News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

NHRA: Memorial Day Weekend Racing Boosts Excitement in Topeka

Thu, 05/22/2014 - 11:55

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND RACING ADDS BOOST OF EXCITEMENT IN TOPEKA: Already home to some of the most historic runs in NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series history, Heartland Park Topeka created an added incentive for fans by hosting the 26th annual NHRA Kansas Nationals over Memorial Day weekend, May 23–25. It marks the eighth of 24 events during the 2014 NHRA season, and all of the stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock are already anticipating the added excitement of racing on a holiday weekend.

"Moving it up a week and having it over Memorial Day is going to be great for the fans in the Midwest and the Kansas area," said reigning Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin—a two-time Pro Stock winner at the track and winner last weekend in Atlanta. "We enjoy the facilities at Heartland Park, and we've had some good success there over the years. We've been going to the racetrack for what seems like 20 years now, dating back to my Super Stock days. I think it's going to be a great weekend for the event."

For more on the story visit www.NHRA.com.

HIGHT CONTINUES HOT STREAK TO START SEASON IN FUNNY CAR CATEGORY: Robert Hight raced to his third Funny Car victory in a row and fourth overall this season on Monday at the rain-delayed Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals in Atlanta. Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event. Hight defeated John Force Racing teammate Courtney Force in a thrilling final at Atlanta Dragway with a performance of 4.049 seconds at 315.05 mph in his Auto Club Ford Mustang. It was the sixth final-round appearance in a row for Hight, who extended the John Force Racing team’s consecutive final-round streak to 14 races.

"We’ve just got to take it one run at a time," said Hight, who won his 33rd career event. "It’s a total team effort. First round, I was able to save it and pedal the car. Second round, my team definitely saved me. My brain got a mental overload. Luckily my team gave me a 4.05 that run. After that we got in sync, we were back as a team again."

For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

MASSEY SECURES SPOT IN TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT: With his win in Atlanta, Spencer Massey added his name to the list of Top Fuel racers who have secured berths into the Traxxas Nitro Shooutout at Lucas Oil Raceway during the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals. Khalid AlBalooshi, Antron Brown, Doug Kalitta, Tony Schumacher and Massey now make up are the first five racers in the field. In Funny Car John Force, Robert Hight and Alexis DeJoria are the three cars in that category. For more on the story visit www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

"I had a good day behind the wheel of my Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaro. I'm disappointed because I wanted that win, needed that win, but I'm happy because my health is fine and I can still drive these things. That's good news. I know that I can win again; it's just a matter of time. We're going to go home and work on the dyno tomorrow (Tuesday). We're close, but we're not there yet with our Camaros. But now I've answered the question. Can I still do this? Yes. I can start my racing career over. It's a new chapter for me. A new lease on life."

—Greg Anderson, who raced to his first final-round apperance since returning from open-heart surgery and missing the first five races of the season.

Inside the Numbers

12: Number of bonus points Erica Enders-Stevens earned during the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals by leading qualifying after every session. A driver earns three bonus points for being the top qualifier in each session. While the season is only seven events in, the points can go a long way to determine the champion in Pomona. Enders-Stevens leads the Pro Stock category in points by 110 points over Jason Line. She also earned her first No. 1 qualifying position of the season and the first for her Elite Motorsports team.

"It’s a true testament to how hard my guys work and what perfectionists they are," Enders-Stevens said. "We go back after every run and analyze the data and do our best to make the most perfect run at that run and time that we can."

Did You Know

NHRA MELLO YELLO DINNER CELEBRATES PARTNERSHIP: It was a dinner not of fast food, but one that celebrated fast people. Reigning champions and select former champions of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series were special guests in Atlanta, May 15, at the NHRA Mello Partnership Dinner—an annual occurrence on the eve of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals. Last year’s champions—Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin Jr., (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle)—were the featured guests, and each champion was duly recognized for his tremendous achievement. For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

How to Grab Media Attention at the SEMA Show

Thu, 05/22/2014 - 11:24

By Zane Clark

	Larry Edsall

Veteran reporter Larry Edsall will offers tips on how to effectively work with media during the SEMA webinar, June 12, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

As a freelance contributor to automotive and lifestyle publications, including the Detroit News “Drive” section and The New York Times “Wheels” section, Edsall will outline how he makes his plans for the SEMA Show, explain what catches his eye and offer real-life examples of things that exhibitors should and shouldn’t do. Participants will learn how to make their products stand out from the crowd and increase the odds of having a reporter cover their products. Whether you’re seeking to be included in national newspapers, automotive magazines or online blogs, this webinar will provide you with valuable insight and tips to help you develop a strong and effective year-long media program.

This SEMA Education Institute (SEI) webinar will provide member companies with the information they need, and you don’t even have to leave your desk or office to participate! And remember: SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Larry Edsall was snatched away from a career as the sports editor of a daily newspaper in Michigan to become the motorsports editor at AutoWeek magazine, where he spent most of a dozen years as the managing editor. He left Detroit for Phoenix in 1999 to help modernize one automotive website and then launched another, iZoom.com. He is a freelance contributor to automotive and lifestyle publications, writes regularly for the Detroit News “Drive” section, contributes to The New York Times “Wheels,” and is part of the adjunct faculty at the journalism school at Arizona State University. He resides in Phoenix.

How to Grab Media Attention at the SEMA Show

Thu, 05/22/2014 - 11:24

By Zane Clark

	Larry Edsall

Veteran reporter Larry Edsall will offers tips on how to effectively work with media during the SEMA webinar, June 12, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

As a freelance contributor to automotive and lifestyle publications, including the Detroit News “Drive” section and The New York Times “Wheels” section, Edsall will outline how he makes his plans for the SEMA Show, explain what catches his eye and offer real-life examples of things that exhibitors should and shouldn’t do. Participants will learn how to make their products stand out from the crowd and increase the odds of having a reporter cover their products. Whether you’re seeking to be included in national newspapers, automotive magazines or online blogs, this webinar will provide you with valuable insight and tips to help you develop a strong and effective year-long media program.

This SEMA Education Institute (SEI) webinar will provide member companies with the information they need, and you don’t even have to leave your desk or office to participate! And remember: SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Larry Edsall was snatched away from a career as the sports editor of a daily newspaper in Michigan to become the motorsports editor at AutoWeek magazine, where he spent most of a dozen years as the managing editor. He left Detroit for Phoenix in 1999 to help modernize one automotive website and then launched another, iZoom.com. He is a freelance contributor to automotive and lifestyle publications, writes regularly for the Detroit News “Drive” section, contributes to The New York Times “Wheels,” and is part of the adjunct faculty at the journalism school at Arizona State University. He resides in Phoenix.

How to Grab Media Attention at the SEMA Show

Thu, 05/22/2014 - 11:24

By Zane Clark

	Larry Edsall

Veteran reporter Larry Edsall will offers tips on how to effectively work with media during the SEMA webinar, June 12, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

As a freelance contributor to automotive and lifestyle publications, including the Detroit News “Drive” section and The New York Times “Wheels” section, Edsall will outline how he makes his plans for the SEMA Show, explain what catches his eye and offer real-life examples of things that exhibitors should and shouldn’t do. Participants will learn how to make their products stand out from the crowd and increase the odds of having a reporter cover their products. Whether you’re seeking to be included in national newspapers, automotive magazines or online blogs, this webinar will provide you with valuable insight and tips to help you develop a strong and effective year-long media program.

This SEMA Education Institute (SEI) webinar will provide member companies with the information they need, and you don’t even have to leave your desk or office to participate! And remember: SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Larry Edsall was snatched away from a career as the sports editor of a daily newspaper in Michigan to become the motorsports editor at AutoWeek magazine, where he spent most of a dozen years as the managing editor. He left Detroit for Phoenix in 1999 to help modernize one automotive website and then launched another, iZoom.com. He is a freelance contributor to automotive and lifestyle publications, writes regularly for the Detroit News “Drive” section, contributes to The New York Times “Wheels,” and is part of the adjunct faculty at the journalism school at Arizona State University. He resides in Phoenix.

In the News: Modded C7 Corvettes Impress at the 2013 SEMA Show

Thu, 05/22/2014 - 10:55

More than one dozen C7 Corvettes were on display at the 2013 SEMA Show.

In the News: Modded C7 Corvettes Impress at the 2013 SEMA Show

Thu, 05/22/2014 - 10:55

More than one dozen C7 Corvettes were on display at the 2013 SEMA Show.

Huge New National Monument Established in New Mexico

Thu, 05/22/2014 - 10:16

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Obama designated the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks area in southern New Mexico as a national monument. It is the 11th designation during his presidency and, at nearly 500,000 acres, it is more than twice as big as the previous largest designation—the 243,000-acre Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in northern New Mexico. While the action does not immediately close any roads, it prohibits new roads or trails for motorized vehicles.

Under current law, the President has the authority to declare a parcel of public land with “historic or scientific interest” to be a national monument. SEMA supports a bill (HR 1459) passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that would place limits on that authority. Under the bill, the President could declare a monument less than 5,000 acres, but that declaration would need Congressional approval within three years. A larger parcel of land would require a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study, thereby ensuring public input. The bill is pending consideration in the U.S. Senate.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Huge New National Monument Established in New Mexico

Thu, 05/22/2014 - 10:16

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Obama designated the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks area in southern New Mexico as a national monument. It is the 11th designation during his presidency and, at nearly 500,000 acres, it is more than twice as big as the previous largest designation—the 243,000-acre Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in northern New Mexico. While the action does not immediately close any roads, it prohibits new roads or trails for motorized vehicles.

Under current law, the President has the authority to declare a parcel of public land with “historic or scientific interest” to be a national monument. SEMA supports a bill (HR 1459) passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that would place limits on that authority. Under the bill, the President could declare a monument less than 5,000 acres, but that declaration would need Congressional approval within three years. A larger parcel of land would require a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study, thereby ensuring public input. The bill is pending consideration in the U.S. Senate.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Huge New National Monument Established in New Mexico

Thu, 05/22/2014 - 10:16

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Obama designated the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks area in southern New Mexico as a national monument. It is the 11th designation during his presidency and, at nearly 500,000 acres, it is more than twice as big as the previous largest designation—the 243,000-acre Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in northern New Mexico. While the action does not immediately close any roads, it prohibits new roads or trails for motorized vehicles.

Under current law, the President has the authority to declare a parcel of public land with “historic or scientific interest” to be a national monument. SEMA supports a bill (HR 1459) passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that would place limits on that authority. Under the bill, the President could declare a monument less than 5,000 acres, but that declaration would need Congressional approval within three years. A larger parcel of land would require a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study, thereby ensuring public input. The bill is pending consideration in the U.S. Senate.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Register Here for the SEMA Show

Thu, 05/22/2014 - 09:55

By Della Domingo

	Registration is now open for the SEMA Show, which typically attracts more than 130,000 individuals from more than 125 countries, making the annual show the world's premier automotive trade event where buyers and sellers meet to do business.

Registration to attend the 2014 SEMA Show is now available. The annual trade show for the automotive accessories market is set for Tuesday–Friday, November 4–7, 2014, in Las Vegas. Registration is offered in three categories: attendee, exhibitor and media.

Attendee: Distributors, retailers, installers and buyers who will meet with exhibitors at the SEMA Show should register using the “attendee” link. Applicants may be required to submit proof of employment in the industry.

During registration, attendees will be able to sign up for special events and seminars, including those offered by the Society of Collision & Repair Specialists (SCRS), Tire Industry Association (TIA) and more. Approved attendees who register before the early deadline in October will receive their badges in the mail.

Exhibitor: The exhibitor category is for company personnel working in the booths of exhibiting companies. To secure an exhibitor badge, individuals will need to have the unique password and user ID that was provided via e-mail to the primary contact at the exhibiting company. The primary contact may register the entire staff at one time quickly and easily. Exhibitor badges are not to be used for non-employees, including contest winners, contractors and vendors.

During registration, exhibitors will also be able to order complimentary tickets to the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet. Tickets to the banquet, which is attended by 3,000 Showgoers and considered by many to be the industry’s premier celebration, sell for $50 each.

Media: Editors and journalists covering the SEMA Show can register for complimentary media credentials using the “media” link. Applicants may need to supply proof of media affiliation, such as bylined articles or business cards. All approved media will be able to pick up their credentials onsite in the SEMA Show Media Center, which includes exclusive services and amenities to assist with reporting from the event.

During registration, media are able to secure a ticket to the TORA Media Preview—a brand-new event that will give media exclusive early access to new products, Monday, November 3—the day before the SEMA Show officially opens. Media can sign up for the event by checking the box for “TORA Media Preview.”

"There are many advantages to registering early for the SEMA Show," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "Early application expedites the registration process, which is the first step to developing a personal plan for the Show. Whether you’re an exhibitor, buyer or media, having a plan in advance of the event is the best way to ensure success.”

Complete details about the SEMA Show and registration are available at www.semashow.com.