New program aimed at capturing new fans and enthusiasts

DIAMOND BAR, California (August 4, 2008) - The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council, a council of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), is launching a new campaign to increase attendance at Motorsports events and public awareness of the industry. The program is titled "Take a Friend to a Race" and includes a series of ads and promotional pieces that urge enthusiasts to invite and introduce friends, relatives and neighbors who have never attended a motorsports event to do so.

"MPMC members are in the business of manufacturing parts that are designed specifically for race cars," said MPMC Chairman Bill Floyd. "That gives us a vested interest in the health of the Motorsports industry, which translates directly into event attendance. ‘Take a Friend to a Race' will have a significant effect on Motorsports attendance and participation, and will improve communication between the parts manufacturers, the track operators and the sanctioning bodies."

A key component of the campaign is the designation of August as Motorsports Awareness Month.

"We are urging individuals within the industry to reach out and physically bring a new potential fan to a race," continued Floyd. "So they can experience the sights and sounds that television just cannot capture. Auto racing is a family-oriented sport, so families can plan days or even vacations around events. Companies can plan outings to Motorsports events. Marking August as the official Motorsports Awareness Month gives the idea an annual focus throughout the industry."

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), a SEMA Council, is dedicated to representing the collective interests of all SEMA-member companies who manufacture parts that are used in sanctioned racing events, and to developing effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues. Companies interested in joining SEMA and MPMC can contact SEMA headquarters at members@sema.org. 

Founded in 1963, SEMA represents the $38.1 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry and has 7,094 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the automotive specialty-equipment industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit http://www.sema.org/ and http://www.enjoythedrive.com/.