Day Two: Tens of Thousands

They come from all points of the globe, and every sector of the auto industry. The fact that this show is closed to the public probably adds to its mystique. As the event has grown, so has the public's awareness of it, and their appreciation of the benefits it brings. Whether its performance, power or style that brings them flocking to SEMA, the fact is this show has grown to be a phenomenon.

More than 2700 representatives from media all over the world are snapping pictures, shooting video, and gathering info for stories that will be in magazines and TV and internet for the next ten months. A few of the cars on this blog will undoubtedly appear in some of these publications. It's a heady experience for the newbies when people get a thrill from seeing the fruit of their passions.

The mood is upbeat again this year as people from diverse sectors interact. The truck section is astounding in the South Hall. And it's hard to believe that a mere ten years ago half the North Hall was marine related and there was no South Hall at all. Today, the marine segment is gone altogether, squeezed out by electronics gizmos and gadgets that fuel the imagination and help people see what's happening inside and all around their vehicles, which sometimes can become their whole world.

This year is the 40th anniversary of Hot Wheels. Hence, a lot of Hot Wheels cars have been given away. At the awards breakfast Tuesday, everyone who came received a collectible Bone Shaker car. It is a one of a kind run, so only people who were there have one. More Hot Wheels cars were given away at the Hot Wheels booth where car designers autographed their work. The lines there were very, very long. This is a long explanation for these two photos featuring a couple of rather far out Hot Wheels cars.

Tomorrow is a big day at SEMA. Directors from AMSOIL will be at the Injen booth for a 2:10 p.m. press conference to introduce a new co-branded product line that will make a big impact on the diesel truck market. Also, Boyd and Jo Coddington will be up by their AMSOIL/Coddington Bonneville roadster signing autographs from 1:00 to 3:00. Enjoy the show.

Gentlemen, Rev Your Engines. It's Showtime!

Dick Berggren, founder and editor of Speedway Illustrated, was the keynote speaker at this morning's New Product Awards Breakfast. He began by noting how much this industry has grown. In 1967 the SEMA Show boasted 98 booths and had 3000 visitors. This year, there are more than 2000 exhibits and fifteen miles of aisles that the 110,000+ visitors must navigate to see everything. Certainly puts things in perspective. The industry is vibrant and healthy.

Berggren noted that successful business people and people who win races share several common traits. They are smart, they have an energetic, strong work ethic and love what they do. That is something you see here at SEMA 2007. Passion.

Here are a few images from the show floor. One key to getting the most out of the show is to make sure you have comfortable shoes and a good night's sleep.

SEMA Eve

' Twas the night before SEMA and all through the hall there were crates and debris, but excitement in all.

This last image shows the true meaning of Bling. Some car builders are simply over the top.

SEMA Show Straight Ahead

It’s here, SEMA Show 2007. The show begins Tuesday, but the work begins months in advance as companies prepare paperwork and develop strategies for how to present their new products and stories to the industry. More than 2700 media representatives are pre-registered for this year’s show. You can tell that something is happening when you see this kind of media coverage.

Chevrolet once captured our imaginations with a slogan “The Heartbeat of America.” But when you come to Las Vegas and see the size and scope of this show, it’s apparent that the auto industry has been the heartbeat of America. It’s a thrill to be a part of it.

Today, setups that are keeping everyone busy. With forklifts, cranes and crates everywhere, the Las Vegas Convention Center has the feel of backstage before a Broadway opening.

This morning AMSOIL staff placed seven products in the New Products Showcase. Tomorrow they roll the last cars into place -- including the AMSOIL/Coddington Bonneville Roadster -- and roll out the carpets. What’s exciting is knowing that the best is yet to come.

AMSOIL products on display in this year’s SEMA NEW PRODUCTS SHOWCASE 2007
1. AMSOIL Signature Series 0w-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
2. AMSOIL Severe Gear 75w-110 Synthetic Gear Lube
3. AMSOIL SAE 0w-20 Synthetic Motor Oil
4. AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver
5. AMSOIL Ea Air Filters for Racing & Street Rod Apps
6. AMSOIL Crankcase Breather Filters
7. Injen/AMSOIL Power-Flow Diesel Intake System

Boyd & Jo to Make Appearance at SEMA

The SEMA Show in Las Vegas puts the automotive industry's most advanced technology and best-selling products on display. In addition to the world's hottest cars, you can find tires and wheels, air conditioning, car stereos, lamps, anti-theft, electronic equipment, seat belts, service equipment, vehicle maintenance beauty products, automotive electronics and technology, automotive tools equipment, and maintenance products.

It is also a show where the stars and powerful personalities make their appearance, from Jay Leno and Carroll Shelby to Danica Patrick, the Andrettis and NASCAR's finest. Next week Boyd and Jo Coddington will be signing autographs alongside the AMSOIL/Coddington Model T which Jo raced at Bonneville. Boyd Coddington's innovations have become not just hot rodding touchstones, but influences that have helped the entire aftermarket industry flourish, an achievement that helped get him inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame.

Boyd and Jo will be signing autographs on Thursday, 1:00-3:00 P.M. at Booth 35719 alongside the AMSOIL/Coddington 1927 Model T Ford in which Jo Coddington attempted to set a new land speed record. The fabrication and assembling of the car was featured on three episodes of American Hot Rod.

Fans of the show, or the AMSOIL synthetic lubricant products featured in the car, might want to check out this new AMSOIL/Coddington Race Team T-Shirt at http://www.amsoil.com/products/clothing/coddington_tshirt.aspx

SEMA 2007 Just Around the Corner

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) bills itself as the premier automotive specialty products trade association in the world and its annual show in Las Vegas each year is "the place to be" if you are in any way associated with this industry. The SEMA Show draws the industry's brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. Last year the SEMA Show attracted more than 100,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries for its unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, marine and RV markets. This year, SEMA Show 2007 anticipates a continuation of this trend, expecting to draw domestic and international buyers through two million square feet of exhibits. The displays are segmented into 11 sections, and a New Products Showcase features more than 1,400 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

This is the 41st Anniversary of the SEMA Show, promising to consume more Las Vegas real estate than ever. In the next few weeks we'll be making a few announcements here on the blog, and starting October 29th hope to share some of the sites and sounds of SEMA 2007, live from Las Vegas.

In the meantime, here are a few images from last year's show, knowing that the best is yet to come.

Weather Dampens Spirits at Bonneville

The Bonneville World Finals was called due to weather.
44 records were broken in just 2½ days.

The AMSOIL/Coddington car never made its record run attempt, having had to qualify for licensing first. Their top speed achieved for qualifying was 184 MPH. They were poised to attempt the record run after installing taller gears and adding back more boost.

Next stop for the team is a one day event at El Mirage Dry Lake in California which has been home to Land Speed Racing and the SCTA. Vehicle inspections begin on the day prior to the race (Saturday) and the racing begins early Sunday morning. The AMSOIL/Coddington team is going to participate and record its times in an effort to prove that the car was built to go over 200 MPH. After this the Car will head to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas for our AMSOIL featured vehicle display and autograph signing.




Jo Coddington was ready to pull out all the stops. Still, it was a great adventure.... with more to come.

Taking Another Crack at Bonneville

There are actually several Bonneville Speed Weeks, and this week has been one of them as more than 150 race teams, 50 officials, 35 members of the media and a few hundred spectators converged on the Flats. For the first few days the weather has been perfect. Sunny skies, temps in the seventies, minimal wind and hard salt – a week specifically designed for land speed records.

For a second time this year Boyd Coddington brought his rig and crew to Bonneville to take another shot at the record books in their 1927 Model T Ford with AMSOIL the primary sponsor. There was no filming for cable TV. This week the single aim is a land speed record.

Yesterday Jo Coddington qualified for her high speed license to go over 200. At the time of this report, after having achieved a 184 in qualifying, the team was in good position car to attempt its record breaking runs. The record is 199. Weather permitting, we’ll report the final results on Monday.

Sacramento Here We Come

Over 1,400 street rods, customs, muscle cars and street machines will be on hand at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds October 5-7 as the National Street Rod Association presents its 6th Annual Golden State Nationals.

This will be the 6th time the NSRA Golden State Nationals have been held in Sacramento and an all time high number of participants and spectators are expected this year. Almost all of the Cal Expo Fairgrounds will be utilized for the event as well as many of the buildings, which will house over 75 manufacturer and dealer displays and other attractions.

The host organization, NSRA, defines a street rod as a modernized vintage vehicle that must be of pre 1949 manufacture. These vehicles are equipped with the latest options available on the newest model vehicles, including but not limited to disc brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, and tilt steering wheel. Most of those attending have updated the engines and drive train to enable the owner to cruise down the highway in comfort and safely maintain the speeds traveled by more modern vehicles. All vehicles must be driven on to the grounds.

Included in this event are muscle cars, those factory produced high horsepower machines from the 60’s and 70’s along with the classics cars of the 50’s. This is a truly unique mix of old and new together for the first time at Cal Expo Fairgrounds and a national gathering of fine vintage automobiles of every description. After 5 years as the Golden State Street Rod Nationals, the “new look” will continue to make the NSRA Golden State Nationals the area’s largest automotive participation event and spectators from around the area will attend the event.

If you are in the area, be sure to see what is new at the AMSOIL booth. Enjoy the blend of nostalgia, history and technology... and a scene you won't soon forget, Sacramento's largest vintage car show.