By Della Domingo

	SEMA members that sell or distribute products can now obtain an unlimited number of Product Data exports from the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) at no cost.

SEMA members that are resellers or distributors can now obtain an unlimited number of product data exports from the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) at absolutely no cost. The savings, available to any SEMA-member receiver in the SDC, totals $1,200 per year and is the newest incentive for members to join the SDC.

Launched in March 2012 with a beta test, the SDC is now a fully operational service that makes it possible for businesses to quickly and easily obtain valuable information about products from manufacturers. Information includes weights and measures, accurate descriptions, current pricing, UPCs, images and other digital assets and more. Details also include rich vehicle application data and year/make/model look-ups.

"Our mission from the very beginning has been to facilitate broad, open distribution of product data throughout the industry with the goal of growing sales and market size," said Jon Wyly, SDC CEO. "By providing free unlimited exports to SEMA members, we will remove all obstacles for data receivers while providing a great reason to join SEMA and enjoy other benefits of membership. Coming off of a very successful SEMA Show, the SDC gained more than 40 new members, making the SDC data repository brand count among the largest in the industry. Now, with free data exports available, SEMA members can power their business systems and websites more affordably than ever.”

Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership, commented, "What a great new reason for resellers to join SEMA. Not only will we save our members up to $1,200 each year through this program, but we’ll also help them get more out of their industry trade association. SEMA membership offers cost-saving benefits throughout the year, and resources to help businesses be more efficient and productive."

The SEMA Data Co-op is an industry-owned and -operated initiative designed to bring full product data management capabilities to participating suppliers, and to deliver clean, customized data exports to receivers at the lowest possible cost. Features include a secure, industry standards-based centralized data repository, extensive on-boarding tools, expert live training and technical assistance and unlimited standard or fully customized data exports.

To learn more about the program, visit www.SemaDataCoop.org or contact Jim Graven at JimG@SemaDataCoop.org or call 888-958-6698, ext. 4. To learn more about SEMA membership, please email members@sema.org or call 909-610-2030.

By Della Domingo

	SEMA members that sell or distribute products can now obtain an unlimited number of Product Data exports from the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) at no cost.

SEMA members that are resellers or distributors can now obtain an unlimited number of product data exports from the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) at absolutely no cost. The savings, available to any SEMA-member receiver in the SDC, totals $1,200 per year and is the newest incentive for members to join the SDC.

Launched in March 2012 with a beta test, the SDC is now a fully operational service that makes it possible for businesses to quickly and easily obtain valuable information about products from manufacturers. Information includes weights and measures, accurate descriptions, current pricing, UPCs, images and other digital assets and more. Details also include rich vehicle application data and year/make/model look-ups.

"Our mission from the very beginning has been to facilitate broad, open distribution of product data throughout the industry with the goal of growing sales and market size," said Jon Wyly, SDC CEO. "By providing free unlimited exports to SEMA members, we will remove all obstacles for data receivers while providing a great reason to join SEMA and enjoy other benefits of membership. Coming off of a very successful SEMA Show, the SDC gained more than 40 new members, making the SDC data repository brand count among the largest in the industry. Now, with free data exports available, SEMA members can power their business systems and websites more affordably than ever.”

Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership, commented, "What a great new reason for resellers to join SEMA. Not only will we save our members up to $1,200 each year through this program, but we’ll also help them get more out of their industry trade association. SEMA membership offers cost-saving benefits throughout the year, and resources to help businesses be more efficient and productive."

The SEMA Data Co-op is an industry-owned and -operated initiative designed to bring full product data management capabilities to participating suppliers, and to deliver clean, customized data exports to receivers at the lowest possible cost. Features include a secure, industry standards-based centralized data repository, extensive on-boarding tools, expert live training and technical assistance and unlimited standard or fully customized data exports.

To learn more about the program, visit www.SemaDataCoop.org or contact Jim Graven at JimG@SemaDataCoop.org or call 888-958-6698, ext. 4. To learn more about SEMA membership, please email members@sema.org or call 909-610-2030.

International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Induction Banquet Announced
Donna Garlits, general manager of the Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum (Ocala, Florida) has announced tickets for the 24th Annual International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Induction Banquet presented by Lucas Oil Products, Thursday, March 13, 2014, are now available. The induction ceremony will take place in Gainesville, Florida, at the Paramount Plaza Hotel & Suites, and honor seven legends of the sport for their contributions and accomplishments.

The museum is offering two levels of participation for attendees: Corporate Partner tables for $1,000 per table and individual seating tickets for $100 each. The banquet is preceded by a cocktail reception, which starts at 6:00 p.m. The banquet dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m., with the awards ceremony, hosted by Master of Ceremonies Bob Frey, beginning at 8:00 p.m. The event will be filmed for later broadcast by Masters Entertainment of Bristol, Tennessee.

Additional information is available by contacting Donna Garlits at 352-245-8661, 877-271-3278 or donna@garlits.com.

Ashley, Brittany and Courtney Force were guests on the Queen Latifah Show, which aired Wednesday, January 8.

Force Women Thrill on Queen Latifah Show
The three racing Force daughters were guests on the "Queen Latifah Show," which aired Wednesday, January 8. Ashley, Brittany and Courtney Force sat down with Queen Latifah, the talk show host/actress/singer, to talk about racing and being role models for women around the country. After the in-studio segment, the four women also took it to the “track” for a fun racing segment that included actor James Van Der Beek. The Forces invited Queen Latifah to join them at the upcoming 2014 Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, February 6–9.

SCCA Pro Racing Staff Member Honored by FIA at US Grand Prix in Austin
SCCA Pro Racing’s Kathy Maleck, of Ramsey, Minnesota, was recently honored by FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting and other FIA officials during the Formula One United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. Maleck was the chief of flagging and communications for the weekend, which ran from November 15–17, 2013. The event marked her 80th Formula One race as a volunteer event official during which time she has worked all of the USGP venues, save Watkins Glen. Maleck has also been a part of the international side of Formula One having worked 25 races in Canada, numerous events in England and Australia as well as a handful of races elsewhere in the world, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Mexico, Italy and the Netherlands. Currently, Maleck serves as the operations coordinator for the Pirelli World Challenge series and as a field staff manager for SCCA Pro Racing.

International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Induction Banquet Announced
Donna Garlits, general manager of the Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum (Ocala, Florida) has announced tickets for the 24th Annual International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Induction Banquet presented by Lucas Oil Products, Thursday, March 13, 2014, are now available. The induction ceremony will take place in Gainesville, Florida, at the Paramount Plaza Hotel & Suites, and honor seven legends of the sport for their contributions and accomplishments.

The museum is offering two levels of participation for attendees: Corporate Partner tables for $1,000 per table and individual seating tickets for $100 each. The banquet is preceded by a cocktail reception, which starts at 6:00 p.m. The banquet dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m., with the awards ceremony, hosted by Master of Ceremonies Bob Frey, beginning at 8:00 p.m. The event will be filmed for later broadcast by Masters Entertainment of Bristol, Tennessee.

Additional information is available by contacting Donna Garlits at 352-245-8661, 877-271-3278 or donna@garlits.com.

Ashley, Brittany and Courtney Force were guests on the Queen Latifah Show, which aired Wednesday, January 8.

Force Women Thrill on Queen Latifah Show
The three racing Force daughters were guests on the "Queen Latifah Show," which aired Wednesday, January 8. Ashley, Brittany and Courtney Force sat down with Queen Latifah, the talk show host/actress/singer, to talk about racing and being role models for women around the country. After the in-studio segment, the four women also took it to the “track” for a fun racing segment that included actor James Van Der Beek. The Forces invited Queen Latifah to join them at the upcoming 2014 Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, February 6–9.

SCCA Pro Racing Staff Member Honored by FIA at US Grand Prix in Austin
SCCA Pro Racing’s Kathy Maleck, of Ramsey, Minnesota, was recently honored by FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting and other FIA officials during the Formula One United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. Maleck was the chief of flagging and communications for the weekend, which ran from November 15–17, 2013. The event marked her 80th Formula One race as a volunteer event official during which time she has worked all of the USGP venues, save Watkins Glen. Maleck has also been a part of the international side of Formula One having worked 25 races in Canada, numerous events in England and Australia as well as a handful of races elsewhere in the world, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Mexico, Italy and the Netherlands. Currently, Maleck serves as the operations coordinator for the Pirelli World Challenge series and as a field staff manager for SCCA Pro Racing.

The shooters at KGP Photography got a fresh look at a prototype for the ’15 Land Rover LR2 tackling some winter-testing grounds in Northern Europe.

The new LR2 will ride on a thoroughly massaged version of the current model's Ford-based EUCD architecture, taking many platform cues from the Range Rover Evoque. The all-new styling finally gives the LR2 a modernized look sorely needed to battle the ever-growing roster of competitors in the burgeoning entry-level premium crossover segment.

Reports are circulating that the LR2 will be the first model to utilize Land Rover's "Premium Adventure" design language. Those reports suggest that the new styling ethos will help create a visual separation between Land Rover and Range Rover models (which are styled using the "Premium Sophistication" design language). Whatever name that's used to describe the LR2's styling, there is clearly still a strong link between the LR2 and the Evoque/Range Rover/Range Sport models.

The new LR2 appears larger and longer than today's model, which will allow third-row seating for the first time. The seven-seat LR2 will provide some further separation from its Evoque platform-mate, which stresses low-slung style over cargo capacity. The differently packaged offerings will help flesh out the Land Rover/Range Rover model range for greater market coverage.

Rumor is that the LR2 may get some help from the aluminum-intensive program being developed for the Jaguar XS 3-series-fighter, and Jag's new crossover, to help with fuel-efficiency.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography got a fresh look at a prototype for the ’15 Land Rover LR2 tackling some winter-testing grounds in Northern Europe.

The new LR2 will ride on a thoroughly massaged version of the current model's Ford-based EUCD architecture, taking many platform cues from the Range Rover Evoque. The all-new styling finally gives the LR2 a modernized look sorely needed to battle the ever-growing roster of competitors in the burgeoning entry-level premium crossover segment.

Reports are circulating that the LR2 will be the first model to utilize Land Rover's "Premium Adventure" design language. Those reports suggest that the new styling ethos will help create a visual separation between Land Rover and Range Rover models (which are styled using the "Premium Sophistication" design language). Whatever name that's used to describe the LR2's styling, there is clearly still a strong link between the LR2 and the Evoque/Range Rover/Range Sport models.

The new LR2 appears larger and longer than today's model, which will allow third-row seating for the first time. The seven-seat LR2 will provide some further separation from its Evoque platform-mate, which stresses low-slung style over cargo capacity. The differently packaged offerings will help flesh out the Land Rover/Range Rover model range for greater market coverage.

Rumor is that the LR2 may get some help from the aluminum-intensive program being developed for the Jaguar XS 3-series-fighter, and Jag's new crossover, to help with fuel-efficiency.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography got a fresh look at a prototype for the ’15 Land Rover LR2 tackling some winter-testing grounds in Northern Europe.

The new LR2 will ride on a thoroughly massaged version of the current model's Ford-based EUCD architecture, taking many platform cues from the Range Rover Evoque. The all-new styling finally gives the LR2 a modernized look sorely needed to battle the ever-growing roster of competitors in the burgeoning entry-level premium crossover segment.

Reports are circulating that the LR2 will be the first model to utilize Land Rover's "Premium Adventure" design language. Those reports suggest that the new styling ethos will help create a visual separation between Land Rover and Range Rover models (which are styled using the "Premium Sophistication" design language). Whatever name that's used to describe the LR2's styling, there is clearly still a strong link between the LR2 and the Evoque/Range Rover/Range Sport models.

The new LR2 appears larger and longer than today's model, which will allow third-row seating for the first time. The seven-seat LR2 will provide some further separation from its Evoque platform-mate, which stresses low-slung style over cargo capacity. The differently packaged offerings will help flesh out the Land Rover/Range Rover model range for greater market coverage.

Rumor is that the LR2 may get some help from the aluminum-intensive program being developed for the Jaguar XS 3-series-fighter, and Jag's new crossover, to help with fuel-efficiency.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America, located in Mooresville, North Carolina, is hiring a technical salesperson to identify, prospect and develop business and explore ways to increase sales and profits. This position will be responsible for preparing quotes, terms of sales, delivery dates and warranty obligations, and providing technical support assistance/guidance to distributors, dealers and end users as requested. The successful candidate will have 10 years' motorsports-related technical sales experience and in-depth working knowledge of motorsport shock applications, springs and suspension geometry.

• Transamerican Auto Parts ~ DSI, located in Atlanta, is hiring an outside salesperson/account executive to travel daily within the greater Atlanta area in support of cold calling and building new-car dealer accounts through weekly sales calls and obtain orders while continuously prospecting to expand client base. The successful candidate will have a minimum two years’ experience in automotive aftermarket sales and selling direct to new-car dealers.

• Spyder Auto, located in City of Industry, California, is hiring a videographer to create installation and tutorial videos for all Spyder products and test fit and research all of the company's automotive products. The successful candidate will have familiarity with video and audio editing software, be proficient in Final Cut Pro, Photoshop and After Effects and have previous experience creating videos.

• Prestige Auto, located in Chino, California, is hiring sales associates to source and develop a new customer base in California and Western states, and develop a business plan in conjunction with the sales manager, detailing activities to meet or exceed the sales quota. The ideal candidate will have prior sales experience in the automotive aftermarket wheel industry and proven technical selling skills and product knowledge.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America, located in Mooresville, North Carolina, is hiring a technical salesperson to identify, prospect and develop business and explore ways to increase sales and profits. This position will be responsible for preparing quotes, terms of sales, delivery dates and warranty obligations, and providing technical support assistance/guidance to distributors, dealers and end users as requested. The successful candidate will have 10 years' motorsports-related technical sales experience and in-depth working knowledge of motorsport shock applications, springs and suspension geometry.

• Transamerican Auto Parts ~ DSI, located in Atlanta, is hiring an outside salesperson/account executive to travel daily within the greater Atlanta area in support of cold calling and building new-car dealer accounts through weekly sales calls and obtain orders while continuously prospecting to expand client base. The successful candidate will have a minimum two years’ experience in automotive aftermarket sales and selling direct to new-car dealers.

• Spyder Auto, located in City of Industry, California, is hiring a videographer to create installation and tutorial videos for all Spyder products and test fit and research all of the company's automotive products. The successful candidate will have familiarity with video and audio editing software, be proficient in Final Cut Pro, Photoshop and After Effects and have previous experience creating videos.

• Prestige Auto, located in Chino, California, is hiring sales associates to source and develop a new customer base in California and Western states, and develop a business plan in conjunction with the sales manager, detailing activities to meet or exceed the sales quota. The ideal candidate will have prior sales experience in the automotive aftermarket wheel industry and proven technical selling skills and product knowledge.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

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 MPMC's website.

The MPMC mixer is a chance for SEMA members to meet fellow industry professionals, motorsports manufacturers, young executives and automotive businesswomen in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

Industry Mixer for Performance Professionals

By SEMA Editors

A networking opportunity for members of the specialty-equipment industry will take place in conjunction with the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, Thursday, January 23, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Those traveling to the MPMC Media Trade Conference and anyone living or working in the greater Los Angeles/Orange County area are invited to attend the event. MPMC, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) and the Young Executive’s Network (YEN) will host the networking mixer in the lounge of the Embassy Suites Santa Ana – Orange County Airport North.

This mixer is a chance for SEMA members to meet fellow industry professionals, motorsports manufacturers, young executives and automotive businesswomen in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Along with the cash bar, karaoke will be open throughout the evening, giving attendees an opportunity to showcase their vocal abilities.

Members planning to attend should RSVP to SEMA's Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison via e-mail or at 909-978-6691.

The 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North.

Media Registration Open for 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference

By SEMA Editors

Reporters, editors and freelance journalists: Conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers during the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference. Registration is now open and available. The 2014 event takes place January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California.

The annual Media Trade Conference, which features 100 companies from SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), brings together members of the working press with motorsports parts producers for face-to-face private meetings. Media reps have the opportunity to meet with up to 14 exhibitors each day of the conference—for a total of 42 quality meetings throughout the event's three days.

Media will select the manufacturers they most want to meet with and indicate those which they do not want to meet with when registering online. A personalized schedule will then be created for the registered media, and sent out in early January. Register now! Questions? Media inquiries can be directed to dellad@sema.org. All manufacturer questions or general questions about the event can be directed to jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

View the list of participating exhibitors.

Date: January 21–23, 2014
Location: Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North
1325 East Dyer Rd.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

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Visit HRIA's website

HRIA Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

Hot Rod Council to Present Education Day at 2014 Detroit Autorama

By Della Domingo

The annual SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Day will be held, for the first time, in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama—the 60-year-old custom car show taking place in March 2014 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical, information about their products with their customers,” said Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils. “Holding the Education Day program at the Detroit Autorama will allow HRIA members to expand and reach a new audience.”

HRIA previously held its Education Day program at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The move to the Detroit Autorama will enable manufacturers to reach a new, expanded audience. Autorama, which is well known for having the world’s most coveted hot rods, prestigious awards competitions, as well as top celebrities and student programs, attracts more than 150,000 individuals annually. Education Day will take place Thursday, March 6, 2014 (the day before Autorama officially opens), and is open to all hot-rod shops and businesses, as well as to all Autorama attendees.

“As one the nation’s premier indoor custom car shows, the Detroit Autorama attracts thousands of businesses and enthusiasts who are passionate and deeply vested in new hot-rod products,” said Peter A. Toundas, president of Championship Auto Shows Inc.—promoter of the event. “The HRIA Education Day program will add a valuable element to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers, which would be difficult for them to do on their own.”

Attendee registration is now open. Reserve your spot today.

For more information about HRIA, contact Jim Skelly.

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Visit YEN's website

Justin Hartenstein

YEN Member Insight: Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting

Justin Hartenstein, founder and president of Oracle Lighting, was a true automotive enthusiast from the beginning.

When Hartenstein began selling automotive parts in his eBay store in 1999, it was primarily items that he had installed but later taken off his own rides. He later started making items on his own and posting project pictures on online forums. Others began requesting parts, asking to buy what Hartenstein had made for himself. While he maintained his eBay store, Hartenstein was also going to school at the University of New Orleans and working full time.

It wasn’t until Hurricane Katrina in 2005 that Oracle Lighting became the top priority for Hartenstein. His previous employer was greatly affected by Katrina. After the Hurricane, Hartenstein moved for a short period, and his own business was what he relied on. This was his turning point.

“When I moved back, I didn’t have any distractions, and it’s all I’ve done since then,” he said.

Oracle Lighting has been a SEMA member since 2003 and began exhibiting at the Show in 2009. The business has steadily grown, and in 2013, Oracle Lighting surpassed the 20-employee mark. Hartenstein’s wife Tiffanie also joined the company as the director of operations.

As Hartenstein focuses on research and development, he is constantly evaluating new advancements in LED technology, and how these advancements can efficiently be worked into the automotive industry.

When he first began Oracle Lighting, his motto was, “You gotta take risks to get rewards.” Over time, his personal and company focus has shifted to a customer-focused goal, “Keep doing right by the customer.”

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