By Juan Torres

Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Jon Tester (D-MT) have reintroduced the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act (S. 2736) in the U.S. Senate. The pro-motorsports, pro-business bill, which was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in May 2021, is critical to ensuring that racers can continue to modify street vehicles into race cars used exclusively in competition, and that businesses can continue to produce, market, and install racing equipment. The bipartisan Senate bill includes six original sponsors, including Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

The racing community has been vocal in supporting the RPM Act since 2016, after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) first declared that the 50-year-old Clean Air Act does not allow street vehicles to be converted into racing vehicles, even if the vehicles are trailered to the track and are used exclusively for motorsports competition. The RPM Act enjoys unprecedented energy in 2021, as racers and motorsports parts businesses have sent more than 1.5 million letters to federal lawmakers urging passage of the bill this year.

“The racing industry has made clear that the RPM Act is critical to protecting an American pastime and the small businesses involved,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, President of Performance Racing Industry (PRI). “We thank Senators Burr and Tester for introducing the RPM Act in the U.S. Senate and for bringing the bill one step closer to becoming law.”

The RPM Act is now being considered by both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The bill is well positioned for passage in the current Congress as a result of the strong grassroots support for the legislation. Members of Congress are familiar with the RPM Act, which has already been the subject of hearings in previous years by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which have jurisdiction over the bill.

“Amateur motorsports is a unique American pastime,” said Senator Burr. “This bipartisan legislation provides certainty for folks who enjoy America’s long-held racing tradition, in the spirit Congress intended when it passed the Clean Air Act more than 50 years ago. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on this common-sense legislation to protect the legacy of American motorsports for years to come.”

Motorsports competition involves tens of thousands of participants and vehicle owners each year, both amateur and professional. Retail sales of racing products make up a nearly $2 billion market annually. A majority of the estimated 1,300 racetracks operating across the United States, including oval, road, dirt and off-road, feature converted race vehicles that the EPA now considers illegal.

“Folks in the motorsport community have always relied on the freedom to modify their vehicles to race and compete,” said Senator Tester. “This legislation will codify that freedom into law by preventing unnecessary regulations on motorsport hobbyists, allowing amateurs and professionals alike to uphold tradition while still following the intent of the Clean Air Act.”

As advocates for the worldwide motorsports industry, PRI is urging the racing community to unite and contact lawmakers to pass the RPM Act.

“It is critical that members of Congress continue to hear from the racing and automotive enthusiast communities about the importance of passing the RPM Act into law during this session of Congress,” said Meyer. “We’ve witnessed the impact that our actions have had in getting the RPM Act to where it is today, but we must continue the momentum and continue to tell Congress to pass the RPM Act immediately.”

Supporters can contact their legislators about the RPM Act by visiting www.saveourracecars.com.

By Juan Torres

Jim Liaw has joined Performance Racing Industry (PRI) as the general manager leading the staff and operations out of the Aliso Viejo, California, office. Having co-founded Formula DRFIT in 2003, Liaw introduced the sport of drifting to America and built what is now the top drifting series in the world. Reporting to PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer and working with the PRI management team, Liaw will direct and oversee activities related to the PRI Trade Show, PRI Membership, PRI Magazine, online content and promotion for all segments in the motorsports industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jim to the PRI team,” said Meyer. “He has a proven track record of success, and he knows and understands the motorsports industry. He has vision, leadership and passion—and he shares PRI’s goal to protect and grow the racing industry.”

Like many in the automotive industry, Liaw was an auto enthusiast before he was able to drive. After graduating from UCLA, he joined McMullen Argus Publishing (now Motor Trend) as a sales associate for Sport Compact Car magazine, and later served as sales manager for one of the first-ever sport-compact drag-racing series, Import Drag Racing Circuit (IDRC). As a pioneer and entrepreneur, Liaw finds trends, builds brands and cultivates new enthusiasts.

“I’m not afraid to innovate and push boundaries,” said Liaw. “I know there are challenges facing today’s motorsports industry—such as attracting younger fans, combating government restrictions, supporting race tracks and in-person events and protecting racers’ rights—and I am excited that I can be a part of the PRI team advocating for the racing industry.”

One of Liaw’s priority initiatives as PRI general manager will be successfully executing the 2021 PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis, December 9–11. With about 1,000 companies already committed to exhibit at the event, the PRI Trade Show is the racing industry’s No. 1 source for new technology, ideas and business opportunities. The in-person event includes more than 45 conferences, seminars and social gatherings, making the PRI Show the best place to learn and build valuable business connections.

Liaw will also assist Meyer in building PRI’s new membership program. PRI Membership is a ground-breaking program that, for the first time ever, advocates for the motorsports market by uniting the worldwide racing community. Businesses and individuals are able to become PRI Members, thereby building, promoting and protecting motorsports. As an organization dedicated solely to racing, PRI represents all segments of motorsports, including drifting, stock car, drag, sprint car, midget, modified, formula, dirt late model, sport compact, karting, vintage and more.

Liaw can be reached at jiml@perfomanceracing.com.

By SEMA Editors

The 2021 SEMA Show is about seven weeks away. Here’s a rundown of key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

Complete Deadlines Checklist - Take advantage of Early-bird rates—order before the deadlines!

The Deadlines Checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensures that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show. 

Upcoming Exhibitor Deadlines – Take advantage of discounts by acting before the deadlines.

• September 17 – Sponsorship Artwork/Materials Due to Freeman
• September 23 – Freight–Freeman Warehouse–first day to accept advance freight

• September 23 – Lead Retrieval Rental (Advance Rate)–CompuSystems
• September 30 – Fabric Graphics–Freeman
• October 1 – Target Move-in Date Change Request-Freeman
• October 1 – Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate)–Cox Business (LVCC)
• October 1 – Products for Project Vehicle Builders
• October 1 – International Air Freight Arriving at Los Angeles International (LAX) Airport
• October 1 – International Sea Freight Arriving at Long Beach Terminal
• October 8 – EAC – (Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor) Application Form
• October 8 – New Products Entry (Advance Rate)
• October 15 – Meeting/Function Space Reservation
• October 18 – Booth Catering Order Service (Centerplate)
• October 19 – Tents/Canopies—Full Circle Events
• October 21 – Hanging Sign/Banner Shipments to Advance Freeman Warehouse
• October 22 – Photography Order – Expo Ease
• October 22 – Plant and Floral Order – Expo Ease
• October 22 – Vehicle Detailing (Advance Rate) – Professional Detailers
• November 5 – Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation by 3:00 p.m.

Click here for a complete listing of 2021 SEMA Show deadlines.

More information on the 2021 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors of the 2021 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2021 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2021 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2021 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

By Jason Catullo

The LVCC's halls are nearly full of exhibits, but booth space is still being reserved, and more exhibitors are expected to secure space until the Show opens on November 2.

Attendees planning on joining the industry at the 2021 SEMA Show can see who's exhibiting and where through the updated floorplan. If you have not yet registered for the SEMA Show, taking place Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, visit www.SEMAShow.com/attendee to register.

For 2021, the Show will include exhibit space in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s newly constructed West Hall, a 1.4-million-sq.-ft. facility completed in January. The new facility includes exhibitors from the Restyling & Car Care Accessories, Powersports & Utility Vehicles, and Truck, SUV & Off-Road sections.

Earlier in June, the visitors of the World of Concrete convention were the first to use the new hall, and the event marked the first large-scale convention and tradeshow to be held in Las Vegas in 15 months.

In addition to the new hall, the newly constructed Loop—a high-speed, people-mover system that runs 40 ft. under the LVCC—will transport visitors between South, Central and West Halls. The World of Concrete successfully used the system to shuttle visitors through the 200-acre convention center.

For more information on the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By John Santos

Exhibitors are excited to make their announcements at the 2021 SEMA Show, taking place Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, in Las Vegas. Below is the official press conference schedule as of September 15:

Monday, November 1

• 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m: SEMA Vehicle Reveal featuring the SEMA Award Presentation (outside the Grand Central Lobby entrance)

Tuesday, November 2

• 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m: New Products Breakfast; breakfast will be served (Paradise Event Center, located in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino)
• 10:00 a.m.–10:20 a.m: Toyota Motor North America, Toyota Press Conference (Booth #24800)
• 10:30 a.m.–10:50 a.m: Ford Motor Co., Ford Motor Company – Reveal (Booth #22220)
• 11:00 a.m.–11:20 a.m: 4WP Factory, Unveiling ’21 Ford Bronco (Booth #58141)
• 11:30 a.m.–11:50 a.m: Keystone Automotive, Vehicle Unveiling: Kevin Hart’s ’69 Roadrunner (Booth #21249)
• 12:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m: Polaris Industries Inc., Make Your Mark: Richard Rawlings Debuts Custom; lunch will be served (Booth #61037)
• 1:00 p.m.–1:20 p.m: Lexus, Lexus Press Conference (Booth #21803)
• 2:30 p.m.–2:50 p.m: OPTIMA Batteries, Q&A with Mike Rowe (Booth #20323)
• 3:30 p.m.–3:50 p.m: Redline Detection, OEM Chooses Redline for Essential Tool Program (Media Center)
• 4:00 p.m.–4:20 p.m: Formula Drift Holdings LLC, 2022 Schedule and Announcements (Media Center)

Wednesday, November 3

• 9:00 a.m.–9:20 a.m: Eaton Corp., New Builds with Eaton (Booth #23063)
• 9:30 a.m.–9:50 a.m: CTEK Power Inc., Changing Battery Care Forever (Booth #24213)
• 10:00 a.m.–10:20 a.m: Quadratec Inc., YJL Jeep Debut, Wholesale Program & New Products (Booth #55167)
• 10:30 a.m.–10:50 a.m: Classic Recreations, World’s First Carbon Fiber Bodied Shelby Cobra (Booth #10941)
• 11:30 a.m.–11:50 a.m: HEXIS, HEXIS Group: Who We Are and What We Do (Media Center)
• 1:00 p.m.–1:20 p.m: CTEK Power Inc., Changing Battery Care Forever (Media Center)
• 2:00 p.m.–2:20 p.m: Truck Hero, Truck Hero Partnerships and Announcements (Booth #70120)

Thursday, November 4

• 9:00 a.m.–9:20 a.m: JM3 Oil Filter Wrench, JM3 Oil Filter Wrench – Reinvented (Media Center)

By Rachel Tatum

The automotive industry is excited to reconnect with manufacturers this November in Las Vegas for the 2021 SEMA Show. While buyers at the SEMA Show often stop at booths that catch their eyes, 70% of buyers arrive at the SEMA Show with a plan and a list of exhibitors that they want to see. Here’s 5 ways to advertise you’re coming to this year’s Show.

Update your website!

Include messaging on your website to notify clients that you're attending this year's SEMA Show. Buyers and media start planning their SEMA Show activities early. Don't miss the opportunity to notify clientele that you're attending the industry's hottest trade event of the year! SEMA has compiled readymade tools that may be used in conjunction with your own marketing materials.

Write a Press Release!

The SEMA Show Online Media Center is an easy and effective tool to help exhibitors get their press releases to journalists covering the SEMA Show. Available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, the site allows them to submit press releases and photos at no cost.

Tips To Writing an Effective Press Release

• Post early. Many publications, including SEMA News, run preview stories with deadlines beginning in July. Releases often run in the order they are submitted. Include a photo. Releases with photos are more likely to be used than those without photos. Tag correctly when you upload to the site. Many editors use the search function to find news that is relevant to their audience.

An easy-to-read press release with relevant content can create a lasting impression, generate media coverage and ultimately drive traffic to an exhibitor's booth. Exhibitors can upload their press releases now.

Update Your Email Signature!

Notify existing buyers that you're attending the SEMA Show by updating your staff's email signature to include SEMA Show dates and your booth number. Need a hand? Download this official SEMA Show email signature graphic to get you started.

Tell Your Social Media Followers!

SEMA Show attendees are encouraged to continue updating their social media feeds with content focused on plans for November’s event. Free social tools can be downloaded from the SEMA Show website. Don't forget to use the official hashtag, #SEMA2021, and tag us so we can engage with your posts!

Social Copy Ideas

• Did you hear? We're in for this year's SEMA Show! We can't wait to see you in Las Vegas – it's been too long!
• We're In! Visit us in booth #_________ for this year's hottest automotive event. We're looking forward to reconnecting with you at #SEMA2021!
• Don't miss out! This year's SEMA Show is on and WE'RE IN!

Newsletter/Email Notifications!

Update your newsletter, blog or emails to include information notifying clients that you're attending the 2021 SEMA Show. Need help with graphics? Download email tools here.

Visit www.semashow.com/digital-tools for additional information.

By Ashley Reyes

Register now for the following upcoming live webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming live and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Tuesday, September 14 – The Value of a Diverse Team
Series: Team Management, Powered by SBN
Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Having a diverse workforce brings new ideas, innovations and, ultimately, greater success to a team. Aftermarket managers will learn how individuals with disabilities can bring valuable diversity to the workplace, and how to support and respond when a direct report discloses that he or she has a disability. This webinar will provide managers with information that is not typically included in training for management positions.

Register here.

Newly Added: Wednesday, September 15 – YEN Live Chat With Sean P. Holman
Track: Industry Talks

Content director of Motor Trend’s Truck and Off-Road Group Sean P. Holman will discuss technology coming to the off-road segment, including active suspension and EVs during this Facebook live chat. A longtime automotive enthusiast and journalist, Holman consults with all of the major truck manufacturers on current and future products and is co-creator and co-host of the truck enthusiast podcast “The Truck Show Podcast with Lightning & Holman.”

Location: YEN Facebook page

Wednesday, September 15 – Emerging Trends: Electrification, Alternative Power and Advanced Technology
Series: SEMA Industry Insights
Track: Trends & Research

Vehicle electrification, alternative power and emerging technology continue to impact the future of automobiles. During this live webinar, the SEMA Market Research team will present an outlook and sales forecast for electric and other alternative energy vehicles, insight on the challenges and barriers to electric vehicle adoption, a look at the advanced safety technology being put in vehicles today, implications for the aftermarket and more.

Register here.

Tuesday, September 28 – Network Your Way to Beneficial Connections
Series: Sharpen Your Soft Skills, Powered by SBN
Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Learn about the various networking channels and the ins and outs of different networking platforms during this webinar presented by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). Attendees will learn how proper networking can make all the difference in advancing one’s career, how to use networking to their advantage for job leads and how to stay connected over time once a relationship is established.

Register today.

By Ashley Reyes

Frank Vasquez, brand manager at KW Automotive North America Inc., is the latest SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) member to share his insight on how his company pivoted during the pandemic and utilized technology to keep business moving forward.

Get to know what tools his company has leaned on and what new trends he is seeing in sales and marketing in his interview with SEMA below.

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?  

Frank Vasquez: Adjusting to the everchanging CDC guidelines created some interesting times, as I am sure we all experienced in some fashion. We were fortunate enough to remain open throughout the pandemic, but doing so certainly required some drastic changes. Creating alternating shifts and rearranging our work stations allowed us to comply with the social-distancing guidelines while minimizing the disruptions to normal business. The increased demand was the second major challenge we faced and required many additional resources to keep up with.

SEMA: What technology tools—new or old—have you leaned on recently?

FV: Cloud-based enterprise tools have become an absolute staple in workplace collaboration. As things went remote during the early onset of the pandemic, it was imperative that the entire team had access to drives and documents that could be shared and worked on together in real-time. Video conferencing and social content production have also been key to staying in touch with our customers and keeping them up-to-date with the new products we had been working on during a time when we were not able to visit them face-to-face.

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?

FV: Social-media marketing and digital content is on fire now more than ever before. It is abundantly clear that people use those channels to stay engaged in their hobbies, do their own research and share what they are passionate about so marketing through those channels is more important than ever.

SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?

FV: I feel that teleconferencing is something that has proven to now be accessible for many and inherently useful. Being able to hop on a call with one person or large groups at a time is going to make keeping in touch with people much easier. There is still value in face-to-face visits, but I can see teleconferencing still being useful in allowing people to tune in to things they may otherwise not be able to attend or experience.

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN member insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You may also be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA eNews.

By Ashley Reyes

Chris Payne is the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest spotlight member. Payne is the owner of Truck Gurus and a leader in designing, building and marketing vehicle builds for the automotive aftermarket. An avid SEMA Show vehicle builder, Payne works directly with manufacturers to assist them on their journey to represent and grow their business and promote exposure of their products and accessories.

Find out what keeps Payne in the industry and how he prepares for important meetings in his interview with SEMA below.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Chris Payne: Do not run before you walk.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

CP: Passion keeps me in the industry. I love being able to help companies grow, thrive and succeed. Being trusted by so many is an honor in and of itself.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

CP: If it is hot, probably at the lake with friends and family.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

CP: A notepad, pen and personality is all you need!

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?

CP: I would go to lunch with Gale Banks; he is the man. It’s hard to think of anyone who has been a pioneer as long as he has. He is a living legend.  

If you are a current YEN member, fill out a YEN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on YEN’s social media, SEMA eNews and YEN-member updates.