SEMA News - October 2010

	Rose Kawasaki (left), Erin Gilhuly (middle) and Camee Edelbrock celebrated the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network victory in the inaugural Council Cup challenge.		Justin Hoffend, winner of the Modified class, dropped the gates on a Stock class run.

Title Defenders and Top Designers Compete in Pasadena

Returning champions were vanquished, former challengers made strong showings and the industry’s leading ladies brought home two inaugural trophies at the third-annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races.

The drags took place July 24 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, and featured hundreds of pinewood cars, most built by children at Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp and sponsored by SEMA-member companies.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, running a pinewood car developed by Mitch Williams and Pilot Automotive, took both the Council Cup and Grand National trophies. Justin Hoffend, meanwhile, representing SEMA Show logistics handlers Freeman, avenged his third-place Modified class finish from last year by topping the group this year.

 

The expansion joint at the track’s runout created some moments of airborne acrobatics.

Mike Spagnola (left), Joel Ayres (middle) and freshly shorn Chris Kersting watched their cars run in the Modified class. Ayres and Kersting finished second and third, respectively.

John Menzler of Comp Performance Group prepared a run of cars from the Builder’s Race group. This set of cars was designed by some of the industry’s top builders, including Rich Evans, Art Morrison and class winners Street Vizions.

eBay Motors, with the outside-lane car, interpreted "unlimited”very literally. The eBay crew won the class.

 

Winners of the 2010 Pinewood Drag Races
Build It for Me Class Travis White and Janette Hale, Paramount Restyling Hot Rod Industry Alliance Tricel Honeycomb Modified Justin Hoffend, Freeman Joel Ayres, SEMA Cares Committee Chris Kersting, SEMA Council Cup Challenge SEMA Businesswomen’s Network	People’s Choice Travis White, Janette Hale, Paramount Restyling Stock Melanie White, Hellwig Products Nicolas Hoffend, Freeman Chuck Schwartz, ConvExx Unlimited Famous Rhodes, eBay Motors Todd Ryden, MSD Ignition Eric Hoffend, Freeman Grand National Trophy SEMA Businesswomen’s Network

“The taste of victory is sweet,” said Joel Ayres, SEMA Cares committee chairman. “I upheld the honor of SEMA Cares by beating [SEMA President and CEO] Chris Kersting, [SEMA Chair-Elect] Paul “Scooter” Brothers, [SEMA Chairman] Rick Rollins, [Immediate Past Chairman] Jim Cozzie and [SEMA Show ‘N Shine Chairman] Mike Spagnola in Modified. I was, however, beaten by 11-year-old Justin Hoffend. So next year, Justin, I’m coming for you.”Ayres added that “seeing the excitement and smiles from the Childhelp Village kids as their cars raced and won made all the effort and work that the committee put in worth it.”

The races also featured the popular Builder’s Race, offering top designers in the industry a chance to race unique and innovative cars of their own invention. Derek White of Street Vizions won the HRIA-sponsored event.

“SEMA-member companies really stepped up to the challenge of sponsoring every kid-built car—a record 230 cars sponsored,” said race organizer Dave Williams of Rampage Products. “That kind of support shows that the SEMA membership cares deeply about these kids and their needs.”

SEMA News - October 2010

Foose and Gage Headline SEMA’s Annual Summer Car Show Featuring Classic Muscle and Custom Rods

Chip Foose returned as Grand Marshall of the Show ‘N Shine, sharing his knowledge and experience with showgoers and signing every autograph asked of him.

SEMA Hall of Famers Van Woodell, Harry Hibler, Louis Senter and Ron Funfar were among the honorees hanging out in the Hall of Fame VIP area.

Collectors, enthusiasts and gearheads of all stripes came out for the second annual SEMA Show ’N Shine car show, July 24, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Chip Foose, award-winning automotive designer and fabricator and former host of TLC’s “Overhaulin’” television show, returned as Grand Marshal, and Dennis Gage, host of the TV show “My Classic Car,” was on hand to sign autographs and discuss cars with attendees and vehicle owners. The event drew nearly 120 cars, ranging from pre-war Ford and Buick metal to lowriders, late-model musclecars and vintage Mercedes-Benzes. All proceeds from entry fees went to benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp childrens charities.

Show ’N Shine organizer Mike Spagnola of Street Scene Equipment was impressed and admittedly a little surprised by the growth and interest in the event. “It was completely sold out,” Spagnola said. “Car show spaces, vendor slots—totally full.” The 2010 event also drew a similarly eclectic collection as last year’s showing of local automotive classics and contemporaries.

“If you ever wanted to see who the retail ‘SEMA’ customer is, Show ’N Shine was the perfect example,” said Spagnola, who helmed last year’s inaugural show. “We had lifted and lowered, rods and musclecars, trucks, donks, imports, classic restored—everything. You can’t plan for that when you’re developing a car show, but it worked out perfectly.”

This ’29 Ford Model A Sport Coupe was powered by a Chevy small-block.

Dennis Gage was also on hand to sign and extend the classic car legacy and enthusiasm into future generations.

Bill Lohr’s ’06 Mustang was a favorite and won the Participant’s Choice award and a trip to the 2010 SEMA Show.

Under the hood of “Moonshined,” a heavily modified ’66 Pontiac GTO packed with a 428ci big-block.

 

Rich Evans’ ’64 Continental was the hands-down crowd favorite, winning the People’s Choice award and a trip to the 2010 SEMA Show.

Steve Lopez’s ’56 Ford F-100 won a Top 10 award from the judges.

The 2008 AREX puts down more than 600 hp from a blown V8—plenty enough to outrun the ’69 Plymouth Belvedere L.A.P.D. patrol car next to it.

Kelsey Clark’s wood pedal car replica featured 24-volt electric drive, working headlights and radio and 30 different exotic woods. It is, according to Clark, made from 80% recycled material.

Show 'N Shine Winners

People’s Choice: ’64 Lincoln Continental, Rich Evans Participant’s Choice: ’06 Ford Mustang, Bill Lohr Best Interior: ’56 Ford Pickup, Brian Glick Best Engine: ’61 Plymouth Two-Door, Charlie Tachdjian Best Paint: ’69 Pontiac, Art Peterson SEMA Cares Selection: ’41 Plymouth Coupe, Mike Harn Kid’s Pick: ’38 Buick Century, Pete Rius	Top 10 ’56 Ford Pickup, Steve Lopez ’60 Ford Starliner, Ron Tittle ’30 Ford Model A, Chuck Schuweker ’53 Studebaker Starlight Coupe, Leonard Knight ’36 Ford Roadster, Fred DeFalco ’57 Ford Thunderbird, Jerry Logan ’50 Chevy Pickup, Jim Meyer “Wood Car,” Kelsey Clark ’50 Oldsmobile 88, Marty Fisher ’70 Pontiac Firebird, Michael Keenan

 

SEMA News - October 2010

Foose and Gage Headline SEMA’s Annual Summer Car Show Featuring Classic Muscle and Custom Rods

Chip Foose returned as Grand Marshall of the Show ‘N Shine, sharing his knowledge and experience with showgoers and signing every autograph asked of him.

SEMA Hall of Famers Van Woodell, Harry Hibler, Louis Senter and Ron Funfar were among the honorees hanging out in the Hall of Fame VIP area.

Collectors, enthusiasts and gearheads of all stripes came out for the second annual SEMA Show ’N Shine car show, July 24, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Chip Foose, award-winning automotive designer and fabricator and former host of TLC’s “Overhaulin’” television show, returned as Grand Marshal, and Dennis Gage, host of the TV show “My Classic Car,” was on hand to sign autographs and discuss cars with attendees and vehicle owners. The event drew nearly 120 cars, ranging from pre-war Ford and Buick metal to lowriders, late-model musclecars and vintage Mercedes-Benzes. All proceeds from entry fees went to benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp childrens charities.

Show ’N Shine organizer Mike Spagnola of Street Scene Equipment was impressed and admittedly a little surprised by the growth and interest in the event. “It was completely sold out,” Spagnola said. “Car show spaces, vendor slots—totally full.” The 2010 event also drew a similarly eclectic collection as last year’s showing of local automotive classics and contemporaries.

“If you ever wanted to see who the retail ‘SEMA’ customer is, Show ’N Shine was the perfect example,” said Spagnola, who helmed last year’s inaugural show. “We had lifted and lowered, rods and musclecars, trucks, donks, imports, classic restored—everything. You can’t plan for that when you’re developing a car show, but it worked out perfectly.”

This ’29 Ford Model A Sport Coupe was powered by a Chevy small-block.

Dennis Gage was also on hand to sign and extend the classic car legacy and enthusiasm into future generations.

Bill Lohr’s ’06 Mustang was a favorite and won the Participant’s Choice award and a trip to the 2010 SEMA Show.

Under the hood of “Moonshined,” a heavily modified ’66 Pontiac GTO packed with a 428ci big-block.

 

Rich Evans’ ’64 Continental was the hands-down crowd favorite, winning the People’s Choice award and a trip to the 2010 SEMA Show.

Steve Lopez’s ’56 Ford F-100 won a Top 10 award from the judges.

The 2008 AREX puts down more than 600 hp from a blown V8—plenty enough to outrun the ’69 Plymouth Belvedere L.A.P.D. patrol car next to it.

Kelsey Clark’s wood pedal car replica featured 24-volt electric drive, working headlights and radio and 30 different exotic woods. It is, according to Clark, made from 80% recycled material.

Show 'N Shine Winners

People’s Choice: ’64 Lincoln Continental, Rich Evans Participant’s Choice: ’06 Ford Mustang, Bill Lohr Best Interior: ’56 Ford Pickup, Brian Glick Best Engine: ’61 Plymouth Two-Door, Charlie Tachdjian Best Paint: ’69 Pontiac, Art Peterson SEMA Cares Selection: ’41 Plymouth Coupe, Mike Harn Kid’s Pick: ’38 Buick Century, Pete Rius	Top 10 ’56 Ford Pickup, Steve Lopez ’60 Ford Starliner, Ron Tittle ’30 Ford Model A, Chuck Schuweker ’53 Studebaker Starlight Coupe, Leonard Knight ’36 Ford Roadster, Fred DeFalco ’57 Ford Thunderbird, Jerry Logan ’50 Chevy Pickup, Jim Meyer “Wood Car,” Kelsey Clark ’50 Oldsmobile 88, Marty Fisher ’70 Pontiac Firebird, Michael Keenan

 

SEMA News - October 2010

Emphasizing the Importance of Online Presence and Marketing

The 2010 Business Technology Symposium (BTS) was a part of SEMA’s Leadership Days and was sponsored by SEMA’s Street Performance Council.

As a part of SEMA’s Leadership Days, the 2010 Business Technology Symposium (BTS), sponsored by SEMA’s Street Performance Council (SPC) and held Friday, July 23, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, drew 113 specialty-equipment industry attendees, from business owners to IT professionals. A host of industry experts presented eight sessions, including panel discussions that provided attendees with the knowledge and skills needed to move their businesses forward in the Internet age.

“The 2010 SPC Business Technology Symposium has definitely been one of the highlights of the year for SEMA,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “Not only has this fourth annual event taken on a slightly new direction by expanding beyond online marketing and the Internet, but it also has found an audience that thrives on cutting-edge subject matter presented by our members.”

Check out these eight tips attendees took away from the symposium:

1. The opening general session, entitled “Mobile Devices: The Future of Mobile Marketing,” was presented by Nathan Sacco of eBay Motors. According to Sacco, 40% of Internet traffic will be mobile by 2013.

2. 	Michael Kelly of ClickMail Marketing spoke to attendees about “Getting People to Read Your E-mails.”	Tyler Tanaka of PostRelease led the session on “Reaching Your Customers on Forums and Blogs.”

   “Reaching Your Customers on Forums and Blogs” was presented by Tyler Tanaka, PostRelease; Mike Martinez, izmocars; Stewart Lawson, VerticalScope; and Adrian Harris, Internet Brands. In this session, attendees learned how to create and manage Internet forums and blogs to interact with customers so they can bring maximum exposure to their brands.
3. Matt Bailey of SiteLogic Online Marketing presented “Grab Market Share with Search-Engine Marketing and Pay-Per-Click,” where attendees learned about keyword research, five budget busters and six simple sales techniques.
4. After a networking lunch, Michael Kelly of ClickMail Marketing presented “Getting People to Read Your E-mails,” in which he provided tips to ensure that your e-mails were not only opened, but also compelled the recipient to act. The session explained the optimum techniques for small-business owners by focusing on case studies and best practices, software tools and templates for success.
5. “Market Research in the Digital Age” was presented by Tom Myroniak of SEMA, Famous Rhodes of eBay Motors, Michael Cooperman of J.D. Power & Associates, David Parcell of Harris Interactive and Dan Hall of AutoPacific. These industry experts provided tips on how to use market research to support your business goals and objectives.
6. “Converting Leads to Sales with CRM” was presented by Jeff Scott of C-Level Management, who offered tips on topics such as leads vs. opportunities; defining a simple yet effective sales process; knowing your customers; and high-impact sales and marketing tools.
7. Famous Rhodes of eBay Motors, Gigi Ho of Digital Performance, Rob Eberhart of DCi, Matt Gold of RPMware and Cameron Evans of Red Line Oil presented the “Good Data = More Sales” session. The panel highlighted the fact that 70% of online buyers are do-it-yourself customers, and 60% of shoppers use manufacturer sites to get information before buying.
8. The closing general session, entitled “Social Media for Your Business,” was presented by Tyler Tanaka of PostRelease, Mike Martinez of izmocars, Bryan Elliott of SoCal Action Sports Network and Mark Davidson of Shift+One Media. This session dealt with the big three in social media: Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Attendees found that 60% of consumers interacted with companies via social media, and 93% of consumers believed companies should have a presence in social media. Businesses should become involved to improve communications, generate leads and reduce costs.

In the “Grab Market Share With Search-Engine Marketing and Pay-Per-Click” session, presented by Matt Bailey of SiteLogic Online Marketing, attendees learned about keyword research, the five budget busters and six simple sales techniques.					In the “Social Media for Your Business” session, attendees found that 60% of consumers interacted with companies via social media, and 93% of consumers believed companies should have a presence in social media.

SEMA News - October 2010

Hottest Vehicles at the Show? How About the Exhibitors’ Choice?!

The SEMA Show is without a doubt one of the strongest indicators of emerging trends in the automotive industry. Each year, SEMA exhibitors must decide which vehicles will be their “canvass” of choice to highlight the innovative and exciting new products they’ve worked so hard to bring to market. Naturally, exhibitors will select the vehicles for their booths that they believe are the hottest and provide the best opportunity to attract buyers and media at the Show. So why not capture that selection—that “vote”—in an all-new SEMA industry award program? The idea makes great sense, and that’s why this year’s SEMA Show will feature a new award centerpiece: the “SEMA Award: Hottest Truck, Hottest Car and Hottest 4x4-SUV.”

How many exhibitors have chosen the Mustang as their canvass? How many chose the Camaro? On Monday night before the Show opening, all the vehicles on display in exhibitors’ booths will be counted, and we will deliver the exhibitors’ choice for each of three classes—truck, car and 4x4-SUV. On the opening Tuesday of the SEMA Show, we will host a prime-time media luncheon and announce the winners in each of the three classes.

To add value to this award, the SEMA staff will announce several weeks before the Show the list of “contenders”—the models that will be in the running to win the SEMA Award for the upcoming Show. How will we determine the contenders? A panel of industry experts will look at several indicators of what SEMA Show exhibitors are eyeing as the trend-leading vehicles this year. Show pre-registrations of feature vehicles will be a strong indicator. Among other indicators, we will also look at participation levels in the prior year’s SEMA vehicle Measuring Sessions, design data downloads from our SEMA Technology Transfer program and magazine covers of industry project vehicles.

Once the contenders are announced, debate and discussion will undoubtedly ensue. But it will be the exhibitors’ ultimate selection—the most prevalent vehicle model in each class on display in exhibitors’ booths at the SEMA Show—that establishes the SEMA Award winners. Is it possible a model could win which was not a contender? It’s possible, but it’s pretty unlikely.  And such an outcome would be a story in itself!

To add value to the new SEMA Award, SEMA staff will gather and have ready, for each of the contenders, a comprehensive list of the new and exciting products our  manufacturers have available for each of these vehicles.

We are very excited to finally have the SEMA Award that brings together the leading vehicle models each year as viewed through the customized, tricked-out and outstanding vision of our SEMA manufacturer exhibitors. What better recognition for the number-one vehicle models in the eyes of SEMA’s exhibiting companies? Look for the SEMA Award unveiling ceremony Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at this year’s  spectacular SEMA Show!  

—Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO 

SEMA News - October 2010

Hobbyist Organizations, Businesses Host Events Nationwide

By Stuart Gosswein

	Crazy Cruisers, Panama City, Florida.

On July 9, 2010, collector-car enthusiast organizations across the nation gathered to celebrate the first-ever Collector Car Appreciation Day, as designated by U.S. Senate Resolution 513 (S. Res. 513). Events ranging from car cruises and shows to small-business open houses and special offers were held to honor the cultural and educational importance of collector cars. Car clubs, enthusiast organizations and affiliated businesses hosted more than 100 events in more than 40 states to commemorate this special day.

“The Senate resolution creating Collector Car Appreciation Day validated what we already knew—Americans love their cars,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “By taking part in these events around the country, automotive enthusiasts and the businesses that serve them ensured that this passion was honored and recognized.”

	Wayne County Cruisers, Goldsboro, North Carolina.

At the request of SEMA and the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), S. Res. 513 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and S. Res. 513 reaffirms their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, nonpartisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for motorsports.

A sample of some of the events that took place on July 9 include the Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio; Classic Industries Collector Car Appreciation Day Sale; The Sid Waterman Classic Auto and Art Show in Gualala, California; a cruise on scenic Highway 8 organized by the AACA in North Carolina; the Meguiar’s nationwide “automotive handshake”; two-for-one admission to the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada; and many more. During several of these events, SEMA presented copies of S. Res. 513 to enthusiast advocates and supporters of the industry who will display them at museums and car club events.

“We look forward to working with the Congress to make Collector Car Appreciation Day an annual event,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “The momentum created on July 9 will continue to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.”

 

Auto Show, Southern California.

From left: Jill Bookman, Laura Bergan and Melissa Trought of American Collectors Insurance accept a framed copy of Senate Resolution 513, which designates July 9 as Collector Car Appreciation Day. Bergan is also chairman of SEMA’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) council.

 

SEMA Congressional Affairs Manager Dan Sadowski (right) presents Senate Resolution 513 to Jim Barber (left), ARMO’s immediate past chairman.

National Collector Car Appreciation Day Barbeque, Nebraska Rod and Custom Association, North Platte, Nebraska.

Auto Clubs Council of Indiana, Haynes Apperson Festival, Kokomo, Indiana.

SEMA News - October 2010

Today’s business environment is changing quickly. The SEMA Show provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn first-hand what trends will affect your business. A key component of the Show is the top-notch education and training provided by the SEMA Education Institute (SEI). This year’s program will include eight learning tracks with close to 80 sessions that will cover everything from online marketing to customer service, business management, industry trends and more. These classes are designed to give you practical tools that can be implemented the day you get back from Vegas. Make sure you and your staff are ready and equipped to succeed. You simply can’t afford to miss this exceptional training opportunity.

To create a personalized itinerary and/or view a current list of all of the 2010 SEMA Show Seminars and Workshops, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education   

 

GM President to Deliver First-Ever SEMA Show Vehicle Technology Keynote Address

Kick-off the 2010 SEMA Show by attending the inaugural SEMA Vehicle Technology Keynote featuring Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America. As an automotive enthusiast and long-time advocate of SEMA, Reuss will open up the Vehicle Technology Briefing Program on Driving Green Performance, Tuesday, November 2, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. in the Las Vegas Hilton. During his keynote address, Showgoers will learn how GM’s transformation is leading the reinvention of the automobile and how advanced technologies are impacting the performance industry today and creating new business opportunities for SEMA members.

Following Reuss’ presentation will be a panel discussion with industry leaders, including Peter Diamandis from the X PRIZE Foundation, Scott Atherton from the American Le Mans Series, Azhar Hussain from TTXGP eGrandPrix, Imtiaz Haque from Clemson University (CU)-ICAR, Patrick Reininger from R. L. Polk & Co. and Bryan Krulikowski from Morpace. Space is limited, however, free tickets are available for SEMA Showgoers to secure their seats here. 

 

SEMA News - October 2010

Today’s business environment is changing quickly. The SEMA Show provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn first-hand what trends will affect your business. A key component of the Show is the top-notch education and training provided by the SEMA Education Institute (SEI). This year’s program will include eight learning tracks with close to 80 sessions that will cover everything from online marketing to customer service, business management, industry trends and more. These classes are designed to give you practical tools that can be implemented the day you get back from Vegas. Make sure you and your staff are ready and equipped to succeed. You simply can’t afford to miss this exceptional training opportunity.

To create a personalized itinerary and/or view a current list of all of the 2010 SEMA Show Seminars and Workshops, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education   

 

GM President to Deliver First-Ever SEMA Show Vehicle Technology Keynote Address

Kick-off the 2010 SEMA Show by attending the inaugural SEMA Vehicle Technology Keynote featuring Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America. As an automotive enthusiast and long-time advocate of SEMA, Reuss will open up the Vehicle Technology Briefing Program on Driving Green Performance, Tuesday, November 2, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. in the Las Vegas Hilton. During his keynote address, Showgoers will learn how GM’s transformation is leading the reinvention of the automobile and how advanced technologies are impacting the performance industry today and creating new business opportunities for SEMA members.

Following Reuss’ presentation will be a panel discussion with industry leaders, including Peter Diamandis from the X PRIZE Foundation, Scott Atherton from the American Le Mans Series, Azhar Hussain from TTXGP eGrandPrix, Imtiaz Haque from Clemson University (CU)-ICAR, Patrick Reininger from R. L. Polk & Co. and Bryan Krulikowski from Morpace. Space is limited, however, free tickets are available for SEMA Showgoers to secure their seats here. 

 

SEMA News - October 2010

	From left: Brian Reese, COMP Cams vice president of product development; Ron Coleman, COMP Cams president and a former SEMA chairman of the board; Rep. Steve Cohen and staffer Travis Green; Scooter Brothers, COMP Cams chief operating officer and SEMA chairman-elect.

Tennessee Lawmaker Joins Motorsports Caucus After Participating in Site Visit Program

By Dan Sadowski

Congressman Steve Cohen took a few hours out of his busy August schedule to visit with management and employees at the COMP Cams' headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. Rep. Cohen participated in a roundtable discussion about small-business issues with COMP’s executive team and then toured the facility, including the machine shop and research and development (R&D) department.

Rep. Cohen is a fourth-generation Memphis resident who has dedicated his life to public service. He started his career as a Shelby County Commissioner and then went on to the Tennessee State Senate, where he served for 24 years. Elected to Congress in 2006, Cohen serves on the House Judiciary and Transportation Committees.

“Manufacturing means jobs, and the visit to COMP Cams demonstrates that this company is producing quality products and employing highly skilled workers,” said Rep. Cohen. “It is a winning combination for my home district and for the nation.”

	Rep. Cohen stopped to visit with COMP employees during his tour of the company’s headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee.
	COMP Cams produces high-tech performance engine components, including camshaft and valvetrain products, engine accessories and specialty tools.

COMP Cams produces high-tech performance engine components, including camshaft and valvetrain products, engine accessories and specialty tools. The equipment is found in everything from race cars to farm tractors and also has military applications.

COMP employs more than 250 workers in its Memphis facility. Rep. Cohen’s tour was led by Ron Coleman, COMP’s president and a former SEMA chairman of the board; Scooter Brothers, the company’s chief operating officer and SEMA chairman-elect; and Brian Reese, COMP’s vice president of product development.

During the tour, Rep. Cohen met with constituents working in the stock warehouse, machine shop, R&D department and corporate offices. While on the tour, Rep. Cohen took a “hands-on” approach, meeting with engineers and employees at their workstations and learning more about designing and manufacturing camshafts.

“We were able to provide Rep. Cohen with an overview of SEMA and the specialty-equipment market,” said Coleman. “We discussed the difficult economic challenges being faced by member companies across the nation and how Congress can help address the issue by enacting legislation to increase bank loans to small businesses and to renew the R&D tax credit, among other initiatives. Most importantly, the visit provided an opportunity for Rep. Cohen to meet his constituents in person.”

Congressman Cohen also joined the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers on Capitol Hill that was established to raise awareness of the economic importance of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. The caucus was formed in 1996 in honor of the 100th year of the car and to recognize the contributions that the automotive performance and motorsports industry has made and continues to make to the U.S. economy. The Motorsports Caucus, as it is commonly known, has nearly 100 members and pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

The Congressional District Site Visit Program is overseen by SEMA’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C. The program pairs SEMA-member companies with their local member of Congress or U.S. Senator for facility tours and meetings in their home district. These visits provide an opportunity for member companies to meet face to face with their Washington representatives and share their concerns for the future of their businesses. If you are interested in hosting an event at your facility with your federal elected officials, please contact Dan Sadowski, congressional affairs manager, at  202/783-6007 x19.  

 

SEMA News - October 2010

                      
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

When Petersen Publishing Company photographer Eric Rickman shot this photo of Vic Edelbrock Sr. in February of 1958, the Edelbrock Equipment Company (as it was known then) had already earned its reputation for manufacturing quality speed equipment, thanks to 20 years of hands-on development and testing of countless engines. It was more than 20 years, actually, if you include the time starting in 1933 that Vic ran an auto repair shop. But it was in 1938 that he bought the ’32 Ford roadster that would become his first test mule—a car that also had to serve as the Edelbrock family’s daily driver.

Edelbrock’s earliest designs were intended to squeeze more power out of that roadster’s Flathead V8. By 1958, the company’s inventory stretched far beyond the venerable Flathead, but because of its long-standing experience with Ford performance, “it was only natural for them to take an immediate interest in the new Ford engine,” wrote Technical Editor Ray Brock in Hot Rod magazine’s August 1958 issue.

That “new Ford engine” was the FE series V8—so named for its Ford/Edsel applications. When the article was written, Edelbrock had already bought an Edsel Pacer and was developing a triple-carburetor manifold for it.

Brock was dismayed to learn that dynamometer tests of the new FE powerplant indicated “actual horsepower for these engines is only about two-thirds of the advertised rating. Two-thirds of a 300hp rating is 200 hp, and this amount will move a two-ton automobile around quite nicely, but the fact remains that a hundred horses have strayed and a lot of owners might like to know where they are hiding—or if they were even corraled in the first place.”

Brock figured—rightly so—that Edelbrock could not only find those missing horses but create some fresh ponies, too. Over the course of eight weeks and two lengthy articles, Edelbrock tested some 30 different engine combinations, taking a stock 361-inch Edsel motor from 211 peak hp to 342. Edelbrock and his team reworked the ignition, swapped in several different camshafts, added bigger valves and multiple carburetors, mounted headers and even bored and stroked the block up to 412 inches.

“The Ford automobile is no longer a lightweight piece of machinery,” Brock wrote in his conclusion, “but we guarantee that the car will jump if some of the information discovered in this story is properly applied.”