With the Chrysler 200 sedan just starting to roll out, Chrysler engineers have started working on the next variant—the 200 convertible. Spy shooter Brenda Priddy and her team snagged these photos of a soft-top 200 prototype out for a very brisk test run.

Priddy said that the engineers in this test car made a fast getaway once they spotted the cameras, which surprised the team considering they didn't think it was any secret that the 200 convertible was coming, especially with Chrysler announcing its forthcoming debut at the New York Auto Show in April 2011.

Sporting a traditional soft-top and two less doors, Priddy says the 200 convertible will feature a 2.4L 4-cylinder or the 3.6L, Pentastar V6. The latest word on transmissions is that six-speed dual clutch will join the lineup on the upper-end models.

Watch for the Chrysler 200 convertible to hit dealer lots in the summer of 2011.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

With the Chrysler 200 sedan just starting to roll out, Chrysler engineers have started working on the next variant—the 200 convertible. Spy shooter Brenda Priddy and her team snagged these photos of a soft-top 200 prototype out for a very brisk test run.

Priddy said that the engineers in this test car made a fast getaway once they spotted the cameras, which surprised the team considering they didn't think it was any secret that the 200 convertible was coming, especially with Chrysler announcing its forthcoming debut at the New York Auto Show in April 2011.

Sporting a traditional soft-top and two less doors, Priddy says the 200 convertible will feature a 2.4L 4-cylinder or the 3.6L, Pentastar V6. The latest word on transmissions is that six-speed dual clutch will join the lineup on the upper-end models.

Watch for the Chrysler 200 convertible to hit dealer lots in the summer of 2011.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

 

TEAM SUMMIT PRO STOCK DRIVERS VISIT TROOPS OVERSEAS: Just one week removed from the season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, former Pro Stock world champions Jason Line and Warren Johnson, along with Pro Stock driver Rickie Jones and legendary Bigfoot monster truck driver Dan Runte, have begun a three-day Thanksgiving Week visit of the KaiserSlautern Military Community in Frankfurt, Germany. The group will distribute 1,500 souvenir gift bags and sign autographs during the visit before heading back home on November 25, Thanksgiving Day. On the first day of the trip the group visited Ramstein Air Force Base, then moved on to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center on the second day of the visit and met with troops being treated there as well as doctors and medical personnel working there. “Having served in the Air Force, I know how much it means to have any contact from home, so we’re going to do our best to put smiles on the faces of as many people as possible,” said Line. “I want to thank Summit, the USO and the Army Special Forces Association Chapter 64 for putting this together and feel very honored to be chosen to make the trip.” A blog of their activities will be posted on NHRA.com throughout their visit. To see where their next stop will be and to meet the people and troops they’re working closely with, visit NHRA.com.

DIXON, McCLENATHAN, BROWN HELP BUILD A HOUSE WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Just days removed from earning his third NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel world championship, Al-Anabi Racing driver Larry Dixon, along with fellow Top Fuel drivers Antron Brown and Cory McClenathan and Firestone Indy Lights drivers Dan Clarke, Charlie Kimball and Martin Plowman, lent their construction skills to help Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis. During the event, the drivers worked on a home being constructed just north of downtown Indianapolis. The home will be dedicated to Sherry McClure and her family on December 8. McClure and her oldest daughter were there working on the house with the drivers as well. Dixon and McClenathan were charged with helping paint walls on the inside, while Matco Tools driver Brown worked his magic on the power tools outside the home, helping to cut and install siding on the home. Below are quotes from the three Top Fuel drivers on their experience: LARRY DIXON: “This was my first time ever volunteering for a Habitat home. I can’t wait to get involved in the next one. The IMA (Indiana Motorsports Association) asked if I would be interested in helping out, and I am thrilled they did. Great day, but I don’t think I will give up my day job.” ANTRON BROWN: “This was a great day. I am working on a new garage for myself, and it was great to meet Sherry and see how much this home is going to mean to her and her kids. We got so much done in just one day and that was because of the total team effort. The other drivers, Habitat staff, IMA and Indy Partnership all worked together to get a lot accomplished—total team effort!” CORY McCLENATHAN: “To get to meet Sherry and see how excited she is for this home to be built for her and her family made it special,” said McClenathan. “Cold, windy, and it even rained, so it wasn’t the nicest of days to work outside. That is why I stayed inside to paint and let Antron climb a ladder and work on the outside of the house.”

COMING ATTRACTIONS

KRAGEN O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, February 24–27, 2011: The 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and 60th anniversary season of NHRA kicks off at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona at the 51st running of this event. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800/844-NHRA or online at NHRATIX.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Public Relations Michael Padian at mpadian@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

THE END OF A LEGENDARY DUO: Fifteen-time NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car world champion John Force on the departure of longtime crew chief Austin Coil: “There are highs and lows in life. Winning my 15th Funny Car championship was a high and I received a letter from Austin Coil two days later that was a low in my life. It hurt me. I tried to call him, but he didn’t want to talk. I told him I would respect that. We had 26 great seasons together, and that is what I will remember.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

5: Only five different drivers in the Top Fuel category and also the Pro Stock Motorcycle category won an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing national event this season, compared to 10 different winners in Funny Car and nine in Pro Stock.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that zMAX Dragway was the only track in 2010 that Funny Car world champion John Force didn’t win both events at? Force won both the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals and Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals and the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, but only won the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Cruz Pedregon took home the Wally at the fall event at zMAX, the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals. For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.

 

TEAM SUMMIT PRO STOCK DRIVERS VISIT TROOPS OVERSEAS: Just one week removed from the season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, former Pro Stock world champions Jason Line and Warren Johnson, along with Pro Stock driver Rickie Jones and legendary Bigfoot monster truck driver Dan Runte, have begun a three-day Thanksgiving Week visit of the KaiserSlautern Military Community in Frankfurt, Germany. The group will distribute 1,500 souvenir gift bags and sign autographs during the visit before heading back home on November 25, Thanksgiving Day. On the first day of the trip the group visited Ramstein Air Force Base, then moved on to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center on the second day of the visit and met with troops being treated there as well as doctors and medical personnel working there. “Having served in the Air Force, I know how much it means to have any contact from home, so we’re going to do our best to put smiles on the faces of as many people as possible,” said Line. “I want to thank Summit, the USO and the Army Special Forces Association Chapter 64 for putting this together and feel very honored to be chosen to make the trip.” A blog of their activities will be posted on NHRA.com throughout their visit. To see where their next stop will be and to meet the people and troops they’re working closely with, visit NHRA.com.

DIXON, McCLENATHAN, BROWN HELP BUILD A HOUSE WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Just days removed from earning his third NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel world championship, Al-Anabi Racing driver Larry Dixon, along with fellow Top Fuel drivers Antron Brown and Cory McClenathan and Firestone Indy Lights drivers Dan Clarke, Charlie Kimball and Martin Plowman, lent their construction skills to help Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis. During the event, the drivers worked on a home being constructed just north of downtown Indianapolis. The home will be dedicated to Sherry McClure and her family on December 8. McClure and her oldest daughter were there working on the house with the drivers as well. Dixon and McClenathan were charged with helping paint walls on the inside, while Matco Tools driver Brown worked his magic on the power tools outside the home, helping to cut and install siding on the home. Below are quotes from the three Top Fuel drivers on their experience: LARRY DIXON: “This was my first time ever volunteering for a Habitat home. I can’t wait to get involved in the next one. The IMA (Indiana Motorsports Association) asked if I would be interested in helping out, and I am thrilled they did. Great day, but I don’t think I will give up my day job.” ANTRON BROWN: “This was a great day. I am working on a new garage for myself, and it was great to meet Sherry and see how much this home is going to mean to her and her kids. We got so much done in just one day and that was because of the total team effort. The other drivers, Habitat staff, IMA and Indy Partnership all worked together to get a lot accomplished—total team effort!” CORY McCLENATHAN: “To get to meet Sherry and see how excited she is for this home to be built for her and her family made it special,” said McClenathan. “Cold, windy, and it even rained, so it wasn’t the nicest of days to work outside. That is why I stayed inside to paint and let Antron climb a ladder and work on the outside of the house.”

COMING ATTRACTIONS

KRAGEN O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, February 24–27, 2011: The 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and 60th anniversary season of NHRA kicks off at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona at the 51st running of this event. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800/844-NHRA or online at NHRATIX.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Public Relations Michael Padian at mpadian@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

THE END OF A LEGENDARY DUO: Fifteen-time NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car world champion John Force on the departure of longtime crew chief Austin Coil: “There are highs and lows in life. Winning my 15th Funny Car championship was a high and I received a letter from Austin Coil two days later that was a low in my life. It hurt me. I tried to call him, but he didn’t want to talk. I told him I would respect that. We had 26 great seasons together, and that is what I will remember.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

5: Only five different drivers in the Top Fuel category and also the Pro Stock Motorcycle category won an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing national event this season, compared to 10 different winners in Funny Car and nine in Pro Stock.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that zMAX Dragway was the only track in 2010 that Funny Car world champion John Force didn’t win both events at? Force won both the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals and Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals and the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, but only won the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Cruz Pedregon took home the Wally at the fall event at zMAX, the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals. For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.

AutoGuide Releases SEMA Show Videos 
AutoGuide announced its releases of several videos shot from the floor of the 2010 SEMA Show. The videos are featured on the company's YouTube channel:

• Mugen CR-Z/Hybrid-R Concept Unveiling
• Team Need for Speed '69 Ford Mustang RTR-X Unveiled
• Scion TC Tuner Challenge 2010
• The Matte Cars of the 2010 SEMA Show
• ABT Audi R8 GT-R

CarDomain Launches New Enthusiast Community Website
CarDomain launched a new site, www.autoholics.com. The new site, which CarDomain touts as a blog of sorts, features content contributed solely by members of the CarDomain community. The company says that the site is ideal to share car show pics, burnout videos, eBay listings and more.

Suzuki Boosts PR Team With New Hires
American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) Automotive Operations added two new employees to the Suzuki public relations team—Shamit Choksey and Aaron Zeuli. Choksey joins Suzuki as the product publicity manager for the communications and public relations department. Prior to joining ASMC, he worked as an automotive journalist and producer for “MotorWeek” and had an extensive career working behind the scenes in television as a writer, production/media coordinator and television development assistant. Zeuli joins the PR team as the public relations specialist from within the walls of American Suzuki, where he most recently served as a logistics coordinator and automotive marketing/auto show specialist.

Bradley David Productions Inc. Changes to MadStache
Bradley David Productions Inc. has changed its name to MadStache Inc., reflecting a change in ownership that took place earlier this year. The new name is a reference to the trademark mustache of Dennis Gage, host of the firm’s flagship television series, "My Classic Car." Dennis became a co-owner of the company soon after its founding in 1994; in January 2010 he became the sole owner. While primarily known for television production with a number of series and specials to its credit, MadStache is a full-service, multi-media company recognized for award-winning commercial production.

Green Truck Summit Set for March 2011
The Green Truck Summit, which is jointly produced by the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) and CALSTART, will take place March 7-8, 2011. It is held in conjunction with The Work Truck Show 2011 and 47th Annual NTEA Convention at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Work Truck Show runs March 8-10, 2011, with educational programming beginning on March 7. The Green Truck Summit provides practical, real-world information on green vehicle funding and partnership opportunities, implementation of green fleet programs, carbon footprint and idle reduction techniques, hybrid chassis integration, fuel utilization improvements and more. 

ASA Tire Systems Names Coast Tire & Auto Service Its 2010 Dealer of the Year
Coast Tire & Auto Service  received the 2010 Dealer of the Year award from ASA Tire Systems. The award recognizes a customer that has proven to be a strong partner by embracing technology and innovation and assisting ASA in driving the development of its software solutions forward. Coast Tire has exemplified these characteristics. ASA also lauded  Coast Tire’s creative use of customer data to grow sales through business booster activity, its  support of numerous charities and involvement with ASA’s customer advisory council for guiding product development.

 

FIFTH ELEMENT: Jimmie Johnson came from 15 points behind entering the season finale to claim his record fifth-straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship Sunday afternoon at Florida’s Homestead-Miami Speedway.

MEXICAN FLAVOR: Gustavo Vildosola Sr. and Jr. became the first Mexican national team to capture the overall title in the 43rd running of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race.

NEW HORSEPOWER: Lotus will join Chevrolet and Honda as engine suppliers in the IZOD IndyCar Series during the 2012 season.

WESTERN CASH: Donny Schatz bagged the $15,000-to-win Western World Championships sanctioned by the Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour Saturday night at USA Raceway in Tucson, Arizona.

SEALED: The Schwanke LS-based Chevrolet sealed engine has been approved as an option for the USAC Western and Rocky Mountain sprint-car divisions next year.

TECH DAY: Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host the 100th anniversary Indy 500 Emerging Tech Day May 7, a place for young minds to display innovative renewable technologies for the automotive industry.

BOUNCED: Nico Hulkenberg will not return to the Williams Formula One team next season. Rubens Barrichello has been retained by Williams and will compete in his 19th Formula One season.

OUT: Austin Coil has left his role as crew chief for 15-time NHRA Funny Car champion John Force at John Force Racing.

STAFF CUTS: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team Richard Petty Motorsports began its restructuring program Monday, releasing approximately 60% of its work force.

BACK TO THE OLD: Sundance Vacations Speedway in St. John’s, Pennsylvania., will revert to its former name (Mountain Speedway) after negotiations with Sundance Vacations for a third season under the Sundance banner fell through.

NEW BOSS: World Racing Group will lease Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport, N.Y., to veteran central New York promoter Eric Kingsley in 2011.

A FIRST: Chinese driver Ho-Pin Tung, who serves as a reserve and test driver for the Renault Formula One team, made history over the weekend by becoming the first Chinese driver to take the wheel of an IndyCar during a test with the FAZZT Race Team at Sebring International Raceway.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News for a special industry rate, visit www.nationalspeedsportnews.com.

FIFTH ELEMENT: Jimmie Johnson came from 15 points behind entering the season finale to claim his record fifth-straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship Sunday afternoon at Florida’s Homestead-Miami Speedway.

MEXICAN FLAVOR: Gustavo Vildosola Sr. and Jr. became the first Mexican national team to capture the overall title in the 43rd running of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race.

NEW HORSEPOWER: Lotus will join Chevrolet and Honda as engine suppliers in the IZOD IndyCar Series during the 2012 season.

WESTERN CASH: Donny Schatz bagged the $15,000-to-win Western World Championships sanctioned by the Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour Saturday night at USA Raceway in Tucson, Arizona.

SEALED: The Schwanke LS-based Chevrolet sealed engine has been approved as an option for the USAC Western and Rocky Mountain sprint-car divisions next year.

TECH DAY: Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host the 100th anniversary Indy 500 Emerging Tech Day May 7, a place for young minds to display innovative renewable technologies for the automotive industry.

BOUNCED: Nico Hulkenberg will not return to the Williams Formula One team next season. Rubens Barrichello has been retained by Williams and will compete in his 19th Formula One season.

OUT: Austin Coil has left his role as crew chief for 15-time NHRA Funny Car champion John Force at John Force Racing.

STAFF CUTS: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team Richard Petty Motorsports began its restructuring program Monday, releasing approximately 60% of its work force.

BACK TO THE OLD: Sundance Vacations Speedway in St. John’s, Pennsylvania., will revert to its former name (Mountain Speedway) after negotiations with Sundance Vacations for a third season under the Sundance banner fell through.

NEW BOSS: World Racing Group will lease Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport, N.Y., to veteran central New York promoter Eric Kingsley in 2011.

A FIRST: Chinese driver Ho-Pin Tung, who serves as a reserve and test driver for the Renault Formula One team, made history over the weekend by becoming the first Chinese driver to take the wheel of an IndyCar during a test with the FAZZT Race Team at Sebring International Raceway.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News for a special industry rate, visit www.nationalspeedsportnews.com.

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Highlighted this week are some of the latest sales positions available for various levels.

Regional Sales Manager: A company is seeking a regional sales manager based in Mexico who has five years sales experience in the automotive aftermarket. The candidate will work in a home-based office and act as a consultant to all customers, determining customers needs and providing solutions.  

Regional Sales Manager: There is an opportunity for a regional sales manager for a position based west of the Mississippi. Candidates must be based in Mississippi and have five years of outside sales experience in the automotive aftermarket.

Sales Manager: American Eagle Wheel for a sales manager for its Kansas distribution center located in Kansas City. Individuals must have exceptional customer service skills, proven sales performance in the aftermarket wheel industry and strong sales, presentation and communication skills.
 

 

	Chuck Udell, senior partner with the Essential Action Design Group, will present the session, “Sales Strategy: Creating Your Competitive Advantage,” on Thursday, December 9.

It’s a tough marketplace, and every sale counts. How do you gain a competitive advantage? One important component is your sales strategy. SEMA will conduct an informative webinar session that will explore the anatomy of a sale and specific actions you can take to improve and measure your sales process. Whether your company has a defined sales strategy or you want to develop an improved process, this session is for you.

Chuck Udell, senior partner with the Essential Action Design Group, will present the session, “Sales Strategy: Creating Your Competitive Advantage,” on Thursday, December 9. An industry veteran, Udell is the former president of University of the Aftermarket (of Northwood University), and was responsible for working with a team of key industry leaders to develop Leadership 2010, the University of the Aftermarket’s Executive Development Program. His webinar presentation will include:

• How to differentiate your company, your products and your services.
• How to determine opportunities to add value to your customer’s business—the internal and external obstacles to this process and how to steer around them.
• Implementing your competitive position to produce results and customer loyalty.
• How to ensure financial return of expectations using best practices and case-based approaches to avoid the “no-profit zone.”
• Discuss the “clarity of measurement.”

An effective sales strategy is a powerful change tool that creates a competitive advantage and delivers improved business results. Join Udell on Thursday, December 9, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PST), as he conducts this informative session.

This webinar is powered by the SEMA Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC). Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Follow this link for more information on this webinar and to register.

For more information on the SEMA Webinar Program and to view a list of all upcoming SEMA webinars, go to www.sema.org/webinars.

	Chuck Udell, senior partner with the Essential Action Design Group, will present the session, “Sales Strategy: Creating Your Competitive Advantage,” on Thursday, December 9.

It’s a tough marketplace, and every sale counts. How do you gain a competitive advantage? One important component is your sales strategy. SEMA will conduct an informative webinar session that will explore the anatomy of a sale and specific actions you can take to improve and measure your sales process. Whether your company has a defined sales strategy or you want to develop an improved process, this session is for you.

Chuck Udell, senior partner with the Essential Action Design Group, will present the session, “Sales Strategy: Creating Your Competitive Advantage,” on Thursday, December 9. An industry veteran, Udell is the former president of University of the Aftermarket (of Northwood University), and was responsible for working with a team of key industry leaders to develop Leadership 2010, the University of the Aftermarket’s Executive Development Program. His webinar presentation will include:

• How to differentiate your company, your products and your services.
• How to determine opportunities to add value to your customer’s business—the internal and external obstacles to this process and how to steer around them.
• Implementing your competitive position to produce results and customer loyalty.
• How to ensure financial return of expectations using best practices and case-based approaches to avoid the “no-profit zone.”
• Discuss the “clarity of measurement.”

An effective sales strategy is a powerful change tool that creates a competitive advantage and delivers improved business results. Join Udell on Thursday, December 9, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PST), as he conducts this informative session.

This webinar is powered by the SEMA Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC). Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Follow this link for more information on this webinar and to register.

For more information on the SEMA Webinar Program and to view a list of all upcoming SEMA webinars, go to www.sema.org/webinars.