The Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. Like all of SEMA's research reports, the annual study is available to SEMA members at no cost.

By SEMA Market Research

Sales of automotive specialty-equipment products continue to climb, with sales in 2012 reaching $31 billion, according to the 2013 SEMA Annual Market Report. The figure represents a 4% increase over the previous year, and marks the third consecutive year of growth.
 
“The report’s findings are consistent with what we are seeing and hearing in the industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Having experienced significant economic challenges over the past several years, the specialty-parts and accessories market is ready and eager to do business. Companies have a more positive outlook about the future and are finding ways to grow the market.”

Members: Get your free copy of the 2013 SEMA Annual Market Study.

The automotive specialty-equipment market began to see an upswing in 2010, when sales totaled to $28.60 billion—a 2% increase over the previous year. Sales reached $29.99 billion the following year, representing a growth of 5% over 2010.
 
The growth in 2012 is largely attributed to a growth in the street-performance niche. Accounting for $7.47 billion in sales, the street-performance niche represents the largest niche in the industry.
 
Also noteworthy in the study is the light-truck market. While the segment had been declining in recent years, the niche saw a slight increase and is expected to rebound as leading automakers prepare to release major redesigns for popular truck models in the coming years.  
 
“The SEMA Annual Market Report is consistent with the trends we see,” said Kersting. “The number of exhibitors and buyer attendees at the SEMA Show has consistently increased over the last couple of years and we are on track to see an even stronger Show in 2013. We’re seeing strong participation in nearly every area of the Show.”
 
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.  

	The Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. Like all of SEMA's research reports, the annual study is available to SEMA members at no cost.

By SEMA Market Research

Sales of automotive specialty-equipment products continue to climb, with sales in 2012 reaching $31 billion, according to the 2013 SEMA Annual Market Report. The figure represents a 4% increase over the previous year, and marks the third consecutive year of growth.
 
“The report’s findings are consistent with what we are seeing and hearing in the industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Having experienced significant economic challenges over the past several years, the specialty-parts and accessories market is ready and eager to do business. Companies have a more positive outlook about the future and are finding ways to grow the market.”

Members: Get your free copy of the 2013 SEMA Annual Market Study.

The automotive specialty-equipment market began to see an upswing in 2010, when sales totaled to $28.60 billion—a 2% increase over the previous year. Sales reached $29.99 billion the following year, representing a growth of 5% over 2010.
 
The growth in 2012 is largely attributed to a growth in the street-performance niche. Accounting for $7.47 billion in sales, the street-performance niche represents the largest niche in the industry.
 
Also noteworthy in the study is the light-truck market. While the segment had been declining in recent years, the niche saw a slight increase and is expected to rebound as leading automakers prepare to release major redesigns for popular truck models in the coming years.  
 
“The SEMA Annual Market Report is consistent with the trends we see,” said Kersting. “The number of exhibitors and buyer attendees at the SEMA Show has consistently increased over the last couple of years and we are on track to see an even stronger Show in 2013. We’re seeing strong participation in nearly every area of the Show.”
 
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.  

	The Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. Like all of SEMA's research reports, the annual study is available to SEMA members at no cost.

By SEMA Market Research

Sales of automotive specialty-equipment products continue to climb, with sales in 2012 reaching $31 billion, according to the 2013 SEMA Annual Market Report. The figure represents a 4% increase over the previous year, and marks the third consecutive year of growth.
 
“The report’s findings are consistent with what we are seeing and hearing in the industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Having experienced significant economic challenges over the past several years, the specialty-parts and accessories market is ready and eager to do business. Companies have a more positive outlook about the future and are finding ways to grow the market.”

Members: Get your free copy of the 2013 SEMA Annual Market Study.

The automotive specialty-equipment market began to see an upswing in 2010, when sales totaled to $28.60 billion—a 2% increase over the previous year. Sales reached $29.99 billion the following year, representing a growth of 5% over 2010.
 
The growth in 2012 is largely attributed to a growth in the street-performance niche. Accounting for $7.47 billion in sales, the street-performance niche represents the largest niche in the industry.
 
Also noteworthy in the study is the light-truck market. While the segment had been declining in recent years, the niche saw a slight increase and is expected to rebound as leading automakers prepare to release major redesigns for popular truck models in the coming years.  
 
“The SEMA Annual Market Report is consistent with the trends we see,” said Kersting. “The number of exhibitors and buyer attendees at the SEMA Show has consistently increased over the last couple of years and we are on track to see an even stronger Show in 2013. We’re seeing strong participation in nearly every area of the Show.”
 
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.  

SEMA News—June 2013

HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Petersen Archive

Long-Haul Roadsters

The Hot Rod Power Tour is nearing its 20th birthday (this year’s running in June swings from Texas to North Carolina), but the roots of long-distance hot-rod hauling go back much further than that.

The October 1963 issue of Car Craft covered an annual road trip made by members of the Los Angeles and Bay Area Roadster Clubs.

The story, “Cruisin’ for a Reason,” described how members would start from their respective ends of California and convene at a hotel in Fresno, roughly halfway between each club’s home base.

“More than a dozen cars in each group made the tour, drawing glances of admiration and respect from thousands of motorists along the freeways and super-highways,” wrote Lynn Wineland, one of three Petersen staffers who went on the tour.

The photos here, shot by Petersen lensman Eric Rickman, show members of the Bay Area club “ensconced in their rooms and flaked out about the cool pool” at the MoteLodge in Fresno as they awaited their compadres from the south. Among those arriving from the Southland were “newlyweds Doyle and Jane Gammil, who treat their Glass Tee with lovin’ care,” wrote Wineland. “Doyle works for Ed Roth, and his dad Roy is a long-time Moon mechanic.”

Echoing the sentiments of today’s Power Tour organizers, Wineland admitted, “It’s tough to keep a large group together on the highway or streets without getting in people’s way.” Yet the rodders were praised by local police and Highway Patrol officers “on their manners and courtesy in driving,” he wrote.

SEMA News—June 2013

HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Petersen Archive

Long-Haul Roadsters

The Hot Rod Power Tour is nearing its 20th birthday (this year’s running in June swings from Texas to North Carolina), but the roots of long-distance hot-rod hauling go back much further than that.

The October 1963 issue of Car Craft covered an annual road trip made by members of the Los Angeles and Bay Area Roadster Clubs.

The story, “Cruisin’ for a Reason,” described how members would start from their respective ends of California and convene at a hotel in Fresno, roughly halfway between each club’s home base.

“More than a dozen cars in each group made the tour, drawing glances of admiration and respect from thousands of motorists along the freeways and super-highways,” wrote Lynn Wineland, one of three Petersen staffers who went on the tour.

The photos here, shot by Petersen lensman Eric Rickman, show members of the Bay Area club “ensconced in their rooms and flaked out about the cool pool” at the MoteLodge in Fresno as they awaited their compadres from the south. Among those arriving from the Southland were “newlyweds Doyle and Jane Gammil, who treat their Glass Tee with lovin’ care,” wrote Wineland. “Doyle works for Ed Roth, and his dad Roy is a long-time Moon mechanic.”

Echoing the sentiments of today’s Power Tour organizers, Wineland admitted, “It’s tough to keep a large group together on the highway or streets without getting in people’s way.” Yet the rodders were praised by local police and Highway Patrol officers “on their manners and courtesy in driving,” he wrote.

SEMA News—June 2013

HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Petersen Archive

Long-Haul Roadsters

The Hot Rod Power Tour is nearing its 20th birthday (this year’s running in June swings from Texas to North Carolina), but the roots of long-distance hot-rod hauling go back much further than that.

The October 1963 issue of Car Craft covered an annual road trip made by members of the Los Angeles and Bay Area Roadster Clubs.

The story, “Cruisin’ for a Reason,” described how members would start from their respective ends of California and convene at a hotel in Fresno, roughly halfway between each club’s home base.

“More than a dozen cars in each group made the tour, drawing glances of admiration and respect from thousands of motorists along the freeways and super-highways,” wrote Lynn Wineland, one of three Petersen staffers who went on the tour.

The photos here, shot by Petersen lensman Eric Rickman, show members of the Bay Area club “ensconced in their rooms and flaked out about the cool pool” at the MoteLodge in Fresno as they awaited their compadres from the south. Among those arriving from the Southland were “newlyweds Doyle and Jane Gammil, who treat their Glass Tee with lovin’ care,” wrote Wineland. “Doyle works for Ed Roth, and his dad Roy is a long-time Moon mechanic.”

Echoing the sentiments of today’s Power Tour organizers, Wineland admitted, “It’s tough to keep a large group together on the highway or streets without getting in people’s way.” Yet the rodders were praised by local police and Highway Patrol officers “on their manners and courtesy in driving,” he wrote.

By AJ Carney

	SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide 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 the second stop of the 2013 Town Hall tour. Members and prospective members will be gathering at Bestop Inc. in Broomfield, Colorado, Wednesday, June 26, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide 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 provide members with the chance to share business challenges and opportunities they face.

They also give SEMA staff valuable feedback that will help identify current benefits to enhance members' business operations and better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

Register now, or for more information, contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

By AJ Carney

	SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide 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 the second stop of the 2013 Town Hall tour. Members and prospective members will be gathering at Bestop Inc. in Broomfield, Colorado, Wednesday, June 26, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide 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 provide members with the chance to share business challenges and opportunities they face.

They also give SEMA staff valuable feedback that will help identify current benefits to enhance members' business operations and better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

Register now, or for more information, contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NEWS NUGGETS

FORCE AND SCHUMACHER LOOK FOR SUCCESS AT BRISTOL DRAGWAY: 15-time NHRA Funny Car Champion John Force and seven-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher both are looking for continued success at Bristol Dragway during the upcoming Ford Thunder Valley Nationals June 14–16. Force has three wins at the track the most recent coming in 2010. Force is ready to return to the finals on Father's Day.

"I have always enjoyed racing at Bristol on Father's Day," Force said. "I am lucky I get to be with some of my kids at the racetrack. When they were growing up I missed a lot of Father's Days, and now I am thankful I get to spend time with them."

Schumacher has five wins at the track nestled in the Tennessee mountains. "We go there feeling successful," Schumacher said. "We go there with the attitude of success. My guys were disappointed in Englishtown (semifinal loss at the most recent event), and I said, 'Don't be disappointed, we are going to go into Bristol and win.'"

Tickets are for sale at www.bristoldragway.com or 423-989-6900.

JEGS FOUNDATION MAKES $10 MILLION DOLLAR GIFT: The Coughlin family, led by patriarch Jeg Coughlin Sr., and sons John, Troy, Mike and Jeg Jr., recently announced at $10 million gift to support The Ohio State University's Project One campaign and the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Rickard J. Solove Research Institute. To celebrate the gift the lobby of the building will be named Jegs Foundation Racing for Cancer Research lobby.

"You don't have to look too far to find someone who has been affected personally or has been a caregiver," Coughlin Sr. said. "Hopefully many will see what we did and ask, 'What can we do to be a part of the James and cancer research too?'"

COOPERATIVE VENTURE BETWEEN NHRA, FUNNY CAR TEAMS LEADS TO NEW LATCH SYSTEM: Beginning at the Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Denver, all nitro Funny Car competitors in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will be required to be equipped with a new NHRA-approved dual front latching and tethering system. The development of this new system was led by NHRA Vice President-Technical Operations Glen Gray and Director of Engineering Timothy White, members of Don Schumacher Racing, John Force Racing, Kalitta Motorsports, and Head Racing teams, along with industry experts, including chassis builder Murph McKinney and renowned composite manufacturer Aerodine.

"The process of developing this solution was a wonderful experience," White said. "The guys who work on these cars bring a deep knowledge and hands-on perspective to the table, so their input was extremely valuable."

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS, Bristol Dragway, June 14–16: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will return to the hills of East Tennessee once again for the 13th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, June 14–16, at Bristol Dragway. Set for Father’s Day weekend, this event is the 10th of 24 races in the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock drivers will battle on the legendary dragstrip all weekend for the most coveted trophy in all of drag racing, the Wally. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) are the defending winners of the event that will be televised on ESPN2HD. For tickets, call Bristol Dragway at 423-989-6900 or visit www.bristoldragway.com.

AUTO-PLUS NHRA NEW ENGLAND NATIONALS, New England Dragway, June 20–23: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series arrives at New England Dragway for the inaugural NHRA New England Nationals, June 20–23. To kick off the weekend’s festivities the stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, including 15-time Funny Car world champ John Force, his teammate 2009 Funny Car world champion Robert Hight, Rhode Island native Bob Tasca III and Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon, participate in the NHRA New England Nationals Fan Fest and Press Conference to be held in the heart of Boston, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Wednesday, June 19, starting at 12:00 p.m.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

“It's Father's Day and me racing with my father and close to my father its an exceptional deal. Also, we were here last year in just a dead heat. We almost got it done last year and that fueled us for the remainder of the year, and we are hoping to do the same thing this year, but come away with a win and fuel us for the championship race."

–Allen Johnson on racing on Father's Day weekend at Bristol Dragway his home track. Johnson raced to a runner-up finish at the track last year losing to Mike Edwards in the closest finish in the history of the NHRA.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

61%: The percentage of races Don Schumacher Racing has won in Top Fuel and Funny Car this season. In Top Fuel Tony Schumacher and Antron Brown have two wins and Spencer Massey has one victory. Johnny Gray has three wins, Matt Hagan has two and Ron Capps has one Funny Car win this year.

DID YOU KNOW…

The initial response from NHRA fans in New England has been so strong, officials at New England Dragway have been forced to designate additional grandstands sections as reserved seating for the upcoming inaugural Auto-Plus New England Nationals.

"There has been such an overwhelmingly positive response from fans in this area who are excited to attend the first NHRA national event at our track that we had to open up additional grandstand sections as reserved seating," said Joe Lombardo, general manager of New England Dragway. "From all indications, this event is going to surpass any preliminary expectations we had when we started this journey several years ago."

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NEWS NUGGETS

FORCE AND SCHUMACHER LOOK FOR SUCCESS AT BRISTOL DRAGWAY: 15-time NHRA Funny Car Champion John Force and seven-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher both are looking for continued success at Bristol Dragway during the upcoming Ford Thunder Valley Nationals June 14–16. Force has three wins at the track the most recent coming in 2010. Force is ready to return to the finals on Father's Day.

"I have always enjoyed racing at Bristol on Father's Day," Force said. "I am lucky I get to be with some of my kids at the racetrack. When they were growing up I missed a lot of Father's Days, and now I am thankful I get to spend time with them."

Schumacher has five wins at the track nestled in the Tennessee mountains. "We go there feeling successful," Schumacher said. "We go there with the attitude of success. My guys were disappointed in Englishtown (semifinal loss at the most recent event), and I said, 'Don't be disappointed, we are going to go into Bristol and win.'"

Tickets are for sale at www.bristoldragway.com or 423-989-6900.

JEGS FOUNDATION MAKES $10 MILLION DOLLAR GIFT: The Coughlin family, led by patriarch Jeg Coughlin Sr., and sons John, Troy, Mike and Jeg Jr., recently announced at $10 million gift to support The Ohio State University's Project One campaign and the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Rickard J. Solove Research Institute. To celebrate the gift the lobby of the building will be named Jegs Foundation Racing for Cancer Research lobby.

"You don't have to look too far to find someone who has been affected personally or has been a caregiver," Coughlin Sr. said. "Hopefully many will see what we did and ask, 'What can we do to be a part of the James and cancer research too?'"

COOPERATIVE VENTURE BETWEEN NHRA, FUNNY CAR TEAMS LEADS TO NEW LATCH SYSTEM: Beginning at the Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Denver, all nitro Funny Car competitors in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will be required to be equipped with a new NHRA-approved dual front latching and tethering system. The development of this new system was led by NHRA Vice President-Technical Operations Glen Gray and Director of Engineering Timothy White, members of Don Schumacher Racing, John Force Racing, Kalitta Motorsports, and Head Racing teams, along with industry experts, including chassis builder Murph McKinney and renowned composite manufacturer Aerodine.

"The process of developing this solution was a wonderful experience," White said. "The guys who work on these cars bring a deep knowledge and hands-on perspective to the table, so their input was extremely valuable."

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS, Bristol Dragway, June 14–16: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will return to the hills of East Tennessee once again for the 13th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, June 14–16, at Bristol Dragway. Set for Father’s Day weekend, this event is the 10th of 24 races in the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock drivers will battle on the legendary dragstrip all weekend for the most coveted trophy in all of drag racing, the Wally. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) are the defending winners of the event that will be televised on ESPN2HD. For tickets, call Bristol Dragway at 423-989-6900 or visit www.bristoldragway.com.

AUTO-PLUS NHRA NEW ENGLAND NATIONALS, New England Dragway, June 20–23: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series arrives at New England Dragway for the inaugural NHRA New England Nationals, June 20–23. To kick off the weekend’s festivities the stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, including 15-time Funny Car world champ John Force, his teammate 2009 Funny Car world champion Robert Hight, Rhode Island native Bob Tasca III and Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon, participate in the NHRA New England Nationals Fan Fest and Press Conference to be held in the heart of Boston, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Wednesday, June 19, starting at 12:00 p.m.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

“It's Father's Day and me racing with my father and close to my father its an exceptional deal. Also, we were here last year in just a dead heat. We almost got it done last year and that fueled us for the remainder of the year, and we are hoping to do the same thing this year, but come away with a win and fuel us for the championship race."

–Allen Johnson on racing on Father's Day weekend at Bristol Dragway his home track. Johnson raced to a runner-up finish at the track last year losing to Mike Edwards in the closest finish in the history of the NHRA.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

61%: The percentage of races Don Schumacher Racing has won in Top Fuel and Funny Car this season. In Top Fuel Tony Schumacher and Antron Brown have two wins and Spencer Massey has one victory. Johnny Gray has three wins, Matt Hagan has two and Ron Capps has one Funny Car win this year.

DID YOU KNOW…

The initial response from NHRA fans in New England has been so strong, officials at New England Dragway have been forced to designate additional grandstands sections as reserved seating for the upcoming inaugural Auto-Plus New England Nationals.

"There has been such an overwhelmingly positive response from fans in this area who are excited to attend the first NHRA national event at our track that we had to open up additional grandstand sections as reserved seating," said Joe Lombardo, general manager of New England Dragway. "From all indications, this event is going to surpass any preliminary expectations we had when we started this journey several years ago."