Big Crowds Fill Factory Five Booth at SEMA 2012

[Mad Dog]

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/thecrowd3.jpg

The crowds at the Factory Five Racing booth were huge! The 818 drew a very large crowd eager to see FFR’s newest creation, but there was still plenty of interest in all of FFR’s products.

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/thecrowd.jpg

Many long-time members of the FFR community from all over the US showed up to hang out with the FFR crew and answer questions from interested SEMA attendees, including Ray McEdward, John Tongish, Garry Bopp and TC McNett.

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/customers.jpg

Long-time customer and good friend David Borden was on hand to show Dave and Jim some of the latest technology from Intel, the Ultrabook. It offers the portability of a tablet, yet has the power to run Solidworks and perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) if needed on frame such as the FFR Roadster's Chassis. It’s great to have friends with cool jobs!

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/davedavejim.jpg

The cars were the stars of SEMA 2012! In addition to the stunning response to the 818S and 818R, Lots of crowds gathered around the total of 11 FFRs staged thruout SEMA. Several cars were staged in the public viewing area and were excellent examples of the quality and unique interpretations that each individual builder brings to a Factory Five build.

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/MG_5384.jpg

Factory Five customer Peter Skoglund’s ’33 Hot Rod is also a featured vehicle at the year’s show. The car features a Ford 4.6L “Terminator” engine, Tremec 6 speed, Dual system exhaust by Ferrita Sweden, and adjustable sway bars by Sellholms Sweden.

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/karenscoupe.jpg

Factory Five customer Karen Salvaggio’s Type 65 Coupe is one of the featured vehicles at this year’s SEMA Show displayed right as you enter the north hall. Very cool!

[Mad Dog]

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/bobbailingtm.jpg

Factory Five customer Bob Bailin’s Gen 2 GTM on display in the Factory Five booth at this year’s SEMA Show. It features a 505 HP LS7 engine, 6-speed gearbox from a Porsche GT2, and graphics by Pfaff Design.

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/summitroadster.jpg

The Summit Racing Mk4 in the Factory Five booth. This car was built for Summit Racing by SKJ Customs in Washington, Utah. All drivetrain components to complete a Factory Five Mk4 build can now be sourced directly from Summit Racing.

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_5305.jpg

The new 818R is being displayed at this year’s SEMA Show in the KONI Shock booth. Awesome!

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_5333.jpg

Factory Five customer Chuck Armstrong’s ’33 Hot Rod is one of this year’s featured vehicles at SEMA. With a paint job from Miller customs and an aviation themed cockpit, this is sure to draw a crowd.

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/skjrdstr.jpg

The crew at SKJ Customs has a their newly finished Factory Five Mk4 Roadster on display at this year’s SEMA Show as a featured vehicle. The guys at SKJ installed an LS3 engine and have done a custom interior. The car looks fantastic!

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/818rear.jpg

The 818S drew big crowds during the entire week. You can read all the latest details on Project 818 by clicking [url="http://www.factoryfive.com/kits/project-818/"here[/url].

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/mctvhotrodinbooth.jpg

This Factory Five ’33 Hot Rod was in our booth and was painted by JoAnn Bortles on the TV show MuscleCar.

[Mad Dog]

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/allanglesgtm694.jpg

All Angles Collision had this Gen 2 GTM on display in the featured vehicles area.

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/allanglesgtm2.jpg

There were a LOT of current and future FFR customers at the show! Erik Hansen coordinated a customer dinner gathering on Thursday evening and the event was a huge success!

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/semadinner2.jpg

Dave Smith admitted during an impromptu speech that the 818 at SEMA was already influencing his short term and mid-range plans for FFR. No major insider announcements were leaked during his remarks as all of the pre-SEMA plans were going to have to be rethought in the wake of the tremendous reaction to the 818.

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/semadinner1.jpg

The discussions during dinner were lively and everyone in attendance was excited to discuss the future of Factory Five.

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/semadinner3.jpg

The 2012 SEMA Show was a big success for Factory Five and we’ll have more stories, pictures, and videos coming as the crew returns from Las Vegas.

Big thanks to Factory Five customer and forum admin Dave Hodgkins for all the great photos and sending us the news from the show!

[David Hodgkins]

From Dave Smith:

Guys, I had originally planned to discuss some major new initiatives at Factory Five, and I know that many of you were anxious to hear the three new items....All of that went out the window as the direct in-person response to the 818S and 818R was beyond anything I expected. I spent the week slowly realizing that the interest in the new car MUST drive (and change) my tactical plan. As it is now, I am making some major changes to my company's tactical plan, that involves shifting resources, adding crew, and soliciting even more help from our partner companies, customers and community..... ALL focused on the successful launch of the 818 model in an accelerated time frame without compromising the quality (frankly, needing to increase the launch quality) of the car and launch.

Bottom line is that while I may have, what I consider to be a great tactical plan, all of that has to take a back seat to the legitimate groundswell of passionate interest in our latest car model. I have to, in this case, listen to those who pay our rent. I'll have much more detail upon return from SEMA, and ask for your continued patience. HUGE thanks to all the FFR folks who stopped by and said hello at the show and especially a huge thanks for the very kind words on the 818. You guys have inspired the design team and FFR guys. We are very pleased with the reception of the concept and car and I promise only that we will redouble our efforts to make sure we are deserving of your support!

Dave Smith

[wallace18]

Thanks Dave for the info. I hope that FFR can make this happen sooner than June. I am willing to wait as I was amoung the first to preorder. If offering Gel coat vs no paint panel is a possiblity I am wanting gel coat if that is possible. But I only speak for myself as I prefer Gel coat. I wish the best to the team and I know it will be a great Kit for me to add my own touch to it. Thanks to all on the team for such a good effort. The car surpasses all my expectations so far.

[timmy318]

I think we all knew that the 818 would be the bomb!!!!

[riptide motorsport]

You guys are living the dream.........too cool.

[vnmsss]

Just back from an AMAZING week at SEMA! It was an honor to serve in the Factory Five Racing booth again this year. It was a pleasure meeting so many new folks, and to connect with many of the great friends I've met through our common love of these cars over the years. It was absolutely amazing to see the public response to the 818S/R, as well as the continued enthusiasm for all of the vehicle platforms in the Factory Five Racing stable......Big Kudos to Dave, Jim and the entire team (including the awesome group of passionate customers and enthusiasts that contributed ideas and input online) for another winning concept and design!

While I can't begin to count the number of people I met and talked with about the Factory Five product line-up this week, the one truth I came away with is that these cars inspire and energize people. Each of the cars featured in the booth were outstanding examples of the various product lines, and made the FFR booth among the hottest places to be at SEMA this year. The attention to detail in every one of the builds, the high quality paint, and craftsmanship that executed the builds to perfection, left the visiting public very pleased, yet hungry for more.

Hats off to my colleagues that served in the FFR booth this week as well. It was an honor to be in the company of such a talented, skilled and highly knowledgeable group of fun-loving and hard-working people.....Sally and Scott, you two are simply incredible, and the level of support you provided to the team was amazing!

I know every one of us is looking forward to a great back and foot message, some rest for our vocal chords, and to just kicking up our feet and appreciating the wonderful experience we shared in Vegas this week!

Karen

[Silversmith]

Dave congrats on the 818! It is Super Cool & truly a ride for the world market. With the world in mind, please don't forget or delay the World Champion FIA!. If you must delay the three new visions, because of the 818's comming success. So be it, but if the FIA was to be one of the three. I hope you will only slow down two of the three ! :)

[Garry Bopp]

This was my first time at SEMA and to say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement! The variety and quality of cars and products is just incredible. I was always amazed at the crowds gathered at the Factory Five display. All the cars there were top notch in build quality and gorgeous as well. But the 818 was definitely the pick of the crowd. First time I had seen it and I loved it. This car will definitely bring in the younger generation ... but it seems all ages of folks love this car. Kudos to the 818 team and to Dave Smith.

It was a real pleasure to meet the FFR folks at the booth. Very professional and hard-working and pleasant, as well.

Karen,

I was just a spectator so didn't have to speak as much as you did ... but my feet and back sure took a beating! Great to see you again and glad to see that the Warrior Princess was so well received.

[Ray]

I would also like to add my thoughts from SEMA. This was my first visit to this show and I was overwhelmed within my first few minutes. After a short time, I was able to regroup, catch my breath and focus. One thing that I noticed was this. Every time I stopped by the FFR booth, IT WAS PACKED! The only other booths that had crowds where the ones with the slinky models in tight black dresses (or costumes on the 31st.) The only slinky models in the FFR booth all had 4-wheels (apologies to Karen and Sally.) The 818 models were the overwhelming favorites of the crowd and I think the drivers seat in the rolling chassis may need to be replaced as so many people were climbing in/out that it's probably worn.

Dave and crew, great job....

Ray

[wallace18]

It is no surprise to me that the 818 was so big of a hit at SEMA. I just hope FFR strikes while the iron is hot. IMO waiting till June might allow some of this excitement to calm down and wain some. Of course I am being somewhat self serving because I am ready to build. But I think the hype may have Dave rethink some dates. At least that is what I take from his last post.

[timmy318]

It is no surprise to me that the 818 was so big of a hit at SEMA. I just hope FFR strikes while the iron is hot. IMO waiting till June might allow some of this excitement to calm down and wain some. Of course I am being somewhat self serving because I am ready to build. But I think the hype may have Dave rethink some dates. At least that is what I take from his last post.

Yea, he said that due to the major attention the 818 is getting he will pour more resources into it and try to get it finished earlier if-at-all possible.... Although, I'm sure most of us here are willing to wait a few more months so that FFR can get all the kinks out that they didn't do in the SEMA prep....

[Vman7]

From Dave Smith:

Guys, I had originally planned to discuss some major new initiatives at Factory Five, and I know that many of you were anxious to hear the three new items....All of that went out the window as the direct in-person response to the 818S and 818R was beyond anything I expected. I spent the week slowly realizing that the interest in the new car MUST drive (and change) my tactical plan. As it is now, I am making some major changes to my company's tactical plan, that involves shifting resources, adding crew, and soliciting even more help from our partner companies, customers and community..... ALL focused on the successful launch of the 818 model in an accelerated time frame without compromising the quality (frankly, needing to increase the launch quality) of the car and launch.

Bottom line is that while I may have, what I consider to be a great tactical plan, all of that has to take a back seat to the legitimate groundswell of passionate interest in our latest car model. I have to, in this case, listen to those who pay our rent. I'll have much more detail upon return from SEMA, and ask for your continued patience. HUGE thanks to all the FFR folks who stopped by and said hello at the show and especially a huge thanks for the very kind words on the 818. You guys have inspired the design team and FFR guys. We are very pleased with the reception of the concept and car and I promise only that we will redouble our efforts to make sure we are deserving of your support!

Dave Smith

This is really exciting!! to say the least. Dave Smith is such a postive individual, knows how to stay on his game, no matter what. I like how Dave S. sees and hears pretty much everything, and can change direction on the fly......., and how Jim and the others at FFR can do the same as well....amazing!!

I wish I had a job at FFR (I know a shameless plug for a job...lol)

I actually have goosebumps and excitment all at the same time right now..........really!!

Well Done Dave Smith and everybody at FFR for your great showing at SEMA, keep up the great work! :)

David