By SEMA Editors

	Yutaka Katayama, “Mr. K”

Nissan legend Yutaka Katayama, the man known as “Mr. K,” died February 20. He was 105. Katayama ran Nissan’s U.S. operations in the ’70s and was widely known as the father of the Datsun Z sports car. He retired from Nissan in 1977.

By Amanda Gubbins

	Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, led by some of the biggest names in hot-rod parts manufacturing, including Comp Cams, Holley, MSD and more.

For more information about Education Day or HRIA, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.

By Amanda Gubbins

	Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, led by some of the biggest names in hot-rod parts manufacturing, including Comp Cams, Holley, MSD and more.

For more information about Education Day or HRIA, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.

By Linda Spencer

	Robert Park (far left), international key account manager for Rigid Industries LED Lighting in Gilbert, Arizona, described his company’s products to a large off-road distributor. “It’s great to see that the aftermarket customizing scene is alive in Russia and that U.S. products are highly sought after,” he said.

SEMA is organizing a small delegation to travel to Moscow in May to meet with buyers from throughout Russia. The trip is for those companies interested in developing brand recognition, product loyalty and working toward mid- and longer-term goals. 

Please note that immediate business gains are more difficult given the current Russian economic downturn and the strong dollar (vis-à-vis the ruble). Consider whether now is the right time for you to meet with key buyers and begin your entry or expansion into this market, which includes a large number of U.S.-made vehicles, and at some point in the next five years is expected to become Europe’s largest passenger-vehicle market.

Interesting facts about the Russian automotive market:

• About 48,000 U.S.-made vehicles were imported into Russia in 2013, according to a U.S. Department of Commerce report. In addition to U.S.-made vehicles exported to Russia, Ford’s 50–50 joint venture in 2013 produced the millionth Russian-built Ford-badged vehicle. In addition, Russia is GM’s fifth-largest market for its Chevrolet brand. GM sold 174,649 vehicles in Russia overall. Popularly customized vehicles, such as the Jeep Wrangler, are now officially sold in Russia.

• Russia is the world’s sixth-largest automotive market in terms of annual passenger-vehicle sales and is the second largest in Europe after Germany. Before the economic and political crisis hit, industry experts predicted that Russia would soon become the No. 1 market. Though still expected, the date for this change in positions has been delayed by several years at least as car sales are down sharply amid the uncertainty and fiscal crisis.

• Last year’s event attracted buyers from throughout Russia. Many of these buyers traveled to the 2014 SEMA Show and participated in the U.S.–Russia roundtable.

Events schedule (tentative):

Sunday, May 17

United States government briefing and networking dinner with a select group of buyers.

Monday, May 18

Visit specialty-equipment shops.

Tuesday, May 19

Roundtable discussion with buyers and a chance for private one-on-one meetings with pre-vetted buyers.

Wednesday, May 20

Depart for the United States.

By Linda Spencer

	Robert Park (far left), international key account manager for Rigid Industries LED Lighting in Gilbert, Arizona, described his company’s products to a large off-road distributor. “It’s great to see that the aftermarket customizing scene is alive in Russia and that U.S. products are highly sought after,” he said.

SEMA is organizing a small delegation to travel to Moscow in May to meet with buyers from throughout Russia. The trip is for those companies interested in developing brand recognition, product loyalty and working toward mid- and longer-term goals. 

Please note that immediate business gains are more difficult given the current Russian economic downturn and the strong dollar (vis-à-vis the ruble). Consider whether now is the right time for you to meet with key buyers and begin your entry or expansion into this market, which includes a large number of U.S.-made vehicles, and at some point in the next five years is expected to become Europe’s largest passenger-vehicle market.

Interesting facts about the Russian automotive market:

• About 48,000 U.S.-made vehicles were imported into Russia in 2013, according to a U.S. Department of Commerce report. In addition to U.S.-made vehicles exported to Russia, Ford’s 50–50 joint venture in 2013 produced the millionth Russian-built Ford-badged vehicle. In addition, Russia is GM’s fifth-largest market for its Chevrolet brand. GM sold 174,649 vehicles in Russia overall. Popularly customized vehicles, such as the Jeep Wrangler, are now officially sold in Russia.

• Russia is the world’s sixth-largest automotive market in terms of annual passenger-vehicle sales and is the second largest in Europe after Germany. Before the economic and political crisis hit, industry experts predicted that Russia would soon become the No. 1 market. Though still expected, the date for this change in positions has been delayed by several years at least as car sales are down sharply amid the uncertainty and fiscal crisis.

• Last year’s event attracted buyers from throughout Russia. Many of these buyers traveled to the 2014 SEMA Show and participated in the U.S.–Russia roundtable.

Events schedule (tentative):

Sunday, May 17

United States government briefing and networking dinner with a select group of buyers.

Monday, May 18

Visit specialty-equipment shops.

Tuesday, May 19

Roundtable discussion with buyers and a chance for private one-on-one meetings with pre-vetted buyers.

Wednesday, May 20

Depart for the United States.

By Linda Spencer

	Robert Park (far left), international key account manager for Rigid Industries LED Lighting in Gilbert, Arizona, described his company’s products to a large off-road distributor. “It’s great to see that the aftermarket customizing scene is alive in Russia and that U.S. products are highly sought after,” he said.

SEMA is organizing a small delegation to travel to Moscow in May to meet with buyers from throughout Russia. The trip is for those companies interested in developing brand recognition, product loyalty and working toward mid- and longer-term goals. 

Please note that immediate business gains are more difficult given the current Russian economic downturn and the strong dollar (vis-à-vis the ruble). Consider whether now is the right time for you to meet with key buyers and begin your entry or expansion into this market, which includes a large number of U.S.-made vehicles, and at some point in the next five years is expected to become Europe’s largest passenger-vehicle market.

Interesting facts about the Russian automotive market:

• About 48,000 U.S.-made vehicles were imported into Russia in 2013, according to a U.S. Department of Commerce report. In addition to U.S.-made vehicles exported to Russia, Ford’s 50–50 joint venture in 2013 produced the millionth Russian-built Ford-badged vehicle. In addition, Russia is GM’s fifth-largest market for its Chevrolet brand. GM sold 174,649 vehicles in Russia overall. Popularly customized vehicles, such as the Jeep Wrangler, are now officially sold in Russia.

• Russia is the world’s sixth-largest automotive market in terms of annual passenger-vehicle sales and is the second largest in Europe after Germany. Before the economic and political crisis hit, industry experts predicted that Russia would soon become the No. 1 market. Though still expected, the date for this change in positions has been delayed by several years at least as car sales are down sharply amid the uncertainty and fiscal crisis.

• Last year’s event attracted buyers from throughout Russia. Many of these buyers traveled to the 2014 SEMA Show and participated in the U.S.–Russia roundtable.

Events schedule (tentative):

Sunday, May 17

United States government briefing and networking dinner with a select group of buyers.

Monday, May 18

Visit specialty-equipment shops.

Tuesday, May 19

Roundtable discussion with buyers and a chance for private one-on-one meetings with pre-vetted buyers.

Wednesday, May 20

Depart for the United States.

By AJ Carney

	SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the Association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its second Town Hall Meeting of 2015 in Memphis, where members and prospective members will gather at COMP Performance Group, Thursday, April 23, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.


SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the Association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

Watch SEMA members talk about the benefits of attending Town Hall Meetings.

For more information, or to register, visit SEMA's Town Hall Meetings website or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

By AJ Carney

	SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the Association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its second Town Hall Meeting of 2015 in Memphis, where members and prospective members will gather at COMP Performance Group, Thursday, April 23, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.


SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the Association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

Watch SEMA members talk about the benefits of attending Town Hall Meetings.

For more information, or to register, visit SEMA's Town Hall Meetings website or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The Polaris RZR UTV World Championship Presented by UTVUnderground.com took place February 20–22 in Laughlin, Nevada.

Branden Sims Wins Walker Evans Desert Championship

Two champions have been crowned at the inaugural Polaris RZR UTV World Championship Presented by UTVUnderground.com. The race took place February 20–22 near the banks of the Colorado River in Laughlin, Nevada, at the Laughlin off-road park, and is part of the Best in the Desert Off-Road racing series. The event featured a world-class field of 122 UTV racers as well as the who’s who of the UTV off-road Industry.

Factory Polaris racer, #1913 Branden Sims put together a flawless run in the Walker Evans Desert Championship to walk away with the win and the grand-prize package, including a brand-new Polaris RZR XP1000. Lots of racers were in contention, but ultimately Sims would hold them at bay, leading the entire race from lap 1. Second place went to Christina Perkins—a new female ambassador for the sport of UTV racing.

World of Outlaws Extends Partnership With VP Racing Fuels

VP Racing Fuels has announced the extension of its sponsorship of the World of Outlaws Sprint Car and Late Model Series through 2017. With the agreement, VP will continue as the “Official Fuel” for each series and provide trackside fuel service at select events from the season kickoff DIRTcar Nationals in Florida to the Bad Boy Buggies World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte. Racers can contact their designated VP Regional Distribution Center to confirm the trackside fuel service for each scheduled event.

The Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals—to be held at the Beech Bend Raceway in Bowing Green, Kentucky, August 14–15, 2015—is shaping up to possibly be the largest event ever for ’55,’56 and ’57 Chevrolets.

Holley Announces Sponsorship of Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals

Holley has announced that it is the official drag-racing sponsor for the first of what is believed to become an annual event in Bowling Green, Kentucky—The Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals—to be held at the Beech Bend Raceway, August 14–15, 2015. It is shaping up to possibly be the largest event ever for ’55,’56 and ’57 Chevrolets, according to Holley. The crew at Woody’s Hot Rodz in Bright, Indiana, decided to use this event to mark the 60th anniversary of the ’55 Chevy.

The Holley Tri-Five Drags will be a major part of this celebration and will feature three heads-up racing classes and two bracket classes just for ’55–’57 Chevys. Classes for DOT Stock, Junior Stock, and Nostalgia/Gasser will be heads up while Junior Eliminator and Top Eliminator will be bracket classes. Drag entries are $100 and include admission for two, plus a pit parking pass and racer golf cart pass. Camping credentials will be an additional $65 for the weekend.

All racing will be 1/4-mile. Friday, August 14 will be tech, test and tune and qualifying. Eliminations will take place Saturday. Exhibition cars will also run both Friday and Saturday, featuring 2014 Hot Rod Magazine Drag Week champion Jeff Lutz with his 6-second ’57 Chevy, and Dave VerSchave’s ’55 Gasser as seen in the March 2015 issue of Hot Rod magazine. Check out Holley's video with VerSchave at the 2014 Holley NHRA Hot Rod Reunion to learn about the background and inspiration that led to the "Orange Krate" build.

Tanner Foust recently appeared with Volkswagen at the Chicago Auto Show to confirm plans to return to GRC for a second full championship season with the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross (VARX) team, alongside teammate Scott Speed.

Tanner Foust Returns to Global Rallycross for Full Season in 2015

Multi-time rallycross and drift champion Tanner Foust will make a return to Formula Drift competition for three rounds this season as part of a stacked schedule that will see him challenge for the Global Rallycross (GRC) Championship title while also racing in select stops of the FIA World Rallycross Championship, Formula Drift and the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. Foust's first Formula Drift competition of 2015 will take place at the season opener, Streets of Long Beach, April 10–11. There, he will debut a brand new drift machine—the 900hp Rockstar Energy Drink Volkswagen Passat.

The Rockstar Energy Drink driver recently appeared with Volkswagen at the Chicago Auto Show to confirm plans to return to GRC for a second full championship season with the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross (VARX) team, alongside teammate Scott Speed. The team is also expected to return to X Games in Austin this summer when the action sports festival returns to Circuit of the Americas, June 4–7.

Foust will also make a return to the FIA World Rallycross Championship for four stops this season with Sweden's Marklund Motorsport team. He is also planning to appear in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series for a select campaign of events in the in the Pro-2 class.

Foust debuted the first of these projects, the RAUH-Welt Begriff Volkswagen Beetle, at the 2014 SEMA Show.

NMCA Flowmaster Drag-Racing Series Kicks Off in March

The NMCA Flowmaster drag-racing series kicks off the 2015 season at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida, March 20–22. The 13th Annual Ross Racing Pistons NMCA Muscle Car Nationals will feature for the first time the Outlaw 632 class with all the local stars and cars. Also featured are the 250+ mph VP Racing Fuels Pro Mods, Stainless Works Street Outlaws and Edelbrock Xtreme Street class.

Royal Purple has been named the official racing oil/lubricant of Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) events in 2015. Photo Credit: SVRA

Royal Purple Named Official Racing Oil/Lubricant of SVRA for the 2015 Vintage Race Season

Royal Purple has been named the Official Racing Oil/Lubricant of Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) events in 2015. Under the terms of the agreement, as the official racing oil and lubricant of SVRA, Royal Purple branding will be prominently featured at each of the 18 vintage racing events held across the country. At several of the SVRA events throughout the season, Royal Purple will also have its truck and hospitality trailer on site. Royal Purple lubrication experts will be available to assist racers and attendees in determining the appropriate Royal Purple products for their vehicles.

Atturo Tires Joins TORC: The Off Road Championship as Official Series Partner

Atturo Tires has joined forces with TORC: The Off-Road Championship Presented by AMSOIL as an official series partner for the purpose of telling their product story to the national TORC Audience. The Atturo Trail Blade M/T will be featured on race teams competing in the Pro Lite category, which requires the use of street-legal DOT-approved tires. For more information and an events schedule, visit www.torcseries.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Mothers will traverse the country in its signature big rig. For 2015, the trick truck will also bring some of the coolest rides to several car shows, races and festivals.

The Mothers Big Rig Gets Back on the Road in 2015
Mothers has announced it will traverse the country in its signature big rig. For 2015, the trick truck will also bring some of the coolest rides to several car shows, races and festivals. In addition to hauling a selection of cool rides, the Mothers big rig will feed the detailing needs of enthusiasts and experts alike. The Mothers crew of specialists will provide demonstrations and introduce the company's latest car-care products. Highlights on the Mothers car show calendar include the Hot Rod Power Tour, the 2015 SEMA Show and SEMA Ignited, a variety of car shows, motorsport events and and Barrett-Jackson collector-car auctions in Palm Beach, Las Vegas and more. The complete schedule is listed online.

Star Fuel Signs on With VP Racing Fuels Retail Branding Program
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced that Star Fuel of Oklahoma LLC has signed on as the latest partner in its national branding program. Based in Leawood, Kansas, Star supports 275 retail sites in an operating area that encompasses Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri and Arkansas with future plans for expansion in Nebraska.

Champion Racing Oil Revs Up With SuperFlow Dyno Promotion
Champion has announced a special promotion in conjunction with SuperFlow dynamometers and flowbenches. Geared toward the “Engine Builder,” “Machine Shop” or “Dyno Facility,” Champion is offering through the month of March a $1,000 gift certificate toward any new SuperFlow engine or chassis dyno system.

ACCEL Performance Group Launches ACCEL IT Video Series
ACCEL Performance Group has launched a new web-based automotive video series called ACCEL IT. Each 10-minute episode features host Jenny Long traveling the country surprising people who have submitted their vehicle to receive the ultimate upgrade. It is a free, on-site performance upgrade from ACCEL Performance Group’s family of brands—ACCEL, Mr. Gasket, Hays, Lakewood and QuickTime. Episodes of ACCEL IT can be found on the company’s Facebook page (ACCEL Performance Group), by logging onto the ACCEL YouTube page, or by visiting www.ACCELNation.com.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Join With Austin Hatcher Foundation for AutoCross for Kids
Goodguys Rod & Custom Association and The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer have announced a partnership to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation’s mission to erase the effects of pediatric cancer for patients, survivors and their families. The partnership will provide the Foundation with opportunities to educate both children and adults about healthy lifestyles that prevent cancer, as well as provide much-needed therapies, in a variety of cities throughout the United States.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association will work in conjunction with the Foundation at several Goodguys shows during 2015. Association members and show attendees will have opportunities to contribute to the effort through donations, the purchase of limited edition merchandise, and participation in the “AutoCross for Kids”, as well as through volunteering for some of the program’s initiatives. The AutoCross for Kids will offer Goodguys car show attendees opportunities at selected shows a chance to ride with Pro AutoCross competitors on a specially prepared closed performance AutoCross course in exchange for a specified donation to the Austin Hatcher Foundation. The AutoCross for Kids promotion will be held on Fridays and Sundays at select events.

During each event weekend, the Foundation also will partner with a local hospital to bring its innovative Diversionary Therapy program to children and families in the pediatric oncology units. The program is designed to help patients, survivors and their families enjoy leisure time by building and racing the Foundation’s pinewood derby cars, in the process offering a simple but effective diversion from the challenges presented by pediatric cancer. Goodguys will enhance the program by inviting members of the local hot-rod community to participate and display collectible cars.

The partnership will kick off at the Goodguys 1st North Carolina Nationals April 17–19, at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, North Carolina. Attendees should seek out the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s Hatch’s Garage Diversionary Therapy Chevy Silverado, donated and customized by Chevrolet Performance and Mobil 1, and check the event schedule for special activities and times of the AutoCross for Kids.

	Eric Butler’s custom-built ’68 Mustang was the first recipient of the WELD President’s Award at the 2015 O’Reilly’s World of Wheels presented by WELD.

WELD Presents Inaugural President’s Award at
 2015 O’Reilly’s World of Wheels
Eric Butler’s custom-built ’68 Mustang was the first recipient of the WELD President’s Award at the 2015 O’Reilly’s World of Wheels presented by WELD. Butler, who participated in the show at Bartle Hall in Kansas City, Missouri, is a resident of the Kansas City metro area. Butler completed all the work on the vehicle by himself, which included custom WELD wheels with a ’96 Mustang bolt pattern.

The President’s Award was presented to Butler for “the vehicle that embodies tradition, quality and durability like WELD wheels.” The award was mounted on a golden Prostar, one of WELD’s most iconic wheel designs.

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.