With 429 exhibitors so far, Racing & Performance is the largest SEMA Show category. Space is currently limited, so reserve your space now!

As the world’s premier automotive specialty-products trade show, the 2010 SEMA Show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 2–5, attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries and also provides a unique opportunity for buyers and exhibitors to connect.

The Show is comprised of 12 categories and each will be highlighted separately weekly in SEMA eNews. This week’s category is Racing & Performance, which typically draws the highest number of exhibiting companies, including first-time exhibitors. So far, more than 429 Racing & Performance companies—46 of which are first-timers—are exhibiting in 2,137 booths in the Central Hall.

“Racing & Performance was the first section of the Show to sell out this year,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “We will continue to work with other racing and performance businesses that want to participate in the Show, but space is going quickly.”

Born Out of Racing and Performance

The racing and performance market represents the history and foundation of SEMA—whose original acronym stood for Speed Equipment Manufacturer’s Association—which encompasses thousands of businesses in an array of niche market segments. Because racing and performance is such a core element of the Show, many of the 3,000 members of the media in attendance seek products from these exhibitors.

“Racing and performance represents our heritage; our past and our future,” MacGillivray said. “SEMA has roots in this industry and to see this section so strong speaks volumes regarding our industry and commitment to this business category. Over the years, we have diversified to include other important Show sections, but our core remains strong.

“Original visitors to the SEMA Show came from racing and performance, and 40 years later they are still with us because of our Board of Directors’ and committees’ commitment to the Show’s accessibility,” he continued. “The Show includes innovative ways for businesses to promote their products and reach out to existing companies and new buyers around the world. This includes the NHRA Breakfast, New Products Showcase and Proving Grounds. These events help us to bring the Show to life and make it easier for buyers and sellers to conduct business.”

New Products Showcase

For buyers, racing and performance parts are among the most sought after as customers are moving away from “bling” to focus more on functional products. At the 2009 Show, engines/engine components were the top product interest among all pre-registered buyers at 11%. In addition, exhaust systems are among the top sellers for late-model performance vehicles, including Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers. Last year’s New Products Showcase prominently featured racing and performance products with more than 600 registered entries.

At the Show, buyers can check out the latest in performance engines, suspension and chassis systems, as well as apparel, safety gear and fuels. Both traditional gas applications and diesel products will be on display, including power adders, such as nitrous, superchargers and turbochargers, along with the latest innovations in coating and cooling technologies.

“We want to give people the ability to bring their new products and technology to life,” MacGillivray said. “The magic that happens at trade shows can’t be duplicated online or on television. Our job is to leverage this synergy.”

Emerging Technologies

Automakers increasingly are investing billions of dollars in developing vehicle technologies, including hybrid powertrain systems and alternative fuels, which creates an opportunity for exhibitors to reach another group of buyers within the racing and performance segment who are interested in green technology.

“The industry has thrown us technical curveballs that we’ve been able to turn into selling opportunities,” MacGillivray said. “It’s still early on and consumers aren’t quite there yet in terms of numbers, but the industry is on the cutting edge of new markets. The SEMA Show is like a crystal ball that will provide answers as to which technologies will appear in the future.”

Buyers: Click here to register for the 2010 SEMA Show.

Exhibitors: Click here to reserve your space for the 2010 SEMA Show.

Click here to view the online floor plan.

With 429 exhibitors so far, Racing & Performance is the largest SEMA Show category. Space is currently limited, so reserve your space now!

As the world’s premier automotive specialty-products trade show, the 2010 SEMA Show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 2–5, attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries and also provides a unique opportunity for buyers and exhibitors to connect.

The Show is comprised of 12 categories and each will be highlighted separately weekly in SEMA eNews. This week’s category is Racing & Performance, which typically draws the highest number of exhibiting companies, including first-time exhibitors. So far, more than 429 Racing & Performance companies—46 of which are first-timers—are exhibiting in 2,137 booths in the Central Hall.

“Racing & Performance was the first section of the Show to sell out this year,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “We will continue to work with other racing and performance businesses that want to participate in the Show, but space is going quickly.”

Born Out of Racing and Performance

The racing and performance market represents the history and foundation of SEMA—whose original acronym stood for Speed Equipment Manufacturer’s Association—which encompasses thousands of businesses in an array of niche market segments. Because racing and performance is such a core element of the Show, many of the 3,000 members of the media in attendance seek products from these exhibitors.

“Racing and performance represents our heritage; our past and our future,” MacGillivray said. “SEMA has roots in this industry and to see this section so strong speaks volumes regarding our industry and commitment to this business category. Over the years, we have diversified to include other important Show sections, but our core remains strong.

“Original visitors to the SEMA Show came from racing and performance, and 40 years later they are still with us because of our Board of Directors’ and committees’ commitment to the Show’s accessibility,” he continued. “The Show includes innovative ways for businesses to promote their products and reach out to existing companies and new buyers around the world. This includes the NHRA Breakfast, New Products Showcase and Proving Grounds. These events help us to bring the Show to life and make it easier for buyers and sellers to conduct business.”

New Products Showcase

For buyers, racing and performance parts are among the most sought after as customers are moving away from “bling” to focus more on functional products. At the 2009 Show, engines/engine components were the top product interest among all pre-registered buyers at 11%. In addition, exhaust systems are among the top sellers for late-model performance vehicles, including Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers. Last year’s New Products Showcase prominently featured racing and performance products with more than 600 registered entries.

At the Show, buyers can check out the latest in performance engines, suspension and chassis systems, as well as apparel, safety gear and fuels. Both traditional gas applications and diesel products will be on display, including power adders, such as nitrous, superchargers and turbochargers, along with the latest innovations in coating and cooling technologies.

“We want to give people the ability to bring their new products and technology to life,” MacGillivray said. “The magic that happens at trade shows can’t be duplicated online or on television. Our job is to leverage this synergy.”

Emerging Technologies

Automakers increasingly are investing billions of dollars in developing vehicle technologies, including hybrid powertrain systems and alternative fuels, which creates an opportunity for exhibitors to reach another group of buyers within the racing and performance segment who are interested in green technology.

“The industry has thrown us technical curveballs that we’ve been able to turn into selling opportunities,” MacGillivray said. “It’s still early on and consumers aren’t quite there yet in terms of numbers, but the industry is on the cutting edge of new markets. The SEMA Show is like a crystal ball that will provide answers as to which technologies will appear in the future.”

Buyers: Click here to register for the 2010 SEMA Show.

Exhibitors: Click here to reserve your space for the 2010 SEMA Show.

Click here to view the online floor plan.

	Jim Cozzie, SEMA's immediate past chairman, gives a few pointers on how to win at the Pinewood Drag Races to the kids of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

To add a twist to the Pinewood Drag Races—held in conjunction with the 2010 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 23–24, and benefitting the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp charities—SEMA leadership has agreed to challenge one another to a race-off in the modified class division.

It all started when Joel Ayres, chairman of SEMA Cares, laid down the gauntlet to Rick Rollins, SEMA Board chairman; Scooter Brothers, chair-elect; Jim Cozzie, immediate past chair; Dave Williams, Pinewood Drag Committee chair; Mike Spagnola, Car Show Committee chair; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

“It began with some smack talk about my racing ability, since I’m in the truck accessory business, and I figured I’d let it be decided on the track,” Ayres said. “I look forward to embarrassing these leaders of our industry and, at the same time, taking their entry fee money to help the kids at Childhelp and Victory Junction. My car will be carrying the SEMA Cares logo on it as it crosses the finish line first.”

“I have unwavering confidence in my team and the car they’re building for us,” Cozzie said. “In the previous two years, I chose to build my entry myself. This year, the team of future engineers and designers is on the task of producing a winning entry.”

“SEMA-member companies are stepping up to compete for the coveted Council Cup and a chance at the Grand National Champion title with several members of the SEMA Board of Directors vying for bragging rights in this year’s SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races,” Williams said. “We have seen the competition heating up with some trash talk going on, but in the end, it’s all for the kids and what could be a more fun way to raise funds for them than racing cars? Even if one Board member does have a personal Pinewood wind tunnel, he has yet to produce a winning car. In fact, the Kersting girls’ car beat him last year with their first attempt.

“If you want to participate but cannot build a car, you can sponsor a kid-built car for $95,” Williams continued. “Where else can you own your own race team for less than $100 and help the kids at the same time? This is a perfect event to foster camaraderie and the competitive spirit of our industry and help these awesome charities at the same time. Challenge a friend or colleague to race you on July 24.”

“Team Spagnola will be showing up with a 1/8-scale working wind tunnel complete with a working smoke wand,” Spagnola said. “For a small fee, we will wind-tunnel test your derby car. I just hope we don't set off any smoke-detecting fire alarms.”

“The Pinewood Drag Races really do bring out the best in our industry,” Kersting said. “The passion, the competitive spirit, the ingenuity—it’s all there and all for a great cause. And while some of the high-profile participants seem to be spending much of their time boasting of their inevitable victory, I’ll let my on-track performance do the talking for me. Let’s just say I’m looking forward to another great event and an even better showing this year.”

For more information, contact Lisa Moreno at lisam@sema.org or 909/978-6684.

	Jim Cozzie, SEMA's immediate past chairman, gives a few pointers on how to win at the Pinewood Drag Races to the kids of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

To add a twist to the Pinewood Drag Races—held in conjunction with the 2010 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 23–24, and benefitting the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp charities—SEMA leadership has agreed to challenge one another to a race-off in the modified class division.

It all started when Joel Ayres, chairman of SEMA Cares, laid down the gauntlet to Rick Rollins, SEMA Board chairman; Scooter Brothers, chair-elect; Jim Cozzie, immediate past chair; Dave Williams, Pinewood Drag Committee chair; Mike Spagnola, Car Show Committee chair; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

“It began with some smack talk about my racing ability, since I’m in the truck accessory business, and I figured I’d let it be decided on the track,” Ayres said. “I look forward to embarrassing these leaders of our industry and, at the same time, taking their entry fee money to help the kids at Childhelp and Victory Junction. My car will be carrying the SEMA Cares logo on it as it crosses the finish line first.”

“I have unwavering confidence in my team and the car they’re building for us,” Cozzie said. “In the previous two years, I chose to build my entry myself. This year, the team of future engineers and designers is on the task of producing a winning entry.”

“SEMA-member companies are stepping up to compete for the coveted Council Cup and a chance at the Grand National Champion title with several members of the SEMA Board of Directors vying for bragging rights in this year’s SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races,” Williams said. “We have seen the competition heating up with some trash talk going on, but in the end, it’s all for the kids and what could be a more fun way to raise funds for them than racing cars? Even if one Board member does have a personal Pinewood wind tunnel, he has yet to produce a winning car. In fact, the Kersting girls’ car beat him last year with their first attempt.

“If you want to participate but cannot build a car, you can sponsor a kid-built car for $95,” Williams continued. “Where else can you own your own race team for less than $100 and help the kids at the same time? This is a perfect event to foster camaraderie and the competitive spirit of our industry and help these awesome charities at the same time. Challenge a friend or colleague to race you on July 24.”

“Team Spagnola will be showing up with a 1/8-scale working wind tunnel complete with a working smoke wand,” Spagnola said. “For a small fee, we will wind-tunnel test your derby car. I just hope we don't set off any smoke-detecting fire alarms.”

“The Pinewood Drag Races really do bring out the best in our industry,” Kersting said. “The passion, the competitive spirit, the ingenuity—it’s all there and all for a great cause. And while some of the high-profile participants seem to be spending much of their time boasting of their inevitable victory, I’ll let my on-track performance do the talking for me. Let’s just say I’m looking forward to another great event and an even better showing this year.”

For more information, contact Lisa Moreno at lisam@sema.org or 909/978-6684.

	Jim Cozzie, SEMA's immediate past chairman, gives a few pointers on how to win at the Pinewood Drag Races to the kids of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

To add a twist to the Pinewood Drag Races—held in conjunction with the 2010 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 23–24, and benefitting the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp charities—SEMA leadership has agreed to challenge one another to a race-off in the modified class division.

It all started when Joel Ayres, chairman of SEMA Cares, laid down the gauntlet to Rick Rollins, SEMA Board chairman; Scooter Brothers, chair-elect; Jim Cozzie, immediate past chair; Dave Williams, Pinewood Drag Committee chair; Mike Spagnola, Car Show Committee chair; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

“It began with some smack talk about my racing ability, since I’m in the truck accessory business, and I figured I’d let it be decided on the track,” Ayres said. “I look forward to embarrassing these leaders of our industry and, at the same time, taking their entry fee money to help the kids at Childhelp and Victory Junction. My car will be carrying the SEMA Cares logo on it as it crosses the finish line first.”

“I have unwavering confidence in my team and the car they’re building for us,” Cozzie said. “In the previous two years, I chose to build my entry myself. This year, the team of future engineers and designers is on the task of producing a winning entry.”

“SEMA-member companies are stepping up to compete for the coveted Council Cup and a chance at the Grand National Champion title with several members of the SEMA Board of Directors vying for bragging rights in this year’s SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races,” Williams said. “We have seen the competition heating up with some trash talk going on, but in the end, it’s all for the kids and what could be a more fun way to raise funds for them than racing cars? Even if one Board member does have a personal Pinewood wind tunnel, he has yet to produce a winning car. In fact, the Kersting girls’ car beat him last year with their first attempt.

“If you want to participate but cannot build a car, you can sponsor a kid-built car for $95,” Williams continued. “Where else can you own your own race team for less than $100 and help the kids at the same time? This is a perfect event to foster camaraderie and the competitive spirit of our industry and help these awesome charities at the same time. Challenge a friend or colleague to race you on July 24.”

“Team Spagnola will be showing up with a 1/8-scale working wind tunnel complete with a working smoke wand,” Spagnola said. “For a small fee, we will wind-tunnel test your derby car. I just hope we don't set off any smoke-detecting fire alarms.”

“The Pinewood Drag Races really do bring out the best in our industry,” Kersting said. “The passion, the competitive spirit, the ingenuity—it’s all there and all for a great cause. And while some of the high-profile participants seem to be spending much of their time boasting of their inevitable victory, I’ll let my on-track performance do the talking for me. Let’s just say I’m looking forward to another great event and an even better showing this year.”

For more information, contact Lisa Moreno at lisam@sema.org or 909/978-6684.

	Jim Cozzie, SEMA's immediate past chairman, gives a few pointers on how to win at the Pinewood Drag Races to the kids of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

To add a twist to the Pinewood Drag Races—held in conjunction with the 2010 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 23–24, and benefitting the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp charities—SEMA leadership has agreed to challenge one another to a race-off in the modified class division.

It all started when Joel Ayres, chairman of SEMA Cares, laid down the gauntlet to Rick Rollins, SEMA Board chairman; Scooter Brothers, chair-elect; Jim Cozzie, immediate past chair; Dave Williams, Pinewood Drag Committee chair; Mike Spagnola, Car Show Committee chair; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

“It began with some smack talk about my racing ability, since I’m in the truck accessory business, and I figured I’d let it be decided on the track,” Ayres said. “I look forward to embarrassing these leaders of our industry and, at the same time, taking their entry fee money to help the kids at Childhelp and Victory Junction. My car will be carrying the SEMA Cares logo on it as it crosses the finish line first.”

“I have unwavering confidence in my team and the car they’re building for us,” Cozzie said. “In the previous two years, I chose to build my entry myself. This year, the team of future engineers and designers is on the task of producing a winning entry.”

“SEMA-member companies are stepping up to compete for the coveted Council Cup and a chance at the Grand National Champion title with several members of the SEMA Board of Directors vying for bragging rights in this year’s SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races,” Williams said. “We have seen the competition heating up with some trash talk going on, but in the end, it’s all for the kids and what could be a more fun way to raise funds for them than racing cars? Even if one Board member does have a personal Pinewood wind tunnel, he has yet to produce a winning car. In fact, the Kersting girls’ car beat him last year with their first attempt.

“If you want to participate but cannot build a car, you can sponsor a kid-built car for $95,” Williams continued. “Where else can you own your own race team for less than $100 and help the kids at the same time? This is a perfect event to foster camaraderie and the competitive spirit of our industry and help these awesome charities at the same time. Challenge a friend or colleague to race you on July 24.”

“Team Spagnola will be showing up with a 1/8-scale working wind tunnel complete with a working smoke wand,” Spagnola said. “For a small fee, we will wind-tunnel test your derby car. I just hope we don't set off any smoke-detecting fire alarms.”

“The Pinewood Drag Races really do bring out the best in our industry,” Kersting said. “The passion, the competitive spirit, the ingenuity—it’s all there and all for a great cause. And while some of the high-profile participants seem to be spending much of their time boasting of their inevitable victory, I’ll let my on-track performance do the talking for me. Let’s just say I’m looking forward to another great event and an even better showing this year.”

For more information, contact Lisa Moreno at lisam@sema.org or 909/978-6684.

	Jim Cozzie, SEMA's immediate past chairman, gives a few pointers on how to win at the Pinewood Drag Races to the kids of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

To add a twist to the Pinewood Drag Races—held in conjunction with the 2010 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 23–24, and benefitting the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp charities—SEMA leadership has agreed to challenge one another to a race-off in the modified class division.

It all started when Joel Ayres, chairman of SEMA Cares, laid down the gauntlet to Rick Rollins, SEMA Board chairman; Scooter Brothers, chair-elect; Jim Cozzie, immediate past chair; Dave Williams, Pinewood Drag Committee chair; Mike Spagnola, Car Show Committee chair; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

“It began with some smack talk about my racing ability, since I’m in the truck accessory business, and I figured I’d let it be decided on the track,” Ayres said. “I look forward to embarrassing these leaders of our industry and, at the same time, taking their entry fee money to help the kids at Childhelp and Victory Junction. My car will be carrying the SEMA Cares logo on it as it crosses the finish line first.”

“I have unwavering confidence in my team and the car they’re building for us,” Cozzie said. “In the previous two years, I chose to build my entry myself. This year, the team of future engineers and designers is on the task of producing a winning entry.”

“SEMA-member companies are stepping up to compete for the coveted Council Cup and a chance at the Grand National Champion title with several members of the SEMA Board of Directors vying for bragging rights in this year’s SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races,” Williams said. “We have seen the competition heating up with some trash talk going on, but in the end, it’s all for the kids and what could be a more fun way to raise funds for them than racing cars? Even if one Board member does have a personal Pinewood wind tunnel, he has yet to produce a winning car. In fact, the Kersting girls’ car beat him last year with their first attempt.

“If you want to participate but cannot build a car, you can sponsor a kid-built car for $95,” Williams continued. “Where else can you own your own race team for less than $100 and help the kids at the same time? This is a perfect event to foster camaraderie and the competitive spirit of our industry and help these awesome charities at the same time. Challenge a friend or colleague to race you on July 24.”

“Team Spagnola will be showing up with a 1/8-scale working wind tunnel complete with a working smoke wand,” Spagnola said. “For a small fee, we will wind-tunnel test your derby car. I just hope we don't set off any smoke-detecting fire alarms.”

“The Pinewood Drag Races really do bring out the best in our industry,” Kersting said. “The passion, the competitive spirit, the ingenuity—it’s all there and all for a great cause. And while some of the high-profile participants seem to be spending much of their time boasting of their inevitable victory, I’ll let my on-track performance do the talking for me. Let’s just say I’m looking forward to another great event and an even better showing this year.”

For more information, contact Lisa Moreno at lisam@sema.org or 909/978-6684.

	Jim Cozzie, SEMA's immediate past chairman, gives a few pointers on how to win at the Pinewood Drag Races to the kids of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

To add a twist to the Pinewood Drag Races—held in conjunction with the 2010 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 23–24, and benefitting the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp charities—SEMA leadership has agreed to challenge one another to a race-off in the modified class division.

It all started when Joel Ayres, chairman of SEMA Cares, laid down the gauntlet to Rick Rollins, SEMA Board chairman; Scooter Brothers, chair-elect; Jim Cozzie, immediate past chair; Dave Williams, Pinewood Drag Committee chair; Mike Spagnola, Car Show Committee chair; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

“It began with some smack talk about my racing ability, since I’m in the truck accessory business, and I figured I’d let it be decided on the track,” Ayres said. “I look forward to embarrassing these leaders of our industry and, at the same time, taking their entry fee money to help the kids at Childhelp and Victory Junction. My car will be carrying the SEMA Cares logo on it as it crosses the finish line first.”

“I have unwavering confidence in my team and the car they’re building for us,” Cozzie said. “In the previous two years, I chose to build my entry myself. This year, the team of future engineers and designers is on the task of producing a winning entry.”

“SEMA-member companies are stepping up to compete for the coveted Council Cup and a chance at the Grand National Champion title with several members of the SEMA Board of Directors vying for bragging rights in this year’s SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races,” Williams said. “We have seen the competition heating up with some trash talk going on, but in the end, it’s all for the kids and what could be a more fun way to raise funds for them than racing cars? Even if one Board member does have a personal Pinewood wind tunnel, he has yet to produce a winning car. In fact, the Kersting girls’ car beat him last year with their first attempt.

“If you want to participate but cannot build a car, you can sponsor a kid-built car for $95,” Williams continued. “Where else can you own your own race team for less than $100 and help the kids at the same time? This is a perfect event to foster camaraderie and the competitive spirit of our industry and help these awesome charities at the same time. Challenge a friend or colleague to race you on July 24.”

“Team Spagnola will be showing up with a 1/8-scale working wind tunnel complete with a working smoke wand,” Spagnola said. “For a small fee, we will wind-tunnel test your derby car. I just hope we don't set off any smoke-detecting fire alarms.”

“The Pinewood Drag Races really do bring out the best in our industry,” Kersting said. “The passion, the competitive spirit, the ingenuity—it’s all there and all for a great cause. And while some of the high-profile participants seem to be spending much of their time boasting of their inevitable victory, I’ll let my on-track performance do the talking for me. Let’s just say I’m looking forward to another great event and an even better showing this year.”

For more information, contact Lisa Moreno at lisam@sema.org or 909/978-6684.

	Jim Cozzie, SEMA's immediate past chairman, gives a few pointers on how to win at the Pinewood Drag Races to the kids of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

To add a twist to the Pinewood Drag Races—held in conjunction with the 2010 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 23–24, and benefitting the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp charities—SEMA leadership has agreed to challenge one another to a race-off in the modified class division.

It all started when Joel Ayres, chairman of SEMA Cares, laid down the gauntlet to Rick Rollins, SEMA Board chairman; Scooter Brothers, chair-elect; Jim Cozzie, immediate past chair; Dave Williams, Pinewood Drag Committee chair; Mike Spagnola, Car Show Committee chair; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

“It began with some smack talk about my racing ability, since I’m in the truck accessory business, and I figured I’d let it be decided on the track,” Ayres said. “I look forward to embarrassing these leaders of our industry and, at the same time, taking their entry fee money to help the kids at Childhelp and Victory Junction. My car will be carrying the SEMA Cares logo on it as it crosses the finish line first.”

“I have unwavering confidence in my team and the car they’re building for us,” Cozzie said. “In the previous two years, I chose to build my entry myself. This year, the team of future engineers and designers is on the task of producing a winning entry.”

“SEMA-member companies are stepping up to compete for the coveted Council Cup and a chance at the Grand National Champion title with several members of the SEMA Board of Directors vying for bragging rights in this year’s SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races,” Williams said. “We have seen the competition heating up with some trash talk going on, but in the end, it’s all for the kids and what could be a more fun way to raise funds for them than racing cars? Even if one Board member does have a personal Pinewood wind tunnel, he has yet to produce a winning car. In fact, the Kersting girls’ car beat him last year with their first attempt.

“If you want to participate but cannot build a car, you can sponsor a kid-built car for $95,” Williams continued. “Where else can you own your own race team for less than $100 and help the kids at the same time? This is a perfect event to foster camaraderie and the competitive spirit of our industry and help these awesome charities at the same time. Challenge a friend or colleague to race you on July 24.”

“Team Spagnola will be showing up with a 1/8-scale working wind tunnel complete with a working smoke wand,” Spagnola said. “For a small fee, we will wind-tunnel test your derby car. I just hope we don't set off any smoke-detecting fire alarms.”

“The Pinewood Drag Races really do bring out the best in our industry,” Kersting said. “The passion, the competitive spirit, the ingenuity—it’s all there and all for a great cause. And while some of the high-profile participants seem to be spending much of their time boasting of their inevitable victory, I’ll let my on-track performance do the talking for me. Let’s just say I’m looking forward to another great event and an even better showing this year.”

For more information, contact Lisa Moreno at lisam@sema.org or 909/978-6684.

	Jim Cozzie, SEMA's immediate past chairman, gives a few pointers on how to win at the Pinewood Drag Races to the kids of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

To add a twist to the Pinewood Drag Races—held in conjunction with the 2010 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 23–24, and benefitting the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp charities—SEMA leadership has agreed to challenge one another to a race-off in the modified class division.

It all started when Joel Ayres, chairman of SEMA Cares, laid down the gauntlet to Rick Rollins, SEMA Board chairman; Scooter Brothers, chair-elect; Jim Cozzie, immediate past chair; Dave Williams, Pinewood Drag Committee chair; Mike Spagnola, Car Show Committee chair; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

“It began with some smack talk about my racing ability, since I’m in the truck accessory business, and I figured I’d let it be decided on the track,” Ayres said. “I look forward to embarrassing these leaders of our industry and, at the same time, taking their entry fee money to help the kids at Childhelp and Victory Junction. My car will be carrying the SEMA Cares logo on it as it crosses the finish line first.”

“I have unwavering confidence in my team and the car they’re building for us,” Cozzie said. “In the previous two years, I chose to build my entry myself. This year, the team of future engineers and designers is on the task of producing a winning entry.”

“SEMA-member companies are stepping up to compete for the coveted Council Cup and a chance at the Grand National Champion title with several members of the SEMA Board of Directors vying for bragging rights in this year’s SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races,” Williams said. “We have seen the competition heating up with some trash talk going on, but in the end, it’s all for the kids and what could be a more fun way to raise funds for them than racing cars? Even if one Board member does have a personal Pinewood wind tunnel, he has yet to produce a winning car. In fact, the Kersting girls’ car beat him last year with their first attempt.

“If you want to participate but cannot build a car, you can sponsor a kid-built car for $95,” Williams continued. “Where else can you own your own race team for less than $100 and help the kids at the same time? This is a perfect event to foster camaraderie and the competitive spirit of our industry and help these awesome charities at the same time. Challenge a friend or colleague to race you on July 24.”

“Team Spagnola will be showing up with a 1/8-scale working wind tunnel complete with a working smoke wand,” Spagnola said. “For a small fee, we will wind-tunnel test your derby car. I just hope we don't set off any smoke-detecting fire alarms.”

“The Pinewood Drag Races really do bring out the best in our industry,” Kersting said. “The passion, the competitive spirit, the ingenuity—it’s all there and all for a great cause. And while some of the high-profile participants seem to be spending much of their time boasting of their inevitable victory, I’ll let my on-track performance do the talking for me. Let’s just say I’m looking forward to another great event and an even better showing this year.”

For more information, contact Lisa Moreno at lisam@sema.org or 909/978-6684.