Pictured left at the front of the audiance is U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), who was the featured speaker during SEMA's recent Town Hall event at Coker Tire in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) was the featured speaker during SEMA's Town Hall event at Coker Tire Co. Inc. in Chattanooga, Tennessee, April 4. The senator, a Chattanooga resident and former mayor, is a long-time friend of Coker Tire’s CEO Corky Coker. Prior to taking questions from the audience, Sen. Corker addressed tax reform and the impact of the Affordable Care Act on small businesses. The Town Hall was a valuable opportunity for SEMA members to connect with Sen. Corker and to showcase the economic impact our industry has both in the local community and nationwide.

“Whether it's the laws or the people who make the laws, things in our nation's capital are always changing,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “SEMA's Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) helps our members keep pace by supporting the congressional lawmakers who understand the value of what we do. Make your voice heard this election year by visiting SEMAPAC.com and becoming SEMA PAC Approved today. The more people who join, the louder our voice and the greater our ability to impact change.”

With an important election just around the corner, it's critical that SEMA members continue to get engaged in the political process. This summer, members of the U.S. Congress will spend more time back in their home districts. These "district work periods" are an excellent opportunity to bring your elected representative right to your front door.

From left: SEMA President & CEO Chris Kersting; U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN); Corky Coker of Coker Tire and SEMA Chairman-elect Doug Evans.

The SEMA Government Affairs team has developed the Congressional District Site Visit Program that pairs you with your elected officials through one-on-one meetings. The visits, coordinated entirely by SEMA staff, include informative plant tours, meetings with senior executives and business roundtable discussions that put you face-to-face with your federal decision makers on your home turf.

To learn more about these programs, contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives, while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share common business challenges and opportunities. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information or to learn more about the association's upcoming Town Halls, contact Andrea ‘AJ’ Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

	Pictured left at the front of the audiance is U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), who was the featured speaker during SEMA's recent Town Hall event at Coker Tire in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) was the featured speaker during SEMA's Town Hall event at Coker Tire Co. Inc. in Chattanooga, Tennessee, April 4. The senator, a Chattanooga resident and former mayor, is a long-time friend of Coker Tire’s CEO Corky Coker. Prior to taking questions from the audience, Sen. Corker addressed tax reform and the impact of the Affordable Care Act on small businesses. The Town Hall was a valuable opportunity for SEMA members to connect with Sen. Corker and to showcase the economic impact our industry has both in the local community and nationwide.

“Whether it's the laws or the people who make the laws, things in our nation's capital are always changing,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “SEMA's Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) helps our members keep pace by supporting the congressional lawmakers who understand the value of what we do. Make your voice heard this election year by visiting SEMAPAC.com and becoming SEMA PAC Approved today. The more people who join, the louder our voice and the greater our ability to impact change.”

With an important election just around the corner, it's critical that SEMA members continue to get engaged in the political process. This summer, members of the U.S. Congress will spend more time back in their home districts. These "district work periods" are an excellent opportunity to bring your elected representative right to your front door.

From left: SEMA President & CEO Chris Kersting; U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN); Corky Coker of Coker Tire and SEMA Chairman-elect Doug Evans.

The SEMA Government Affairs team has developed the Congressional District Site Visit Program that pairs you with your elected officials through one-on-one meetings. The visits, coordinated entirely by SEMA staff, include informative plant tours, meetings with senior executives and business roundtable discussions that put you face-to-face with your federal decision makers on your home turf.

To learn more about these programs, contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives, while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share common business challenges and opportunities. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information or to learn more about the association's upcoming Town Halls, contact Andrea ‘AJ’ Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Gumout Performance Additives is sponsoring Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR for 2014.

Gumout to Sponsor Vaughn Gittin Jr. in 2014
Gumout Performance Additives has announced the sponsorship of Formula Drift star and World Champion Drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR for 2014. Gittin Jr. is a champion in Formula Drift, as well as in the World Drift Series, with more than 25 podiums in the top tier of the sport.

Three-Time Defending GRC Championship Team Olsbergs MSE Welcomes Red Bull for 2014
Three-time Global Rallycross championship team Olsbergs MSE has announced that it is partnering with Red Bull for its 2014 Red Bull Global Rallycross campaign. Joni Wiman will move into the top class of competition this year to pilot the 2014 Red Bull/Bluebeam OMSE Ford Fiesta ST. Ford returns to the team in 2014, extending its longstanding relationship with Olsbergs MSE. Bluebeam Software is returning to Olsbergs MSE in 2014, this year joining Red Bull in supporting Wiman behind the wheel. Champion rally driver Patrik Sandell will drive a second OMSE Ford Fiesta ST in the Red Bull Global Rallycross SuperCars category. The Swedish driver is returning for a second year to the series after a strong debut season in 2013 with Ford and Olsbergs MSE.

General Tire Agrees to Three-Year Extension With Team Lucas
General Tire and Team Lucas have extended their comprehensive sponsorship program for three seasons, taking them through 2016. This season will be General Tire's eighth straight as a member of Team Lucas. General Tire will be an event and television sponsor in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (where it also is the Official Tire), Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series, Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series and Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League. It also will have a major presence at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri.

	Hailie Deegan continued strong in 2014 with the first LOORS event held at Wild Pass Motorsports Park, March 22–23.

Second Generation of Deegan Motorsports Thrive Among Competition
After making history in 2013 as the first father and daughter to win Lucas Oil Off Road Series (LOORS) Championships in the same year, Hailie Deegan continued strong in 2014 with the first LOORS event held at Wild Pass Motorsports Park, March 22–23. In the J2 Kart division, Hailie qualified fifth in the single event for the LOORS opening weekend. In her #1 Dirt Princess/4 Wheel Parts/Lucas Oil/Makita machine, she overtook Timmy Moran for the win, giving her the early season points lead. In the Modified Kart division, Hailie qualified seventh in Round One, and finished in fourth place. In last sunday’s Round Two, she bettered her qualifying to eighth and finished in fifth. Her efforts at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park would put her third in Modified Kart points.

Hailie’s younger brother Haiden won the 2014 James Stewart Freestone Spring Championship in the 51cc Limited class, both in Moto 1 and Moto 2. Hailie will continue representing Deegan Motorsports with her father in the LOORS with the next stop at Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park, April 25–26.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Gumout Performance Additives is sponsoring Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR for 2014.

Gumout to Sponsor Vaughn Gittin Jr. in 2014
Gumout Performance Additives has announced the sponsorship of Formula Drift star and World Champion Drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR for 2014. Gittin Jr. is a champion in Formula Drift, as well as in the World Drift Series, with more than 25 podiums in the top tier of the sport.

Three-Time Defending GRC Championship Team Olsbergs MSE Welcomes Red Bull for 2014
Three-time Global Rallycross championship team Olsbergs MSE has announced that it is partnering with Red Bull for its 2014 Red Bull Global Rallycross campaign. Joni Wiman will move into the top class of competition this year to pilot the 2014 Red Bull/Bluebeam OMSE Ford Fiesta ST. Ford returns to the team in 2014, extending its longstanding relationship with Olsbergs MSE. Bluebeam Software is returning to Olsbergs MSE in 2014, this year joining Red Bull in supporting Wiman behind the wheel. Champion rally driver Patrik Sandell will drive a second OMSE Ford Fiesta ST in the Red Bull Global Rallycross SuperCars category. The Swedish driver is returning for a second year to the series after a strong debut season in 2013 with Ford and Olsbergs MSE.

General Tire Agrees to Three-Year Extension With Team Lucas
General Tire and Team Lucas have extended their comprehensive sponsorship program for three seasons, taking them through 2016. This season will be General Tire's eighth straight as a member of Team Lucas. General Tire will be an event and television sponsor in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (where it also is the Official Tire), Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series, Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series and Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League. It also will have a major presence at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri.

	Hailie Deegan continued strong in 2014 with the first LOORS event held at Wild Pass Motorsports Park, March 22–23.

Second Generation of Deegan Motorsports Thrive Among Competition
After making history in 2013 as the first father and daughter to win Lucas Oil Off Road Series (LOORS) Championships in the same year, Hailie Deegan continued strong in 2014 with the first LOORS event held at Wild Pass Motorsports Park, March 22–23. In the J2 Kart division, Hailie qualified fifth in the single event for the LOORS opening weekend. In her #1 Dirt Princess/4 Wheel Parts/Lucas Oil/Makita machine, she overtook Timmy Moran for the win, giving her the early season points lead. In the Modified Kart division, Hailie qualified seventh in Round One, and finished in fourth place. In last sunday’s Round Two, she bettered her qualifying to eighth and finished in fifth. Her efforts at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park would put her third in Modified Kart points.

Hailie’s younger brother Haiden won the 2014 James Stewart Freestone Spring Championship in the 51cc Limited class, both in Moto 1 and Moto 2. Hailie will continue representing Deegan Motorsports with her father in the LOORS with the next stop at Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park, April 25–26.

By SEMA Editors

	Superchips and Transamerican Wholesale are giving away a fully customized brand-new ’14 Jeep JK two-door at the 2014 SEMA Show, November 6, in Las Vegas.

Superchips and Transamerican Wholesale are giving away a fully customized brand-new ’14 Jeep JK two-door at the 2014 SEMA Show, November 6, in Las Vegas.

How to Win

• Be a Transamerican Wholesale jobber
• Be an authorized Superchips dealer
• Each time you purchase a Superchips programmer you are automatically entered into a drawing each month to win
• Be present at the Superchips 2014 SEMA Show booth, November 6

Vote on What Parts to Install and Win

Jobbers have the opportunity to vote on the parts they most want to win for the build. Each month Superchips and Transamerican Wholesale post a new category with four manufacturer part options. At the end of the month, the parts with the most votes get installed on the Jeep to win. The nine qualifying drawings will occur electronically every month this year and again November 6, 2014, at the SEMA Show.

View the official contest rules and regulations.

By SEMA Editors

	Superchips and Transamerican Wholesale are giving away a fully customized brand-new ’14 Jeep JK two-door at the 2014 SEMA Show, November 6, in Las Vegas.

Superchips and Transamerican Wholesale are giving away a fully customized brand-new ’14 Jeep JK two-door at the 2014 SEMA Show, November 6, in Las Vegas.

How to Win

• Be a Transamerican Wholesale jobber
• Be an authorized Superchips dealer
• Each time you purchase a Superchips programmer you are automatically entered into a drawing each month to win
• Be present at the Superchips 2014 SEMA Show booth, November 6

Vote on What Parts to Install and Win

Jobbers have the opportunity to vote on the parts they most want to win for the build. Each month Superchips and Transamerican Wholesale post a new category with four manufacturer part options. At the end of the month, the parts with the most votes get installed on the Jeep to win. The nine qualifying drawings will occur electronically every month this year and again November 6, 2014, at the SEMA Show.

View the official contest rules and regulations.

By Della Domingo

	Filmed at the 2013 SEMA Show, the Velocity Network's “Mothers Presents SEMA Las Vegas” featured first-time exhibitors Fusion Brakes.

Thousands watched “Mothers Presents SEMA Las Vegas,” a special one-hour show that aired March 7 on the Velocity Network. Filmed at the 2013 SEMA Show, the television special featured, among other things, first-time exhibitor Fusion Brakes. Producers visited with Fusion Brakes months before the SEMA Show, and followed the carbon ceramic brake manufacturers as it prepared and made its way to Las Vegas for the annual trade show.

Viewers watched as Fusion Brakes experienced a few hiccups along the way, adjusted its plans and ultimately succeeded in getting its name and product out to thousands of qualified buyers.

Here is some behind-the-scenes advice from the company’s CEO, Cliff Leonard:

• The vehicle was the biggest asset the company had in attracting people to its booth. “Having a nice car definitely helps turn a lot of heads, so if you have the funds to do so, I would recommend to at least do a 10x20 to squeeze a car in,” said Leonard.

• Even with a booth vehicle, two tables and four chairs, the company had six people working the booth. Their strategy: “I wanted to make sure we created a smooth way to funnel the right visitors in the right direction. Upfront, the first people you would speak to are sales. If it was marketing related, we had two marketing guys to speak with. After that, any serious buyers would speak with the executives and decision makers at the booth.”

• Despite the success that the company has had at the 2013 SEMA Show, officials claim that they felt pretty unprepared before the Show. “This year (2014), we've started planning several more months in advance. Fusion is definitely planning on throwing in more advertisements and we will likely have a lot more meetings now that we have some good traction.”

• Leonard had the advantage of having gone to the SEMA Show for eight years before exhibiting with his own company. His thoughts for other newbies, “Exhibiting at the SEMA Show for the first time can be very stressful. My advice is to follow the SEMA Deadline Checklist and definitely contact your rep with any questions, as they can be pretty helpful in showing you the ropes. It’s important that you rent a lead-retrieval system for the booth. The lead-retrieval makes life so much easier on exchanging information and following up with pre-qualified leads you make. In addition, this is the largest automotive trade show in the world. With that said, buy your hotel rooms far in advance to avoid limitations and price hikes. Finally, I would lay out your booth before you get there. It helps to see how everything will fit as there are a lot of regulations with what you can and can't do.”

Note: “Mothers Presents SEMA Las Vegas” is scheduled to re-air on the Velocity Network May 3 and May 16. Check your local listings for times.

By Della Domingo

	Filmed at the 2013 SEMA Show, the Velocity Network's “Mothers Presents SEMA Las Vegas” featured first-time exhibitors Fusion Brakes.

Thousands watched “Mothers Presents SEMA Las Vegas,” a special one-hour show that aired March 7 on the Velocity Network. Filmed at the 2013 SEMA Show, the television special featured, among other things, first-time exhibitor Fusion Brakes. Producers visited with Fusion Brakes months before the SEMA Show, and followed the carbon ceramic brake manufacturers as it prepared and made its way to Las Vegas for the annual trade show.

Viewers watched as Fusion Brakes experienced a few hiccups along the way, adjusted its plans and ultimately succeeded in getting its name and product out to thousands of qualified buyers.

Here is some behind-the-scenes advice from the company’s CEO, Cliff Leonard:

• The vehicle was the biggest asset the company had in attracting people to its booth. “Having a nice car definitely helps turn a lot of heads, so if you have the funds to do so, I would recommend to at least do a 10x20 to squeeze a car in,” said Leonard.

• Even with a booth vehicle, two tables and four chairs, the company had six people working the booth. Their strategy: “I wanted to make sure we created a smooth way to funnel the right visitors in the right direction. Upfront, the first people you would speak to are sales. If it was marketing related, we had two marketing guys to speak with. After that, any serious buyers would speak with the executives and decision makers at the booth.”

• Despite the success that the company has had at the 2013 SEMA Show, officials claim that they felt pretty unprepared before the Show. “This year (2014), we've started planning several more months in advance. Fusion is definitely planning on throwing in more advertisements and we will likely have a lot more meetings now that we have some good traction.”

• Leonard had the advantage of having gone to the SEMA Show for eight years before exhibiting with his own company. His thoughts for other newbies, “Exhibiting at the SEMA Show for the first time can be very stressful. My advice is to follow the SEMA Deadline Checklist and definitely contact your rep with any questions, as they can be pretty helpful in showing you the ropes. It’s important that you rent a lead-retrieval system for the booth. The lead-retrieval makes life so much easier on exchanging information and following up with pre-qualified leads you make. In addition, this is the largest automotive trade show in the world. With that said, buy your hotel rooms far in advance to avoid limitations and price hikes. Finally, I would lay out your booth before you get there. It helps to see how everything will fit as there are a lot of regulations with what you can and can't do.”

Note: “Mothers Presents SEMA Las Vegas” is scheduled to re-air on the Velocity Network May 3 and May 16. Check your local listings for times.