By Della Domingo

Joel Ayres, Jim Bingham and Dennis Gage will receive the industry's highest honor and be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame. The new members will be recognized as part of the festivities during the SEMA Installation Gala, Friday, July 24, 2015, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. They represent an accomplished group of professionals who have shaped and inspired the $33-billion automotive specialty-equipment market.

Joel Ayres

Joel Ayres: The automotive specialty-equipment industry is said to be one filled with passion. Ayres takes it a step further and is compassionate. While his contributions to the industry are evident through his involvement with the truck industry and the role he played in merging the Truck Cap Industry Association (now known as the Light Truck & Accessory Alliance [TORA]) with SEMA, Ayres is committed to giving back to those in need.

Ayres helped found SEMA Cares nearly 10 years ago. The nonprofit group unites the SEMA industry’s fundraising efforts and provides businesses with an easy way to give to those in need. Through activities, such as vehicle builds that are auctioned off to raise money and pinewood races where underprivileged and chronically ill kids join in the fun, SEMA Cares has raised more than $1 million to support a variety of charities.

Most recently, Ayres was named as the first-ever executive director for the Aftermarket Foundation, where he plays a key role in helping the foundation assist automotive aftermarket individuals who, because of catastrophic illness or terrible accidents, have fallen on hard times.

Jim Bingham

Jim Bingham: Bingham began his career in 1968 at Lang Auto Parts. As a farm boy just breaking into business, Bingham was the youngest counter guy at the store and knew nothing about high-performance parts. However, he learned quickly and was instantly hooked. After just two years, Bingham founded Winner’s Circle Speed and Custom Inc. The company has grown to include three retail store locations, wholesale distribution under the name 1st Performance Warehouse and two major trade events. Throughout his career, he has taken an active role in helping the industry grow. In addition to serving on the SEMA Board of Directors, Bingham has held roles as a board member for the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) and is an original owner of Route 66 Raceway.

In 2009, Bingham was honored with the SEMA Chairman’s Award for his role with the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow—a program that attracts the important youth demographic to the automotive aftermarket and motorsports. He helped grow Hot Rodders of Tomorrow’s Engine Challenge in 2008 with 35 students from five high schools, to include more than 110 teams with 770 students competing in 2014.

	Dennis Gage

Dennis Gage: While Gage had an early interest in cars and purchased his first ’59 T-Bird at age 15, he didn’t immediately begin a career in the industry. After graduating from college with degrees in physics and chemistry, Gage started a country rock band and toured for two years. He returned to graduate school, and later joined Proctor & Gamble, where he helped develop the Pringles potato chip before joining Bristol-Myers Squibb. There, Gage led the development of Boost nutritional energy drinks and went on a 20-city media tour to promote the drink. His unique look and signature mustache captured consumer attention, and in the mid-’90s, the pilot for “My Classic Car“ hosted by Dennis Gage premiered. The program is now in its 20th season and has reached nearly 90 million households.

Despite his fame, Gage remains humble and actively volunteers his time to the automotive industry that he loves. He’s served on several SEMA committees and groups, including three terms on the SEMA Board of Directors and the Select Committee of the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO).

The SEMA Hall of Fame's three newest members join the elite group of industry icons and innovators who have already been enshrined in the SEMA Hall of Fame. To partake in the celebration where the inductees will be honored and recognized, visit www.sema.org/gala or contact Jamie Eriksen at jamiee@sema.org or 909-978-6737. For more information about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit www.sema.org/hof.

By Della Domingo

Joel Ayres, Jim Bingham and Dennis Gage will receive the industry's highest honor and be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame. The new members will be recognized as part of the festivities during the SEMA Installation Gala, Friday, July 24, 2015, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. They represent an accomplished group of professionals who have shaped and inspired the $33-billion automotive specialty-equipment market.

Joel Ayres

Joel Ayres: The automotive specialty-equipment industry is said to be one filled with passion. Ayres takes it a step further and is compassionate. While his contributions to the industry are evident through his involvement with the truck industry and the role he played in merging the Truck Cap Industry Association (now known as the Light Truck & Accessory Alliance [TORA]) with SEMA, Ayres is committed to giving back to those in need.

Ayres helped found SEMA Cares nearly 10 years ago. The nonprofit group unites the SEMA industry’s fundraising efforts and provides businesses with an easy way to give to those in need. Through activities, such as vehicle builds that are auctioned off to raise money and pinewood races where underprivileged and chronically ill kids join in the fun, SEMA Cares has raised more than $1 million to support a variety of charities.

Most recently, Ayres was named as the first-ever executive director for the Aftermarket Foundation, where he plays a key role in helping the foundation assist automotive aftermarket individuals who, because of catastrophic illness or terrible accidents, have fallen on hard times.

Jim Bingham

Jim Bingham: Bingham began his career in 1968 at Lang Auto Parts. As a farm boy just breaking into business, Bingham was the youngest counter guy at the store and knew nothing about high-performance parts. However, he learned quickly and was instantly hooked. After just two years, Bingham founded Winner’s Circle Speed and Custom Inc. The company has grown to include three retail store locations, wholesale distribution under the name 1st Performance Warehouse and two major trade events. Throughout his career, he has taken an active role in helping the industry grow. In addition to serving on the SEMA Board of Directors, Bingham has held roles as a board member for the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) and is an original owner of Route 66 Raceway.

In 2009, Bingham was honored with the SEMA Chairman’s Award for his role with the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow—a program that attracts the important youth demographic to the automotive aftermarket and motorsports. He helped grow Hot Rodders of Tomorrow’s Engine Challenge in 2008 with 35 students from five high schools, to include more than 110 teams with 770 students competing in 2014.

	Dennis Gage

Dennis Gage: While Gage had an early interest in cars and purchased his first ’59 T-Bird at age 15, he didn’t immediately begin a career in the industry. After graduating from college with degrees in physics and chemistry, Gage started a country rock band and toured for two years. He returned to graduate school, and later joined Proctor & Gamble, where he helped develop the Pringles potato chip before joining Bristol-Myers Squibb. There, Gage led the development of Boost nutritional energy drinks and went on a 20-city media tour to promote the drink. His unique look and signature mustache captured consumer attention, and in the mid-’90s, the pilot for “My Classic Car“ hosted by Dennis Gage premiered. The program is now in its 20th season and has reached nearly 90 million households.

Despite his fame, Gage remains humble and actively volunteers his time to the automotive industry that he loves. He’s served on several SEMA committees and groups, including three terms on the SEMA Board of Directors and the Select Committee of the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO).

The SEMA Hall of Fame's three newest members join the elite group of industry icons and innovators who have already been enshrined in the SEMA Hall of Fame. To partake in the celebration where the inductees will be honored and recognized, visit www.sema.org/gala or contact Jamie Eriksen at jamiee@sema.org or 909-978-6737. For more information about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit www.sema.org/hof.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Conrad Grunewald took the podium last Saturday in Long Beach, California.

Conrad Grunewald Wins KMC Super Drift Challenge at Long Beach

Last Saturday, the Always Evolving/Replay XD/Megan Racing Chevrolet Camaro took Conrad Grunewald to the Formula DRIFT winner’s podium in Long Beach, California. In the final of the KMC Super Drift Challenge, the stage was set for Grunewald to face Robbie Nishida, driving the Lexus SC300. On the first run, Grunewald led and Nishida made a correction mistake in the hairpin. The second tandem had Grunewald taking chase, and it was enough to impress the judges and give Conrad Grunewald Racing its first win of the season.

The next stop on the Formula DRIFT Championship schedule rolls into Road Atlanta, May 8–9, for round 2 on the season calendar. Tickets are available now and can be purchased at www.formuladrift.com.

RPM Racing’s Laguna Captures Overall, SCORE Trophy Truck Win in Saturday’s Inaugural Bud Light SCORE Baja Sur 500

Mexico’s Eduardo Laguna came from behind to capture the Overall and SCORE Trophy Truck victory in last Saturday’s Inaugural Bud Light SCORE Baja Sur 500 desert race. Laguna, 24, of Mexicali, led racers from 12 U.S. states and five countries to the finish line in Loreto, covering the 424.52-mile course that started in Cabo San Lucas in 7:35:41, averaging 55.90 mph in the No. 17 RPM Racing Chevy Silverado SCORE Trophy Truck. The victory also represented the 83rd overall win in SCORE Baja racing for long-time SCORE major sponsor BFGoodrich Tires.

It was Laguna’s first SCORE Overall and SCORE Trophy Truck class win in just his second race in the marquee SCORE racing division for high-tech, 850hp, unlimited production trucks that was introduced by SCORE in 1994. Laguna opened the season with a seventh-place finish in the 29th Bud Light SCORE San Felipe 250 in SCORE Trophy Truck. RPM Racing is based in Bristol, Tennessee.

Round 2 of the five-race internationally televised SCORE World Desert Championship will first air on the CBS Sports Network in late May. Competing in Pro and Sportsman classes for cars, trucks, UTVs, motorcycles and quads, the race had 82 starters, of which 60 officially finished. With a finishing rate of 73.2%, the elapsed time race had a 17-hour time limit to become an official finisher.

For full coverage and results, visit SCORE International's website.

	WELD Racing will sponsor the 2015 Goodguys Vintage Drag Racing Series.

WELD Racing Announces Sponsorship of 2015 Goodguys Vintage Drag Racing Series

WELD Racing has announced its sponsorship of the 2015 Goodguys Vintage Drag Racing Series. In addition to its sponsorship, WELD will be an active participant in four of the 2015 Vintage Drag Racing Events. The events include the Goodguys 2nd Florida Nationals in Kissimmee, Florida, April 24–26; the Goodguys 18th PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, July 10–12; and the Goodguys 29th West Coast Nationals in Pleasanton, California, August 21–23.

For its final event in 2015, WELD will take part in the Goodguys 4th Nostalgia Nationals at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky, September 18–20. Marking the first time the event has been held since 2010, the multi-day vintage drag race, hot-rod show and autocross will feature more than 300 dragstrip competitors and thousands of show cars.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Conrad Grunewald took the podium last Saturday in Long Beach, California.

Conrad Grunewald Wins KMC Super Drift Challenge at Long Beach

Last Saturday, the Always Evolving/Replay XD/Megan Racing Chevrolet Camaro took Conrad Grunewald to the Formula DRIFT winner’s podium in Long Beach, California. In the final of the KMC Super Drift Challenge, the stage was set for Grunewald to face Robbie Nishida, driving the Lexus SC300. On the first run, Grunewald led and Nishida made a correction mistake in the hairpin. The second tandem had Grunewald taking chase, and it was enough to impress the judges and give Conrad Grunewald Racing its first win of the season.

The next stop on the Formula DRIFT Championship schedule rolls into Road Atlanta, May 8–9, for round 2 on the season calendar. Tickets are available now and can be purchased at www.formuladrift.com.

RPM Racing’s Laguna Captures Overall, SCORE Trophy Truck Win in Saturday’s Inaugural Bud Light SCORE Baja Sur 500

Mexico’s Eduardo Laguna came from behind to capture the Overall and SCORE Trophy Truck victory in last Saturday’s Inaugural Bud Light SCORE Baja Sur 500 desert race. Laguna, 24, of Mexicali, led racers from 12 U.S. states and five countries to the finish line in Loreto, covering the 424.52-mile course that started in Cabo San Lucas in 7:35:41, averaging 55.90 mph in the No. 17 RPM Racing Chevy Silverado SCORE Trophy Truck. The victory also represented the 83rd overall win in SCORE Baja racing for long-time SCORE major sponsor BFGoodrich Tires.

It was Laguna’s first SCORE Overall and SCORE Trophy Truck class win in just his second race in the marquee SCORE racing division for high-tech, 850hp, unlimited production trucks that was introduced by SCORE in 1994. Laguna opened the season with a seventh-place finish in the 29th Bud Light SCORE San Felipe 250 in SCORE Trophy Truck. RPM Racing is based in Bristol, Tennessee.

Round 2 of the five-race internationally televised SCORE World Desert Championship will first air on the CBS Sports Network in late May. Competing in Pro and Sportsman classes for cars, trucks, UTVs, motorcycles and quads, the race had 82 starters, of which 60 officially finished. With a finishing rate of 73.2%, the elapsed time race had a 17-hour time limit to become an official finisher.

For full coverage and results, visit SCORE International's website.

	WELD Racing will sponsor the 2015 Goodguys Vintage Drag Racing Series.

WELD Racing Announces Sponsorship of 2015 Goodguys Vintage Drag Racing Series

WELD Racing has announced its sponsorship of the 2015 Goodguys Vintage Drag Racing Series. In addition to its sponsorship, WELD will be an active participant in four of the 2015 Vintage Drag Racing Events. The events include the Goodguys 2nd Florida Nationals in Kissimmee, Florida, April 24–26; the Goodguys 18th PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, July 10–12; and the Goodguys 29th West Coast Nationals in Pleasanton, California, August 21–23.

For its final event in 2015, WELD will take part in the Goodguys 4th Nostalgia Nationals at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky, September 18–20. Marking the first time the event has been held since 2010, the multi-day vintage drag race, hot-rod show and autocross will feature more than 300 dragstrip competitors and thousands of show cars.

In partnership with both Nissan and Cummins, the SEMA Garage is hosting an exclusive “first preview” for SEMA members of the Nissan TITAN XD Cummins Diesel powered by the new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel engine.

This limited event will be held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28–29, 2015. Attendance is by reservation only, so REGISTER NOW to secure your participation. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

*Due to the early-production nature of this vehicles, photography will be allowed on a limited basis, for R&D purposes only, and with the approval of Nissan personnel. Selected areas of the truck may be limited access. Engineering-CAD data may not be immediately available. Limited to SEMA-member manufacturers.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Rachael Salazar.

In partnership with both Nissan and Cummins, the SEMA Garage is hosting an exclusive “first preview” for SEMA members of the Nissan TITAN XD Cummins Diesel powered by the new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel engine.

This limited event will be held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28–29, 2015. Attendance is by reservation only, so REGISTER NOW to secure your participation. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

*Due to the early-production nature of this vehicles, photography will be allowed on a limited basis, for R&D purposes only, and with the approval of Nissan personnel. Selected areas of the truck may be limited access. Engineering-CAD data may not be immediately available. Limited to SEMA-member manufacturers.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Rachael Salazar.

In partnership with both Nissan and Cummins, the SEMA Garage is hosting an exclusive “first preview” for SEMA members of the Nissan TITAN XD Cummins Diesel powered by the new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel engine.

This limited event will be held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28–29, 2015. Attendance is by reservation only, so REGISTER NOW to secure your participation. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

*Due to the early-production nature of this vehicles, photography will be allowed on a limited basis, for R&D purposes only, and with the approval of Nissan personnel. Selected areas of the truck may be limited access. Engineering-CAD data may not be immediately available. Limited to SEMA-member manufacturers.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Rachael Salazar.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In response to a petition and formal comments filed with the U.S. Copyright Office by public interest groups and auto industry stakeholders, SEMA will submit comments supporting the right of industry members and vehicle owners to maintain and upgrade their cars and trucks. The move comes as the Copyright Office considers requests for exemptions from the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

Enacted in 1998, the DMCA makes it illegal to circumvent technological firewalls put in place by a copyright owner to prevent copyrighted works from being illegally copied, distributed or used to create derivative works. SEMA’s position maintains that industry members and enthusiasts have today, and have always had, the right to access vehicle systems and components in order to utilize, maintain and upgrade their vehicles, copyright laws notwithstanding. Although SEMA believes these rights stand regardless of an exemption from the DMCA, the association will actively engage in the rulemaking procedure and work to prevent any Copyright Office ruling that would curtail the opportunity to access, maintain and modify vehicles within the law. SEMA’s position signals that the association will advocate on all fronts to ensure that copyright, safety and environmental laws are not used to unfairly curtail these rights.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In response to a petition and formal comments filed with the U.S. Copyright Office by public interest groups and auto industry stakeholders, SEMA will submit comments supporting the right of industry members and vehicle owners to maintain and upgrade their cars and trucks. The move comes as the Copyright Office considers requests for exemptions from the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

Enacted in 1998, the DMCA makes it illegal to circumvent technological firewalls put in place by a copyright owner to prevent copyrighted works from being illegally copied, distributed or used to create derivative works. SEMA’s position maintains that industry members and enthusiasts have today, and have always had, the right to access vehicle systems and components in order to utilize, maintain and upgrade their vehicles, copyright laws notwithstanding. Although SEMA believes these rights stand regardless of an exemption from the DMCA, the association will actively engage in the rulemaking procedure and work to prevent any Copyright Office ruling that would curtail the opportunity to access, maintain and modify vehicles within the law. SEMA’s position signals that the association will advocate on all fronts to ensure that copyright, safety and environmental laws are not used to unfairly curtail these rights.

Thousands of products debut at the SEMA Show each year in the New Products Showcase.

As the premier automotive trade show in the world, the SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to discover hot products, new technologies and emerging trends in the aftermarket. Attending the annual event is the best investment businesses and industry professionals can make to succeed. While there are countless benefits to participating, here are five of the best:

More than 2,000 Exhibitors. Whether it’s a manufacturer that you already do business with or you’re looking for a new business partner, more automotive parts manufacturers gather at the SEMA Show than at any other event. Included in the list are established brands that enthusiasts demand, as well as innovative new companies hitting the market with state-of-the-art products and technologies. In addition, these manufacturers represent all automotive segments, whether it’s racing and performance, off-road or restyling. The sectionalized Show floor makes it easy for buyers to hone in on the most relevant exhibitors, while discovering related businesses that may be of interest. Most importantly, the principal owners and decision makers are at the SEMA Show, making it possible to learn what direction the company is headed and discuss potential new business. See the official SEMA Show Exhibitor List here.

World-Class Education Sessions. While at the SEMA Show, take advantage of the free education seminars and workshops. Conveniently located at the Las Vegas Convention Center, more than 50 sessions are available—all focusing on current topics and issues. Seminar topics range from business financials to social media marketing, and are taught by leaders and experts from throughout the world.

Networking Opportunities. The Internet and email make it easier for businesses to interact “virtually.” Face-to-face communication is rare, but important and valuable! With more than 130,000 industry professionals gathered at the SEMA Show, the event is the ideal place to connect with others. In addition to the interactions on the Show floor, take advantage of the evening receptions, the New Products Breakfast, the Industry Awards Banquet and SEMA Ignited.

Hot New Products. “When a builder or manufacturer wants to debut something truly trendsetting or game changing, they hold onto it for SEMA,” according to Mopar Muscle magazine. While thousands of new products debut at the SEMA Show each year, the New Products Showcase makes it easy and convenient for attendees to see what’s new. The products are organized by market category and are displayed with a brief description and details. Buyers and media can also receive a customized report of products they select from the Showcase through the use of scanning devices.

1,500+ customized vehicles. The SEMA Show has been referred to as “fashion week” for the automotive industry. In that sense, the vehicles are the models that help buyers see how the parts and accessories actually look on vehicles. Nowhere else will buyers find more than 1,500 one-of-a-kind vehicles, showcasing the newest products on the market.

Whether you can only get away from the office for one day or you plan to attend the SEMA Show all four days, the annual event is filled with endless opportunities for auto shops to build their businesses and careers. Don’t miss out on the 2015 SEMA Show. Register here.