By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The 9th annual “King of the Hammers” was held last week in California’s Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreational Area. More than 430 teams in four vehicle classes competed during a week-long event witnessed by at least 55,000 spectators and more than 750,000 online viewers. The event culminated in the one-day “Ultra4” race in which vehicles constructed for their speed and rock-climbing abilities raced across a 215-mile course of open desert and steep ravines.

Johnson Valley is a unique setting north of Palm Springs, California, that combines open desert, dry lake beds and extreme rock-crawling trails. It offers riding opportunities for every skill level. The area was originally set aside in 1980 for OHV recreation by the State of California on land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

However, until recently, the future of Johnson Valley was in doubt. For nearly six years, access to the land had been debated in California and in congressional offices in Washington, D.C. At issue was a need for additional lands to train Marines at the Twentynine Palms combat center. In a compromise supported by the OHV community, Congress passed legislation to provide permanent federal protection to 96,000 acres of land for OHV activities while transferring 79,000 acres to the U.S. Marine Corps facility. The net effect was a win for both sides.

During the congressional debates, SEMA joined with the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) and a coalition of other land-use advocacy organizations to propose solutions for protecting military training needs and off-roading. All of the interested parties are now working together to implement the 2013 agreement.

There is still one important goal to be achieved—including the word “National” within the Johnson Valley title. Although the area is already the only federally recognized OHV area, the new designation would acknowledge the land’s national significance. U.S. Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA), a former Marine Corps colonel himself, represents the area in Congress and played a critical role in reaching the 2013 accord with the U.S. Marines. He will lead the charge in 2015 on behalf of this special recognition. SEMA will climb over boulders in Washington in support.

Ultra4 racer navigating a rock formation at “Chocolate Thunder.”		Spectators take in the race at the “Jackhammer” viewing area.
Roadblock as racers try to climb Jackhammer.		Aerial view of the spectator parking lot at Jackhammer.
An Ultra4 racer descending the “Backdoor” course.		Charging across a dry lake at Johnson Valley.
Randy Slawson crossing the finish line to win King of the Hammers 2015. Only 17 teams in the Ultra4 division completed the grueling 215-mile course with open desert and steep ravines.		Patriotic spectator leaving Chocolate Thunder.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The 9th annual “King of the Hammers” was held last week in California’s Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreational Area. More than 430 teams in four vehicle classes competed during a week-long event witnessed by at least 55,000 spectators and more than 750,000 online viewers. The event culminated in the one-day “Ultra4” race in which vehicles constructed for their speed and rock-climbing abilities raced across a 215-mile course of open desert and steep ravines.

Johnson Valley is a unique setting north of Palm Springs, California, that combines open desert, dry lake beds and extreme rock-crawling trails. It offers riding opportunities for every skill level. The area was originally set aside in 1980 for OHV recreation by the State of California on land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

However, until recently, the future of Johnson Valley was in doubt. For nearly six years, access to the land had been debated in California and in congressional offices in Washington, D.C. At issue was a need for additional lands to train Marines at the Twentynine Palms combat center. In a compromise supported by the OHV community, Congress passed legislation to provide permanent federal protection to 96,000 acres of land for OHV activities while transferring 79,000 acres to the U.S. Marine Corps facility. The net effect was a win for both sides.

During the congressional debates, SEMA joined with the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) and a coalition of other land-use advocacy organizations to propose solutions for protecting military training needs and off-roading. All of the interested parties are now working together to implement the 2013 agreement.

There is still one important goal to be achieved—including the word “National” within the Johnson Valley title. Although the area is already the only federally recognized OHV area, the new designation would acknowledge the land’s national significance. U.S. Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA), a former Marine Corps colonel himself, represents the area in Congress and played a critical role in reaching the 2013 accord with the U.S. Marines. He will lead the charge in 2015 on behalf of this special recognition. SEMA will climb over boulders in Washington in support.

Ultra4 racer navigating a rock formation at “Chocolate Thunder.”		Spectators take in the race at the “Jackhammer” viewing area.
Roadblock as racers try to climb Jackhammer.		Aerial view of the spectator parking lot at Jackhammer.
An Ultra4 racer descending the “Backdoor” course.		Charging across a dry lake at Johnson Valley.
Randy Slawson crossing the finish line to win King of the Hammers 2015. Only 17 teams in the Ultra4 division completed the grueling 215-mile course with open desert and steep ravines.		Patriotic spectator leaving Chocolate Thunder.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The 9th annual “King of the Hammers” was held last week in California’s Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreational Area. More than 430 teams in four vehicle classes competed during a week-long event witnessed by at least 55,000 spectators and more than 750,000 online viewers. The event culminated in the one-day “Ultra4” race in which vehicles constructed for their speed and rock-climbing abilities raced across a 215-mile course of open desert and steep ravines.

Johnson Valley is a unique setting north of Palm Springs, California, that combines open desert, dry lake beds and extreme rock-crawling trails. It offers riding opportunities for every skill level. The area was originally set aside in 1980 for OHV recreation by the State of California on land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

However, until recently, the future of Johnson Valley was in doubt. For nearly six years, access to the land had been debated in California and in congressional offices in Washington, D.C. At issue was a need for additional lands to train Marines at the Twentynine Palms combat center. In a compromise supported by the OHV community, Congress passed legislation to provide permanent federal protection to 96,000 acres of land for OHV activities while transferring 79,000 acres to the U.S. Marine Corps facility. The net effect was a win for both sides.

During the congressional debates, SEMA joined with the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) and a coalition of other land-use advocacy organizations to propose solutions for protecting military training needs and off-roading. All of the interested parties are now working together to implement the 2013 agreement.

There is still one important goal to be achieved—including the word “National” within the Johnson Valley title. Although the area is already the only federally recognized OHV area, the new designation would acknowledge the land’s national significance. U.S. Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA), a former Marine Corps colonel himself, represents the area in Congress and played a critical role in reaching the 2013 accord with the U.S. Marines. He will lead the charge in 2015 on behalf of this special recognition. SEMA will climb over boulders in Washington in support.

Ultra4 racer navigating a rock formation at “Chocolate Thunder.”		Spectators take in the race at the “Jackhammer” viewing area.
Roadblock as racers try to climb Jackhammer.		Aerial view of the spectator parking lot at Jackhammer.
An Ultra4 racer descending the “Backdoor” course.		Charging across a dry lake at Johnson Valley.
Randy Slawson crossing the finish line to win King of the Hammers 2015. Only 17 teams in the Ultra4 division completed the grueling 215-mile course with open desert and steep ravines.		Patriotic spectator leaving Chocolate Thunder.

Several SEMA-member companies made the trip to last week’s Griffin King of the Hammers in the Johnson Valley, California, OHV area.

The ninth-annual Griffin King of the Hammers Presented by Nitto Tires wrapped up Saturday, February 7, in the Johnson Valley, California, OHV area. The Hammers, as it is affectionately known, brings together off-road enthusiasts from across the country, and around the world, to share in eight days of adrenaline-fueled camaraderie and passion for off-road action.

Billed as "the toughest one-day off-road race in the world," Randy Slawson took home the hardware this year with a total time of 8:52:23.

SEMA Show Housing services provided by the Travel Planners offers lowest-rate guarantees for all hotel contracts, ensuring that Showgoers always get the best deal on hotel rooms.

By Jason Catullo

Secure your hotel accommodations for the 2015 SEMA Show and save money through the official housing provider for the SEMA Show—The Travel Planners. Exhibitors are encouraged to visit Travel and Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com and scroll through the current rates offered by approximately 20 Las Vegas hotels.

Travel Planners provides lowest-rate guarantees for every hotel contract, ensuring that you always get the best deal. Even if reservations have been made, Travel Planners will lower your rate automatically and confirm your savings by email. If you find a lower rate, simply contact Travel Planners. As long as the rate is for all of the dates of your stay, you’ll receive a price that’s as good or better.

In addition, most Las Vegas hotels charge nightly resort fees that can range from $5 up to $25. Booking through the Show's official housing provider, in many cases, resort fees are waived altogether or are drastically reduced and already added to the rate displayed. With Travel Planners, the rate you see is the rate you pay.

More information on the 2015 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA Show Housing services provided by the Travel Planners offers lowest-rate guarantees for all hotel contracts, ensuring that Showgoers always get the best deal on hotel rooms.

By Jason Catullo

Secure your hotel accommodations for the 2015 SEMA Show and save money through the official housing provider for the SEMA Show—The Travel Planners. Exhibitors are encouraged to visit Travel and Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com and scroll through the current rates offered by approximately 20 Las Vegas hotels.

Travel Planners provides lowest-rate guarantees for every hotel contract, ensuring that you always get the best deal. Even if reservations have been made, Travel Planners will lower your rate automatically and confirm your savings by email. If you find a lower rate, simply contact Travel Planners. As long as the rate is for all of the dates of your stay, you’ll receive a price that’s as good or better.

In addition, most Las Vegas hotels charge nightly resort fees that can range from $5 up to $25. Booking through the Show's official housing provider, in many cases, resort fees are waived altogether or are drastically reduced and already added to the rate displayed. With Travel Planners, the rate you see is the rate you pay.

More information on the 2015 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

By Jason Catullo

	The goal of the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is to connect exhibitors with Show programs and services to boost ROI and increase company outreach.

Registration for the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, Monday–Wednesday, June 8–10, is available online.

The focus of the summit is to connect exhibitors with Show programs and services to boost ROI and increase company outreach. The summit will feature sessions conducted by trade show experts, as well as panel discussions and breakout sessions with knowledgable Show veterans and staff, all designed to stretch your Show dollar, boost company awareness and drive buyers to your booth.  

SEMA Show Summit Benefits for Exhibitors

• Save big bucks on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses
• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs
• Properly plan and budget to add value to your Show experience
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships
• Use proven strategies to get buyers to your booth
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to reduce your expenses and maximize your ROI

The Summit will show exhibitors the proven tactics of how to reach and engage more buyers, take advantage of money-saving programs throughout Show planning, benefit from early-bird deadlines, highlight special events that connect companies with buyers in specific markets, and get familiarized with the layouts of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and Las Vegas Convention Center.

Exhibitors that participate in the Summit will receive two complimentary hotel rooms per company. Whether you are a SEMA Show veteran or a first-time exhibitor, this education-packed event has what your company needs to deliver the best ROI from your SEMA Show experience.

More information about the 2015 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com. To get started and apply for your booth, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

By Jason Catullo

	The goal of the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is to connect exhibitors with Show programs and services to boost ROI and increase company outreach.

Registration for the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, Monday–Wednesday, June 8–10, is available online.

The focus of the summit is to connect exhibitors with Show programs and services to boost ROI and increase company outreach. The summit will feature sessions conducted by trade show experts, as well as panel discussions and breakout sessions with knowledgable Show veterans and staff, all designed to stretch your Show dollar, boost company awareness and drive buyers to your booth.  

SEMA Show Summit Benefits for Exhibitors

• Save big bucks on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses
• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs
• Properly plan and budget to add value to your Show experience
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships
• Use proven strategies to get buyers to your booth
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to reduce your expenses and maximize your ROI

The Summit will show exhibitors the proven tactics of how to reach and engage more buyers, take advantage of money-saving programs throughout Show planning, benefit from early-bird deadlines, highlight special events that connect companies with buyers in specific markets, and get familiarized with the layouts of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and Las Vegas Convention Center.

Exhibitors that participate in the Summit will receive two complimentary hotel rooms per company. Whether you are a SEMA Show veteran or a first-time exhibitor, this education-packed event has what your company needs to deliver the best ROI from your SEMA Show experience.

More information about the 2015 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com. To get started and apply for your booth, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

By Jason Catullo

	The goal of the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is to connect exhibitors with Show programs and services to boost ROI and increase company outreach.

Registration for the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, Monday–Wednesday, June 8–10, is available online.

The focus of the summit is to connect exhibitors with Show programs and services to boost ROI and increase company outreach. The summit will feature sessions conducted by trade show experts, as well as panel discussions and breakout sessions with knowledgable Show veterans and staff, all designed to stretch your Show dollar, boost company awareness and drive buyers to your booth.  

SEMA Show Summit Benefits for Exhibitors

• Save big bucks on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses
• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs
• Properly plan and budget to add value to your Show experience
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships
• Use proven strategies to get buyers to your booth
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to reduce your expenses and maximize your ROI

The Summit will show exhibitors the proven tactics of how to reach and engage more buyers, take advantage of money-saving programs throughout Show planning, benefit from early-bird deadlines, highlight special events that connect companies with buyers in specific markets, and get familiarized with the layouts of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and Las Vegas Convention Center.

Exhibitors that participate in the Summit will receive two complimentary hotel rooms per company. Whether you are a SEMA Show veteran or a first-time exhibitor, this education-packed event has what your company needs to deliver the best ROI from your SEMA Show experience.

More information about the 2015 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com. To get started and apply for your booth, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

By Monika Earle

A recent article in Tomorrow’s Technician offers some tips and tricks for students applying for scholarships. With the SEMA Memorial Scholarship application deadline approaching April 1, 2015, now is a great time to review the article, which discusses the different types of scholarships (i.e., merit-based, need-based, location-based, etc.), how you can increase your chances of winning a scholarship and what to avoid when seeking a scholarship.

Visit Tomorrow's Technician's website to read the article in its entirety.