The Torchmate SuperLite Championship Truck driven by Dawson Kirchner took first place at the sixth round of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Round at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California.

Mopar has announced details of its new Ram Runner kit for off-road enthusiasts.

Torchmate Racing SuperLite Driver Dawson Kirchner Puts Truck in First Place
The Torchmate SuperLite Championship Truck driven by Dawson Kirchner went all the way to first place Sunday, May 22, at the sixth round of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California. Kirchner started out the weekend with the fastest lap time in practice on Friday. Saturday was no different when the Torchmate truck took the fastest qualifying time. On Sunday, the SuperLite Torchmate Truck hit the track with authority at practice where Dawson Kirchner again led the pack with the fastest lap time. This time, his qualifying position would pay off, putting him on the pole position of Sunday's SuperLite Main event. After the awards ceremony on Sunday, Kirchner handed over his first place trophy to Jeff “OX” Kargola’s younger brother Tanner Huffer. SuperLite Championship displayed the Kargola truck in his memory at the Glen Helen race. The Torchmate SuperLite Truck will be at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, June 25–26 for rounds 7 and 8 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.

Mopar Announces Details of Ram Runner Kit for Off-Road Enthusiasts
Ram Truck owners may now transform their truck into a Mopar-powered desert racer. Just a little more than one year after Mopar debuted its Ram Runner image vehicle at the 2010 Moab Jeep Safari, the brand has announced details of its new Ram Runner kit for off-road enthusiasts. The Mopar Ram Runner Kit, developed with Baja off-road racer Kent Kroeker, includes the following: a Pre-Runner Stage II Lift Kit, an off-road front bumper, off-road front and rear fenders, an off-road rear-tire carrier, a sport performance hood and a cat-back exhaust. Each element of the kit may also be purchased separately. The street-legal kit may be installed by do-it-yourselfers or in a Ram dealership. The Mopar Ram Runner Kit's heavy-duty suspension system can handle practically any abuse the off-road dishes out. Front lower control arms are constructed of 4130 chrome moly steel in order to withstand off-road punishment. Upper control arms include rebuildable high-angle ball joints. At the rear, a five-link coil spring rear suspension is utilized and helps provide a 30-degree departure angle. The Pre-Runner Stage II kit offers a boost in suspension travel—14 in. both front and rear. Ground clearance is approximately 13 in. at the center of the front cross-member and 16 in. at the rocker panels. The front bumper is constructed of steel with an integrated aluminum skid plate. Front and rear fiberglass fenders are lightweight, tough and durable with wider wheel wells. The stamped aluminum, dual-scooped sport performance hood adds even more to the forceful appearance of the Ram Runner kit.

DEI Introduces Special Contingency Program for the 2011 19th Annual DSM/EVO Shootout
Design Engineering Inc. (DEI), in cooperation with event sponsor Buschur Racing, will introduce a special contingency program for this year’s DSM/EVO Shootout, to be held at Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio, the weekend of August 20–21. The program will provide qualifying racers with a payout that will exceed $2,000 in DEI product certificates, redeemable for DEI-branded performance products, either direct from DEI or Buschur Racing. The contingency program will reward qualifying racers with product certificates valued at $100, $50 and $25 respectively for a first-, second- and third-place finish, which can be used to purchase DEI performance products. Also, in coordination with the newly announced contingency program and in cooperation with Buschur Racing, DEI will offer a 25% price discount on select DEI performance products with the use of a discount code that will be provided specifically for this event. The special pricing will be effective June 1, 2011, and conclude at the closing of the two-day event on August 21. DEI’s new contingency program is available to racers participating in any class of the autocross or drag-racing events. 

The Torchmate SuperLite Championship Truck driven by Dawson Kirchner took first place at the sixth round of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Round at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California.

Mopar has announced details of its new Ram Runner kit for off-road enthusiasts.

Torchmate Racing SuperLite Driver Dawson Kirchner Puts Truck in First Place
The Torchmate SuperLite Championship Truck driven by Dawson Kirchner went all the way to first place Sunday, May 22, at the sixth round of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California. Kirchner started out the weekend with the fastest lap time in practice on Friday. Saturday was no different when the Torchmate truck took the fastest qualifying time. On Sunday, the SuperLite Torchmate Truck hit the track with authority at practice where Dawson Kirchner again led the pack with the fastest lap time. This time, his qualifying position would pay off, putting him on the pole position of Sunday's SuperLite Main event. After the awards ceremony on Sunday, Kirchner handed over his first place trophy to Jeff “OX” Kargola’s younger brother Tanner Huffer. SuperLite Championship displayed the Kargola truck in his memory at the Glen Helen race. The Torchmate SuperLite Truck will be at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, June 25–26 for rounds 7 and 8 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.

Mopar Announces Details of Ram Runner Kit for Off-Road Enthusiasts
Ram Truck owners may now transform their truck into a Mopar-powered desert racer. Just a little more than one year after Mopar debuted its Ram Runner image vehicle at the 2010 Moab Jeep Safari, the brand has announced details of its new Ram Runner kit for off-road enthusiasts. The Mopar Ram Runner Kit, developed with Baja off-road racer Kent Kroeker, includes the following: a Pre-Runner Stage II Lift Kit, an off-road front bumper, off-road front and rear fenders, an off-road rear-tire carrier, a sport performance hood and a cat-back exhaust. Each element of the kit may also be purchased separately. The street-legal kit may be installed by do-it-yourselfers or in a Ram dealership. The Mopar Ram Runner Kit's heavy-duty suspension system can handle practically any abuse the off-road dishes out. Front lower control arms are constructed of 4130 chrome moly steel in order to withstand off-road punishment. Upper control arms include rebuildable high-angle ball joints. At the rear, a five-link coil spring rear suspension is utilized and helps provide a 30-degree departure angle. The Pre-Runner Stage II kit offers a boost in suspension travel—14 in. both front and rear. Ground clearance is approximately 13 in. at the center of the front cross-member and 16 in. at the rocker panels. The front bumper is constructed of steel with an integrated aluminum skid plate. Front and rear fiberglass fenders are lightweight, tough and durable with wider wheel wells. The stamped aluminum, dual-scooped sport performance hood adds even more to the forceful appearance of the Ram Runner kit.

DEI Introduces Special Contingency Program for the 2011 19th Annual DSM/EVO Shootout
Design Engineering Inc. (DEI), in cooperation with event sponsor Buschur Racing, will introduce a special contingency program for this year’s DSM/EVO Shootout, to be held at Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio, the weekend of August 20–21. The program will provide qualifying racers with a payout that will exceed $2,000 in DEI product certificates, redeemable for DEI-branded performance products, either direct from DEI or Buschur Racing. The contingency program will reward qualifying racers with product certificates valued at $100, $50 and $25 respectively for a first-, second- and third-place finish, which can be used to purchase DEI performance products. Also, in coordination with the newly announced contingency program and in cooperation with Buschur Racing, DEI will offer a 25% price discount on select DEI performance products with the use of a discount code that will be provided specifically for this event. The special pricing will be effective June 1, 2011, and conclude at the closing of the two-day event on August 21. DEI’s new contingency program is available to racers participating in any class of the autocross or drag-racing events. 

Yokohama Tire Corp. Names Yasushi Tanaka President and CEO
Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) announced that Yasushi Tanaka will be the company’s new president and CEO, effective June 29. Tanaka succeeds Takao Oishi, who has been at the helm of YTC since April 2008. Tanaka was with The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. (YRC) in Tokyo, Japan, where he was the corporate officer in charge of the corporate planning department, secretariat, GD100 promotion department. Tanaka, who joined YRC in 1982, will now be based at YTC’s corporate headquarters in Fullerton, California. His promotion also includes being named president of Yokohama Corporation of America and president of Yokohama Corporation of North America. Tanaka remains a YRC corporate officer.

AutoTrader Classics Publications Switch to Online Only
AutoTrader announced that July will be the last month of AutoTrader Classics print publications, including Mustang & Ford, Classic Cars & Parts, Corvette & Chevy, Kustoms & Hot Rods and Classic Cars & Parts – Price Guide. AutoTrader Classics will become an online-only brand with classic car content, photos, features and classified listings at www.AutoTraderClassics.com.

AMP Research Named Title Sponsor of Motorz TV
Duke Networks LLC, producers of the automotive show Motorz TV, announced that AMP Research is the title sponsor of the upcoming fifth season of Motorz TV. Hosted by Chris Duke, the show airs on the Pursuit Channel Wednesday nights at 10:00 p.m. (PDT) to 40 million homes nationwide, according to Duke Networks.

Hemmings Motor News to Release Illustrated Collector-Car Encyclopedia
Hemmings Motor News is publishing the Illustrated Collector-Car Encyclopedia. Referred to by Hemmings as a one-of-a-kind reference source for everything collector car, the encyclopedia aims to provide a visual guide to the history of the automobile, starting with its earliest years. Hemmings announced that the encyclopedia will include 30 categories (engines, wheels, racing, hot rodding, etc.) and is set to be published at the end of October. For additional information, including advertising and sponsorship details, contact Jeff Yager at jyager@hemmings.com.

WyoTech Students to Build Custom Bike With Founder of Orange County Choppers
Through a partnership with Orange County Choppers and its founder Paul Teutul Sr., Wyotech students will help construct an OCC custom-built, WyoTech-branded motorcycle under the guidance of Teutul. In addition, WyoTech, “The Official Technical School of OCC” has also arranged for students to intern at the world-renowned bike building facility in Upstate New York. Students will be selected from all WyoTech campuses, including Daytona and Fremont where motorcycle mechanic training is offered. The bike will be revealed in an episode of "American Chopper," airing this fall on the Discovery Channel.

American Rods and Rides, LoJack Provide Discount for Specialty-Vehicle Owners
American Rods and Rides and LoJack Corporation have partnered to provide fans of American Rods and Rides a significant discount on a LoJack for Classics Stolen Vehicle Recovery System. “Our fans place high emotional and financial value on their cars, so we’re thrilled to be able to offer them a savings on the peace-of-mind that comes with having a LoJack for Classics tracking device in their specialty vehicles,” said Don Freedman, owner and president of AmericanRodsandRides.com. The LoJack for Classics system is specially designed to meet the unique requirements of specialty-vehicle owners. AmericanRodsandRides.com fans pay a one-time fee of only $295 for the LoJack for Classics system, a savings of $400. To take advantage of the special offer, call 800/4-LOJACK (800/456-5225) or visit www.lojackforclassics.com and use the promo code CCA1AR295.

AST Suspension Acquires Moton Suspension Technology B.V. Assets
AST Suspension acquired all Moton Suspension Technology B.V. assets. AST Suspension and Moton Suspension Technology will continue to be produced as two separate brands using two different design philosophies. AST will keep Moton headquarters in Uden, Netherlands. North American service and sales will move from Cumming, Georgia, to AST USA’s headquarters in Plano, Texas, over the next few weeks. Further information about the acquisition of Moton assets will be made available in the near future on the AST – USA website at www.ast-usa.com.

AutoWare Technologies' NextWheels Online Adds MGP Caliper Covers
AutoWare Technologies has added a new "Brake" feature as part of its NextWheels Online Program featuring MGP Caliper Covers. In addition to previewing how different custom wheels and tires will look on their cars, users can now preview MGP caliper covers in various colors. Details are available at www.calipercovers.com.

In a last-minute flurry of activity before the adjournment of the legislature, SEMA-model legislation (H.B. 890) to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was passed by the full Texas Senate. The bill has already been approved by the full Texas House of Representatives and will now be sent to Governor Rick Perry for his signature and enactment into law. H.B. 890 defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill also allows for the use of non-original materials and creates a titling and registration criterion that assigns these vehicles the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble. 

For more information, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

In a last-minute flurry of activity before the adjournment of the legislature, SEMA-model legislation (H.B. 890) to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was passed by the full Texas Senate. The bill has already been approved by the full Texas House of Representatives and will now be sent to Governor Rick Perry for his signature and enactment into law. H.B. 890 defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill also allows for the use of non-original materials and creates a titling and registration criterion that assigns these vehicles the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble. 

For more information, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

	The 5th annual Open House event on May 28 will include John Force Racing, Tony Pedregon Racing, Don Schumacher Racing, Morgan Lucas Racing and many more.

John Force Racing Brownsburg Shop Open This Saturday
On the eve of the centennial Indianapolis 500, more than half a dozen of the premier motorsports race shops in Brownsburg, Indiana, will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. The 5th annual Open House event on May 28 will include John Force Racing, Tony Pedregon Racing, Don Schumacher Racing, Morgan Lucas Racing and many more. At John Force Racing, fans can tour the 150,000-sq.-ft. shop and see a number of Ford Mustang Funny Cars, trailers and shop machines. Also, fans can see the Eric Medlen Tribute Room and the John Force Racing museum. The shop tour is free and 15-time Funny Car champion John Force, 2009 Funny Car champion and recent Summer Nationals winner Robert Hight, along with Full Throttle Funny Car points leader Mike Neff and rising star Courtney Force, will be in attendance signing autographs at 11:00 a.m.

Brian Deegan Will Auction Fiberglass at Lucas Oil Off-Road Series to Benefit Local Children’s Hospital
Metal Mulisha founder and 2010 Lucas Oil Rider of the Year Brian Deegan will auction signed fiberglass parts and other race-day memorabilia from his Lucas Oil Off Road Series races to benefit The Loma Linda Children’s Foundation. After both of Deegan’s Pro 2 Races at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, fans can head to the Metal Mulisha pits for the chance to bid. All proceeds will be given to The Loma Linda Children’s Hospital in Loma Linda, California.

Quarter Mile Foundation to Help Vintage Drag-Car Restorers
In mid-March, the Quarter Mile Foundation Board of Directors was approached by Jon Lundberg of Southwest Valuations LLC, himself a board member, with the concept of the Foundation being the vehicle that would help establish guideline criteria for the growing restoration of vintage/nostalgia drag-racing cars. Lundberg felt, as a drag-racing historian and an accredited senior appraiser by the American Society of Appraisers, the need to establish criteria that would define various types of vehicle restoration/recreation, which would help establish its value and validity. He had been a part of an online discussion with the members of the “Standard 1320” group regarding categorization of various types of restorations and recreations. He told the group he would develop a set of criteria, based upon points raised in that discussion. He then contacted several other individuals who had deep roots in the vintage/nostalgia drag-racing vehicle world, including Greg Sharp (curator of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum), Bill Pitts (restorer of the famed “Magicar” front engine Top Fuel dragster), Carl Olson (former NHRA vice president and restorer of sprint cars and drag-racing cars) and Steve Gibbs (former NHRA vice president of competition, Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum board member and co-founder of the California and National Hot Rod Reunion events). Gibbs and Sharp also co-created the “Cacklefest” concept. All shared concerns about the current state of the restoration/recreation market environment. Gibbs authored the designations while the group supplied project suggestions and proof-reading. Then, he and Olson proposed the Quarter Mile Foundation be utilized to distribute the Guideline White Paper to those who participate as restorers/recreators, event promoters and automotive vehicle appraisers. Gibbs and Olson are also board members of the Quarter Mile Foundation.

	The 5th annual Open House event on May 28 will include John Force Racing, Tony Pedregon Racing, Don Schumacher Racing, Morgan Lucas Racing and many more.

John Force Racing Brownsburg Shop Open This Saturday
On the eve of the centennial Indianapolis 500, more than half a dozen of the premier motorsports race shops in Brownsburg, Indiana, will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. The 5th annual Open House event on May 28 will include John Force Racing, Tony Pedregon Racing, Don Schumacher Racing, Morgan Lucas Racing and many more. At John Force Racing, fans can tour the 150,000-sq.-ft. shop and see a number of Ford Mustang Funny Cars, trailers and shop machines. Also, fans can see the Eric Medlen Tribute Room and the John Force Racing museum. The shop tour is free and 15-time Funny Car champion John Force, 2009 Funny Car champion and recent Summer Nationals winner Robert Hight, along with Full Throttle Funny Car points leader Mike Neff and rising star Courtney Force, will be in attendance signing autographs at 11:00 a.m.

Brian Deegan Will Auction Fiberglass at Lucas Oil Off-Road Series to Benefit Local Children’s Hospital
Metal Mulisha founder and 2010 Lucas Oil Rider of the Year Brian Deegan will auction signed fiberglass parts and other race-day memorabilia from his Lucas Oil Off Road Series races to benefit The Loma Linda Children’s Foundation. After both of Deegan’s Pro 2 Races at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, fans can head to the Metal Mulisha pits for the chance to bid. All proceeds will be given to The Loma Linda Children’s Hospital in Loma Linda, California.

Quarter Mile Foundation to Help Vintage Drag-Car Restorers
In mid-March, the Quarter Mile Foundation Board of Directors was approached by Jon Lundberg of Southwest Valuations LLC, himself a board member, with the concept of the Foundation being the vehicle that would help establish guideline criteria for the growing restoration of vintage/nostalgia drag-racing cars. Lundberg felt, as a drag-racing historian and an accredited senior appraiser by the American Society of Appraisers, the need to establish criteria that would define various types of vehicle restoration/recreation, which would help establish its value and validity. He had been a part of an online discussion with the members of the “Standard 1320” group regarding categorization of various types of restorations and recreations. He told the group he would develop a set of criteria, based upon points raised in that discussion. He then contacted several other individuals who had deep roots in the vintage/nostalgia drag-racing vehicle world, including Greg Sharp (curator of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum), Bill Pitts (restorer of the famed “Magicar” front engine Top Fuel dragster), Carl Olson (former NHRA vice president and restorer of sprint cars and drag-racing cars) and Steve Gibbs (former NHRA vice president of competition, Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum board member and co-founder of the California and National Hot Rod Reunion events). Gibbs and Sharp also co-created the “Cacklefest” concept. All shared concerns about the current state of the restoration/recreation market environment. Gibbs authored the designations while the group supplied project suggestions and proof-reading. Then, he and Olson proposed the Quarter Mile Foundation be utilized to distribute the Guideline White Paper to those who participate as restorers/recreators, event promoters and automotive vehicle appraisers. Gibbs and Olson are also board members of the Quarter Mile Foundation.

The first in a series of SEMA Town Hall meetings was held February 4 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The meetings provide not only networking opportunities, but also a chance for member companies to provide feedback about where they would like the association to concentrate its efforts.

SEMA understands the value of getting out and meeting face-to-face with our members. So, starting in 2011, staff and key industry leaders have been working hand-in-hand to bring a series of Town Hall meetings to you. Throughout the first five months of this year, SEMA has visited Scottsdale, Arizona, and Fort Worth, Texas, hosting successful small gatherings of members in those regions. As we continue our tour to Charlotte, North Carolina, on June 3, we look forward to meeting you.

SEMA will round up our local and prospective members for an evening at Joe Gibbs Racing headquarters. Don't miss the exclusive opportunity to network with local industry leaders, members and SEMA staff to share the challenges and opportunities facing your business.

Agenda for Charlotte, North Carolina, Town Hall:

• Tours of Joe Gibbs Racing facility
• Networking with SEMA leadership over a bite to eat and a drink
• State of the industry discussion
• Hear feedback from our members and SEMA executive staff

Remember, you only need to bring yourself, a few business cards and a willingness to share your feedback with SEMA and its volunteers. Please know that this will be a business-casual event; no suits and ties at this one! R.S.V.P. to this event by e-mailing your first and last name, company name, e-mail address, company category (e.g. service, media, etc.) and preferred tour time to Andrea “AJ” Carney, or call 909/978-6697 for further details.

	Members of the media are encouraged to secure credentials now for the 2011 SEMA Show by applying online at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Members of the media are encouraged to secure credentials now for the 2011 SEMA Show by applying online at www.SEMAShow.com/register. Registering in advance of the SEMA Show is the easiest way to ensure that you are qualified and that your credentials are ready for pickup upon arrival. Once you’re approved, all you’ll need to do is provide a photo ID when you arrive at the Show to obtain your credentials.

Not only does early registration ensure that you hit the Show floor qualified and prepared, but you'll receive important news and updates, helping you to stay informed about new features, attractions and how the Show is shaping up overall. SEMA will also consolidate exhibitor press releases and send them to you via an Online Media Center.

Media credentials are reserved for media representatives covering the SEMA Show. In addition to complimentary credentials, you will have exclusive access to the Media Center. With more than 100,000 individuals attending the SEMA Show each year, the Media Center is the ideal place for reporters to work and file stories.

For additional information, visit www.SEMAShow.com or call 909/978-6723.

	Members of the media are encouraged to secure credentials now for the 2011 SEMA Show by applying online at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Members of the media are encouraged to secure credentials now for the 2011 SEMA Show by applying online at www.SEMAShow.com/register. Registering in advance of the SEMA Show is the easiest way to ensure that you are qualified and that your credentials are ready for pickup upon arrival. Once you’re approved, all you’ll need to do is provide a photo ID when you arrive at the Show to obtain your credentials.

Not only does early registration ensure that you hit the Show floor qualified and prepared, but you'll receive important news and updates, helping you to stay informed about new features, attractions and how the Show is shaping up overall. SEMA will also consolidate exhibitor press releases and send them to you via an Online Media Center.

Media credentials are reserved for media representatives covering the SEMA Show. In addition to complimentary credentials, you will have exclusive access to the Media Center. With more than 100,000 individuals attending the SEMA Show each year, the Media Center is the ideal place for reporters to work and file stories.

For additional information, visit www.SEMAShow.com or call 909/978-6723.