Cliff Ebben in the No. 36 McMahon Group/StumpfFord/Lamers Ford Mustang passes Tony Ave in the No. 4 Lamers/Beebe Racing Optech/PME Chevrolet Corvette. Photo Credit: Mike Callahan

Ebben Captures Hometown Trans-Am Series Win at Road America
Cliff Ebben, of Appleton, Wisconsin, earned his second-career Trans-Am Series win at Road America—part of the Time Warner Cable Road Race Showcase. Daniel Ramoutarsingh, of La Romain, Trinidad, and Carlos de Quesada, of Coral Gables, Florida, completed the podium.

Ebben started second in the No. 36 McMahon Group/StumpfFord/Lamers Ford Mustang and spent much of the race chasing down Trans-Am Series Drivers’ Championship point leader Tony Ave, of Maiden, North Carolina. At one point, Ave led by more than seven seconds over Ebben. But twice, Ave’s substantial lead was negated due to two full-course cautions. This allowed Ebben to stay within striking distance.

Ave led the first 21 of the 25-lap race. On lap 21, Ave’s No. 4 Lamers/Beebe Racing Optech/PME Chevrolet Corvette ran over something on the track and the car’s left front tire started to go down. This enabled Ebben to pass him with just four laps to go. Once Ebben got by Ave, he cruised to a 9.318-second win over Ramoutarsingh. Both of Ebben’s two-career Trans-Am Series wins (2009 and 2011) have come at Road America.

Starting fourth in the No. 18 Trinrico Steel & Wire Products Jaguar XKR, Ramoutarsingh spent most of his race battling Amy Ruman, of Kent, Ohio, for third place. On lap 19, the back-and-forth battle finally ended when Ruman’s No. 23 McNichols/Goodyear/Cenweld Chevrolet Corvette made contact with the Turn Six wall and ended her day. At that point, Ramoutarsingh inherited third place. With one lap to go, Ramoutarsingh passed Ave for second, which is where he finished.

De Quesada rolled off today’s grid sixth in the No. 22 Alegra Motorsports/Vitalz Jaguar XKR and dropped to eighth by lap five. But, that’s when he starting working his way up and was in fifth by lap 10—a position he would hold until lap 19. When Ruman’s day ended, de Quesada inherited fourth place. In fact, de Quesada had resigned himself to the fact that was where he was going to finish until he made a last lap pass on Ave for the final podium spot. Ave finished fourth. This was the first time Ave did not finish on the podium this season and it breaks his four-race win streak. Dave Ruehlow, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, finished fifth in the No. 31 McMahon Group/StumpfFord/Lamers Ford Mustang.

Ave leads the Trans-Am Drivers’ Point Championship with 774 points, followed by Simon Gregg (598 points), David Jans (486), Doug Harrington (425), and Ruman (420). The SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series next heads to Brainerd International Raceway for the Coca-Cola Muscle Car Shootout September 2–4. For more information, visit www.trans-amracing.com.

Jarid Vollmer Pushes Bully Dog Diesel Drag Truck to Career Best in Oregon
Last weekend at the NHRDA Pacific Coast Diesel Nationals in Oregon, Jarid Vollmer pushed the Bully Dog diesel drag truck to a career best—a 9.83 second-quarter mile at 143 mph. Vollmer went on to win the Pro Street Division 1 title (as well as runner-up in the night's Pro Stock competition), and is establishing the Bully Dog Dodge as a consistent nine-second performer. He will race at the World Finals on September 10.

Last Saturday's Amsoil USAC/CRA and California Lighting Sprint Race Available Online
The complete replay of the August 20 Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car and California Lightning Series race is available now on the PAS video website for $4.99. Produced by Jeff Kristensen of Raceway Video and Henry Clarke Sr., the complete show includes qualifying, heats, the B main and A main events. The race action is called by Scott Daloisio with Chris Holt and Ronnie Everhart supplying the interviews. Relive Matt Mitchell's rim ride to his second USAC/CRA win of the year, the crash of Johnny McCall in qualifying, along with all of the drama in the CLS main event. View the web cast here.

SEMA-supported legislation to provide for an expanded-use antique-vehicle registration class that would allow antique vehicles and replicas to be driven without limitation during the warmer part of the year (April 1 through October 31) was signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn. Under the new law, expanded-use antiques are limited to traveling to and from car shows, exhibitions, servicing or demonstration during the colder months (November 1 through March 31).

Regular antique-vehicle registration is still available for a lower fee to hobbyists who would prefer only operating their vehicle on a limited-use basis throughout the year. The expanded-use antique-registration plate will be available for an annual fee of $45. The limited-use antique plate (travel to and from car shows, exhibitions, for servicing or demonstration) remains available for a fee of $13 for a two-year registration. A standard registration plate, with no use limitations, is available for an annual $98 registration fee.

In Illinois, an antique vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle that is more than 25 years of age, a bonafide replica or a fire-fighting vehicle more than 20 years old that is not used as fire-fighting equipment. The law becomes effective January 1, 2012.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

 

This story was originally published on August 25, 2011. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

SEMA-supported legislation to provide for an expanded-use antique-vehicle registration class that would allow antique vehicles and replicas to be driven without limitation during the warmer part of the year (April 1 through October 31) was signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn. Under the new law, expanded-use antiques are limited to traveling to and from car shows, exhibitions, servicing or demonstration during the colder months (November 1 through March 31).

Regular antique-vehicle registration is still available for a lower fee to hobbyists who would prefer only operating their vehicle on a limited-use basis throughout the year. The expanded-use antique-registration plate will be available for an annual fee of $45. The limited-use antique plate (travel to and from car shows, exhibitions, for servicing or demonstration) remains available for a fee of $13 for a two-year registration. A standard registration plate, with no use limitations, is available for an annual $98 registration fee.

In Illinois, an antique vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle that is more than 25 years of age, a bonafide replica or a fire-fighting vehicle more than 20 years old that is not used as fire-fighting equipment. The law becomes effective January 1, 2012.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

 

This story was originally published on August 25, 2011. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

For the 2011 SEMA Show, the number of unique buyers indicating an interest in the street rod/hot rod/custom market segment is 7,278—an increase of 54% compared to the same time period in 2010.

As a worldwide automotive specialty-products trade event, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders and professionals each year and covers the entire realm of the specialty-equipment industry.

The Show is comprised of 13 categories: Business Services; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Hot Rod Alley; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Collision Repair & Refinish; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Racing & Performance; Restoration Marketplace; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Tools & Equipment; Trucks, SUVs and Off-Road; Wheels & Accessories; and OEM.

Each of the sections will be highlighted in SEMA eNews from now leading up to the Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas. This week's spotlight is on the Hot Rod Alley section, which is located in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, near Restoration Marketplace.

The Hot Rod Alley at the SEMA Show is one of the Show's oldest sections, which is fitting because it is considered by many as the cornerstone of the specialty-equipment industry. While it is far from the largest section at the Show, the history of the segment is key in terms of value and importance to the entire market.

For the 2011 SEMA Show, the number of unique buyers indicating an interest in the street-rod/hot-rod/custom market segment is 7,278—an increase of 54% compared to the same time period for the 2010 Show. There are currently 80 companies exhibiting in this year's Hot Rod Alley.

According to SEMA research, based on manufacturer sales, the product category that experienced the highest sales in the street rod and custom niche in 2010 was performance products (37.4%), followed by suspension and handling products (32.7%) and accessory/appearance products (29.9%).

Specialty-product outlets, automotive chains and mail order account for the majority of street-rod and custom accessory sales. As for researching parts, product information and making purchases, street-rod and custom enthusiasts are more likely to refer to traditional catalog mail order before the Internet. Street rod and custom accessory sales reached $1.13 billion at the retail level in 2010, accounting for nearly 4% of the entire specialty-equipment market.

While the primary age of those enthusiasts who purchase street-rod and custom accessories are over the age of 41 (56.4%), the market does capture some attention from the younger generations. In 2010, 43.6% of enthusiasts who made street-rod and custom accessory purchases were under the age of 40, and 11.1% of that group were between the age of 26 and 30 years old.

Buyers: To register for the 2011 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Exhibitors: Reserve your space for the 2011 SEMA Show at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Check out all sections of the Show and its exhibitors through the 2011 SEMA Show online floorplan.

For the 2011 SEMA Show, the number of unique buyers indicating an interest in the street rod/hot rod/custom market segment is 7,278—an increase of 54% compared to the same time period in 2010.

As a worldwide automotive specialty-products trade event, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders and professionals each year and covers the entire realm of the specialty-equipment industry.

The Show is comprised of 13 categories: Business Services; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Hot Rod Alley; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Collision Repair & Refinish; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Racing & Performance; Restoration Marketplace; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Tools & Equipment; Trucks, SUVs and Off-Road; Wheels & Accessories; and OEM.

Each of the sections will be highlighted in SEMA eNews from now leading up to the Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas. This week's spotlight is on the Hot Rod Alley section, which is located in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, near Restoration Marketplace.

The Hot Rod Alley at the SEMA Show is one of the Show's oldest sections, which is fitting because it is considered by many as the cornerstone of the specialty-equipment industry. While it is far from the largest section at the Show, the history of the segment is key in terms of value and importance to the entire market.

For the 2011 SEMA Show, the number of unique buyers indicating an interest in the street-rod/hot-rod/custom market segment is 7,278—an increase of 54% compared to the same time period for the 2010 Show. There are currently 80 companies exhibiting in this year's Hot Rod Alley.

According to SEMA research, based on manufacturer sales, the product category that experienced the highest sales in the street rod and custom niche in 2010 was performance products (37.4%), followed by suspension and handling products (32.7%) and accessory/appearance products (29.9%).

Specialty-product outlets, automotive chains and mail order account for the majority of street-rod and custom accessory sales. As for researching parts, product information and making purchases, street-rod and custom enthusiasts are more likely to refer to traditional catalog mail order before the Internet. Street rod and custom accessory sales reached $1.13 billion at the retail level in 2010, accounting for nearly 4% of the entire specialty-equipment market.

While the primary age of those enthusiasts who purchase street-rod and custom accessories are over the age of 41 (56.4%), the market does capture some attention from the younger generations. In 2010, 43.6% of enthusiasts who made street-rod and custom accessory purchases were under the age of 40, and 11.1% of that group were between the age of 26 and 30 years old.

Buyers: To register for the 2011 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Exhibitors: Reserve your space for the 2011 SEMA Show at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Check out all sections of the Show and its exhibitors through the 2011 SEMA Show online floorplan.

For the 2011 SEMA Show, the number of unique buyers indicating an interest in the street rod/hot rod/custom market segment is 7,278—an increase of 54% compared to the same time period in 2010.

As a worldwide automotive specialty-products trade event, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders and professionals each year and covers the entire realm of the specialty-equipment industry.

The Show is comprised of 13 categories: Business Services; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Hot Rod Alley; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Collision Repair & Refinish; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Racing & Performance; Restoration Marketplace; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Tools & Equipment; Trucks, SUVs and Off-Road; Wheels & Accessories; and OEM.

Each of the sections will be highlighted in SEMA eNews from now leading up to the Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas. This week's spotlight is on the Hot Rod Alley section, which is located in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, near Restoration Marketplace.

The Hot Rod Alley at the SEMA Show is one of the Show's oldest sections, which is fitting because it is considered by many as the cornerstone of the specialty-equipment industry. While it is far from the largest section at the Show, the history of the segment is key in terms of value and importance to the entire market.

For the 2011 SEMA Show, the number of unique buyers indicating an interest in the street-rod/hot-rod/custom market segment is 7,278—an increase of 54% compared to the same time period for the 2010 Show. There are currently 80 companies exhibiting in this year's Hot Rod Alley.

According to SEMA research, based on manufacturer sales, the product category that experienced the highest sales in the street rod and custom niche in 2010 was performance products (37.4%), followed by suspension and handling products (32.7%) and accessory/appearance products (29.9%).

Specialty-product outlets, automotive chains and mail order account for the majority of street-rod and custom accessory sales. As for researching parts, product information and making purchases, street-rod and custom enthusiasts are more likely to refer to traditional catalog mail order before the Internet. Street rod and custom accessory sales reached $1.13 billion at the retail level in 2010, accounting for nearly 4% of the entire specialty-equipment market.

While the primary age of those enthusiasts who purchase street-rod and custom accessories are over the age of 41 (56.4%), the market does capture some attention from the younger generations. In 2010, 43.6% of enthusiasts who made street-rod and custom accessory purchases were under the age of 40, and 11.1% of that group were between the age of 26 and 30 years old.

Buyers: To register for the 2011 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Exhibitors: Reserve your space for the 2011 SEMA Show at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Check out all sections of the Show and its exhibitors through the 2011 SEMA Show online floorplan.

 

	With more than 2,000 exhibitors committed to the 2011 SEMA Show, it's truly becoming a can't-miss event. If you haven't already, register for the 2011 SEMA Show today.

Exhibitor registration for the 2011 SEMA Show has confirmed what many in the specialty-equipment industry have known for years—the Show is a can't-miss, once-a-year opportunity for buyers to connect with the hottest products and latest trends. As buyer registration continues to soar, exhibitors continue to login and commit to booth space in record numbers.

As of Monday, August 22, the Show management team is proud to announce there are now more than 2,000 confirmed exhibitors. In fact, a total of seven new exhibitors registered Monday morning, firmly establishing the 2011 SEMA Show on the radar of the most influential companies in the specialty-equipment industry.

Across the board, the numbers are truly encouraging. Here's a quick rundown:

Net Square Footage		Up 10%
Total Number of Exhibitors		Up 13%
Business Services		Up 17%
Collision Repair & Refinish		Up 27%
Global Tire Expo—Powered By TIA		Up 29%
Mobile Electronics & Technology		Up 16%
Powersports & Utility Vehicles		Up 30%
Restyling and Car Care		Up 18%
Tools & Equipment		Up 35%

To view the 2011 SEMA Show floor, find out about enhanced services or check the index of exhibiting companies, visit the new SEMA Show website at www.SEMAShow.com.

In addition to the positive trend among exhibitors, buyer registration is up 43% and media registration is up a whopping 75%. And another indicator of the Show’s vitality, housing nights sold, is tracking at a rate 97% higher than last year. That statistic indicates that more attendees will be coming and that they plan to stay longer. If you still need to reserve hotel accommodations, take advantage of your status as a SEMA Show attendee and book your room today.

With companies continuing to register at such a record pace, Show management reports that this level of commitment by exhibitors has not been seen since 2008. And, ultimately, the encouraging milestone of more than 2,000 exhibitors represents one of the most substantial value-propositions when it comes to attending the 2011 SEMA Show. In just one week (November 1–4), buyers attending the 2011 SEMA Show have the opportunity to participate in a vast amount of educational, networking and social events—rubbing elbows with colleagues, celebrities and true industry icons. Beyond the events and special activities, however, attendees also have the chance to come face-to-face with more than 2,000 companies, dedicated to helping grow their businesses.

Still haven't registered for the 2011 SEMA Show? Buyers are encouraged to start the process at www.SEMAShow.com by clicking on the "Attend Show" link on the homepage.

 

	With more than 2,000 exhibitors committed to the 2011 SEMA Show, it's truly becoming a can't-miss event. If you haven't already, register for the 2011 SEMA Show today.

Exhibitor registration for the 2011 SEMA Show has confirmed what many in the specialty-equipment industry have known for years—the Show is a can't-miss, once-a-year opportunity for buyers to connect with the hottest products and latest trends. As buyer registration continues to soar, exhibitors continue to login and commit to booth space in record numbers.

As of Monday, August 22, the Show management team is proud to announce there are now more than 2,000 confirmed exhibitors. In fact, a total of seven new exhibitors registered Monday morning, firmly establishing the 2011 SEMA Show on the radar of the most influential companies in the specialty-equipment industry.

Across the board, the numbers are truly encouraging. Here's a quick rundown:

Net Square Footage		Up 10%
Total Number of Exhibitors		Up 13%
Business Services		Up 17%
Collision Repair & Refinish		Up 27%
Global Tire Expo—Powered By TIA		Up 29%
Mobile Electronics & Technology		Up 16%
Powersports & Utility Vehicles		Up 30%
Restyling and Car Care		Up 18%
Tools & Equipment		Up 35%

To view the 2011 SEMA Show floor, find out about enhanced services or check the index of exhibiting companies, visit the new SEMA Show website at www.SEMAShow.com.

In addition to the positive trend among exhibitors, buyer registration is up 43% and media registration is up a whopping 75%. And another indicator of the Show’s vitality, housing nights sold, is tracking at a rate 97% higher than last year. That statistic indicates that more attendees will be coming and that they plan to stay longer. If you still need to reserve hotel accommodations, take advantage of your status as a SEMA Show attendee and book your room today.

With companies continuing to register at such a record pace, Show management reports that this level of commitment by exhibitors has not been seen since 2008. And, ultimately, the encouraging milestone of more than 2,000 exhibitors represents one of the most substantial value-propositions when it comes to attending the 2011 SEMA Show. In just one week (November 1–4), buyers attending the 2011 SEMA Show have the opportunity to participate in a vast amount of educational, networking and social events—rubbing elbows with colleagues, celebrities and true industry icons. Beyond the events and special activities, however, attendees also have the chance to come face-to-face with more than 2,000 companies, dedicated to helping grow their businesses.

Still haven't registered for the 2011 SEMA Show? Buyers are encouraged to start the process at www.SEMAShow.com by clicking on the "Attend Show" link on the homepage.

 

	With more than 2,000 exhibitors committed to the 2011 SEMA Show, it's truly becoming a can't-miss event. If you haven't already, register for the 2011 SEMA Show today.

Exhibitor registration for the 2011 SEMA Show has confirmed what many in the specialty-equipment industry have known for years—the Show is a can't-miss, once-a-year opportunity for buyers to connect with the hottest products and latest trends. As buyer registration continues to soar, exhibitors continue to login and commit to booth space in record numbers.

As of Monday, August 22, the Show management team is proud to announce there are now more than 2,000 confirmed exhibitors. In fact, a total of seven new exhibitors registered Monday morning, firmly establishing the 2011 SEMA Show on the radar of the most influential companies in the specialty-equipment industry.

Across the board, the numbers are truly encouraging. Here's a quick rundown:

Net Square Footage		Up 10%
Total Number of Exhibitors		Up 13%
Business Services		Up 17%
Collision Repair & Refinish		Up 27%
Global Tire Expo—Powered By TIA		Up 29%
Mobile Electronics & Technology		Up 16%
Powersports & Utility Vehicles		Up 30%
Restyling and Car Care		Up 18%
Tools & Equipment		Up 35%

To view the 2011 SEMA Show floor, find out about enhanced services or check the index of exhibiting companies, visit the new SEMA Show website at www.SEMAShow.com.

In addition to the positive trend among exhibitors, buyer registration is up 43% and media registration is up a whopping 75%. And another indicator of the Show’s vitality, housing nights sold, is tracking at a rate 97% higher than last year. That statistic indicates that more attendees will be coming and that they plan to stay longer. If you still need to reserve hotel accommodations, take advantage of your status as a SEMA Show attendee and book your room today.

With companies continuing to register at such a record pace, Show management reports that this level of commitment by exhibitors has not been seen since 2008. And, ultimately, the encouraging milestone of more than 2,000 exhibitors represents one of the most substantial value-propositions when it comes to attending the 2011 SEMA Show. In just one week (November 1–4), buyers attending the 2011 SEMA Show have the opportunity to participate in a vast amount of educational, networking and social events—rubbing elbows with colleagues, celebrities and true industry icons. Beyond the events and special activities, however, attendees also have the chance to come face-to-face with more than 2,000 companies, dedicated to helping grow their businesses.

Still haven't registered for the 2011 SEMA Show? Buyers are encouraged to start the process at www.SEMAShow.com by clicking on the "Attend Show" link on the homepage.

 

	With more than 2,000 exhibitors committed to the 2011 SEMA Show, it's truly becoming a can't-miss event. If you haven't already, register for the 2011 SEMA Show today.

Exhibitor registration for the 2011 SEMA Show has confirmed what many in the specialty-equipment industry have known for years—the Show is a can't-miss, once-a-year opportunity for buyers to connect with the hottest products and latest trends. As buyer registration continues to soar, exhibitors continue to login and commit to booth space in record numbers.

As of Monday, August 22, the Show management team is proud to announce there are now more than 2,000 confirmed exhibitors. In fact, a total of seven new exhibitors registered Monday morning, firmly establishing the 2011 SEMA Show on the radar of the most influential companies in the specialty-equipment industry.

Across the board, the numbers are truly encouraging. Here's a quick rundown:

Net Square Footage		Up 10%
Total Number of Exhibitors		Up 13%
Business Services		Up 17%
Collision Repair & Refinish		Up 27%
Global Tire Expo—Powered By TIA		Up 29%
Mobile Electronics & Technology		Up 16%
Powersports & Utility Vehicles		Up 30%
Restyling and Car Care		Up 18%
Tools & Equipment		Up 35%

To view the 2011 SEMA Show floor, find out about enhanced services or check the index of exhibiting companies, visit the new SEMA Show website at www.SEMAShow.com.

In addition to the positive trend among exhibitors, buyer registration is up 43% and media registration is up a whopping 75%. And another indicator of the Show’s vitality, housing nights sold, is tracking at a rate 97% higher than last year. That statistic indicates that more attendees will be coming and that they plan to stay longer. If you still need to reserve hotel accommodations, take advantage of your status as a SEMA Show attendee and book your room today.

With companies continuing to register at such a record pace, Show management reports that this level of commitment by exhibitors has not been seen since 2008. And, ultimately, the encouraging milestone of more than 2,000 exhibitors represents one of the most substantial value-propositions when it comes to attending the 2011 SEMA Show. In just one week (November 1–4), buyers attending the 2011 SEMA Show have the opportunity to participate in a vast amount of educational, networking and social events—rubbing elbows with colleagues, celebrities and true industry icons. Beyond the events and special activities, however, attendees also have the chance to come face-to-face with more than 2,000 companies, dedicated to helping grow their businesses.

Still haven't registered for the 2011 SEMA Show? Buyers are encouraged to start the process at www.SEMAShow.com by clicking on the "Attend Show" link on the homepage.