The TechPro World Tour will host live, state-of-art welding demos on the showfloor of the 2010 SEMA Show.

I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, will exhibit at the 2010 SEMA Show, November 2-5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s North Hall in Booth #10871. I-CAR also will introduce the TechPro World Tour and several collision-repair training opportunities. The TechPro World Tour is a new, live welding event that includes free demonstrations on the Showroom floor and provides attendees with current “how-to” information on today’s welding processes.

“Since 1979, I-CAR has been instrumental in developing and delivering technical training programs to professionals in all areas of the collision industry and is well-known not only for its classroom and online training, but for its industry-recognized Welding Qualification Test,” said Bill Stage, I-CAR director of marketing and distribution. “We are pleased to be able to reach the audience at SEMA with our first TechPro World Tour and the opportunity for classroom training.

The SEMA audience knows and understands that with the rapid rate of change in vehicle technology and design, the need to stay current on repair processes is more important than ever.”

Schedule:

Tuesday, November 2
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.: Aluminum MIG Welding–What Vehicle Manufacturers Require and Why
12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.: Spot Welding and Weld Bonding – Recognizing Machines and Processes
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.: Riveting and Rivet Bonding – Understanding Applications, Tools and Methods

Wednesday, November 3
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.: MIG Brazing – Why and How It’s Being Used in Today’s Vehicles
12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.: Aluminum MIG Welding – What Vehicle Manufacturers Require and Why
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.: Spot Welding and Weld Bonding – Recognizing Machines and Processes

Thursday, November 4
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.: Riveting and Rivet Bonding – Understanding Applications, Tools and Methods
12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.: MIG Brazing - Why and How It’s Being Used in Today’s Vehicles
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.: Aluminum MIG Welding – What Vehicle Manufacturers Require and Why

Friday, November 5
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.: Spot Welding and Weld Bonding – Recognizing Machines and Processes
12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.: Riveting and Rivet Bonding – Understanding Applications, Tools and Methods
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.: MIG Brazing – Why and How It’s Being Used in Today’s Vehicles

I‑CAR TechPro World Tour:
Experience the sights and sounds of the I-CAR TechPro World Tour in its 2010 SEMA Show debut. Attendees will see live demonstrations, including aluminum GMA (MIG) welding; MIG brazing; squeeze‑type resistance spot welding; and riveting and rivet bonding. Demonstrations will be combined with fun and engaging informational sessions and audience participation. Sessions will be offered three times each day of the Show.

Spot Welding and Weld Bonding – Recognizing Machines and Processes:
As new vehicles hit the market, spot welding and weld bonding play a significant role in their construction and repair. Being able to keep up with these innovations and understand their specific repair procedures plays an important role in vehicle safety and customer satisfaction. This session will provide you with information on the requirements for welding some of today's new steels, their specific repair and inspection procedures and the importance of having the right shop wiring.

Riveting and Rivet Bonding – Understanding Applications, Tools and Methods:
In today’s business world, everyone is looking for ways to achieve consistency, productivity and lower costs. Understanding an emerging repair technology, such as rivets and rivet bonding processes, is one way to achieve each of these goals. Get a first-hand look at several types of rivets, how and where they are used and the latest innovations in equipment. Also in this session, you will learn installation and inspection techniques as well as vehicle maker recommendations.

MIG Brazing – Why and How It’s Being Used in Today’s Vehicles:
Being able to identify emerging technologies and their implications during the repair process can have a tremendous impact on a vehicle’s integrity. Using MIG brazing properly can limit heat effect, keeping the integrity of advanced high-strength steels intact, resulting in a more efficient repair. This session will describe the latest MIG brazing techniques and equipment requirements as well as live welding demonstrations on how to MIG braze and inspect MIG braze welds.

Aluminum MIG Welding – What Vehicle Manufacturers Require and Why:
As aluminum technology becomes more common in vehicle structures, collision repair technicians will need to understand changing repair procedures in order to achieve a safe repair. Keeping up with these changes can be a challenge. This session will offer information on the latest trends in aluminum welding technology, vehicles that require aluminum welding and application procedures.

2010 SEMA Show offers several networking functions for collision repair specialists, including I-CAR Collision Repair Training for Performance for technicians, the I-CAR TechPro World Tour (live welding demonstrations), SCRS Repairer Driven Education for managers, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) board meeting, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) board meeting, the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) Interactive Forum for Industry Discussion and Industry Achievement Awards Luncheon.

	The Society of Collision Repair Specialists will feature more than 20 seminars for collision-repair management professionals at the 2010 SEMA Show as part of its Repairer Driven Education program.

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) educational track, entitled Repairer Driven Education (RDE), will feature more than 20 seminars, many of which will be offered for the first time during the 2010 SEMA Show.

All of the seminars, to be held Thursday–Friday, November 4–5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s North Hall in Rooms 231–242, will specifically focus on issues and information that are relevant to collision-repair management professionals operating in today’s marketplace.

The RDE track will be launched with an opening seminar conducted by Charles Coonradt, author of The Game of Work, Managing the Obvious and The Better People Leader.

For the past 25 years, Coonradt’s concepts in The Game of Work have enriched the lives and businesses of thousands of collision repairers across the country. In this opportunity, RDE attendees will have the chance to hear from the author himself about how they can implement his concepts so that they and their employees will learn to enjoy work as much as play.

The two-day RDE program will also feature information from speakers including Mike Anderson, Toby Chess, Erica Eversman J.D., John Sweigart, Patrick McGuire Esq., Steven Feltovich, Tim Ronak, Greg Horn and more.

Save $50 by registering now!

Registration: *

Pre-registration (by October 17): $225
Onsite registration (after October 17): $275

Schedule: **

Thursday, November 4, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

• Kristen Felder – CEO and founder of Collision Hub, Social Media 101
• John Sweigart – principle partner in The Body Shop @ and Steve Trapp – collision services development manager for DuPont Performance Coatings, Getting Ready for the Lean Transition
• Guy Bargnes – vice president of sales and marketing at Painters Supply and Equipment Company, Waterborne: How to Stay Afloat
• Toby Chess – AWS member and welding instructor, ‘Aluminating’ the Repair Process: Hands on Aluminum Repair

(Panel Discussion)
Thursday, November 4, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Randy Profeta – director of technical services and industry relations for CAR-O-LINER, Repair Planning and Structural Diagnosis
• John Sweigart – principle partner in The Body Shop @ and Steve Trapp – collision services development manager for DuPont Performance Coatings, Making Lean Work
• Patrick McGuire Esq. – Law Offices of Patrick J. McGuire, and CEO/general counsel for Gator Customs, LLC, “Steering”: Legal and Practical Approaches to the Problem
• Steven Feltovich – manager of business consulting services for Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes, Achieving Service Excellence

Friday, November 5, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

• Timothy Morgan – director of sales and technical operations for CELETTE Inc., Understanding OEM-Based Repairs
• Tim Ronak – services consultant for Akzo Nobel Coatings Inc., Economic Pricing Considerations for the Collision Industry in 2010
• Mike Anderson – founder of CollisionAdvice.com, Outsell, Upsell and Close
• Greg Horn – vice president of industry relations for Mitchell International, Auto Physical Damage Industry Trends

Friday, November 5, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

• Dave Gruskos – president of Reliable Automotive Equipment Inc., When to Rivet, Weld, Braze or Bond new Exotic Metals
• Steven Feltovich – manager of business consulting services for Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes, Estimating Solutions for Profit
• John Webb – senior vice president of marketing and new business for CSI Complete and Dave Merrell – vice president of strategic initiatives for CSI Complete, Why Quirky Customers Are Your Most Valuable Resources
• Erica Eversman, J.D. – chief counsel for Vehicle Information Services Inc., Contracts: Terms and Ties That Bind

Friday, November 5, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Frank Terlep – CEO of Summit Software and Mobile Solutions Inc., Successful Body Shop Management for the 21st Century
• Cory J. King – partner at Fine, Boggs & Perkins LLP, Wage & Hour Compliance – What you Don’t Know Could Bankrupt You
• Mike Anderson – founder of CollisionAdvice.com, Positioning Yourself in the Collision Repair Industry
• Colette Bruce – owner of Team Safety LLC, Mandatory Body Shop Compliance With the New EPA Rule

For more information and to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/SCRS.

2010 SEMA Show offers several networking functions for collision repair specialists, including I-CAR Collision Repair Training for Performance for technicians, the I-CAR TechPro World Tour (live welding demonstrations), SCRS Repairer Driven Education for managers, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) board meeting, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) board meeting, the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) Interactive Forum for Industry Discussion and Industry Achievement Awards Luncheon.

*Does NOT include required SEMA Show registration of $25 by October 17 (or $75 after October 17).
**Speakers subject to change

	The Society of Collision Repair Specialists will feature more than 20 seminars for collision-repair management professionals at the 2010 SEMA Show as part of its Repairer Driven Education program.

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) educational track, entitled Repairer Driven Education (RDE), will feature more than 20 seminars, many of which will be offered for the first time during the 2010 SEMA Show.

All of the seminars, to be held Thursday–Friday, November 4–5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s North Hall in Rooms 231–242, will specifically focus on issues and information that are relevant to collision-repair management professionals operating in today’s marketplace.

The RDE track will be launched with an opening seminar conducted by Charles Coonradt, author of The Game of Work, Managing the Obvious and The Better People Leader.

For the past 25 years, Coonradt’s concepts in The Game of Work have enriched the lives and businesses of thousands of collision repairers across the country. In this opportunity, RDE attendees will have the chance to hear from the author himself about how they can implement his concepts so that they and their employees will learn to enjoy work as much as play.

The two-day RDE program will also feature information from speakers including Mike Anderson, Toby Chess, Erica Eversman J.D., John Sweigart, Patrick McGuire Esq., Steven Feltovich, Tim Ronak, Greg Horn and more.

Save $50 by registering now!

Registration: *

Pre-registration (by October 17): $225
Onsite registration (after October 17): $275

Schedule: **

Thursday, November 4, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

• Kristen Felder – CEO and founder of Collision Hub, Social Media 101
• John Sweigart – principle partner in The Body Shop @ and Steve Trapp – collision services development manager for DuPont Performance Coatings, Getting Ready for the Lean Transition
• Guy Bargnes – vice president of sales and marketing at Painters Supply and Equipment Company, Waterborne: How to Stay Afloat
• Toby Chess – AWS member and welding instructor, ‘Aluminating’ the Repair Process: Hands on Aluminum Repair

(Panel Discussion)
Thursday, November 4, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Randy Profeta – director of technical services and industry relations for CAR-O-LINER, Repair Planning and Structural Diagnosis
• John Sweigart – principle partner in The Body Shop @ and Steve Trapp – collision services development manager for DuPont Performance Coatings, Making Lean Work
• Patrick McGuire Esq. – Law Offices of Patrick J. McGuire, and CEO/general counsel for Gator Customs, LLC, “Steering”: Legal and Practical Approaches to the Problem
• Steven Feltovich – manager of business consulting services for Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes, Achieving Service Excellence

Friday, November 5, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

• Timothy Morgan – director of sales and technical operations for CELETTE Inc., Understanding OEM-Based Repairs
• Tim Ronak – services consultant for Akzo Nobel Coatings Inc., Economic Pricing Considerations for the Collision Industry in 2010
• Mike Anderson – founder of CollisionAdvice.com, Outsell, Upsell and Close
• Greg Horn – vice president of industry relations for Mitchell International, Auto Physical Damage Industry Trends

Friday, November 5, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

• Dave Gruskos – president of Reliable Automotive Equipment Inc., When to Rivet, Weld, Braze or Bond new Exotic Metals
• Steven Feltovich – manager of business consulting services for Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes, Estimating Solutions for Profit
• John Webb – senior vice president of marketing and new business for CSI Complete and Dave Merrell – vice president of strategic initiatives for CSI Complete, Why Quirky Customers Are Your Most Valuable Resources
• Erica Eversman, J.D. – chief counsel for Vehicle Information Services Inc., Contracts: Terms and Ties That Bind

Friday, November 5, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Frank Terlep – CEO of Summit Software and Mobile Solutions Inc., Successful Body Shop Management for the 21st Century
• Cory J. King – partner at Fine, Boggs & Perkins LLP, Wage & Hour Compliance – What you Don’t Know Could Bankrupt You
• Mike Anderson – founder of CollisionAdvice.com, Positioning Yourself in the Collision Repair Industry
• Colette Bruce – owner of Team Safety LLC, Mandatory Body Shop Compliance With the New EPA Rule

For more information and to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/SCRS.

2010 SEMA Show offers several networking functions for collision repair specialists, including I-CAR Collision Repair Training for Performance for technicians, the I-CAR TechPro World Tour (live welding demonstrations), SCRS Repairer Driven Education for managers, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) board meeting, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) board meeting, the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) Interactive Forum for Industry Discussion and Industry Achievement Awards Luncheon.

*Does NOT include required SEMA Show registration of $25 by October 17 (or $75 after October 17).
**Speakers subject to change

Chrysler has been on a roll with product development, as Brenda Priddy’s cameras have recently caught the ’11 Town & Country minivan, forthcoming Jeep Patriot and the ’11 Dodge Journey. Now Priddy’s lenses have found the ’11 Dodge Avenger R/T. The Avenger looks like it might be in for a more significant upgrade than its linemates, starting with a new grille and bumper up front. In back, the Charger-like shoulder appears to be smoothed out (unless this is a trick of the camouflage). As with much of the Chrysler lineup, the Avenger will get the new 3.6L Pentastar V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and the possible addition of Multi-Air technology (a variable valve timing innovation from parent company Fiat) in later models. Priddy says the base 2.4L four-cylinder has also been retuned for more efficiency. Production of the 2011 Avenger will start at the Sterling Heights, Michigan, plant in November.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without copyright holder's consent is prohibited.

NO RACES: Dover Motorsports, owner of Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Illinois, has told NASCAR it will not ask for events to be sanctioned at the track in 2011 and that it is seeking a buyer for the 1.25-mile facility.

FINED: The IZOD IndyCar Series has fined driver Helio Castroneves $60,000 and placed him on probation for the rest of the year as punishment for his actions during—and following—the July 25 event at Edmonton City Centre Airport.

INJURED: NASCAR team owner Jack Roush was injured in a plane crash in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 27. He suffered minor injuries and is currently recovering at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

PRICE ADJUSTMENT: Indianapolis Motor Speedway made several changes to its ticket price structure for the 2011 Brickyard 400 in an effort to improve ticket sales, including a reduction of $20 in several areas around the track.

STILL ON TV: Speed and the Automobile Racing Club of America have extended their broadcast rights agreement, which calls for a minimum of 10 ARCA Racing Series events to be broadcast live and/or via tape delay, through 2011.

NOW IN CHARGE: Donnie Sullivan of Stanford, Kentucky, has purchased Ponderosa Speedway, a 3/8-mile clay oval in Junction City, Kentucky, from previous owners Larry, Chad and Sarah Yantz.

NEW AT JTG: Bobby Labonte will drive the No. 47 JTG Daugherty Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup entry vacated by Marcos Ambrose during the 2011 racing season.

HEAD HONCHO: Rick Hendrick has named Marshall Carlson the president and chief operating officer of Hendrick Motorsports during a meeting at Hendrick Motorsports July 27.

TEXAS INVESTMENT: Billionaire Red McCombs was revealed as the primary investor in the proposed United States Grand Prix track that will be located near Austin, Texas.

NOT FROM AMERICA: The Cypher Group, a proposed American Formula One team, has withdrawn its entry to become the 13th team on the Formula One grid in 2011.

DIED: Norm Froscher, a long-time motorsports journalist and 2003 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Driver of the Year Foundation, died July 29. He was 79.

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

NO RACES: Dover Motorsports, owner of Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Illinois, has told NASCAR it will not ask for events to be sanctioned at the track in 2011 and that it is seeking a buyer for the 1.25-mile facility.

FINED: The IZOD IndyCar Series has fined driver Helio Castroneves $60,000 and placed him on probation for the rest of the year as punishment for his actions during—and following—the July 25 event at Edmonton City Centre Airport.

INJURED: NASCAR team owner Jack Roush was injured in a plane crash in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 27. He suffered minor injuries and is currently recovering at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

PRICE ADJUSTMENT: Indianapolis Motor Speedway made several changes to its ticket price structure for the 2011 Brickyard 400 in an effort to improve ticket sales, including a reduction of $20 in several areas around the track.

STILL ON TV: Speed and the Automobile Racing Club of America have extended their broadcast rights agreement, which calls for a minimum of 10 ARCA Racing Series events to be broadcast live and/or via tape delay, through 2011.

NOW IN CHARGE: Donnie Sullivan of Stanford, Kentucky, has purchased Ponderosa Speedway, a 3/8-mile clay oval in Junction City, Kentucky, from previous owners Larry, Chad and Sarah Yantz.

NEW AT JTG: Bobby Labonte will drive the No. 47 JTG Daugherty Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup entry vacated by Marcos Ambrose during the 2011 racing season.

HEAD HONCHO: Rick Hendrick has named Marshall Carlson the president and chief operating officer of Hendrick Motorsports during a meeting at Hendrick Motorsports July 27.

TEXAS INVESTMENT: Billionaire Red McCombs was revealed as the primary investor in the proposed United States Grand Prix track that will be located near Austin, Texas.

NOT FROM AMERICA: The Cypher Group, a proposed American Formula One team, has withdrawn its entry to become the 13th team on the Formula One grid in 2011.

DIED: Norm Froscher, a long-time motorsports journalist and 2003 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Driver of the Year Foundation, died July 29. He was 79.

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

NO RACES: Dover Motorsports, owner of Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Illinois, has told NASCAR it will not ask for events to be sanctioned at the track in 2011 and that it is seeking a buyer for the 1.25-mile facility.

FINED: The IZOD IndyCar Series has fined driver Helio Castroneves $60,000 and placed him on probation for the rest of the year as punishment for his actions during—and following—the July 25 event at Edmonton City Centre Airport.

INJURED: NASCAR team owner Jack Roush was injured in a plane crash in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 27. He suffered minor injuries and is currently recovering at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

PRICE ADJUSTMENT: Indianapolis Motor Speedway made several changes to its ticket price structure for the 2011 Brickyard 400 in an effort to improve ticket sales, including a reduction of $20 in several areas around the track.

STILL ON TV: Speed and the Automobile Racing Club of America have extended their broadcast rights agreement, which calls for a minimum of 10 ARCA Racing Series events to be broadcast live and/or via tape delay, through 2011.

NOW IN CHARGE: Donnie Sullivan of Stanford, Kentucky, has purchased Ponderosa Speedway, a 3/8-mile clay oval in Junction City, Kentucky, from previous owners Larry, Chad and Sarah Yantz.

NEW AT JTG: Bobby Labonte will drive the No. 47 JTG Daugherty Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup entry vacated by Marcos Ambrose during the 2011 racing season.

HEAD HONCHO: Rick Hendrick has named Marshall Carlson the president and chief operating officer of Hendrick Motorsports during a meeting at Hendrick Motorsports July 27.

TEXAS INVESTMENT: Billionaire Red McCombs was revealed as the primary investor in the proposed United States Grand Prix track that will be located near Austin, Texas.

NOT FROM AMERICA: The Cypher Group, a proposed American Formula One team, has withdrawn its entry to become the 13th team on the Formula One grid in 2011.

DIED: Norm Froscher, a long-time motorsports journalist and 2003 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Driver of the Year Foundation, died July 29. He was 79.

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

NO RACES: Dover Motorsports, owner of Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Illinois, has told NASCAR it will not ask for events to be sanctioned at the track in 2011 and that it is seeking a buyer for the 1.25-mile facility.

FINED: The IZOD IndyCar Series has fined driver Helio Castroneves $60,000 and placed him on probation for the rest of the year as punishment for his actions during—and following—the July 25 event at Edmonton City Centre Airport.

INJURED: NASCAR team owner Jack Roush was injured in a plane crash in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 27. He suffered minor injuries and is currently recovering at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

PRICE ADJUSTMENT: Indianapolis Motor Speedway made several changes to its ticket price structure for the 2011 Brickyard 400 in an effort to improve ticket sales, including a reduction of $20 in several areas around the track.

STILL ON TV: Speed and the Automobile Racing Club of America have extended their broadcast rights agreement, which calls for a minimum of 10 ARCA Racing Series events to be broadcast live and/or via tape delay, through 2011.

NOW IN CHARGE: Donnie Sullivan of Stanford, Kentucky, has purchased Ponderosa Speedway, a 3/8-mile clay oval in Junction City, Kentucky, from previous owners Larry, Chad and Sarah Yantz.

NEW AT JTG: Bobby Labonte will drive the No. 47 JTG Daugherty Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup entry vacated by Marcos Ambrose during the 2011 racing season.

HEAD HONCHO: Rick Hendrick has named Marshall Carlson the president and chief operating officer of Hendrick Motorsports during a meeting at Hendrick Motorsports July 27.

TEXAS INVESTMENT: Billionaire Red McCombs was revealed as the primary investor in the proposed United States Grand Prix track that will be located near Austin, Texas.

NOT FROM AMERICA: The Cypher Group, a proposed American Formula One team, has withdrawn its entry to become the 13th team on the Formula One grid in 2011.

DIED: Norm Froscher, a long-time motorsports journalist and 2003 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Driver of the Year Foundation, died July 29. He was 79.

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

NO RACES: Dover Motorsports, owner of Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Illinois, has told NASCAR it will not ask for events to be sanctioned at the track in 2011 and that it is seeking a buyer for the 1.25-mile facility.

FINED: The IZOD IndyCar Series has fined driver Helio Castroneves $60,000 and placed him on probation for the rest of the year as punishment for his actions during—and following—the July 25 event at Edmonton City Centre Airport.

INJURED: NASCAR team owner Jack Roush was injured in a plane crash in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 27. He suffered minor injuries and is currently recovering at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

PRICE ADJUSTMENT: Indianapolis Motor Speedway made several changes to its ticket price structure for the 2011 Brickyard 400 in an effort to improve ticket sales, including a reduction of $20 in several areas around the track.

STILL ON TV: Speed and the Automobile Racing Club of America have extended their broadcast rights agreement, which calls for a minimum of 10 ARCA Racing Series events to be broadcast live and/or via tape delay, through 2011.

NOW IN CHARGE: Donnie Sullivan of Stanford, Kentucky, has purchased Ponderosa Speedway, a 3/8-mile clay oval in Junction City, Kentucky, from previous owners Larry, Chad and Sarah Yantz.

NEW AT JTG: Bobby Labonte will drive the No. 47 JTG Daugherty Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup entry vacated by Marcos Ambrose during the 2011 racing season.

HEAD HONCHO: Rick Hendrick has named Marshall Carlson the president and chief operating officer of Hendrick Motorsports during a meeting at Hendrick Motorsports July 27.

TEXAS INVESTMENT: Billionaire Red McCombs was revealed as the primary investor in the proposed United States Grand Prix track that will be located near Austin, Texas.

NOT FROM AMERICA: The Cypher Group, a proposed American Formula One team, has withdrawn its entry to become the 13th team on the Formula One grid in 2011.

DIED: Norm Froscher, a long-time motorsports journalist and 2003 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Driver of the Year Foundation, died July 29. He was 79.

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

Auto dealers and specialty-equipment business owners can learn how to better connect and help each other prosper at the 2010 SEMA Dealer Day.

The 2010 SEMA Dealer Day will provide dealers with the concrete feedback, tools and resources necessary to expand accessory operations or to integrate a new program. This event is custom-tailored for dealers, by dealers, with the goal of demonstrating how an accessories program can benefit operations across the board.

It is more important than ever to maximize every sale opportunity and service every customer. A successful accessories program will differentiate your product line, create customer value and loyalty, and generate additional revenues.

The 2010 program is scheduled for November 3, 8:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m., in the Las Vegas Hilton, Pavilion 1, just north of the Las Vegas Convention Center—site of the 2009 Dealer Day. All attendees receive a “Dealer Resource” manual that includes best practices and tools for operating a successful accessories program.

Co-sponsored by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA), the 2010 Dealer Day is open to vehicle dealers only.

To learn more or to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/DealerDay.

Advanced registration*: $99 by October 17, 2010
Onsite registration*: $149 after October 17, 2010
(*includes lunch, but does NOT include required SEMA Show registration of $25 by October 17; $75 after)

2010 Dealer Day schedule:

• 7:30 a.m.—Coffee/Registration Meet and Greet
• 8:00 a.m.—Welcome Address
• 8:15 a.m.—Sales and Integration speaker, "Success Without Boundaries": A successful accessory program is the byproduct of a successful dealership. Accessories are unique in that they can have an impact across the board; from parts to service, new car to used car, to the body shop. Creating goal alignment amongst the various departments will lead to greater sales and profitability for everyone.
• 9:15 a.m.—ProPledge, "Customize with Confidence": A major obstacle in dealership commitment to implementing an accessory program stems from concern over warranty, liability and who exactly to do business with. Listen to an overview of the ProPledge quality assurance program and how it can benefit your dealership.

• 9:30 a.m.—Internet Sales Round Table, "Capturing the Virtual Customer": The online customer presents a real challenge and opportunity for dealers and accessories, having researched the model, options and price they want and are eager to get in and out (if they even come in). Hear from an expert panel as they discuss strategies for capturing this customer segment, increasing revenue and driving customers to your website.
• 10:30 a.m.—Break
• 10:45 a.m.—Dealer Operations Panel, "Creating Synergy Amidst Chaos": Eavesdrop on a panel of “real-world” dealership employees as they discuss the challenges and opportunities created by running an accessory program. Every perspective is equally unique and offers invaluable insight into day-to-day operations. Panelists scheduled to appear include a parts manager, GSM, fixed-ops director, F&I manager and an accessory manager.
• Noon—Lunch
• 12:30 p.m.—Keynote Speaker, Myles Kovacs: "Branding your Accessory Department"
• 1:00 p.m.—Closing Remarks