By Della Domingo

A one-hour special focused on the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, hosted by Chris Jacobs (right) and Adrienne Janic (second from right), will premiere on Velocity in February.

While thousands of industry professionals gathered at the 2015 SEMA Show during the first week of November, millions of consumers and enthusiasts throughout the United States tuned in to Velocity for daily updates of the exclusive trade show taking place in Las Vegas. Dubbed “Premiere Week from SEMA,” Velocity showcased all-new episodes of its top-rated programs, along with daily reports from the SEMA Show floor.

Beginning Monday, November 2, and continuing through Friday, November 6, Velocity’s week-long primetime event reached an audience of 4.7 million people—the network’s second best week of 2015 in both primetime delivery and in ratings across key target demographics.

Velocity’s SEMA Show coverage was hosted by “Overhaulin’s” Chris Jacobs and Cristy Lee from “All Girls Garage.”

Stars from programs that included “Chasing Classic Cars,” “Bitchin’ Rides,” “Overhaulin’,” “FantomWorks” and “Wheeler Dealers,” shared additional coverage from the SEMA Show via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

A one-hour special focused on the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition also will premiere on Velocity in February. Filmed throughout the week of the SEMA Show and culminating at SEMA Ignited, SEMA Battle of the Builders is the ultimate competition for vehicle builders. The television special, hosted by Jacobs and Adrienne Janic, features behind-the-scenes footage of the competition, and never-before-seen coverage of the judges who narrowed the field down from more than 200 entries.

For details on the SEMA Battle of the Builders, visit www.semaignited.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Bodie Stroud and his crew will be featured in each of the 13 episodes of “American Restoration’s” new season, alongside four other shops from across the country.

Bodie Stroud Returns to TV on the New Season of “American Restoration”

Bodie Stroud and his Los Angeles-based shop were picked to star on the rebooted HISTORY series “American Restoration.” Stroud and his crew will be featured in each of the 13 episodes of the new season, alongside four other shops from across the country. Stroud has been fabricating and building vehicles for more than 20 years. He gained name recognition and turned heads in 2009 when he was awarded the Ford Design Award for his ’60 Ford Starliner dubbed “The Scarliner.” Since then, he has been building custom cars and has essentially become the go-to car builder in Los Angeles. His clientele ranges from the “average Joe” to celebrities, including Tim Allen, Johnny Depp, Drea de Matteo and Johnny Knoxville. In addition to building custom vehicles, Stroud also restores vehicles. He is currently restoring a vintage Lamborghini for comedian Adam Carolla.

Each hour-long episode will feature a restoration project worked on by the Bodie Stroud Industries shop. Notable car projects this season include the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Davis Divan three-wheeler restoration, an antique fire truck restoration for the Los Angeles Fire Department Museum and a restoration of a numbers-matching ’70 Pontiac GTO Judge for SEMA Chairman-Elect and Coker Tire President and COO Wade Kawasaki.

Lund International was presented with a 2015 Accessory Performance Award from American Honda Motor Co. Inc. for its outstanding dedication to accessories operations during the 2015 SEMA Show.

Lund International Receives Award From American Honda Motor Co.

Lund International was presented with a 2015 Accessory Performance Award from American Honda Motor Co. Inc. for its outstanding dedication to accessories operations, November 4, during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Lund International supplies American Honda Motor Co. with a variety of accessories for its vehicles, including moonroof visors and hood deflectors. These accessories are manufactured in the United States at the Lund International facility in Buford, Georgia.

2016 Tacoma and 2016 Mirai Take Home Hispanic Motor Press Awards

The Hispanic Motor Press Awards has named the ’16 Toyota Mirai and ’16 Toyota Tacoma among its Best Cars of 2016. The Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle was honored with the Innovation Award, while the Tacoma midsize pickup was selected best Pickup L-Duty truck. Jack Hollis, group vice president of marketing, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., accepted the awards on behalf of the company at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show last week. Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, the jury director for the 6th annual awards, presented Hollis with these honors. The jury was made up of 15 Hispanic journalists who frequently cover the automotive industry. The vehicles are assessed for how well they match the needs of the Hispanic consumer, with a vetting process than includes test drives, market availability and affordability. They also factored in the design, comfort, safety, performance, functionality, accessory content, driver satisfaction, consumer final cost and overall value.

The Toyota Mirai is a midsize sedan that uses no gasoline and emits nothing but water vapor. The fuel-cell vehicle is powered by hydrogen. The Mirai offers an EPA-estimated 67 MPGE and an EPA-estimated driving range of 312 miles on a single fill of hydrogen. The Toyota Tacoma was redesigned for 2016, taking into account ruggedness, design and performance in horsepower and fuel efficiency. The truck boasts a new powertrain and off-road technology. It also has premium interior features, such as wireless charging and a GoPro camera mount.

CARtoonsmagazine editor and publisher Marc Methot signing autographs at Booth #1455, December 10–12, at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis.

Publisher of CARtoons Magazine to Sign Autographs at PRI Show

Champion Racing Oil will have CARtoons magazine editor and publisher Marc Methot signing autographs at Booth #1455, December 10–12, at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis. CARtoons was published from 1959 to 1991. Almost 25 years later, Marc Methot, Canadian artist and car builder, acquired the CARtoons trademark, became the new owner and brought the publication back to print with most of the famed artists of the past. The next issue of CARtoons is scheduled to be released this coming January in newsstands and major retail stores across Canada, the United States and England. Expect to see new top artists from around the world, such as Ben “Drag Daddy” Mitchell, Scott Fisk, Mike Yapps, Tony Squindo, Jeff Allison, Hadi Madworx, Larry Williams, plus 35 other talented artists.

TI Automotive Joins Performance Warehouse Association

TI Automotive, a global supplier of fluid storage, carrying and delivery technology, has become a manufacturer member of the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA)—an automotive industry association devoted to performance and truck distributors. PWA is a nonprofit organization of specialty automotive parts distributors joined together to deal with management, financial and legislative matters.

Kennard Thole

Kennard “Ken” Thole Joins Global Parts Network as Director of Business Development

Global Parts Network has named Kennard “Ken” Thole as director of business development for the western half of the United States and Canada. Thole brings more than 30 years of heavy-duty aftermarket experience to the position and will report to Jim Pennig, vice president of business development for VIPAR Heavy Duty. Most recently, Thole was the western regional sales manager for Fras-le North America. He also has experience as the western regional manager for Carlisle Motion Control and as a partner with Robert Thole and Company—a heavy-duty sales agency covering five western states. Jay Pagano continues to serve as senior director of business development for Global Parts Network in the eastern half of the United States and Canada.

CURT Manufacturing received an award of recognition by JC Whitney to thank CURT for being the official Towing Sponsor of JC Whitney’s Centennial vehicle build project.

CURT Manufacturing Recognized as Official Towing Sponsor of JC Whitney

CURT Manufacturing received an award of recognition by JC Whitney to thank CURT for being the official Towing Sponsor of JC Whitney’s Centennial vehicle build project. To celebrate 100 years of business, JC Whitney gave away two customized vehicles: a ’15 Ford F150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4 3.5L EcoBoost and a ’15 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon. The vehicles were decked out with products from CURT and other JC Whitney suppliers. CURT donated parts, including a receiver hitch extender and bike rack combination. Nearly 20 auto accessory suppliers sponsored the Centennial vehicle builds. Both vehicles were on display all week at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. More than 68,000 people entered to win one of the customized vehicles, and on the closing day, at the SEMA Ignited event, the winner selected the F-150. The Jeep Rubicon was auctioned off November 14, with the proceeds benefiting the United Way Veterans Programs and the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts.

Nicknamed “Ignition,” Webasto’s ’15 Ford Edge Sport received a Ford Outstanding Achievement in Design Award.

Webasto Ford Edge Sport Debuts at 2015 SEMA Show; Drives Away with Ford Outstanding Achievement in Design Award

Webasto took the Ford Edge Sport and enhanced the performance, handling and driver experience. The vehicle, nicknamed “Ignition,” once again redefined the crossover utility vehicle segment. Webasto teamed up with some of the industry’s best to raise the bar on the SEMA project vehicle with its material quality, technology and style.

The exterior of the Webasto Ford Edge was customized with carbon-fiber side rockers, front chin spoiler, rear diffuser, engine cover and radiator cover all by Sankuer Composites Technologies. AG Luxury Forged 22-in. monoblock wheels, Toyo Tires, a one-of-a-kind paint job applied by MRT Performance, and a Webasto Hollandia 740 Inbuilt sunroof completed the sophisticated look.

New-product development played a large role in the build. Webasto installed a Thermo Top Evo engine pre-heater that brings the engine’s fluids up to optimum operating temperature before the engine is even started, reducing engine wear and tear and exhaust emissions to prolong the turbocharger life and provide a warm interior. The engine pre-heater can be controlled by any smartphone with Webasto’s all-new ThermoCall technology. Alea Leather provided a custom leather kit, MRT installed an Axle Back Exhaust, H&R Springs designed custom lowering springs, Rotora 6-Piston 15-in. front brakes and 4-Piston 13.8-in. rear brakes stood out in a race red finish, and JMS PedalMax and BoostMax tested the boundaries of what the Webasto Ford Edge could do.

Webasto enlisted partner and NASCAR Champion Brad Keselowski to see what the Webasto Ford Edge Sport was capable of. Keselowski got behind the wheel at Michigan International Speedway during “Stage I” of the build. Known for his aggressive racing style and elite talent, Keselowski tested the boundaries of the vehicle’s prototype suspension, exhaust and powertrain modifications, allowing Webasto to make some adjustments and put the finishing touches on the car in preparation for the SEMA Show.

Patrick Infantino

Covercraft Selects Regional Sales Manager

Covercraft has selected Patrick Infantino as the company’s Northeast-Midwest regional sales manager. He joins Covercraft with 25 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket industry, most recently as district sales manager for Exide Technologies and national sales manager for Stainless Steel Brakes. He will oversee product sales and distributor relationships in the Northeast territory, including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and New York, as well as the Midwest territory east of the Mississippi River, including Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri.      

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

This year the SEMA Board of Directors election has two seats open in the manufacturer category and one seat open in the manufacturer's representative category.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• Two seats in the Manufacturer category
• One seat in the Manufacturer's Representative category

Nominations for the 2016 SEMA Board of Directors are due Tuesday, January 5, 2016. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

This year the SEMA Board of Directors election has two seats open in the manufacturer category and one seat open in the manufacturer's representative category.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• Two seats in the Manufacturer category
• One seat in the Manufacturer's Representative category

Nominations for the 2016 SEMA Board of Directors are due Tuesday, January 5, 2016. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities.

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

By SEMA Editors

While the SEMA Show was for many the first real exposure to data standardization, it was also a chance for companies that were already familiar with the topic to connect with the SDC team and see first-hand demonstrations of how the program works.

The number of specialty-equipment businesses discovering and leveraging quality product data as a tool for increasing sales is on the rise, with hundreds of companies investing time and connecting with the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The SDC kicked the SEMA Show week off with a dedicated “Education Day” on Monday, followed by four days of one-on-one meetings where companies discovered how to best manage product data in today’s technology-heavy marketplace.

“It’s always exciting for us to connect with the industry in person,” said Jim Graven, director of membership for the SDC. “We were happy to see so many Showgoers take time out of their week to learn about data standardization and how it can help their businesses. We’ve found that over the last few years, more and more members are realizing that this is something that is really important, and it’s something that will help their businesses tremendously.”

In one of the most popular seminars, Curt McDowell from Channel Advisor gave insights into how online marketplaces utilize product data to increase sales in “What Every CEO Needs to Know About Sales and Product Data” presentation. This was followed by a detailed introduction to the industry PIES and ACES standards presented by Stephanie Jones of the SDC.

While the SEMA Show was for many the first real exposure to data standardization, it was also a chance for companies that were already familiar with the topic to connect with the SDC team and see first-hand demonstrations of how the program works. As a result, many existing members had personal meetings where experts were able to review their data. Meanwhile, more than 40 new members joined the program during the week.

Since launching in 2013, the SDC has grown to include more than 425 industry brands and 725 data receivers.

By SEMA Editors

While the SEMA Show was for many the first real exposure to data standardization, it was also a chance for companies that were already familiar with the topic to connect with the SDC team and see first-hand demonstrations of how the program works.

The number of specialty-equipment businesses discovering and leveraging quality product data as a tool for increasing sales is on the rise, with hundreds of companies investing time and connecting with the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The SDC kicked the SEMA Show week off with a dedicated “Education Day” on Monday, followed by four days of one-on-one meetings where companies discovered how to best manage product data in today’s technology-heavy marketplace.

“It’s always exciting for us to connect with the industry in person,” said Jim Graven, director of membership for the SDC. “We were happy to see so many Showgoers take time out of their week to learn about data standardization and how it can help their businesses. We’ve found that over the last few years, more and more members are realizing that this is something that is really important, and it’s something that will help their businesses tremendously.”

In one of the most popular seminars, Curt McDowell from Channel Advisor gave insights into how online marketplaces utilize product data to increase sales in “What Every CEO Needs to Know About Sales and Product Data” presentation. This was followed by a detailed introduction to the industry PIES and ACES standards presented by Stephanie Jones of the SDC.

While the SEMA Show was for many the first real exposure to data standardization, it was also a chance for companies that were already familiar with the topic to connect with the SDC team and see first-hand demonstrations of how the program works. As a result, many existing members had personal meetings where experts were able to review their data. Meanwhile, more than 40 new members joined the program during the week.

Since launching in 2013, the SDC has grown to include more than 425 industry brands and 725 data receivers.

By SEMA Editors

While the SEMA Show was for many the first real exposure to data standardization, it was also a chance for companies that were already familiar with the topic to connect with the SDC team and see first-hand demonstrations of how the program works.

The number of specialty-equipment businesses discovering and leveraging quality product data as a tool for increasing sales is on the rise, with hundreds of companies investing time and connecting with the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The SDC kicked the SEMA Show week off with a dedicated “Education Day” on Monday, followed by four days of one-on-one meetings where companies discovered how to best manage product data in today’s technology-heavy marketplace.

“It’s always exciting for us to connect with the industry in person,” said Jim Graven, director of membership for the SDC. “We were happy to see so many Showgoers take time out of their week to learn about data standardization and how it can help their businesses. We’ve found that over the last few years, more and more members are realizing that this is something that is really important, and it’s something that will help their businesses tremendously.”

In one of the most popular seminars, Curt McDowell from Channel Advisor gave insights into how online marketplaces utilize product data to increase sales in “What Every CEO Needs to Know About Sales and Product Data” presentation. This was followed by a detailed introduction to the industry PIES and ACES standards presented by Stephanie Jones of the SDC.

While the SEMA Show was for many the first real exposure to data standardization, it was also a chance for companies that were already familiar with the topic to connect with the SDC team and see first-hand demonstrations of how the program works. As a result, many existing members had personal meetings where experts were able to review their data. Meanwhile, more than 40 new members joined the program during the week.

Since launching in 2013, the SDC has grown to include more than 425 industry brands and 725 data receivers.

NHRA News

WORSHAM WINS FIRST FUNNY CAR TITLE, JOINS EXCLUSIVE CLUB: Del Worsham became just the third driver in NHRA history to win NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships in Top Fuel and Funny Car, joining Kenny Bernstein and Gary Scelzi in the exclusive club. Worsham clinched his first Funny Car title and his second overall—he won the 2011 Top Fuel title—when he won a clutch semifinal race with points rival Jack Beckman, running a 3.92 to the pedaling 4.08 of Beckman. Interestingly, Beckman was holding a national record under his belt, thanks to a 3.884 in the second round, so the race between the top two points runners was in essence a winner-take-all match.

“It’s an amazing feeling. I felt the same exact thing in 2011,” said Worsham. “I’ve been here before, not that that did me any good up there. I’ve got to admit it felt like it was 25 years ago when it was my first run. This team has been behind me and stood behind me, and some of the things that have taken place, they’ve always had my back. We’re racing for Scott [Kalitta], we’re racing for Connie Kalitta, and we’re racing for the entire Kalitta Motorsports. I don’t even know what to say right now. I am just beyond words right now."

HINES CLINCHES FIFTH PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE TITLE: Andrew Hines tied the late Dave Schultz by winning his fifth NHRA Mello Yello Pro Stock Motorcycle world title. Sitting in the burnout area, Hines had a ringside seat for the deciding match, in which his Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson teammate, Eddie Krawiec, defeated challenger Jerry Savoie, who broke just off the starting line. Hines celebrated briefly, then quickly composed himself and defeated Hector Arana Jr. to reach the semifinals of the season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals.

“I’ve just been trying to keep my head level,” said Hines, who at 32 is the youngest NHRA Pro to win five world championships. “My outstanding Harley-Davidson team did a great job of keeping me focused and keeping the pressure off of me. It was awesome that my wife [Tanya] got to give me a kiss right before I ran, and thanks to my teammate for helping to get the job done. I guess he put the fear of Harley into them. Five championships is pretty awesome.”

WORSHAM CLINCHES EVENT, SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP; LANGDON, JOHNSON, KRAWIEC ALSO SCORE WINS: Del Worsham claimed his second NHRA world championship title and first in Funny Car, then raced to the event victory Sunday at the Auto Club NHRA Finals near Los Angeles. Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) joined Worsham in the winner’s circle at the final playoff race of the NHRA Mello Yello Series Countdown to the Championship. Langdon earned his second Top Fuel win of the season, sweeping both Wallys at this track for the second time in his career. Langdon, who won the season-opening Winternationals in the cockpit of an Alan Johnson Racing dragster, defeated Antron Brown in the final round in a Don Schumacher Racing machine. Langdon powered his Red Fuel dragster to a 3.715 at 332.43 to finish in front of the recently crowned world champion, who posted a 3.732 at 321.73 in his Matco Tools dragster.

“I love this track,” said Langdon, the 2013 world champ who now has 11 victories. “It has always had a special place in my heart. I grew up right around the corner [Mira Loma, California]. I was always out here watching my heroes race. I have so many great memories out at this track. Luckily, I’ve had a good career here. It makes it sweet to share these special memories with your family and friends."

He Said, She Said

“There are so few people that get the opportunity to win it, especially in Pro Stock to receive that award. We had a heck of a year, and that was due to the people that we surrounded ourselves with. It means a lot to all of us. Not just me. My goal for the year was to try to win a race and get to the Countdown. We ended up doing everything our goals were and kept pushing hard and it surpassed everything we thought we could do."

—Pro Stock driver Drew Skillman who was named the winner of the $20,000 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award, which recognizes the top NHRA rookie performer of the year. Skillman advanced to his first final round in his pro debut at the season-opening NHRA Winternationals at Pomona. He then posted a runner-up finish at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, and finally earned his first victory at the AAA Midwest Nationals in St. Louis. Skillman was the only rookie driver to qualify for the Countdown playoffs, and he finished fifth in the Pro Stock points standings. The driver of the Ray Skillman Chevrolet Chevy Camaro received the award based on votes from a panel of the nation’s top motorsports journalists. The other candidates in the rookie class were John Bojec (Funny Car), Bob Butner (Pro Stock), Jenna Haddock (Top Fuel), John Hale (Funny Car), Alex Laughlin (Pro Stock) and Alan Prusiensky (Pro Stock). The award was given to Skillman during the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series awards ceremony held in Los Angeles on Monday night.

Inside the Numbers

17: Number of live Sunday finals shows, including four on the FOX broadcast network that officials from NHRA and FOX Sports have unveiled for the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series television schedule. Also announced is eight primetime Friday-night qualifying shows. The four Sunday finals shows that will air live on the FOX broadcast network will include each stop in the three-race NHRA Western Swing and the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals from Indianapolis. In all, FOX Sports 1 (FS1) and FOX will air more than 120 hours of original television programming around the NHRA. FOX Sports’ combined networks, including FOX, FS1 and FS2, will air more than 450 hours of programming throughout the year, including coverage of the Lucas Oil Series, J&A Service Pro Mod Series and repeats of Mello Yello Series race coverage.

Did You Know

CHEVROLET WINS NHRA MANUFACTURERS CUP: For the 21st time overall and second consecutive season, Chevrolet was named the NHRA Manufacturers Cup winner. The Cup was presented to Chevrolet representatives during the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series awards ceremony in Hollywood. The Manufacturers Cup goes to the automobile manufacturer whose current-year model earns the most points for qualifying and category victories at NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series national and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series regional and divisional events.

“Chevrolet is honored to win the NHRA Manufacturers Cup for the 21st time,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president, performance vehicles and motorsports. “This recognition is the result of the hard work and dedication by our Chevrolet Camaro SS teams in the Pro Stock and Funny Car classes, as well as our COPO Camaro teams and drivers in the Sportsman classes. It takes a collective effort to earn this award, and we thank the drivers, crew and all who made this possible.”