Compiled by SEMA Editors

Hammerking Productions Acquires Valley Off Road Racing Association

Hammerking Productions Inc.—the organization behind King of the Hammers and ULTRA4 Racing—is partnering with Nor Cal Rock Rock Racing in the purchase of Valley Off Road Racing Association (VORRA), which was established in 1975 and has organized such iconic desert races as the Fallon 250 and the Yerington 300. Wes Harbor, John Goodby and Dave Cole—promoters and CEOs for VORRA, Nor Cal Rock Racing and Hammerking respectively—solidified their agreement earlier this week. Cole and Harbor will coordinate on the desert races and Goodby will add days and heats to Nor Cal Rock Racing's current short-course schedule to include VORRA teams and classes not currently racing in Nor Cal Rock Racing events. 

2016 VORRA Schedule:

April 29–May 1: Prairie City SVRA – combined with Nor Cal Rock Racing
May 29: Hawthorne
July 15–17: Wild West Motorsports Park – combined with Nor Cal Rock Racing
September 3–4: Fallon 250 – combined with ULTRA4 Racing
September 23–25: Prairie City SVRA – Combined with Nor Cal Rock Racing

Dai Yoshihara will compete this season in his Subaru BRZ.

Turn 14 Distribution Extends Sponsorship With Formula D Star Dai Yoshihara

Turn 14 Distribution has announced the extension of its title sponsorship and ongoing partnership with Dai Yoshihara—one of the most popular drivers in the Formula D series. With this sponsorship, Yoshihara is building upon an existing four-year relationship with Turn 14 Distribution, and has a full season of Formula D racing planned for 2016. Since 2004, Yoshihara has finished in the top 10 nine times, including his championship run in 2011. Yoshihara will compete this season in his Subaru BRZ, resplendent in Turn 14 Distribution livery to reflect the sponsorship. The Subaru features a custom-built 477-cid turbocharged LS engine with more than 950 rear-wheel hp. The eight-race Formula D schedule kicks off April 8–9 with the Streets of Long Beach event in California, and traverses North America with stops in Georgia, Florida, New Jersey, Montreal, Washington and Texas, before concluding at the Irwindale Speedway in California in October.

Tedesco Racing Partners With VP Racing Fuels for NHRA 2016 Lucas Oil Season

Tedesco Racing’s Mia Tedesco and Jason Lynch have announced the addition of VP Racing Fuels as a primary marketing partner for the 2016 NHRA Lucas Oil season. The partnership will be featured across the Tedesco team’s entries of super gas and super comp race vehicles, beginning at this weekend’s divisional event in Gainesville, Florida. Tedesco Racing’s super gas and super comp race machines will campaign VP Racing Fuels’ Mad Scientist marketing initiatives at both divisional and national level events.

Wilwood Disc Brakes to Sponsor Street Machine and Muscle Car Nationals Autocross; Renews Contingency Sponsorship With IMCA

Wilwood has announced a new sponsorship agreement for the autocross event during the Street Machine and Muscle Car Nationals in Pomona, California, March 12–13, 2016. The Street Machine and Muscle Car Nationals is an annual gathering of performance musclecars, pro-touring cars and street machines from across the country that compete in a variety of events, including a burnout contest, dyno challenge and autocross. Vendors and sponsors are also showcased on the manufacturer’s midway.  

Wilwood also has announced the renewal of its contingency sponsorship with the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) through the 2016 season. Wilwood will support select IMCA divisions through product and monetary contingency to multiple finishers in national points and at the Super Nationals.

Kawasaki Signs With DIESEL Motorsports as Official Diesel ATV/UTV

Kawasaki Motor Corp. USA, manufacturer of Kawasaki Mule, has become an endorsed product sponsor of DIESEL Motorsports for the 2016–2017 season. Kawasaki will be the “Official Diesel ATV/UTV” sponsor for the diesel-only race and pulling series with more than 65 events nationwide.

James Hinchcliffe

Indy Driver James Hinchcliffe Teams Up With Petro-Canada Lubricants

Petro-Canada Lubricants Inc. (PCLI)—a Suncor business—has partnered with IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe for the 2016 IndyCar racing season. Hinchcliffe, a native of Oakville, Ontario, Canada, will be a brand ambassador for PCLI. The partnership will mark the company’s first venture into the United States motorsports space, having participated in Canada and Europe. The 2016 IndyCar season marks the sixth year of competition for Hinchcliffe, driver of the No. 5 Honda for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. He has posted four career wins at St. Petersburg, Sao Paulo and Iowa Speedway in 2013 and New Orleans last year. Hinchcliffe's 2015 IndyCar season was cut short due to a near-fatal accident during a practice session for the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May. The 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series will begin with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Sunday, March 13.

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels Returns to IHRA Drag Racing as a Major Event Sponsor

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series, Summit Pro Am Tour and Summit Team Finals will soon begin with Mickey Thompson as a major contingency sponsor. The company will provide contingency awards for all racing classes beginning March 4. Team M/T IHRA sportsman class champions included Super Rod champion Michael Ruff and Top Dragster champion Kevin Brannon. ​ ​

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

By SEMA Editors

Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee for select committee positions on SEMA’s Councils and Networks.

Nominations are now being accepted for select committee positions on SEMA’s Councils and Networks.

Are you facing a business challenge that is bigger than your own company? See an opportunity for change and growth in the market? Have an idea but need some industry muscle to make it happen? If so, it may be time for you to volunteer and make your voice heard.

The elected select committee of each council and network serves as the volunteer leadership for the group. Because these elected volunteers are in tune with their market and have the drive needed to influence change, they are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper. Currently, there are 10 council and network groups within SEMA. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges for member companies in a particular market segment, while the professional networks are a platform for individuals within a company who share a common interest or characteristic.

Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee today by using the quick and easy online nomination form. All nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT), March 21, 2016. The select committee elections will take place in May.

For more information about SEMA's councils and networks or the nomination and election process, contact Katie Carson.

By SEMA Editors

Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee for select committee positions on SEMA’s Councils and Networks.

Nominations are now being accepted for select committee positions on SEMA’s Councils and Networks.

Are you facing a business challenge that is bigger than your own company? See an opportunity for change and growth in the market? Have an idea but need some industry muscle to make it happen? If so, it may be time for you to volunteer and make your voice heard.

The elected select committee of each council and network serves as the volunteer leadership for the group. Because these elected volunteers are in tune with their market and have the drive needed to influence change, they are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper. Currently, there are 10 council and network groups within SEMA. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges for member companies in a particular market segment, while the professional networks are a platform for individuals within a company who share a common interest or characteristic.

Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee today by using the quick and easy online nomination form. All nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT), March 21, 2016. The select committee elections will take place in May.

For more information about SEMA's councils and networks or the nomination and election process, contact Katie Carson.

By SEMA Editors

Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee for select committee positions on SEMA’s Councils and Networks.

Nominations are now being accepted for select committee positions on SEMA’s Councils and Networks.

Are you facing a business challenge that is bigger than your own company? See an opportunity for change and growth in the market? Have an idea but need some industry muscle to make it happen? If so, it may be time for you to volunteer and make your voice heard.

The elected select committee of each council and network serves as the volunteer leadership for the group. Because these elected volunteers are in tune with their market and have the drive needed to influence change, they are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper. Currently, there are 10 council and network groups within SEMA. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges for member companies in a particular market segment, while the professional networks are a platform for individuals within a company who share a common interest or characteristic.

Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee today by using the quick and easy online nomination form. All nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT), March 21, 2016. The select committee elections will take place in May.

For more information about SEMA's councils and networks or the nomination and election process, contact Katie Carson.

Past SEMA Hall of Fame inductees gathered at the 2015 SEMA Show.

By SEMA Editors

Submit your 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame nomination by March 11. The SEMA Hall of Fame Award has been established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of and significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

If you have any questions, contact Marcela Ortega at marcelao@sema.org or 909-978-6744.

Past SEMA Hall of Fame inductees gathered at the 2015 SEMA Show.

By SEMA Editors

Submit your 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame nomination by March 11. The SEMA Hall of Fame Award has been established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of and significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

If you have any questions, contact Marcela Ortega at marcelao@sema.org or 909-978-6744.

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 market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit YEN's website

Applications Now Being Accepted for 2016 SEMA Launch Pad Competition

By Katie Carson

Applications are being accepted for the 2016 SEMA Launch Pad, presented by YEN. The competition, now entering its fourth year, gives automotive innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform to raise awareness for their brand, access to critical industry decision makers and the opportunity to earn prizes designed to grow their businesses. Apply now! 

14 semi-finalists receive:

• A one-year complimentary SEMA membership (up to a value of $2,000).  
• Complimentary registration to the 2016 Exhibitor Summit (June 21–22), along with hotel, meals and a $500 voucher for travel expenses.
• Increased awareness via thousands of unique views of their business by competing in the official SEMA Facebook voting competition.
• Inclusion in official SEMA Launch Pad feature promotions.

10 finalists receive:

• Complimentary 5x5-ft. kiosk-style booth at the 2016 SEMA Show.
• Two exhibitor passes to the SEMA Show.  
• Two tickets to the 2016 SEMA Banquet (up to a value of $1,000).
• A one-hour mentoring session with an industry icon.
• Increased awareness of their business via participating in the live Launch Pad event at the 2016 SEMA Show.

Winner receives:

• SEMA News: One full-page, four-color ad.
• SEMA YEN Member News: Feature in one article.
• SEMA Show: One 10x10-ft. booth with premium space positioning at the 2017 SEMA Show and a basic booth package (two 3-ft. side walls and an 8-ft. back wall, plus a 7x44-in. sign).
• SEMA Garage: One full day of photography studio usage and up to three hours of free custom scanning services.
• SEMA Data Co-op: 50% off supplier monthly membership fees for your first year (up to a $3,600 value).
• SEMA Education: One video feature in SEMA’s “Biz Tips” video series. 
• SEMA Manufacturers’ Rep Network: Distribution/sales support consultation meeting.

Applications are being accepted through May 6. You do not need to be a SEMA member or YEN member to submit an application. Take your business to the next level—apply now!

For more information on the competition and the grand prize, visit the SEMA Launch Pad website. For more information on YEN, contact SEMA’s Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.

YEN participants will represent different niches in the specialty-equipment market as they interact with tour attendees and students on the seven different stops along the seven-city, seven-day journey to share about their careers with the next generation of industry talent.

YEN Power Tour Applications Now Open!

The Young Executives Network (YEN) is now accepting applications for 10 young automotive professionals to earn the opportunity to participate in the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour. Participants in the YEN Power Tour will receive:

• Hotel Accommodations
• $500 grant for passengers, $1,750 grant for drivers
• VIP Entry into the Power Tour
• Ticket to Opening Night Hospitality Party
• Premier Parking Location – YEN Corral
• Long Hauler Gifts
• SEMA Swag

YEN participants will represent different niches in the specialty-equipment market as they interact with tour attendees and students on the seven different stops along the seven-city, seven-day journey to share about their careers with the next generation of industry talent.

“The YEN Power Tour is about more than hitting the road in your musclecar or hot rod; it's about forging relationships and making connections,” said SEMA Board member Dan Kahn. “There are literally thousands of job opportunities in the automotive aftermarket for young people across the nation—we want to tell that story and show that in our high-performance family, young people aren't afraid to get their hands dirty."

Learn more and apply today to join the YEN Power Tour. The application period is February 29–April 8. All YEN members are eligible to apply. Not yet a member? Join today.

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Visit HRIA's website

HRIA is hosting a General Membership Meeting at the Charlotte Auto Fair in Charlotte, North Carolina, where an expected 150,000 automotive enthusiasts will gather to buy and sell unique vehicles and restoration parts.

HRIA General Membership Meeting

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is hosting a General Membership Meeting at the Charlotte Auto Fair in Concord, North Carolina, where an expected 150,000 automotive enthusiasts gather to buy and sell unique vehicles and restoration parts. The meeting kicks off Thursday, April 7, at 9:00 a.m. HRIA members and aspiring members will discuss relevant topics specific to the hot-rod industry, mingle with council leadership and learn about the 2016 initiatives. A complimentary lunch will be served to those who attend the meeting, which will be held in the Media Center Auditorium located in the Charlotte Motor Speedway Infield.

Discussion topics will include:

• What is the biggest challenge for your company today?
• What is the biggest opportunity for your company today?
• How can HRIA/SEMA help?

RSVP by Monday, March 28, and receive one full event credential for Charlotte Auto Fair, one special parking pass to get closer to the Media Center Auditorium and a detailed map.

For questions, contact Jim Skelly, SEMA Council Director at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

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Visit MRN's website.

New Matching Program Connects Reps and Manufacturers

As a manufacturers' rep, are you looking for new lines to carry? The Manufacturers' Rep Network (MRN) may have the solution for you. The network has announced a new benefit for SEMA manufacturer members and MRN members, entitled the Manufacturers' Representative Matching Program. The intention is to create an easier approach to connect reps to manufacturers. Through this program, MRN members can enroll to receive notifications of manufacturers seeking representation.

One person per agency can opt in to receive immediate notification of manufacturers seeking representation. Each notification sent will include the basic information to evaluate the opportunity and the contact information to follow up directly with the manufacturer. This program will boost reps’ networks for new sales opportunities and give them a chance to showcase their agencies. On the flip side, the program will save manufacturers the headache of traditional avenues of searching for representation. With the Rep Matching Program, reps will come to you.

SEMA MRN members seeking to opt in to receive notification of manufacturers seeking representation.

SEMA manufacturer members seeking product and/or service representation.

Questions? Please contact SEMA's Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.

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Visit PRO's website.

New Videos on NIADA.TV Addressing Dealership Success Through Accessory Programs

Collaboration between the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) continues with the release of additional videos on NIADA.TV’s Aftermarket/SEMA channel. These latest videos showcase some of the most experienced restylers, manufactures and service providers in the PRO community sharing their perspectives on what dealerships should consider if they want to start and run a successful accessories program.

The newest batch of videos focus on the following questions:

• Why would a dealership want to get into aftermarket accessories?
• What are the first steps a dealership should take when starting an accessories program?
• What are some categories of entry-level accessories that a dealership can use to start their program?

Future videos will discuss how a dealership can find the right partner to help build their accessories program and dispel some common misconceptions about aftermarket accessories.

These videos are a great resource for direct use by dealership principals and sales directors looking for areas of growth for their business. They are also a valuable tool that restylers can use when calling on local dealerships to answer some of the common questions many dealerships have about the accessories industry in general and how expanding their business in this way can create a new revenue source.

To view these and other aftermarket-focused videos, visit www.niada.tv and click on the Aftermarket/SEMA Channel tab.

For questions regarding PRO, please contact Clayton Drescher, senior council manager, at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

Back to Top

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 market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit YEN's website

Applications Now Being Accepted for 2016 SEMA Launch Pad Competition

By Katie Carson

Applications are being accepted for the 2016 SEMA Launch Pad, presented by YEN. The competition, now entering its fourth year, gives automotive innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform to raise awareness for their brand, access to critical industry decision makers and the opportunity to earn prizes designed to grow their businesses. Apply now! 

14 semi-finalists receive:

• A one-year complimentary SEMA membership (up to a value of $2,000).  
• Complimentary registration to the 2016 Exhibitor Summit (June 21–22), along with hotel, meals and a $500 voucher for travel expenses.
• Increased awareness via thousands of unique views of their business by competing in the official SEMA Facebook voting competition.
• Inclusion in official SEMA Launch Pad feature promotions.

10 finalists receive:

• Complimentary 5x5-ft. kiosk-style booth at the 2016 SEMA Show.
• Two exhibitor passes to the SEMA Show.  
• Two tickets to the 2016 SEMA Banquet (up to a value of $1,000).
• A one-hour mentoring session with an industry icon.
• Increased awareness of their business via participating in the live Launch Pad event at the 2016 SEMA Show.

Winner receives:

• SEMA News: One full-page, four-color ad.
• SEMA YEN Member News: Feature in one article.
• SEMA Show: One 10x10-ft. booth with premium space positioning at the 2017 SEMA Show and a basic booth package (two 3-ft. side walls and an 8-ft. back wall, plus a 7x44-in. sign).
• SEMA Garage: One full day of photography studio usage and up to three hours of free custom scanning services.
• SEMA Data Co-op: 50% off supplier monthly membership fees for your first year (up to a $3,600 value).
• SEMA Education: One video feature in SEMA’s “Biz Tips” video series. 
• SEMA Manufacturers’ Rep Network: Distribution/sales support consultation meeting.

Applications are being accepted through May 6. You do not need to be a SEMA member or YEN member to submit an application. Take your business to the next level—apply now!

For more information on the competition and the grand prize, visit the SEMA Launch Pad website. For more information on YEN, contact SEMA’s Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.

YEN participants will represent different niches in the specialty-equipment market as they interact with tour attendees and students on the seven different stops along the seven-city, seven-day journey to share about their careers with the next generation of industry talent.

YEN Power Tour Applications Now Open!

The Young Executives Network (YEN) is now accepting applications for 10 young automotive professionals to earn the opportunity to participate in the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour. Participants in the YEN Power Tour will receive:

• Hotel Accommodations
• $500 grant for passengers, $1,750 grant for drivers
• VIP Entry into the Power Tour
• Ticket to Opening Night Hospitality Party
• Premier Parking Location – YEN Corral
• Long Hauler Gifts
• SEMA Swag

YEN participants will represent different niches in the specialty-equipment market as they interact with tour attendees and students on the seven different stops along the seven-city, seven-day journey to share about their careers with the next generation of industry talent.

“The YEN Power Tour is about more than hitting the road in your musclecar or hot rod; it's about forging relationships and making connections,” said SEMA Board member Dan Kahn. “There are literally thousands of job opportunities in the automotive aftermarket for young people across the nation—we want to tell that story and show that in our high-performance family, young people aren't afraid to get their hands dirty."

Learn more and apply today to join the YEN Power Tour. The application period is February 29–April 8. All YEN members are eligible to apply. Not yet a member? Join today.

Back to Top

Visit HRIA's website

HRIA is hosting a General Membership Meeting at the Charlotte Auto Fair in Charlotte, North Carolina, where an expected 150,000 automotive enthusiasts will gather to buy and sell unique vehicles and restoration parts.

HRIA General Membership Meeting

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is hosting a General Membership Meeting at the Charlotte Auto Fair in Concord, North Carolina, where an expected 150,000 automotive enthusiasts gather to buy and sell unique vehicles and restoration parts. The meeting kicks off Thursday, April 7, at 9:00 a.m. HRIA members and aspiring members will discuss relevant topics specific to the hot-rod industry, mingle with council leadership and learn about the 2016 initiatives. A complimentary lunch will be served to those who attend the meeting, which will be held in the Media Center Auditorium located in the Charlotte Motor Speedway Infield.

Discussion topics will include:

• What is the biggest challenge for your company today?
• What is the biggest opportunity for your company today?
• How can HRIA/SEMA help?

RSVP by Monday, March 28, and receive one full event credential for Charlotte Auto Fair, one special parking pass to get closer to the Media Center Auditorium and a detailed map.

For questions, contact Jim Skelly, SEMA Council Director at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

Back to Top

Visit MRN's website.

New Matching Program Connects Reps and Manufacturers

As a manufacturers' rep, are you looking for new lines to carry? The Manufacturers' Rep Network (MRN) may have the solution for you. The network has announced a new benefit for SEMA manufacturer members and MRN members, entitled the Manufacturers' Representative Matching Program. The intention is to create an easier approach to connect reps to manufacturers. Through this program, MRN members can enroll to receive notifications of manufacturers seeking representation.

One person per agency can opt in to receive immediate notification of manufacturers seeking representation. Each notification sent will include the basic information to evaluate the opportunity and the contact information to follow up directly with the manufacturer. This program will boost reps’ networks for new sales opportunities and give them a chance to showcase their agencies. On the flip side, the program will save manufacturers the headache of traditional avenues of searching for representation. With the Rep Matching Program, reps will come to you.

SEMA MRN members seeking to opt in to receive notification of manufacturers seeking representation.

SEMA manufacturer members seeking product and/or service representation.

Questions? Please contact SEMA's Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.

Back to Top 

Visit PRO's website.

New Videos on NIADA.TV Addressing Dealership Success Through Accessory Programs

Collaboration between the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) continues with the release of additional videos on NIADA.TV’s Aftermarket/SEMA channel. These latest videos showcase some of the most experienced restylers, manufactures and service providers in the PRO community sharing their perspectives on what dealerships should consider if they want to start and run a successful accessories program.

The newest batch of videos focus on the following questions:

• Why would a dealership want to get into aftermarket accessories?
• What are the first steps a dealership should take when starting an accessories program?
• What are some categories of entry-level accessories that a dealership can use to start their program?

Future videos will discuss how a dealership can find the right partner to help build their accessories program and dispel some common misconceptions about aftermarket accessories.

These videos are a great resource for direct use by dealership principals and sales directors looking for areas of growth for their business. They are also a valuable tool that restylers can use when calling on local dealerships to answer some of the common questions many dealerships have about the accessories industry in general and how expanding their business in this way can create a new revenue source.

To view these and other aftermarket-focused videos, visit www.niada.tv and click on the Aftermarket/SEMA Channel tab.

For questions regarding PRO, please contact Clayton Drescher, senior council manager, at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

Back to Top