By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show sales representatives are the first point of contact for exhibitors with general Show questions, seeking sponsorship opportunities or looking to stretch their Show budgets by taking advantage of existing, value-added programs.

SEMA eNews will highlight sales people each week, beginning with Reham Gharib and Celina Ingargiola, who both represent the Racing & Performance section of the 2019 SEMA Show.

The Racing and Performance section is one of the most expansive speciality markets represented at the SEMA Show, featuring exhibitors in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and in the Racing Annex and Performance Pavilion. Judging by New Product Showcase, interest in the market its high, with nearly 800 entries—from both first-time and veteran racing and performance exhibitors.

Complete information about the 2019 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show sales representatives are the first point of contact for exhibitors with general Show questions, seeking sponsorship opportunities or looking to stretch their Show budgets by taking advantage of existing, value-added programs.

SEMA eNews will highlight sales people each week, beginning with Reham Gharib and Celina Ingargiola, who both represent the Racing & Performance section of the 2019 SEMA Show.

The Racing and Performance section is one of the most expansive speciality markets represented at the SEMA Show, featuring exhibitors in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and in the Racing Annex and Performance Pavilion. Judging by New Product Showcase, interest in the market its high, with nearly 800 entries—from both first-time and veteran racing and performance exhibitors.

Complete information about the 2019 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

By Katie Hurst

Five Jeep Wrangler TJ’s have been secured by SEMA for the High School Vehicle Build Program. Five high schools across the country have been selected to participate as build partners for the 2019 program which provides students with and educational hands-on customization experience. Through these SEMA-funded builds, high school auto shop programs will be connected with aftermarket manufacturers in a unique way.

Hundreds of high school students will learn about and install aftermarket products to customize their school’s Jeep TJ. The customization effort, which is enhanced by manufacturer support, will primarily focus on suspension, wheels/tires, interior and exterior accessories. Companies are invited to support the 2019 builds by donating product(s). Opportunities for product demonstrations and scheduled school visits are also available.

To support the 2019 SEMA High School Vehicle Build, please fill out the Partner Interest Form or contact Katie Hurst at katieh@sema.org.

Here are the specs for the vehicles and locations of the high schools.

C.D. Hylton High School- Woodbridge, VA Vehicle Specs 2002 Jeep Wrangler Sport Shale Green 4WD 4L 6-Cylinder Engine Soft Top Automatic Transmission
Comstock High School- Kalamazoo, MI Vehicle Specs 2004 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Sienna Pearlcoat (Red) 4WD 4L 6-Cylinder Engine Hard Top Manual Transmission
R.L. Turner High School- Carrollton, TX Vehicle Specs 2004 Jeep Wrangler TJ Shale Green 4WD 4L 6-Cylinder Engine Soft Top Manual Transmission
Santa Fe ECO - Santa Fe, New Mexico Vehicle Specs 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport Flame Red 4WD 4L 6-Cylinder Engine Soft Top Automatic Transmission
Santa Ynez Valley Union High School- Santa Ynez, CA Vehicle Specs 1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport White 4WD 4L 6-Cylinder Engine Soft Top Manual Transmission

The builds will be completed by the end of the 2019 school year and will be auctioned off through Bring A Trailer. Proceeds from the auction will go towards the funding of another build for the schools and the continued expansion of this program.

By Katie Hurst

Five Jeep Wrangler TJ’s have been secured by SEMA for the High School Vehicle Build Program. Five high schools across the country have been selected to participate as build partners for the 2019 program which provides students with and educational hands-on customization experience. Through these SEMA-funded builds, high school auto shop programs will be connected with aftermarket manufacturers in a unique way.

Hundreds of high school students will learn about and install aftermarket products to customize their school’s Jeep TJ. The customization effort, which is enhanced by manufacturer support, will primarily focus on suspension, wheels/tires, interior and exterior accessories. Companies are invited to support the 2019 builds by donating product(s). Opportunities for product demonstrations and scheduled school visits are also available.

To support the 2019 SEMA High School Vehicle Build, please fill out the Partner Interest Form or contact Katie Hurst at katieh@sema.org.

Here are the specs for the vehicles and locations of the high schools.

C.D. Hylton High School- Woodbridge, VA Vehicle Specs 2002 Jeep Wrangler Sport Shale Green 4WD 4L 6-Cylinder Engine Soft Top Automatic Transmission
Comstock High School- Kalamazoo, MI Vehicle Specs 2004 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Sienna Pearlcoat (Red) 4WD 4L 6-Cylinder Engine Hard Top Manual Transmission
R.L. Turner High School- Carrollton, TX Vehicle Specs 2004 Jeep Wrangler TJ Shale Green 4WD 4L 6-Cylinder Engine Soft Top Manual Transmission
Santa Fe ECO - Santa Fe, New Mexico Vehicle Specs 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport Flame Red 4WD 4L 6-Cylinder Engine Soft Top Automatic Transmission
Santa Ynez Valley Union High School- Santa Ynez, CA Vehicle Specs 1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport White 4WD 4L 6-Cylinder Engine Soft Top Manual Transmission

The builds will be completed by the end of the 2019 school year and will be auctioned off through Bring A Trailer. Proceeds from the auction will go towards the funding of another build for the schools and the continued expansion of this program.

By Katie Hurst

SEMA has extended the association's new Elementary Educator Grant program, entitled The Automotive Aftermarket Grant Program. Through this program, the association will engage elementary school teachers and students across the nation in the automotive hobby, career pathing, lifestyle or all three.

SEMA is offering grants up to $1,000 to at least 50 elementary school teachers to support and fund the incorporation of a hands-on, interactive lesson plan or activity into their classroom that revolves around the automotive industry. Ideas for the automotive-driven projects are solely up to the creativity of the teachers applying for the grants and must be incorporated into their curriculum before the end of the 2018–2019 school year. This program directly supports SEMA’s youth engagement initiatives to inspire and ignite the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.

If you work with elementary schools or know an educator who may be interested in this program, help SEMA spread the word. Educators may apply for up to $1,000 in grants to fund their automotive inspired project. The application period will end Friday March 1.  

The industry can support this program by sharing the details with elementary schools and teachers in your local area. For more details, contact Katie Hurst, SEMA’s Youth Engagement Programs Manager.

By Katie Hurst

SEMA has extended the association's new Elementary Educator Grant program, entitled The Automotive Aftermarket Grant Program. Through this program, the association will engage elementary school teachers and students across the nation in the automotive hobby, career pathing, lifestyle or all three.

SEMA is offering grants up to $1,000 to at least 50 elementary school teachers to support and fund the incorporation of a hands-on, interactive lesson plan or activity into their classroom that revolves around the automotive industry. Ideas for the automotive-driven projects are solely up to the creativity of the teachers applying for the grants and must be incorporated into their curriculum before the end of the 2018–2019 school year. This program directly supports SEMA’s youth engagement initiatives to inspire and ignite the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.

If you work with elementary schools or know an educator who may be interested in this program, help SEMA spread the word. Educators may apply for up to $1,000 in grants to fund their automotive inspired project. The application period will end Friday March 1.  

The industry can support this program by sharing the details with elementary schools and teachers in your local area. For more details, contact Katie Hurst, SEMA’s Youth Engagement Programs Manager.

By Katie Hurst

The middle school field trip program introduces students to the automotive customization hobby through STEM Education.

The SEMA CuS.T.E.M. Car Experience kicked off the 2019 tour at Championship Auto Shows Cavalcade of Customs in Cincinnati and World of Wheels Pittsburgh.

The middle school field trip program introduces students to the automotive customization hobby through STEM Education. Students learn about customization options with an emphasis on performance, design, safety and technology. The half-day field trips provide an interactive, hands-on automotive learning experience where students participate in a blue sky think tank and are encouraged to identify components of their dream vehicles, explore the show floor guided by a scavenger hunt and design their own custom vehicle.

In an effort to create a real-world atmosphere, students form their own fabrication company to design and build a custom vehicle. Using ideas from their think tank, inspiration from the show floor and a catalogue of upgrade customization options, the students select what is most important to them. With the use of a budgeting spreadsheet, the students are challenged to purchase and accessorize their vehicle with an eye on resell profitability. The students then pitch their customized vehicle to industry volunteer judges, "Shark-Tank" style style.

In just two events, more than 600 students and more than 80 instructors have participated in the SEMA CuS.T.E.M. Car Experience.

In just two events, more than 600 students and more than 80 instructors have participated in the SEMA CuS.T.E.M. Car Experience. In total, SEMA will host 10 events before the 2019 school year ends and will reach around 3,000 students.

Volunteer opportunities are available at each event. Volunteers will represent the automotive aftermarket industry, lend their expertise as students work through their projects and serve as judges during the pitches. If you are interested in getting involved and for more information, contact Katie Hurst at katieh@sema.org.

Additional 2019 Dates and Locations:

Championship Auto Shows

• Kansas City, MO- February 22
• Detroit, MI- March 1
• Chicago, IL- March 8
• Salt Lake City, UT- March 22

Barrett-Jackson Auctions

• Palm Beach, FL- April 11

LeMey-America’s Car Museum

• Tacoma, WA- April 19

By Katie Hurst

The middle school field trip program introduces students to the automotive customization hobby through STEM Education.

The SEMA CuS.T.E.M. Car Experience kicked off the 2019 tour at Championship Auto Shows Cavalcade of Customs in Cincinnati and World of Wheels Pittsburgh.

The middle school field trip program introduces students to the automotive customization hobby through STEM Education. Students learn about customization options with an emphasis on performance, design, safety and technology. The half-day field trips provide an interactive, hands-on automotive learning experience where students participate in a blue sky think tank and are encouraged to identify components of their dream vehicles, explore the show floor guided by a scavenger hunt and design their own custom vehicle.

In an effort to create a real-world atmosphere, students form their own fabrication company to design and build a custom vehicle. Using ideas from their think tank, inspiration from the show floor and a catalogue of upgrade customization options, the students select what is most important to them. With the use of a budgeting spreadsheet, the students are challenged to purchase and accessorize their vehicle with an eye on resell profitability. The students then pitch their customized vehicle to industry volunteer judges, "Shark-Tank" style style.

In just two events, more than 600 students and more than 80 instructors have participated in the SEMA CuS.T.E.M. Car Experience.

In just two events, more than 600 students and more than 80 instructors have participated in the SEMA CuS.T.E.M. Car Experience. In total, SEMA will host 10 events before the 2019 school year ends and will reach around 3,000 students.

Volunteer opportunities are available at each event. Volunteers will represent the automotive aftermarket industry, lend their expertise as students work through their projects and serve as judges during the pitches. If you are interested in getting involved and for more information, contact Katie Hurst at katieh@sema.org.

Additional 2019 Dates and Locations:

Championship Auto Shows

• Kansas City, MO- February 22
• Detroit, MI- March 1
• Chicago, IL- March 8
• Salt Lake City, UT- March 22

Barrett-Jackson Auctions

• Palm Beach, FL- April 11

LeMey-America’s Car Museum

• Tacoma, WA- April 19

By SEMA Editors

Jason Scherer

Mitch Guthrie Jr.

Highlights From King of The Hammers

Jason Scherer took the Ultra4 championship at the 2019 Nitto King of the Hammers Powered by OPTIMA Batteries, held last week in Johnson Valley, California. With the win, Scherer becomes the first back-to-back winner in the race’s history. Mitch Guthrie Jr., who took first place in 2018, to the flag again this year in the 2019 Can-Am UTV King of the Hammers presented by HCR.

KOH is well-known as the industry's ultimate off-road race, drawing competitors from around the world to tackle the Hammer's terrain and rock-crawling trails.

Dan Fresh took home second place in the 4500 Class of the 2019 King of the Hammers Every Man Challenge.

In the 4500 Class of the 2019 Every Man Challenge held during the King of the Hammers, Dan Fresh and co-driver Mike Kim of SAVVY Off-Road took home second place. After leading virtually the entire race, Fresh came out of the last rock trail before the 15-mile, high-speed desert stretch to the checkered flag, and immediately suffered a broken suspension link. Co-driver Kim managed to put the axle back in place using a ratchet strap and the vehicle’s winch, enabling the team to press on, all the while impressively maintaining their lead. However, the engine died less than 1,000 ft. from the finish line. Kracker Fab driver Josh Attebury and co-driver Jack Gessner finished third in the 4600 Class.

Roger Conley Named NMRA/NMCA National Tech Director

Roger Conley

The NMRA Ford Nationals and NMCA Muscle Car Nationals named Roger Conley the national tech director, overseeing technical and safety operations for the leading street-legal drag racing organization. Conley comes to ProMedia Events & Publishing with extensive experience in data acquisition and power adder segments along with a high level of motorsports background that spans more than 30 years.

“It is both humbling and exciting to work with the ProMedia group, I am looking forward to being part of its growth and helping in the success of the organization,” shared Conley, as he moves into a role where he will help shape the street-legal drag racing market.

Conley begins immediately and is quickly getting up to speed on the 2019 rulebook while preparing for the season-opening events—the 25th annual NMRA Spring Break Shootout (February 28-March 3) and the 17th annual NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem (March 7-10) at Bradenton Motorsports Park.

Meet Daytona 500 Driver, Landon Cassill, at Advance Auto Parts in Daytona Beach

Permatex will host a meet-and-greet with NASCAR driver Landon Cassill before he competes in the 61st running of the Daytona 500.

Permatex will host a meet-and-greet with its NASCAR driver Landon Cassill before he pilots the Permatex StarCom Racing 00 Camaro in the 61st running of the Daytona 500. The event will be held at Advance Auto Parts,1309 Belville Rd., Daytona Beach, FL, 32119 on Friday, February 15, from 9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

In addition to meeting and chatting with Cassill, fans will get a chance to collect some of the free, signed Permatex and racing merchandise, as well as hero cards. Additionally, there will be a video game trailer on-site where fans can challenge Cassill to a race in NASCAR Heat 3 and Forza Horizon 4 on PlayStation 4.

Permatex was actively involved as a NASCAR supporter and title sponsor from 1948–1977. The Permatex 300, inaugurated in 1966, was only the second race on the NASCAR schedule to be named for a corporate sponsor.

LIQUI MOLY Enters Formula 1

From left:Peter Baumann (marketing director), Ernst Prost (CEO) and Günter Hiermaier (sales director and second CEO).

German oil and additive manufacturer LIQUI MOLY announced that it is joining the world of Formula 1 racing through advertising sponsorships on the race track at eleven races—as one of just a few select brands.

LIQUI MOLY will be showcased on a large scale for the first time at the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 31. After the Bahrain Grand Prix, the LIQUI MOLY logo will be on show at half of the remaining races. Formula 1 is not new to the lubricant brand. LIQUI MOLY was involved with Team Jordan in the '00s.

In addition to Formula 1, LIQUI MOLY’s international activities include the motorcycle world championship MotoGP and the touring car championship TCR. In addition, the company has a whole range of involvements at the national, regional and even local level.