Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Specialty Vehicle Engineering has launched its latest project—the ’17 Yenko/SC Supercharged Camaro. |
SVE Unleashes Limited-Production 800hp Yenko/SC Camaro
During the first half of January 2017, Classic Industries hosted the unveiling of the 800hp, supercharged Yenko/SC Corvette built by Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SVE). Building upon the reception of the Corvette, SVE has now launched its latest project—the ’17 Yenko/SC Supercharged Camaro. The latest build started as a Camaro SS, and a fully blueprinted 800hp LT-1 engine was added. The chassis of the Yenko has not been modified. Upgrades include Yenko-badged brake calipers, 20-in. five-spoke wheels with gunmetal finish, machined lip and sYc center caps, all wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar Tires—285/35 R20 up front and 305/35 ZR20 on the back. Like the Corvette, power comes from a fully blueprinted 416-cid (6.8L) LT-1 engine, featuring an aluminum block that features a computer-balanced rotating assembly, including a race-quality forged 4340 steel crankshaft and H-beam rods, with forged aluminum pistons. CNC ported and polished LT-1 cylinder heads are topped off with a 2.9L twin-screw supercharger that is fed by an LT-4 fuel system and injectors, controlled by a custom-tuned PCM—a configuration good for 800hp and 750 lb.-ft. of torque. Exterior accents include the sYc hood stripe and Yenko/SC side stripe graphics, and strategically placed Yenko badges and Yenko Supercharged power badge with vehicle build number. Available in coupe or convertible and in a variety of color schemes, only 50 units will be produced. The Yenko/SC Camaro will be offered to customers through GM dealers as a custom order.
 Dan Runte |
Dan Runte Named Vice President of BIGFOOT
Dan Runte has been named vice president of BIGFOOT, taking over for Jim Kramer, who retired in 2016. With 28 years of industry experience, Runte will play an integral part of everything BIGFOOT—from the trucks to the drivers, in the shop and on the road. Expect to see him in the pits, shop and office. He may be turning a wrench, coaching a driver or talking with fans. He will also continue to work with sponsors and promoters.
Seventh Annual FAST Expo Appreciation and Awards Reception Recognizes Top Performers
National Performance Warehouse (NPW) has recognized Scott Morgan, KYB regional sales manager, for his dedication and support of NPW and the jobbers that NPW supplies. Morgan’s efforts selling and marketing shocks and struts in the company’s southeast territory has produced more than 50% sales growth. An award was also presented for Supplier of the Year, which went to APDI. Bumper to Bumper and Parts Pro awards in Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze categories were likewise awarded to 20 jobbers across Florida. The next NPW Expos are the Racer’s Equipment Open House, March 5, and the KARS Expo in Toronto, Canada, March 10–12.
E-ZOIL Names Marx Group as Agency of Record for Marketing and Public Relations
E-ZOIL, manufacturer of performance-enhancing fuel additives and cleaning solutions, has named Marx Group as its agency of record for marketing and public relations. Marx Group will assist E-ZOIL with marketing and branding strategies, messaging and ad creative, media planning and placement, trade show support, PR writing and distribution and represent the company to trade and consumer media.
 Chip Foose |  Dennis Gage |
Foose, Gage Record Promotional Videos for Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation
Legendary car designer Chip Foose, star of “Overhaulin’,” and Dennis Gage, star of “My Classic Car,” recently recorded promotional videos for the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF). Carson Lev, president of Redphin Productions, exclusive representer for Chip Foose, said, “Chip and I proudly support and applaud the important work of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation. We were happy to lend Chip’s voice to this worthy cause.” Lev went on to say: “AACF provides resources, guidance and financial support in times of illnesses and unexpected catastrophes to our friends and families in this great industry we love so much.”
The videos will be used at AACF events and presentations, shown during industry events like AAPEX/SEMA, and made available for public consumption via the Foundation website at www.aacfi.org. To make a donation or to simply learn more about the foundation, visit www.aacfi.org or contact Executive Director Joel Ayers at 916-628-0271.
SCRS Releases Part 2 of 2016 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit: “Restoring Vehicle Functionality Through Electronic Technology and Diagnostics”
During the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at the 2016 SEMA Show, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) led several sessions with a focus on emerging trends in vehicle technology. Last week SCRS launched a second video that captured discussion about scan tools and options, in a segment on “Restoring Vehicle Functionality through Electronic Technology and Diagnostics.” While the first segment featured representatives from leading automakers who discussed the positions they have released and the responsibilities expected of collision-repair providers, Part 2 features tool and solutions providers discussing the options available to the industry. The conversations cover different mechanisms available to the collision-repair community and unique challenges and advantages associated with the process of documenting the restoration of the technological elements in the vehicle. Individuals interested in training on the topic can find more information in I-CAR's recently released “Introduction to Diagnostics and Scan Tools” (VT210E01).
TBC Corporation Sells SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service to Grease Monkey
TBC Corp. has announced it has sold SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service, effective January 31, 2017, to Grease Monkey International—an independent franchisor of automotive fast lube centers serving more than 2 million customers each year at more than 300 centers in the United States, China and Latin America. Founded in 1980, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service is a franchise-based full-service automotive care company with more than 100 shops across the United States in the Gulf Coast, Texas, Mid-Atlantic, California and New England regions. Grease Monkey President and CEO John B. Adams served the Big O Tires organization for more than 24 years, 12 of those years with Big O Tires as a wholly owned subsidiary of TBC.
Power Stop LLC Announces Griff Jordan as Executive Vice President
Power Stop LLC has announced that Griff Jordan has been appointed to the newly created position of executive vice president. He brings more than 30 years of aftermarket and OE brake experience to the performance braking solutions company. He has served in key leadership positions at Honeywell International Inc.’s Bendix brand, including engineering, product management, sales and marketing, and new-product launches.
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