SEMA News—January 2014

EVENTS
By SEMA News Staff

The Best of SEMA 2013

Empowering an Industry

The 2013 SEMA Show left no doubt that the automotive specialty-equipment industry is stronger than ever. While final attendance figures were being audited at press time, organizers reported that more than 126,000 credentials were issued prior to the event, with thousands more processed on site.

More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth.

“A trade show is a reflection of the industry it serves,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The unprecedented participation levels this year indicate that the industry is moving into growth mode. This was a record-breaking year, and we’re seeing companies ready and eager to do business.”

There were 2,381 exhibiting companies on the Show floor representing all facets of the automotive specialty-equipment market, including accessory and appearance products, performance products, wheels, tires and suspension—basically anything and everything anyone could want in order to personalize the more than 200 million cars, trucks, SUVs and powersports vehicles on and off the road.

On the pages below, we’ve selected a few highlights from the 2013 SEMA Show.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

World of X-Games to Air Special on 46th Annual SCORE Baja 1000
ESPN’s action sports television series World of X-Games will air a one-hour documentary on the 46th annual SCORE Baja 1000 on Saturday, December 28, at 4:00 p.m. (EST) on ABC.

Hosted by British motorsports commentator Toby Moody, the one-hour program features the superstars of off-road truck racing and the battle for both the race win and the overall SCORE season points championship. Past Baja champions BJ Baldwin, Rob MacCachren, Bryce Menzies, Robby Gordon, Vildolsola Racing and many others are featured in this ultimate battle of 800+ horsepower Trophy Trucks. 

A sneak peek of the program is available on the ESPN X-Games website.

	The Horseless Carriage Club of America will stage the start of its annual Holiday Excursion at the Irwindale Speedway, Sunday, December 29.

Horseless Carriage Club Holiday Motor Excursion at Irwindale Speedway
The Horseless Carriage Club of America will stage the start of its annual Holiday Excursion at the Irwindale Speedway, Sunday, December 29. The special run for classic motor vehicles built before 1933 is one of the most unique and colorful automotive traditions of the Los Angeles Holiday season with roots back to the earliest days of the motorcar in Southern California.
 
Gates to the Speedway will open at 7:00 a.m. for fans to view the machines and to talk to their owners about the history of each automobile. At 9:45 a.m. the tour drivers and their passengers will meet to be issued route books for the day. Between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., the assembled machines (more than 250 are anticipated) will parade one-by-one out of the Speedway parking lot and on to the 2013 excursion route. 

Formula DRIFT Announces 10-Year Anniversary Book in Partnership With Performance Publication Media Group
Formula DRIFT has announced a print collaboration with Performance Publication Media Group to release a 10-Year Anniversary Book. Book deliveries will begin before the start of the 2014 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship season. The 11x9-in. perfect-bound book features a "rubberized" gate fold cover with 128 acid-free, archival-quality pages inside. The past 10 years of action will be showcased with photography and curated by well-known photographer Larry Chen. The 10-Year Anniversary Book will be available in a limited quantity. Only 2,000 numbered copies will be printed, and the custom die-cut sleeve will include 10 limited-edition Formula DRIFT trading cards.

	VP Racing Fuel will continue to serve as the “Official Fuel of the Rally America National Championship.”

VP Racing Fuel Extends Agreement With Rally America
Officials with Rally America renewed an agreement with VP Racing Fuel that will extend technical expertise and fuel delivery for Rally America national events through 2016. The racing fuel manufacturer will continue to serve as the “Official Fuel of the Rally America National Championship.” VP Racing Fuel’s Rally Max, MS100 and MS109E racing fuels have been designated the spec fuels for Rally America’s Open Class for 2014.

VP Racing Fuel will continue to provide the 2014 Rally America National Championship season with fuel delivered at the following national events:

• January 24–25: Sno*Drift Rally - Atlanta, MI
• February 21–22: Rally of the 100 Acre Wood - Salem, MO 
• May 2–4: Oregon Trail Rally - Portland, OR 
• May 30–31: Susquehannock Trail Rally - Wellsboro, PA 
• June 28: Mt. Washington HillClimb - Gorham, NH
• July 18–19: New England Forest Rally - Newry, ME
• August 22–23: Ojibwe Forests Rally - Detroit Lakes, MN
• October 17–18: Lake Superior Performance Rally - Houghton, MI     

Both Regional and National rally teams must pre-order VP Rally Max, MS100 or MS109E Racing Fuel from VP’s regional distributors in advance of each round. Pre-order fuel will be delivered to teams at all events during a specified delivery time on the first day of practice.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

World of X-Games to Air Special on 46th Annual SCORE Baja 1000
ESPN’s action sports television series World of X-Games will air a one-hour documentary on the 46th annual SCORE Baja 1000 on Saturday, December 28, at 4:00 p.m. (EST) on ABC.

Hosted by British motorsports commentator Toby Moody, the one-hour program features the superstars of off-road truck racing and the battle for both the race win and the overall SCORE season points championship. Past Baja champions BJ Baldwin, Rob MacCachren, Bryce Menzies, Robby Gordon, Vildolsola Racing and many others are featured in this ultimate battle of 800+ horsepower Trophy Trucks. 

A sneak peek of the program is available on the ESPN X-Games website.

	The Horseless Carriage Club of America will stage the start of its annual Holiday Excursion at the Irwindale Speedway, Sunday, December 29.

Horseless Carriage Club Holiday Motor Excursion at Irwindale Speedway
The Horseless Carriage Club of America will stage the start of its annual Holiday Excursion at the Irwindale Speedway, Sunday, December 29. The special run for classic motor vehicles built before 1933 is one of the most unique and colorful automotive traditions of the Los Angeles Holiday season with roots back to the earliest days of the motorcar in Southern California.
 
Gates to the Speedway will open at 7:00 a.m. for fans to view the machines and to talk to their owners about the history of each automobile. At 9:45 a.m. the tour drivers and their passengers will meet to be issued route books for the day. Between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., the assembled machines (more than 250 are anticipated) will parade one-by-one out of the Speedway parking lot and on to the 2013 excursion route. 

Formula DRIFT Announces 10-Year Anniversary Book in Partnership With Performance Publication Media Group
Formula DRIFT has announced a print collaboration with Performance Publication Media Group to release a 10-Year Anniversary Book. Book deliveries will begin before the start of the 2014 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship season. The 11x9-in. perfect-bound book features a "rubberized" gate fold cover with 128 acid-free, archival-quality pages inside. The past 10 years of action will be showcased with photography and curated by well-known photographer Larry Chen. The 10-Year Anniversary Book will be available in a limited quantity. Only 2,000 numbered copies will be printed, and the custom die-cut sleeve will include 10 limited-edition Formula DRIFT trading cards.

	VP Racing Fuel will continue to serve as the “Official Fuel of the Rally America National Championship.”

VP Racing Fuel Extends Agreement With Rally America
Officials with Rally America renewed an agreement with VP Racing Fuel that will extend technical expertise and fuel delivery for Rally America national events through 2016. The racing fuel manufacturer will continue to serve as the “Official Fuel of the Rally America National Championship.” VP Racing Fuel’s Rally Max, MS100 and MS109E racing fuels have been designated the spec fuels for Rally America’s Open Class for 2014.

VP Racing Fuel will continue to provide the 2014 Rally America National Championship season with fuel delivered at the following national events:

• January 24–25: Sno*Drift Rally - Atlanta, MI
• February 21–22: Rally of the 100 Acre Wood - Salem, MO 
• May 2–4: Oregon Trail Rally - Portland, OR 
• May 30–31: Susquehannock Trail Rally - Wellsboro, PA 
• June 28: Mt. Washington HillClimb - Gorham, NH
• July 18–19: New England Forest Rally - Newry, ME
• August 22–23: Ojibwe Forests Rally - Detroit Lakes, MN
• October 17–18: Lake Superior Performance Rally - Houghton, MI     

Both Regional and National rally teams must pre-order VP Rally Max, MS100 or MS109E Racing Fuel from VP’s regional distributors in advance of each round. Pre-order fuel will be delivered to teams at all events during a specified delivery time on the first day of practice.

Testing of the revamped ’15 Dodge Challenger has accelerated into high gear, with the appearance of several new prototypes on the Detroit test circuit. The Challengers' revised camouflage scheme suggests numerous changes to the musclecar's front and rear fascias.

New Nose Hidden Under Revised Front-End Camouflage

Earlier Challenger prototypes had a minor bit of camouflage covering the front clip, with the existing grille and headlight set-up visible behind the disguise. The new camouflage is much more extensive, and we see what appears to be more extensive changes to the front fascia. Our latest shots show new LED accents ringing around the Challenger's new headlights. The outer LED ring also included amber turn signals, which were spotted, but could not be photographed.

New Hood Design Hidden Under Newly Applied Camouflage

Earlier Challenger prototypes had the existing hood, but this latest test car has a newly camouflaged hood, suggesting further design changes for the revamped Challenger.

New Rear Styling Now in Place Behind New Rear Camouflage

This latest Challenger test car also gives us our first look at a prototype with a camouflaged rear-end. The camouflage begins midway into the rear fender and covers the entire trunk and rear bumper. The taillights are well camouflaged, so it's impossible to discern how extensive the changes are to the rear lamps. There is currently no sign of the bright LED border that is found on all of the latest Dodge products, although it could still be hidden beneath the disguise.

We can see changes to the surface development of the rear bumper, with some sculpting applied around and above the exhaust tips. This is a new feature, which signals a subtle change from the notably clean, simple surfaces that make up the current Challenger's rear fascia.

Camouflaged Interior Points to Overhauled Interior

While there was nothing to photograph, we did get a glimpse into the cockpits of these latest prototypes, and the interiors were heavily camouflaged. There is now no question that an overhauled interior is part of this Challenger update.

With the modernized Mustang now a public entity, it appears that the Challenger—even with this facelift—will remain the most faithfully retro of Detroit's musclecars. Whether the updates under test here will be enough to keep it competitive with the Mustang and Camaro remains to be seen.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Testing of the revamped ’15 Dodge Challenger has accelerated into high gear, with the appearance of several new prototypes on the Detroit test circuit. The Challengers' revised camouflage scheme suggests numerous changes to the musclecar's front and rear fascias.

New Nose Hidden Under Revised Front-End Camouflage

Earlier Challenger prototypes had a minor bit of camouflage covering the front clip, with the existing grille and headlight set-up visible behind the disguise. The new camouflage is much more extensive, and we see what appears to be more extensive changes to the front fascia. Our latest shots show new LED accents ringing around the Challenger's new headlights. The outer LED ring also included amber turn signals, which were spotted, but could not be photographed.

New Hood Design Hidden Under Newly Applied Camouflage

Earlier Challenger prototypes had the existing hood, but this latest test car has a newly camouflaged hood, suggesting further design changes for the revamped Challenger.

New Rear Styling Now in Place Behind New Rear Camouflage

This latest Challenger test car also gives us our first look at a prototype with a camouflaged rear-end. The camouflage begins midway into the rear fender and covers the entire trunk and rear bumper. The taillights are well camouflaged, so it's impossible to discern how extensive the changes are to the rear lamps. There is currently no sign of the bright LED border that is found on all of the latest Dodge products, although it could still be hidden beneath the disguise.

We can see changes to the surface development of the rear bumper, with some sculpting applied around and above the exhaust tips. This is a new feature, which signals a subtle change from the notably clean, simple surfaces that make up the current Challenger's rear fascia.

Camouflaged Interior Points to Overhauled Interior

While there was nothing to photograph, we did get a glimpse into the cockpits of these latest prototypes, and the interiors were heavily camouflaged. There is now no question that an overhauled interior is part of this Challenger update.

With the modernized Mustang now a public entity, it appears that the Challenger—even with this facelift—will remain the most faithfully retro of Detroit's musclecars. Whether the updates under test here will be enough to keep it competitive with the Mustang and Camaro remains to be seen.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Testing of the revamped ’15 Dodge Challenger has accelerated into high gear, with the appearance of several new prototypes on the Detroit test circuit. The Challengers' revised camouflage scheme suggests numerous changes to the musclecar's front and rear fascias.

New Nose Hidden Under Revised Front-End Camouflage

Earlier Challenger prototypes had a minor bit of camouflage covering the front clip, with the existing grille and headlight set-up visible behind the disguise. The new camouflage is much more extensive, and we see what appears to be more extensive changes to the front fascia. Our latest shots show new LED accents ringing around the Challenger's new headlights. The outer LED ring also included amber turn signals, which were spotted, but could not be photographed.

New Hood Design Hidden Under Newly Applied Camouflage

Earlier Challenger prototypes had the existing hood, but this latest test car has a newly camouflaged hood, suggesting further design changes for the revamped Challenger.

New Rear Styling Now in Place Behind New Rear Camouflage

This latest Challenger test car also gives us our first look at a prototype with a camouflaged rear-end. The camouflage begins midway into the rear fender and covers the entire trunk and rear bumper. The taillights are well camouflaged, so it's impossible to discern how extensive the changes are to the rear lamps. There is currently no sign of the bright LED border that is found on all of the latest Dodge products, although it could still be hidden beneath the disguise.

We can see changes to the surface development of the rear bumper, with some sculpting applied around and above the exhaust tips. This is a new feature, which signals a subtle change from the notably clean, simple surfaces that make up the current Challenger's rear fascia.

Camouflaged Interior Points to Overhauled Interior

While there was nothing to photograph, we did get a glimpse into the cockpits of these latest prototypes, and the interiors were heavily camouflaged. There is now no question that an overhauled interior is part of this Challenger update.

With the modernized Mustang now a public entity, it appears that the Challenger—even with this facelift—will remain the most faithfully retro of Detroit's musclecars. Whether the updates under test here will be enough to keep it competitive with the Mustang and Camaro remains to be seen.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

	For this year’s SEMA Board of Directors election, there is one seat open in the manufacturer’s category and one seat open in the distributor/retailer 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 about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member 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 there is one seat open in the manufacturer’s category and one seat open in the distributor/retailer category.

Nominations for the 2014 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 2, 2014. 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

	For this year’s SEMA Board of Directors election, there is one seat open in the manufacturer’s category and one seat open in the distributor/retailer 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 about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member 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 there is one seat open in the manufacturer’s category and one seat open in the distributor/retailer category.

Nominations for the 2014 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 2, 2014. 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

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.

• The Wheel Group, located in City of Industry, California, is hiring a salesperson to provide information regarding products, account inquiries and order status via phone or e-mail. The successful candidate will have prior sales experience and strong customer service skills. Aftermarket wheel experience and bilingual candidates (Spanish/English) are preferred.

• Power Stop LLC, located in Chicago, is hiring a product manager to manage the distribution and timeliness of the company's internal data systems and facilitate a smooth operation and act as a resource of technical information for customers and employees. The successful candidate will have prior data and catalog management experience.

• MGP Caliper Covers, located in San Diego, is hiring two inside salespeople. Applicants should have exceptional communication, computer, time management and organizational skills, and the ability to generate new customers, close new accounts and nurture and grow existing accounts.

• Coker Tire, located in City of Industry, California, is hiring a highly motivated sales and customer service representative with a coachable attitude and strong desire to succeed.

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 YEN's website

	(L-R): (back row) Sergio Ramirez, Amanda Watt, Chris Potter, Adam Brown, Ben Chase, Wyatt Tegtmeier. (Front row) Rebeca Olavarrieta, Kenna Primm, Susan Rosales and Chris Lindh.

Read Reflections From Fellowship Participants

By Amanda Gubbins

Reflections about the SEMA Show from this year’s Young Executives Network (YEN) Fellowship participants are now available online.

“My first SEMA Show experience was so much more than just walking the Show floor,” said Chris Potter. “It was about the people behind those parts and companies. It’s those people who come together and become SEMA. The organization can be described as the backbone of our industry. These people work together to promote and fight for our industry, ensuring that the automotive aftermarket and the people who are that industry can adapt and grow in an ever-changing world.”

Along with Potter, Adam Brown, Ben Chase, Chris Lindh, Rebeca Olavarrieta, Kenna Primm, Sergio Ramirez, Susan Rosales, Wyatt Tegtmeier and Amanda Watt also shared what they gained from the experience.

The SEMA Show YEN Fellowship is a benefit available to SEMA-member company employees under the age of 40 through YEN. This free group provides members with professional development opportunities alongside others in the industry. In particular, the fellowship program demonstrates SEMA’s commitment to recognizing and developing talent among the next generation of specialty-equipment professionals.

Candidates for the fellowship submit an application and essays, which are used to select the final 10 award winners. The selected participants then have the chance to develop their business skills and expand their professional network by attending events at the Show. Applications for the 2014 fellowship will be accepted beginning early in the New Year.

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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 MPMC's website.

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

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 South
1325 East Dyer Rd.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

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Visit SBN's website.

	Michelle Knight

SBN Member of the Month: Michelle Knight, International AERO Products

Michelle Knight, communications director and central U.S. sales director for International AERO Products, is the SBN Member of the Month.

What does your company do?

International AERO Products manufactures a full line of interior and exterior detailing products that have been used on multi-million-dollar aircraft for several years.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

The most satisfying aspect of my job is sharing with people innovative ways to protect their prized possessions with new technology and easy-to-use products.

How long have you been involved in the aftermarket industry?

Almost three years.

What brought you to the industry?

As a child, I grew up around this product line being used on private aircraft at International AERO Services. While I was still in college, I wrote the manuals on how to clean aircraft with these products. Once International AERO Products started in 2011, it was a perfect fit because I knew what these products could accomplish at more than 500 mph at an altitude of more than 30,000 ft., and couldn’t wait to present this line to the automotive industry.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

At 24 years old, I am still working on the big ones, so stay tuned.

Are you a member of other organizations?

SEMA's Young Executives Network.

Who is your industry mentor?

The entire International AERO Crew has been amazing—answering questions, giving me new detailing tips, working together as a crew and teaching each other something new every day. However, Mike Hansen, director of sales and marketing, has been an incredible mentor and always encourages me to try new things and gives me every opportunity to learn more about this incredible industry.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Always have a notebook by your bed because you never know when a great idea will come to mind.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I’m a total bookworm and love to bake.

What is your dream car?

The Porsche 356A Speedster replica from Top Gun.

What is your favorite pastime?

Growing up in Huntington Beach, California, my family and I spent tons of time at the beach, going to events such as the Long Beach Grand Prix, and of course, days at Disneyland.

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