SEMA Member News—September/October 2011

WTC Welcomes New Select Committee Members

Kelly Austin of Ultra Wheel Co. believes in volunteering and has served on the WTC Select Committee for the last eight years—two of them as chairman.	Hank Feldman of Performance Plus Tire adds extensive retail experience to the WTC as he enters his first term.

Select Committees are elected by the members of their councils to serve two-year terms. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision; some provide creative solutions to challenges their member companies face; others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) Select Committee member is supported by his or her company in the council’s efforts. For that we say “thank you” to those companies!

Hank Feldman is president of Performance Plus Tire, a 40-year-old family business in Long Beach, California. Feldman has spent his entire career with the business. He has extensive knowledge in the retail tire and custom wheel industry, bringing a different perspective to the council. He is creative and a forward thinker, with lots of enthusiasm and great ideas. He decided to get involved in order to ensure that the retail segment of the industry was represented and to help the WTC develop a stronger voice within SEMA.

“The council must address some of the current challenges we face in keeping our products relevant and exciting to the younger generation that seems to be fixated with iPods and iPads,” he said. “I would also like to see more training specific to the custom
wheel industry.”

In his free time, Feldman enjoys running, boating, spending time with family, community service and, as a self-professed workaholic, working at Performance Plus Tire.

Bob Riegel (foreground) of Bridgestone/Firestone is a past Select Committee member and was a founding member of the group that developed the SEMA Z5 certification program.

Bob Riegel of Bridgestone/Firestone is a past Select Committee member and was a founding member of the group that developed the SEMA Z5 certification program. Riegel has been in the automotive industry (both OE and aftermarket) for more than 35 years and has been with Bridgestone for 20. In addition to the tire industry, Riegel has been involved with various Porsche programs, ranging from dealership parts marketing at Stoddard Imported Cars to serving as district parts manager for Porsche Cars North America.

“Working within a SEMA council allows me to give something back and target industry members who look for advice,” he said.

With renewed support from his employer, Riegel plans to participate at more meetings and intends to further expand the education experience of members to help them take better care of their retail customers while growing profitable businesses. He is a self-confirmed under-the-nails gearhead who feels fortunate to earn a living within the industry that also fuels his hobby.

Riegel participated in the SCCA PRO rally as an organizer and competitor but grew up on the short tracks of the Midwest. He has recently been restoring a vintage Fiat Spider, mostly for touring with the Chicagoland Fiat/Lancia club.

Riegel has been married for 20 years and, together with his wife, has nurtured a growing enjoyment of local wines discovered during their travels.

Kelly Austin of Ultra Wheel Co. has worked in the wheel and tire industry for the better part of 25 years. Over that time, Austin has worked at many levels of the wheel business (retail through manufacturing) and attributes his success in and understanding of the wheel and tire segment to that experience. Austin believes in volunteering and has served on the WTC Select Committee for the last eight years—two of them as chairman.

“I hope to be able to continue to contribute to WTC and help other companies as SEMA has helped me,” he said.

Austin feels that the WTC communicates the best industry information on the highest level and helps improve the industry overall. He enjoys sports, racing and being with family in his spare time.

The vehicles featured in the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder's Challenge during July's SEMA Pinewood Drag Races will soon be made available for auction through eBay. Proceeds raised through the auction will benefit Childhelp and the Victory Junction Camp. But before these carefully crafted masters of the metal dragstrip find new homes, SEMA eNews talked to builders to uncover their motivation for making these pinewood cars special.

All of the vehicles featured in the Builder's Challenge will be on display in the HRIA booth at the 2011 SEMA Show. New builders and their vehicles will be included each week in SEMA eNews. Featured this week are John Martin of Johnny's Auto Trim & Rod Shop, Mike Spitzer of Spitzer Enterprises and Mike Cooper of Spanky's.

	John Martin from Johnny's Auto Trim & Rod Shop had this rendering in mind for the past 14 years.

John Martin, Johnny's Auto Trim & Rod Shop

SEMA eNews: Why did you decide to get involved and become a HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge participant? 



John Martin: My reason for participating started with a conversation with John Menzler who told me about the cause, which I thought was great; anything to help kids. I feel that getting kids into cars is one of the very best things for them.

SEMA eNews: Did you race Pinewood when you were younger? 



John Martin: I did not get to race as a kid. My father was also sick with MS, so my brothers and I worked to support the family. I understand the tough times of having a sick family member, so I love to see kids having fun.

SEMA eNews: What was the inspiration for your build?



John Martin: I've had this rendering for about 14 years and wanted to build the real car for myself or a customer someday. I thought it would be cool to use it as the pinewood car.

SEMA eNews: What was the major challenge in completing the build?



John Martin: The biggest challenge was getting it proportioned.

SEMA eNews: What are the details of the build that you would like potential bidders to know? 



John Martin: The bidders can start by buying the pinewood, then we could build them the real car. Wouldn't that be cool?

	Spitzer's build includes custom aluminum wheels and a carbon-fiber carrying case.

Mike Spitzer, Spitzer Concepts

SEMA eNews: Why did you decide to get involved and become a HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge participant? 



Mike Spitzer: Just for the fun of doing the project and to know that the proceeds benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp.

SEMA eNews: Did you race Pinewood when you were younger? 



Mike Spitzer: I helped my son when he was in Pinewood Derby.

SEMA eNews: What was the inspiration for your build? 



Mike Spitzer: I have always loved Bonneville and the Lakesters and Streamliners.

SEMA eNews: What was the major challenge in completing the build? 



Mike Spitzer: The build time; with so many customer projects in the shop, everyone here wanted to be part of the HRIA build as well.

SEMA eNews: What are the details of the build that you would like potential bidders to know?

Mike Spitzer: The build includes custom aluminum wheels and a carbon-fiber carrying case. I also want them to know that their bids will help kids at Childhelp and Victory Junction.

	The Pinewood build from Spanky's is made of 100% steel.

Mike Cooper, Spanky's Hot Rods

SEMA eNews: Why did you decide to get involved and become a HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge participant?

Mike Cooper: Eric Saltrick gave me information about the race and called me a few weeks later and asked if our shop would like to participate. I said "you bet," and the rest is history.

SEMA eNews: Did you race Pinewood when you were younger?

Mike Cooper: Yes, as a Cub Scout I did race Pinewood derby. I always loved that time of year when it came around. I made it through Scouts and reached the rank of Eagle Scout. When my son got into Scouts, he raced Pinewood derby and also reached the rank of Eagle Scout. That is a great program for young kids.

SEMA eNews: What was the inspiration for your build?

Mike Cooper: The building of the car triggered lots of great memories for me. I wanted to build a car that looked like something you would see roll out of our shop, but at the same time, look like a race car. I didn't build it thinking it would win the race, but win the heart of someone with deep pockets who would help the kids. I felt like I had already won when I was asked to build a car.

SEMA eNews: What was the major challenge in completing the build?

Mike Cooper: The major challenge in completing the car was picking a car to build. I called Brent Gill of Brent Gill Designs in Tampa, Florida, and told him of this fullsize car that was stuck in my head for many years now. I gave him the details and our shop colors and asked if he would put the info on paper. In a few weeks he sent me the rendering drawing and I started the build. I knew I had to build the car from steel and use what I had in my shop. No mail order or store-bought parts; keep it simple and cool. The car is all steel with a wooden firewall. It was hard to stop working on it. I set a date to stop and ship the car and stuck to it. 



SEMA eNews: What are the details of the build that you would like potential bidders to know?

Mike Cooper: The car is 100% steel and the body was shaped with the same tools in the shop that I use to build fullsize cars. The frame was built first, then the body was built around the frame. It's all handmade, no CNC parts. The frame and body unbolt from each other just as the fullsize version does. The vehicle includes handmade aluminum racing seats cut from the same sheet as our fullsize seats. The car was painted with the same PPG paint in our paint booth with the same spray guns we use on our fullsize builds. I would say I have 40 to 60 hours in the car and box. I also have a framed rendering of the car from Brent Gill that goes with it at auction.

All of the HRIA Builder's Challenge vehicles will be on display in HRIA's council booth at the 2011 SEMA Show. More details on the auction will be available in upcoming issues of SEMA eNews. For more information, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

The vehicles featured in the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder's Challenge during July's SEMA Pinewood Drag Races will soon be made available for auction through eBay. Proceeds raised through the auction will benefit Childhelp and the Victory Junction Camp. But before these carefully crafted masters of the metal dragstrip find new homes, SEMA eNews talked to builders to uncover their motivation for making these pinewood cars special.

All of the vehicles featured in the Builder's Challenge will be on display in the HRIA booth at the 2011 SEMA Show. New builders and their vehicles will be included each week in SEMA eNews. Featured this week are John Martin of Johnny's Auto Trim & Rod Shop, Mike Spitzer of Spitzer Enterprises and Mike Cooper of Spanky's.

	John Martin from Johnny's Auto Trim & Rod Shop had this rendering in mind for the past 14 years.

John Martin, Johnny's Auto Trim & Rod Shop

SEMA eNews: Why did you decide to get involved and become a HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge participant? 



John Martin: My reason for participating started with a conversation with John Menzler who told me about the cause, which I thought was great; anything to help kids. I feel that getting kids into cars is one of the very best things for them.

SEMA eNews: Did you race Pinewood when you were younger? 



John Martin: I did not get to race as a kid. My father was also sick with MS, so my brothers and I worked to support the family. I understand the tough times of having a sick family member, so I love to see kids having fun.

SEMA eNews: What was the inspiration for your build?



John Martin: I've had this rendering for about 14 years and wanted to build the real car for myself or a customer someday. I thought it would be cool to use it as the pinewood car.

SEMA eNews: What was the major challenge in completing the build?



John Martin: The biggest challenge was getting it proportioned.

SEMA eNews: What are the details of the build that you would like potential bidders to know? 



John Martin: The bidders can start by buying the pinewood, then we could build them the real car. Wouldn't that be cool?

	Spitzer's build includes custom aluminum wheels and a carbon-fiber carrying case.

Mike Spitzer, Spitzer Concepts

SEMA eNews: Why did you decide to get involved and become a HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge participant? 



Mike Spitzer: Just for the fun of doing the project and to know that the proceeds benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp.

SEMA eNews: Did you race Pinewood when you were younger? 



Mike Spitzer: I helped my son when he was in Pinewood Derby.

SEMA eNews: What was the inspiration for your build? 



Mike Spitzer: I have always loved Bonneville and the Lakesters and Streamliners.

SEMA eNews: What was the major challenge in completing the build? 



Mike Spitzer: The build time; with so many customer projects in the shop, everyone here wanted to be part of the HRIA build as well.

SEMA eNews: What are the details of the build that you would like potential bidders to know?

Mike Spitzer: The build includes custom aluminum wheels and a carbon-fiber carrying case. I also want them to know that their bids will help kids at Childhelp and Victory Junction.

	The Pinewood build from Spanky's is made of 100% steel.

Mike Cooper, Spanky's Hot Rods

SEMA eNews: Why did you decide to get involved and become a HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge participant?

Mike Cooper: Eric Saltrick gave me information about the race and called me a few weeks later and asked if our shop would like to participate. I said "you bet," and the rest is history.

SEMA eNews: Did you race Pinewood when you were younger?

Mike Cooper: Yes, as a Cub Scout I did race Pinewood derby. I always loved that time of year when it came around. I made it through Scouts and reached the rank of Eagle Scout. When my son got into Scouts, he raced Pinewood derby and also reached the rank of Eagle Scout. That is a great program for young kids.

SEMA eNews: What was the inspiration for your build?

Mike Cooper: The building of the car triggered lots of great memories for me. I wanted to build a car that looked like something you would see roll out of our shop, but at the same time, look like a race car. I didn't build it thinking it would win the race, but win the heart of someone with deep pockets who would help the kids. I felt like I had already won when I was asked to build a car.

SEMA eNews: What was the major challenge in completing the build?

Mike Cooper: The major challenge in completing the car was picking a car to build. I called Brent Gill of Brent Gill Designs in Tampa, Florida, and told him of this fullsize car that was stuck in my head for many years now. I gave him the details and our shop colors and asked if he would put the info on paper. In a few weeks he sent me the rendering drawing and I started the build. I knew I had to build the car from steel and use what I had in my shop. No mail order or store-bought parts; keep it simple and cool. The car is all steel with a wooden firewall. It was hard to stop working on it. I set a date to stop and ship the car and stuck to it. 



SEMA eNews: What are the details of the build that you would like potential bidders to know?

Mike Cooper: The car is 100% steel and the body was shaped with the same tools in the shop that I use to build fullsize cars. The frame was built first, then the body was built around the frame. It's all handmade, no CNC parts. The frame and body unbolt from each other just as the fullsize version does. The vehicle includes handmade aluminum racing seats cut from the same sheet as our fullsize seats. The car was painted with the same PPG paint in our paint booth with the same spray guns we use on our fullsize builds. I would say I have 40 to 60 hours in the car and box. I also have a framed rendering of the car from Brent Gill that goes with it at auction.

All of the HRIA Builder's Challenge vehicles will be on display in HRIA's council booth at the 2011 SEMA Show. More details on the auction will be available in upcoming issues of SEMA eNews. For more information, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

The vehicles featured in the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder's Challenge during July's SEMA Pinewood Drag Races will soon be made available for auction through eBay. Proceeds raised through the auction will benefit Childhelp and the Victory Junction Camp. But before these carefully crafted masters of the metal dragstrip find new homes, SEMA eNews talked to builders to uncover their motivation for making these pinewood cars special.

All of the vehicles featured in the Builder's Challenge will be on display in the HRIA booth at the 2011 SEMA Show. New builders and their vehicles will be included each week in SEMA eNews. Featured this week are John Martin of Johnny's Auto Trim & Rod Shop, Mike Spitzer of Spitzer Enterprises and Mike Cooper of Spanky's.

	John Martin from Johnny's Auto Trim & Rod Shop had this rendering in mind for the past 14 years.

John Martin, Johnny's Auto Trim & Rod Shop

SEMA eNews: Why did you decide to get involved and become a HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge participant? 



John Martin: My reason for participating started with a conversation with John Menzler who told me about the cause, which I thought was great; anything to help kids. I feel that getting kids into cars is one of the very best things for them.

SEMA eNews: Did you race Pinewood when you were younger? 



John Martin: I did not get to race as a kid. My father was also sick with MS, so my brothers and I worked to support the family. I understand the tough times of having a sick family member, so I love to see kids having fun.

SEMA eNews: What was the inspiration for your build?



John Martin: I've had this rendering for about 14 years and wanted to build the real car for myself or a customer someday. I thought it would be cool to use it as the pinewood car.

SEMA eNews: What was the major challenge in completing the build?



John Martin: The biggest challenge was getting it proportioned.

SEMA eNews: What are the details of the build that you would like potential bidders to know? 



John Martin: The bidders can start by buying the pinewood, then we could build them the real car. Wouldn't that be cool?

	Spitzer's build includes custom aluminum wheels and a carbon-fiber carrying case.

Mike Spitzer, Spitzer Concepts

SEMA eNews: Why did you decide to get involved and become a HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge participant? 



Mike Spitzer: Just for the fun of doing the project and to know that the proceeds benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp.

SEMA eNews: Did you race Pinewood when you were younger? 



Mike Spitzer: I helped my son when he was in Pinewood Derby.

SEMA eNews: What was the inspiration for your build? 



Mike Spitzer: I have always loved Bonneville and the Lakesters and Streamliners.

SEMA eNews: What was the major challenge in completing the build? 



Mike Spitzer: The build time; with so many customer projects in the shop, everyone here wanted to be part of the HRIA build as well.

SEMA eNews: What are the details of the build that you would like potential bidders to know?

Mike Spitzer: The build includes custom aluminum wheels and a carbon-fiber carrying case. I also want them to know that their bids will help kids at Childhelp and Victory Junction.

	The Pinewood build from Spanky's is made of 100% steel.

Mike Cooper, Spanky's Hot Rods

SEMA eNews: Why did you decide to get involved and become a HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge participant?

Mike Cooper: Eric Saltrick gave me information about the race and called me a few weeks later and asked if our shop would like to participate. I said "you bet," and the rest is history.

SEMA eNews: Did you race Pinewood when you were younger?

Mike Cooper: Yes, as a Cub Scout I did race Pinewood derby. I always loved that time of year when it came around. I made it through Scouts and reached the rank of Eagle Scout. When my son got into Scouts, he raced Pinewood derby and also reached the rank of Eagle Scout. That is a great program for young kids.

SEMA eNews: What was the inspiration for your build?

Mike Cooper: The building of the car triggered lots of great memories for me. I wanted to build a car that looked like something you would see roll out of our shop, but at the same time, look like a race car. I didn't build it thinking it would win the race, but win the heart of someone with deep pockets who would help the kids. I felt like I had already won when I was asked to build a car.

SEMA eNews: What was the major challenge in completing the build?

Mike Cooper: The major challenge in completing the car was picking a car to build. I called Brent Gill of Brent Gill Designs in Tampa, Florida, and told him of this fullsize car that was stuck in my head for many years now. I gave him the details and our shop colors and asked if he would put the info on paper. In a few weeks he sent me the rendering drawing and I started the build. I knew I had to build the car from steel and use what I had in my shop. No mail order or store-bought parts; keep it simple and cool. The car is all steel with a wooden firewall. It was hard to stop working on it. I set a date to stop and ship the car and stuck to it. 



SEMA eNews: What are the details of the build that you would like potential bidders to know?

Mike Cooper: The car is 100% steel and the body was shaped with the same tools in the shop that I use to build fullsize cars. The frame was built first, then the body was built around the frame. It's all handmade, no CNC parts. The frame and body unbolt from each other just as the fullsize version does. The vehicle includes handmade aluminum racing seats cut from the same sheet as our fullsize seats. The car was painted with the same PPG paint in our paint booth with the same spray guns we use on our fullsize builds. I would say I have 40 to 60 hours in the car and box. I also have a framed rendering of the car from Brent Gill that goes with it at auction.

All of the HRIA Builder's Challenge vehicles will be on display in HRIA's council booth at the 2011 SEMA Show. More details on the auction will be available in upcoming issues of SEMA eNews. For more information, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

The vehicles featured in the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder's Challenge during July's SEMA Pinewood Drag Races will soon be made available for auction through eBay. Proceeds raised through the auction will benefit Childhelp and the Victory Junction Camp. But before these carefully crafted masters of the metal dragstrip find new homes, SEMA eNews talked to builders to uncover their motivation for making these pinewood cars special.

All of the vehicles featured in the Builder's Challenge will be on display in the HRIA booth at the 2011 SEMA Show. New builders and their vehicles will be included each week in SEMA eNews. Featured this week are John Martin of Johnny's Auto Trim & Rod Shop, Mike Spitzer of Spitzer Enterprises and Mike Cooper of Spanky's.

	John Martin from Johnny's Auto Trim & Rod Shop had this rendering in mind for the past 14 years.

John Martin, Johnny's Auto Trim & Rod Shop

SEMA eNews: Why did you decide to get involved and become a HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge participant? 



John Martin: My reason for participating started with a conversation with John Menzler who told me about the cause, which I thought was great; anything to help kids. I feel that getting kids into cars is one of the very best things for them.

SEMA eNews: Did you race Pinewood when you were younger? 



John Martin: I did not get to race as a kid. My father was also sick with MS, so my brothers and I worked to support the family. I understand the tough times of having a sick family member, so I love to see kids having fun.

SEMA eNews: What was the inspiration for your build?



John Martin: I've had this rendering for about 14 years and wanted to build the real car for myself or a customer someday. I thought it would be cool to use it as the pinewood car.

SEMA eNews: What was the major challenge in completing the build?



John Martin: The biggest challenge was getting it proportioned.

SEMA eNews: What are the details of the build that you would like potential bidders to know? 



John Martin: The bidders can start by buying the pinewood, then we could build them the real car. Wouldn't that be cool?

	Spitzer's build includes custom aluminum wheels and a carbon-fiber carrying case.

Mike Spitzer, Spitzer Concepts

SEMA eNews: Why did you decide to get involved and become a HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge participant? 



Mike Spitzer: Just for the fun of doing the project and to know that the proceeds benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp.

SEMA eNews: Did you race Pinewood when you were younger? 



Mike Spitzer: I helped my son when he was in Pinewood Derby.

SEMA eNews: What was the inspiration for your build? 



Mike Spitzer: I have always loved Bonneville and the Lakesters and Streamliners.

SEMA eNews: What was the major challenge in completing the build? 



Mike Spitzer: The build time; with so many customer projects in the shop, everyone here wanted to be part of the HRIA build as well.

SEMA eNews: What are the details of the build that you would like potential bidders to know?

Mike Spitzer: The build includes custom aluminum wheels and a carbon-fiber carrying case. I also want them to know that their bids will help kids at Childhelp and Victory Junction.

	The Pinewood build from Spanky's is made of 100% steel.

Mike Cooper, Spanky's Hot Rods

SEMA eNews: Why did you decide to get involved and become a HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge participant?

Mike Cooper: Eric Saltrick gave me information about the race and called me a few weeks later and asked if our shop would like to participate. I said "you bet," and the rest is history.

SEMA eNews: Did you race Pinewood when you were younger?

Mike Cooper: Yes, as a Cub Scout I did race Pinewood derby. I always loved that time of year when it came around. I made it through Scouts and reached the rank of Eagle Scout. When my son got into Scouts, he raced Pinewood derby and also reached the rank of Eagle Scout. That is a great program for young kids.

SEMA eNews: What was the inspiration for your build?

Mike Cooper: The building of the car triggered lots of great memories for me. I wanted to build a car that looked like something you would see roll out of our shop, but at the same time, look like a race car. I didn't build it thinking it would win the race, but win the heart of someone with deep pockets who would help the kids. I felt like I had already won when I was asked to build a car.

SEMA eNews: What was the major challenge in completing the build?

Mike Cooper: The major challenge in completing the car was picking a car to build. I called Brent Gill of Brent Gill Designs in Tampa, Florida, and told him of this fullsize car that was stuck in my head for many years now. I gave him the details and our shop colors and asked if he would put the info on paper. In a few weeks he sent me the rendering drawing and I started the build. I knew I had to build the car from steel and use what I had in my shop. No mail order or store-bought parts; keep it simple and cool. The car is all steel with a wooden firewall. It was hard to stop working on it. I set a date to stop and ship the car and stuck to it. 



SEMA eNews: What are the details of the build that you would like potential bidders to know?

Mike Cooper: The car is 100% steel and the body was shaped with the same tools in the shop that I use to build fullsize cars. The frame was built first, then the body was built around the frame. It's all handmade, no CNC parts. The frame and body unbolt from each other just as the fullsize version does. The vehicle includes handmade aluminum racing seats cut from the same sheet as our fullsize seats. The car was painted with the same PPG paint in our paint booth with the same spray guns we use on our fullsize builds. I would say I have 40 to 60 hours in the car and box. I also have a framed rendering of the car from Brent Gill that goes with it at auction.

All of the HRIA Builder's Challenge vehicles will be on display in HRIA's council booth at the 2011 SEMA Show. More details on the auction will be available in upcoming issues of SEMA eNews. For more information, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

JEGS Makes Contribution to Quarter Mile Foundation
The Quarter Mile Foundation announced that aftermarket performance parts retailer JEGS has made a generous contribution to the foundation in support of the ongoing PROJECT 1320 documentary. “JEGS has always been a company which is known for its generosity and support of worthy charitable causes,” stated Traci Hrudka, chairman of the Quarter Mile Foundation. “The JEGS organization, led by Jeg Coughlin, Sr., has grown to become one of the leading retail entities in the automotive performance aftermarket."

Operation Wheels and Warriors Car Show to raise funds for the Bob Hope USO
Farmers Insurance will present the Operation Wheels and Warriors Car Show to raise funds for the Bob Hope USO at LAX International Airport on Saturday, October 15, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the company’s University of Farmers, located at 30801 Agoura Rd. in Agoura Hills, California. The event celebrates the history and mission of the USO through a unique and personal exploration of various military and civilian vehicles through the decades. The event is free to the public with donations to the USO appreciated. To enter a vehicle in the car show, register online at www.facebook.com/OperationWheelsWarriors.  Registration fees will include a commemorative T-shirt, lunch and a special dash plaque. Registration fees will be waived for any active duty personnel wishing to enter a vehicle. Details about additional sponsorship opportunities may be obtained by contacting Mike Teilmann at 818/515-3328 or at bobhopeusolax@aol.com.

Four Federated Members "Get Dirty With Kenny"
Federated Auto Parts announced that the annual “Get Dirty With Kennys” day of racing took place at Schrader’s I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Missouri, September 12. Four Federated Car Care Center members were chosen as winners of the sweepstakes and were accompanied on the trip by their respective Federated member representative. The winners were: Mike Bergeron of Mike’s Car Care, Lafayette, Louisiana; Kevin Krecklow of Mastertech Automotive, Vancouver, Washington; Bill Diaz of Bill’s Motor Works, Titusville, Florida; and Jon Massa of Advanced Auto Center, Redford, Michigan. To have been eligible to win a chance to “Get Dirty with Kennys,” a shop must have been fully enrolled as a Federated Car Care Center member as of July 15, 2011. 

Check out www.49in7.com on Monday, October 3, at 10:30 a.m. (PDT), to hear Dave Schaub talk about his journey through all 49 continental United States in just seven days.

"King of the Road" Dave Schaub Makes Seven-Day, Cross-Country Trek
Hot Rodding’s “King of the Road” Dave Schaub will be interviewed live via a web broadcast Monday, October 3, at 10:30 a.m. (PST) to talk about his amazing journey through all 49 continental United States in just seven days. He finished driving his Brizio-built ’32 roadster through all 49 states in a record seven days, 14 hours and 21 minutes to raise funds for the kids of the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford University. It was the second trip through all 49 states for Schaub in the last two years. Schaub took off from Maine early Saturday morning, September 10, and after 8,680 miles, drove into Hyder, Alaska, Saturday afternoon, September 17. He went through 542 gallons of gas and averaged 63.7 mph. During the exclusive live webcast, he will discuss the journey, why he does it and what kind of a toll it takes on him and his hot rod. Watch the webcast live in high-definition on Monday, October 3, at www.49in7.com.

DuPont Sponsors SCRS Repairer Driven Education at the 2011 SEMA Show
DuPont Performance Coatings will sponsor and present an educational seminar as part of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Repairer Driven Education series of the 2011 SEMA Show. The series features content specifically focused on information that is relevant to collision repair professionals and appeals to the diverse array of marketplace perspectives within the collision repair industry. The DuPont-hosted seminar, “Lean 3.0 – A Practical Path to Using Lean to Improve Process Flow,” will be presented by John Sweigart, The Body @, and Steve Trapp, DuPont Performance Coatings. According to DuPont, the seminar offers a “deep dive” into improving the “flow” of vehicles, people, parts, supplies and information. The course is scheduled on Wednesday, November 2, from 12:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. (PST).  To register, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	If you're looking for a booth vehicle for the 2011 SEMA Show, consider making an announcement in SEMA eNews.

Seeking Vehicles

• American Force Wheels (Booth #46021), a manufacturer of forged aluminum, custom-built wheels for dually and single rear-wheel trucks, seeks a late-model (preferably ’11 or ’12) lifted Toyota Tundra for the 2011 SEMA Show. If you are interested in this opportunity, e-mail deyan@americanforcewheels.com with "SEMA Project Vehicle" in the subject line.
• Firestone Industrial Products (Booth #23013) is seeking a '11 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty or a ’11 Dodge 2500/3500 truck to feature in their 2011 SEMA Show booth. The company requests a truck at stock height and in a neutral color (black/silver/white). After receiving the truck, it will be wrapped with the company's graphics and have company product installed. The vehicle will be needed for approximately five weeks, but the time can be reduced if it is already located near Las Vegas. Send proposals to fesselp@fsip.com with “SEMA Vehicle” in the subject line of the e-mail.
• IKOTEC USA Inc. (www.ikotecusa.com) (Booth #10448) will demonstrate a vehicle lift at the 2011 SEMA Show. The company is seeking a compact car for the demonstration. The company notes that this is the sixth year for this product at the SEMA Show. Contact Conrad Egerter at 412/427-8031.
• Ksport USA (Booth #25175): Seeking vehicles already highly modified with nice wheels, paint work, widebody, etc. Open to any of the following vehicles: ’11 CTS-V; 2010+ Camaro SS; late-model BMW M3 or M5; ’11 Mustang GT; late-model Mercedes C63 AMG, E63 AMG. Depending on the vehicle, the company is willing to add a Big Brake Kit or Coilover suspension. Contact: info@ksportusa.com.
• Reflectionite, makers of the Cool Cap heat-blocking car cover, is seeking two vehicles (a four-door sedan and a pickup) to display outside with the company's Cool Caps on the vehicles. For details, contact: Burke Wood at burke@reflectionite.com. Information on the Cool Cap is available online at www.itsCOOLinHERE.com.
• Sharpline Converting Inc. (Booth #12312), a leading manufacturer of vehicle graphics and paint protection film products, is seeking a late model (’10–’12) Mustang, Camaro or Challenger for display in its booth located in the North Hall. The vehicle must have a stock front fascia and hood. The company will use the vehicle to display select graphics and the DuraShield paint protection film. The company will provide a complete paint protection film application on the vehicle at the conclusion of the Show. If interested in this opportunity, e-mail gregd@sharpline.com with "SEMA Booth Vehicle" in the subject line.
• United Pacific Industries (Booth #23475) is a manufacturer of '32 Ford body parts and accessories and is looking for a '32 Ford five-window coupe [only]. The company stated that the vehicle can be in any condition, and a stock or modified '32 five-window coupe will be considered.

	If you're looking for a booth vehicle for the 2011 SEMA Show, consider making an announcement in SEMA eNews.

Seeking Vehicles

• American Force Wheels (Booth #46021), a manufacturer of forged aluminum, custom-built wheels for dually and single rear-wheel trucks, seeks a late-model (preferably ’11 or ’12) lifted Toyota Tundra for the 2011 SEMA Show. If you are interested in this opportunity, e-mail deyan@americanforcewheels.com with "SEMA Project Vehicle" in the subject line.
• Firestone Industrial Products (Booth #23013) is seeking a '11 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty or a ’11 Dodge 2500/3500 truck to feature in their 2011 SEMA Show booth. The company requests a truck at stock height and in a neutral color (black/silver/white). After receiving the truck, it will be wrapped with the company's graphics and have company product installed. The vehicle will be needed for approximately five weeks, but the time can be reduced if it is already located near Las Vegas. Send proposals to fesselp@fsip.com with “SEMA Vehicle” in the subject line of the e-mail.
• IKOTEC USA Inc. (www.ikotecusa.com) (Booth #10448) will demonstrate a vehicle lift at the 2011 SEMA Show. The company is seeking a compact car for the demonstration. The company notes that this is the sixth year for this product at the SEMA Show. Contact Conrad Egerter at 412/427-8031.
• Ksport USA (Booth #25175): Seeking vehicles already highly modified with nice wheels, paint work, widebody, etc. Open to any of the following vehicles: ’11 CTS-V; 2010+ Camaro SS; late-model BMW M3 or M5; ’11 Mustang GT; late-model Mercedes C63 AMG, E63 AMG. Depending on the vehicle, the company is willing to add a Big Brake Kit or Coilover suspension. Contact: info@ksportusa.com.
• Reflectionite, makers of the Cool Cap heat-blocking car cover, is seeking two vehicles (a four-door sedan and a pickup) to display outside with the company's Cool Caps on the vehicles. For details, contact: Burke Wood at burke@reflectionite.com. Information on the Cool Cap is available online at www.itsCOOLinHERE.com.
• Sharpline Converting Inc. (Booth #12312), a leading manufacturer of vehicle graphics and paint protection film products, is seeking a late model (’10–’12) Mustang, Camaro or Challenger for display in its booth located in the North Hall. The vehicle must have a stock front fascia and hood. The company will use the vehicle to display select graphics and the DuraShield paint protection film. The company will provide a complete paint protection film application on the vehicle at the conclusion of the Show. If interested in this opportunity, e-mail gregd@sharpline.com with "SEMA Booth Vehicle" in the subject line.
• United Pacific Industries (Booth #23475) is a manufacturer of '32 Ford body parts and accessories and is looking for a '32 Ford five-window coupe [only]. The company stated that the vehicle can be in any condition, and a stock or modified '32 five-window coupe will be considered.