Strengthen Your Company Through Community

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

Visit TORA's website.

Brainstorm Solutions to Your Pressing Business Challenges

By Amanda Gubbins

Leaders of the light-truck, off-road, Jeep, diesel and SUV industries will meet July 16 for an industry discussion and TORA Long-Range Planning meeting. Members of the council and those who are interested in learning more about the benefits it offers are invited to attend from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

The meeting will take place at the SEMA Garage–Industry Innovations Center in Diamond Bar, California. Attendees will spend time discussing issues they face in their business, and developing strategies that SEMA and the TORA can use to address them. For member companies, participating is a chance to let the association know in person what challenges their businesses face, and to be a part of the solutions. Lunch will be served with an opportunity to network with members of the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO).

For those who can’t make the trip to Southern California, sessions can be attended through web meeting services and teleconference lines.

Register today to save your seat. To learn more about the event, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696.

Media Preview Applications Due May 30

TORA will host a Media Preview for a limited number of manufacturer members at the 2014 SEMA Show. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with a wide variety of truck and off-road editors and writers in a designated area, Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

These focused meetings ensure that editors and reporters can ask their most pressing questions and photograph new products while manufacturers give the full story.

By participating just before the start of the SEMA Show, media members gain an early scoop on the latest products, and manufacturers have quality time with editors and reporters without sacrificing valuable floor time with customers. Participating manufacturers will be provided with various media training resources through the SEMA Education Institute to help them prepare and maximize their meetings. To give manufacturers the best chance for success, participants will be asked to meet media kit production milestones.

To be considered for participation in the 2014 TORA Media Preview, your company’s application must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT), Friday, May 30, 2014. Review the rules and regulations and apply today.

Not yet an TORA member? Join today to become eligible for the 2014 Media Preview.

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Visit PRO's website.

Planning the Future of the Restyling and Accessory Business

By Clayton Drescher

On July 16, 2014, leaders of the restyling and accessory world will converge at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. Join the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) as they hold their Long-Range Planning meeting and industry discussion. The SEMA Garage–Industry Innovations Center will play host as leading manufacturers, WDs, installers and restyling professionals discuss the future of the industry and develop strategies that SEMA and the PRO Select Committee will use in addressing the challenges and opportunities confronting your business.

Your insight and perspective is critical. Whether your business has been impacted by new trends in auto sales and discretionary spending, vehicle technology, installation concerns or if there is a need to identify markets for expansion, you will benefit by being in the room when these and other topics are discussed.

The meeting is open to all employees of PRO-member companies, as well as those interested in joining PRO. The day will include a joint networking luncheon with members of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) council.

Traveling from out of town? Contact us for quality hotel options in the area. Not able to attend but want to stay involved? Consider attending the sessions through our web meeting services and teleconference lines.

Register online today. For more information about the meeting, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696.

Visit YEN's website

Launch Pad Competition Offers Winner Free SEMA Show Booth

By Bryan Harrison

After the success of last year’s Launch Pad competition, SEMA has announced that it will return for a second year.

This competition offers innovators under the age of 40 an industry platform to showcase their business for marketing a new automotive product or service.

Industrywide Awareness


The top 10 competitors will vie for the most votes on SEMA’s official Facebook/YouTube voting platform. The top five will receive an invitation to pitch their businesses in front of an industry-packed crowd during a live event at the SEMA Show.

Tools to Fuel Your Biz


The winner’s prize package will include a 10x10 booth at the 2015 SEMA Show, a one-page ad in SEMA News, an ad in Hot Rod magazine or 4-Wheel & Off Road magazine, a rep consultation with the Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN), public relations and social media consultation from Kahn Media, an event-level sponsorship package to either a Family Events truck and off-road group property or a Family Events performance car group property and much more.

Access to Decision Makers


This year’s event will feature another judging panel composed of industry experts who will offer coaching and advice to the contestants. Returning from the 2013 event will be Doug Evans, executive vice president and group publisher at Source Interlink Media, and SEMA’s chairman-elect of the Board, and Ron Coleman, president and CEO of COMP Performance Group. Joining them will be Tracie Nunez, president of the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA); Todd Ballard, director of sports marketing at GoPro; and Glenn Rogers, partner at Beyond Marketing.

Interested? It’s time to launch the next young automotive entrepreneur. For more information and to fill out an application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, please contact Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.

SEMA News highlights the automotive aftermarket industry's top-tier talent who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program.

SEMA News is searching for the best young talent in the automotive aftermarket industry…and we need your input.

We're asking for help finding upcoming industry leaders age 35 or younger. They might be working anywhere in the automotive aftermarket business, including manufacturing and design, retail, events and media, or distribution.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands, or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

Know someone? Nominate a candidate for 35 Under 35.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominations are due May 30, 2014.

SEMA News highlights the automotive aftermarket industry's top-tier talent who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program.

SEMA News is searching for the best young talent in the automotive aftermarket industry…and we need your input.

We're asking for help finding upcoming industry leaders age 35 or younger. They might be working anywhere in the automotive aftermarket business, including manufacturing and design, retail, events and media, or distribution.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands, or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

Know someone? Nominate a candidate for 35 Under 35.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominations are due May 30, 2014.

SEMA News highlights the automotive aftermarket industry's top-tier talent who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program.

SEMA News is searching for the best young talent in the automotive aftermarket industry…and we need your input.

We're asking for help finding upcoming industry leaders age 35 or younger. They might be working anywhere in the automotive aftermarket business, including manufacturing and design, retail, events and media, or distribution.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands, or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

Know someone? Nominate a candidate for 35 Under 35.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominations are due May 30, 2014.

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Scott Speed started strong in the #77 7UP Volkswagen Polo.

Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross Team Wins on Debut at Top Gear Festival
The Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team made a strong start to its inaugural Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship campaign, with Scott Speed winning outright in the #77 7UP Volkswagen Polo. Although the California native suffered a mechanical failure during the heat rounds, he came through to win the final in the team’s first outing in the series. Tanner Foust, driver of the #34 Rockstar Energy Drink Volkswagen Polo, won his first race, but was then involved in a red-flag incident in the second round of heats, which meant he missed out on a chance to race in the final.

The Red Bull Global Rallycross event from Top Gear Festival Barbados will be broadcast Saturday, May 24, at 1:00 p.m. (EDT) on NBC. The next round of the series will take place at X Games Austin, held at Circuit of the Americas, Saturday, June 7.

Royal Purple returns to the Indianapolis 500 with its sponsored No. 6 KV Racing Technology Chevrolet entry driven by Townsend Bell. Photo Credit: Townsend Bell/KV Racing Technology

Royal Purple Returns to the Indianapolis 500 With a Sponsored Car
Royal Purple has officially made its return to the Indianapolis 500. The Royal Purple-sponsored No. 6 Robert Graham – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Dallara/Firestone entry driven by Townsend Bell debuted May 10, and has taken to the track ahead of the 98th running of the race, Sunday, May 25.

Royal Purple has teamed up with primary and first-time Indy 500 sponsor, clothing designer Robert Graham. Bell will drive the No. 6 car that features a solid black paint scheme with color splash accents on the front wing, side pods and rear wing tips, as well as the inside of the cockpit. Fans can tune into ABC to watch qualifying for the Indianapolis 500, May 17, and the race the following week, May 25.

Maryland International Raceway Hosts Another Successful NMRA Ford Nationals Event
The 14th Annual SCT NMRA Ford Nationals in Budds Creek, Maryland, featured close racing on one of the best tracks in the country, a giant car show on both days and a manufacturers midway that included everything from nitrous and custom suspension to the local Pep Boys Speed Shop.

In ATF Street Outlaw, Dwayne Barbaree put down a 6.97 to break the six-second barrier and secure the top qualifying position in the class. John Urist was right behind him with a side-by-side six-second blast during qualifying. Barbaree was up in smoke and out in the second round with Urist and Phil Hines lining up for the final. Hines took the win with a 7.10 over Urist's 7.17. However, it was Barbaree and Urist who will be presented the first two leather jackets for the elite Street Outlaw 6-second club.

Jaguar Heritage Racing fielded 10 of the marque’s most celebrated ’50s models in the 2014 Mille Miglia.

Jaguar Crosses the Finish Line With a Stellar Line-Up of Cars and Drivers at the 2014 Mille Miglia
Jaguar Heritage Racing tackled the Mille Miglia classic car endurance event, May 15–18, with a line-up of top-name drivers, who traversed more than 1,000 miles from Brescia-Rome-Brescia in 10 of the most historic Jaguar cars ever produced. Household names from stage and screen, plus fashion, motorsport and music celebrities campaigned their assigned historic Jaguars through Northern and Central Italy for four days of hard driving. American TV talk show host, Jaguar collector and classic car enthusiast Jay Leno drove the famous ex-Sir James Scott-Douglas ’51 Jaguar XK 120 roadster, raced as part of the Ecurie Ecosse team in period.

Another well-known ’51 XK 120 roadster—the ex-Duncan Hamilton racer registered LXF 731—was shared by husband and wife team Elliot and Erin Gleave. Elliot is better known as successful British musician Example, with his wife Erin being the Australian TV presenter that he first met when she interviewed him for MTV.

Other significant Jaguar XK models on the Mille Miglia included the ex-Jim Swift racing XK120 roadster, which was driven by multiple award-winning British actor Jeremy Irons. Jaguar Vehicle Integrity Chief Engineer Mike Cross drove the ex-Stirling Moss Monthlery XK120 Coupé. Author David Blakeley and model-turned-TV presenter Jodie Kidd shared an example of the Jaguar XK120, which was driven by Oscar-winning actor Daniel-Day Lewis in the 2013 event.

Jaguar Heritage Racing also entered three famous C-type racing cars, driven by celebrities as diverse as Belgian singer-songwriter Milow (Jonathan Vandenbroeck), who drove with Jaguar Land Rover Regional Director for Europe Bernard Kuhnt, and AC/DC lead singer and car afficionado Brian Johnson. Ex-Jaguar Le Mans 24 Hours race winner Andy Wallace drove the Jaguar C-type, which won the 1952 Reims Grand Prix with Formula 1 legend Sir Stirling Moss at the wheel.

Two motor racing greats—ex-Jaguar Le Mans and World Sports Prototype Championshipwinner, Formula 1 driver and SKY F1 TV pundit Martin Brundle, plus ex-Formula 1 racer Bruno Senna—shared the ‘Long Nose’ Jaguar D-type, as this Jaguar model celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2014.

Axalta Racing's No. 24 Chevrolet SS Lights Up the Night
The return of Axalta's Brilliant Flames to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this past Saturday at Kansas Speedway resulted in the 89th career win for the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon. This victory also marked the first win for Gordon with Axalta Coating Systems as a sponsor since the company became independent last year. Axalta's next race will be the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July.

Joni Wiman and the Red Bull/Bluebeam OMSE Ford Fiesta ST lead the way. Photo credit: Olsbergs MSE

Strong Start to 2014 Red Bull Global Rallycross Season for Olsbergs MSE
Rookie Supercars driver Joni Wiman won two of his three heat races in the Red Bull/Bluebeam Ford Fiesta ST last weekend to advance directly to the main race. Patrik Sandell also advanced directly to the finals in his Kobalt Tools Olsbergs MSE Ford Fiesta. Although Wiman crossed the finish line in third place, officials issued a post-race penalty for the contact and he scored fifth-place points. Sandell scored eighth-place points after suffering a flat tire.

The Red Bull Global Rallycross season opener airs on NBC at 1:00 p.m. (EDT), May 24, 2014. Wiman and Sandell will return to Red Bull Global Rallycross competition with the Olsbergs MSE squad at X Games in Austin, Texas, June 7. The team will next appear with Olsbergs MSE World RX drivers Andreas Bakkerud and Reinis Nitiss, alongside guest driver Andrew Jordan, in the World RX of Great Britain at the Lydden Hill Race Circuit, May 24–25. That race will also see the return of the Olsbergs MSE-built World RX Lites and the international motorsport debut of American Red Bull phenom Mitchell DeJong.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Scott Speed started strong in the #77 7UP Volkswagen Polo.

Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross Team Wins on Debut at Top Gear Festival
The Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team made a strong start to its inaugural Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship campaign, with Scott Speed winning outright in the #77 7UP Volkswagen Polo. Although the California native suffered a mechanical failure during the heat rounds, he came through to win the final in the team’s first outing in the series. Tanner Foust, driver of the #34 Rockstar Energy Drink Volkswagen Polo, won his first race, but was then involved in a red-flag incident in the second round of heats, which meant he missed out on a chance to race in the final.

The Red Bull Global Rallycross event from Top Gear Festival Barbados will be broadcast Saturday, May 24, at 1:00 p.m. (EDT) on NBC. The next round of the series will take place at X Games Austin, held at Circuit of the Americas, Saturday, June 7.

Royal Purple returns to the Indianapolis 500 with its sponsored No. 6 KV Racing Technology Chevrolet entry driven by Townsend Bell. Photo Credit: Townsend Bell/KV Racing Technology

Royal Purple Returns to the Indianapolis 500 With a Sponsored Car
Royal Purple has officially made its return to the Indianapolis 500. The Royal Purple-sponsored No. 6 Robert Graham – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Dallara/Firestone entry driven by Townsend Bell debuted May 10, and has taken to the track ahead of the 98th running of the race, Sunday, May 25.

Royal Purple has teamed up with primary and first-time Indy 500 sponsor, clothing designer Robert Graham. Bell will drive the No. 6 car that features a solid black paint scheme with color splash accents on the front wing, side pods and rear wing tips, as well as the inside of the cockpit. Fans can tune into ABC to watch qualifying for the Indianapolis 500, May 17, and the race the following week, May 25.

Maryland International Raceway Hosts Another Successful NMRA Ford Nationals Event
The 14th Annual SCT NMRA Ford Nationals in Budds Creek, Maryland, featured close racing on one of the best tracks in the country, a giant car show on both days and a manufacturers midway that included everything from nitrous and custom suspension to the local Pep Boys Speed Shop.

In ATF Street Outlaw, Dwayne Barbaree put down a 6.97 to break the six-second barrier and secure the top qualifying position in the class. John Urist was right behind him with a side-by-side six-second blast during qualifying. Barbaree was up in smoke and out in the second round with Urist and Phil Hines lining up for the final. Hines took the win with a 7.10 over Urist's 7.17. However, it was Barbaree and Urist who will be presented the first two leather jackets for the elite Street Outlaw 6-second club.

Jaguar Heritage Racing fielded 10 of the marque’s most celebrated ’50s models in the 2014 Mille Miglia.

Jaguar Crosses the Finish Line With a Stellar Line-Up of Cars and Drivers at the 2014 Mille Miglia
Jaguar Heritage Racing tackled the Mille Miglia classic car endurance event, May 15–18, with a line-up of top-name drivers, who traversed more than 1,000 miles from Brescia-Rome-Brescia in 10 of the most historic Jaguar cars ever produced. Household names from stage and screen, plus fashion, motorsport and music celebrities campaigned their assigned historic Jaguars through Northern and Central Italy for four days of hard driving. American TV talk show host, Jaguar collector and classic car enthusiast Jay Leno drove the famous ex-Sir James Scott-Douglas ’51 Jaguar XK 120 roadster, raced as part of the Ecurie Ecosse team in period.

Another well-known ’51 XK 120 roadster—the ex-Duncan Hamilton racer registered LXF 731—was shared by husband and wife team Elliot and Erin Gleave. Elliot is better known as successful British musician Example, with his wife Erin being the Australian TV presenter that he first met when she interviewed him for MTV.

Other significant Jaguar XK models on the Mille Miglia included the ex-Jim Swift racing XK120 roadster, which was driven by multiple award-winning British actor Jeremy Irons. Jaguar Vehicle Integrity Chief Engineer Mike Cross drove the ex-Stirling Moss Monthlery XK120 Coupé. Author David Blakeley and model-turned-TV presenter Jodie Kidd shared an example of the Jaguar XK120, which was driven by Oscar-winning actor Daniel-Day Lewis in the 2013 event.

Jaguar Heritage Racing also entered three famous C-type racing cars, driven by celebrities as diverse as Belgian singer-songwriter Milow (Jonathan Vandenbroeck), who drove with Jaguar Land Rover Regional Director for Europe Bernard Kuhnt, and AC/DC lead singer and car afficionado Brian Johnson. Ex-Jaguar Le Mans 24 Hours race winner Andy Wallace drove the Jaguar C-type, which won the 1952 Reims Grand Prix with Formula 1 legend Sir Stirling Moss at the wheel.

Two motor racing greats—ex-Jaguar Le Mans and World Sports Prototype Championshipwinner, Formula 1 driver and SKY F1 TV pundit Martin Brundle, plus ex-Formula 1 racer Bruno Senna—shared the ‘Long Nose’ Jaguar D-type, as this Jaguar model celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2014.

Axalta Racing's No. 24 Chevrolet SS Lights Up the Night
The return of Axalta's Brilliant Flames to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this past Saturday at Kansas Speedway resulted in the 89th career win for the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon. This victory also marked the first win for Gordon with Axalta Coating Systems as a sponsor since the company became independent last year. Axalta's next race will be the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July.

Joni Wiman and the Red Bull/Bluebeam OMSE Ford Fiesta ST lead the way. Photo credit: Olsbergs MSE

Strong Start to 2014 Red Bull Global Rallycross Season for Olsbergs MSE
Rookie Supercars driver Joni Wiman won two of his three heat races in the Red Bull/Bluebeam Ford Fiesta ST last weekend to advance directly to the main race. Patrik Sandell also advanced directly to the finals in his Kobalt Tools Olsbergs MSE Ford Fiesta. Although Wiman crossed the finish line in third place, officials issued a post-race penalty for the contact and he scored fifth-place points. Sandell scored eighth-place points after suffering a flat tire.

The Red Bull Global Rallycross season opener airs on NBC at 1:00 p.m. (EDT), May 24, 2014. Wiman and Sandell will return to Red Bull Global Rallycross competition with the Olsbergs MSE squad at X Games in Austin, Texas, June 7. The team will next appear with Olsbergs MSE World RX drivers Andreas Bakkerud and Reinis Nitiss, alongside guest driver Andrew Jordan, in the World RX of Great Britain at the Lydden Hill Race Circuit, May 24–25. That race will also see the return of the Olsbergs MSE-built World RX Lites and the international motorsport debut of American Red Bull phenom Mitchell DeJong.