By Katie Hurst

SEMA Education is seeking manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories to support the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program—a successful youth outreach initiative that has grown from one to 10 schools in less than three years.

The program aims to bridge the gap between industry and auto-shop students to foster the next generation of hobbyists and the automotive aftermarket workforce. SEMA makes vehicles available to high school students, who then customize the vehicles using aftermarket parts from manufacturers and retailers who sponsor the initiative through product donations. The modified vehicles are subsequently sold with the funds coming back to SEMA to be reinvested back into the program for its continuation and expansion.

Atturo Tires is among the companies that sponsored the program in the past.

“It’s a great opportunity to connect with someone who just needs a little direction and support, and that can go a long way for them. It’s a great opportunity for us as a young company to connect with the younger builders as well,” said Joe Gomez, Atturo Tires marketing manager.

This year, the program will consist of 10 vehicles, including third-generation Toyota 4Runners and Jeep Wrangler TJs. Sponsors are needed to support the program by donating the desired products listed below:

• Wheels
• Tires
• Wheel spacers (if necessary)
• Suspension kit
• Locking differentials
• Leveling kit
• Carpet replacement kit
• Leather interior
• Floor liners
• Grab handles
• Entry guard
• Radio/Audio
• Front/Back bumpers
• Grille/Grille insert
• Hood mount Jack
• Exhaust system
• Rock Guard
• Hood latches
• Soft-top replacement
• Jack
• Roof Rack
• Gas can/Jerry Can
• Winch, Rope & Hook
• Front light bar
• LED lighting-headlights/taillights 

Additional products not listed above will be reviewed and accepted on an individual basis. Please note that some products may not be suitable for this program based on facility and time constraints or build program alignment.

Companies are invited to participate by filling out the product donation form. Those interested in mentoring a school should contact SEMA Youth Engagement Programs Manager Katie Hurst at katieh@sema.org.  

By Katie Hurst

SEMA Education is seeking manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories to support the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program—a successful youth outreach initiative that has grown from one to 10 schools in less than three years.

The program aims to bridge the gap between industry and auto-shop students to foster the next generation of hobbyists and the automotive aftermarket workforce. SEMA makes vehicles available to high school students, who then customize the vehicles using aftermarket parts from manufacturers and retailers who sponsor the initiative through product donations. The modified vehicles are subsequently sold with the funds coming back to SEMA to be reinvested back into the program for its continuation and expansion.

Atturo Tires is among the companies that sponsored the program in the past.

“It’s a great opportunity to connect with someone who just needs a little direction and support, and that can go a long way for them. It’s a great opportunity for us as a young company to connect with the younger builders as well,” said Joe Gomez, Atturo Tires marketing manager.

This year, the program will consist of 10 vehicles, including third-generation Toyota 4Runners and Jeep Wrangler TJs. Sponsors are needed to support the program by donating the desired products listed below:

• Wheels
• Tires
• Wheel spacers (if necessary)
• Suspension kit
• Locking differentials
• Leveling kit
• Carpet replacement kit
• Leather interior
• Floor liners
• Grab handles
• Entry guard
• Radio/Audio
• Front/Back bumpers
• Grille/Grille insert
• Hood mount Jack
• Exhaust system
• Rock Guard
• Hood latches
• Soft-top replacement
• Jack
• Roof Rack
• Gas can/Jerry Can
• Winch, Rope & Hook
• Front light bar
• LED lighting-headlights/taillights 

Additional products not listed above will be reviewed and accepted on an individual basis. Please note that some products may not be suitable for this program based on facility and time constraints or build program alignment.

Companies are invited to participate by filling out the product donation form. Those interested in mentoring a school should contact SEMA Youth Engagement Programs Manager Katie Hurst at katieh@sema.org.  

By Matt Kennedy

According to the “SEMA Retail Landscape Report,” 79% of specialty-automotive retailers expect online sales growth to have a significant impact on the industry over the next few years.

Last year, nearly one-third of specialty-automotive parts sales were made online. And 79% of specialty-automotive retailers expect online sales growth to have a significant impact on the industry over the next few years. This growth is driven by changing consumer behavior. Customers now have more outlets to research specs, compare brands and purchase products than ever before.

As a result, many retailers are adapting to a customer base that is more informed about brands and products, more aware of price differences and may be less loyal to any retailer. Nearly two-thirds of retailers have added or grown their social-media presence to reach more customers effectively. And 59% find that providing advice and expertise offers a way to stand out in the market rather than competing on price.

To learn more about the key challenges and opportunities specialty-automotive retailers are facing, download the “SEMA Retail Landscape Report,” now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

By Matt Kennedy

According to the “SEMA Retail Landscape Report,” 79% of specialty-automotive retailers expect online sales growth to have a significant impact on the industry over the next few years.

Last year, nearly one-third of specialty-automotive parts sales were made online. And 79% of specialty-automotive retailers expect online sales growth to have a significant impact on the industry over the next few years. This growth is driven by changing consumer behavior. Customers now have more outlets to research specs, compare brands and purchase products than ever before.

As a result, many retailers are adapting to a customer base that is more informed about brands and products, more aware of price differences and may be less loyal to any retailer. Nearly two-thirds of retailers have added or grown their social-media presence to reach more customers effectively. And 59% find that providing advice and expertise offers a way to stand out in the market rather than competing on price.

To learn more about the key challenges and opportunities specialty-automotive retailers are facing, download the “SEMA Retail Landscape Report,” now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Video: Toyo Tires Celebrates 52nd SCORE Baja 1000 Overall and the 2019 Overall SCORE World Desert Championship Wins

Hear the story and see the race through the eyes of 2019 SCORE Baja 1000 winners Alan and Aaron Ampudia of Team Toyto and 2019 Overall SCORE World Desert Champion Andy McMillin.

Red Line Synthetic Oil Named Presenting Sponsor for United Championship Racing Alliance Series

Red Line Synthetic Oil has announced a new partnership with the United Championship Racing Alliance Series (UCRA). With this new collaboration, Red Line Synthetic Oil will be on location at all upcoming UCRA racing events, providing attendees with firsthand product information and samples. The UCRA was founded in 2014 by a group of like-minded track promoters in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee who sought to form a series that allowed racers to unite and compete in an economical touring series. GM 604 and Promax Ford 351 crate motors were selected and a points structure was devised for the tracks within a 300-mile radius. The series supports local racers as they hone their skills.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

By Linda Spencer

First-time exhibitor Specialty Vehicle Engineering Inc./DBA Hamburger’s Superchargers Inc. attracted lots of attention among local buyers.

Register now for the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 31–April 5, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and April 5–7, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where attendees will meet with pre-vetted trade buyers from throughout the region. Explore the potential for your products in this customizing-crazy market, where consumers are eager to buy the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

Attendees of the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference will:

• Exhibit at the leading customizing show in the region—Custom Show Emirates—in a turn-key booth.
• Participate in a seminar with top distributors.
• Participate in an official U.S. government briefing.
• Tour specialty-equipment shops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE featuring performance, off-road and styling upgrades.
• Attend networking receptions.

All meals, hotel accommodations, a turnkey booth at Custom Show Emirates and airfare from the UAE to Saudi Arabia are included. Attendees can self-certify to qualify for up to $1,250 in U.S. government grants to defray trip costs. California-based companies are eligible for additional funds, including state grants of up to $1,500 to help defray the costs of participating.*

Slots are limited, so register today!

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Conference, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

*Check with SEMA staff regarding additional funds for SEMA members located in other states.

By Linda Spencer

First-time exhibitor Specialty Vehicle Engineering Inc./DBA Hamburger’s Superchargers Inc. attracted lots of attention among local buyers.

Register now for the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 31–April 5, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and April 5–7, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where attendees will meet with pre-vetted trade buyers from throughout the region. Explore the potential for your products in this customizing-crazy market, where consumers are eager to buy the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

Attendees of the 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference will:

• Exhibit at the leading customizing show in the region—Custom Show Emirates—in a turn-key booth.
• Participate in a seminar with top distributors.
• Participate in an official U.S. government briefing.
• Tour specialty-equipment shops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE featuring performance, off-road and styling upgrades.
• Attend networking receptions.

All meals, hotel accommodations, a turnkey booth at Custom Show Emirates and airfare from the UAE to Saudi Arabia are included. Attendees can self-certify to qualify for up to $1,250 in U.S. government grants to defray trip costs. California-based companies are eligible for additional funds, including state grants of up to $1,500 to help defray the costs of participating.*

Slots are limited, so register today!

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Conference, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

*Check with SEMA staff regarding additional funds for SEMA members located in other states.

By Kristopher Porter

Rich Barsamian	Mike Thermos

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Performance Industry Reception—to be held December 13, at the Indiana Convention Center in rooms 208–209, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.—serves as an opportunity to close out day two of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. Open to all manufacturers and media, a highlight of this year’s event is the induction of the three latest members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC Select Committee, fellow manufacturers and this year’s MPMC Hall of Fame inductees.

The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include Rich Barsamian and Mike Thermos.

Barsamian has spent his entire career in the automotive aftermarket working with companies, including Grant, Edelbrock, GT Performance Products and Advanced Clutch Technology, where he works today as vice president, sales and marketing. Always grateful for the opportunity to work in the specialty automotive aftermarket, Barsamian started volunteering early in his career. He has served on select committees for the Young Executives Network (YEN), Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), three terms on the MPMC Select Committee and ultimately serving as chair. During his 13 years with the MPMC, he was instrumental in the creation of the Business Guidelines Manual, various education initiatives and the founding of the MPMC Hall of Fame in 2010. Still committed to volunteering, he then served on the SEMA Scholarship Committee. Along the way, he has earned several industry awards, including the YEN Executive of the Year, YEN Vanguard Award, 2011 PWA Person of the Year and the 2014 SEMA Person of the Year. For his unending dedication and commitment to the industry, to SEMA and especially to the MPMC, the council will induct Barsamian into the 2019 MPMC Hall of Fame.

When Thermos founded Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS) in 1978 he wasn’t looking to start an entirely new market segment in the performance world. But that’s exactly what he did. “We were just having fun making cars go fast,” said Thermos about how it all began. His innovations went far beyond simply “plumbing in some nitrous.” He and his company designed A-to-Z kits for safely and efficiently using nitrous oxide as a new way to boost an engine without a supercharger or turbocharger. Along the way, other companies sprang up to either make their own kits or supply various support hardware or software. He sold NOS in 1999, and it is still an industry leader under the Holley banner. Not one to really retire, he returned to the industry with another company, Nitrous Supply. Thermos has always been a strong supporter of SEMA and the MPMC. His companies have participated in more than a dozen Media Trade Conferences and he is often seen at MPMC meetings. As an industry leader who is credited with founding the Nitrous Oxide market segment, MPMC will induct Thermos into the 2019 MPMC Hall of Fame.

RSVP now!

By Kristopher Porter

Rich Barsamian	Mike Thermos

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Performance Industry Reception—to be held December 13, at the Indiana Convention Center in rooms 208–209, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.—serves as an opportunity to close out day two of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. Open to all manufacturers and media, a highlight of this year’s event is the induction of the three latest members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC Select Committee, fellow manufacturers and this year’s MPMC Hall of Fame inductees.

The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include Rich Barsamian and Mike Thermos.

Barsamian has spent his entire career in the automotive aftermarket working with companies, including Grant, Edelbrock, GT Performance Products and Advanced Clutch Technology, where he works today as vice president, sales and marketing. Always grateful for the opportunity to work in the specialty automotive aftermarket, Barsamian started volunteering early in his career. He has served on select committees for the Young Executives Network (YEN), Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), three terms on the MPMC Select Committee and ultimately serving as chair. During his 13 years with the MPMC, he was instrumental in the creation of the Business Guidelines Manual, various education initiatives and the founding of the MPMC Hall of Fame in 2010. Still committed to volunteering, he then served on the SEMA Scholarship Committee. Along the way, he has earned several industry awards, including the YEN Executive of the Year, YEN Vanguard Award, 2011 PWA Person of the Year and the 2014 SEMA Person of the Year. For his unending dedication and commitment to the industry, to SEMA and especially to the MPMC, the council will induct Barsamian into the 2019 MPMC Hall of Fame.

When Thermos founded Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS) in 1978 he wasn’t looking to start an entirely new market segment in the performance world. But that’s exactly what he did. “We were just having fun making cars go fast,” said Thermos about how it all began. His innovations went far beyond simply “plumbing in some nitrous.” He and his company designed A-to-Z kits for safely and efficiently using nitrous oxide as a new way to boost an engine without a supercharger or turbocharger. Along the way, other companies sprang up to either make their own kits or supply various support hardware or software. He sold NOS in 1999, and it is still an industry leader under the Holley banner. Not one to really retire, he returned to the industry with another company, Nitrous Supply. Thermos has always been a strong supporter of SEMA and the MPMC. His companies have participated in more than a dozen Media Trade Conferences and he is often seen at MPMC meetings. As an industry leader who is credited with founding the Nitrous Oxide market segment, MPMC will induct Thermos into the 2019 MPMC Hall of Fame.

RSVP now!

By Kristopher Porter

Rich Barsamian	Mike Thermos

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Performance Industry Reception—to be held December 13, at the Indiana Convention Center in rooms 208–209, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.—serves as an opportunity to close out day two of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. Open to all manufacturers and media, a highlight of this year’s event is the induction of the three latest members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC Select Committee, fellow manufacturers and this year’s MPMC Hall of Fame inductees.

The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include Rich Barsamian and Mike Thermos.

Barsamian has spent his entire career in the automotive aftermarket working with companies, including Grant, Edelbrock, GT Performance Products and Advanced Clutch Technology, where he works today as vice president, sales and marketing. Always grateful for the opportunity to work in the specialty automotive aftermarket, Barsamian started volunteering early in his career. He has served on select committees for the Young Executives Network (YEN), Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), three terms on the MPMC Select Committee and ultimately serving as chair. During his 13 years with the MPMC, he was instrumental in the creation of the Business Guidelines Manual, various education initiatives and the founding of the MPMC Hall of Fame in 2010. Still committed to volunteering, he then served on the SEMA Scholarship Committee. Along the way, he has earned several industry awards, including the YEN Executive of the Year, YEN Vanguard Award, 2011 PWA Person of the Year and the 2014 SEMA Person of the Year. For his unending dedication and commitment to the industry, to SEMA and especially to the MPMC, the council will induct Barsamian into the 2019 MPMC Hall of Fame.

When Thermos founded Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS) in 1978 he wasn’t looking to start an entirely new market segment in the performance world. But that’s exactly what he did. “We were just having fun making cars go fast,” said Thermos about how it all began. His innovations went far beyond simply “plumbing in some nitrous.” He and his company designed A-to-Z kits for safely and efficiently using nitrous oxide as a new way to boost an engine without a supercharger or turbocharger. Along the way, other companies sprang up to either make their own kits or supply various support hardware or software. He sold NOS in 1999, and it is still an industry leader under the Holley banner. Not one to really retire, he returned to the industry with another company, Nitrous Supply. Thermos has always been a strong supporter of SEMA and the MPMC. His companies have participated in more than a dozen Media Trade Conferences and he is often seen at MPMC meetings. As an industry leader who is credited with founding the Nitrous Oxide market segment, MPMC will induct Thermos into the 2019 MPMC Hall of Fame.

RSVP now!