Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.

Visit MPMC's website.

	The MPMC mixer is a chance for SEMA members to meet fellow industry professionals, motorsports manufacturers, young executives and automotive businesswomen in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

Connect with Performance Professionals in Southern California

By SEMA Editors

A networking opportunity for members of the specialty-equipment industry will take place in conjunction with the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, Thursday, January 23, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Those traveling to the MPMC Media Trade Conference and anyone living or working in the greater Los Angeles/Orange County area are invited to attend the event. MPMC, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) and the Young Executive’s Network (YEN) will host the networking mixer in the lounge of the Embassy Suites Santa Ana – Orange County Airport North.

This mixer is a chance for SEMA members to meet fellow industry professionals, motorsports manufacturers, young executives and automotive businesswomen in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Along with the cash bar, karaoke will be open throughout the evening, giving attendees an opportunity to showcase their vocal abilities.

Members planning to attend should RSVP to SEMA's Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison via e-mail or at 909-978-6691.

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Visit ARMO's website.

Restoration Parts Registration Open for Hot Products Showcase

Registration is now open for the Automotive Restoration Market Organization’s (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase, which will take place April 23–26, 2014, at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

This event is an opportunity for council members to display one or more products in front of one of the single-largest gatherings of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the world.

In addition to having products on display in the Hot Products tent, a professional photographer will photograph each one. The photos will be available to manufacturers and will also be used in a slideshow at the ARMO booth and reception at the SEMA Show. A gallery on the ARMO webpage also houses each of the photos, along with a product description for those unable to attend the event. This publicity is available to ARMO members for only the cost of shipping the product entries to the Carlisle Fairgrounds.

Product entries must meet the following criteria:

• Must be the product of an ARMO member-company.
• Must be available for sale (market-ready) by the opening of the Showcase, April 23. 
• Must demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a benefit to the restoration industry.

Members can register products by filling out the online application. All applications must be received by April 18, 2014. Not an ARMO member? Join today to gain access to this event and other council benefits.

Restoration Professionals Gather for Networking at the Hot Products Showcase

ARMO will host a networking mixer in the Hot Products Tent at the Showcase, Thursday, April 24, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. The mixer will be a chance for members to grab a drink and spend some time interacting one-on-one with council leadership and fellow ARMO members. The council leadership believes this event holds enormous potential for new ideas and partnerships to be formed as members network with new and old industry friends. RSVP to save your spot.

Make Your Voice Heard at the ARMO Industry Discussion

This year, the council will also hold an industry discussion, Friday, April 25, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the Hot Products Tent. The session will allow members and others interested in joining the council to voice their concerns, ask questions and offer input to the group. For members who would like to be a part of shaping future projects and events, this will be a chance to make their voices heard. Send in your RSVP today.

For more information about any of these events, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.

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Visit HRIA's website

	HRIA Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

Hot Rod Council to Present Education Day at 2014 Detroit Autorama

By Della Domingo

The annual SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Day will be held, for the first time, in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama—the 60-year-old custom car show taking place in March 2014 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical, information about their products with their customers,” said Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils. “Holding the Education Day program at the Detroit Autorama will allow HRIA members to expand and reach a new audience.”

HRIA previously held its Education Day program at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The move to the Detroit Autorama will enable manufacturers to reach a new, expanded audience. Autorama, which is well known for having the world’s most coveted hot rods, prestigious awards competitions, as well as top celebrities and student programs, attracts more than 150,000 individuals annually. Education Day will take place Thursday, March 6, 2014 (the day before Autorama officially opens), and is open to all hot-rod shops and businesses, as well as to all Autorama attendees.

“As one the nation’s premier indoor custom car shows, the Detroit Autorama attracts thousands of businesses and enthusiasts who are passionate and deeply vested in new hot-rod products,” said Peter A. Toundas, president of Championship Auto Shows Inc.—promoter of the event. “The HRIA Education Day program will add a valuable element to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers, which would be difficult for them to do on their own.”

Attendee registration is now open. Reserve your spot today.

For more information about HRIA, contact Jim Skelly.

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Visit WTC's website

Wheel and Tire Experts Explore Challenges and Opportunities at February Meeting

Members of the wheel and tire industry will gather at the SEMA Garage Industry Innovations Center for an industry discussion, Wednesday, February 5, from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

On the agenda is a tour of the updated SEMA Garage, an address by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting, discussions of the latest developments from the Wheel & Tire Council’s (WTC) partnership with Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), updates on the progress of the SAE J3010 certification and discussions and resources related to the protection of intellectual property. By participating in the discussion, individuals can help determine the focus and direction of the council for the next year and beyond.

The meeting will be followed by a networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC-member companies are invited to attend the event. Register today to save your seat.

For more information about WTC or this event, contact Senior Manager of Councils Clayton Drescher.

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By SEMA Editors

	Bill Barker (second from right) of Fort Worth, Texas, had the winning bid of $200,000 for the WD-40/SEMA Cares ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty work truck last week at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The WD-40/SEMA Cares ’12 Foose Ford Super Duty F-350, which debuted at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, raised $200,000 last week at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Purchased by Bill Barker of Fort Worth, Texas, all proceeds raised from the truck's auction will benefit SEMA Cares charities and SEMA scholarship programs.

“I’ve been blessed,” Barker said. “For me, it wasn’t just about the truck; it was for charity and it was something I felt I needed to do.”

The custom ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty work truck, designed by Chip Foose, includes Foose-inspired custom front- and rear-wheel flares, side rockers and a front chin spoiler, among other upgrades. Following its debut at the 2012 SEMA Show in the WD-40 Co. booth, the custom truck appeared at events throughout California, New Mexico, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Tennessee. The vehicle represents the new WD-40 Specialist line of products designed to help skilled trade professionals get their specific jobs done with ease.

Build partners included Foose Design, Ford, Source Interlink Media, Icon Vehicle Dynamics, DynaTrac, MagnaFlow, BFGoodrich, Takit, Husky Liners, Leer, Katzkin, Pro Comp, Polk Audio, Audio Innovations and PowerBass. Custom fender work and paint were done by LGE-CTS Motorsports in San Dimas, California.

So far, five WD-40/SEMA Cares vehicles have raised more than $775,000 for SEMA Cares charities. Previous vehicles include a ’10 Chevy Camaro, ’11 Ford Mustang, ’12 Dodge Challenger and ’53 Ford F-100. The Dodge Challenger, Ford F-100 and Ford Super Duty were all designed by Chip Foose. WD-40 has committed to continue working with SEMA Cares to build another vehicle for 2014.

In addition, WD-40/SEMA Cares will raffle off a ’13 Ford F-150 that was built by the students of the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts. For more information on the truck and raffle, visit WD40.com/Foose.

By SEMA Editors

	Bill Barker (second from right) of Fort Worth, Texas, had the winning bid of $200,000 for the WD-40/SEMA Cares ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty work truck last week at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The WD-40/SEMA Cares ’12 Foose Ford Super Duty F-350, which debuted at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, raised $200,000 last week at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Purchased by Bill Barker of Fort Worth, Texas, all proceeds raised from the truck's auction will benefit SEMA Cares charities and SEMA scholarship programs.

“I’ve been blessed,” Barker said. “For me, it wasn’t just about the truck; it was for charity and it was something I felt I needed to do.”

The custom ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty work truck, designed by Chip Foose, includes Foose-inspired custom front- and rear-wheel flares, side rockers and a front chin spoiler, among other upgrades. Following its debut at the 2012 SEMA Show in the WD-40 Co. booth, the custom truck appeared at events throughout California, New Mexico, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Tennessee. The vehicle represents the new WD-40 Specialist line of products designed to help skilled trade professionals get their specific jobs done with ease.

Build partners included Foose Design, Ford, Source Interlink Media, Icon Vehicle Dynamics, DynaTrac, MagnaFlow, BFGoodrich, Takit, Husky Liners, Leer, Katzkin, Pro Comp, Polk Audio, Audio Innovations and PowerBass. Custom fender work and paint were done by LGE-CTS Motorsports in San Dimas, California.

So far, five WD-40/SEMA Cares vehicles have raised more than $775,000 for SEMA Cares charities. Previous vehicles include a ’10 Chevy Camaro, ’11 Ford Mustang, ’12 Dodge Challenger and ’53 Ford F-100. The Dodge Challenger, Ford F-100 and Ford Super Duty were all designed by Chip Foose. WD-40 has committed to continue working with SEMA Cares to build another vehicle for 2014.

In addition, WD-40/SEMA Cares will raffle off a ’13 Ford F-150 that was built by the students of the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts. For more information on the truck and raffle, visit WD40.com/Foose.

By SEMA Editors

	Bill Barker (second from right) of Fort Worth, Texas, had the winning bid of $200,000 for the WD-40/SEMA Cares ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty work truck last week at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The WD-40/SEMA Cares ’12 Foose Ford Super Duty F-350, which debuted at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, raised $200,000 last week at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Purchased by Bill Barker of Fort Worth, Texas, all proceeds raised from the truck's auction will benefit SEMA Cares charities and SEMA scholarship programs.

“I’ve been blessed,” Barker said. “For me, it wasn’t just about the truck; it was for charity and it was something I felt I needed to do.”

The custom ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty work truck, designed by Chip Foose, includes Foose-inspired custom front- and rear-wheel flares, side rockers and a front chin spoiler, among other upgrades. Following its debut at the 2012 SEMA Show in the WD-40 Co. booth, the custom truck appeared at events throughout California, New Mexico, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Tennessee. The vehicle represents the new WD-40 Specialist line of products designed to help skilled trade professionals get their specific jobs done with ease.

Build partners included Foose Design, Ford, Source Interlink Media, Icon Vehicle Dynamics, DynaTrac, MagnaFlow, BFGoodrich, Takit, Husky Liners, Leer, Katzkin, Pro Comp, Polk Audio, Audio Innovations and PowerBass. Custom fender work and paint were done by LGE-CTS Motorsports in San Dimas, California.

So far, five WD-40/SEMA Cares vehicles have raised more than $775,000 for SEMA Cares charities. Previous vehicles include a ’10 Chevy Camaro, ’11 Ford Mustang, ’12 Dodge Challenger and ’53 Ford F-100. The Dodge Challenger, Ford F-100 and Ford Super Duty were all designed by Chip Foose. WD-40 has committed to continue working with SEMA Cares to build another vehicle for 2014.

In addition, WD-40/SEMA Cares will raffle off a ’13 Ford F-150 that was built by the students of the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts. For more information on the truck and raffle, visit WD40.com/Foose.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NEWS NUGGETS

IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE AT WILD HORSE PASS MOTORSPORTS PARK: Massive facility upgrades continue at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park located outside of Phoenix, for the upcoming CARQUEST NHRA Nationals, February 21–23. Seven hundred feet of concrete have been poured in the launch pad; new CompuLink timing, new public-address systems and new scoreboards will be installed prior to the event. A full story on the improvements can be found on www.NHRA.com.

MCGAHA SECURES JIM YATES AS CREW CHIEF FOR 2014: Chris McGaha continued his off-season moves when he hired Jim Yates to be his crew chief for the 2014 campaign on his Harlow Sammons Chevrolet Camaro beginning at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals, February 6–9. Yates has two championships as a driver (1996 and 1997), and most recently was with Johnson & Johnson Racing during their back-to-back championships with Allen Johnson in 2012 and Jeg Coughlin in 2013. For more on this story visit, www.NHRA.com.

AIR TIMES AND DATES FOR FIRST THREE NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES EVENTS ANNOUNCED: The 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season is nearly at hand and ESPN and ESPN2 are set to bring the sights and sounds to fans across the country for the coming season. NHRA and ESPN have announced airdates and times for the first three events, including the season opening event, the Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 6–9. ESPN will air the conclusion of the event in a three-hour broadcast, February 9, from 8:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. (EST). More information on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

CIRCLE K NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 6–9: The Circle K NHRA Winternationals starts the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series at one of the most historic facilities on the NHRA circuit—Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Courtney Force (Funny Car) and Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) will attempt to defend their 2013 wins and start the season on a positive note.

CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, February 21–23: For the 30th season, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series races into the Valley of the Sun for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals. The venerable facility south of Phoenix has hosted many historic performances throughout the years. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) recorded wins at the track in 2013 and will again be among the favorites to claim early-season victories.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

“I have a lot of passion for the sport, and I don't want to be the weak link for the team. So I think it was a lot of pressure on me that I put on myself to perform. I think now having experienced that this last year, I think it's going to help me be better this year because I know what to expect. I know what it's like to be in these huge pressure situations, racing against the best, all eyes on you and you're racing for the championship. I think just being in that position now, this team knows how to do it.”

—Shawn Langdon on his season-long quest for his 2013 Top Fuel world championship and his thoughts on the upcoming season.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

533: Number of round wins Jeg Coughlin Jr. has in his 330-race career. He is only the 12th driver in NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series history to win more than 500 rounds of racing. In his career, he has amassed 56 national events wins, five Pro Stock World championships and is the reigning world champion. His title defense and quest for another championship begins at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals, February 6–9, at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

DID YOU KNOW…

CHANDLER, DSR TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR MAKE-A-WISH IN 2014: NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Funny Car team sponsor Terry Chandler, along with team owner Don Schumacher of Don Schumacher Racing, has announced that they will soon debut a brilliant Make-A-Wish paint scheme on their Dodge Charger R/T in 2014 with the intention of raising awareness for the non-profit organization. Tommy Johnson Jr., a nine-time national event winner in the series, will pilot the Chandler/DSR Funny Car in 2014.

"For me, this year is about giving back, and I thought a long time about how we could do that," said Chandler, a co-sponsor on the DSR Funny Car last year with her brother and then-driver of the Pitch Energy Dodge, Johnny Gray, who has since retired from full-time racing.

For more information on this story, visit www.NHRA.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NEWS NUGGETS

IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE AT WILD HORSE PASS MOTORSPORTS PARK: Massive facility upgrades continue at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park located outside of Phoenix, for the upcoming CARQUEST NHRA Nationals, February 21–23. Seven hundred feet of concrete have been poured in the launch pad; new CompuLink timing, new public-address systems and new scoreboards will be installed prior to the event. A full story on the improvements can be found on www.NHRA.com.

MCGAHA SECURES JIM YATES AS CREW CHIEF FOR 2014: Chris McGaha continued his off-season moves when he hired Jim Yates to be his crew chief for the 2014 campaign on his Harlow Sammons Chevrolet Camaro beginning at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals, February 6–9. Yates has two championships as a driver (1996 and 1997), and most recently was with Johnson & Johnson Racing during their back-to-back championships with Allen Johnson in 2012 and Jeg Coughlin in 2013. For more on this story visit, www.NHRA.com.

AIR TIMES AND DATES FOR FIRST THREE NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES EVENTS ANNOUNCED: The 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season is nearly at hand and ESPN and ESPN2 are set to bring the sights and sounds to fans across the country for the coming season. NHRA and ESPN have announced airdates and times for the first three events, including the season opening event, the Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 6–9. ESPN will air the conclusion of the event in a three-hour broadcast, February 9, from 8:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. (EST). More information on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

CIRCLE K NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 6–9: The Circle K NHRA Winternationals starts the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series at one of the most historic facilities on the NHRA circuit—Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Courtney Force (Funny Car) and Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) will attempt to defend their 2013 wins and start the season on a positive note.

CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, February 21–23: For the 30th season, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series races into the Valley of the Sun for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals. The venerable facility south of Phoenix has hosted many historic performances throughout the years. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) recorded wins at the track in 2013 and will again be among the favorites to claim early-season victories.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

“I have a lot of passion for the sport, and I don't want to be the weak link for the team. So I think it was a lot of pressure on me that I put on myself to perform. I think now having experienced that this last year, I think it's going to help me be better this year because I know what to expect. I know what it's like to be in these huge pressure situations, racing against the best, all eyes on you and you're racing for the championship. I think just being in that position now, this team knows how to do it.”

—Shawn Langdon on his season-long quest for his 2013 Top Fuel world championship and his thoughts on the upcoming season.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

533: Number of round wins Jeg Coughlin Jr. has in his 330-race career. He is only the 12th driver in NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series history to win more than 500 rounds of racing. In his career, he has amassed 56 national events wins, five Pro Stock World championships and is the reigning world champion. His title defense and quest for another championship begins at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals, February 6–9, at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

DID YOU KNOW…

CHANDLER, DSR TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR MAKE-A-WISH IN 2014: NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Funny Car team sponsor Terry Chandler, along with team owner Don Schumacher of Don Schumacher Racing, has announced that they will soon debut a brilliant Make-A-Wish paint scheme on their Dodge Charger R/T in 2014 with the intention of raising awareness for the non-profit organization. Tommy Johnson Jr., a nine-time national event winner in the series, will pilot the Chandler/DSR Funny Car in 2014.

"For me, this year is about giving back, and I thought a long time about how we could do that," said Chandler, a co-sponsor on the DSR Funny Car last year with her brother and then-driver of the Pitch Energy Dodge, Johnny Gray, who has since retired from full-time racing.

For more information on this story, visit www.NHRA.com.