#SEMA #YEN #YENPowerTour #HRPT15 #MAGNAFLOW #WithAuthority

Jared Chavez

For automotive enthusiasts there are a handful of events that occur which really stand out as “Must Attend”. These events really encompass the rich culture of the automotive hobby and bring people together for the love of cars of all types. I’ve been lucky enough to participate in events like the Woodward Dream Cruise and the Monterey Car Week; but there seems to be one event that no matter where I go the excitement and anticipation leading up to it during the year can’t be contained. The event participants count the days all year leading up to this reminding each other of the impending spectacle that is the Hot Rod Power Tour.

What makes the tour so special? Take a giant car show with literally thousands of cars, include the highest profile builders and automotive celebrities and put them on a massive cross country show across 7 states in 7 days. Add in various official and unofficial stops at the best shops in the country and you’ve still only begun to scratch the surface. It really is hard to explain the magnitude without experiencing it for yourself.

Starting in 2014, The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) created a program in conjunction with their Young Executives Network (YEN) to send a group of ten young automotive professionals on the tour to assist with outreach initiatives for youths who are looking to join the automotive industry. The “YEN Power Tour” makes stops at local trade schools on the route to engage these students and help provide feedback and guidance while sharing their experiences in the industry. The first year was such a great success that it has continued the program in this year’s tour as well and I am excited to have been selected as a participant.

Additionally at each stop of the Power Tour we will be assisting the SEMA Action Network by informing enthusiasts about proposed local and national legislation and regulatory developments that affect the hobby and spreading awareness of how SEMA can help when these proposals arise.

If you are participating in the tour this year, stop by the SEMA Action Network booth to see how you can join or follow our stops by searching the #YENPowerTour hashtag.