NEW RIDES: Three-time IndyCar Series champion Sam Hornish Jr. officially declared his intentions to race in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series for Penske Racing next season. He moves over from the team’s Indy car program where he will be replaced by Australian driver Ryan Briscoe.

ON A ROLL: Jimmie Johnson earned his fourth-consecutive NASCAR Nextel Cup Series championship and pretty much iced his second-consecutive championship at Phoenix International Raceway. Johnson has won 10 races and leads Jeff Gordon by 86 points entering the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

HE’S DONE: Sebastien Bourdais ended his Champ Car World Series career with a victory in Mexico City. It was Bourdais’s eighth triumph of the season and the 31st of his career. The French driver will move to Formula One and drive for Toro Rosso next season. Bourdais has won four straight Champ Car titles.

PROMOTED: Lowe’s Motor Speedway (LMS) Vice President of Communications Jerry Gappens will be promoted to general manager of New Hampshire International Speedway, which was recently purchased by Speedway Motorsports Inc., which also owns LMS.

HITTING THE ROAD: Next year’s 21-race ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule will include a race on the new road course at New Jersey Motorsports Park. The event is scheduled for September 28, 2008.

IN THE SLAM: NASCAR team owner Gene Haas was sentenced to two years in federal prison after he pled guilty to defrauding the government of more than $34 million in taxes.

ON THE MOVE: Penske Racing Director of Communications Chris Schwartz is leaving the team to become vice president of marketing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

NUMBER ONE: With his 10th victory of the season, Jimmie Johnson solidified his spot at the top of the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News, click on the following link for a special industry rate: www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/subscribe.html?pid=NQ%2BVfhkepT4%3D.

Advanced Flow Engineering (aFe Filters) hired Jason Bruce as its new marketing manager for gas applications. Bruce will develop and implement aFe’s intake, filter and exhaust sales and marketing programs to the performance aftermarket, including the strategic planning and tactical implementation of all marketing and channel development programs. Bruce, the recipient of SEMA's Young Exeuctive of the Year Award, has held management positions with Holley Performance Products and most recently served as the national sales and marketing manager for Street Scene Equipment.  

Jason Bruce

Trim Parts Inc. promoted Alex Tainsh to national sales/marketing manager. Tainsh, who joined Trim Parts less than six months ago, has worked in the restoration manufacturing industry for 25 years. 

OnSight Solutions announced that it opened three new franchise locations. The most recent locations are in the Boston metro area, Charlotte metro and Western North Carolina markets, and the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, North Carolina metro markets. Having sold its first franchise in May of 2006, the company now has 14 nationwide owners of OSS franchises.

Wes-Coast Marketing Inc. was selected by Extang Corp. to represent Extang's products in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, Arizona and western Canada. 

Co-founded by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Voodoo Ride announced that it launched the website www.voodooride.com. The site features information about the company’s complete product line, general information and Voodoo’s latest news. In addition, a video featuring Earnhardt Jr. and Voodoo Ride products is streamed with music on the home page.

Babcox Publications entered a three-year contract with Exhibit Management Associates Inc. to publish the show daily publication for the Mid-America Trucking Show. The 37th annual Mid-America Trucking Show is set for March 27–29, 2008, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. 

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

For the latest council news, read the ARMO column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

ARMO presented six council awards during the ARMO Industry Awards Reception at the 2007 SEMA Show. The awards and winners are:

• ARMO Business of the Year - Dynacorn Classic Bodies Inc.
• ARMO Person of the Year Steve Ames - Ames Automotive Enterprises
• ARMO Restoration Event of the Year - Cruisin' the Coast
• ARMO Best New Product - Original Restoration, ’69-’71 GTO Judge Emblem - Ames Automotive Enterprises
• ARMO Best New Product - Resto-Mod, Eastwood Mopar Light Argent Textured Coating, The Eastwood Company
• ARMO Chairman's Award  - Jason Tolleson - SEMA Washington, D.C., Office

For more information about ARMO, visit www.sema.org/armo or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

For the latest council news, read the HRIA column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

HRIA presented three awards and inducted two members into the HRIA Hall of Fame during the council’s Industry Awards Reception at the 2007 SEMA Show. The awards, winners and hall of fame inductees are:

• HRIA Industry Recognition of an Individual - Gary Meadors - Goodguys Rod & Custom Association 
• HRIA Business of the Year - Art Morrison Enterprises
• HRIA Hall of Fame Inductees: Gary Heidt, Heidt's Hot Rod Shop; Joe Mayall, NSRA/Street Scene
• HRIA Chairman's Award - Dennis Silva - Hot Hues Custom Finishes by DuPont

For more information about HRIA, visit www.sema.org/hria or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

For the latest council news, read the TORA column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For more information about TORA, visit www.sema.org/TORA or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)

For the latest council news, read the MRC column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

MRC presented its annual STAR (Sales Team Annual Recognition) Award and inducted one member into the MRC Hall of Fame during the council’s open meeting at the 2007 SEMA Show. The sales team and new MRC hall of fame member are:

• MRC STAR Award - AIRAID Filter Company Team members include: Chris Thomson, John Levitz, Brian Paravicini, Bill Goosic, Ryan Young, Tom Hinchey and Shannon Bates
• MRC Hall of Fame - Jim Wrobleski, Jim Wrobleski & Company
• MRC - Chairman's Award - "Mr. Phone - The Early Years" - Founder:  Herb Goldstein; Directors: Frank Roberts, Jim Vaughn and John Scafidi; Regionals: Bob Barker, Bob Popkin, Sid Polan, Steve Ginsberg and Skeeter Jordan

For more information about MRC, visit www.sema.org/mrc or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

For the latest council news, read the MPMC column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For more information about MPMC, visit www.sema.org/main/semaorghome.aspx?id=50381 or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

For the latest council news, read the TORA column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

TORA recognized the winners of its annual council awards during the council’s reception at the 2007 SEMA Show. The awards were originally presented earlier this year during the 2007 SEMA Spring Expo. The winners recognized were:

• 2007 Best New Product Under $500, F-150 LED Taillights, Hella Lighting
• 2007 Best New Product Over $500, Bed Buddy Tonneau Cover, Undercover
• 2007 Retailer of the Year Award, Truckin Thunder, Tom and Judy Brooks
• 2007 TORA Hall of Fame Award, Annie Meintz, Santa Rosa Campway Inc.; Dillard Fletcher, Cover Master
• 2007 TORA Chairman’s Award, Eric Kwasnicka, DuPont
• 2007 Best POP Display Award, ATC Truck Covers, mini-freestanding ATC Bed System
• 2007 Ford Styling Awards, Best Use of Exterior Accessories on a Ford Truck/SUV (presented by Ford), Kelderman Air Suspension, 2005 Ford F-250
• 2007 Ford Styling Awards, Best use of Interior Accessories on a Ford Truck/SUV (presented by Ford), Leer, 2007 Ford Sport Trac

For more information about TORA, visit www.sema.org/TORA or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

For the latest council news, read the PRO column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For more information about PRO, visit www.sema.org/main/semaorghome.aspx?id=50384 or contact Ellen McKoy at ellenm@sema.org.

Sport-Compact Council (SCC)

For the latest council news, read the SCC column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

SCC presented four awards—Business of the Year, Person of the Year, Industry Image Award and Industry Icon Award—during the council’s Industry Awards Reception at the 2007 SEMA Show. The winners are:

• Business of the Year - ProMotion Distributing
• Person of the Year - Tracie Nunez - Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT)
• Industry Image - NHRA
• Industry Icon - Richard Schroeder - Eagle Vista Productions

For more information about SCC, visit www.sema.org/scc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

For the latest council news, read the WTC column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

WTC presented its Lifetime Achievement Award and Person of the Year Award during the council’s annual Industry Awards Reception at the 2007 SEMA Show. The winners are:

• Lifetime Achievement Award - Louis Senter - Senter Engineering
• Person of the Year - Joe Findeis - Wheel Consultants

For more information about WTC, visit www.sema.org/wtc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

For the latest committee news, read the SBN column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

SBN presented its annual Athena Award and Woman of the Year Award during the committee’s Speed Networking Breakfast held at the 2007 SEMA Show. The winners are:

• Woman of the Year - Amy Faulk, Hypertech Inc.
• Athena Award - Luanne Brown, e-Tool Developers

For more information about SBN, visit www.sema.org/sbn or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

For the latest committee news, read the YEN column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

YEN presented its Vanguard Award and named the Young Executive of the Year Award during the YEN Mixer held at the 2007 SEMA Show. The winners are:

• Vanguard - Rick Rollins - Superchips Inc.
• Young Executive of the Year - Jason Bruce - Advance Flow Engineering

For more information about YEN, visit www.sema.org/yen or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows and activities have been announced. Details are:

New automotive technologies present specialty-equipment companies with both challenges and opportunities. According to SEMA research, 42% of SEMA members said that electronic control of engine and engine components have a "noticeable" or "extremely large" impact on the industry. Thirty-three percent cited clean diesel technology as having a similar impact, and 30% looking at hybrids as having a noticeable or extremely large impact on their businesses.

Electronics, software and the convergence of mechanical, electrical and material systems—what is becoming known as "mechamatronics" and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) offer tremendous opportunities for SEMA members to grow, says SEMA Vice President, Vehicle Technology, John Waraniak.

"The key point, and many SEMA member companies know this well, is that product innovation does not come from the discovery of technology, but from being the first to use these technologies to create new and exciting market opportunities, as well as solve problems and meet consumer and enthusiast demands," Waraniak explains. "It's estimated that electronics and convergent technologies represent 70% of the innovation in today's vehicles and up to 30% of the value."

For more insight into the challenges and opportunities facing specialty-equipment companies today, visit www.sema.org/research and download the 2007 Trends and Forecasts Quarterly Update-Q1, another SEMA-member exclusive publication produced by the Research and Information Center.

During his Keynote Luncheon address to 2007 SEMA Show attendees, Toyota’s truck/SUV marketing chief outlined four ways that specialty-equipment businesses can join the automaker’s aggressive accessories strategy.

“There is significant opportunity for SEMA members to be part of our growth,” said Brian Smith, Toyota Corporate Marketing Manager, Toyota Trucks and SUVs, starting with becoming a supplier for Toyota, Lexus or Scion Genuine Accessories. Smith says Toyota has over 80 supplier partners.
 
“We are open to look at new mainstream accessories that provide the highest quality, reliability and durability, along with a manufacturer warranty designed to give Toyota customers high value along with high quality.”

Specialty-equipment companies can also become an “up-fitter partner” serving the small business/commercial market. Toyota currently works with Weatherguard, ARE, Adrian Steel and Tommygate, and Smith urged companies with a well-known brand name, nationwide distribution and a complement of products different from its existing partners to join its partner network.

Another way is to provide product for the Toyota Truck Specialty Guide, which currently features over 100 specialty products and accessories not usually found at dealerships, ranging from mainstream accessories like trailer hitches and wind deflectors, to loading ramps, vent shades and bed rail systems.

“We will entertain new, exciting products that complement the truck buyer’s desires,” Smith explained. The Guide will be updated in spring 2008.

The first step for most companies will be to establish a partnership with a local Toyota dealer. The dealership’s sales manager, service manager, parts manager and general manager are all key contacts for any supplier looking to do business with a dealership, Smith said, illustrating his point with an example of a supplier/dealership relationship involving a SEMA member.
  
“One of the key aspects of what we heard from both the SEMA member and the dealer management team was the seamless transaction to the customer when a problem arises.”
   
The ability to offer and handle warranty issues is key for working with any Toyota dealer, Smith added, noting that Toyota dealers who were successful in selling accessories had partnered with local suppliers who “provided high-quality service and a seamless process of taking care of customer concerns.”

Smith added that Toyota was just beginning to launch its accessory program nationwide, and cautioned against rushing out to local dealers to get involved in the Vehicle Personalization Program. “The rollout will take time. If you have a customer-first reputation, when your local Toyota dealer starts to focus on accessories, you will probably be on his list. There’s an opportunity for many of you to be part of our growth. In fact, we can’t do it without you.”

For more information on SEMA OEM initiatives, visit www.sema.org/oem.

Each year the SEMA Show recognizes products that set new standards for innovation and imagination. Following are the winners of the SEMA New Product Awards:

Best New Interior Accessory Product
Winner: PLX Devices Inc. – OBD Organic LED Gauge
Runner Up: Spotlight
Runner Up: Plasmaglow

PLX Devices representative Paul Lowchareonkul accepts the Best New Interior Accessory Product Award from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) SEMA Vice President of Communications and Events Peter MacGillivray (second from right) and SEMA Chairman Jim Cozzie (right).

PLX Devices OBD Organic LED Gauge

Best New Exterior Accessory Product
Winner: Go Rhino! Products/Xtreme Racks – Step-N-Tow
Runner Up: MacNeil Automotive Products
Runner Up: Cruiser Accessories

Chris Kersting, Trucking Times & Sport Utility News editor Dave Herrmeyer (second from right) and SEMA Chairman Jim Cozzie present Best New Exterior Product Award to Go Rhino!'s Ron Storer.

Go Rhino! Step-N-Tow

Best Engineered New Product
Winner: JME Enterprises Inc. – Pro Series Mustang Suspension
Runner Up: Professional Products
Runner Up: KW Automotive North America

Julio Mayen of JME Enterprises accepts the Best Engineered New Product Award from Chris Kersting, Hot Rod magazine's Rob Kinnan, and Jim Cozzie. 

JME Enterprises Pro Series Mustang Suspension

Best New Merchandising Display
Winner: Truck Accessories Group Inc. – Gear-it-up Counter Display
Runner Up: PIAA Corp.
Runner Up: HushMat

Chris Kersting, Gary Light from Speed Warehouse, Inc. (second from right) and Jim Cozzie present Joel Ayres of Truck Accessories Group/Leer (second from left) with the award for Best New Merchandising Display.

Leer Gear-it-up Counter Display

Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product
Winner: Rancho – MyRide
Runner Up: Wade Automotive
Runner Up: Innovate Motorsports

Rancho MyRide

Best New Packaging Design
Winner: Auto Meter Products – Street Rod InterAct Display Rack
Runner Up: Cruiser Accessories
Runner Up: Shell Lubricants

Auto Meter's Jeffrey King accepts the award for Best New Packaging Design from Chris Kersting, SEMA News Editorial Director Matt Pearson (second from right) and Jim Cozzie.

Auto Meter Street Rod InterAct Display Rack

Best New Performance-Street Product
Winner: Nitrous Express – “V” Gauge
Runner Up: Tesla Electronics Inc.
Runner Up: Stainless Steel Brake Corp.

Chris Kersting, Styling & Performance magazine publisher Allison Lombardo (second from right), and Jim Cozzie present a Nitrous Express representative with the award for Best New Street Performance Product.

Nitrous Express “V” Gauge

Best New Performance-Racing Product
Winner: Comp Performance Group – Drag Race Torque Converter
Runner Up: Race Pumps
Runner Up: Vortech/Paxton

Chris Kersting, Precision Engine magazine group publisher Travis Weeks (second from right) and Jim Cozzie present Comp Performance Group's Paul "Scooter" Brothers and another representative (center) with the award for Best New Performance Racing Product.

Comp Performance Group Drag Race Torque Converter

Best New Pickup/Van/SUV Product
Winner: Go Rhino! Products/Xtreme Racks – Step-N-Tow
Runner Up: Net Shape International LLC
Runner Up: Pilot Automotive Inc.

Ron Storer from Go Rhino! accepts the award for Best New Pickup/Van/SUV Product from Chris Kersting, Sam Memmolo from Two Guys Garage (second from left) and Jim Cozzie.

Go Rhino! Step-N-Tow

Best New Street Rod/Custom Car Product
Winner: Barry Grant Inc. – Demon 98 Carburetor
Runner Up: Experi-Metal Inc.
Runner Up: American Speed Co.

Barry Grant Demon 98 Carburetor

Best New Mobile Electronics Product
Winner: PLX Devices Inc. – OBD Organic LED Gauge
Runner Up: Audiovox Corp.
Runner Up: David Instruments Corp.

Paul Lowchareonkul from PLX Devices accepts the Best New Mobile Electronics Product award from Chris Kersting, Mobile Electronics magazine's Travis Weeks (second from right) and Jim Cozzie.

PLX Devices OBD Organic LED Gauge

Best New Tools and Equipment Product
Winner: Warn Industries – Warn Works PullzAll
Runner Up: Cam Logic Technologies
Runner Up: Specialty Autoparts USA

Chris Kersting presents the Best New Tools and Equipment Product award to Ken Scuito of Warn Industries, along with AdvanStar's Jim Savas and Jim Cozzie.

Warn Works PullzAll

To view photos of more than 1,500 new products, visit www.semaphotos.com.

Wade Kawasaki, president of Avanche Corporation and long-time SEMA member, was presented with the 2007 SEMA Person of the Year Award.

"I'm very honored to be recognized by SEMA and my peers," Kawasaki said. "This industry has been such a big part of my life and my involvement with SEMA has enabled me to advance important industry initiatives, help guide and develop the growth of the next generation of leaders, and build some great relationships along the way."

Joel Ayres of Truck Accessories Group/Leer (left) and Wade Kawasaki of Avanche Corp.

Created in 1969, the Person of the Year Award honors individuals recognized for distinguished service to the trade association and the specialty-equipment industry. Kawasaki has been considered a strong voice in the automotive specialty-equipment market in several areas, including education, technology solutions, and international relations.

He is currently Chairman of SEMA's International Trade Committee, has served twice as Chairman of the SEMA Show, is a founding member and on the board of SEMA's Political Action Committee, and is active on several other SEMA committees. He is also a founding member of SEMA's Young Executives Network (YEN).

Kawasaki is president of Avanche Corporation, comprised of Racing Sports Akimoto (sport compact manufacturer), DUB-air (youth/urban market manufacturer), and Exports International (W.D.). The company has served the specialty-equipment market since 1987. He also serves on the Board of Directors of an Automotive Technology start-up and Northwood University's Automotive Aftermarket Management Advisor.