Motor Press Guild Re-Launches Track Days Media Event

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Motor Press Guild (MPG), the largest automotive media association in North America, is re-launching its annual Track Days media event with an all-new program on Oct. 14-15 at the Hilton Pasadena, the Rose Bowl, and Willow Springs International Speedway.

Pulling in elements from business retreats and professional conferences, the reimagined MPG Track Days program includes a discussion panel led by A-list media, presentations from industry executives and exclusive test drives of more than 50 new cars, trucks and SUVs on public roads, closed courses and an historic raceway.

Chris Kersting, CEO of SEMA, the trade association representing the $33B automotive aftermarket industry, will share his insights on the latest parts and accessory trends ahead of the SEMA Show. The SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show, scheduled for November 4-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, plays host to more than 130,000 attendees and is where the industry comes to do business. For the first time in the Show's nearly 50-year history, the general public will be invited to partake in the action at a separate event called SEMA Ignited after the Show closes.

MPG Track Days' professional media panel this year entitled, "Secrets of Success in Automotive Journalism," will be moderated by Sue Callaway, editor-in-chief of THE AUTO 100 and senior contributing editor at Fortune magazine. Callaway and the panel will share insights on what it takes to be an influential journalist in today's complex media world. Panelists include Chris Woodyard, auto industry reporter at USA Today; Mark Vaughn, west coast editor at Autoweek; Michael Harley, west coast editor at Autoblog.com; Micah Muzio, managing editor for video, Kelley Blue Book; and Michelle Naranjo, editor-in-chief at Autobytel.com. A second panel will discuss the role of technology in the auto industry, from design to driving.

As in years past, MPG journalist members will drive and evaluate vehicles from nearly every automaker in various environments on road, off road and on track. A back-to-back comparison test of compact SUVs and luxury sedans will be staged at the historic Rose Bowl, followed by a street drive through scenic Pasadena. On-track drives will be available on the Big Willow and Streets of Willow courses at the historic Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, CA. An off-road course through the hills overlooking the Raceway will host a selection of trucks and SUVs, including the 550hp Lingenfelter Chevy Reaper pickup truck.

"Our track event has always provided a vital comparative driving experience for professional journalists to evaluate several cars in a short amount of time," said Joni Gray, MPG president. "This year, we've stepped up our program with newsworthy speakers and hands-on instruction to provide our members with even more content to fill the stories, reviews, TV segments and podcasts they create in the automotive media space."

MPG members will be treated to a special ride along in a 2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO – one of only three in the country – with 2011 Nissan GT Academy winner Bryan Heitkotter. 

On the evening of Oct. 14, a gala dinner prepared by celebrity executive chef Gina Rodriguez will be served. Rodriguez was a contestant on Food Network's hit show, Chopped. In the morning following the dinner, members will be transported between the Hilton Pasadena and Willow Springs on Wi-Fi enabled luxury corporate coaches, enabling members to network and be productive on the 90 minute ride each way.

MPG Track Days is open to all Motor Press Guild members, but only journalist members are credentialed to drive vehicles. To register, click here. For information about becoming a member of MPG, please visit www.MotorPressGuild.org, or follow us on the MPG Facebook and Twitter pages.

Additional Details for MPG Track Days are as follows:

• Tuesday, October 14 – Wednesday, October 15
• Hilton Pasadena
  168 S Los Robles Ave,
  Pasadena, CA 91101
  
  Willow Springs International Speedway
  3500 75th St W, 
  Rosamond, CA 93560
  
  
• MPG Member Cost: $100

Presenting Sponsors:

SEMA – Specialty Equipment Market Association
Nissan North America

Participating Sponsors:

Volkswagen of America
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
Mercedes-Benz North America
Lingenfelter 
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Mazda
Ford Motor Co.
Subaru of America
Kia Motors
Hyundai Motors
Chrysler Corp.
Jeep
Fiat
Alfa Romeo
Infiniti
Honda North America
Acura
BMW North America
Volvo
Toyota 
Scion 
MINI
Porsche Cars North America
Jaguar
Land Rover
Tesla Motors
NVIDIA
Newspress 
PR Newswire

About the Motor Press Guild (MPG)
The Los Angeles-based Motor Press Guild (MPG) is the largest automotive media association in North America, with more than 700 members. This non-profit trade guild is dedicated to promoting professionalism in automotive journalism through education and information exchange. Members include journalists and analysts from print, broadcast and online outlets as well as public relations representatives, consumer groups and governmental bodies tied to the automotive industry. The organization hosts regular meetings featuring key figureheads in the auto industry and is widely recognized for its annual Dean Batchelor Award program and annual industry MPG Track Days. 

Media Contact: 
Carrie Kim
[email protected]

SOURCE Motor Press Guild (MPG)