SEMA to Expand Grassroots Hobbyist Network at Country Music Association’s 40th Annual CMA Music Fest

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) will be on hand at the 40th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Music Festival Power Zone in Nashville, Tennessee.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) will be on hand at the 40th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Music Festival Power Zone to inform attendees about how they can get involved in the group’s legislative advocacy efforts. The Power Zone is designed as a new outreach endeavor aimed at the country music fan base, many of whom share a passion for automobiles. The new Power Zone is accessible free of charge during the CMA Music Festival taking place Thursday through Sunday, June 9–12, in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The CMA Music Festival attracts more than 250,000 fans yearly from all 50 states and 28 foreign countries.

Martin & Company Automotive Aftermarket Solutions has been a catalyst in the development of the new Power Zone. Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company and a member of the SEMA Board of Directors said, “For many years now, I have recognized that the automotive aftermarket needs new ways to lure customers into our fold. This event does just that because both groups have a high level of demographic similarity. And for those people who are big racing fans and true gearheads, we know they will immediately gravitate to the Power Zone to see what’s the hottest from the aftermarket!”

Several SEMA-member companies are participating in the Power Zone with exhibit booths and custom show cars or trucks on display. These brands include Traxxas—a leading manufacturer of radio-controlled vehicles; A.R.E.—manufacturers of fiberglass truck cap and tonneau covers; Firestone Tires; E3 Spark Plugs; newly merged Edge Products and Superchips; K&N Performance Filters; Hot Rod magazine; and Skyjacker Suspensions. Several vehicles of note will be on display, including A.R.E.’s Pro Football Hall of Fame truck, the unique Chevy-body BigFoot truck, Dan Fletcher’s NHRA World Championship Super Stock Camaro and Martin & Company’s ’57 Chevy Wagon, dubbed the “Zandy.” Several OEM project vehicles will also be in attendance, including the Superchips Jeep and several Skyjacker Suspension GM trucks.

“The current economic and legislative environment is emboldening governments to become more aggressive with their anti-auto-hobby legislation,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “States are seeking new avenues for generating revenue and new ways of dictating what you can and cannot do with your vehicles. We are incredibly grateful that Zan Martin and her staff have given us this opportunity to bring our message to the thousands of country music fans who share our passion for custom and classic cars and trucks.”

The SAN is a partnership between enthusiasts, vehicle clubs and members of the automotive specialty-parts industry in the United States and Canada who have joined forces to promote hobby-friendly legislation and oppose unfair laws. With nearly 50,000 members, 3 million contacts and an ability to reach 30 million enthusiasts through print and press, the SAN is the premier organization defending the rights of the vehicle hobby. The SAN is free to join with no obligations or commitments.

Television personalities Stacey David of "Gearz" on SPEED TV, Kevin Tetz co-host of "TRUCKS! TV" on Spike and Ben “Cooter” Jones with the “General Lee” from the hit TV show "Dukes of Hazzard" will be on hand for autographs. A lineup of automotive-themed interactive challenges pitting country artists against fans and several bands will provide entertainment from the Power Zone Stage.

For more information on the Power Zone or the 2012 CMA Music Fest, please contact Rachal Smith at rachal.smith@martincoadvertising.com or 615/876-1822. For more information on the 2011 CMA Music Fest, visit CMAfest.com.