Interview with Mustang Expert
Jonathan Lamas 
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Jonathan, please tell me about upcoming SEMA show in Las Vegas.
What demographic does the show typically target?
The SEMA Show is an automotive trade event that takes place each
Fall in Las Vegas. This year’s show runs Tuesday, November
2 – Friday, November 5. SEMA stands for the Specialty Equipment
Market Association. Unfortunately the show isn’t open to
the general public. It caters to the retailers and manufacturers
of aftermarket automotive products. In fact, SEMA predicts more
than 100,000 people will attend this year’s show, from more
than 100 countries around the world. No doubt, the show is an
awesome display of “everything automotive”! You can
walk around the entire week and still not see it all. The show
also brings out celebrities and customizers like Jack Roush, Carroll
Shelby, and Chip Foose. I ran into Hulk Hogan at the show in 2008.
How long have you been going to the SEMA show?
This will be my eighth year covering the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Some folks look forward to the Super Bowl or the NBA Playoffs.
I look forward to the SEMA Show.
What's the most interesting vehicle you've ever seen at past
SEMA shows?
Wow, that’s a hard one. Each show brings out a new batch
of interesting rides. A few years ago I saw the Ghostbusters Ecto-1
car, as well as Marty’s Back to the Future DeLorean. You
never know what you’ll see at the SEMA Show. The Galpin Auto
Sports’ Scythe Concept was the highlight of the 2008 show.
Hard to believe the car started off as a 2008 Mustang Convertible.
What's the most interesting thing you've ever seen at a SEMA
show? (Does not have to be automotive related)
Well, back in 2004 I was on my way to a product debut when I
ran into the Michelin Man. He started joking with me and a few
choice words were exchanged. Next thing I know this over inflated
tire mascot is chasing me around the showroom floor. That was
wildly amusing. But in all seriousness, my most memorable SEMA
moment was having dinner with Mario Andretti. It was a small group
of us. We got together after the show to discuss cars and racing.
I’ve always admired Mario. It was a true honor.
What are some hot and new products you are looking forward
to viewing/testing at this year SEMA show?
Now that the 2011 Mustang has hit the streets, I’m sure
we’ll see plenty of new products for the car. I’m looking
forward to catching up with the folks at Ford Racing. They always
have an amazing display. I’m also looking forward to checking
out the new Boss 302 Mustang.
I know you enjoy writing about Mustangs, do you know of any
products the SEMA show is going to have for Mustangs?
Each year we see new product launches at the show. For instance,
last year I witnessed the debut of Saleen’s new S281 Mustang.
It’s likely we’ll see a special-edition Mustang debut
at this year’s show. That said, I’m sure Ford Racing
will have their new 2.3L twin-screw supercharger on display. In
all, I imagine we’ll see a variety of new 2011 Mustang parts
and accessories at this year’s show. After all, the new 5.0L
engine is all about performance.
If you could get any product from the SEMA show, not have
to pay for it and have the product delivered to your door the
next day what product would you want?
If I’m limited to a new accessory, I’d go for the Dual-Belt
Phase 3 R2300 ROUSHcharger. If we’re talking about the complete
package, I’d opt for a new Shelby GT350 Mustang.
Do you believe you are going to see more vehicles at this
year’s SEMA show that are powered by electricity? If so,
do you believe this is good for the industry?
I definitely think we’ll see more electric vehicles at this
year’s show. In fact, for a few years now SEMA has dedicated
an entire area to green vehicles. I think it’s definitely
a good thing for the industry. It plays up the fact that the industry
is looking to the future and not just looking back on what was
amazing some 40 years ago.
Jonathan
Lamas
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