SEMA started as the Speed Equipment Manufactures Association...and although the name has changed (now Specialty Equipment Manufactures Association) all the big speed equipment companies are still a big part of the show. The first SEMA Show was held in 1967 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles had 98 booths and the attendance was 3000 people. This years show had over 10,000 booths and over 100,000 attendees. In 1967 there were 5 cars on display…in 2006 over 2000 were displayed. Talk about growth!

 

Of course NHRA had a large display.

B&M Racing Products has grown, they now include McLeod Clutches in the family. Famous artist Kenny Youngblood was part of their booth giving visitors original Younblood cartoons.

Track operator - driver - publisher Harry Hibler visits with another driver and publisher Jim Adolph who now is part of the B&M family.

 

From on top one of the VIP lounges no matter which direction you looked in the Racing & Performance building there was the who's who in speed and hot rod products.

Dave Anton and his crew from American Shine were on hand to demonstrate the best car care products available.

American Racing wheels have been a staple for street and strip for over 4 decades and are still going strong.

A company promoting new ways of casting speed parts.

Actor Ed Begley was on hand with the Overhaulin show.

What would a car show be without Chico and the Mooneyes line of products. Founder Dean Moon was active in SEMA from the beginning.

Overhaulin's Chip Foose always attracts lots of fans and media wherever he is.

In the Primedia booth Hot Rod TV filmed many live shows having the cream of the industry on hand all week.

All the great products of K&N Filters which is always growing were highlighted.

No matter what kind of car/hot rod/race car fancied you…they were there.

Celebrities everywhere, George Barris had a huge display of his creations.
Other automotive personalities included Tommie Johnson Jr., Don Purdhomme, Larry Dixon, Bob Bondurant, Mario, Marco & Michael Andretti, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Bryan Herta, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Kanaan, Cory McClenathan, Hot Rod Fuller, Ivan Stewart, Clay Millican, the entire John Force family, Jack Beckman, Tony Stewart, Bobby Unser, Gary Scelzi, Parnelli Jones, Ron Capps, Carroll Shelby, and …well you get the idea.

 

Gene Winfield always attracts the pretty girls.

Paxton Automotive was featured in the same issue that the Ewald Brothers "BankAmericar" top fuel dragster was featured on the cover and inside…so they made it part of their display.

Every new hot engine made was displayed somewhere in the show.

The size of GM's display was amazing.

Drift racing exhibitions took place in the parking lot, very entertaining.

The new issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines magazine featured the Nitro Night in Escondido event with a half page size photo of my "Mastercar" Top Fueler much to my surprise.

 

Firestone featured their air bag lifts…we all know they make top of the line tires.

All polished Aluminum body…lot of work for a show car!

Jess Tyree…one of drag racings real super stars.

One thing the SEMA Show is famous for is beautiful girls everywhere!

Bridgestone/Firestone national account manager Joe Williams stops to enjoy a SEMA beauty.

GMP die cast models had a fabulous display featuring the Greer-Black & Purdhomme dragster. At the show they introduced their 1:6 scale model of this car… all I can say is WOW.

Tom Long of GMP stands proudly next to his new offer for collectors the Greer-Black & Purdhomme dragster….a real detailed beauty.

 

Dave Anton of American Shine Products stayed busy showin his ever increasing line of products.

 

Hot Wheel designer Larry Wood was on hand to sign the limited edition SEMA Show GTO Hot Wheel…yep….a very long line always.

The Hilton Hotel is attached to the convention center…and Elvis was their star performer for many years so in tribute a full sized bronze of the star sits in front of the hotel.

Super master of ceremonies Dave McCellan hosted the awards breakfast.

The ever changing landscape of the Strip…another hotel rises…construction goes on 24/7.

All aluminum - all polished - Milodon 426 Hemi.

 

Mopar showed a nice cut-away of their new Hemi.

The new 392 Hemi crate engine.

2006 and 14 time world champion John Force's 8000 horsepower Hemi.

During the show the last day of the Stardust Hotel hit… it closed forever about 12 hours after I took these photos.

Some of the George Barris display...

In a large tent outside the TV show Overhaulin crew sets up for the rebuild they plan.

The new Champ Car design made it's first appearance.

Two icons in our business…Kenny Youngblood and Linda Vaughn.

The new 2007 Challenger - brother Don wants one!

Mopar's booth featured every engine they made, Garlits' SR III and a bunch of muscle cars.

 

American Racing had a car in their display you had to see to believe...

 

The big names in racing everywhere.

Dave Crower shows his wares.

Many famous race cars of the past were on display.

A turbo charged diesel dragster???

Mike & Donna Bosso's perfect '57 Nomad was just one of the over 2000 display cars at this year's show.

 

Vegas at night…when it looks it's best.

The Downtown Experience light show shows how much Las Vegas is into racing with shows covering drag racing and NASCAR...done very well.

OK, I had to pose with a couple of the beauties, especially since they represented Bridgestone/Firestone.