Hanging Out at the 2011 SEMA Show with Genevieve Chappell

The SEMA Show is a wonderland of automotive goodness that any true car-junky has to experience. Open only to those in the industry, a ticket to get in is highly sought after. The tradeshow is highly respected as THE place to launch new products. The show is four days long, usually the first Tuesday through Friday in November. And, you need all four days. In-fact I arrived on Monday afternoon, just to be sure not to miss a minute. With a media badge I was able to get a preview as the exhibitors were finishing the setup of their booths. Extravagant displays with tons of product, signage and attention getting ladies help to draw the buyer in.

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You can review more of the show at www.BlacktopMagazine.com. Genevieve and I were invited to join Dennis Gage and company at their table at the swanky SEMA Awards Banquet. It has become a tradition for us to shoot a “Dennis’ Angels” photo at the banquet’s red carpet. The banquet features the SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees as well as other industry awards. After the awards the audience was entertained by SINBAD. He had the crowd going with his experience with cars as a kid and into young adulthood.

On the last day of the show Genevieve and I visited some of our favorite booths to do a quick photoshoot. First stop was at Chicago Pneumatic. The Gasoline Girls were there and showed us a cool 1922 piston powered air drill. Deltran’s Battery Tender had a display of several U.S. and European trickle chargers. Then we saw the Foose designed Challenger for Barret-Jackson as we were headed over to the Hotchkis booth. There was a cool So-Cal Speedshop speedster at the Ford display. In Restoration Row we stopped at Rare Parts to see their new rear ball joint for the Chevy Quadrasteer. Remy had their brand new OEM line of VEGA GM 140 Manual Steering Gears great for your hot rod! Packard Industries manufactures restoration parts for your early car from engine components to steering and suspension. You can get Packard brands through Kanter Products catalog. Goodmark too was on hand with new sheet metal and bumper products in an newly expanded National distribution network.

We had to head over to OPG to see the GTO-R Raybestos sweepstakes car in their booth. This 1964 GTO was built with 700+ horsepower by Hot Rod Chassis and Cycle. OPG also debuted their new Cadillac mirror. Genevieve had to give it test while touching up her lips. Then off to the EBC Brakes booth. The High-Carbon blade rotor is new for 2012.

We hope you enjoyed this little tour of the 2011 SEMA Show. Look for these new product to hit the shelves soon.

Tony Colombini

My Uncle Delmar made me do it. Then my two older brothers egged me on. And after we moved down to So Cal in ‘72 this 10 year old would be tested on passing vehicles on our yearly trip up the 101 and down the 5 to visit relatives in Santa Rosa. The Chevelle passes us up and as I watch the skinny tail lights disappear through the back window of the Country Squire, I’d yell out ‘68! I study the grille of the Impala following close behind and I know it’s a ‘65. Fast forward thirty years later and with a degree in Visual Communications and this artistic classic car enthusiast is living his dream creating art, design and yes even writing a word or two on the automotive industry. And with a couple of bit parts on My Classic Car, Chop Cut Rebuild and on the cutting floor of Overhaulin’. I’m very proud to share my passion for all things art and fuel with you.

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