By SEMA Editors

	The 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report provides insight on the compact performance, street performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom and racing niches.

While the current sales are far from the boom of the late ’90s and early 2000s, the compact-performance segment continues to show a slow climb of consistent growth over the past few years. The main factors supporting the growth are an increase in small-car sales and sustained high gas prices. According to the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report, the compact-performance niche, which is currently valued at more than $5 billion, continues to offer an expanding opportunity for specialty-equipment companies.

In the compact-performance segment, accessory and appearance sales are a main driver for the market, comprising 46.5% of the total share. Performance products come in second with 32.6% in sales, followed by wheels, tires and suspension accessories, making up 20.9% of the total market.

This information and more is available through the recently released 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. Members: Download a free copy of the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report, which provides detailed insight on the compact-performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom, and racing niches.

Taking a closer look at the behavior of consumers interested in compact-performance helps determine where and how they learn about specialty-equipment products and gather product and styling ideas for their vehicles. The two main sources where compact-performance enthusiasts gather product information and styling concepts are the Internet, capturing 71.4% of the enthusiasts, and car and truck shows, which is 66.1% of enthusiasts. This combination reveals a lifestyle trend that has been constant in the market—the consumers use technology, such as the Internet and social media, together with interaction at public events to formulate the ideas on how to customize their vehicles.

“The trend of using the Internet’s search functions, forums and social media outlets, along with the peer-to-peer interaction of public car shows, is something that has remained consistent in compact-performance since its inception,” stated Gavin Knapp, SEMA senior market research manager. “It’s an intriguing consistency, especially when compared to other niches, such as light-truck, midsize and fullsize vehicles, where consumers are less likely to make their vehicle a focal point of their social scene.”

The SEMA Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. SEMA research reports are available to SEMA members at no cost, and to nonmembers at a nominal fee. SEMA research reports are listed and can be accessed at www.SEMA.org/research.

By SEMA Editors

	The 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report provides insight on the compact performance, street performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom and racing niches.

While the current sales are far from the boom of the late ’90s and early 2000s, the compact-performance segment continues to show a slow climb of consistent growth over the past few years. The main factors supporting the growth are an increase in small-car sales and sustained high gas prices. According to the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report, the compact-performance niche, which is currently valued at more than $5 billion, continues to offer an expanding opportunity for specialty-equipment companies.

In the compact-performance segment, accessory and appearance sales are a main driver for the market, comprising 46.5% of the total share. Performance products come in second with 32.6% in sales, followed by wheels, tires and suspension accessories, making up 20.9% of the total market.

This information and more is available through the recently released 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. Members: Download a free copy of the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report, which provides detailed insight on the compact-performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom, and racing niches.

Taking a closer look at the behavior of consumers interested in compact-performance helps determine where and how they learn about specialty-equipment products and gather product and styling ideas for their vehicles. The two main sources where compact-performance enthusiasts gather product information and styling concepts are the Internet, capturing 71.4% of the enthusiasts, and car and truck shows, which is 66.1% of enthusiasts. This combination reveals a lifestyle trend that has been constant in the market—the consumers use technology, such as the Internet and social media, together with interaction at public events to formulate the ideas on how to customize their vehicles.

“The trend of using the Internet’s search functions, forums and social media outlets, along with the peer-to-peer interaction of public car shows, is something that has remained consistent in compact-performance since its inception,” stated Gavin Knapp, SEMA senior market research manager. “It’s an intriguing consistency, especially when compared to other niches, such as light-truck, midsize and fullsize vehicles, where consumers are less likely to make their vehicle a focal point of their social scene.”

The SEMA Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. SEMA research reports are available to SEMA members at no cost, and to nonmembers at a nominal fee. SEMA research reports are listed and can be accessed at www.SEMA.org/research.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Next year, the NMRA and NMCA will return to Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Beech Bend Raceway to Host 2015 NMRA and NMCA Events; All-Star Nationals to be Held at Atlanta Dragway
The ProMedia Competition Department has announced two Bowling Green, Kentucky, dates for the 2015 season. NMRA will return to Beech Bend Raceway, October 1–4, 2015, and the NMCA will return to the dragstrip, May 14–17, 2015, after a one-year sabbatical. Highlights of the NMRA Keystone Automotive Series in Kentucky include the season-ending World Finals, where champions are decided in all NMRA points categories. Nitto Tire rings are at stake, and the champions are decided in classes such as Street Outlaw, Renegade, Coyote Modified and the Terminator vs. GT500 showdown.

In the NMCA Flowmaster Series, spectators can expect to see Ford vs. Chevy vs. Mopar battle it out on the quarter-mile. The 10th Annual Dave Duell Nostalgia Super Stock Classic will be a featured event in 2015 with plans in process for a 10-year anniversary celebration. Additional events include the 250+ mph Pro Mods, an all-brands car show and swap meet.

In addition, the seventh-annual NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals will be held April 9-12, 2015, at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Georgia.

Fredric Aasbo in the Hankook Tire/Scion Racing tC took his second victory of the season at Texas Motor Speedway.

Formula DRIFT Round 6: Fredric Aasbo Victorious at Texas Motor Speedway
Formula DRIFT, for the second consecutive year, returned to Texas Motor Speedway for Round 6: Showdown, where Fredric Aasbo in the Hankook Tire/Scion Racing tC took his second victory of the season. The event featured Round 2 of the PRO 2 series, Offset Kings car show and action from the Pro Championship.

The Finals pitted Aasbo and Odi Bakchis. In the second run, Bakchis spun out, giving Aasbo the event victory. Aasbo closed the point gap heading into the final event of the season with 26 points separating him from Forsberg as they head into the final event of the 2014 season.

The 2014 Formula DRIFT Championship season continues to Round 7: Final Fight at Irwindale Speedway, October 10–11.

	The Cansdales celebrate the win at Irwindale. Photo credit: Marv Keller

Irwindale Speedway First Responders Night Results
In the Lucas Oil Late Models at Irwindale Speedway last weekend, Ryan Partridge won the first race and got a good third for 96 points on the night and a 64-point lead (762 to 698) over Toni McCray. In race two, the Lucas Oil Late Models division saw its youngest-ever winner in 15-year-old Ryan Cansdale, who had finished second in the first race of the night. Trevor Huddleston came in second place and Andrew Porter took a fourth and a third in the twin races.

Brent Scheidemantle extended his points lead in the INEX Legend Cars division by 42 markers. Brendan Weaver got a close second place with Ricky Schlick in third.

In the Irwindale Super Stocks, Henry Miles grabbed the lead mid-race and won his second race in a row, followed by Zack Green and Greg Crutcher. Miles' win pulled him to within 14 points of series leader Green (380–366) with two races (and 150 points) yet to go in the 2014 season.

In the "big boomers," officially named the Pick Your Part Super Late Models, Jason Patison got his third straight victory in the heavy-duty division, putting him into a tie with McCray with one race to go on the clock. Linny White and Juan Garcia came in second and third respectively.

	The final race of the NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals 2014 season will feature high-horsepower, supercharged and nitrous-powered Mustangs competing in the 200+ mph ATF Speed Street Outlaw and Edelbrock Renegade classes.

NMRA Wraps Up Mustang's 50th Anniversary Year With All-Ford Event
The final race of the NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals 2014 season will take place October 2–5, 2014, at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky. High-horsepower, supercharged and nitrous-powered Mustangs will line up to compete in the 200+ mph ATF Speed Street Outlaw and Edelbrock Renegade classes. The fourth-annual VMP Superchargers Terminator/GT500 Shootout brings out the best-prepped Mustangs in the country. A giant TREMEC True Street class, presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords magazine, allows all street-legal Fords to compete for prize money after a 30-mile escorted cruise to prove their street-worthiness. For the first time, Ford fans will witness the new ’15 Mustang racing down the quarter-mile. Another first is the Turbo Coyote Shootout, where racers will pilot their turbocharged Coyote 5.0L Mustangs down the track to set records and be part of the largest Mustang drag race of the year.

2014 LS Fest Results
September 5–7 marked the fifth-annual Holley LS Fest. The 2014 event was the largest yet with more than 10,000 in attendance and more than 500 participating LS-powered cars. The complete results for all 2014 LS Fest competitions can be found on the Holley LS Fest website.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Next year, the NMRA and NMCA will return to Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Beech Bend Raceway to Host 2015 NMRA and NMCA Events; All-Star Nationals to be Held at Atlanta Dragway
The ProMedia Competition Department has announced two Bowling Green, Kentucky, dates for the 2015 season. NMRA will return to Beech Bend Raceway, October 1–4, 2015, and the NMCA will return to the dragstrip, May 14–17, 2015, after a one-year sabbatical. Highlights of the NMRA Keystone Automotive Series in Kentucky include the season-ending World Finals, where champions are decided in all NMRA points categories. Nitto Tire rings are at stake, and the champions are decided in classes such as Street Outlaw, Renegade, Coyote Modified and the Terminator vs. GT500 showdown.

In the NMCA Flowmaster Series, spectators can expect to see Ford vs. Chevy vs. Mopar battle it out on the quarter-mile. The 10th Annual Dave Duell Nostalgia Super Stock Classic will be a featured event in 2015 with plans in process for a 10-year anniversary celebration. Additional events include the 250+ mph Pro Mods, an all-brands car show and swap meet.

In addition, the seventh-annual NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals will be held April 9-12, 2015, at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Georgia.

Fredric Aasbo in the Hankook Tire/Scion Racing tC took his second victory of the season at Texas Motor Speedway.

Formula DRIFT Round 6: Fredric Aasbo Victorious at Texas Motor Speedway
Formula DRIFT, for the second consecutive year, returned to Texas Motor Speedway for Round 6: Showdown, where Fredric Aasbo in the Hankook Tire/Scion Racing tC took his second victory of the season. The event featured Round 2 of the PRO 2 series, Offset Kings car show and action from the Pro Championship.

The Finals pitted Aasbo and Odi Bakchis. In the second run, Bakchis spun out, giving Aasbo the event victory. Aasbo closed the point gap heading into the final event of the season with 26 points separating him from Forsberg as they head into the final event of the 2014 season.

The 2014 Formula DRIFT Championship season continues to Round 7: Final Fight at Irwindale Speedway, October 10–11.

	The Cansdales celebrate the win at Irwindale. Photo credit: Marv Keller

Irwindale Speedway First Responders Night Results
In the Lucas Oil Late Models at Irwindale Speedway last weekend, Ryan Partridge won the first race and got a good third for 96 points on the night and a 64-point lead (762 to 698) over Toni McCray. In race two, the Lucas Oil Late Models division saw its youngest-ever winner in 15-year-old Ryan Cansdale, who had finished second in the first race of the night. Trevor Huddleston came in second place and Andrew Porter took a fourth and a third in the twin races.

Brent Scheidemantle extended his points lead in the INEX Legend Cars division by 42 markers. Brendan Weaver got a close second place with Ricky Schlick in third.

In the Irwindale Super Stocks, Henry Miles grabbed the lead mid-race and won his second race in a row, followed by Zack Green and Greg Crutcher. Miles' win pulled him to within 14 points of series leader Green (380–366) with two races (and 150 points) yet to go in the 2014 season.

In the "big boomers," officially named the Pick Your Part Super Late Models, Jason Patison got his third straight victory in the heavy-duty division, putting him into a tie with McCray with one race to go on the clock. Linny White and Juan Garcia came in second and third respectively.

	The final race of the NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals 2014 season will feature high-horsepower, supercharged and nitrous-powered Mustangs competing in the 200+ mph ATF Speed Street Outlaw and Edelbrock Renegade classes.

NMRA Wraps Up Mustang's 50th Anniversary Year With All-Ford Event
The final race of the NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals 2014 season will take place October 2–5, 2014, at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky. High-horsepower, supercharged and nitrous-powered Mustangs will line up to compete in the 200+ mph ATF Speed Street Outlaw and Edelbrock Renegade classes. The fourth-annual VMP Superchargers Terminator/GT500 Shootout brings out the best-prepped Mustangs in the country. A giant TREMEC True Street class, presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords magazine, allows all street-legal Fords to compete for prize money after a 30-mile escorted cruise to prove their street-worthiness. For the first time, Ford fans will witness the new ’15 Mustang racing down the quarter-mile. Another first is the Turbo Coyote Shootout, where racers will pilot their turbocharged Coyote 5.0L Mustangs down the track to set records and be part of the largest Mustang drag race of the year.

2014 LS Fest Results
September 5–7 marked the fifth-annual Holley LS Fest. The 2014 event was the largest yet with more than 10,000 in attendance and more than 500 participating LS-powered cars. The complete results for all 2014 LS Fest competitions can be found on the Holley LS Fest website.

By SEMA Editors

	CompuLEAD Smart provides exhibitors an easy way to capture and qualify leads on and off the Show floor using their own iPhone, iPad or Android device.

The CompuLEAD Smart lead-retrieval app—available for 2014 SEMA Show exhibitors—essentially turns a smartphone into a badge scanner, providing exhibitors an easy way to capture and qualify leads on and off the Show floor using their own iPhone, iPad or Android device. Receive three app licenses for the price of one badge scanner.

Download CompuLEAD Smart from the Apple Store or Google Play. To activate, visit the CompuSystems website or call 708-786-5565.

For more information on CompuLEAD Smart, check out their YouTube video.

By SEMA Editors

	CompuLEAD Smart provides exhibitors an easy way to capture and qualify leads on and off the Show floor using their own iPhone, iPad or Android device.

The CompuLEAD Smart lead-retrieval app—available for 2014 SEMA Show exhibitors—essentially turns a smartphone into a badge scanner, providing exhibitors an easy way to capture and qualify leads on and off the Show floor using their own iPhone, iPad or Android device. Receive three app licenses for the price of one badge scanner.

Download CompuLEAD Smart from the Apple Store or Google Play. To activate, visit the CompuSystems website or call 708-786-5565.

For more information on CompuLEAD Smart, check out their YouTube video.

By SEMA Editors

	David Rigg will provide a detailed overview of the market developments and repairability research taking place between the steel industry and automakers.

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists' (SCRS) OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit—to be held Wednesday, November 5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2014 SEMA Show—will explore how automotive design, technology and materials impact repairability, and how in turn, repairability influences structural design and development. The full-day program will include four unique panel discussions with automakers, equipment suppliers, certified repair facilities and OEM certifiers/auditors, and will also feature special presentations from subject-matter experts on automotive materials. Registration is required to attend, and seats are limited.

As the agenda's newest development, SCRS has announced that David Rigg, project lead with the Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) Repairability Project, will provide a detailed overview of the market developments and repairability research taking place between the steel industry and automakers. The A/SP is a collaboration between the steel company members of the Automotive Applications Council of the Steel Market Development Institute, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. to pursue research, validation and education that help automakers enhance vehicle safety and fuel economy, and improve design and manufacturing. Through the A/SP, automakers and steel companies have worked to drive improvements and innovation in vehicles on the road and in repair businesses today.

"Participating in the SCRS OEM Collison Repair Technology Summit allows us the opportunity to interact with the leaders of the automotive repair industry to better understand their needs so that we can incorporate them into our project plan," said Terry Cullum, director of the A/SP. "Our goal is to share the latest technology on these innovative, advanced high-strength steel materials so that they can be repaired in the field using the best practices developed from our repairability project."

Rigg will deliver visibility into the technological advancements being made in the steel industry relative to automotive materials, along with an overview of how their market is developing as a result of increased collaboration toward ever-evolving safety and sustainability goals. He will share reasons behind the automakers' continued reliance on steel as a critical substrate, and what the industry is doing to aid in the development of that relationship. The presentation will ultimately address how repairability plays a role in material research and development, and the prevalence steel will have in the vehicles of tomorrow.

In addition to his role with the A/SP, Rigg serves as global service lead – structures, front and rear closures at General Motors, where he is responsible for the development, consensus, documentation and implementation of Global Service Requirements. He also represents service at the Advanced Vehicle Development Center for body structures.

For more information about the SCRS Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series, and to register for the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit and other RDE sessions, visit www.semashow.com/scrs.

By SEMA Editors

	David Rigg will provide a detailed overview of the market developments and repairability research taking place between the steel industry and automakers.

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists' (SCRS) OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit—to be held Wednesday, November 5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2014 SEMA Show—will explore how automotive design, technology and materials impact repairability, and how in turn, repairability influences structural design and development. The full-day program will include four unique panel discussions with automakers, equipment suppliers, certified repair facilities and OEM certifiers/auditors, and will also feature special presentations from subject-matter experts on automotive materials. Registration is required to attend, and seats are limited.

As the agenda's newest development, SCRS has announced that David Rigg, project lead with the Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) Repairability Project, will provide a detailed overview of the market developments and repairability research taking place between the steel industry and automakers. The A/SP is a collaboration between the steel company members of the Automotive Applications Council of the Steel Market Development Institute, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. to pursue research, validation and education that help automakers enhance vehicle safety and fuel economy, and improve design and manufacturing. Through the A/SP, automakers and steel companies have worked to drive improvements and innovation in vehicles on the road and in repair businesses today.

"Participating in the SCRS OEM Collison Repair Technology Summit allows us the opportunity to interact with the leaders of the automotive repair industry to better understand their needs so that we can incorporate them into our project plan," said Terry Cullum, director of the A/SP. "Our goal is to share the latest technology on these innovative, advanced high-strength steel materials so that they can be repaired in the field using the best practices developed from our repairability project."

Rigg will deliver visibility into the technological advancements being made in the steel industry relative to automotive materials, along with an overview of how their market is developing as a result of increased collaboration toward ever-evolving safety and sustainability goals. He will share reasons behind the automakers' continued reliance on steel as a critical substrate, and what the industry is doing to aid in the development of that relationship. The presentation will ultimately address how repairability plays a role in material research and development, and the prevalence steel will have in the vehicles of tomorrow.

In addition to his role with the A/SP, Rigg serves as global service lead – structures, front and rear closures at General Motors, where he is responsible for the development, consensus, documentation and implementation of Global Service Requirements. He also represents service at the Advanced Vehicle Development Center for body structures.

For more information about the SCRS Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series, and to register for the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit and other RDE sessions, visit www.semashow.com/scrs.

By SEMA Editors

	David Rigg will provide a detailed overview of the market developments and repairability research taking place between the steel industry and automakers.

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists' (SCRS) OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit—to be held Wednesday, November 5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2014 SEMA Show—will explore how automotive design, technology and materials impact repairability, and how in turn, repairability influences structural design and development. The full-day program will include four unique panel discussions with automakers, equipment suppliers, certified repair facilities and OEM certifiers/auditors, and will also feature special presentations from subject-matter experts on automotive materials. Registration is required to attend, and seats are limited.

As the agenda's newest development, SCRS has announced that David Rigg, project lead with the Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) Repairability Project, will provide a detailed overview of the market developments and repairability research taking place between the steel industry and automakers. The A/SP is a collaboration between the steel company members of the Automotive Applications Council of the Steel Market Development Institute, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. to pursue research, validation and education that help automakers enhance vehicle safety and fuel economy, and improve design and manufacturing. Through the A/SP, automakers and steel companies have worked to drive improvements and innovation in vehicles on the road and in repair businesses today.

"Participating in the SCRS OEM Collison Repair Technology Summit allows us the opportunity to interact with the leaders of the automotive repair industry to better understand their needs so that we can incorporate them into our project plan," said Terry Cullum, director of the A/SP. "Our goal is to share the latest technology on these innovative, advanced high-strength steel materials so that they can be repaired in the field using the best practices developed from our repairability project."

Rigg will deliver visibility into the technological advancements being made in the steel industry relative to automotive materials, along with an overview of how their market is developing as a result of increased collaboration toward ever-evolving safety and sustainability goals. He will share reasons behind the automakers' continued reliance on steel as a critical substrate, and what the industry is doing to aid in the development of that relationship. The presentation will ultimately address how repairability plays a role in material research and development, and the prevalence steel will have in the vehicles of tomorrow.

In addition to his role with the A/SP, Rigg serves as global service lead – structures, front and rear closures at General Motors, where he is responsible for the development, consensus, documentation and implementation of Global Service Requirements. He also represents service at the Advanced Vehicle Development Center for body structures.

For more information about the SCRS Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series, and to register for the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit and other RDE sessions, visit www.semashow.com/scrs.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	The Goodguys GOLD awards will be presented to five winners at the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7, in Las Vegas.

Goodguys Gold Awards Return to the SEMA Show

The Goodguys GOLD awards will be presented for the second consecutive year to five winners at the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7, in Las Vegas. All cars on display at the SEMA Show that have a Goodguys decal attached to their windshield will be eligible for a Goodguys GOLD award.

Goodguys’ Vice President of Event Operations Harry Daviess will be on hand beginning Saturday, November 1, to ensure all exhibiting vehicles get handed a Goodguys decal upon move in. All American-made or American-powered exhibit vehicles, regardless of year, make or model will be eligible for a Goodguys GOLD award.

The winners will be announced at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association booth in Hot Rod Alley (booth #22375) Wednesday, November 4, at 2:00 p.m. All car owners, builders, exhibitors, fans and enthusiasts are encouraged to attend the winner’s announcement ceremony Wednesday afternoon.

In addition to the GOLD awards, Goodguys will present the Trendsetter award Wednesday evening, November 5, during the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) awards banquet. Goodguys Trendsetter Award is presented to rising talents in the realm of hot-rod and custom-car building.

Shawn Herrick

RealTruck.com Appoints Vice President of Business Development

RealTruck.com has promoted previous Director of Web Content Shawn Herrick to vice president of business development. Herrick began working for RealTruck as a part-time blogger in July 2010. Since then, he has steadily climbed through the ranks at RealTruck, most recently holding a position as director of web content.

In his new position, Herrick is responsible for identifying new pickup aftermarket accessories trends and products, locating new potential business opportunities for RealTruck and increasing the company's national reach. Herrick is based out of the RealTruck Jamestown office.

MAHLE Service Solutions Featured on "Motorhead Garage"

MAHLE Aftermarket Service Solutions will be featured in an upcoming episode of "Motorhead Garage" on the Velocity network. The segment features the division’s Director of Sales Keith Korchma explaining the benefits of the company’s EV-1 Exhaust Ventilation System that helps automotive repair shops safely ventilate exhaust fumes. The episode is scheduled to be aired Sunday, September 21, at 1:00 p.m. (EDT) on Velocity.

	Royal Purple will unveil its latest sponsored car in its SEMA Show booth, Tuesday, November 4.

Royal Purple to Unveil Its Latest Sponsored Custom Car by Ringbrothers and Introduce Four New Products at 2014 SEMA Show

Royal Purple has announced it will introduce four new products and unveil its latest sponsored custom car built by Ringbrothers as part of its press conference (booth #23057) during the 2014 SEMA Show. On Tuesday, November 4, from 1:30 p.m.–1:50 p.m., Royal Purple will introduce its four latest products, including: Royal Flush, Max-Atomizer, HMX high-mileage motor oil in 10W-40 and XPR extreme performance racing motor oil in 10W-60. In addition to its new products, Royal Purple will also unveil the latest creation from Ringbrothers—a ’66 Chevelle. This build will feature extensive fabrication of interior and exterior panels. Under hood, Royal Purple’s premium synthetics will provide lubrication for a Wegner Motorsports LS7 engine, producing almost 1,000 hp.

The Hybrid Shop Takes Gold at the 2014 Stevie American Business Awards

The Hybrid Shop's (THS) hybrid vehicle services has been named a Gold winner in the New Product or Service of the Year – Consumer Services category in the 2014 Stevie American Business Awards. This year's winners were selected from a pool of more than 3,300 nominations, coming from organizations of all sizes and industries. In addition to the Gold win, THS was also recognized as a People's Choice winner at this year's award event, held September 12, at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. People's Choice winners were selected from more than 57,000 votes cast in July and August.

THS will host a Complimentary Hybrid Training Day event for shop owners during the 2014 SEMA Show, November 3, from 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., in partnership with Ted Wiens Tire and Auto Centers. The event is invitation-only, and registration is required. THS will be located in the Tools & Equipment section of the North Hall in booth #10218.

Mark Ticen

VP Racing Fuels Appoints Ticen as Regional Manager for Western Division
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has the appointed Mark Ticen regional manager, Western division. Based at the company’s regional sales office in Murrieta, California, Ticen is responsible for sales and distribution of race fuel in VP’s Western region, which includes California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho and Montana, as well as exports to Baja California, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific Rim. Ticen brings 10 years of sales, marketing and R&D experience in the race fuel industry to the company. Although his primary focus has been on the powersports segment, he’s been involved with all aspects of motorsports, from drag racing, circle track and off-road to supercross and motocross.

Air Lift Co. Marks 65th Anniversary With Company Expansion Plans

As Air Lift Co. marks its 65th year of business this year, the company announced plans for a 40,000-sq.-ft. addition to be built at the company's Lansing, Michigan, headquarters. The new space represents a significant expansion of Air Lift's manufacturing capacity. The company has also recently added engineering support in response to the growing demand for Air Lift air-suspension products.

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.