Fourteen high school Auto-Tec teams have qualified for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge finals at the PRI Trade Show, Wednesday–Saturday, December 11–14, in Indianapolis.

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Qualifications Underway; New Rules for 2013 Season
Three events have taken place for the 2013 season of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow, and 14 High School Auto-Tec teams have qualified for the finals at the PRI Trade Show, Wednesday–Saturday, December 11–14, in Indianapolis. To help provide more opportunities for teams to experience the thrill of competition on its highest stage, the qualifying rules were changed for the 2013 season. In an effort to establish a true race-against-the-clock competition, any High School Auto-Tec Team that is timed at 35 minutes or less will automatically qualify for the finals. The change will help to increase the number of schools that will qualify, allowing more students to participate. For more information on the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge, visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com.

ODYSSEY Named Official Battery of Doug Foley’s Drag Racing School
EnerSys announced that ODYSSEY battery was named the official battery of Doug Foley’s Drag Racing School in Mooresville, North Carolina. Started by professional drag racer Doug Foley, the school provides a comprehensive training center where individuals can safely learn how to drag race. As the official battery for the driving school, ODYSSEY batteries will be exclusively used in all of Doug Foley’s Drag Racing School dragsters, door cars and race cars. The ODYSSEY battery logo will also appear on all vehicles and on Doug Foley’s Racing School website. Doug Foley’s Drag Racing School consists of the Dragster Experience, which teaches individuals how to drag race, and the Dragster Blast Ride Along, designed for individuals to experience the ride from the passenger seat.

	Nick Rogers’ radical ’51 Mercury custom won the Goodguys 2013 Mother’s Custom of the Year award at the Goodguys 31st All American Get-Together presented by Specialty Sales Classics.

Goodguys 2013 Mother’s Custom of the Year—Nick Rogers’ ’51 Merc
Nick Rogers’ radical ’51 Mercury custom won the Goodguys 2013 Mother’s Custom of the Year award at the Goodguys 31st All American Get-Together presented by Specialty Sales Classics. Rogers’ sleek candy-blue Merc beat out a field of customs to collect its second award this spring. The car also won the coveted Custom d’Elegance crown at February’s Sacramento AutoRama. The Merc was finished and produced for the show season by Bill Ganahl’s South City Rod & Custom. Highlights of the Merc include forward-slanted B-pillars and the addition of a ’50 Merc rear window (among other subtle cosmetic enhancements) that were artistically executed by Matt Townsend (Townsend Customs & Hot Rods). The addition of an evil ’53 DeSoto grille,’49 Merc dash and ’55 Ford side trim (featuring Packard spears) only enhanced the Merc’s curb appeal. The candy blue House of Kolor paint was sprayed by Joe Compani. Fellow finalists for the Goodguys 2013 Mother’s Custom of the Year Award included John D’Agostino (’40 Cadillac), Tony Cuevest (’49 Merc), Don Kirk (’40 Ford) and Jeff James (’54 Chevy).

Yokohama Tire Corp. Establishes New Subsidiary in Mexico
Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) established a new subsidiary—Yokohama Tire Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. (Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada De Capital Variable), incorporated in Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico. The subsidiary was created to meet the growing demand for consumer, commercial and OTR tires in Mexico, and Yokohama expects it to provide critical sales, distribution and business logistical advantages. Yokohama Tire Mexico will be headed by 45-year tire veteran Gary Nash, who has been appointed president of the new company. Nash was previously vice president of YTC’s OTR sales, where he will now take on the new title of executive advisor to OTR sales and marketing.   

	CEO of Marx Group Advisors Tom Marx will present "Aspects of Buying/Selling a Small Business," Wednesday, April 17, during a Production Engine Remanufacturers Association webinar.

Marx Group Advisors CEO Presents Seminar on Valuing Your Business for Sale
CEO of Marx Group Advisors Tom Marx will present "Aspects of Buying/Selling a Small Business," Wednesday, April 17, during a Production Engine Remanufacturers Association (PERA) webinar. The one-hour session (10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. [CST]) is designed for small- and midsize company owners, especially those who are thinking of selling and need information on the right way to prepare and follow through to successfully value their business. Webinar registration, open to PERA members and non-members, is available through GoToMeeting. “Our research has found that 70% of all small and midsized businesses never sell after they are put on the market," explained Marx. "Selling a business is not like selling a piece of real estate or any other type of asset."

Marx will address the questions people ask about how to sell and value their business, including ways to ensure the value of the business is maximized. He will provide the information needed to get a business ready to go to market; on how deals are structured; and why, when and how to use an intermediary to support you. He will also talk about proven steps to follow to increase the chance of closing the sale of a business.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org. 

By SEMA Editors

The online version of the 2012 SEMA News Product & Catalog Showcase is featured in the November 2012 issue of SEMA News.

Generate buzz for your products and services by participating in the 2013 SEMA News Product and Catalog Showcase featured in the June issue of SEMA News.

The Product and Catalog Showcase remains one of the most cost-effective ways to advertise in SEMA News, helping members reach more customers specific to the specialty-equipment market. Only offered twice per year in the June and November issues of SEMA News, guarantee yourself a spot in this highlighted showcase and boost your branding efforts!

Simply provide a four-color image of your new product or your catalog cover, along with about 75 words of text and we'll build a 1/6-page ad for you. The cost is $250. Space is limited, so don't delay. View the online version of the 2012 SEMA News Product & Catalog Showcase, featured in the November 2012 issue of SEMA News.

To get started, contact Brian Paik at 909-978-6677 or Monica Terlouw at 909-978-6695.

By SEMA Editors

The online version of the 2012 SEMA News Product & Catalog Showcase is featured in the November 2012 issue of SEMA News.

Generate buzz for your products and services by participating in the 2013 SEMA News Product and Catalog Showcase featured in the June issue of SEMA News.

The Product and Catalog Showcase remains one of the most cost-effective ways to advertise in SEMA News, helping members reach more customers specific to the specialty-equipment market. Only offered twice per year in the June and November issues of SEMA News, guarantee yourself a spot in this highlighted showcase and boost your branding efforts!

Simply provide a four-color image of your new product or your catalog cover, along with about 75 words of text and we'll build a 1/6-page ad for you. The cost is $250. Space is limited, so don't delay. View the online version of the 2012 SEMA News Product & Catalog Showcase, featured in the November 2012 issue of SEMA News.

To get started, contact Brian Paik at 909-978-6677 or Monica Terlouw at 909-978-6695.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Nicole Lyons is Royal Purple’s first 2013 "Outperformer," award-winning engine builder, pioneering female racer and restoration shop owner. Photo Credit: Royal Purple

Royal Purple's "Outperformer" Series Returns for Second Season
This year's Royal Purple "Outperformer" documentary series kicks off spotlighting award-winning engine builder, pioneering female racer and restoration shop owner Nicole Lyons.

The mini-documentary airs as Lyons continues to break down barriers, becoming the first female driver to compete in race series for both the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) together in one race season. In addition to tackling two separate race series and their respective schedules, Lyons also holds the distinction of being the first African-American woman to race in the NHRA and American Drag Racing League (ADRL) Top Sportsman classes.

An accomplished builder and restorer in her own right, Lyons also owns and operates her own restoration shop, Cole Muscle Cars, in Sylmar, California, which specializes in ’60–’70 musclecars and ’55–’59 classic cars.

Two additional mini-documentaries featuring other "Outperformers" will air later in the year and can be viewed by visiting the Royal Purple website. The videos, which average five minutes in length, will be promoted with 15-second clips on broadcast television and online.

NHRA, NMCA, NMCA WEST & Chevy High Performance Nationals Continue Aerospace Components NHRA Unleashed Series
The NHRA, Aerospace Components and ProMedia Events will once again combine forces and continue Aerospace Components NHRA Unleashed in conjunction with the NMCA and NMCA WEST event series, including the Chevy High Performance Nationals. Outlined in a multi-year agreement reached between the NHRA and ProMedia, the Aerospace Components NHRA Unleashed Series will again be contested at all NHRA-member tracks on the 2013 NMCA & NMCA WEST tour. These events include: Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California (April 5–7); Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Georgia (April 11–14); Auto Club Raceway of Pomona in Pomona, California (May 16–19); Atlanta Dragway (May 31–June 2); Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois (July 11–14); Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky (August 2–4); Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio (August 22–25); TBD Location (September 6–8); Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Indiana (October 10–13); and Auto Club Famoso Raceway (October 25–27).

Aerospace Components will continue to sponsor NHRA Unleashed, providing added benefits to both Flowmaster-sponsored NMCA and NMCA WEST event series and the Chevy High Performance Nationals, which include more than $3.5 million purse and cash contingencies for all 11 events.

	Tanner Foust won the Rallycross season opener at the Lydden Hill circuit in Wootton, United Kingdom.

Tanner Foust Wins 2013 Rallycross Opener
Rockstar Energy Drink driver Tanner Foust earned the first win of an international Rallycross campaign that will see him contest two major series on three continents this year. He arrived at the Lydden Hill circuit in southeast England last weekend ready for a repeat of his 2012 performance there. In addition to the car's refreshed look, new sponsors include ENEOS Motor Oil and ODYSSEY Battery.

Early qualifying saw Foust suffer a flat tire in the first of four heats, but he recovered quickly and advanced to the final round, where he led from wire to wire.

Foust has finished the past two seasons in the top ranks of the FIA European Rallycross Championship, earned back-to-back Global Rallycross Championship titles and has scored three X Games gold medals in rally competition. He now leads the points in the nine-round European championship.

The win puts Foust in a strong position heading into the first Global Rallycross Championship round, held for the first time at X Games Brazil, April 21. Foust is expected to run a select season of events in the 2013 European Rallycross Championship, as well as the full X Games and Global Rallycross schedule.

Royal Purple will present the Muscle Mustangs All-Female Shootout at its Norwalk, Ohio, event the weekend of June 14–16, 2013.

NMRA to Host All-Female Shootout at Norwalk, Ohio, Event
The NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals series has announced that Royal Purple will present the Muscle Mustangs All-Female Shootout at its Norwalk, Ohio, event that will take place at Summit Motorsports Park the weekend of June 14–16, 2013. The All-Female Shootout will bring together some of the fastest females in the United States to race their street-legal Mustangs and Fords.

These NMRA lady racers will first compete in their own all-female TREMEC True Street class, presented by Muscle Mustangs, on Saturday (must meet all TS rules) with their own cash prizes and awards.

On Sunday, the eight quickest racers from Saturday’s ladies-only True Street competition will race heads-up on a 4/10 pro tree in the All-Female Shootout for cash, Royal Purple product, awards and the title of All-Female Shootout champion.

For more information on the NMRA Ohio event, log on to www.NMRAdigital.com/OH.

	Toyota's official on-track fleet for IEC's opening night 2013 includes an Avalon pace car.

Southern California Toyota Dealers Partner With the Irwindale Event Center
Southern California Toyota Dealers have come aboard at the Irwindale Event Center (IEC) as its official vehicle providers. The 59-dealer strong association will have an on-site presence at every NASCAR and NHRA event at the IEC, which includes providing the facility's on-track safety vehicles and official pace car.

Additionally, there will be a continuing display of the latest Toyota and Scion vehicles in the fan area just inside the main spectator gates of the Speedway. Opening night 2013 is Saturday, April 6, and the Toyota official on-track fleet (three Tundra pickups and an Avalon pace car) is ready for the work ahead.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Nicole Lyons is Royal Purple’s first 2013 "Outperformer," award-winning engine builder, pioneering female racer and restoration shop owner. Photo Credit: Royal Purple

Royal Purple's "Outperformer" Series Returns for Second Season
This year's Royal Purple "Outperformer" documentary series kicks off spotlighting award-winning engine builder, pioneering female racer and restoration shop owner Nicole Lyons.

The mini-documentary airs as Lyons continues to break down barriers, becoming the first female driver to compete in race series for both the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) together in one race season. In addition to tackling two separate race series and their respective schedules, Lyons also holds the distinction of being the first African-American woman to race in the NHRA and American Drag Racing League (ADRL) Top Sportsman classes.

An accomplished builder and restorer in her own right, Lyons also owns and operates her own restoration shop, Cole Muscle Cars, in Sylmar, California, which specializes in ’60–’70 musclecars and ’55–’59 classic cars.

Two additional mini-documentaries featuring other "Outperformers" will air later in the year and can be viewed by visiting the Royal Purple website. The videos, which average five minutes in length, will be promoted with 15-second clips on broadcast television and online.

NHRA, NMCA, NMCA WEST & Chevy High Performance Nationals Continue Aerospace Components NHRA Unleashed Series
The NHRA, Aerospace Components and ProMedia Events will once again combine forces and continue Aerospace Components NHRA Unleashed in conjunction with the NMCA and NMCA WEST event series, including the Chevy High Performance Nationals. Outlined in a multi-year agreement reached between the NHRA and ProMedia, the Aerospace Components NHRA Unleashed Series will again be contested at all NHRA-member tracks on the 2013 NMCA & NMCA WEST tour. These events include: Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California (April 5–7); Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Georgia (April 11–14); Auto Club Raceway of Pomona in Pomona, California (May 16–19); Atlanta Dragway (May 31–June 2); Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois (July 11–14); Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky (August 2–4); Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio (August 22–25); TBD Location (September 6–8); Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Indiana (October 10–13); and Auto Club Famoso Raceway (October 25–27).

Aerospace Components will continue to sponsor NHRA Unleashed, providing added benefits to both Flowmaster-sponsored NMCA and NMCA WEST event series and the Chevy High Performance Nationals, which include more than $3.5 million purse and cash contingencies for all 11 events.

	Tanner Foust won the Rallycross season opener at the Lydden Hill circuit in Wootton, United Kingdom.

Tanner Foust Wins 2013 Rallycross Opener
Rockstar Energy Drink driver Tanner Foust earned the first win of an international Rallycross campaign that will see him contest two major series on three continents this year. He arrived at the Lydden Hill circuit in southeast England last weekend ready for a repeat of his 2012 performance there. In addition to the car's refreshed look, new sponsors include ENEOS Motor Oil and ODYSSEY Battery.

Early qualifying saw Foust suffer a flat tire in the first of four heats, but he recovered quickly and advanced to the final round, where he led from wire to wire.

Foust has finished the past two seasons in the top ranks of the FIA European Rallycross Championship, earned back-to-back Global Rallycross Championship titles and has scored three X Games gold medals in rally competition. He now leads the points in the nine-round European championship.

The win puts Foust in a strong position heading into the first Global Rallycross Championship round, held for the first time at X Games Brazil, April 21. Foust is expected to run a select season of events in the 2013 European Rallycross Championship, as well as the full X Games and Global Rallycross schedule.

Royal Purple will present the Muscle Mustangs All-Female Shootout at its Norwalk, Ohio, event the weekend of June 14–16, 2013.

NMRA to Host All-Female Shootout at Norwalk, Ohio, Event
The NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals series has announced that Royal Purple will present the Muscle Mustangs All-Female Shootout at its Norwalk, Ohio, event that will take place at Summit Motorsports Park the weekend of June 14–16, 2013. The All-Female Shootout will bring together some of the fastest females in the United States to race their street-legal Mustangs and Fords.

These NMRA lady racers will first compete in their own all-female TREMEC True Street class, presented by Muscle Mustangs, on Saturday (must meet all TS rules) with their own cash prizes and awards.

On Sunday, the eight quickest racers from Saturday’s ladies-only True Street competition will race heads-up on a 4/10 pro tree in the All-Female Shootout for cash, Royal Purple product, awards and the title of All-Female Shootout champion.

For more information on the NMRA Ohio event, log on to www.NMRAdigital.com/OH.

	Toyota's official on-track fleet for IEC's opening night 2013 includes an Avalon pace car.

Southern California Toyota Dealers Partner With the Irwindale Event Center
Southern California Toyota Dealers have come aboard at the Irwindale Event Center (IEC) as its official vehicle providers. The 59-dealer strong association will have an on-site presence at every NASCAR and NHRA event at the IEC, which includes providing the facility's on-track safety vehicles and official pace car.

Additionally, there will be a continuing display of the latest Toyota and Scion vehicles in the fan area just inside the main spectator gates of the Speedway. Opening night 2013 is Saturday, April 6, and the Toyota official on-track fleet (three Tundra pickups and an Avalon pace car) is ready for the work ahead.

Compiled by SEMA Staff

	UPS is offering SEMA members a 15% discount off the ISTA 3A test price with the UPS Package Design and Test Lab.

Through a partnership with UPS, SEMA members can receive a 15% discount off the ISTA 3A test price with the UPS Package Design and Test Lab.

At the UPS Package Design and Test Lab, certified engineers use testing technologies to simulate real-world package transport scenarios. The data from these tests help UPS engineers identify the most appropriate packaging for your product to help prevent damages and minimize reshipments. Ultimately, the right packaging protects its contents without adding unnecessary bulk or weight, saves money and helps protect the environment.

Take a look at this short video to learn more about this SEMA-member benefit from UPS.

To send packaged products in for testing, members must complete the Package Test Agreement found on the UPS program enrollment page. Visit www.SEMA.org/UPS, log-in with your SEMA-member credentials and then click the “Sign Up and Save Today” button to access the UPS program enrollment website. To speak with a UPS customer representative regarding the Package Design and Test Lab, call 877-877-7229.

The shooters at KGP Photography have snagged their best look yet at a Lincoln MKC prototype, caught testing with its production-ready shape covered in camo on the streets of Dearborn, Michigan.

While the overall design of the MKC will stay true to the fetching concept that bowed at the most recent Detroit Auto Show, there are some clear differences between the production model and the show car. The production MKC's headlights are more tame, with conventional projector-beam units joining what appears to be some thankfully subtle LED running lights. The grille design looks to be nearly identical, right down to the sculpting of the individual grille blades on the MKC's MKZ-inspired air-intakes. The production MKC's wing mirrors—while more delicate than the concepts—have some nice surface development applied to them.

The prototype also seems to have a slightly less rakish profile, showing its Escape-based roots a bit more than the concept. The production MKC's taillights definitely mimic the concept, but the rear bumper gets a new rear valance which appears to eschew the integrated exhaust ports in favor of a separate dual-exhaust design.

The MKC is being fast-tracked to production, with a possible official debut penciled in for the end of this year.  

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography have snagged their best look yet at a Lincoln MKC prototype, caught testing with its production-ready shape covered in camo on the streets of Dearborn, Michigan.

While the overall design of the MKC will stay true to the fetching concept that bowed at the most recent Detroit Auto Show, there are some clear differences between the production model and the show car. The production MKC's headlights are more tame, with conventional projector-beam units joining what appears to be some thankfully subtle LED running lights. The grille design looks to be nearly identical, right down to the sculpting of the individual grille blades on the MKC's MKZ-inspired air-intakes. The production MKC's wing mirrors—while more delicate than the concepts—have some nice surface development applied to them.

The prototype also seems to have a slightly less rakish profile, showing its Escape-based roots a bit more than the concept. The production MKC's taillights definitely mimic the concept, but the rear bumper gets a new rear valance which appears to eschew the integrated exhaust ports in favor of a separate dual-exhaust design.

The MKC is being fast-tracked to production, with a possible official debut penciled in for the end of this year.  

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography have snagged their best look yet at a Lincoln MKC prototype, caught testing with its production-ready shape covered in camo on the streets of Dearborn, Michigan.

While the overall design of the MKC will stay true to the fetching concept that bowed at the most recent Detroit Auto Show, there are some clear differences between the production model and the show car. The production MKC's headlights are more tame, with conventional projector-beam units joining what appears to be some thankfully subtle LED running lights. The grille design looks to be nearly identical, right down to the sculpting of the individual grille blades on the MKC's MKZ-inspired air-intakes. The production MKC's wing mirrors—while more delicate than the concepts—have some nice surface development applied to them.

The prototype also seems to have a slightly less rakish profile, showing its Escape-based roots a bit more than the concept. The production MKC's taillights definitely mimic the concept, but the rear bumper gets a new rear valance which appears to eschew the integrated exhaust ports in favor of a separate dual-exhaust design.

The MKC is being fast-tracked to production, with a possible official debut penciled in for the end of this year.  

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Board of Directors

The candidates for the 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors have been announced. The members of SEMA's Board of volunteer their time to provide industry insight and a business-level perspective that contributes to the direction of the Association. That direction plays a strategic role in shaping the future of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Voting for the 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors Election will be open and available online between May 15 and June 11. Voting is open to current SEMA members, and votes must be submitted by the designated primary contact of each voting SEMA-member company.

The eight candidates vying for the four open seats on the SEMA's Board of Directors are:

Chairman-Elect Category

• Doug Evans – Source Interlink Media
• Tim Martin – K&N Engineering

Manufacturers Category (two open seats)

• Al Azadi – Omix-ADA Inc./Rugged Ridge
• Kyle Fickler – Weld Racing
• Steve Matusek – Aeromotive Inc.
• Tim Watts – Superlift Suspension Systems

Manufacturer’s Representative Category (one open seat)

• Jeff Bates – Bob Cook Sales
• Greg Bernheisel – Considine Sales & Marketing

Winners will be announced in June and will be formally introduced as the newest members of SEMA's Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Banquet in July. All industry professionals are invited to join the celebration and welcome the new Board members by attending the gala on July 26.

For more information about the 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors election, e-mail Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org or call 909-978-6678.