Thu, 01/15/2015 - 08:12

Compiled by SEMA Editors

  ti

TI Automotive will serve as the primary sponsor on the Riley Motorsports No. 33 and No. 93 in the four long-distance races of the TUDOR series at Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen and Road Atlanta.
  

TI Automotive to Sponsor Dodge Viper GT3-R Race Cars in 2015 Tudor United Sportscar Championship Series

TI Automotive has announced that it will sponsor two Dodge Viper GT3-R race cars in the 2015 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship GTD Class beginning with the annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 24–25, 2015. TI Automotive will serve as the primary sponsor on the Riley Motorsports No. 33 and No. 93 in the four long-distance races of the TUDOR series at Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen and Road Atlanta. This grouping of TUDOR endurance races frames the award of the Patron North American Endurance Cup. For the other remaining races of the TUDOR series, TI Automotive will remain as an associate sponsor of the No. 33 Viper Exchange race car.

At the 2014 SEMA Show, TI Automotive announced a technical collaboration with Riley Technologies and Viper Exchange to provide optimized fluid systems for the Dodge Viper GT3-R race cars. TI Automotive has been supporting several test sessions to further tune operating performance and efficiency on both cars for the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway.

bronco
This April, Rod Hall will slip behind the wheel of his classic Bronco again to pilot it down the Baja peninsula in the General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000. Photos courtesy of Trackside Photo.
 
  

The ORMHOF/Rod Hall Championship Bronco Returns to Baja

On December 15, 2014, racing legend Rod Hall pulled his championship Bronco from the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) museum in Reno, Nevada, and into the shop for a full restoration. This April, Hall, who has achieved more podium finishes than any American off-road racer, will slip behind the wheel and again pilot his classic steed down the Baja peninsula in the General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000.

After Hall and teammate Larry Minor drove the Bronco to an overall win in the 1969 Mexican 1000, it was sold, raced, resold and then retired to a wrecking yard in Southern California. Half buried in sand and nearly forgotten, it was discovered by a local race fan and put on display in front of a Denny’s restaurant. In 2003, the Bronco was donated to ORMHOF and found its way back to Hall.

Samco Fabrication will manage the task of restoring the vehicle back to its original glory, which will include a crate 302 from Ford Racing, BFGoodrich tires, and products from Summit Racing, Mastercraft Safety, KC HiLiTES and Fox Racing.

VP Racing Fuels Supports NMCA Drag Racing Series as Official Fuel and Pro Mod Class Sponsor

VP Racing Fuels, along with the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) has announced a new partnership beginning with the 2015 drag-racing season. Effective at the season opener in Bradenton, Florida, March 20–22, VP Racing Fuels will be the Official Fuel of the NMCA Flowmaster Muscle Car Nationals Series and the required Spec Fuel for most NMCA heads-up classes. The agreement between ProMedia Events and VP Racing Fuels continues through the end of the 2017 racing season. The agreement also designates VP as the title sponsor of the VP Racing Fuels Pro Mod class—one of the quickest classes in the NMCA series reaching more than 250 mph in the quarter-mile with turbocharged or nitrous-powered engines.

WELD-Sponsored Drivers Sammy and Kevin Swindell Return to Chili Bowl Looking to Reclaim Championship

The legendary Sprint and Midget car father-and-son race team of Sammy and Kevin Swindell hopes to reclaim the championship when they compete in the 29th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl presented by General Tire. WELD is the official wheel supplier for Swindell Motorsports for 2015 and is the sponsor of the “WELD Racing Cool Move of the Race” promotion at this year’s Chili Bowl.

Kevin Swindell is a four-time champion of the Chili Bowl with consecutive victories from 2010 through 2013. While his father, Sammy, is a five-time event champion having captured crowns in 2009, 1998, 1996, 1992 and 1989. The 2015 Chili Bowl is being held January 13–17 at the Tulsa Expo Raceway. 

During the first four nights of Chili Bowl qualifying races, a winner of the “WELD Racing Cool Move of the Race” will be picked by the Chili Bowl management staff. The winner each night will be awarded a $250 cash prize. At the conclusion of the Chili Bowl competition on Saturday, January 17, more than 13 feature races will be held and an outstanding cool move from that day will be selected. The Saturday winner will receive a $500 cash prize.

Fans who are not in Tulsa will still be able to participate in the “WELD Racing Cool Move of the Race” competition. Each morning, after a cool move has been awarded, WELD will post a video clip on its Facebook page, the company’s Twitter feed and at www.WELDwheels.com. Fans will be asked to vote on their favorite move of the entire event.

Voting will close five days after the final day of racing on January 22. WELD will randomly select one fan who will win the “WELD Racing Cool Move of the Race” banner that was hung trackside during the Chili Bowl. The banner will contain the signatures of the five winning drivers from that week.  

  voss
Jason Voss once again took the BITD Trick Truck Championship.
  

Kroyer Racing Engines Finishes 2014 With Two Championships and Engine Builder of the Year

The 2014 racing season provided more than 20 wins for Kroyer Racing Engines (KRE) between desert racing and short-course racing. A total of more than 62 podiums in 2014 made for another year of success for Kroyer and his team as they were also named the 2014 Score-International Engine Builder of the Year for the fifth consecutive year. Steven Eugenio captured the SCORE Trophy Truck Championship and Jason Voss once again took the BITD Trick Truck Championship.

Kroyer Racing Engines finished this year's Baja 1000 with five of the top eight finishers. Winner Rob MacCachren teamed up with Voss and Andy McMillin for the race, where they were the first to cross the finish line in 20 hours.

During the last race of the season, Voss landed another win for the Best In The Desert Henderson 250, and would be awarded the BITD Trick Truck Championship for the second year in a row.

Pro 2 rookie RJ Anderson landed himself on the podium in round 7 and finished out his first Pro 2 season fifth in points.

Halfway through the season, MacCachren switched over his Pro 2 and Pro 4 to Kroyer Racing Engines and was stayed on the podium every race weekend throughout the rest of the season. MacCachren would finish second in points in both classes.

Menzies Motorsports returned back to LOORRS in 2014 with two drivers—Bryce Menzies and Ricky Johnson. Both would provide KRE with numerous wins and podiums.

Irwindale Event Center Announces the SunDay of Destruction 

The Day of Destruction event at the Irwindale Event Center is set for Sunday afternoon, February 15. The event includes an Enduro Flagpole Race, the Skid Plate Cars on the oval and in a Figure 8 race, a Compact Car Demolition Derby and a Trailer Race. Gates for the Sunday-afternoon show will open at 11 a.m. Tickets are on sale now at www.irwindaleeventcenter.com.

Grandview Speedway's Bruce and Teresa Rogers Selected as 2014 Auto Racing Promoter of the Year in Eastern Region

Auto racing promoters from across the country have, for the fifth time, named Bruce and Teresa Rogers, along with their family members, as 2014 Auto Racing Promoter of the Year in the Eastern region. The Rogers family has owned and operated the NASCAR-sanctioned Grandview Speedway located in Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania, for 53 years. As the Eastern region award winner, the Rogers family is now in the running for the 39th Auto Racing Promoter of the Year Award when it is announced during the Speedweek Racing Promotion Monthly Promoters Workshop at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort February 16-18, where more than 500 promoters and staff members representing auto-racing facilities across the nation will be in attendance.

Thu, 01/15/2015 - 07:41

By Becca Butler

  smartnav
App-Tronic's SmartNav5 was among the top-five mobile electronic products that were scanned by Showgoers in the 2014 SEMA Show's New Products Showcase.
  

Mobile electronics represent a continually growing and evolving market segment of the automotive industry. As technology changes and products are being developed for just about any vehicle, buyers are turning to the SEMA Show to discover the latest trends in automotive technology.

There were more than 120 exhibiting manufacturers in the Mobile Electronics section of the 2014 SEMA Show, successfully bringing some of the most advanced and innovative products to the Show. In a market segment that used to be about DVRs and sound systems, mobile electronics now encompasses all-inclusive Bluetooth rear-view mirrors and state-of-the-art radar detectors. Mobile electronics has become one of the most sought-after sections of the SEMA Show, sparking interest from buyers all over the world. Below are the top-five mobile electronic products that were scanned by Showgoers in the New Products Showcase.

Product: SmartNav5
Company: App-Tronics LLC

Product: SmartVision
Company: App-Tronics LLC

Product: DashCommand
Company: Palmer Performance Engineering

Product: noPhoto
Company: noLimits Enterprises

Product: OE Fit Third Brake Light Camera
Company: Auto-I (Canada) Corp.

The New Products Showcase is the place to see the new and featured products of the SEMA Show all in one place. Buyers are able to use a scanner to select the products that interest them, and then receive a printout with information on both the product and the company. With 16 different Showcase categories, the Mobile Electronics Showcase section is the place to discover the latest technologies that are driving the automotive industry.

To view all of the products from the New Products Showcase, visit www.semaphotos.com.

Thu, 01/15/2015 - 07:41

By Becca Butler

  smartnav
App-Tronic's SmartNav5 was among the top-five mobile electronic products that were scanned by Showgoers in the 2014 SEMA Show's New Products Showcase.
  

Mobile electronics represent a continually growing and evolving market segment of the automotive industry. As technology changes and products are being developed for just about any vehicle, buyers are turning to the SEMA Show to discover the latest trends in automotive technology.

There were more than 120 exhibiting manufacturers in the Mobile Electronics section of the 2014 SEMA Show, successfully bringing some of the most advanced and innovative products to the Show. In a market segment that used to be about DVRs and sound systems, mobile electronics now encompasses all-inclusive Bluetooth rear-view mirrors and state-of-the-art radar detectors. Mobile electronics has become one of the most sought-after sections of the SEMA Show, sparking interest from buyers all over the world. Below are the top-five mobile electronic products that were scanned by Showgoers in the New Products Showcase.

Product: SmartNav5
Company: App-Tronics LLC

Product: SmartVision
Company: App-Tronics LLC

Product: DashCommand
Company: Palmer Performance Engineering

Product: noPhoto
Company: noLimits Enterprises

Product: OE Fit Third Brake Light Camera
Company: Auto-I (Canada) Corp.

The New Products Showcase is the place to see the new and featured products of the SEMA Show all in one place. Buyers are able to use a scanner to select the products that interest them, and then receive a printout with information on both the product and the company. With 16 different Showcase categories, the Mobile Electronics Showcase section is the place to discover the latest technologies that are driving the automotive industry.

To view all of the products from the New Products Showcase, visit www.semaphotos.com.

Thu, 01/15/2015 - 07:41

By Becca Butler

  smartnav
App-Tronic's SmartNav5 was among the top-five mobile electronic products that were scanned by Showgoers in the 2014 SEMA Show's New Products Showcase.
  

Mobile electronics represent a continually growing and evolving market segment of the automotive industry. As technology changes and products are being developed for just about any vehicle, buyers are turning to the SEMA Show to discover the latest trends in automotive technology.

There were more than 120 exhibiting manufacturers in the Mobile Electronics section of the 2014 SEMA Show, successfully bringing some of the most advanced and innovative products to the Show. In a market segment that used to be about DVRs and sound systems, mobile electronics now encompasses all-inclusive Bluetooth rear-view mirrors and state-of-the-art radar detectors. Mobile electronics has become one of the most sought-after sections of the SEMA Show, sparking interest from buyers all over the world. Below are the top-five mobile electronic products that were scanned by Showgoers in the New Products Showcase.

Product: SmartNav5
Company: App-Tronics LLC

Product: SmartVision
Company: App-Tronics LLC

Product: DashCommand
Company: Palmer Performance Engineering

Product: noPhoto
Company: noLimits Enterprises

Product: OE Fit Third Brake Light Camera
Company: Auto-I (Canada) Corp.

The New Products Showcase is the place to see the new and featured products of the SEMA Show all in one place. Buyers are able to use a scanner to select the products that interest them, and then receive a printout with information on both the product and the company. With 16 different Showcase categories, the Mobile Electronics Showcase section is the place to discover the latest technologies that are driving the automotive industry.

To view all of the products from the New Products Showcase, visit www.semaphotos.com.

Thu, 01/15/2015 - 07:41

By Becca Butler

  smartnav
App-Tronic's SmartNav5 was among the top-five mobile electronic products that were scanned by Showgoers in the 2014 SEMA Show's New Products Showcase.
  

Mobile electronics represent a continually growing and evolving market segment of the automotive industry. As technology changes and products are being developed for just about any vehicle, buyers are turning to the SEMA Show to discover the latest trends in automotive technology.

There were more than 120 exhibiting manufacturers in the Mobile Electronics section of the 2014 SEMA Show, successfully bringing some of the most advanced and innovative products to the Show. In a market segment that used to be about DVRs and sound systems, mobile electronics now encompasses all-inclusive Bluetooth rear-view mirrors and state-of-the-art radar detectors. Mobile electronics has become one of the most sought-after sections of the SEMA Show, sparking interest from buyers all over the world. Below are the top-five mobile electronic products that were scanned by Showgoers in the New Products Showcase.

Product: SmartNav5
Company: App-Tronics LLC

Product: SmartVision
Company: App-Tronics LLC

Product: DashCommand
Company: Palmer Performance Engineering

Product: noPhoto
Company: noLimits Enterprises

Product: OE Fit Third Brake Light Camera
Company: Auto-I (Canada) Corp.

The New Products Showcase is the place to see the new and featured products of the SEMA Show all in one place. Buyers are able to use a scanner to select the products that interest them, and then receive a printout with information on both the product and the company. With 16 different Showcase categories, the Mobile Electronics Showcase section is the place to discover the latest technologies that are driving the automotive industry.

To view all of the products from the New Products Showcase, visit www.semaphotos.com.

Thu, 01/15/2015 - 07:35

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, 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.


ettn 
Visit ETTN's website 

Improve Your E-Commerce Skills At a Discount

Applications are being accepted now through March 16 for a second ETTN Professional Development Program. The Internet Retailer Conference and Exhibition (IRCE), will take place June 3–4, 2015, in Chicago. On its own, the costs associated with this conference could prove prohibitive for members, but through ETTN, participants receive a specially negotiated registration rate, and the company of the participating employee receives a $500 grant from SEMA to assist with registration (all benefits received are considered taxable income). IRCE, a two-day conference, originally cost $1,095. Combining the negotiated rate and SEMA grant, ETTN members save 80% and pay only $216 for registration.

IRCE is in its 11th year and is largely considered to be a flagship event of the e-commerce industry. Each year, more than 10,000 attendees travel to Chicago to hear from more than 200 expert speakers representing all areas of the industry. This year, exciting speakers include top executives from Target, 1-800-Flowers.com, QVC and more. In addition to the educational opportunities, the 250,000 sq.-ft. exhibit hall presents more than 600 companies in the e-commerce solutions industry.

Applicants may be selected to attend one of three conferences in 2015, along with SEMA staff and a group of nine other network members. The first conference selected was the Social Media Strategies Summit, which will take place in Las Vegas, February 10–12. Later in the year, a third group of members will learn customer service and engagement skills at the Disney Quality Service course.

To learn more about the program and apply, visit the ETTN Professional Development Program homepage or contact Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison.

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HRIA Logo
 
Visit HRIA's website

Hot Rodders Discuss Industry Developments in Southern California

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will hold its Long-Range Planning Meeting at the Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona, California, Friday, January 23. The meeting is open to all hot-rod industry professionals. Non-HRIA members are welcome to attend.

The event will provide a chance to connect with other hot rodders, meet the council leadership and learn more about industry developments. Join HRIA from 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. in Sonoma 2 and 3; lunch will be served for attendees. RSVP today. For more information, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.

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MPMC Logo
 
Visit MPMC's website.  

SEMA Networking Event Powered By SBN, YEN and MPMC

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), Young Executives Network (YEN) and Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) will hold their annual automotive industry networking mixer during the MPMC Media Trade Conference in the lounge of the Embassy Suites Santa Ana Orange County Airport North, Thursday, January 22.

This event is a great opportunity to meet and network with fellow young automotive executives, motorsports manufacturer managers and female industry professionals in an engaging and relaxed atmosphere.

The Karaoke machine will make a comeback for 2015, offering an opportunity to sound off your best vocals.

Please RSVP with SEMA's Senior Manager of Networks, Bryan Harrison, at BryanH@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2015
Time: 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. (PST)
Location: Embassy Suites Santa Ana Orange County Airport North
Address: 1325 East Dyer Road, Santa Ana, California
Attire: Business Casual

*You don't have to be a part of the MPMC Media Trade Conference to attend this mixer.

Connect and Contribute to the Motorsports Manufacturing Industry

MPMC will host a general membership meeting, Monday, January 19, from 2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. in the La Jolla Room at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California.

Special guest Peter Treydte of the SEMA Garage Product Development Center will speak about navigating the sometimes complex procedures of obtaining an E.O. for under-the-hood products. One hundred MPMC-member companies will already be on-site for the Media Trade Conference, providing the perfect opportunity to discuss the future of the council. Members are encouraged to bring feedback and ideas to share with council leadership. All employees of MPMC-member companies are invited to attend, even if they are not exhibiting at the Media Trade Conference. RSVP to reserve your spot.

The council will also host an awards reception for Media Trade Conference participants January 20, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. in the Pacific Ballroom, and an exhibitor appreciation reception January 22, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., also in the Pacific Ballroom. For more information about these events, contact Jim Skelly.

All local members are invited to a networking reception co-hosted with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network and Young Executives Network, January 22, 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. This event is a great opportunity to meet and network with fellow young automotive executives, motorsports manufacturer managers and female industry professionals in an engaging and relaxed atmosphere. If you plan to attend, please RSVP with Bryan Harrison.

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WTC Logo
 
Visit WTC's website

Wheel and Tire Council to Host Open Meeting and Industry Discussion in Southern California

Members of the wheel and tire industry will gather at the SEMA Garage—Industry Innovations Center for an industry discussion, Thursday, February 5, 2015, from 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

On the agenda is discussion of the “Ride Guide” promotional efforts and additional vehicle data being compiled, the latest news on Chinese tire tariffs, industry support of tire safety education and more.

This is members’ opportunity to let the council know what other challenges and opportunities they see in the wheel and tire industry. By participating in this open meeting, individuals can help determine the focus and direction of the council for the next year and beyond.

The meeting will include a networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC-member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Register now.

For more information about WTC or this event, contact Senior Manager of Councils Clayton Drescher.

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YEN Logo

Visit YEN's website
 rich
Rich Barsamian
  

Rich Barsamian on Successfully Exhibiting at the MPMC Media Trade Conference

Join SEMA’s Young Executive Network (YEN), January 16, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. (EST) for a live chat with Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) Vice President of Sales & Marketing and the 2014 SEMA Person of the Year, Rich Barsamian. A live chat is an open Q&A where you will have the chance to communicate directly with Barsamian. Questions can include how to maximize a manufacturer’s ROI at the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, how to become a successful SEMA volunteer or what are his favorite tips to develop meaningful business relationships.

Barsamian is known for his professional achievements in both the specialty-equipment market and within the association for nearly 30 years. Starting his career as a field merchandiser, he worked his way up the corporate ladder with some of the most recognizable names in our industry. Additionally, he has served on a number of committees, including chairman of YEN, a member of the SEMA Scholarship Committee and currently chair of MPMC.

On January 16, join SEMA’s YEN on our Facebook page live at 3:00 p.m. (EST) and ask Barsamian about his secrets to success. For more information, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691.

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Thu, 01/15/2015 - 07:34
Thu, 01/08/2015 - 16:05

By SEMA Editors

Each year, during the first week of November, manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories gather in Las Vegas to debut their new products and connect with buyers and media. As the largest annual gathering of small businesses, the SEMA Show provides these manufacturers with a venue for which to do business. They spend months in advance preparing their booths and securing meetings, and they work nonstop during the Show to connect with buyers who are seeking the hottest, newest products to fill their store shelves.

Thu, 01/08/2015 - 16:05

By SEMA Editors

Each year, during the first week of November, manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories gather in Las Vegas to debut their new products and connect with buyers and media. As the largest annual gathering of small businesses, the SEMA Show provides these manufacturers with a venue for which to do business. They spend months in advance preparing their booths and securing meetings, and they work nonstop during the Show to connect with buyers who are seeking the hottest, newest products to fill their store shelves.

Thu, 01/08/2015 - 15:57

By SEMA Editors

nissan maxima concept

This new Nissan Maxima test car, captured by the photographers at KGP, has less camouflage around key elements of the design, including its C-pillar and side-window profile. A close-up look reveals the Maxima's rakish headlights, along with a hint of the LED effects that will be in play.

The sport sedan concept furthers Nissan's crossover designs, bringing them to the midsize sedan segment to battle the Ford Fusion and Mazda6. The styling is toned-down compared to the concept, but only marginally so. It appears that the execution of the production of the Maxima will match the concept-to-production approach used for the current Nissan Murano compared to the Nissan Resonance show car which preceded it.

Our sources at AutoPacific tell us to expect a performance-oriented hybrid Maxima variant, reportedly using a 2.5L supercharged, direct-inject four-cylinder engine mated to a battery, to provide strong, V6-like performance. This system is seen as a way to further differentiate the Maxima from the encroaching Nissan Altima, which will use a more sedate, eco-minded hybrid setup.

nissan maxima concept

Photo credit: KGP Photography