by Austin McKay
Being on the invite list is one thing, but being the only school in the country on that list is something else.
“SEMA is something I’ve always wanted to do for the last 20 years and when I heard they had a student program I started e-mailing them and calling. I guess they thought the only way they could get rid of me was to invite us,” said Dave Stewart, head of the automotive department.
The student program has schools come from all over the United States and sometimes international schools, but Loyalist remains as the only school north of the border.
Loyalist College went to SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) for the fifth straight year. SEMA is a private event and is invite only and showcases every aspect that surrounds the automotive industry. It was held at the Las Vegas Convention Centre from October 31 – November 4.
“I chose Loyalist partly because of the chance to go on the SEMA trip,” said Mason Atkinson, a first year motive power and fundamentals student.
SEMA’s student program provides placements for the students who come from all around the world. The students get to experience the show and work alongside some the industries biggest names at their booths and vendors.
“With it being a private event, you don’t have lines, the private access is great,” said Stewart.
The event featured famous and important people within the automotive culture with names like Mario Andretti and Richard Petty to Carroll Shelby and Chip Foose. The private aspect made it better for the students.
“Everyday you were in a different room, in a different level, the first,” said Pearl Kersey, former Loyalist student who is currently in an apprenticeship in Alberta.
“I was in trucks and 4×4 all day. The second day I was in high performance and racecars. And the third day you’re outside looking at the drifting — just new stuff everyday I didn’t see it all,” said Kersey.
With numerous events available and all the special people at the event the highlights vary from which person you talk to.
“The feel of 8,000 horsepower cars thundering by you was unbelievable,” said Atkinson about the drag races he went and saw.
Seven students and two faculty members were on the trip, which cost $1,100 a person. That price included airfare, accommodations and everything but a few meals and spending money.
“It’s a car persons dream,” said. Kersey
The main point for SEMA is for retailers to sell. Everything from lift kits, tires, customizer’s and anything you can think of regarding cars.