Thu, 07/30/2009 - 12:03
 Brian Offenberger
 Traffic, conversion, testing, measurement and communication are five online marketing fundamentals covered in Brian Offenberger's July 16th webinar.

In SEMA's July 16 webinar presentation, Brian Offenberger, CEO of the Aftermarketer Club, shared the five fundamentals for success with Internet marketing.

Five Fundamentals for Success

  1. Drive qualified traffic in sufficient, steady reliable quantities: Offenberger says that driving traffic from multiple resources to your website is a must. Getting traffic from Google is the most well-known way to drive traffic, but Offenberger suggests other avenues, such as groups like MySEMA, press releases, articles, web videos and related websites.

    “What you are looking for is to have five or more consistent ways for you to generate traffic for your website," said Offenberger. You can also generate traffic through offline sources, such as business cards, service tickets, your vehicles and signage in your store.
  2. Process to convert website traffic into leads and sales: Once you have established how to get traffic, now you need to have a process that converts visitors into either leads or sales. You want visitors to come to your web page and either buy something from you or contact you for follow up.

    "Make sure that your website gives your customers specific reasons to spend with you versus someone else," said Offenberger. He also says that your site needs a call to action to get visitors to engage and buy from you. There are a wealth of additional suggestions and tips for this step that are outlined in the entire presentation.
  3. Testing to find out what works best: Not everything works well right out of the gate, and you test to find out what works best. Sometimes, one thing that changes can have a profound impact on the results in a major way. What do you test? Basic things first: picture, headlines and pricing offers.
  4. Measurement and analytics for understanding and action: Measuring and using analytics allows you to understand website-visitor behaviors and intentions—you’ll learn what search terms, engines, or links that brought people to your website; how they move throughout your website; and the web pages they started with. This information is valuable when making business decisions. Google will give you the free program—Google Analytics—to use.
  5. Communication to increase customer value: Offenberger says that companies communicate with prospects and customers at regular intervals in a systematic fashion so they purchase more from us for longer periods of time, while reducing our cost-of sales, customer-retention costs and operating costs.

    Offenberger stated: “You have people that come to your site who are not ready to buy. You need to have a system in place to talk to them at regular intervals until they are ready to buy. You have people who have bought from you; you need to have a system in place so they will continue to buy from you. Some of you sell products that customers consume, you want them to consume the goods more frequently so they will buy from you more often.”

The presentation also covered common terms used in Internet marketing, the basics of a good website and how to identify and hire a good web designer for your company. Download the entire presentation, “Introduction to Internet Marketing”.

Offenberger’s presentation is one in a series of webinars covering the importance of effective and successful Internet marketing. Register for the next presentation in the series, “Online Marketing Tools You Need Now,” August 6, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PST).

For more on SEMA’s webinar program, visit www.sema.org/webinars.

Thu, 07/30/2009 - 12:03
 Brian Offenberger
 Traffic, conversion, testing, measurement and communication are five online marketing fundamentals covered in Brian Offenberger's July 16th webinar.

In SEMA's July 16 webinar presentation, Brian Offenberger, CEO of the Aftermarketer Club, shared the five fundamentals for success with Internet marketing.

Five Fundamentals for Success

  1. Drive qualified traffic in sufficient, steady reliable quantities: Offenberger says that driving traffic from multiple resources to your website is a must. Getting traffic from Google is the most well-known way to drive traffic, but Offenberger suggests other avenues, such as groups like MySEMA, press releases, articles, web videos and related websites.

    “What you are looking for is to have five or more consistent ways for you to generate traffic for your website," said Offenberger. You can also generate traffic through offline sources, such as business cards, service tickets, your vehicles and signage in your store.
  2. Process to convert website traffic into leads and sales: Once you have established how to get traffic, now you need to have a process that converts visitors into either leads or sales. You want visitors to come to your web page and either buy something from you or contact you for follow up.

    "Make sure that your website gives your customers specific reasons to spend with you versus someone else," said Offenberger. He also says that your site needs a call to action to get visitors to engage and buy from you. There are a wealth of additional suggestions and tips for this step that are outlined in the entire presentation.
  3. Testing to find out what works best: Not everything works well right out of the gate, and you test to find out what works best. Sometimes, one thing that changes can have a profound impact on the results in a major way. What do you test? Basic things first: picture, headlines and pricing offers.
  4. Measurement and analytics for understanding and action: Measuring and using analytics allows you to understand website-visitor behaviors and intentions—you’ll learn what search terms, engines, or links that brought people to your website; how they move throughout your website; and the web pages they started with. This information is valuable when making business decisions. Google will give you the free program—Google Analytics—to use.
  5. Communication to increase customer value: Offenberger says that companies communicate with prospects and customers at regular intervals in a systematic fashion so they purchase more from us for longer periods of time, while reducing our cost-of sales, customer-retention costs and operating costs.

    Offenberger stated: “You have people that come to your site who are not ready to buy. You need to have a system in place to talk to them at regular intervals until they are ready to buy. You have people who have bought from you; you need to have a system in place so they will continue to buy from you. Some of you sell products that customers consume, you want them to consume the goods more frequently so they will buy from you more often.”

The presentation also covered common terms used in Internet marketing, the basics of a good website and how to identify and hire a good web designer for your company. Download the entire presentation, “Introduction to Internet Marketing”.

Offenberger’s presentation is one in a series of webinars covering the importance of effective and successful Internet marketing. Register for the next presentation in the series, “Online Marketing Tools You Need Now,” August 6, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PST).

For more on SEMA’s webinar program, visit www.sema.org/webinars.

Thu, 07/30/2009 - 12:03
 Internet Symposium
 Learn fundamental and advanced online marketing strategies at the 2009 SEMA Internet Symposium. 

Whether lean times or not, attending the 2009 Internet Symposium will equip you with easy-to-implement, low- and no-cost online marketing solutions to optimize your company’s visibility and profitability. Industry experts will dive into the most-asked Internet marketing questions such as:

  • Why am I lacking website traffic?
  • How can I get more online sales?
  • Why can’t my customers find me?
  • What are ACES and PIES, and why are they so important to my online catalog?
  • How can I make killer video on the cheap?
  • What's the big deal about Skype, Voice-over IP (VoIP), Facebook and Plaxo?
  • If I had only $10,000 to spend on Internet marketing, what should I do?

Attend the 2009 SEMA Internet Symposium, August 1, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, Calif., and you’ll walk away with answers to these critical questions and more. The SEMA Internet Symposium sells out every year, so don’t wait.

Register Today!

Early Bird Registration Fees:
SEMA Member, First company employee: $125
SEMA Member, Additional company employee: $99
Non-SEMA Member: $199

On-site Registration Fee:
SEMA Members and Non members: $199

For more information, registration, and to view a detailed agenda and short presenter videos, visit www.sema.org/InternetSymposium

The Internet Symposium is part of Leadership Days. For a schedule of all events and an agenda, visit  www.sema.org/LeadershipDays

Thu, 07/30/2009 - 12:03
 SBTV-John Gast, Geogoober.com
  

John Gast of Geogoober.com talks with SBTV's Ivy Hartman about his Web twist on the time-honored garage sale. Looking for a '64 Ford fender? Gast has a way to connect you with a seller. 

Thu, 07/30/2009 - 12:03
 Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser
 The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser will be held Saturday, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.
 LEER/Street Scene F-150
 Ford, Leer and Street Scene will display this F-150 at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. The truck will be sold for charity at a later date.

The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser happens this Saturday, August 1. Don't have tickets yet? Get yours here!

Volunteers are working overtime to ensure a great outpouring of charity during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. Industry volunteers have created several fundraising activities, including the Show ‘N Shine car show, Pinewood Drag Race and various sponsorship programs, to benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp children’s charities.

This year’s Gala Fundraiser will also feature on display a Ford-150 customized by LEER, Ford and Street Scene to be sold at a later date for charity.

SEMA's annual Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser serves as a forum where we thank the association’s outgoing board members and welcome those newly elected. It's also a time to honor the newest inductees to the SEMA Hall of Fame, an august group that represents the industry’s history and the dedication of its members to their businesses.

Join SEMA in Pasadena, California, August 1, to honor the industry and give to children in need.

The three days of activities that comprise the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser begin on Thursday, July 30, and include council meetings, Board functions, a State of the Association Address and Town Hall Meeting and the SEMA Internet Symposium.

For more information about the Pinewood Drag Race or any of the activities held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105, or lisam@sema.org.

Thu, 07/23/2009 - 12:46
 Tony Kanaan pinewood drag race
 Tony Kanaan is one of more than 50 drivers, entertainment and industry icons offering signed pinewood cars to the second annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Race.

More than 30 racers, including representatives of the industry’s leading companies and three consecutive SEMA chairmen, are tuning up their pinewood dragsters and filling out the brackets for the second annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors, scheduled for August 1 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Chairman Jim Cozzie will defend last year’s win in the Unlimited Class, while Immediate Past Chairman Mitch Williams tries to unseat him. Chairman-elect Rick Rollins, meanwhile, will take it all in as a team owner.

Part of SEMA's annual summer Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the Pinewood Drag Race features three classes—Stock, Modified and Unlimited—to highlight the innovation and imagination of the specialty-equipment industry. The checkered flag will drop prior to the SEMA Hall of Fame recognition and fundraising activities.

Additionally, more than 50 NASCAR, IRL and NHRA drivers, as well as entertainment and industry icons, are offering autographed cars at the Pinewood Drag Race. High-profile figures, such as Carroll Shelby, Helio Castroneves, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Larry Dixon, Clint Black and Chuck Norris, have penned their signatures to pinewood cars to appear at the Pinewood Drag Race.

Leno pinewood drag car
 
Jay Leno and his signed pinewood drag car.  

Cars Need Sponsors!
Proceeds from the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, including the Pinewood Drag Race, directly benefit the children of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Recently the kids at both charities participated in a day of building pinewood drag cars.

Gregory Parker, committee chairman for the Pinewood Drag Race, said that the children built about 350 cars during two different project days.

“The build days we had this year were simply fantastic," Parker said. "We had a build day in North Carolina at the Victory Junction Gang Camp on May 2 and another one at Childhelp Village in California on May 16.

“We helped kids from both groups build about 350 cars and each one is unique. The joy on their faces as they build their own racers and race them down the tracks is something to see.

“Now we just need to get the racers sponsored by individuals and companies and raise some money for these kids. I hope that everyone out there hearing this message will participate in some way. The kids really need our help now more than ever."

Sign up here to sponsor a child's car!

 Mike Rowe pinewood drag car
 Wallace/Fieri pinewood drag cars
 Steve Wallace pinewood drag car
  Creator of hit Discovery series "Dirty Jobs," Mike Rowe (top), along with Rusty Wallace and Guy Fieri (middle), and Steve Wallace, lend their pens to the pinewood cause.

The early field of Pinewood Drag Race competitors includes:

Stock Class

  • Tom Brooks, Truckin’ Thunder
  • Greg Underkoffler, Ad One Advertising Specialties/Phase One Marketing & Design
  • Joel Ayres, Truck Accessories Group
  • Joel Rosenthal, SEMA Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC)
  • Eric Saltrick, Steele Rubber Products
  • Patrick Saunders, Classic Industries
  • Dave Williams, Rampage Products
  • Charlie Card, Vehicle Accessories
  • Eric Hoffend, Freeman*
  • Wes Mills, Mills Crafts
  • Chris Kersting, SEMA

Modified Class

  • Laura Bergan,
    SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)*
  • Peter MacGillivray, SEMA
  • Laurel Dasher, Superchips
  • Doug Evans, Source Interlink/Hot Rod Magazine
  • Greg Neuwirth, AEM Performance Electronics
  • Steven Kelley, Performance Motorsports
  • Luanne Brown, eTool Developers
  • Jim Considine, Considine Sales and Marketing
  • Ernie Silvers, Egge Machine Company
  • Dale Dobies, Mr. Gasket Performance
  • Kim Ziebell, Bushwacker*
  • Mitch Williams, Pilot Automotive
  • George Lathouris, Keystone Automotive Operations
  • Eric Hoffend, Freeman
  • Michael Miller, Miller Technologies
  • Vickie Hays, Microscale Industries
  • Bob Hammer, Pareto Point Industries
  • Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition

Unlimited Class

  • Jim Spoonhower*
  • Franco Ganino, Alliant Insurance
  • Dennis Hill, Sonic Products
  • Marshall Giorgi/Danny Burgess, Rare Parts
  • Mitch Williams, Pilot Automotive


Sponsors and Team Owners

  • Joel Rosenthal, SEMA Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC)
  • David Block, SEMA
  • Jeep Worthan, Auto Meter
  • Dave Wrobleski, Jim Wrobleski & Co.
  • Anne Gambino, Sacramento Habitat for Humanity
  • David Madison, Truck Accessories Group
  • Melanie White, Hellwig Products
  • Dennis Gage, "My Classic Car"
  • Ron DiVincenzo, Cap World
  • Kelly Kneifl, Truxedo
  • R.A. Churchill, PIAA Corporation USA*
  • Ken Woomer, Competition Specialties*
  • Jan Desma, SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)*
  • Mike Spagnola
  • Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition
  • Rick Rollins, Rollins Performance Marketing
  • Chris Kersting, SEMA

*denotes sponsorship of multiple cars

Thu, 07/23/2009 - 12:46
 Tony Kanaan pinewood drag race
 Tony Kanaan is one of more than 50 drivers, entertainment and industry icons offering signed pinewood cars to the second annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Race.

More than 30 racers, including representatives of the industry’s leading companies and three consecutive SEMA chairmen, are tuning up their pinewood dragsters and filling out the brackets for the second annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors, scheduled for August 1 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Chairman Jim Cozzie will defend last year’s win in the Unlimited Class, while Immediate Past Chairman Mitch Williams tries to unseat him. Chairman-elect Rick Rollins, meanwhile, will take it all in as a team owner.

Part of SEMA's annual summer Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the Pinewood Drag Race features three classes—Stock, Modified and Unlimited—to highlight the innovation and imagination of the specialty-equipment industry. The checkered flag will drop prior to the SEMA Hall of Fame recognition and fundraising activities.

Additionally, more than 50 NASCAR, IRL and NHRA drivers, as well as entertainment and industry icons, are offering autographed cars at the Pinewood Drag Race. High-profile figures, such as Carroll Shelby, Helio Castroneves, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Larry Dixon, Clint Black and Chuck Norris, have penned their signatures to pinewood cars to appear at the Pinewood Drag Race.

Leno pinewood drag car
 
Jay Leno and his signed pinewood drag car.  

Cars Need Sponsors!
Proceeds from the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, including the Pinewood Drag Race, directly benefit the children of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Recently the kids at both charities participated in a day of building pinewood drag cars.

Gregory Parker, committee chairman for the Pinewood Drag Race, said that the children built about 350 cars during two different project days.

“The build days we had this year were simply fantastic," Parker said. "We had a build day in North Carolina at the Victory Junction Gang Camp on May 2 and another one at Childhelp Village in California on May 16.

“We helped kids from both groups build about 350 cars and each one is unique. The joy on their faces as they build their own racers and race them down the tracks is something to see.

“Now we just need to get the racers sponsored by individuals and companies and raise some money for these kids. I hope that everyone out there hearing this message will participate in some way. The kids really need our help now more than ever."

Sign up here to sponsor a child's car!

 Mike Rowe pinewood drag car
 Wallace/Fieri pinewood drag cars
 Steve Wallace pinewood drag car
  Creator of hit Discovery series "Dirty Jobs," Mike Rowe (top), along with Rusty Wallace and Guy Fieri (middle), and Steve Wallace, lend their pens to the pinewood cause.

The early field of Pinewood Drag Race competitors includes:

Stock Class

  • Tom Brooks, Truckin’ Thunder
  • Greg Underkoffler, Ad One Advertising Specialties/Phase One Marketing & Design
  • Joel Ayres, Truck Accessories Group
  • Joel Rosenthal, SEMA Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC)
  • Eric Saltrick, Steele Rubber Products
  • Patrick Saunders, Classic Industries
  • Dave Williams, Rampage Products
  • Charlie Card, Vehicle Accessories
  • Eric Hoffend, Freeman*
  • Wes Mills, Mills Crafts
  • Chris Kersting, SEMA

Modified Class

  • Laura Bergan,
    SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)*
  • Peter MacGillivray, SEMA
  • Laurel Dasher, Superchips
  • Doug Evans, Source Interlink/Hot Rod Magazine
  • Greg Neuwirth, AEM Performance Electronics
  • Steven Kelley, Performance Motorsports
  • Luanne Brown, eTool Developers
  • Jim Considine, Considine Sales and Marketing
  • Ernie Silvers, Egge Machine Company
  • Dale Dobies, Mr. Gasket Performance
  • Kim Ziebell, Bushwacker*
  • Mitch Williams, Pilot Automotive
  • George Lathouris, Keystone Automotive Operations
  • Eric Hoffend, Freeman
  • Michael Miller, Miller Technologies
  • Vickie Hays, Microscale Industries
  • Bob Hammer, Pareto Point Industries
  • Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition

Unlimited Class

  • Jim Spoonhower*
  • Franco Ganino, Alliant Insurance
  • Dennis Hill, Sonic Products
  • Marshall Giorgi/Danny Burgess, Rare Parts
  • Mitch Williams, Pilot Automotive


Sponsors and Team Owners

  • Joel Rosenthal, SEMA Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC)
  • David Block, SEMA
  • Jeep Worthan, Auto Meter
  • Dave Wrobleski, Jim Wrobleski & Co.
  • Anne Gambino, Sacramento Habitat for Humanity
  • David Madison, Truck Accessories Group
  • Melanie White, Hellwig Products
  • Dennis Gage, "My Classic Car"
  • Ron DiVincenzo, Cap World
  • Kelly Kneifl, Truxedo
  • R.A. Churchill, PIAA Corporation USA*
  • Ken Woomer, Competition Specialties*
  • Jan Desma, SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)*
  • Mike Spagnola
  • Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition
  • Rick Rollins, Rollins Performance Marketing
  • Chris Kersting, SEMA

*denotes sponsorship of multiple cars

Thu, 07/23/2009 - 12:46
 Tony Kanaan pinewood drag race
 Tony Kanaan is one of more than 50 drivers, entertainment and industry icons offering signed pinewood cars to the second annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Race.

More than 30 racers, including representatives of the industry’s leading companies and three consecutive SEMA chairmen, are tuning up their pinewood dragsters and filling out the brackets for the second annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors, scheduled for August 1 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Chairman Jim Cozzie will defend last year’s win in the Unlimited Class, while Immediate Past Chairman Mitch Williams tries to unseat him. Chairman-elect Rick Rollins, meanwhile, will take it all in as a team owner.

Part of SEMA's annual summer Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the Pinewood Drag Race features three classes—Stock, Modified and Unlimited—to highlight the innovation and imagination of the specialty-equipment industry. The checkered flag will drop prior to the SEMA Hall of Fame recognition and fundraising activities.

Additionally, more than 50 NASCAR, IRL and NHRA drivers, as well as entertainment and industry icons, are offering autographed cars at the Pinewood Drag Race. High-profile figures, such as Carroll Shelby, Helio Castroneves, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Larry Dixon, Clint Black and Chuck Norris, have penned their signatures to pinewood cars to appear at the Pinewood Drag Race.

Leno pinewood drag car
 
Jay Leno and his signed pinewood drag car.  

Cars Need Sponsors!
Proceeds from the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, including the Pinewood Drag Race, directly benefit the children of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Recently the kids at both charities participated in a day of building pinewood drag cars.

Gregory Parker, committee chairman for the Pinewood Drag Race, said that the children built about 350 cars during two different project days.

“The build days we had this year were simply fantastic," Parker said. "We had a build day in North Carolina at the Victory Junction Gang Camp on May 2 and another one at Childhelp Village in California on May 16.

“We helped kids from both groups build about 350 cars and each one is unique. The joy on their faces as they build their own racers and race them down the tracks is something to see.

“Now we just need to get the racers sponsored by individuals and companies and raise some money for these kids. I hope that everyone out there hearing this message will participate in some way. The kids really need our help now more than ever."

Sign up here to sponsor a child's car!

 Mike Rowe pinewood drag car
 Wallace/Fieri pinewood drag cars
 Steve Wallace pinewood drag car
  Creator of hit Discovery series "Dirty Jobs," Mike Rowe (top), along with Rusty Wallace and Guy Fieri (middle), and Steve Wallace, lend their pens to the pinewood cause.

The early field of Pinewood Drag Race competitors includes:

Stock Class

  • Tom Brooks, Truckin’ Thunder
  • Greg Underkoffler, Ad One Advertising Specialties/Phase One Marketing & Design
  • Joel Ayres, Truck Accessories Group
  • Joel Rosenthal, SEMA Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC)
  • Eric Saltrick, Steele Rubber Products
  • Patrick Saunders, Classic Industries
  • Dave Williams, Rampage Products
  • Charlie Card, Vehicle Accessories
  • Eric Hoffend, Freeman*
  • Wes Mills, Mills Crafts
  • Chris Kersting, SEMA

Modified Class

  • Laura Bergan,
    SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)*
  • Peter MacGillivray, SEMA
  • Laurel Dasher, Superchips
  • Doug Evans, Source Interlink/Hot Rod Magazine
  • Greg Neuwirth, AEM Performance Electronics
  • Steven Kelley, Performance Motorsports
  • Luanne Brown, eTool Developers
  • Jim Considine, Considine Sales and Marketing
  • Ernie Silvers, Egge Machine Company
  • Dale Dobies, Mr. Gasket Performance
  • Kim Ziebell, Bushwacker*
  • Mitch Williams, Pilot Automotive
  • George Lathouris, Keystone Automotive Operations
  • Eric Hoffend, Freeman
  • Michael Miller, Miller Technologies
  • Vickie Hays, Microscale Industries
  • Bob Hammer, Pareto Point Industries
  • Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition

Unlimited Class

  • Jim Spoonhower*
  • Franco Ganino, Alliant Insurance
  • Dennis Hill, Sonic Products
  • Marshall Giorgi/Danny Burgess, Rare Parts
  • Mitch Williams, Pilot Automotive


Sponsors and Team Owners

  • Joel Rosenthal, SEMA Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC)
  • David Block, SEMA
  • Jeep Worthan, Auto Meter
  • Dave Wrobleski, Jim Wrobleski & Co.
  • Anne Gambino, Sacramento Habitat for Humanity
  • David Madison, Truck Accessories Group
  • Melanie White, Hellwig Products
  • Dennis Gage, "My Classic Car"
  • Ron DiVincenzo, Cap World
  • Kelly Kneifl, Truxedo
  • R.A. Churchill, PIAA Corporation USA*
  • Ken Woomer, Competition Specialties*
  • Jan Desma, SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)*
  • Mike Spagnola
  • Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition
  • Rick Rollins, Rollins Performance Marketing
  • Chris Kersting, SEMA

*denotes sponsorship of multiple cars

Thu, 07/23/2009 - 12:46
 Tony Kanaan pinewood drag race
 Tony Kanaan is one of more than 50 drivers, entertainment and industry icons offering signed pinewood cars to the second annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Race.

More than 30 racers, including representatives of the industry’s leading companies and three consecutive SEMA chairmen, are tuning up their pinewood dragsters and filling out the brackets for the second annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors, scheduled for August 1 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Chairman Jim Cozzie will defend last year’s win in the Unlimited Class, while Immediate Past Chairman Mitch Williams tries to unseat him. Chairman-elect Rick Rollins, meanwhile, will take it all in as a team owner.

Part of SEMA's annual summer Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the Pinewood Drag Race features three classes—Stock, Modified and Unlimited—to highlight the innovation and imagination of the specialty-equipment industry. The checkered flag will drop prior to the SEMA Hall of Fame recognition and fundraising activities.

Additionally, more than 50 NASCAR, IRL and NHRA drivers, as well as entertainment and industry icons, are offering autographed cars at the Pinewood Drag Race. High-profile figures, such as Carroll Shelby, Helio Castroneves, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Larry Dixon, Clint Black and Chuck Norris, have penned their signatures to pinewood cars to appear at the Pinewood Drag Race.

Leno pinewood drag car
 
Jay Leno and his signed pinewood drag car.  

Cars Need Sponsors!
Proceeds from the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, including the Pinewood Drag Race, directly benefit the children of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Recently the kids at both charities participated in a day of building pinewood drag cars.

Gregory Parker, committee chairman for the Pinewood Drag Race, said that the children built about 350 cars during two different project days.

“The build days we had this year were simply fantastic," Parker said. "We had a build day in North Carolina at the Victory Junction Gang Camp on May 2 and another one at Childhelp Village in California on May 16.

“We helped kids from both groups build about 350 cars and each one is unique. The joy on their faces as they build their own racers and race them down the tracks is something to see.

“Now we just need to get the racers sponsored by individuals and companies and raise some money for these kids. I hope that everyone out there hearing this message will participate in some way. The kids really need our help now more than ever."

Sign up here to sponsor a child's car!

 Mike Rowe pinewood drag car
 Wallace/Fieri pinewood drag cars
 Steve Wallace pinewood drag car
  Creator of hit Discovery series "Dirty Jobs," Mike Rowe (top), along with Rusty Wallace and Guy Fieri (middle), and Steve Wallace, lend their pens to the pinewood cause.

The early field of Pinewood Drag Race competitors includes:

Stock Class

  • Tom Brooks, Truckin’ Thunder
  • Greg Underkoffler, Ad One Advertising Specialties/Phase One Marketing & Design
  • Joel Ayres, Truck Accessories Group
  • Joel Rosenthal, SEMA Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC)
  • Eric Saltrick, Steele Rubber Products
  • Patrick Saunders, Classic Industries
  • Dave Williams, Rampage Products
  • Charlie Card, Vehicle Accessories
  • Eric Hoffend, Freeman*
  • Wes Mills, Mills Crafts
  • Chris Kersting, SEMA

Modified Class

  • Laura Bergan,
    SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)*
  • Peter MacGillivray, SEMA
  • Laurel Dasher, Superchips
  • Doug Evans, Source Interlink/Hot Rod Magazine
  • Greg Neuwirth, AEM Performance Electronics
  • Steven Kelley, Performance Motorsports
  • Luanne Brown, eTool Developers
  • Jim Considine, Considine Sales and Marketing
  • Ernie Silvers, Egge Machine Company
  • Dale Dobies, Mr. Gasket Performance
  • Kim Ziebell, Bushwacker*
  • Mitch Williams, Pilot Automotive
  • George Lathouris, Keystone Automotive Operations
  • Eric Hoffend, Freeman
  • Michael Miller, Miller Technologies
  • Vickie Hays, Microscale Industries
  • Bob Hammer, Pareto Point Industries
  • Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition

Unlimited Class

  • Jim Spoonhower*
  • Franco Ganino, Alliant Insurance
  • Dennis Hill, Sonic Products
  • Marshall Giorgi/Danny Burgess, Rare Parts
  • Mitch Williams, Pilot Automotive


Sponsors and Team Owners

  • Joel Rosenthal, SEMA Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC)
  • David Block, SEMA
  • Jeep Worthan, Auto Meter
  • Dave Wrobleski, Jim Wrobleski & Co.
  • Anne Gambino, Sacramento Habitat for Humanity
  • David Madison, Truck Accessories Group
  • Melanie White, Hellwig Products
  • Dennis Gage, "My Classic Car"
  • Ron DiVincenzo, Cap World
  • Kelly Kneifl, Truxedo
  • R.A. Churchill, PIAA Corporation USA*
  • Ken Woomer, Competition Specialties*
  • Jan Desma, SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)*
  • Mike Spagnola
  • Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition
  • Rick Rollins, Rollins Performance Marketing
  • Chris Kersting, SEMA

*denotes sponsorship of multiple cars

Thu, 07/23/2009 - 12:46
 Tony Kanaan pinewood drag race
 Tony Kanaan is one of more than 50 drivers, entertainment and industry icons offering signed pinewood cars to the second annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Race.

More than 30 racers, including representatives of the industry’s leading companies and three consecutive SEMA chairmen, are tuning up their pinewood dragsters and filling out the brackets for the second annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors, scheduled for August 1 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Chairman Jim Cozzie will defend last year’s win in the Unlimited Class, while Immediate Past Chairman Mitch Williams tries to unseat him. Chairman-elect Rick Rollins, meanwhile, will take it all in as a team owner.

Part of SEMA's annual summer Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the Pinewood Drag Race features three classes—Stock, Modified and Unlimited—to highlight the innovation and imagination of the specialty-equipment industry. The checkered flag will drop prior to the SEMA Hall of Fame recognition and fundraising activities.

Additionally, more than 50 NASCAR, IRL and NHRA drivers, as well as entertainment and industry icons, are offering autographed cars at the Pinewood Drag Race. High-profile figures, such as Carroll Shelby, Helio Castroneves, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Larry Dixon, Clint Black and Chuck Norris, have penned their signatures to pinewood cars to appear at the Pinewood Drag Race.

Leno pinewood drag car
 
Jay Leno and his signed pinewood drag car.  

Cars Need Sponsors!
Proceeds from the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, including the Pinewood Drag Race, directly benefit the children of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Recently the kids at both charities participated in a day of building pinewood drag cars.

Gregory Parker, committee chairman for the Pinewood Drag Race, said that the children built about 350 cars during two different project days.

“The build days we had this year were simply fantastic," Parker said. "We had a build day in North Carolina at the Victory Junction Gang Camp on May 2 and another one at Childhelp Village in California on May 16.

“We helped kids from both groups build about 350 cars and each one is unique. The joy on their faces as they build their own racers and race them down the tracks is something to see.

“Now we just need to get the racers sponsored by individuals and companies and raise some money for these kids. I hope that everyone out there hearing this message will participate in some way. The kids really need our help now more than ever."

Sign up here to sponsor a child's car!

 Mike Rowe pinewood drag car
 Wallace/Fieri pinewood drag cars
 Steve Wallace pinewood drag car
  Creator of hit Discovery series "Dirty Jobs," Mike Rowe (top), along with Rusty Wallace and Guy Fieri (middle), and Steve Wallace, lend their pens to the pinewood cause.

The early field of Pinewood Drag Race competitors includes:

Stock Class

  • Tom Brooks, Truckin’ Thunder
  • Greg Underkoffler, Ad One Advertising Specialties/Phase One Marketing & Design
  • Joel Ayres, Truck Accessories Group
  • Joel Rosenthal, SEMA Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC)
  • Eric Saltrick, Steele Rubber Products
  • Patrick Saunders, Classic Industries
  • Dave Williams, Rampage Products
  • Charlie Card, Vehicle Accessories
  • Eric Hoffend, Freeman*
  • Wes Mills, Mills Crafts
  • Chris Kersting, SEMA

Modified Class

  • Laura Bergan,
    SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)*
  • Peter MacGillivray, SEMA
  • Laurel Dasher, Superchips
  • Doug Evans, Source Interlink/Hot Rod Magazine
  • Greg Neuwirth, AEM Performance Electronics
  • Steven Kelley, Performance Motorsports
  • Luanne Brown, eTool Developers
  • Jim Considine, Considine Sales and Marketing
  • Ernie Silvers, Egge Machine Company
  • Dale Dobies, Mr. Gasket Performance
  • Kim Ziebell, Bushwacker*
  • Mitch Williams, Pilot Automotive
  • George Lathouris, Keystone Automotive Operations
  • Eric Hoffend, Freeman
  • Michael Miller, Miller Technologies
  • Vickie Hays, Microscale Industries
  • Bob Hammer, Pareto Point Industries
  • Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition

Unlimited Class

  • Jim Spoonhower*
  • Franco Ganino, Alliant Insurance
  • Dennis Hill, Sonic Products
  • Marshall Giorgi/Danny Burgess, Rare Parts
  • Mitch Williams, Pilot Automotive


Sponsors and Team Owners

  • Joel Rosenthal, SEMA Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC)
  • David Block, SEMA
  • Jeep Worthan, Auto Meter
  • Dave Wrobleski, Jim Wrobleski & Co.
  • Anne Gambino, Sacramento Habitat for Humanity
  • David Madison, Truck Accessories Group
  • Melanie White, Hellwig Products
  • Dennis Gage, "My Classic Car"
  • Ron DiVincenzo, Cap World
  • Kelly Kneifl, Truxedo
  • R.A. Churchill, PIAA Corporation USA*
  • Ken Woomer, Competition Specialties*
  • Jan Desma, SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)*
  • Mike Spagnola
  • Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition
  • Rick Rollins, Rollins Performance Marketing
  • Chris Kersting, SEMA

*denotes sponsorship of multiple cars