Anybody who is anybody in the automotive aftermarket industry knows about the annual SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas, NV at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Fifty years ago, the first SEMA show was held in the basement of the Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium with 98 vendors. Now, SEMA is one of the largest conventions in Las Vegas, drawing crowds of 70,000 car enthusiasts from around the world and over 6300 vendors. This year’s event starts on Halloween and ends on November 3. 2017. With daily events and a lot of convention center ground to cover, here are three key events you do not want to miss.
New Products Showcase
SEMA has the world’s largest collection of automotive innovation. The hottest products and brightest minds come together once a year and The New Products Showcase located on the Sky Bridge is the number one destination for consumers and media. To make it easier for attendees to collect information and a list of all of the products they are interested in, scanners are provided at booths around the showcase. Simply scan the products you are interested in and turn in the scanner when you are done. A print out of key information such as how to locate and contact the manufacturers and their products that you are interested in is instantly provided.
The Untold Stories of the NHRA
The NHRA Breakfast is a SEMA tradition and this year’s breakfast is one not to be missed. This event will be held Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino Paradise Events Center from 7:30am-9am. Some of the most renown names in drag racing such as 3-time NHRA champion Shirley Muldowney and Top Fuel/Funny Car victor, and Top Fuel race team owner Don “The Snake” Prudomme, along with current drivers John Force and Antron Brown will be on the all-star panel. Joining them is NHRA Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Graham Light and moderator Bob Frey. Get a glimpse of some of the hidden stories and secrets behind some of of your favorite NHRA drivers. The NHRA Breakfast is free to all show attendees. To order your NHRA Breakfast tickets or register for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register and click “Add Event Tickets.”
Ford’s 200MPH 2018 Mustang GT
Ford is bringing seven Mustangs to the SEMA show and one of them, in particular, cannot be missed. A modified 5.0L street legal 2018 Mustang GT will make its debut. 200-mph is common in a SEMA car, but this 10-speed Mustang GT has been virtually re-crafted with aftermarket upgrades from top to bottom. For power, its V8 engine is fitted with a Hellion twin turbo and Boria exhaust system. To keep all of that power on the ground and this high power pony in control, Ford used G-Force drive shaft and axils, and Hoosier R7/A7 tires with Forgeline wheels for great traction. To keep it from running too hot when the pedal hits the metal, Ford added a Mishimotor radiator, oil cooler, and transmission cooler. For aerodynamics, Ford used a unique Dom Tucci designed body kit with a rear diffuser and modified wing that still keeps that legendary Mustang GT sexiness.
Celebrities, from The Car Chaser’s Jeff Allen to infamous monster truck Bigfoot will be on hand at SEMA. The list of celebrities can be seen here. It’s not to late to purchase tickets! Get your car fanatic friends together, schedule your STAjets flight at 1.844.FLY.STA1 (1.844.359.7821) and enjoy all that SEMA, and Las Vegas, have to offer!