SEMA News - July 2010
Leadership Days Celebrate the Spirit of the Industry
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The Pinewood Drag Races feature miniature race cars built by children from Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp and then sponsored by participants through their donations to the charities. |
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Pinewood Drag Races
The Pinewood Drag Races—where miniature race cars are built for the stock class by children from Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp and then sponsored by participants through their donations to the charities—are one of several SEMA summer fundraising events, which also include the Show ’N Shine car show and the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. Participants who sponsor a child’s car will be designated as the team owner and race under the child’s name. Proceeds from the activities benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp charities. Childhelp is an organization that assists abused and neglected children and Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically ill children.
Participants can also enter their own derby cars. The drag races will take place from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and feature three classes: stock, modified and unlimited. The finals will take place shortly before the banquet begins. Enter the race here.
The race will also feature an auction of pinewood cars painted by the kids from the charities to resemble the cars of their favorite NASCAR, IRL or NHRA drivers. Each derby car will be autographed by both the child and driver, providing an exclusive item for auction. “The Starting Lineup” auction will take place online at www.sema.org and at the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser.
“This is our fourth year of SEMA Cares benefitting the kids of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp as the industry honors SEMA Board members and new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees,” said Joel Ayres, SEMA Cares Committee chairman. “This would not be possible without the generosity of SEMA members volunteering their time, finances and talent. This will be our third year for the Pinewood drag races and our second year for the SEMA Show ’N Shine car show. Last year, we raised more than $170,000 thanks to the generosity of WD-40 and many other SEMA companies and individuals.”
Recognizing the SEMA Board of Directors
The Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser recognizes the dedicated service of the SEMA Board of Directors—a wholly volunteer group of talented individuals who are elected by the membership to lead the association in its efforts. As the outgoing directors are thanked, those who have been newly elected to serve the association are welcomed.
The 2010 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—Richard “Dick” McMullen of McMullen Advertising, Chuck Schwartz of ConvExx and Van Woodell of Weathers Auto Supply—will also be celebrated at the gala. The inductees will be honored for their dedication, service and devotion to their businesses and the industry.
Chip Foose Returns
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Chip Foose, award-winning automotive designer and fabricator and star of TLC’s “Overhaulin’,” will return as grand marshal of the SEMA Show ’N Shine car show. |
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Held in connection with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser and the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, the Show ‘N Shine car show will draw some of the best local enthusiast cars, trucks and classics, with all proceeds benefiting children’s charities Childhelp and Victory Junction. More than 200 vehicles packed the Pasadena Convention Center last year.
Foose, a California native and an integral part of its car culture for the past decade, began working for his father’s automotive company as a boy and, at age 31, became the youngest member inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame in 1997. He established his company, Foose Design, a year later.
“I was thrilled to be a part of the inaugural SEMA Show ‘N Shine last year and am even more excited to return for 2010,” Foose said. “SEMA is an important organization for car enthusiasts and industry people like myself, and I’m proud to take part and work in supporting children’s charities through this event.”
Foose’s design talent will be displayed at the show through his personal vehicles and those he’s worked on, including a ’59 Bel Air, among others. Last year, Foose brought a ’56 Ford F-100 pickup, the ’02 Ford T-Bird “Speedbird” that starred in “Rides,” and his Foose Coupe.
“It’s fantastic to have Chip Foose back again this year,” Ayres said. “Last year, I watched as Chip paused from an interview to draw a car on the T-shirt of one of the children from Childhelp. The young boy later exclaimed it was the best day of his life. Chip’s celebrity status was a major reason for the success of our inaugural show, and we were pleased to hear his generous offer to once again help the children of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.”
According to Show ’N Shine organizer Mike Spagnola of Street Scene Equipment, Foose is an industry icon, one that any automotive enthusiast will recognize. “He’s one of the most down-to-earth automotive celebrities I’ve ever met, and we’re thrilled that he’s accepted an invitation to join us once again.”
Street Performance Council Business Technology Conference
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The Street Performance Council (SPC) Business Technology Conference, on July 23, 2010, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, will feature keynote speakers covering topics focused on the newest trends and strategies for conducting business in the digital age. |
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“Technology has revolutionized how business is conducted, and our member companies are having to change the way they operate,” said Tom Myroniak, SEMA vice president of marketing and member services. “This conference will help participants understand and address the potential opportunities and challenges associated with doing business with new media.”
Developed by the Street Performance Council, the event has become a premier business development forum that gives participants a competitive advantage through insight on and implementation of effective digital and social media strategies. Addressing the most current challenges and tools, attendees will leave with an understanding of the business opportunities that exist with new media. They will also learn about proven strategies and best practices from experts in the fields of digital marketing, social media, business development and eCommerce.
The sessions will include everything from market research in the digital age and reaching customers on forums/blogs to social media for your business and getting people to read your e-mails.
The 2010 SEMA Leadership Days will include individual and collective council meetings, Board of Directors’ functions and town hall meeting and the annual Business Technology Conference. For complete details, visit here. For more information about the Pinewood Drag Race or any of the other activities that will be held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/978-6684 or via e-mail at lisam@sema.org.
