SEMA joined with a number of other organizations representing the off-road industry and enthusiasts to support legislation in Congress that would release 42 million acres of land from a wilderness designation. The lands have been set aside as “wilderness study areas” (WSAs) or “inventoried roadless areas.” WSAs are lands that have been identified as having wilderness potential. However, following extensive reviews, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service have identified the 42 million acres included in the legislation as not suitable as wilderness. Mechanized equipment is forbidden on lands designated as wilderness and the federal agencies usually manage WSAs in a restrictive manner pending a final decision on whether to release the land. The legislation directs the agencies to manage the 42 million acres for multiple uses, including motorized recreation.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved by a 10-0 vote legislation to help shut down rogue websites that sell counterfeit goods. Entitled the “Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act” (PROTECT IP), the SEMA-supported bill would authorize the Justice Department to obtain court orders requiring search engines in the United States to stop displaying links to domain names. The legislation would address the growing problem of online sales of counterfeit and pirated goods, whether specialty auto parts, pharmaceuticals or movies. These products cost thousands of American jobs, expose consumers to health and safety threats and tarnish business reputations. 

Companies can already pursue trademark infringement actions against people trafficking in counterfeit goods. However, the PROTECT IP Act would allow companies to ask the federal government to help combat infringement by blocking access to the website, search engine references and consumer payments. The legislation is especially important in combating foreign-operated sites or domain names that are not registered through a United States-based registry. The PROTECT IP Act would nevertheless provide the domain operator full due process protections, including the right to argue its case in court and prove that its site is not engaged in IP theft. 

SEMA is working with the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP), U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a number of other groups to support passage of the bill. For more information, visit www.fightonlinetheft.com or contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved by a 10-0 vote legislation to help shut down rogue websites that sell counterfeit goods. Entitled the “Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act” (PROTECT IP), the SEMA-supported bill would authorize the Justice Department to obtain court orders requiring search engines in the United States to stop displaying links to domain names. The legislation would address the growing problem of online sales of counterfeit and pirated goods, whether specialty auto parts, pharmaceuticals or movies. These products cost thousands of American jobs, expose consumers to health and safety threats and tarnish business reputations. 

Companies can already pursue trademark infringement actions against people trafficking in counterfeit goods. However, the PROTECT IP Act would allow companies to ask the federal government to help combat infringement by blocking access to the website, search engine references and consumer payments. The legislation is especially important in combating foreign-operated sites or domain names that are not registered through a United States-based registry. The PROTECT IP Act would nevertheless provide the domain operator full due process protections, including the right to argue its case in court and prove that its site is not engaged in IP theft. 

SEMA is working with the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP), U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a number of other groups to support passage of the bill. For more information, visit www.fightonlinetheft.com or contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

	The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in the SEMA block offers a nightly rate of only $159 for this all-suite hotel.

Booking your hotel rooms through Travel Planners, the official SEMA Show Housing Bureau, will ensure you the best rates possible, and booking early is more important than ever with many hotels offering special “early-bird” rates to SEMA exhibitors and attendees, many of which expire in August. More people are taking advantage of these great rates through SEMA's hotel program—up 300% over last year at this same time.

SEMA has locked in incredible rates yet again and has been able to waive the resort fees, which more and more properties in Las Vegas are adopting—some as much as $20 per night. Book through the official housing block and you won’t have to pay them (with the exception of the Signature at MGM Grand, which has always had a resort fee with its additional services that are not provided to other MGM Grand guests). SEMA also will provide free shuttle service from each of its host hotels.

And who says there is nothing new to see in Las Vegas this year? Newly opened this past December and quickly becoming one of the hottest and most exciting properties on the Strip, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is truly changing the way people are experiencing Las Vegas. SEMA is pleased to have The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in the block at an unbelievable nightly rate of only $159 for this all-suite hotel. Book fast, though, as space is limited and these rooms will go fast. There is no need to wait for cheaper rates. If you book through Travel Planners and the rates go down, you'll get the new, cheaper rate.

Please note: Travel Planners is the only official housing company associated with the 2011 SEMA Show. While other hotel resellers may contact you offering housing for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with the Show and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences.

If you have any questions regarding housing for the upcoming 2011 SEMA Show, please don’t hesitate to contact the Travel Planners at 800/221-3531 or 212/532-1660. For more information on travel and lodging for the 2011 SEMA Show, click here.

	The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in the SEMA block offers a nightly rate of only $159 for this all-suite hotel.

Booking your hotel rooms through Travel Planners, the official SEMA Show Housing Bureau, will ensure you the best rates possible, and booking early is more important than ever with many hotels offering special “early-bird” rates to SEMA exhibitors and attendees, many of which expire in August. More people are taking advantage of these great rates through SEMA's hotel program—up 300% over last year at this same time.

SEMA has locked in incredible rates yet again and has been able to waive the resort fees, which more and more properties in Las Vegas are adopting—some as much as $20 per night. Book through the official housing block and you won’t have to pay them (with the exception of the Signature at MGM Grand, which has always had a resort fee with its additional services that are not provided to other MGM Grand guests). SEMA also will provide free shuttle service from each of its host hotels.

And who says there is nothing new to see in Las Vegas this year? Newly opened this past December and quickly becoming one of the hottest and most exciting properties on the Strip, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is truly changing the way people are experiencing Las Vegas. SEMA is pleased to have The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in the block at an unbelievable nightly rate of only $159 for this all-suite hotel. Book fast, though, as space is limited and these rooms will go fast. There is no need to wait for cheaper rates. If you book through Travel Planners and the rates go down, you'll get the new, cheaper rate.

Please note: Travel Planners is the only official housing company associated with the 2011 SEMA Show. While other hotel resellers may contact you offering housing for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with the Show and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences.

If you have any questions regarding housing for the upcoming 2011 SEMA Show, please don’t hesitate to contact the Travel Planners at 800/221-3531 or 212/532-1660. For more information on travel and lodging for the 2011 SEMA Show, click here.

The companies in the Business Services section are specialists who understand the specialty-equipment market and the needs of its individual business types.

Looking for ways to make your business better, faster and improve its overall efficiency? The Business Services category at the SEMA Show is experiencing significant growth, and more companies are committing to the Show earlier than ever. According to Show Management, the number of exhibitors in the section year-to-date, as of May 26, has increased 37% compared to the 2010 Show. Not only are companies showing early interest in the section, but also exhibitors are committing to larger displays, with the amount of exhibit share footage increasing 177% year-to-date.

There are several services that all automotive businesses need, and this section is one of the most unique within the SEMA Show because it attracts buyers as well as other exhibitors. Regardless of the market niche, companies can discover the resources available for inventory control, shipping, computer systems and business software, web design, as well as display and shop-management equipment, staffing alternatives and help with insurance and finances.

The companies in the Business Services section are specialists who understand the specialty-equipment market and the needs of its individual business types.

“Many exhibitors in this section have a proven history of helping our industry and offer unique programs catered to our audience,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Everyone at the Show is encouraged to stop by this section to see what’s new and how they might be able to be more efficient and save money.”

To buy a booth or to register as a buyer for 2011 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com. Have questions about how to exhibit or plan for the Show? Contact ConvExx Show Management at salesmgr@convExx.com or call 702/450-7662, ext. 120.

The companies in the Business Services section are specialists who understand the specialty-equipment market and the needs of its individual business types.

Looking for ways to make your business better, faster and improve its overall efficiency? The Business Services category at the SEMA Show is experiencing significant growth, and more companies are committing to the Show earlier than ever. According to Show Management, the number of exhibitors in the section year-to-date, as of May 26, has increased 37% compared to the 2010 Show. Not only are companies showing early interest in the section, but also exhibitors are committing to larger displays, with the amount of exhibit share footage increasing 177% year-to-date.

There are several services that all automotive businesses need, and this section is one of the most unique within the SEMA Show because it attracts buyers as well as other exhibitors. Regardless of the market niche, companies can discover the resources available for inventory control, shipping, computer systems and business software, web design, as well as display and shop-management equipment, staffing alternatives and help with insurance and finances.

The companies in the Business Services section are specialists who understand the specialty-equipment market and the needs of its individual business types.

“Many exhibitors in this section have a proven history of helping our industry and offer unique programs catered to our audience,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Everyone at the Show is encouraged to stop by this section to see what’s new and how they might be able to be more efficient and save money.”

To buy a booth or to register as a buyer for 2011 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com. Have questions about how to exhibit or plan for the Show? Contact ConvExx Show Management at salesmgr@convExx.com or call 702/450-7662, ext. 120.

The vehicle photo gallery on enjoythedrive.com includes more than 2,000 pictures of the vehicles on display at the 2010 SEMA Show. The database is searchable by vehicle make, model, year and more.

A selection of vehicles is included in SEMA eNews each week. This week's highlighted vehicles are all of the Ford Mustangs, past and present.

The vehicle photo gallery on enjoythedrive.com includes more than 2,000 pictures of the vehicles on display at the 2010 SEMA Show. The database is searchable by vehicle make, model, year and more.

A selection of vehicles is included in SEMA eNews each week. This week's highlighted vehicles are all of the Ford Mustangs, past and present.

 

NEWS NUGGETS

WORLD CHAMP DIXON HOPES ENGLISHTOWN RECORD WILL HELP SECURE FIRST WIN OF 2011, BROWN HOPES MID-SEASON SUCCESS WILL BRING FIRST WIN AT ‘HOMETOWN’ TRACK: It’s been a long first half of the regular season for defending Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon. After racing to 12 wins in 12 final-round appearances in 2010, en route to his third world championship, the driver of the Al-Anabi Racing dragster has yet to visit Winner’s Circle in 2011, losing two final-round appearances to teammate and current points leader Del Worsham. But for a driver educated in the rich history of NHRA Drag Racing, Dixon has one strong advantage heading into the 42nd annual NHRA SuperNationals at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. He is tied for the most wins in the Top Fuel category at Englishtown. Dixon and NHRA Legend Joe Amato are tied for the most wins at the famed track, with six a piece. Dixon will be competing for his first win of the season and a shot to take the points lead from his teammate Worsham with only nine races left before the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

“I don’t know why I have the record I do at Englishtown, but I definitely like racing there,” said Dixon. “You’d have to think the cars and setups I’ve run over the years are conducive to running well there. It’s one of the tracks where my Dad raced so I always enjoy racing there, and I always get some good feelings when I go to a track that’s been on our circuit for a long time.”

Dixon’s strongest competitor this weekend may be the hard-charging Matco Tools dragster driven by New Jersey native Antron Brown. Brown has already collected wins at both Las Vegas and Atlanta this season and currently sits fifth in the point standings. After a second-round loss at the recently completed NHRA Summer Nationals in Topeka, Brown hopes to not only get back in the winning groove, but to secure his first Top Fuel victory at his hometown track—Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

“It’s definitely good times when I come here, back to New Jersey,” said Brown, who won this event twice in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category (2005, 2002). “This track has a lot of history for me, and New Jersey is where it all began. And racing at home, in front of family and friends, I want to do well. I’m able to lie back, relax and have fun.” Tickets are still available for the NHRA SuperNationals. To purchase, call 800/43-RACES or go online at Racewaypark.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, June 2–5: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its eighth stop of the season at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Bob Tasca (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/43-RACES or go online at Racewaypark.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS PRESENTED BY TRI-CITIES AREA FORD DEALERS, BRISTOL DRAGWAY, June 17–19: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Thunder Valley and its ninth stop on the circuit. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 423/989-6900 or go online at bristoldragway.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, June 23–26: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Norwalk, Ohio, and its 10th stop on the circuit. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 419/668-5555 or go online at summitmotorsportspark.tix.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN: Pro Stock driver Shane Gray on what it took to grab his second career win at the recently completed NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka: “We’ve struggled pretty much since the year started—had car issues, engine issues. We just went back to the shop, regrouped, dissected the motor, dissected people, made probably 100 test runs, came here and the car ran really well.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1986, “BIG DADDY’S” BIG BLOWOVER IN ENGLISHTOWN: On July 12, 1986 at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, while trying to back up his 5.343-second run from the previous day to set a national record, “Big Daddy” Don Garlits launched into a spectacular power wheelstand in his Swamp Rat XXX dragster, that would forever be known in NHRA history as the famous Garlits Blowover. The dragster went vertical and flipped around in the air. Once it landed it was pointed back toward the startling line. Garlits was able to stop the car, climb out onto the track and hold up both arms, signaling to the fans that he was okay. Upon doing so the fans went crazy.

Here is how Garlits described it in his own words: “The car went up on the rear wheels, flipped over onto the wing stand, knocked the wing off, skidded down the track on the wing stand, turned around, did a 180, came down on its side going backwards, bounced up, hit on its wheels, and, because of the impact, I floorboarded the engine while bracing myself. The car shot forward back towards the starting line and I shut it off: Spectacular!”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

6: With his recent win in Super Comp at the JEGS NHRA Pacific SPORTSnationals, four-time Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin became the first driver in NHRA history to win an event in six different categories. (Pro Stock, Competition Eliminator, Super Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Top Dragster).

DID YOU KNOW…

 

…that Top Fuel points leader Del Worsham participated in a pre-race burnout in his Al-Anabi dragster at the Coca-Cola 600 Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Worsham did an extended burnout down pit road in his Al-Anabi dragster as part of the pre-race ceremonies for the event. “I looked down pit road, and I saw all of the cup teams watching,” said Worsham. “It was exciting, it was exhilarating and it was crazy.”

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.