SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program.

For the second consecutive year, SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35. We need your input. If you know of a leader who is under 35—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

It is very likely that SEMA members are currently working with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. They are also the ones who have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas including marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands, or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. These are people who know what’s going on at ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that might be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Nominate now for the 2013 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 1, 2013.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

	SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program.

For the second consecutive year, SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35. We need your input. If you know of a leader who is under 35—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

It is very likely that SEMA members are currently working with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. They are also the ones who have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas including marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands, or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. These are people who know what’s going on at ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that might be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Nominate now for the 2013 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 1, 2013.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

	Learn more about the visionaries and icons of the specialty-equipment market who have been inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame over the past 44 years through the revamped website, www.semahof.com.

By Jason Catullo

The SEMA Hall of Fame website (www.semahof.com) has undergone a makeover for the past several months and is now live and ready for visitors. The website includes information on all of the SEMA Hall of Fame members—the visionaries and early enthusiast-entrepreneurs who helped build the nearly $30 billion specialty-equipment market that is enjoyed by enthusiasts throughout the world. Created in 1969, induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame is the most prestigious honor presented to an individual by the Association.

The most notable upgrades to the site are the addition of memorable photos featuring SEMA Hall of Fame inductees, as well as the inclusion of more biographical and background information that highlight the contributions of these industry pioneers. 

Once visitors land on www.semahof.com, they will see a new front page with artwork of several Hall of Fame inductees in action and an explanation of the importance of the accolade. From there, visitors seeking a specific Hall of Fame inductee can use the search function to locate information about the individual immediately.

Clicking on the Inductees button will take visitors to to the SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees page, where visitors can search alphabetically, by year or by company name. Once visitors locate an inductee, they can click on his or her name to view a picture and biographical information.

The launch of the revamped SEMA Hall of Fame website marks the beginning of the ramp to the 2013 SEMA Installation Banquet. The banquet is one of the the industry's highest social affairs and serves as the backdrop for the formal introduction of the 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame class. The celebration also recognizes the dedication and contributions of outgoing SEMA Board members and welcomes the Board's newest volunteers.

For complete information about the 2013 SEMA Installation Banquet, visit www.sema.org/gala. 

	Learn more about the visionaries and icons of the specialty-equipment market who have been inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame over the past 44 years through the revamped website, www.semahof.com.

By Jason Catullo

The SEMA Hall of Fame website (www.semahof.com) has undergone a makeover for the past several months and is now live and ready for visitors. The website includes information on all of the SEMA Hall of Fame members—the visionaries and early enthusiast-entrepreneurs who helped build the nearly $30 billion specialty-equipment market that is enjoyed by enthusiasts throughout the world. Created in 1969, induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame is the most prestigious honor presented to an individual by the Association.

The most notable upgrades to the site are the addition of memorable photos featuring SEMA Hall of Fame inductees, as well as the inclusion of more biographical and background information that highlight the contributions of these industry pioneers. 

Once visitors land on www.semahof.com, they will see a new front page with artwork of several Hall of Fame inductees in action and an explanation of the importance of the accolade. From there, visitors seeking a specific Hall of Fame inductee can use the search function to locate information about the individual immediately.

Clicking on the Inductees button will take visitors to to the SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees page, where visitors can search alphabetically, by year or by company name. Once visitors locate an inductee, they can click on his or her name to view a picture and biographical information.

The launch of the revamped SEMA Hall of Fame website marks the beginning of the ramp to the 2013 SEMA Installation Banquet. The banquet is one of the the industry's highest social affairs and serves as the backdrop for the formal introduction of the 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame class. The celebration also recognizes the dedication and contributions of outgoing SEMA Board members and welcomes the Board's newest volunteers.

For complete information about the 2013 SEMA Installation Banquet, visit www.sema.org/gala. 

	Marla Moore, 2012 SEMA Person of the Year, was named director of marketing for the Coker Group.

Marla Moore Named Marketing Director for Coker Tire
The Coker Group selected Marla Moore as its new director of marketing. Moore will oversee all marketing-communication efforts for the company’s brands involved in the collector car industry. She will report directly to Executive Vice President Wade Kawasaki on matters concerning advertising, public relations and sponsorships.

Moore’s role has her as the marketing head for more than 10 individual brands under The Coker Group umbrella, including The Coker Tire Co., Honest Charley Speed Shop, The Great Race, Coker Cycle Co., Phoenix Race Tires, M and H Racemaster, Pro-Trac Tire Co., Specialty Wheel, Roadster Wire Wheels and Wheel Vintiques.

Moore was named the 2012 SEMA Person of the Year. She also chairs the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and led the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. Prior to that honor, she held seats on the Select Committees of the SBN and SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC). Before joining The Coker Group, Moore served as the advertising director at Hypertech.

Racepak Names Sarah Burgess Product Manager
Racepak has named Sarah Burgess—driver and co-owner of BMI Racing—as product manager. Burgess will lead the management and marketing of the Racepak brand, while also spearheading the effort to expand Racepak's global marketing focus.

"The expansion of our marketing focus strengthens our ability to continue setting the bar in meeting the needs of our core customers," noted Manny Grijalva, vice president of marketing and sales at MSD/Racepak. "Sarah's comprehensive understanding of our market, our products and the racers we have serviced over the years will greatly benefit Racepak and our difference-making products."

Before joining Racepak, Burgess served as a marketing consultant for SEMA, and she co-owned BuzzEngines and Billet Machine Industries. Burgess has been the driver of her drift car for three years and will continue to stay active in her role as driver and co-owner of BMI Racing.

	The late Mickey Thompson was recognized with the Shav Glick Award at Fontana Motor Speedway prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 on March 24.

Mickey Thompson Selected for Shav Glick Award
The late Mickey Thompson was recognized with the Shav Glick Award at Fontana Motor Speedway prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 on March 24. Named for the longtime Los Angeles Times motorsports Hall of Fame journalist Shav Glick who passed away in 2007, the award recognizes an industry personality who has made valuable or distinguished contributions in the state of California.

“We are very proud that Mickey Thompson has been selected to receive this very special award in recognition of his substantial contributions to the industry here in the state of California,” stated Ken Warner, vice president of sales and marketing, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels. “It is especially meaningful to us and to the Thompson family as we celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary this year.”

The 2013 nominees included George Follower, Tom McEwen, Chris Pook and Mickey Thompson. Ed Justice Jr., president and CEO of Justice Brothers, made the presentation during pre-race ceremonies. Thompson's family and the company he founded remain dedicated to his legacy.  

Royal Purple Launches 2013 High Performance Experience Contest
Royal Purple will again host a contest that sends one winner to participate in and drive on the Hot Rod Power Tour. The 2013 Royal Purple High Performance Experience will be hosted on the brand’s Facebook fan page, beginning April 15.

To be eligible for consideration, entrants must submit photos of their American musclecar or performance vehicle between April 15–23 to the contest tab of the Royal Purple Facebook fan page. The winner will be announced April 30 and will receive tour registration fees, VIP parking, Royal Purple apparel and decals and a Royal Purple Visa gift card to use toward expenses.  

Last year’s winner of the Royal Purple High Performance Experience, Scott Shanks, will serve as one of six judges for this year’s contest. Including Shanks, this year’s panel of judges are Jeff Dahlin, publisher of Hot Rod and Hot Rod Deluxe; Greg Gill, vice president of marketing and communications for Pirelli World Challenge; Jim McIlvaine, eCare manager for Optima Batteries Inc. and Jeff Lacina, owner of Track Guys Performance Driving Events.

For a complete list of rules and further details about the contest, visit the Royal Purple Inc. Facebook fan page.

Motorz Announces Winner of AMP Research Great American Giveaway
The winner of the first AMP Research Great American Giveaway is Bobbi Jo Wnuk of Bonduel, Wisconsin. Bonduel will receive the AMP Research PowerStep system and the BedXtender HD. Motorz teamed up with AMP Research earlier in 2013 to launch the giveaway, through which entrants were asked to provide information about an exemplary American who owns a pickup and goes the extra mile to serve family, friends, community and/or country.

Wnuk, entered by her nephew Jason Heinz, drives an ’09 Ford F-150 and does a great deal to help the Special Education Department at the Wisconsin Bonduel School District. She also helps with homecare for the elderly and the disabled in the community, heads up a benefit for a neighbor fighting cancer and serves as a volunteer with Bridge The Gap for Autism and the Autism Society of Northeast Wisconsin (both non-profits). Along the way, she puts her F-150 through some rough Wisconsin driving conditions.

“This contest was developed to improve the lives of truck owners that help others,” stated Chris Duke, host and executive producer of 'Motorz.' “We want to thank the people who make a difference, to recognize them and support the good work they are doing.”

	This Cranberry-hued ’40 Ford—nicknamed Checkered Past and owned by Ron Cizek—won the Goodguys 2013 March Performance Street Rod d’Elegance Award at the 13th Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals in Del Mar, California.

Ron Cizek’s “Checkered Past” ’40 Ford Wins Del Mar Street Rod d’Elegance Crown
Ron Cizek’s “Checkered Past” ’40 Ford from Bennington, Nebraska, won the Goodguys 2013 March Performance Street Rod d’Elegance Award at last weekend’s 13th Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals in Del Mar, California. The Cranberry-hued ’40 Ford was first introduced to the hot-rodding world back in March when it won the prestigious Ridler Award at the Detroit Autorama. Although Cizek himself originally started the build three years ago as a “weekend project,” it was finished and coach-built by his partner Andy Leach and the talented team at Cal Automotive Creations in Omaha, Nebraska. Leach apprenticed for six years under the watchful eye of Troy Trepanier prior to joining forces with Cizek.

Checkered Past is the shop’s first completed concept-to-finished-show-car project, stamping them as major players to keep an eye on going forward. Winning the Ridler then the Street Rod d’Elegance crown has been pulled off by only a select few over the years.

Cizek will receive a custom toolbox from Snap-on as well as travel accommodations to the Goodguys 16th Southwest Nationals, November 15–17, in Scottsdale, Arizona, to join the “Champion’s Arena” display featuring Goodguys’ Top 12 Cars of the Year.

National Performance Warehouse Opens New Facility in San Jose, California
National Performance Warehouse Companies announced that it has opened its larger facility at 615 N. King Road, San Jose, California, a week earlier than predicted. “The crew worked hard over the weekend to have the new building ready for business by 8:00 a.m. on Monday," stated Larry Pacey, company president and CEO. “We also had assistance from many suppliers and reps who pitched in to help beat our deadline.” The company also announced that customers will contact the company and process orders in the traditional manner, and that the move only changes the location where a customer would “will call” parts.   

	Wells Fargo Wealth Management Senior Vice President Susan Rounds will present "Strategic Positioning of the Family Business and Wealth" at the 2013 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium.

GAAS Announces Business Survival Session
Susan Rounds, a senior vice president with Wells Fargo Wealth Management, will present "Strategic Positioning of the Family Business and Wealth" at the 2013 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scheduled for May 21–22, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago. Rounds' session is one of four breakout sessions that will be featured for the first time at GAAS.

“The key is to develop an integrated strategic plan that will maximize value and minimize taxes whether the business will be sold to a third party, or transferred to the next generation,” explained Rounds. “Every business owner should plan to attend my session. The information I will present is critical to the survival of any privately held business entity.”

GAAS 2013, with a theme of “Driving Change,” brings together industry leaders and experts to examine the issues and trends affecting the worldwide automotive aftermarket and influencing its future. To register for GAAS 2013, visit www.globalsymposium.org.

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 Washington, D.C., Staff

A SEMA-supported bill (HR 1462) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The current RFS mandates that an increasing amount of ethanol or other biofuels be blended into gasoline each year—levels that are now becoming unattainable in a free marketplace. Congress enacted the RFS in 2005 and then dramatically expanded the volume of renewables to be blended each year, from 9 billion gallons in 2008 to 36 billion gallons by 2022.

The RFS has been the driving force behind a decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow the content of ethanol in gasoline to rise from 10% (E10) to 15% (E15) ethanol. E15 will then become the way refiners meet RFS mandates. In addition, the RFS requires fuel producers to meet unattainable mandates for other types of biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol (wood, grasses and other agricultural byproducts) that have not yet been developed.

HR 1462 aims to reform the RFS by eliminating corn-based ethanol requirements, reducing the requirements of cellulosic ethanol and banning E15 in the marketplace. SEMA supports this effort to responsibly reform the RFS to eliminate the threats to older vehicles posed by E15 gasoline. SEMA supports additional legislation, HR 875 and S. 344 to halt E15 sales.

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A SEMA-supported bill (HR 1462) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The current RFS mandates that an increasing amount of ethanol or other biofuels be blended into gasoline each year—levels that are now becoming unattainable in a free marketplace. Congress enacted the RFS in 2005 and then dramatically expanded the volume of renewables to be blended each year, from 9 billion gallons in 2008 to 36 billion gallons by 2022.

The RFS has been the driving force behind a decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow the content of ethanol in gasoline to rise from 10% (E10) to 15% (E15) ethanol. E15 will then become the way refiners meet RFS mandates. In addition, the RFS requires fuel producers to meet unattainable mandates for other types of biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol (wood, grasses and other agricultural byproducts) that have not yet been developed.

HR 1462 aims to reform the RFS by eliminating corn-based ethanol requirements, reducing the requirements of cellulosic ethanol and banning E15 in the marketplace. SEMA supports this effort to responsibly reform the RFS to eliminate the threats to older vehicles posed by E15 gasoline. SEMA supports additional legislation, HR 875 and S. 344 to halt E15 sales.

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In cooperation with Wisconsin's collector vehicle community, legislation has been introduced in the Wisconsin Senate to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements, and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners. A companion bill will soon be introduced in the House of Representatives. The measure seeks to allow modifications to vehicles registered as collector vehicles, as long as the body of these vehicles is not modified. Currently, upgrades, such as safety glass, radial tires, a radio or hubcaps are reasons to deny registration. This bill will allow changes that retain the spirit of historic authenticity. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN). For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In cooperation with Wisconsin's collector vehicle community, legislation has been introduced in the Wisconsin Senate to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements, and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners. A companion bill will soon be introduced in the House of Representatives. The measure seeks to allow modifications to vehicles registered as collector vehicles, as long as the body of these vehicles is not modified. Currently, upgrades, such as safety glass, radial tires, a radio or hubcaps are reasons to deny registration. This bill will allow changes that retain the spirit of historic authenticity. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN). For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In cooperation with Wisconsin's collector vehicle community, legislation has been introduced in the Wisconsin Senate to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements, and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners. A companion bill will soon be introduced in the House of Representatives. The measure seeks to allow modifications to vehicles registered as collector vehicles, as long as the body of these vehicles is not modified. Currently, upgrades, such as safety glass, radial tires, a radio or hubcaps are reasons to deny registration. This bill will allow changes that retain the spirit of historic authenticity. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN). For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.