resources available, visit the Exhibitor Services Manual or contact your account rep at sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289. For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Exhibitors: 7 Things Your Competitor Doesn’t Want You to Know

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 08:20

	Fifty-four percent of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor by the New Products Showcase.

By Becca Butler

With the 2015 SEMA Show just two short months away, many exhibitors have firmed up their Show strategies and are finalizing their plans. There are a number of different programs and resources in place to assist exhibitors in reaching their goals and getting the greatest return on their SEMA Show investment. In fact, most buyers are taking advantage of these tools and don’t want you to know about it. Here’s what they’re doing:

They entered the New Products Showcase. Exhibitors who enter their products in the New Products Showcase benefit from increased exposure and additional publicity. Fifty-four percent of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor by the New Products Showcase. Participating exhibitors also benefit from the leads that are generated by buyers who scan their products in the Showcase. Exhibitors can enter their first product for free.

Their vehicle owners entered Battle of the Builders. All display, booth and feature vehicles at the 2015 SEMA Show are encouraged to enter SEMA Battle of the Builders—a nationwide competition that recognizes the top builders at the Show. Exhibitors whose builders enter can benefit from the immense media exposure that the products on the vehicles will gain. Enter online.

They’re attending SEMA Ignited. Exhibitors can participate in SEMA Ignited by having their feature or booth vehicle on display at the event, and using it as exhibit space to connect with consumers and the industry. The second annual event will take place Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., in the Gold Lot, across the street from the LVCC. Entrance is free with your Show credentials.

They posted their news on the Online Media Center. The SEMA Show Online Media Center is a place for editors, reporters and buyers to stay up-to-date on the latest exhibitor-related news. Product announcements, vehicle debuts and other Show news that’s posted is covered in a number of media outlets as well as SEMA’s own publications. Post a release online.

They offered their products to project-vehicle builders. Exhibitors who offer their products to SEMA Show project vehicle builders will increase their product exposure and Show-floor presence by having their products on display. Interested exhibitors can easily connect with builders by filling out the online form.

They’re offering SEMA Show specials/discounts. Buyers who place orders while at the SEMA Show take advantage of a limited-time SEMA Show special. In fact, three out of four buyers place an order as a result of a special or discount being offered.

They connected with their account reps. A designated account representative is assigned to each exhibiting company to assist with Show-related questions and help exhibitors receive the greatest return on their investment. The most successful exhibitors stay connected to their account rep in the months leading up to the Show to ensure they’re taking advantage of all exhibitor resources.

Ensure you’re on track for a successful Show. For more information on all the tools and resources available, visit the Exhibitor Services Manual or contact your account rep at sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289. For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Exhibitors: 7 Things Your Competitor Doesn’t Want You to Know

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 08:20

	Fifty-four percent of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor by the New Products Showcase.

By Becca Butler

With the 2015 SEMA Show just two short months away, many exhibitors have firmed up their Show strategies and are finalizing their plans. There are a number of different programs and resources in place to assist exhibitors in reaching their goals and getting the greatest return on their SEMA Show investment. In fact, most buyers are taking advantage of these tools and don’t want you to know about it. Here’s what they’re doing:

They entered the New Products Showcase. Exhibitors who enter their products in the New Products Showcase benefit from increased exposure and additional publicity. Fifty-four percent of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor by the New Products Showcase. Participating exhibitors also benefit from the leads that are generated by buyers who scan their products in the Showcase. Exhibitors can enter their first product for free.

Their vehicle owners entered Battle of the Builders. All display, booth and feature vehicles at the 2015 SEMA Show are encouraged to enter SEMA Battle of the Builders—a nationwide competition that recognizes the top builders at the Show. Exhibitors whose builders enter can benefit from the immense media exposure that the products on the vehicles will gain. Enter online.

They’re attending SEMA Ignited. Exhibitors can participate in SEMA Ignited by having their feature or booth vehicle on display at the event, and using it as exhibit space to connect with consumers and the industry. The second annual event will take place Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., in the Gold Lot, across the street from the LVCC. Entrance is free with your Show credentials.

They posted their news on the Online Media Center. The SEMA Show Online Media Center is a place for editors, reporters and buyers to stay up-to-date on the latest exhibitor-related news. Product announcements, vehicle debuts and other Show news that’s posted is covered in a number of media outlets as well as SEMA’s own publications. Post a release online.

They offered their products to project-vehicle builders. Exhibitors who offer their products to SEMA Show project vehicle builders will increase their product exposure and Show-floor presence by having their products on display. Interested exhibitors can easily connect with builders by filling out the online form.

They’re offering SEMA Show specials/discounts. Buyers who place orders while at the SEMA Show take advantage of a limited-time SEMA Show special. In fact, three out of four buyers place an order as a result of a special or discount being offered.

They connected with their account reps. A designated account representative is assigned to each exhibiting company to assist with Show-related questions and help exhibitors receive the greatest return on their investment. The most successful exhibitors stay connected to their account rep in the months leading up to the Show to ensure they’re taking advantage of all exhibitor resources.

Ensure you’re on track for a successful Show. For more information on all the tools and resources available, visit the Exhibitor Services Manual or contact your account rep at sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289. For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Exhibitors: 7 Things Your Competitor Doesn’t Want You to Know

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 08:20

	Fifty-four percent of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor by the New Products Showcase.

By Becca Butler

With the 2015 SEMA Show just two short months away, many exhibitors have firmed up their Show strategies and are finalizing their plans. There are a number of different programs and resources in place to assist exhibitors in reaching their goals and getting the greatest return on their SEMA Show investment. In fact, most buyers are taking advantage of these tools and don’t want you to know about it. Here’s what they’re doing:

They entered the New Products Showcase. Exhibitors who enter their products in the New Products Showcase benefit from increased exposure and additional publicity. Fifty-four percent of buyers are influenced to visit an exhibitor by the New Products Showcase. Participating exhibitors also benefit from the leads that are generated by buyers who scan their products in the Showcase. Exhibitors can enter their first product for free.

Their vehicle owners entered Battle of the Builders. All display, booth and feature vehicles at the 2015 SEMA Show are encouraged to enter SEMA Battle of the Builders—a nationwide competition that recognizes the top builders at the Show. Exhibitors whose builders enter can benefit from the immense media exposure that the products on the vehicles will gain. Enter online.

They’re attending SEMA Ignited. Exhibitors can participate in SEMA Ignited by having their feature or booth vehicle on display at the event, and using it as exhibit space to connect with consumers and the industry. The second annual event will take place Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., in the Gold Lot, across the street from the LVCC. Entrance is free with your Show credentials.

They posted their news on the Online Media Center. The SEMA Show Online Media Center is a place for editors, reporters and buyers to stay up-to-date on the latest exhibitor-related news. Product announcements, vehicle debuts and other Show news that’s posted is covered in a number of media outlets as well as SEMA’s own publications. Post a release online.

They offered their products to project-vehicle builders. Exhibitors who offer their products to SEMA Show project vehicle builders will increase their product exposure and Show-floor presence by having their products on display. Interested exhibitors can easily connect with builders by filling out the online form.

They’re offering SEMA Show specials/discounts. Buyers who place orders while at the SEMA Show take advantage of a limited-time SEMA Show special. In fact, three out of four buyers place an order as a result of a special or discount being offered.

They connected with their account reps. A designated account representative is assigned to each exhibiting company to assist with Show-related questions and help exhibitors receive the greatest return on their investment. The most successful exhibitors stay connected to their account rep in the months leading up to the Show to ensure they’re taking advantage of all exhibitor resources.

Ensure you’re on track for a successful Show. For more information on all the tools and resources available, visit the Exhibitor Services Manual or contact your account rep at sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289. For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.