SEMA Immediate Past Chairman Jim Cozzie, RTM Productions (left); Ken Martindale, Henkel (Locktite) Corp. and Courtney Hansen, host of SpikeTV's new "Search & Restore" TV Show pose for photos after a press conference at the 2010 SEMA Show.

Courtney Hansen spends her weekends on SpikeTV's Powerblock, hosting two solid hours of back-to-back programming. Hansen hosts Spike's "Powerblock: HorsepowerTV," "Trucks!," "MuscleCar" and "Xtreme 4x4." Coming May 7, 2011, RTM Productions adds a new neighbor to the automotive how-to block—"Search & Restore."

Hansen can be seen promoting the new show in a trailer appearing both online and on SpikeTV. In the preview, the network declares that "Search & Restore" resurrects the power of performance. In this new addition to the Powerblock, the focus will be on family treasures and lost causes, all brought back to life. From coast to coast, volunteer teams of pros will donate their time restoring rides nationwide to those worthy of a helping hand.

Exclusively seen on Spike TV, "Search & Restore" is a show for automotive enthusiasts, produced by RTM Productions. RTM is a full-service television production company specializing in automotive, outdoor and entertainment programming. The company employs a staff of 42, including executive staff, administration, sales, producers, writers, talent, videographers, editors and graphic artists.

Custom rods, rock crawlers and A-list celebrities, including Chip Foose and Mario Andretti, have all appeared on SpikeTV's "Powerblock." Stay tuned to Spike for new episodes of your favorite automotive programming, and watch this spring as "Search & Restore" takes the dream of auto restoration and makes it a reality.

If you'd like to nominate your own vehicle, please visit http://www.searchandrestoretv.com/application.php.

	Buyers and exhibitors alike found the 2010 SEMA Show a valuable experience.

The vibe from the 2010 SEMA Show was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 100,000 industry professionals gathering last week in Las Vegas.

“The enthusiasm and attitude was huge,” said Tony Napoli Jr., owner of American Speed Center of York, Pennsylvania. As a SEMA Board member, Napoli went into the 2010 event knowing that industry participation would be up from the previous year. Still, he was overwhelmed and impressed with what he saw.

“[The 2010 SEMA Show] was as good, if not better, than any Show in recent years. There’s a fair amount of new products that I’m seriously looking to add to my inventory in the coming year, and I had an opportunity to deal with some new vendors that I’ve never dealt with before.”

Feedback like Napoli’s is what Show organizers ultimately rely on to gauge the success of the event.

“Our customers speak louder than the numbers,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Based on what we’re hearing, the 2010 SEMA Show was a very positive bounce for the industry.”

Exactly what is the industry saying about the 2010 SEMA Show? Take a look:

“Our experience at the 2010 SEMA Show was one of grateful amazement. First, that SEMA would allow a small ‘garage-sized’ company with no automotive history to exhibit, and that we could enter the New Products Awards Program (wherein we stumped the wizards and won first place for Best New Product – Tools and Equipment), also as an unknown. The amount of business we generated at our booth far exceeded our hopes by a trainload, and there was so much action that we had to shut down the ‘To Order’ part of our website. Our booth was swamped from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. when the lights went out, and only on Friday did it slow down by any discernible amount. If I were to make an observation of the Show, it would be that big or small, everyone is welcome, because ‘you are what you drive’ at SEMA.”

— Thurston Schultz, owner of AAC (first-time exhibitor and winner of Best New Product in the Tools and Equipment category)

“This year, more so than ever, we saw a lot of our largest distributors attend the Show. The people who were there were very good decision makers, whether from the distribution level or end user. It gave us a great opportunity to show off a brand-new product that we’re releasing. Also, there was a great deal of media there, whether it was print magazine or Internet or television. The SEMA Show was a great place to get the word out.”

— Tony Larimer, Director of Sales and Marketing for SATA Spray Equipment

"SEMA 2010 was a very positive experience for Pirelli. We were pleased with our new open booth layout this year (#41023 in South Hall) and the relationship we have developed with SEMA and ConvExx. Though we don't have solid numbers yet, foot traffic inside our booth seemed to have increased over the 2009 Show. Our excellent brand visibility is always amplified by our rock-solid partnerships that help deliver our message of quality, performance and customer service. I can't say enough about their commitment and dedication."

— Rafael Navarro, III, Pirelli Tire North America's Director of Motorsport and Communications

“Couplemate decided that it wanted to greatly expand its offerings to the U.S. market and decided immediately that SEMA was the premiere event for us. We worked very hard to make sure that this event was a success for us, and we were very pleased that our very first year brought us a prestigious Global Media Award. We look forward to participating again next year and have our sights on further awards as well. Couplemate is looking forward to a great year with many new customers as a result of attending.”

— Laurie Pedrick, North American Sales Manager for Couplemate Trailer Parts (first-time exhibitor)

“The Show was tremendous. We were able to do several radio and TV spots and will have some great opportunities to promote SEMA in the next year. We put on more than 20 training sessions for SEMA members and offered free airbrush training lessons and installation advice and were received well. We are firm believers in SEMA and especially the education and training initiatives. The Show was well attended, and we were treated with great hospitality.”

— Tom King, Director of Enrollment Management of Ohio Technical College

Buyers and exhibitors are now busy following up on the contacts that they established at the SEMA Show, utilizing programs such as the SEMA Show MatchMaking service. Many are even looking forward to the 2011 SEMA Show, to be held November 1–4, 2011, in Las Vegas. For complete details, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	Buyers and exhibitors alike found the 2010 SEMA Show a valuable experience.

The vibe from the 2010 SEMA Show was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 100,000 industry professionals gathering last week in Las Vegas.

“The enthusiasm and attitude was huge,” said Tony Napoli Jr., owner of American Speed Center of York, Pennsylvania. As a SEMA Board member, Napoli went into the 2010 event knowing that industry participation would be up from the previous year. Still, he was overwhelmed and impressed with what he saw.

“[The 2010 SEMA Show] was as good, if not better, than any Show in recent years. There’s a fair amount of new products that I’m seriously looking to add to my inventory in the coming year, and I had an opportunity to deal with some new vendors that I’ve never dealt with before.”

Feedback like Napoli’s is what Show organizers ultimately rely on to gauge the success of the event.

“Our customers speak louder than the numbers,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Based on what we’re hearing, the 2010 SEMA Show was a very positive bounce for the industry.”

Exactly what is the industry saying about the 2010 SEMA Show? Take a look:

“Our experience at the 2010 SEMA Show was one of grateful amazement. First, that SEMA would allow a small ‘garage-sized’ company with no automotive history to exhibit, and that we could enter the New Products Awards Program (wherein we stumped the wizards and won first place for Best New Product – Tools and Equipment), also as an unknown. The amount of business we generated at our booth far exceeded our hopes by a trainload, and there was so much action that we had to shut down the ‘To Order’ part of our website. Our booth was swamped from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. when the lights went out, and only on Friday did it slow down by any discernible amount. If I were to make an observation of the Show, it would be that big or small, everyone is welcome, because ‘you are what you drive’ at SEMA.”

— Thurston Schultz, owner of AAC (first-time exhibitor and winner of Best New Product in the Tools and Equipment category)

“This year, more so than ever, we saw a lot of our largest distributors attend the Show. The people who were there were very good decision makers, whether from the distribution level or end user. It gave us a great opportunity to show off a brand-new product that we’re releasing. Also, there was a great deal of media there, whether it was print magazine or Internet or television. The SEMA Show was a great place to get the word out.”

— Tony Larimer, Director of Sales and Marketing for SATA Spray Equipment

"SEMA 2010 was a very positive experience for Pirelli. We were pleased with our new open booth layout this year (#41023 in South Hall) and the relationship we have developed with SEMA and ConvExx. Though we don't have solid numbers yet, foot traffic inside our booth seemed to have increased over the 2009 Show. Our excellent brand visibility is always amplified by our rock-solid partnerships that help deliver our message of quality, performance and customer service. I can't say enough about their commitment and dedication."

— Rafael Navarro, III, Pirelli Tire North America's Director of Motorsport and Communications

“Couplemate decided that it wanted to greatly expand its offerings to the U.S. market and decided immediately that SEMA was the premiere event for us. We worked very hard to make sure that this event was a success for us, and we were very pleased that our very first year brought us a prestigious Global Media Award. We look forward to participating again next year and have our sights on further awards as well. Couplemate is looking forward to a great year with many new customers as a result of attending.”

— Laurie Pedrick, North American Sales Manager for Couplemate Trailer Parts (first-time exhibitor)

“The Show was tremendous. We were able to do several radio and TV spots and will have some great opportunities to promote SEMA in the next year. We put on more than 20 training sessions for SEMA members and offered free airbrush training lessons and installation advice and were received well. We are firm believers in SEMA and especially the education and training initiatives. The Show was well attended, and we were treated with great hospitality.”

— Tom King, Director of Enrollment Management of Ohio Technical College

Buyers and exhibitors are now busy following up on the contacts that they established at the SEMA Show, utilizing programs such as the SEMA Show MatchMaking service. Many are even looking forward to the 2011 SEMA Show, to be held November 1–4, 2011, in Las Vegas. For complete details, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

"We're used to seeing lots of Mercedes, BMW and Audi test cars on the Nurburgring," says spy shooter Brenda Priddy of Brenda Priddy & Co. "But we've caught something a little different and much more bizarre-looking."

What you're looking at is the Roding Roadster—a super-lightweight, all-carbon-fiber track car. Priddy says that it weighs in at a little more than 2,000 lbs. and gets its power from a turbo-charged V6. There are more than 300 horses running through the rear wheels, and gears are changed via a six-speed manual.

It's not what too many would call a looker, but speed is its game. According to Priddy, the Roding Roadster will rip off a 0–62 mph run in 3.9 seconds and pull 1.4 lateral g's in the bends!

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

"We're used to seeing lots of Mercedes, BMW and Audi test cars on the Nurburgring," says spy shooter Brenda Priddy of Brenda Priddy & Co. "But we've caught something a little different and much more bizarre-looking."

What you're looking at is the Roding Roadster—a super-lightweight, all-carbon-fiber track car. Priddy says that it weighs in at a little more than 2,000 lbs. and gets its power from a turbo-charged V6. There are more than 300 horses running through the rear wheels, and gears are changed via a six-speed manual.

It's not what too many would call a looker, but speed is its game. According to Priddy, the Roding Roadster will rip off a 0–62 mph run in 3.9 seconds and pull 1.4 lateral g's in the bends!

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

"We're used to seeing lots of Mercedes, BMW and Audi test cars on the Nurburgring," says spy shooter Brenda Priddy of Brenda Priddy & Co. "But we've caught something a little different and much more bizarre-looking."

What you're looking at is the Roding Roadster—a super-lightweight, all-carbon-fiber track car. Priddy says that it weighs in at a little more than 2,000 lbs. and gets its power from a turbo-charged V6. There are more than 300 horses running through the rear wheels, and gears are changed via a six-speed manual.

It's not what too many would call a looker, but speed is its game. According to Priddy, the Roding Roadster will rip off a 0–62 mph run in 3.9 seconds and pull 1.4 lateral g's in the bends!

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

	Edelbrock Academy, developed through a partnership with the Ohio Technical College and Edelbrock LLC, is designed to give students a solid foundation for building and tuning American musclecars and performance vehicles.

Edelbrock and Ohio Technical College Partner for Edelbrock Academy
Ohio Technical College (OTC) formed a new partnership with Edelbrock LLC to create the Edelbrock Academy, a program designed to give students a solid foundation for building and tuning of American musclecars and performance vehicles. According to a release from OTC, the Edelbrock Academy will provide students with the skills necessary to efficiently produce a vehicle through planning, installation and modification of the engine, suspension system, braking system and drivetrain. The course will also cover engine performance modifications; installation of intakes, exhaust, nitrous, carburetors, fuel injection, supercharging systems and numerous additional Edelbrock products; and dyno tuning and testing using products and equipment from Edelbrock LLC. Students will also gain an understanding of the aftermarket performance industry by learning about the history of Edelbrock and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). Upon completion of the Edelbrock Academy program, the participants will receive a certificate signifying their specialized, high-performance training.

Directed Electronics Named Manufacturer of the Year
Directed Electronics was named the Manufacturer of the Year in Mobile Electronics magazine’s 2010 Dealers’ Choice Awards. Directed also earned awards for Best Technical Support, Best Customer Service and Best Warranty Programs. According to Kevin Duffy, president of Directed Electronics, “These awards recognize our focus on being the supplier of choice for our customers, and we are particularly proud to be recognized for the first time as Manufacturer of the Year—a unique honor that reflects the hard work and dedication of all our employees. “We created the Directed Dealers’ Bill of Rights to let our customers know they’re entitled to nothing less than world-class service and support,” added Duffy, “and it’s good to see that our focus on the customer is paying off with these honors.” Jeff Burt, director of technical services, added: “What makes this first-place award in Tech Support so special is that the votes come from our dealers—the people we support each day.”

LINE-X Featured on World's Greatest
LINE-X Protective Coatings has been chosen to be a part of the "World's Greatest!" television series. The show will feature footage filmed on-site at LINE-X's Santa Ana, California, offices and will showcase how its product innovations make LINE-X one of the "World's Greatest!" companies. "World's Greatest!" is a 30 minute television series dedicated to highlighting the world's greatest companies, products, places and people. Each episode showcases a behind-the-scenes view of selected companies, offering executive interviews, product development insight and unique product uses. 

	Curt Ukasik of RPM Hot Rods in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, was presented with the Goodguys Trendsetter award in Las Vegas.

Ukasik Named 2010 Goodguys Trendsetter
Curt Ukasik of RPM Hot Rods in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, was presented with the Goodguys Trendsetter award in Las Vegas. The award is presented annually at the SEMA Show to rising young talents in the realm of rod and custom car building. Read about Ukasik and his accomplishments here. Past recipients of the Goodguys Trendsetter Award include; Chip Foose, Troy Trepanier, Alan Johnson, Eric Peratt, Tim Strange, Dave Lane, Zane Cullen, Dean Livermore, Jesse Greening, Troy Ladd, J.F. Launier and Phil and Jeremy Gerber.

PCGCampbell to Handle Communications for LeMay – America’s Car Museum
LeMay – America’s Car Museum has chosen PCGCampbell (PCGC) to assist in creating and implementing its overall marketing communications strategy, ranging from public and media relations to sponsorship and relationship marketing. America’s Car Museum, located in Tacoma, Washington, was founded by Harold and Nancy LeMay, who amassed the largest privately owned collection of automobiles, motorcycles and trucks in the world—reaching a peak of 3,500 vehicles in the 1990s. The LeMays ultimately decided the public should have access to their collection, which served as the impetus for the $60 million, 165,000 sq.-ft. interactive auto museum and educational center that debuts next year.

	The Fifth Annual International Speedsters Trials and Reunion will join the Smith Collection Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska, from June 15–18, 2011.

International Speedsters Trials and Reunion Heads to the Smith Collection Museum of American Speed
The Fifth Annual International Speedsters Trials and Reunion will join the Smith Collection Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska, from June 15–18, 2011. The reunion is a bi-annual meeting that celebrates the fun, freedom and excitement of cars powered by pre-’35 side-valve Ford four-cylinder engines. More than just a static car show, the reunion features one or more road tours of approximately 100 miles, plus an exciting old-fashioned hill climb (governed by rules and classes from Ford A Speed Technology). Participants will have a chance to test their cars on a chassis dyno and take in one of several technical presentations and discussions. For more information on the Fifth Annual International Speedsters Trials and Reunion, contact Rich Johnston at the Smith Collection Museum of American Speed by calling 402/323-3181, or via e-mail at rsjohnston@speedwaymotors.com.

	Stacy and Kyle Tucker celebrate Detroit Speed & Engineering’s HRIA Business of the Year award during the council’s annual reception.

Council award winners from the SEMA Show include:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

• Business of the Year – Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists Inc.
• Restoration Event of the Year – YearOne Inc.
• Person of the Year – Jim Barber

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

• Hall of Fame – Brent Van Dervort
• Hall of Fame – Bobby Alloway
• Industry Recognition of an Individual Award – Bob Millard
• Business of the Year – Detroit Speed & Engineering Inc.

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

• Retailer of the Year – Chux Trux Inc.
• Hall of Fame – Tom Brooks, Truckin Thunder
• TORA Chairman’s Award – Chris Ripper

Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)

• Hall of Fame – Jim Considine Jr., Considine Sales & Marketing
• STAR Award (Sales Team Annual Recognition) – TruXedo

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

• Hall of Fame Awards – John Menzler, Amy Faulk, Paul “Scooter” Brothers, Jeep Worthan

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

• Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award – Rick Jones, Auto Sunroof, Inc.
• Nat Danas Person of the Year – Diana Braschler, Dealer Source Ltd.
• Manufacturer of the Year, Sponsored by Restyling Magazine – Advantage Truck Accessories
• Restyler of the Year, Sponsored by Katzkin Leather Inc. – Auto Trim of Denver

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

• Woman of the Year – S. Kellie Colf, Eaton Detroit Spring
• Mentor of the Year – John Menzler, COMP Performance Group
• Athena Award – Wade Kawasaki, Exports International

Street Performance Council (SPC)

• Person of the Year – Nate Shelton
• Industry Icon – Dave McClelland
• Business of the Year – Hypertech Inc.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Fenton Liffick, Prestige Autotech Corp.

Young Executive Network (YEN)

• Vanguard Award – Rich Barsamian, Advanced Clutch Technology
• Young Executive of the Year – Darron Shubin, MagnaFlow Performance

	Stacy and Kyle Tucker celebrate Detroit Speed & Engineering’s HRIA Business of the Year award during the council’s annual reception.

Council award winners from the SEMA Show include:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

• Business of the Year – Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists Inc.
• Restoration Event of the Year – YearOne Inc.
• Person of the Year – Jim Barber

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

• Hall of Fame – Brent Van Dervort
• Hall of Fame – Bobby Alloway
• Industry Recognition of an Individual Award – Bob Millard
• Business of the Year – Detroit Speed & Engineering Inc.

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

• Retailer of the Year – Chux Trux Inc.
• Hall of Fame – Tom Brooks, Truckin Thunder
• TORA Chairman’s Award – Chris Ripper

Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)

• Hall of Fame – Jim Considine Jr., Considine Sales & Marketing
• STAR Award (Sales Team Annual Recognition) – TruXedo

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

• Hall of Fame Awards – John Menzler, Amy Faulk, Paul “Scooter” Brothers, Jeep Worthan

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

• Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award – Rick Jones, Auto Sunroof, Inc.
• Nat Danas Person of the Year – Diana Braschler, Dealer Source Ltd.
• Manufacturer of the Year, Sponsored by Restyling Magazine – Advantage Truck Accessories
• Restyler of the Year, Sponsored by Katzkin Leather Inc. – Auto Trim of Denver

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

• Woman of the Year – S. Kellie Colf, Eaton Detroit Spring
• Mentor of the Year – John Menzler, COMP Performance Group
• Athena Award – Wade Kawasaki, Exports International

Street Performance Council (SPC)

• Person of the Year – Nate Shelton
• Industry Icon – Dave McClelland
• Business of the Year – Hypertech Inc.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Fenton Liffick, Prestige Autotech Corp.

Young Executive Network (YEN)

• Vanguard Award – Rich Barsamian, Advanced Clutch Technology
• Young Executive of the Year – Darron Shubin, MagnaFlow Performance

The SEMA Show shines the spotlight on the parts and technologies of the specialty-equipment market and all of the professionals who represent the heartbeat of the industry. The Show also serves as the industry's stage to honor those whose tireless efforts and contributions have shaped an industry and a hobby enjoyed by millions throughout the world.

Below are the winners of the awards presented during the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet that took place Thursday evening during Show week.

SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year: Meyer Distributing

Founded in the mid-1980s as a truck parts and equipment distributor in Haysville, Indiana, Meyer Distributing steadily grew during the next three decades eventually expanding its customer base to include shipping to all 50 states. Today, Meyer Distributing has become one of the most successful warehouse distributors of high performance automotive parts in the country representing over 300 product lines and serving thousands of customers through its warehousing facilities. Meyer Distributing was runner-up for the 2009 Warehouse Distributor of the Year award and has been honored as Warehouse Distributor of the Year by several other prestigious industry organizations. Key members of Meyer Distributing have also served on SEMA's Light-Truck Accessory Alliance and Professional Restylers Organization Select Committees.

SEMA Manufacturers' Rep Agency of the Year: Michael Kunzman & Associates

Michael Kunzman & Associates is an independent manufacturer’s sales representative agency specializing in the performance automotive aftermarket. Michael Kunzman & Associates represents some of the largest manufacturers in the industry to every level of distribution including warehouse distributors, retailers, mail order companies, OEM, expediters, jobbers, installers, speed shops, engine builders, and specialty customizers. The company provides coverage throughout the Midwest, as well as parts of Canada. Among the services offered are training seminars, point-of-purchase displays, catalog creation and maintenance, merchandising, advertising, warranty and warehousing of products.

The PWA Manufacturer of the Year is Painless Performance. PWA presents its Manufacturer of the Year Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry and in appreciation of conscientious efforts in support of the warehouse distributor concept of merchandise distribution.	PWA presented its Person of the Year Award to Rick Sparks of Comp Cams. PWA presents its Person of the Year Award in recognition of outstanding contribution and in appreciation of their conscientious dedication as an individual member to the Specialty Equipment Industry.