The RPM Act of 2017 needs your support. Even if you wrote to Congress in 2016, SEMA urges all race fans and businesses to take action again. Go to www.sema.org/RPM to support the RPM Act of 2017 and secure the future of racing today!

The RPM Act of 2017 needs your support. Even if you wrote to Congress in 2016, SEMA urges all race fans and businesses to take action again. Go to www.sema.org/RPM to support the RPM Act of 2017 and secure the future of racing today!

The RPM Act of 2017 needs your support. Even if you wrote to Congress in 2016, SEMA urges all race fans and businesses to take action again. Go to www.sema.org/RPM to support the RPM Act of 2017 and secure the future of racing today!

By SEMA Editors

As SEMA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Steve McDonald was the chief association advocate on legislative and regulatory issues that impact the $41.2 billion specialty automotive industry.

Steve McDonald, a valued member of the SEMA executive team, passed away unexpectedly on September 26. He was 56. As Vice President of Government Affairs for SEMA, Steve was the chief association advocate on legislative and regulatory issues that impact the $41.2 billion specialty automotive industry. Over the past 20 years, he played a primary role in promoting and expanding SEMA’s government affairs missions at both state and federal levels.

Steve helped create the SEMA Action Network (SAN), with outreach to auto enthusiasts nationwide, along with the State Automotive Enthusiasts Leadership Caucus, a nonpartisan group of more than 700 lawmakers who share a common love for automobiles. He also drafted model state legislation covering issues like vehicle titling/registration, exhaust noise, inoperable vehicles, altered height and nitrous oxide. Most recently, he played a key role in passage of the federal replica car law and industry efforts to enact the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act.

Among his co-workers and throughout the industry he was known as a loyal friend with a wry sense of humor and a fierce dedication to his work.

Prior to joining SEMA, Steve was a government affairs consultant for the Redding Firm, where he helped serve advocacy needs for a divergent client list. A former U.S. Department of State staffer, he served as a legislative assistant for a prominent Washington D.C.-based law firm, where he helped represent trade associations and business groups. He attended the Ecole Internationale de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland and earned his degree in Government and Politics at the University of Maryland College Park.

The son of Vincent C. McDonald and the late Ann Noel McDonald, Steve is survived by his brother Vincent T. McDonald (Natalie), Kerry M. D'Ascoli (Gerry), John K. McDonald (Kristin); and Kelsey, Norah, Gerry, Noelle, Jack and Annie. He will also be remembered by his fiancée, Manya Petropaki, and devoted friend Marley.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Living Beyond Breast Cancer (www.LBBC.org), 40 Monument Rd., Suite 104, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

David Gravel captured his 16th win of the season last weekend in the Champion Racing Oil National Open at Williams Grove Speedway.

David Gravel Wins Champion Racing Oil National Open at Williams Grove Speedway

David Gravel passed Donny Schatz for the lead on lap six and went on to capture his 16th win of the season last weekend in the Champion Racing Oil National Open at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Gravel earned $50,000 for his second victory in the event, while Schatz and James McFadden completed the podium.

Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Impact Award Nominees Announced

Nominees have been announced for the 2017 Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) Impact Awards, formerly the Rising Star Awards. The recipients are chosen by the voting members of the Hall of Fame, and are announced at the Induction and Awards Ceremony, October 30, in Las Vegas. Nominees in the Desert category include: Brock Heger, Harley Letner, Apdaly Lopez, Jason Voss and Brad and Brian Wilson. In the Short Course category: Jerett Brooks. CJ Greaves, Jeremy McGrath, Bryce Menzies and Carl Renezeder. In the MX/ATV/UTV category: Beau Baron, Ricky Brabec, Colton Haaker, Kristen Matlock and Taylor Robert. In the Rock Sports category: Wayland Campbell, Bailey Cole, Jesse Haines, Jordan Pellegrino and Levi Shirley. In the Industry category: Daryl Folks, Best in the Desert; Wayne Israelsen, Fox; Jimmy Lewis, King of the Motos; Emily Miller, Rebelle Rally; and Craig Scanlon, Scanlon Motorsports Group, Polaris RZR. In the Advocate category: Robert Blanton, Warfighter Made; Jim Bramham, Cal 4 Wheel, American Sand Association; Martin Hackworth, Blue Ribbon Coalition; Dan Thomas, Rocky Mountain ATV/MC; and Ed Stovin, San Diego Off Road Coalition.

Steve Torrence piloted to victory in his Capco Contractors/Torrence Racing dragster for the eighth time this season last Sunday afternoon at the sixth annual AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park.

Torrence, Capps, Anderson and Tonglet Victorious at AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals

Top Fuel points leader Steve Torrence piloted to victory for the eighth time this season last Sunday afternoon at the sixth annual AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park. Ron Capps (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also victorious in their respective categories at the third of six playoff events during the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship. Torrence powered to victory with a 3.684-second pass at 329.34 in his Capco Contractors/Torrence Racing dragster to take down Doug Kalitta’s 3.698 at 331.28 in his Mac Tools dragster in the final found. Capps took down rookie Jonnie Lindberg with a 3.879 pass at 331.53 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T to secure his category-best eighth victory of the season and 58th of his career. He maintains the points lead and continues to pursue back-to-back world championships. In Pro Stock, Anderson drove to victory with a run of 6.571 at 210.73 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro to defeat teammate and defending world champion Jason Line’s 6.545 at 211.26 in the final round. Anderson took the points lead in the Countdown to the Championship with the victory. Tonglet rode to the Pro Stock Motorcycle victory with a 6.792 at 197.91 on his Nitro Fish Racing Suzuki to better No. 1 qualifier Andrew Hines on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson in the finals. The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues with the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex in Dallas, October 12–15.

The 2017 NMRA Keystone Automotive drag-racing series concluded last weekend at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

19th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals Race Wrap

The 2017 NMRA Keystone Automotive drag-racing series concluded last weekend at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Rich Bruder, driving Manny Buginga’s supercharged Fox-body Mustang, finished first over Buginga and his Turbonetics turbocharged, MJM Construction Corp ’03 Mustang.

Edelbrock Renegade: Bart Tobener and his Race Part Solutions S550 Mustang took the win over Alton Clements in the finals.

ProCharger Coyote Modified: Thomas Annunziata in his LaRocca’s Performance-backed and Whipple-supercharged ’14 Cobra Jet cruised through three rounds, and the win light turned on in his lane during the finals when opponent Haley James lit the red light at the start.

Steeda Autosports Limited Street: Kelly Shotwell in his ’95 Mustang scored an 8.899 at 153.79 mph hit, which earned him the win over Shawn Johnson and sent him into the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

G-Force Racing Transmissions Coyote Stock: Charlie Booze Jr. behind the wheel of the ’86 Mustang belonging to Justin Fogelsonger defeated Jacob Lamb, thanks to a holeshot.

Richmond Gear Factory Stock: Matt Amrine and his ’98 Mustang met Bart Welte in the finals, where Welte got the hole-shot advantage, but Amrine chased him down for the win with a 0.007-second margin of victory.

Aerospace Components Open Comp: Jon M Pickering was the last man standing, and ran 9.431 at 125.55 on his ’74 Mustang’s 9.39 dial-in to take the victory against Steven Daniels in the finals.

Detroit Locker Truck & Lightning: Randy Conway captured the event win behind the wheel of his ’84 Ranger over Wade Trammel.

Exedy Racing Clutches Modular Muscle: Charlie McCulloch drove his ’98 Cobra to the stripe where he found success despite breaking out as opponent Donnie Bowles tripped the beams -0.023 seconds too soon.

Roush Performance Super Stang: Marvin Knack in his ’11 Mustang unexpectedly fouled the start, giving Levi Wendel the win.

Race Pages Ford Muscle: David Mormann and his ’70 Mustang Mach defeated Gary Summers in the fifth and final pairing of the weekend when Summers left the start early.

Livernois EcoBoost Shootout: Alexis Fruggiero in her ’15 Mustang coasted into the finals thanks to a ladder bye, and when opponent Dasan Holloway had trouble and had to lift, the win was gifted to Fruggiero.

Hellion Turbo Coyote Shootout: Quintin Martin in his ’14 Mustang won over Mike Thomas in the third and final matchup of the weekend.

King of the Hill: Pairing the top Turbo Coyote Shootout vs. Terminator/GT500 entries, Keith Rhea took home a Victor trophy as he put Tim Oswalt back on the trailer when he ran nearly a full second quicker to make it official.

UPR Products Modular Xtreme: Clint Bates in his turbocharged ’13 Boss 302 took the win over Sal Trejo in the finals.

VMP Superchargers Terminator vs GT500: Ryan Aycock in his ’12 GT500 took the overall win over Randy Thomas and his ’10 Shelby with an 8.316 at 168.77 mph trip.

Race Pages Bracket: Adrian Way in his ’72 Maverick made the best of Bracket 1 when he defeated Danny Scheele with a winning 5.515 at 121.28 mph pass on a 5.52 dial-in, while Jason Gregory did the same in Bracket 2 in his ’91 Mustang, running 6.752 at 99.45 mph on his 6.67 index over Shane Capps. For Bracket 3, Michael Stearman was the big winner when he had both the hole-shot advantage and ran closer to his dial against runner-up Tim Apple.

QA1 True Street: Larry Albright averaged 8.287-seconds over the course of three passes in his ’91 Mustang. In the runner-up spot was Troy Eaton, who averaged 8.490-seconds, while Anthony Heard won the 9-second bunch. Casey Flora took the win in the 10-second group, and Ben Webb was the quickest in the 11-second section. Other True Street winners included Mike Baker (12-second), Kevin Lynn (13-second), and Ryan Howell (14-second). Belinda Moore went on to win an unprecedented 17th True Street class win as she took home the 15-second honors.

Tremec Stick Shift Shootout: Anthony Heard hit a home run in his ’99 Mustang as he had the quickest average of the bunch at 9.116-seconds. Secured in the one spot for the sportsman-style eliminations brackets, Heard held the advantage through the three rounds of eliminations and went on to take the overall win.

“Motorclub” returns to NBC Sports Network for a second season, Thursday, October 12, at 9:00 p.m. (EDT) with insider access to all-new stories from behind the scenes of professional auto racing.

“Motorclub” Returns to NBC Sports Network This Fall

The hit series “Motorclub” returns to NBC Sports Network for a second season, Thursday, October 12, at 9:00 p.m. (EDT) with insider access to all-new stories from behind the scenes of professional auto racing. Season II features the return of rallycross champions Tanner Foust and Scott Speed, and “Motorclub” newcomers, including Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing squad and Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato. They bring viewers inside a motorsport community with diverse roots across the spectrum of racing, action sport, fashion, design and social media. Each episode features intersecting storylines from on and off the track, and culminates at a championship event featuring real competition footage as seen from the exclusive perspective of drivers, crew, family members and friends. The show's first season featured multi-series champion and stunt driver Foust, skateboard legend and racing driver Bucky Lasek, motocross innovator and truck racer Brian Deegan, rally champion Travis Pastrana and U.S. Formula 1 star turned rallycross champ Speed. Watch the trailer.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

David Gravel captured his 16th win of the season last weekend in the Champion Racing Oil National Open at Williams Grove Speedway.

David Gravel Wins Champion Racing Oil National Open at Williams Grove Speedway

David Gravel passed Donny Schatz for the lead on lap six and went on to capture his 16th win of the season last weekend in the Champion Racing Oil National Open at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Gravel earned $50,000 for his second victory in the event, while Schatz and James McFadden completed the podium.

Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Impact Award Nominees Announced

Nominees have been announced for the 2017 Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) Impact Awards, formerly the Rising Star Awards. The recipients are chosen by the voting members of the Hall of Fame, and are announced at the Induction and Awards Ceremony, October 30, in Las Vegas. Nominees in the Desert category include: Brock Heger, Harley Letner, Apdaly Lopez, Jason Voss and Brad and Brian Wilson. In the Short Course category: Jerett Brooks. CJ Greaves, Jeremy McGrath, Bryce Menzies and Carl Renezeder. In the MX/ATV/UTV category: Beau Baron, Ricky Brabec, Colton Haaker, Kristen Matlock and Taylor Robert. In the Rock Sports category: Wayland Campbell, Bailey Cole, Jesse Haines, Jordan Pellegrino and Levi Shirley. In the Industry category: Daryl Folks, Best in the Desert; Wayne Israelsen, Fox; Jimmy Lewis, King of the Motos; Emily Miller, Rebelle Rally; and Craig Scanlon, Scanlon Motorsports Group, Polaris RZR. In the Advocate category: Robert Blanton, Warfighter Made; Jim Bramham, Cal 4 Wheel, American Sand Association; Martin Hackworth, Blue Ribbon Coalition; Dan Thomas, Rocky Mountain ATV/MC; and Ed Stovin, San Diego Off Road Coalition.

Steve Torrence piloted to victory in his Capco Contractors/Torrence Racing dragster for the eighth time this season last Sunday afternoon at the sixth annual AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park.

Torrence, Capps, Anderson and Tonglet Victorious at AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals

Top Fuel points leader Steve Torrence piloted to victory for the eighth time this season last Sunday afternoon at the sixth annual AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park. Ron Capps (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also victorious in their respective categories at the third of six playoff events during the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship. Torrence powered to victory with a 3.684-second pass at 329.34 in his Capco Contractors/Torrence Racing dragster to take down Doug Kalitta’s 3.698 at 331.28 in his Mac Tools dragster in the final found. Capps took down rookie Jonnie Lindberg with a 3.879 pass at 331.53 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T to secure his category-best eighth victory of the season and 58th of his career. He maintains the points lead and continues to pursue back-to-back world championships. In Pro Stock, Anderson drove to victory with a run of 6.571 at 210.73 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro to defeat teammate and defending world champion Jason Line’s 6.545 at 211.26 in the final round. Anderson took the points lead in the Countdown to the Championship with the victory. Tonglet rode to the Pro Stock Motorcycle victory with a 6.792 at 197.91 on his Nitro Fish Racing Suzuki to better No. 1 qualifier Andrew Hines on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson in the finals. The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues with the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex in Dallas, October 12–15.

The 2017 NMRA Keystone Automotive drag-racing series concluded last weekend at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

19th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals Race Wrap

The 2017 NMRA Keystone Automotive drag-racing series concluded last weekend at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Rich Bruder, driving Manny Buginga’s supercharged Fox-body Mustang, finished first over Buginga and his Turbonetics turbocharged, MJM Construction Corp ’03 Mustang.

Edelbrock Renegade: Bart Tobener and his Race Part Solutions S550 Mustang took the win over Alton Clements in the finals.

ProCharger Coyote Modified: Thomas Annunziata in his LaRocca’s Performance-backed and Whipple-supercharged ’14 Cobra Jet cruised through three rounds, and the win light turned on in his lane during the finals when opponent Haley James lit the red light at the start.

Steeda Autosports Limited Street: Kelly Shotwell in his ’95 Mustang scored an 8.899 at 153.79 mph hit, which earned him the win over Shawn Johnson and sent him into the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

G-Force Racing Transmissions Coyote Stock: Charlie Booze Jr. behind the wheel of the ’86 Mustang belonging to Justin Fogelsonger defeated Jacob Lamb, thanks to a holeshot.

Richmond Gear Factory Stock: Matt Amrine and his ’98 Mustang met Bart Welte in the finals, where Welte got the hole-shot advantage, but Amrine chased him down for the win with a 0.007-second margin of victory.

Aerospace Components Open Comp: Jon M Pickering was the last man standing, and ran 9.431 at 125.55 on his ’74 Mustang’s 9.39 dial-in to take the victory against Steven Daniels in the finals.

Detroit Locker Truck & Lightning: Randy Conway captured the event win behind the wheel of his ’84 Ranger over Wade Trammel.

Exedy Racing Clutches Modular Muscle: Charlie McCulloch drove his ’98 Cobra to the stripe where he found success despite breaking out as opponent Donnie Bowles tripped the beams -0.023 seconds too soon.

Roush Performance Super Stang: Marvin Knack in his ’11 Mustang unexpectedly fouled the start, giving Levi Wendel the win.

Race Pages Ford Muscle: David Mormann and his ’70 Mustang Mach defeated Gary Summers in the fifth and final pairing of the weekend when Summers left the start early.

Livernois EcoBoost Shootout: Alexis Fruggiero in her ’15 Mustang coasted into the finals thanks to a ladder bye, and when opponent Dasan Holloway had trouble and had to lift, the win was gifted to Fruggiero.

Hellion Turbo Coyote Shootout: Quintin Martin in his ’14 Mustang won over Mike Thomas in the third and final matchup of the weekend.

King of the Hill: Pairing the top Turbo Coyote Shootout vs. Terminator/GT500 entries, Keith Rhea took home a Victor trophy as he put Tim Oswalt back on the trailer when he ran nearly a full second quicker to make it official.

UPR Products Modular Xtreme: Clint Bates in his turbocharged ’13 Boss 302 took the win over Sal Trejo in the finals.

VMP Superchargers Terminator vs GT500: Ryan Aycock in his ’12 GT500 took the overall win over Randy Thomas and his ’10 Shelby with an 8.316 at 168.77 mph trip.

Race Pages Bracket: Adrian Way in his ’72 Maverick made the best of Bracket 1 when he defeated Danny Scheele with a winning 5.515 at 121.28 mph pass on a 5.52 dial-in, while Jason Gregory did the same in Bracket 2 in his ’91 Mustang, running 6.752 at 99.45 mph on his 6.67 index over Shane Capps. For Bracket 3, Michael Stearman was the big winner when he had both the hole-shot advantage and ran closer to his dial against runner-up Tim Apple.

QA1 True Street: Larry Albright averaged 8.287-seconds over the course of three passes in his ’91 Mustang. In the runner-up spot was Troy Eaton, who averaged 8.490-seconds, while Anthony Heard won the 9-second bunch. Casey Flora took the win in the 10-second group, and Ben Webb was the quickest in the 11-second section. Other True Street winners included Mike Baker (12-second), Kevin Lynn (13-second), and Ryan Howell (14-second). Belinda Moore went on to win an unprecedented 17th True Street class win as she took home the 15-second honors.

Tremec Stick Shift Shootout: Anthony Heard hit a home run in his ’99 Mustang as he had the quickest average of the bunch at 9.116-seconds. Secured in the one spot for the sportsman-style eliminations brackets, Heard held the advantage through the three rounds of eliminations and went on to take the overall win.

“Motorclub” returns to NBC Sports Network for a second season, Thursday, October 12, at 9:00 p.m. (EDT) with insider access to all-new stories from behind the scenes of professional auto racing.

“Motorclub” Returns to NBC Sports Network This Fall

The hit series “Motorclub” returns to NBC Sports Network for a second season, Thursday, October 12, at 9:00 p.m. (EDT) with insider access to all-new stories from behind the scenes of professional auto racing. Season II features the return of rallycross champions Tanner Foust and Scott Speed, and “Motorclub” newcomers, including Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing squad and Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato. They bring viewers inside a motorsport community with diverse roots across the spectrum of racing, action sport, fashion, design and social media. Each episode features intersecting storylines from on and off the track, and culminates at a championship event featuring real competition footage as seen from the exclusive perspective of drivers, crew, family members and friends. The show's first season featured multi-series champion and stunt driver Foust, skateboard legend and racing driver Bucky Lasek, motocross innovator and truck racer Brian Deegan, rally champion Travis Pastrana and U.S. Formula 1 star turned rallycross champ Speed. Watch the trailer.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Power Automedia Acquires Xceleration Media

Power Automedia has announced the acquisition of Xceleration Media LLC. Financial terms of the purchase were not disclosed. James Lawrence, Power Automedia CEO, and Xceleration Media COO Chris Douglas, jointly announced the sale of Xceleration Media, a performance-oriented publisher of automotive print and digital titles that reaches more than 1 million automotive enthusiasts per year. Xceleration Media’s print and digital properties include Drag Racing Scene, OneDirt, Street Rod Life, Power & Performance, Gearheads4Life, AutoPressReleases.com and Cars & Parts magazines. Xceleration Media’s properties will compliment Power Automedia’s suite of 12 automotive titles. Power Automedia has not yet disclosed its future plans for the Xceleration Media titles and brands, but expects an announcement to be made prior to the 2017 SEMA Show.

American Powertrain Adds Original Parts Group Inc. to Dealer Network

American Powertrain’s products are now available at Original Parts Group Inc. (OPGI)—a leading supplier and manufacturer of restoration and high-performance parts for classic GM vehicles. This agreement is the first time that replacement transmissions will be available through OPGI, which is now offering both five- and six-speed conversion kits for popular classics, including the GTO, LeMans, Chevelle, El Camino, Cutlass, 4-4-2, Skylark, Monte Carlo, Regal and GS. All OPGI catalogs are free and available by mail, phone (800-243-8355) or through the OPGI website.

Goosic Speed Shop opened in 1962 in Phoenix.

R&R Marketing Consultants Associate Bill Goosic and Family Inducted into the Arizona Motorsports Hall of Fame

R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. long-time associate Bill Goosic and his family were inducted into the Arizona Motorsports Hall of Fame, September 30, at the Sands Chevrolet Hall Of Fame Classic at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Arizona. In 1962, Everett and Thelma Goosic opened Goosic Speed Shop in Phoenix. Drag racers frequented the shop and the Goosics later expanded to three additional stores. In doing so, they networked with many drivers from all forms of racing, and became involved at legendary racetracks, such as Beeline Drag Way, Manzanita Speedway and Mel Larson’s Raceway.

Billy Beane	Frank Morgan

Billy Beane to Keynote VIPAR Heavy Duty Annual Business Conference; Young Leaders Forum to Feature Northwood’s Frank Morgan

Successful baseball executive Billy Beane will provide the keynote address, “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game,” at the 2017 VIPAR Heavy Duty Annual Business Conference, October 15–20, at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. Beane, the executive vice president of baseball operations for the Oakland A’s, was the subject of “Moneyball,” the 2003 bestselling book by author Michael Lewis that was later made into a critically acclaimed movie starring Brad Pitt. Beane’s “Moneyball” philosophy has been adopted by organizations of all sizes, across all industries, to more effectively, efficiently and profitably manage their assets, talent and resources. Also, for the fifth consecutive year, the 2017 VIPAR Heavy Duty Annual Business Conference will feature a Young Leaders Forum and Lunch, Tuesday, October 17. The event brings together young industry leaders for networking and collaboration, and will include a presentation by Frank Morgan, adjunct professor at Northwood University on “Leadership for 2020 and Beyond.” His presentation will explore the “VUCA world” (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous), and help young leaders understand how to succeed in this new environment. In addition to the luncheon, a Young Leaders reception will be hosted with GenNext—an industry group composed of up-and-coming leaders of tomorrow in the aftermarket truck-parts industry.

Avery Dennison Makes Capital Investment in Liquid Crystal Specialty Films Developer Gauzy

Avery Dennison Corp. has made an investment in Gauzy, an Israeli-based developer and manufacturer of liquid-crystal-based materials, films, applications and solutions for a variety of end markets, including construction, automotive, consumer electronics, home appliances, the solar industry and more. Avery Dennison’s Hanita business division, which manufactures specialty films for a number of industrial and commercial applications, has established an agreement with Gauzy to collaborate on the development and marketing of a retrofit version of Gauzy’s switchable window film. Avery Dennison Hanita has identified opportunities in the architecture and retail segments for these solutions.

Dwayne Fietzer received the Truck award for his ’55 F-100.

ididit Announces Car Show & Open House Award Winners

Established in 1991 as a way to thank customers for their support and allow owners one last opportunity to drive and display their hot rods before winter, this year’s ididit Car Show & Open House, held September 16, featured more than 500 classic vehicles. This year’s winners included:

• Restoration: Jeff Miller, ’49 Buick Super
• Truck: Dwayne Fietzer, ’55 F-100 Ford Truck
• Best Interior: Don House, ’50 Ford Woodie
• Best Paint: Chuck and Val Tuttle, ’39 Mercury 99A
• Street Rod ’48 and Older: Greg Tobias, ’32 Ford Roadster
• Muscle Car ’49 and Newer: John Mamayek, ’63.5 Ford Galaxie Fastback
• Most Radical: Fred Clark, ’47 Chevy Fleetline
• Best Engine: Ron Beck, ’55 Chevy 210 Sedan

Bar’s Products Acquires Hy-Per Lube Corp.

Bar’s Products has purchased Hy-Per Lube Corp. With the acquisition, Bar’s adds the Hy-Per Lube brand of high-performance additives to its family of brands, including Bar’s Leaks and Rislone. Check out the full line of Bar’s Leaks, Rislone and Hy-Per Lube products later this month at AAPEX in booth #3616 and at the SEMA Show in South Hall booth #30309.

Bruce Hendel

VP Racing Fuels Appoints Bruce Hendel to Vice President North America Sales, Race Fuel and Consumer Products

VP Racing Fuels has announced the promotion of Bruce Hendel to vice president, North America sales, Race Fuel and Consumer Products. In this newly formed position, Hendel will be responsible for all North American sales efforts in support of both VP Consumer Products and Race Fuel business divisions.

Prestone Announces Partnership With the Petersen Automotive Museum

Prestone Products Corp. and the Petersen Automotive Museum have announced a partnership in which the Petersen will play host to multiple Prestone events throughout the year. In conjunction with Prestone’s 90th anniversary, the museum launched an exhibit on “The History of the Radiator,” which opened October 1. The exhibit features memorabilia from Prestone’s archives showcasing the history of liquid-cooled automobiles, how radiators have influenced vehicle design and the history of the service station. The Petersen Automotive Museum will also play an essential role in Prestone’s upcoming 90th Anniversary Car Rally, which will kick-off at the Petersen with a celebratory cruise-in, Tuesday, November 28. Guests will have the opportunity to view a variety of different custom and exotic cars, including the Petersen’s contribution to the rally—the ’71 De Tomaso Pantera that Elvis Presley shot while in one of his infamous tantrums. The rally will conclude at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where a selection of the vehicles will remain on display from November 26–December 10.

Sonny Croughn	Duane Mayer

Sonny Croughn, Duane Mayer at Champion Oil SEMA Show Booth

Legendary car builder Sonny Croughn will make scheduled SEMA Show appearances at the Champion Oil Booth #24223, in an effort to bring awareness to the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. In addition, Duane Mayer, reality TV personality and renowned hot-rod builder, will sign autographs and promote his successful “American Hot Rods” business at the Champion booth.

Power Heavy Duty Welcomes Rodriguez Distribution Inc. as Newest Member

Rodriguez Distribution Inc. is the newest member company to join Power Heavy Duty. Started in 2008, Rodriguez Distribution is a heavy- and light-duty distributor of aftermarket parts and components. The company also distributes chemicals and shop supplies. Located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, Rodriguez Distribution serves the metro Newark and central New Jersey market areas.

Turn 14 Distribution Adds Orion Diesel Performance to Line Card

Turn 14 Distribution has added Orion Diesel Performance’s line of diesel pickup products to its aftermarket diesel offerings.

Nearly 75 first responders took advantage of FREE training sponsored by NABC, State Farm and Caliber Collision.

NABC’s FREE Program Provides Firefighters With Crash Course on How to Cut Up Complex Vehicles

The National Auto Body Council (NABC), Caliber Collision and State Farm teamed up with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to host a special First Responder Emergency Extrication (FREE) training program for 75 firefighters representing 14 fire and rescue companies throughout Virginia, Maryland and New York. NABC’s training program is designed to provide specialized instruction on the safest, fastest way to extricate accident victims from vehicles constructed with today’s high-strength materials and advanced technologies. The FREE event was sponsored by Caliber Collision and offered at no cost to fire departments as a community service program. Late-model vehicles for the training program were donated by State Farm. Training instruction and extrication tools were provided by Holmatro Rescue Equipment.

Michael Murray

Performance Business Media Hires Michael Murray as Brand Manager

Performance Business Media (PBM) has hired Michael Murray in a new role as brand manager. Murray will facilitate editorial opportunities and product placement for PBM’s growing list of clients. A demonstrated expert in automotive aftermarket media, Murray brings a wide array of knowledge and skill to PBM. As associate publisher of The Shop, a trade magazine dedicated to the aftermarket industry, Murray focused on comprehensive marketing strategies and long-term partnerships with top manufacturers and providers. As brand manager for PBM, Murray will continue to foster relationships between manufacturers and media, arranging original content opportunities, project builds and editorial outreach. After conducting market research, PBM identified missed opportunities between manufacturers and the weekend warriors who use and trust their products. Murray will work to bridge the gap between advocates and manufacturers in an ever-evolving world of social media and trends.

The Red Bull Music Academy Festival Los Angeles is seeking vehicles with custom sound systems.

Red Bull Music Academy Festival Los Angeles Seeking Vehicles With Custom Sound Systems

Japanese artist Ryoji Ikeda is preparing a large synth orchestra featuring 100 cars as part of the Red Bull Music Academy Festival Los Angeles, October 15, in downtown L.A. Organizers are seeking car owners with significant custom sound systems to participate in the event. Vehicles must be available to load in to the event, October 14, at 131 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, CA, 90012. Those interested can sign up online.

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Porsche is in the process of building its first all-electric sedan, the Mission E, and these are the first shots of it. Our spies caught the car testing near Porsche’s facility in Weissach, Germany. Spied trying to hide its true EV intentions complete with fake tailpipes, the Mission E, first introduced as a concept at the 2015 Frankfort Motor Show, is Porsche’s first real step toward an all-electric vehicle in its lineup.

The Mission E will be positioned as a Tesla Model S rival, complete with a battery pack that will reportedly last more than 330 miles. It is said to accelerate from 0–60 in 3.5 seconds, and onto 125 mph in less than 12 seconds. It will also be able to recharge 80% of its driving range within 15 minutes, thanks to the use of an 800V system, rather than the 400V system used on today’s electric cars. Porsche claims to be a front-runner in introducing the 800V system, though it will require a special 800V charge port to achieve those remarkable recharging times.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Porsche is in the process of building its first all-electric sedan, the Mission E, and these are the first shots of it. Our spies caught the car testing near Porsche’s facility in Weissach, Germany. Spied trying to hide its true EV intentions complete with fake tailpipes, the Mission E, first introduced as a concept at the 2015 Frankfort Motor Show, is Porsche’s first real step toward an all-electric vehicle in its lineup.

The Mission E will be positioned as a Tesla Model S rival, complete with a battery pack that will reportedly last more than 330 miles. It is said to accelerate from 0–60 in 3.5 seconds, and onto 125 mph in less than 12 seconds. It will also be able to recharge 80% of its driving range within 15 minutes, thanks to the use of an 800V system, rather than the 400V system used on today’s electric cars. Porsche claims to be a front-runner in introducing the 800V system, though it will require a special 800V charge port to achieve those remarkable recharging times.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Porsche is in the process of building its first all-electric sedan, the Mission E, and these are the first shots of it. Our spies caught the car testing near Porsche’s facility in Weissach, Germany. Spied trying to hide its true EV intentions complete with fake tailpipes, the Mission E, first introduced as a concept at the 2015 Frankfort Motor Show, is Porsche’s first real step toward an all-electric vehicle in its lineup.

The Mission E will be positioned as a Tesla Model S rival, complete with a battery pack that will reportedly last more than 330 miles. It is said to accelerate from 0–60 in 3.5 seconds, and onto 125 mph in less than 12 seconds. It will also be able to recharge 80% of its driving range within 15 minutes, thanks to the use of an 800V system, rather than the 400V system used on today’s electric cars. Porsche claims to be a front-runner in introducing the 800V system, though it will require a special 800V charge port to achieve those remarkable recharging times.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde