Compiled by SEMA Editors

	WELD Racing has supplied its Delta-1—a one-piece forged drag-racing wheel used by John Force Racing, as part of the new “Hot Wheels: Race to Win” exhibit, which opened May 9, 2015, at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

WELD Racing and John Force Racing Bring Hot Wheels 
Traveling Exhibit to Children’s Museums Across the Nation

WELD Racing has announced its support of a new exhibit, “Hot Wheels: Race to Win,” which opened May 9, at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. After concluding August 16, 2015, in Indianapolis, the exhibit will travel to other museums around the United States over the next five years, returning to Indianapolis every summer. The exhibit encourages children to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers with a behind-the-scenes look at the world of racing by investigating the scientific process for designing super-fast cars.

WELD Racing has supplied its Delta-1 for the exhibit—a one-piece forged drag-racing wheel used by John Force Racing and available in three versions for Top Fuel/Funny Car, Pro Mod/Top Alcohol and Pro Stock. WELD Racing’s contribution to the exhibit will show children how to build a lightweight wheel that does not sacrifice safety for speed.

NGK Spark Plugs to Acquire UCI Holdings

UCI Holdings Limited, the parent company of UCI International Inc., announced an agreement to sell its Wells vehicle electronics business to NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd. for approximately $257 million. Wells is U.S. market supplier of switches, ignition coils and pressure sensors, mainly to the automotive aftermarket. The transaction is expected to close early in the third quarter of 2015, pending final regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

NGK reports that the company has been pursuing opportunities to further strengthen its automotive components business, including expanding both the product lineup and improving its penetration in various distribution channels. NGK said Wells is an ideal candidate for its expansion efforts because it is a well-known automotive parts manufacturer with more than 100 years of history in the United States. 

National Performance Warehouse, Florida, Acquires Frank Edward’s Co., Utah, in Second Acquisition in Two Months

Florida's National Performance Warehouse (NPW) has announced its second new location in the first five months of 2015. Last month, NPW completed its purchase of Racer’s Equipment Warehouse in Rhode Island. The Frank Edwards Co. is nearing its centennial as it started in business in 1916. The company operates from a 100,000-sq.-ft. modern, automated facility in West Valley City, Utah. Store operations of the purchase will soon be flying the Auto Value banner under new management. The new operators were not disclosed at press time.

	Keith Marchiando

Keith Marchiando Joins AP Exhaust Technologies as CFO

AP Exhaust Technologies LLC has announced Keith Marchiando as its new chief financial officer (CFO) and member of the AP Exhaust Executive team, effective May 2015. Marchiando joins AP Exhaust with more than 25 years of global finance experience. Most recently, he was CFO of Perceptron Inc., a publicly traded global supplier of high-technology measurement systems. Marchiando previously held CFO roles at Carbon Motors—a startup company developing a purpose-built law-enforcement vehicle—and Dura Automotive—a $2.5 billion Tier-1 and Tier-2 supplier to the automotive industry. He brings additional automotive experience from various finance roles he held at both Ford Motor Co. and the Dow Chemical Co.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

	First-Time and Featured Exhibitors areas serve as extensions to the SEMA Show’s 12 designated floor sections, thereby allowing additional manufacturers the opportunity to participate in and meet with buyers during the annual trade show.

The 2015 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, in Las Vegas, will include a new expansion area to accommodate additional exhibitors. Located in the outside area south of the Las Vegas Convention Center (adjacent to the Renaissance Hotel), this new First-Time and Featured Exhibitors area will also include a transportation hub and serve as a primary thoroughfare into the 2015 SEMA Show.

“Industry professionals value and rely on the SEMA Show to do business,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The expansion areas make it possible for more businesses in the industry to participate in the Show.”

First-Time and Featured Exhibitors areas serve as extensions to the SEMA Show’s 12 designated floor sections, allowing additional manufacturers the opportunity to participate in and meet with buyers during the annual trade show. The 2015 SEMA Show will include a total of four First-Time and Featured Exhibitors areas, each consisting primarily of newer manufacturers. The expansion areas include exhibitors representing market segments from nearby floor sections. The four expansion areas are:

• Performance Pavilion: Located in the outside area south of the Las Vegas Convention Center, behind the Renaissance Hotel.

• Upper South: Located in the upper level of South Hall on the east side.

• Grand Lobby Meeting Rooms: Located in the Las Vegas Convention Center Meeting Rooms N100–120, between North and Central Halls, just east of the Grand Lobby.

• Westgate Pavilion: Located in the Pavilion area of the Westgate Hotel, just north of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The four areas are conveniently located in or near the convention center’s halls, making them easy and natural extensions to the existing Show floor. Each area also includes a unique feature or attraction, such as a transportation hub, parking or registration.

The 2015 SEMA Show will not include the Gold Pavilion, which housed hundreds of exhibitors during the 2014 event. Instead, the area across the street from Paradise Road will accommodate parking during the 2015 SEMA Show, and will feature the second-annual SEMA Ignited event after the SEMA Show closes Friday, November 6. SEMA Ignited is the official SEMA Show afterparty where consumers are able to see and get up close with vehicles from the trade-only event.

“Several factors are taken into consideration before determining the location of Show features and attractions,” said MacGillivray. “We’re constantly looking for ways to improve and provide the industry with the greatest value. Given the new space near the Renaissance Hotel that’s been made available, 2015 SEMA Show exhibitors will be better served by the space that will include a transportation hub with parking, buses and taxi drop-off.”

The upcoming SEMA Show is on track to include nearly 2,400 exhibiting manufacturers. To view the online floorplan or for more details, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	First-Time and Featured Exhibitors areas serve as extensions to the SEMA Show’s 12 designated floor sections, thereby allowing additional manufacturers the opportunity to participate in and meet with buyers during the annual trade show.

The 2015 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, in Las Vegas, will include a new expansion area to accommodate additional exhibitors. Located in the outside area south of the Las Vegas Convention Center (adjacent to the Renaissance Hotel), this new First-Time and Featured Exhibitors area will also include a transportation hub and serve as a primary thoroughfare into the 2015 SEMA Show.

“Industry professionals value and rely on the SEMA Show to do business,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The expansion areas make it possible for more businesses in the industry to participate in the Show.”

First-Time and Featured Exhibitors areas serve as extensions to the SEMA Show’s 12 designated floor sections, allowing additional manufacturers the opportunity to participate in and meet with buyers during the annual trade show. The 2015 SEMA Show will include a total of four First-Time and Featured Exhibitors areas, each consisting primarily of newer manufacturers. The expansion areas include exhibitors representing market segments from nearby floor sections. The four expansion areas are:

• Performance Pavilion: Located in the outside area south of the Las Vegas Convention Center, behind the Renaissance Hotel.

• Upper South: Located in the upper level of South Hall on the east side.

• Grand Lobby Meeting Rooms: Located in the Las Vegas Convention Center Meeting Rooms N100–120, between North and Central Halls, just east of the Grand Lobby.

• Westgate Pavilion: Located in the Pavilion area of the Westgate Hotel, just north of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The four areas are conveniently located in or near the convention center’s halls, making them easy and natural extensions to the existing Show floor. Each area also includes a unique feature or attraction, such as a transportation hub, parking or registration.

The 2015 SEMA Show will not include the Gold Pavilion, which housed hundreds of exhibitors during the 2014 event. Instead, the area across the street from Paradise Road will accommodate parking during the 2015 SEMA Show, and will feature the second-annual SEMA Ignited event after the SEMA Show closes Friday, November 6. SEMA Ignited is the official SEMA Show afterparty where consumers are able to see and get up close with vehicles from the trade-only event.

“Several factors are taken into consideration before determining the location of Show features and attractions,” said MacGillivray. “We’re constantly looking for ways to improve and provide the industry with the greatest value. Given the new space near the Renaissance Hotel that’s been made available, 2015 SEMA Show exhibitors will be better served by the space that will include a transportation hub with parking, buses and taxi drop-off.”

The upcoming SEMA Show is on track to include nearly 2,400 exhibiting manufacturers. To view the online floorplan or for more details, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	First-Time and Featured Exhibitors areas serve as extensions to the SEMA Show’s 12 designated floor sections, thereby allowing additional manufacturers the opportunity to participate in and meet with buyers during the annual trade show.

The 2015 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, in Las Vegas, will include a new expansion area to accommodate additional exhibitors. Located in the outside area south of the Las Vegas Convention Center (adjacent to the Renaissance Hotel), this new First-Time and Featured Exhibitors area will also include a transportation hub and serve as a primary thoroughfare into the 2015 SEMA Show.

“Industry professionals value and rely on the SEMA Show to do business,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The expansion areas make it possible for more businesses in the industry to participate in the Show.”

First-Time and Featured Exhibitors areas serve as extensions to the SEMA Show’s 12 designated floor sections, allowing additional manufacturers the opportunity to participate in and meet with buyers during the annual trade show. The 2015 SEMA Show will include a total of four First-Time and Featured Exhibitors areas, each consisting primarily of newer manufacturers. The expansion areas include exhibitors representing market segments from nearby floor sections. The four expansion areas are:

• Performance Pavilion: Located in the outside area south of the Las Vegas Convention Center, behind the Renaissance Hotel.

• Upper South: Located in the upper level of South Hall on the east side.

• Grand Lobby Meeting Rooms: Located in the Las Vegas Convention Center Meeting Rooms N100–120, between North and Central Halls, just east of the Grand Lobby.

• Westgate Pavilion: Located in the Pavilion area of the Westgate Hotel, just north of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The four areas are conveniently located in or near the convention center’s halls, making them easy and natural extensions to the existing Show floor. Each area also includes a unique feature or attraction, such as a transportation hub, parking or registration.

The 2015 SEMA Show will not include the Gold Pavilion, which housed hundreds of exhibitors during the 2014 event. Instead, the area across the street from Paradise Road will accommodate parking during the 2015 SEMA Show, and will feature the second-annual SEMA Ignited event after the SEMA Show closes Friday, November 6. SEMA Ignited is the official SEMA Show afterparty where consumers are able to see and get up close with vehicles from the trade-only event.

“Several factors are taken into consideration before determining the location of Show features and attractions,” said MacGillivray. “We’re constantly looking for ways to improve and provide the industry with the greatest value. Given the new space near the Renaissance Hotel that’s been made available, 2015 SEMA Show exhibitors will be better served by the space that will include a transportation hub with parking, buses and taxi drop-off.”

The upcoming SEMA Show is on track to include nearly 2,400 exhibiting manufacturers. To view the online floorplan or for more details, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

VP Racing Fuels Partners With RPM and JEGS

VP Racing Fuels became the latest company to team up with the Real Pro Mod (RPM) association to support racers competing in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Series. The multi-year deal includes VP’s support of RPM Participation Bonuses coupled with retail promotion of VP’s Madditive line of performance chemicals with JEGS—an automotive aftermarket performance retailer that now carries Madditives by VP Racing Fuels. The next race for RPM will be the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Series presented by RPM & Pro Line Racing at Atlanta Dragway, May 15–17, 2015, with the first round of qualifying set to begin that Friday at 3:15 p.m (EDT). 

	The 15th Annual SCT NMRA Ford Nationals, presented by SVTPerformance.com, was held at Maryland International Raceway, May 1–3.

15th Annual SCT NMRA Ford Nationals Winners

NMRA Ford drag racing returned once again to Maryland International Raceway, May 1–3. 2015. Visit NMRA's website for full coverage and race results. 

NMCA Returns to Bowling Green

The 14th Annual Quick Fuel Technology NMCA Muscle Car Nationals will be held at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky, May 14–17. This year's event will be hosting the 10th Annual Dave Duell Classic for racers in the ATI Performance Products Nostalgia Super Stock class. The Dave Duell Classic is the largest NSS race in the country and it includes one of the biggest purses with $4,000 going to the winner and $1,500 to the runner-up.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

VP Racing Fuels Partners With RPM and JEGS

VP Racing Fuels became the latest company to team up with the Real Pro Mod (RPM) association to support racers competing in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Series. The multi-year deal includes VP’s support of RPM Participation Bonuses coupled with retail promotion of VP’s Madditive line of performance chemicals with JEGS—an automotive aftermarket performance retailer that now carries Madditives by VP Racing Fuels. The next race for RPM will be the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Series presented by RPM & Pro Line Racing at Atlanta Dragway, May 15–17, 2015, with the first round of qualifying set to begin that Friday at 3:15 p.m (EDT). 

	The 15th Annual SCT NMRA Ford Nationals, presented by SVTPerformance.com, was held at Maryland International Raceway, May 1–3.

15th Annual SCT NMRA Ford Nationals Winners

NMRA Ford drag racing returned once again to Maryland International Raceway, May 1–3. 2015. Visit NMRA's website for full coverage and race results. 

NMCA Returns to Bowling Green

The 14th Annual Quick Fuel Technology NMCA Muscle Car Nationals will be held at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky, May 14–17. This year's event will be hosting the 10th Annual Dave Duell Classic for racers in the ATI Performance Products Nostalgia Super Stock class. The Dave Duell Classic is the largest NSS race in the country and it includes one of the biggest purses with $4,000 going to the winner and $1,500 to the runner-up.