By Kyle Cheng

The automotive specialty-equipment industry is growing at a fast pace. Last year, American consumers spent $44.6 billion on specialty aftermarket parts—continuing a multiple-year trend. SEMA projects that the market will continue to grow through the end of 2019 and bring retail sales close to a new high of nearly $46 billion. Do you have the information you need to keep up?

Last year, American consumers spent $44.6 billion on specialty aftermarket parts, and this year, total parts sales are expected to reach a new high of nearly $46 billion.

Head to www.sema.org/research and download the “2019 SEMA Market Report” for free today to learn more about the market and your consumers.

By Kyle Cheng

The automotive specialty-equipment industry is growing at a fast pace. Last year, American consumers spent $44.6 billion on specialty aftermarket parts—continuing a multiple-year trend. SEMA projects that the market will continue to grow through the end of 2019 and bring retail sales close to a new high of nearly $46 billion. Do you have the information you need to keep up?

Last year, American consumers spent $44.6 billion on specialty aftermarket parts, and this year, total parts sales are expected to reach a new high of nearly $46 billion.

Head to www.sema.org/research and download the “2019 SEMA Market Report” for free today to learn more about the market and your consumers.

By Kristopher Porter

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days will return to the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, August 1–2.

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days will return to the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, August 1–2. Twelve manufacturers in the automotive specialty-equipment industry’s hot-rod segment will give hour-long presentations on not only their product lines but also tips and tricks for your own projects and builds.

These seminars are a great opportunity for Street Rod Nationals participants and spectators to learn product and installation techniques directly from manufacturers. The sessions will take place Thursday–Friday, August 1–2, beginning at 9:15 a.m. and concluding at 4:30 p.m. These valuable sessions are open to all NSRA Nationals attendees and seats are limited, so reserve your spot in the sessions that most interest you.

The following is a sneak peek at the manufacturers and the discussion topics taking place at the 2019 event:

Detroit Speed – “Basics of Performance and Handling”
Presenters: Paul Hammond and Peter Bruschi

Vintage Air – “Basics of Performance Air Conditioning”
Presenter: Rick Love

Classic Instruments – “Achieving the Finishing Touch With Classic Instruments”
Presenters: John McLeod and Devin Butterbrodt

Ron Francis Wiring – “Wiring 101: Tips and Tricks”
Presenter: Scott Bowers

Flaming River – “Steering You in the Right Direction”
Presenter: Brett Domin

Ridetech – “New-Product Development”
Presenter: Darren Schilling

Bowler Transmissions – “Shift Into Overdrive and Enjoy Your Hot Rod”
Presenter: Mark Bowler

Wilwood Disc Brakes – “Brake System Basics”
Presenter: Carl Bush

Hushmat – “Solutions for Heat and Noise”
Presenter: Tim McCarthy

Inland Empire Driveline – “Vibrations: Causes and Cures”
Presenter: Greg Frick

Axalta – “The Cromax EZ Difference”
Presenter: Titus Cartwright

Powermaster – “Charging and Cranking for Today's Rods”
Presenter: John Babcock

For questions, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690.

By Kristopher Porter

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days will return to the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, August 1–2.

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days will return to the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, August 1–2. Twelve manufacturers in the automotive specialty-equipment industry’s hot-rod segment will give hour-long presentations on not only their product lines but also tips and tricks for your own projects and builds.

These seminars are a great opportunity for Street Rod Nationals participants and spectators to learn product and installation techniques directly from manufacturers. The sessions will take place Thursday–Friday, August 1–2, beginning at 9:15 a.m. and concluding at 4:30 p.m. These valuable sessions are open to all NSRA Nationals attendees and seats are limited, so reserve your spot in the sessions that most interest you.

The following is a sneak peek at the manufacturers and the discussion topics taking place at the 2019 event:

Detroit Speed – “Basics of Performance and Handling”
Presenters: Paul Hammond and Peter Bruschi

Vintage Air – “Basics of Performance Air Conditioning”
Presenter: Rick Love

Classic Instruments – “Achieving the Finishing Touch With Classic Instruments”
Presenters: John McLeod and Devin Butterbrodt

Ron Francis Wiring – “Wiring 101: Tips and Tricks”
Presenter: Scott Bowers

Flaming River – “Steering You in the Right Direction”
Presenter: Brett Domin

Ridetech – “New-Product Development”
Presenter: Darren Schilling

Bowler Transmissions – “Shift Into Overdrive and Enjoy Your Hot Rod”
Presenter: Mark Bowler

Wilwood Disc Brakes – “Brake System Basics”
Presenter: Carl Bush

Hushmat – “Solutions for Heat and Noise”
Presenter: Tim McCarthy

Inland Empire Driveline – “Vibrations: Causes and Cures”
Presenter: Greg Frick

Axalta – “The Cromax EZ Difference”
Presenter: Titus Cartwright

Powermaster – “Charging and Cranking for Today's Rods”
Presenter: John Babcock

For questions, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media.

SEMA News is currently compiling exhibitor press releases for use in the October pre-Show issue. Exhibitors may benefit from this added exposure opportunity by posting new-product releases or other announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Those releases that are posted prior to the August 1 deadline will be considered for SEMA News publication on a first-come, first-served basis. As a benefit for participating in the Show, there is no cost for this additional product exposure.

Exhibitors are also encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media. The first product entered is free; all additional entries are $75 per product category before October 11 and $150 per entry thereafter.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media.

SEMA News is currently compiling exhibitor press releases for use in the October pre-Show issue. Exhibitors may benefit from this added exposure opportunity by posting new-product releases or other announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Those releases that are posted prior to the August 1 deadline will be considered for SEMA News publication on a first-come, first-served basis. As a benefit for participating in the Show, there is no cost for this additional product exposure.

Exhibitors are also encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media. The first product entered is free; all additional entries are $75 per product category before October 11 and $150 per entry thereafter.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media.

SEMA News is currently compiling exhibitor press releases for use in the October pre-Show issue. Exhibitors may benefit from this added exposure opportunity by posting new-product releases or other announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Those releases that are posted prior to the August 1 deadline will be considered for SEMA News publication on a first-come, first-served basis. As a benefit for participating in the Show, there is no cost for this additional product exposure.

Exhibitors are also encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media. The first product entered is free; all additional entries are $75 per product category before October 11 and $150 per entry thereafter.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media.

SEMA News is currently compiling exhibitor press releases for use in the October pre-Show issue. Exhibitors may benefit from this added exposure opportunity by posting new-product releases or other announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Those releases that are posted prior to the August 1 deadline will be considered for SEMA News publication on a first-come, first-served basis. As a benefit for participating in the Show, there is no cost for this additional product exposure.

Exhibitors are also encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media. The first product entered is free; all additional entries are $75 per product category before October 11 and $150 per entry thereafter.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media.

SEMA News is currently compiling exhibitor press releases for use in the October pre-Show issue. Exhibitors may benefit from this added exposure opportunity by posting new-product releases or other announcements to the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Those releases that are posted prior to the August 1 deadline will be considered for SEMA News publication on a first-come, first-served basis. As a benefit for participating in the Show, there is no cost for this additional product exposure.

Exhibitors are also encouraged to enter their new products into the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase—the number-one destination for attending buyers and media. The first product entered is free; all additional entries are $75 per product category before October 11 and $150 per entry thereafter.

By SEMA Editors

Photo credit: Mad Media

Baja racing legend Rod Hall, 82, has passed away. He began his racing career in the ’50s and won the inaugural NORRA Mexican 1000 in 1967. He was a hired driver for the legendary Bill Stroppe and co-drove with Larry Minor in a Ford Bronco. In 1975, Hall managed the Dodge off-road program with Jim Fricker.

Hall is the only off-road racer to have participated in 50 consecutive Baja 1000 events in a four-wheeled vehicle. His last green flag was in 2017 at the 50th anniversary of the SCORE Baja 1000. In 1969 Hall became the only off-road racer to win the Baja 1000 overall in a four-wheeled vehicle. In addition to SCORE races, Hall competed in HDRA, Best In The Desert, and several other off-road races throughout his career. Hall had 37 consecutive victories in SCORE and HDRA and more than 160 event wins, including 10 Mint 400s, 10 Parker 400s, 12 Fireworks 250s, and 12 Baja 500 and 17 Baja 1000 class victories. He won 14 major class points championships in production four-wheel-drive vehicles, according to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, which inducted him in 2005.

In addition to racing, Hall owned a company that supplied suspension products for military vehicles.

A memorial service open to all will be announced as soon as possible. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in Hall’s memory would be appreciated.