We are pretty excited here at Motowyre to be returning to SEMA in 2022. We plan to spread out far and wide in our coverage of the show this year bringing news of the latest and greatest in the Automotive industry to our viewers.
The SEMA Show is the premier trade show geared to help small businesses thrive and succeed. The trade-only event enables automotive specialty equipment manufacturers to display alongside automotive manufacturers to debut new, innovative products, and connect with industry buyers from all over the world.
- The four-day event consistently attracts more than 161,000 individuals, including:
- 71,000 quality buyer companies seeking the hottest products to sell in their shops - 3,300 media representatives from both trade and consumer outlets - 2,400 exhibiting companies - representatives from more than 140 countries outside the United States
- The 2,400 exhibiting companies consist of:
- manufacturers of automotive accessories that enhance the performance, styling, comfort, convenience and safety of cars, trucks and SUVs
- companies exhibiting at the SEMA Show for the very first time, which bring brand-new, innovative products to the market
- major automakers and leading aftermarket manufacturers, but primarily small businesses that are owned and operated by automotive enthusiasts who know, love and understand vehicles inside and out
- In addition to connecting manufacturers with buyers at the SEMA Show, the annual event provides value to participants through:
- education seminars that focus on business strategies and techniques such as online marketing, customer service, product training and new vehicle technology
- networking events where those in specific market segments are able to mingle with one another – something that is not as common today given today's technology
- features and attractions that highlight industry trends, including live drifting demonstrations, hands-on workshops and more
- The SEMA Show includes:
- 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space and an additional 1 million square feet of features and attractions throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center, outside areas and neighboring Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino - More than 3,000 products in the New Products Showcase - 1,500 feature vehicles in both exhibitors' booths and throughout the convention center
The SEMA Show is organized by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the trade organization representing the $44.6 billion automotive aftermarket industry. In addition to organizing the premier automotive trade show in the world, SEMA offers members research, training, education, manufacturing support services, legislative advocacy, group-buying discounts, networking events and more.
Lot #528 - Expertly finished in factory-correct Mustard Yellow with removable hardtop, this was completely disassembled and professionally restored in 2007-08. It features a balanced and blueprinted 4.2-liter inline-6 with H55 5-speed manual transmission and 4-core radiator. It's also equipped Old Man EMU suspension including shocks, springs, bushings, steering damper and greasable shackles. The frame and suspension components have been powder-coated as have the correct OEM wheels. Interior features include rear jump seats, full instrumentation, fold-down windscreen and center console.
Seven-time winners of the 100 Acre Wood Rally, Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino hit the course full steam in March 2019. Their first appearance since 2014, this dynamic duo raced the course with their newly created Ford Escort Cosworth, AKA ‘The Cossie’. Built from the ground up, this muscle machine was built with 21st century know how and special tricks.
But the new rebuild, despite running 4th overall in the race, did not take the win due to engine failure on stage 3. This a sharp contrast to Ken’s pre-race anticipation for fun and speed and being ready to fight the course to the end. Unfortunately, the fight wasn’t with the course, it was an equipment failure fight.
Race fans will remember that Ken lost the #43 1991 Ford Escort Cosworth Group A Rally car in the Summer of 2018 due to a fire while racing. With so much success with that race car, Ken decided to build a new ‘Cossie V2’ for the 2019 racing season with the help of digital creator, Ash Thorp. The design was a modern version of the Ford Escort RS, and sported changes such as side exit exhausts, Sadev 6 speed sequential gearbox, a screaming built 371 horse Ford YB engine, and 4.3 inches wider than original – making it kick ass road ready. Or maybe not.
Though this year’s engine failure was a setback, this definitely does NOT hurt Ken’s impressive list of racing success. With 31 events, 27 number of finals, 12 final podiums, and 4 final wins in RallyCross, Ken maintains a 12.9% final win status and 38.7% final podium percentage. Pair that with his Rally career of 70 Rallies with 13 Rally wins, 22 Rally podiums with 13 class wins, and 22 Class Podiums, he maintains a 18.6% win and 31.4% podium percentage. Ken and Alex’s track record speaks for itself.
Ken’s success does not stop at the race track. A successful businessman and actor, former co-founder of DC Shoes, and most recently, co-founder of Hoonigan Industries, Ken appears to be the man with the plan. With a net worth of over $220 million, well, let’s just say that the engine failure was simply a faint blimp on the radar screen.
Ken’s racing career began in 2005 with the Vermont Super Cars. With a ranking within the Top 5 in 5 games, Ken’s first year racing achievements included winning American Rookie of the Year Award. Not bad for a beginning year. At that time, Ken was racing the Subaru brand but later made a brand change in 2010 when he partnered with Ford Company, and the rest is history.
But least you think that Ken is all business, you may be surprised (or not) of his fun and daring stunt while filming one of his appearances for the show Top Gear. During that time, Ken’s wicked stunt, with co-conspirator Matt LeBlanc, had them doing donuts at the Cenotaph War Memorial in London. To say that the United Kingdom was pissed is probably a mild understatement. What is all that money and talent without an outlet for some fun, huh?
Race fans should be watchful as Ken and Alex come roaring back once repairs are performed. With plans for international competition this year, Ken has proven that he is more than worthy as a contender for Rally racing whether that be in Sam Marino, New Zealand, Ireland, or England. His drive and expertise are what led him to be the success that he is today. Get ready, race fans, 2019 is just beginning!
Sitting here reflecting on our last opportunity to visit Barrett Jackson Scottsdale in 2017 as I sat there at the end of the day watching some of these beauties leave the building with SOLD on the window, thinking how happy the new owners will be to get them home and treasure them.
Pretty sure there will be plenty of happy new owners this year also.
You can tell that Spring is in the air with the sounds of motors roaring and dust a flying. Skip the quiet of bird song because the 100 Acre Wood Rally races have begun. Promoted as one of the biggest US rally events in many years, the total number of rally teams competing during the opening races was an impressive 78. The first races of the season started in March 2019, and the let’s just say – they were AWESOME.
A favorite driver for this event is Patrick Brennan with co-driver Matt James. This duo has been together for about a year with Matt first partnering up during the Sandblast Rally in 2018. The pair appear to be quite good together and placed 5th in the first racing season of the 100 Acre Wood Rally 2019 finishing unofficially with a time of 1:52:08.3. Not bad in a field of 78 total teams.
Driving the #19 2005 Mitsubishi Evo ix L4WD, the duo ran a clean race in this first 100 Acre Wood Rally race of 2019. Despite a couple of minor missteps at intersections which cost them a few small seconds (can you say overshot the runway?), the pair still managed to finish 5th overall AND first in L4 class - a feat to make any parent (or sponsor) proud to say the least.
This grueling road course of almost 125 racing miles of various gravel road surfaces can play havoc on any driver or vehicle. But not to fear, Matt’s previous experience as co-driver to Charlie Tamaris proves that he IS the man to have on the team. During the 2016 Waste Management Winter Rally Spring, Matt’s team developed a flat tire during the road course. They pulled off the stage, Matt changed the tire, and off they went. A team player all the way around.
Since he began his professional racing career in 2002, Patrick has 67 Rally starts under his belt with a total of 6 victories. Placing 4th in his # 19 Mitsubishi EVO 4WD car in the 2018 STPR Rally with a strong total of 2:07:09.6, Patrick proved that he has what it takes to get the job done. Combine that with Matt’s 6 co-driver wins over a 12-year period, the duo proves that they have the knowledge, skillset, and expertise to be serious contenders during this Rally season. Matt also recently graduated from the Oz Rally Pro Elite Co-Driver Academy, and the skills acquired was reflected in the 4th overall at STPR Rally race in June 2018 with partner Patrick.
Be sure to keep watch on this powerful pair. The season is just beginning but the Patrick Brennan/Matt James team have the balls and know how to get the job done. It has been an exciting start off the line so let’s see what the final finish line has in store during 2019 for this racing team!
Sitting here at the end of the day watching some of these beauties leave the building with SOLD on the window, thinking how happy the new owners will be to get them home and treasure them.
In March 2016, Motowyre's photographer Photowyre was at 100 Acre Wood Rally. Here are some photos for your entertainment.
Not everything is $1,000,000.00
We would fill the Motowyre garage with these
Bargains can be had
Best car show you will ever see
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1972-CHEVROLET-BLAZER-K-5-CST-4X4-202989
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1967-FORD-FAIRLANE--199951
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1983-PORSCHE-928S--201163
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1960-WILLYS-CUSTOM-STATION-WAGON-199899
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1966-VOLKSWAGEN-CUSTOM-DUNE-BUGGY-201255
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1965-FORD-MUSTANG-FASTBACK-201282
Compared with this, what a bargain. A dull green 1968 Ford Mustang GT driven by Steve McQueen in the movie "Bullitt" just became the most valuable Ford Mustang ever sold at auction. It went for $3.7 million, including auction fees, at the annual Mecum collector car auction in Kissimmee, Florida.
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1967-CHEVROLET-NOVA-SS--199902
Who wouldn’t want this?
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1971-DE-TOMASO-PANTERA--200532
Images provided by Barrett-Jackson
Honda just unveiled what off-road enthusiasts have been waiting for. The Talon 1000X and Talon 1000R are Honda's all new side by side sport vehicles that are being called the best in their class... and for good reasons.
The Talon 1000R and Talon 1000X are developed and produced in the U.S. Both of these vehicles are extremely capable and reliable. Both also boast a six-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission with high and low sub-transmissions- in addition to a 999c liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine. They also both sport an independent double-wishbone front suspension.
So why did Honda produce two separate Talons and what are the differences between them? Although they share many similarities and most of the same parts, it all comes down to tackling different types of terrain.
The Talon 1000X is not as wide (measuring 64 inches) as the 1000R, which gives it more meticulous mobility. It has a 3 link trailing arm and is very versatile in its capabilities,. It is a superior representation of Honda's impressive style and performance. It comes in Pearl Red/Metallic Gray and Metallic Gray/Metallic Blue.
The Talon 1000R has a much wider frame (68.4 inches), longer wheelbase and different suspension arrangements. The 1000R has a 4+ link trailing arm, longer than that of the X. The 1000R was made to defeat extra rough conditions at high-speeds. The color choices are either Pearl Red or Pear Green.
Both of these awesome terrain conquerors will be available in the spring of 2019. Be on the lookout for pricing information which drops in January.