Exhibit at the 2019 SEMA Show—Get Started Here

The 2019 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

http://www.semashow.com/buyabooth

Exhibit at the 2019 SEMA Show—Get Started Here

The 2019 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

http://www.semashow.com/buyabooth

By Kristopher Porter

Taylor Bostick

With a brand-new year comes a fresh start. The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) dedicates January’s Member Spotlight to Taylor Bostick, a mechanical engineering student from Oklahoma State University, who was a recipient of a 2018 SEMA Scholarship and also won the SBN Athena Rising Star Award. Take a look at Taylor’s Q&A below:

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

Taylor Bostick: Do not let people limit your dreams because you are a minority in the industry. Be strong, keep your head high and work hard toward your dreams.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

TB: It gives me motivation knowing that there are so many strong and independent women out there in this industry, killing it without regard to what people say or think about them.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?  

TB: Working on my ’96 Chevy truck or helping my friends with their vehicles. I love to go to the drag races in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and also the dirt-track races close to my house on Saturdays. I love to be around cars and racing, especially when my friends and family are there too.

SEMA: How do you prepare for going to an important meeting?  

TB: I’m there at least 15 minutes early. I am a punctual kind of person no matter if it’s in the workplace or just hanging with friends. Being early shows initiative and proves that you are ready to take on that meeting.

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

TB: Jessi Combs, because I grew up watching her succeed in this career, and she was a major influence on my decision to do what I do. She works hard and believes all girls can do what they put their minds to.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured in SBN’s social media channels, SEMA eNews and on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While you’re there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and paving the way for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form and join the action today!

By Kristopher Porter

Taylor Bostick

With a brand-new year comes a fresh start. The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) dedicates January’s Member Spotlight to Taylor Bostick, a mechanical engineering student from Oklahoma State University, who was a recipient of a 2018 SEMA Scholarship and also won the SBN Athena Rising Star Award. Take a look at Taylor’s Q&A below:

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

Taylor Bostick: Do not let people limit your dreams because you are a minority in the industry. Be strong, keep your head high and work hard toward your dreams.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

TB: It gives me motivation knowing that there are so many strong and independent women out there in this industry, killing it without regard to what people say or think about them.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?  

TB: Working on my ’96 Chevy truck or helping my friends with their vehicles. I love to go to the drag races in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and also the dirt-track races close to my house on Saturdays. I love to be around cars and racing, especially when my friends and family are there too.

SEMA: How do you prepare for going to an important meeting?  

TB: I’m there at least 15 minutes early. I am a punctual kind of person no matter if it’s in the workplace or just hanging with friends. Being early shows initiative and proves that you are ready to take on that meeting.

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

TB: Jessi Combs, because I grew up watching her succeed in this career, and she was a major influence on my decision to do what I do. She works hard and believes all girls can do what they put their minds to.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured in SBN’s social media channels, SEMA eNews and on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While you’re there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and paving the way for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form and join the action today!

By Kristopher Porter

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) invites members who are in town for the MPMC Media Trade Conference or the Grand National Roadster Show to its open meeting, to be held Friday, January 25, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

This is a great opportunity to learn about HRIA’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the hot-rod industry at large. HRIA select committee members, along with SEMA staff, will be on hand to answer questions for those interested in joining HRIA. A continental breakfast will be provided.  

For more information, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, or via email at jimsk@sema.org.

Register now!

By Kristopher Porter

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) invites members who are in town for the MPMC Media Trade Conference or the Grand National Roadster Show to its open meeting, to be held Friday, January 25, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

This is a great opportunity to learn about HRIA’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the hot-rod industry at large. HRIA select committee members, along with SEMA staff, will be on hand to answer questions for those interested in joining HRIA. A continental breakfast will be provided.  

For more information, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, or via email at jimsk@sema.org.

Register now!

By Kristopher Porter

William A. Cole

William A. Cole, 72, a lifelong Tewksbury, Massachusetts, resident and Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Hall of Fame inductee, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Sunday, December 30, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Judith E. (Ford) Cole, with whom he celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary April 19, 2018.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, May 14, 1946, he was the son of the late Kenneth R. Cole and the late Mildred (Ricker) Cole. He was raised in Tewksbury and graduated from Tewksbury High School. Following graduation, he attended Lowell Tech, where he received his degree in business management.

In 1970, Cole founded and operated Yankee Custom, a full-line truck, van and SUV accessory-supply company with locations in Tewksbury; Saugus, Massachusetts; Brockton, Massachusetts; Nashua, New Hampshire; and Portland, Maine. He started the company in his garage, where he specialized in the fabrication and installation of wood-framed aluminum truckbed caps and enclosures. From those humble beginnings, Cole expanded the business and its offerings to what is now considered one of New England’s largest retail distributors of truck, van and SUV accessories.

Cole was also involved in the founding and creation of SEMA’s LTAA, which at the time was known as the Truck Cap Industry Association (TCIA). During his spare time, He enjoyed restoring his antique ’46 Mack EH, watching John Wayne movies, listening to the music of Frank Sinatra, hosting the annual Cole family pig roast and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Cole is survived by his children: Scott W. Cole of Manchester, New Hampshire; Kathryn M. Alonis and her husband Kevin of Merrimack, New Hampshire; and Jeffrey A. Cole and his wife Allison of Tewksbury; his grandchildren Katherine, Olivia, Caitlin and Prayla Cole, and Alexander Alonis; three sisters Dr. Elizabeth Proper of Hatfield, Massachusetts; Carolyn Maggard of Williston, Florida; and Patricia Allen and her husband Charles of Casco, Maine; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

By Kristopher Porter

William A. Cole

William A. Cole, 72, a lifelong Tewksbury, Massachusetts, resident and Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Hall of Fame inductee, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Sunday, December 30, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Judith E. (Ford) Cole, with whom he celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary April 19, 2018.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, May 14, 1946, he was the son of the late Kenneth R. Cole and the late Mildred (Ricker) Cole. He was raised in Tewksbury and graduated from Tewksbury High School. Following graduation, he attended Lowell Tech, where he received his degree in business management.

In 1970, Cole founded and operated Yankee Custom, a full-line truck, van and SUV accessory-supply company with locations in Tewksbury; Saugus, Massachusetts; Brockton, Massachusetts; Nashua, New Hampshire; and Portland, Maine. He started the company in his garage, where he specialized in the fabrication and installation of wood-framed aluminum truckbed caps and enclosures. From those humble beginnings, Cole expanded the business and its offerings to what is now considered one of New England’s largest retail distributors of truck, van and SUV accessories.

Cole was also involved in the founding and creation of SEMA’s LTAA, which at the time was known as the Truck Cap Industry Association (TCIA). During his spare time, He enjoyed restoring his antique ’46 Mack EH, watching John Wayne movies, listening to the music of Frank Sinatra, hosting the annual Cole family pig roast and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Cole is survived by his children: Scott W. Cole of Manchester, New Hampshire; Kathryn M. Alonis and her husband Kevin of Merrimack, New Hampshire; and Jeffrey A. Cole and his wife Allison of Tewksbury; his grandchildren Katherine, Olivia, Caitlin and Prayla Cole, and Alexander Alonis; three sisters Dr. Elizabeth Proper of Hatfield, Massachusetts; Carolyn Maggard of Williston, Florida; and Patricia Allen and her husband Charles of Casco, Maine; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

By SEMA Editors

Whiteline USA announced that it will sponsor Jager Racing for the 2019 racing season.

Whiteline USA to Sponsor Jager Racing for 2019 Season

Whiteline USA announced that it will sponsor Jager Racing for the 2019 racing season. The company supports Jager Racing as the team campaigns their Subaru STI in the Global Time Attack racing series. Jager Racing will use Whiteline’s suspension components on the race car and will offer real world competition tested feedbacks as well as collaborating on future Whiteline suspension R&D efforts. Mark Jager of Jager Racing was the fastest Street Class, then Modified/Limited Class, and now Time Attack driver in North America. The Jager Racing’s 2006 Subaru STI, aka “Honey Badger” is one of the most successful and recognizable Time Attack vehicles campaigning in the GTA series.

SCCA Announces Marketing Department Changes

Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has opened the New Year with some reorganization and staff additions within the marketing department at the national office in Topeka, Kansas. Heyward Wagner has been promoted to senior director of marketing and experiential programs. Jon Krolewicz has shifted to time trials program manager and Andie Albin to creative manager. Blair Deffenbaugh joins the national staff as marketing project manager and Courtney Rivers has been added as staffing coordinator for the Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack program. In his new role, Wagner will continue to oversee programs, such as SCCA Starting Line and Track Night in America, that convert motorsport enthusiasts into active SCCA participants. Additionally, he will focus on new programs, such as the Tire Rack Time Trials National Tour and Tire Rack Time Trials Nationals, as well as seek ways to grow awareness and exposure of Club activities through traditional and social media. Krolewicz will be hands-on with program development and provide support to SCCA regions seeking ways to implement time trials in their areas. Krolewicz previously helped grow Track Night in America and has an extensive background in both road racing and Time Attack. Albin, formerly digital marketing and communications coordinator, will now work to bring consistency and cohesiveness to visual elements within the SCCA brand in her new role as creative manager. Deffenbaugh will manage a wide variety of marketing projects. Rivers will help with staffing logistics for Track Night in America and has been tasked with seeking ways to streamline processes from online registration all the way to on-site check-in.

NHRA’s New “Unfinished Business” Competition to Feature Drag Racing Legends

Eight of the most beloved figures in the sport of NHRA drag racing will come together to compete in NHRA’s “Unfinished Business” event during the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Each of the eight NHRA Legends competing in the event will be revealed via social media in the weeks leading up to the Gatornationals. A new driver will be released twice a week, each week from now until January 31. When the drivers are revealed, NHRA will post images of each driver’s custom Toyota Camry, which will be distinctly wrapped to emulate looks inspired by some of the drivers’ favorite rides. Then fans will have the opportunity to vote for the first-round pairs they would like to see compete. Follow the hashtag #UnfinishedBusiness on NHRA’s social media pages and www.NHRA.com for updates on NHRA Unfinished Business. For more information, visit www.gainesvilleraceway.com.

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

By Rachel Tatum

Hosted by NHRA TV personality Brian Lohnes and ASE-certified instructor John Gardner, the three-part SEMA special features interviews, footage and coverage from the 2018 SEMA Show, held in Las Vegas.

Part two of “Motorhead Garage’s” SEMA special airs Friday, January 11, at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. (EST) on MAVTV.

Hosted by NHRA TV personality Brian Lohnes and ASE-certified instructor John Gardner, the three-part special features interviews, footage and coverage from the 2018 SEMA Show held in Las Vegas. Part two, airing January 11, features one of the SEMA Show’s iconic special events: The NHRA Breakfast. With Joe Amato, Kenny Bernstein, Don Prudhomme and John Force, the breakfast is a favorite among SEMA Show attendees.

Part three airs the following week, Friday, January 18, at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. (EST).

Tune in and relive the excitement from the 2018 SEMA Show. Check your local listings to confirm air time and channel.