SEMA 2016: Customized Performance

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #270

Amazing builds, stunning products, and your favorite automotive experts; SEMA brings it all and more! This week, we’re bringing you exclusive interviews from the Shell Pioneering Performance Stage.

[00:00:00] The New Hall of Famer
[00:07:05] An Enduring Brand
[00:12:30] Precision Crafted Performance
[00:19:38] The Three Eras of Peter Brock
[00:30:32] Katzkin Customization
[00:35:38] Passion Turned Career
[00:41:58] NASCAR Talk
[00:48:28] The SEMA Legacy
[00:54:29] Shelby Goes Global
[01:01:39] Better Than Ever
[01:09:01] Drives like a BMW
[01:17:39] Going to Extremes

Discover more about segments and guests below…

[00:00:00] The New Hall of Famer

What’s life like once you’ve been thrust into the spotlight? Tim Strange, owner of Strange Motion, manages to do what he loves, try out his announcer skills, and still finds time to get inducted into the National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame. Let’s hear from the third youngest inductee on what it’s like to be up there with the greats.

[00:07:05] An Enduring Brand

Hellwig Products (@HellwigProducts) has been around since 1946, and four generations later it’s still in the family. Melanie Hellwig, Vice President of her grandfather’s company, entertains us with the story of how Hellwig got started all those years ago.

[00:12:30] Precision Crafted Performance

What car makes bad drivers good and good drivers better? According to Acura’s (@Acura) Executive Creative Director Dave Marek, that would be the NSX. This car is precision crafted performance, Acura’s tagline personified. Let’s hear about more of Acura’s plans for high quality crafting.

[00:19:38] The Three Eras of Peter Brock

Peter Brock has been at the forefront of some amazing eras during his 80 years. From working at General Motors at age 19, to Carroll Shelby’s first Employee, to being the first American to win FIA’s GT World Championship, what hasn’t this incredible man done?

[00:30:32] Katzkin Customization

Customization is important when you’re trying to make a car your own. With the help of Katzkin (@KatzkinLeather) leathers, you can pick through 60 different colors and several specialty materials in order to find your perfect match. CEO Tim Clyde tells us more.

[00:35:38] Passion Turned Career

Art Morrison has become a legend in the automobile industry, but it was a long journey getting there. Listen to his story of humble beginnings, failures, and the evolution of Art Morrison Enterprises.

[00:41:58] NASCAR Talk

If you’re a NASCAR (@NASCAR) fan, you’ll know this man’s voice in a second. Larry McReynolds updates us on the 2016 Sprint Cup Series, his son’s racing career, and what it takes to make it in the industry these days.

[00:48:28] The SEMA Legacy

SEMA began 50 years ago under the grandstands of a stadium, and it’s grown tremendously over the years. 2016’s event expected over 70,000 buyers, 25,000 of whom come from over 100 different countries. Wade Kawasaki is the SEMA Chairman Elect for 2017, and he’s ready to make next year just as exciting!

[00:54:29] Shelby Goes Global

Did you know there’s a substantial American muscle car following in China? Shelby American (@shelbyamerican) does, and it’s that desire for U.S. built cars that’s driving them to go global. Vice President Gary Patterson has more.

[01:01:39] Better Than Ever

How do you take high performance to the next level? Zero to 60 Designs, run by Kenny Pfitzer, aims to do just that. Kenny combines supercar engineering with iconic designs to create new masterpieces, like the GTT. Speaking of next level, Spike Magnuson from LINE-X (@LINEXProtects) brings us the latest news from the company that makes what Alan calls “spray-on steel.”

[01:09:01] Drives like a BMW

Craving a classic car but need it to drive like a BMW? Hotchkis Sport Suspension (@hotchkis) lets you have the oldie of your dreams with modern handling. President and CEO John Hotchkis tells us about his products.

[01:17:39] Going to Extremes

Mopar (@OfficialMOPAR) always has an eye out for the next big thing, and their booth at SEMA proved that. Between scouting out future trends, creating new products that are ready for the market, and testing out extreme ideas, they have all bases covered. We chat with Pietro Gorlier about Mopar’s success.

Special Guests and Contributors:

Guest: Tim Strange | Owner, Strange Motion
Guest: Melanie Hellwig White | Vice President, Hellwig Products
Guest: Dave Marek | Executive Creative Director, Acura
Guest: Peter Brock | Ex-General Motors, Ex-Shelby American
Guest: Tim Clyde | CEO, Katzkin
Guest: Art Morrison | Owner, Art Morrison Enterprises
Guest: Craig Morrison | Operations Manager, Art Morrison Enterprises
Guest: Larry McReynolds | Racing Analyst, Fox Sports
Guest: Wade Kawasaki | Chairman of the Board, SEMA / President and COO, Coker Group
Guest: Gary Patterson | Vice President, Shelby American
Guest: Spike Magnuson | V.P Strategic Initatives, LINE-X
Guest: Kenny Pfitzer | Owner/Automotive Designer, Zero to 60 Designs
Guest: John Hotchkis | President and CEO, Hotchkis Sport Suspension
Guest: Pietro Gorlier | Head of Parts and Service, MOPAR
Website: National Rod and Custom Car Hall of Fame
Vehicle Mention: Acura NSX

Episode Credits:

Host: Alan Taylor
Producer: Jason Masters
Production Asst: Joanne Bolden
Copy Editor: Sara Antonuccio

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

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About THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor puts you in the driver’s seat for a unique, fast paced look at today’s automotive industry. This is your pedal-to-the-metal, two-hour thrill ride devoted to the latest car news and test-drive results, how-to tips, car maintenance tips, auto show coverage, expert insights and behind-the-scenes race day action. Don’t miss exclusive interviews with top auto executives, athletes, celebrities and prominent newsmakers from around the world.