SEMA offers its condolences to the family and friends of Dale Kille, who suffered a fatal heart attack Wednesday, October 31. Kille, 55, worked for Luverne Truck Equipment Inc. of Brandon, S.D., for more than 30 years, most recently as executive vice president. The industry veteran was well-known and liked by many in the business. For details regarding funeral services or to sign Kille's online guestbook, visit www.georgeboom.com.

NEWS NUGGETS

FORCE WINS AUTO CLUB ROAD TO THE FUTURE AWARD: Ashley Force, 24, applied a measure of positive energy to a difficult season Monday when she accepted the Automobile Club of Southern California’s 2007 Road to the Future Award as the professional Rookie-of-the-Year in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. The daughter of icon John Force accepted a check for $20,000 from the Auto Club before crediting her father, her family and her team, especially crew chiefs Dean “Guido” Antonelli and Ron Douglas, for a history-making first season at the wheel of the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang.
    Although she missed two races, one following the death last March of teammate Eric Medlen and the other after her father suffered the most serious crash of his 32-year career, the graduate of Cal State-Fullerton made history last month at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway where she became the first woman to race in a Funny Car final in a national series.
    In addition to her performance at LVMS, where she was beaten in the money round by newly-crowned series champion Tony Pedregon, she went to the semifinals on three other occasions, qualified No. 2 three times and finished No. 10 in the driver standings, ensuring her a position, on stage, with her father and brother-in-law (Robert Hight) during Monday’s NHRA award ceremonies at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel.

POWERADE CHAMPS CROWNED IN LOS ANGELES CEREMONY: Tony Schumacher, who became the first Top Fuel driver in NHRA history to win four consecutive POWERade Series world championship crowns by racing to victory at Sunday's season finale in Pomona, California, headlined the four world championship-winning drivers honored Monday evening during the 2007 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series awards ceremony at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
    The three other NHRA POWERade Series world champions—Tony Pedregon, Jeg Coughlin, and Matt Smith—also were presented checks and trophies for their achievements during the 2007 POWERade Countdown to the Championship, NHRA's first championship playoffs. Schumacher and Pedregon each received a check from NHRA and POWERade for $500,000; Coughlin received $250,000 and Smith earned $75,000.

CHEVROLET WINS NHRA MANUFACTURERS CUP: Following an incredible season on the NHRA POWERade tour that included Jeg Coughlin’s third NHRA Pro Stock world championship and class wins at numerous Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events across the United States, Chevrolet has won the 2007 NHRA Manufacturers Cup, one of the longest and most enduring standards of racing excellence. This year marked the 16th time that Chevrolet has won this illustrious award (the most by any automobile manufacturer), which is a genuine measurement of Chevy’s ongoing commitment to the sport of drag racing.
    “Everyone at Chevrolet appreciates the sacrifice and hard work of the drivers, owners, and race teams who made possible this 16th NHRA Manufacturers Cup,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “There were many notable accomplishments this year, and with their on-track excellence and performance, each of our NHRA competitors proudly displaying the red Bowtie contributed to Chevrolet’s winning tradition and heritage.”
    The NHRA Manufacturers Cup has been awarded since 1964. It is presented to the automobile manufacturer whose current models in Pro Stock, Super Stock, and Stock earn the most points for qualifying and category victories at NHRA Drag Racing Series national and divisional events.

BUDWEISER RETURNS AS OFFICIAL BEER OF NHRA: Budweiser and NHRA have renewed their decades-long partnership that will keep the brewer of the world’s best-selling beers front and center in one of the fastest-growing forms of motorsports in America. As part of the multiyear agreement, Budweiser will maintain its high visibility at all NHRA POWERade Series venues and markets, including point-of-sale materials and consumer ticket promotions, autograph signings and appearances, trackside promotions, advertising on the at-track JumboTron, and print advertising in a variety of NHRA publications.
    Budweiser also will continue its popular Race The King radio promotion in race markets, which offers adult fans the opportunity to race down the quarter-mile against Brandon Bernstein, pilot of the Bud King Top Fuel dragster. “Drag racing really is one of America’s first ‘extreme’ sports, and Budweiser is proud to have been a part of the sport’s growth over the past 25 years,” said Tony Ponturo, vice president, global media and sports marketing, Anheuser-Busch Inc.
    “Budweiser and its family of wholesalers are great fans of the sport, and our marketing programs around each race will continue to drive awareness for Budweiser’s sponsorship of the NHRA and for the sport as a whole.” Budweiser’s official beer status with NHRA will now extend to more than three decades, making it one of the longest-running league sponsorships in sports.

BROWN TO DRIVE MATCO TOOLS TOP FUEL DRAGSTER: After 10 seasons as one of the elite Pro Stock Motorcycle competitors on the NHRA circuit, 16-time NHRA winner Antron Brown will move to NHRA’s premier category, Top Fuel, to pilot the David Powers Motorsports Matco Tools Iron Eagle Top Fuel dragster in 2008.
    “I’m very excited to have this opportunity to be part of the David Powers Motorsports team with Lee Beard and Rob Flynn,” Brown said. “Also, to be teammates with “Hot Rod” Fuller is awesome. It makes me speechless, which is a first for me, to have this opportunity to represent Matco Tools, their distributors, and all of DPM. I’ve been associated with Matco for the past few years while at DSR [Don Schumacher Racing] and attending the annual Matco Tools Expo, and I’m looking forward to expanding that relationship.
    "Everyone in their organization has a passion for the business and winning, from President Tom Willis to the 1,500 franchisees selling the Matco product. I couldn’t think of a better organization to make this transition with, and for them to believe in me and give me this shot as a rookie driver is awesome.”
    A two-time NHRA world championship runner-up (2001, 2006), Brown raced to his 16 wins in 146 Pro Stock Motorcycle events. A native of Chesterfield, N.J., Brown earned 11 low-qualifying awards in the two-wheel category and has not missed the cut for an NHRA race since his rookie season in 1998.

NHRA MAKES $2,500 CONTRIBUTION TO PCC IN HONOR OF GLICK: NHRA made a contribution of $2,500 to Pasadena City College officials over the weekend at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in honor of legendary Los Angeles Times sportswriter Shav Glick, who died October 20 at age 87. The presentation took place in the Shav Glick Media Center, named in honor of Glick in the early 1990s.
    Pasadena City College alumni relations official Irene Aguilera accepted the donation on behalf of the college. The college foundation annually presents two $500 scholarships – The Shav Glick Journalism Scholarship – to outstanding journalism students who are active members of the college newspaper.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

CARQUEST AUTO PARTS WINTERNATIONALS, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, FEBRUARY. 7–10: Kick-off the 2008 NHRA POWERade Series Countdown to the Championship at the historic track where last year’s winners included J.R. Todd, Gary Scelzi and Greg Anderson.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

6: The margin of victory in the Pro Stock Motorcycle point standings for the POWERade Series world championship. When Matt Smith defeated Chip Ellis in the final round of the Auto Club NHRA Finals at Pomona, Smith earned his first series crown in the all-or-nothing final round shootout.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

TODD JOINS LUCAS TEAM FOR 2008: J.R. Todd will join the Lucas Oil Racing Top Fuel team as a teammate with good friend Morgan Lucas in 2008, fielding a car sponsored by longtime Todd backer Evan Knoll through his Torco and Seelye Wright brands. John Stewart will be the crew chief; an assistant will be named later.
    “We’re very proud that J.R. is coming in to join the team,” said Charlotte Lucas. “Morgan and J.R. being buddies, they’ll do well as teammates, but you gotta watch ‘em, too! This year will be a lot of fun for all of us. The boys just get along so well.” “J.R. and I have been great friends,” added Morgan. “I can’t tell you how excited I am. You don’t get a lot of chances to race with a really good friend, and this is one of those chances you gotta enjoy. J.R. has a great brand and carries a lot of fan base. Evan Knoll will be coming over to support him. John Stewart will be keeping everything going. The car has been consistent, and he’s got a handle on it. We’re going to keep going and winning races next year.”
    Said Todd, “I feel really fortunate to be a part of a great team with Lucas Oil and Evan Knoll supporting us. [Knoll] and I talked about it and felt this was the best option we had. We can work well together, and hopefully we’ll both be in the Countdown next year. It’s going to be a great year next year.”

WHO’S HOT!

TONY SCHUMACHER: The driver of the U.S. Army dragster pulled off another miracle come-from-behind championship winning performance Sunday at Pomona, taking the must-win final round victory over Bob Vandergriff to edge “Hot Rod” Fuller for the Top Fuel world championship crown by 19 points. “After the second round, it was like déjà vu,” Schumacher said. “My knees started shaking, and I had that feeling like maybe we could do it again. The guys on this team are unbelievable when the pressure is on. They showed it again today.” 
    Schumacher tied Joe Amato for most Top Fuel world championships with five, and became the NHRA record holder for most consecutive Top Fuel world championship titles, with four. Last season Schumacher completed a 336-point comeback by winning the season-finale at Pomona and setting a national elapsed time record in the final round to take the title away from Doug Kalitta.

DRIVERS TELL ALL

PEDREGON EMOTIONAL AFTER WINNING FUNNY CAR CROWN: Tony Pedregon earned his second POWERade Series Funny Car world championship title, and his first as a team owner. He was emotional after he clinched the title on Sunday afternoon in Pomona.
    “This is racing, and we want to win races, but we have to remember we’re putting on a show, and I think the NHRA did a great job with this Countdown,” he said. “The biggest difference between this year and 2003 when I won a title with John Force Racing was the amount of media coverage. The stress is through the roof, but in the end, I think we have a better product now.
    "I had people doubting my sanity when I left John, but I wanted to race with my brother, and I wanted to see if I could do it on my own. I know how difficult it is to race a team like that. I know what they have over there. And to be able to beat them is special. Winning our first race on my own was huge. To win this championship, I can’t describe it."

For more information, visit www.nhra.com.

PAID: Speedway Motorsports Chairman O Bruton Smith paid $340 million to purchase New Hampshire Int’l Speedway from the Bahre family late last week. The one-mile oval seats 92,000 and is located in Loudon, N.H.

BACK IN BUSINESS: The former North Carolina Speedway, now known as Rockingham Speedway, is back in the racing business. Andy Hillenburg closed on the sale last week and wasted little time scheduling events. The Carolina 500 for the ARCA RE/MAX Series is scheduled May 4, while the Hooters Pro Cup Series will conclude its 2008 season at the 1.017-mile oval Nov. 1.

14 RACES: The Champ Car World Series released a 14-race schedule for the 2008 season, including the series’s first visit to Spain.

TITLE TIME: For the second straight season Tony Schumacher used the final run of the season to steal the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series championship from another driver. It was his fourth-consecutive championship and fifth overall.

RETIRING: Robert Clarke will step down as president of Honda Performance Development Jan. 1. He will serve in an advisory role for newly appointed president Erik Berkman. Clarke, who worked 27 years for Honda, will retire June 30.

SIGNED: Hideki Mutoh will fill the fourth seat for Andretti Green Racing in the Indy Racing League next season.

SEPARATE WAYS: Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso has left the McLaren team with which he spent the 2007 season, and is seeking employment elsewhere.

NUMBER ONE: With his ninth 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.

The following councils and committees presented awards during the 2007 SEMA Show.

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

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 - Crusin' 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)

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 - Good Guys Rod & Custom
• HRIA Business of the Year - Art Morrison Enterprises
• HRIA Hall of Fame Inductees: Gary Heidt, Heidt's Hot Rod Shop; Joe Mayall, NSRA/StreetScene
• 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.

Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)

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.

Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

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 & 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.

Sport-Compact Council (SCC)

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)

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)

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)

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.

• CSK Auto announced that James Constantine will join the company as executive vice president of finance and chief financial officer effective November 19. Constantine most recently served as senior vice president and chief financial officer of ShopKo Stores Operating Co. The company also announced that Brian Woods, executive vice president of merchandising, is leaving the company in order to remain full time in Dallas with his family. CSK is currently searching for a successor.


• SEMA member Collectors Foundation Inc. reported that it has awarded more than $1,000,000.00 since its inception in 2004 to build the next generation of collector vehicle enthusiasts. Collectors Foundation is an educational grant-making organization funded by collector vehicle and classic boat enthusiasts to serve young people–the future generation of collectors. To date, over 200,000 school age children have learned some of their history, art, and science lessons at eight automobile museums around the country with grants from the Foundation. Over 2,000 high school aged students in ten different states have received the benefit of new equipment for automotive technology classes or special mentoring programs supported by the Foundation.  And 65 students have received scholarships for post-secondary study in automotive or restoration, design, rod and custom building at nine different educational institutions.  
  


• OnSight Solutions opened three new franchise locations. The company now has 14 nationwide owners of OSS franchises. The most recent acquisitions are the greater Boston metro area, Charlotte metro and Western North Carolina markets, and the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, North Carolina metro markets.

The industry in action on the floor of the 2007 SEMA Show:

Try before you buy: Testing the mettle of manufacturers’ products in a real-world setting is the main purpose of the Motor Trend Proving Ground powered by Lexus.

During the Lexus press conference, the automaker launched F-Sport, a new lineup of performance accessories engineered by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) for the 2006 IS 250/350. .

Store of the Future is where jobbers and retailers go to get access to merchandising experts and layout tips designed to push more product.

NHRA's Ashley Force is one of the many racing stars making an appearance during Show week.

A jam-packed Las Vegas Convention Center.

SEMA awards Toyota to recognize the automaker’s commitment to the specialty-equipment industry through its participation as Vehicle Manufacturer of the 2007 SEMA Show. From left to right: SEMA Senior Director of Dealer Relations Bill Wolf, Toyota Corporate Marketing Manager Brian Smith, SEMA President Chris Kersting, and SEMA Chairman Jim Cozzie of Zoom Performance Products.

The crew from West Coast Customs brought their shop to the Show, conducting in-booth master classes in welding, fabrication, custom painting mobile electronics and more at the West Coast Customs Experience.

In addition to world-class exhibitors and product innovations, the 2007 SEMA Show features educational programs that provide insight on key industry topics as well as professional advice regarding leadership techniques, website construction, e-marketing and more.

The SEMA Show Luncheon and Keynote Address featured Toyota’s Corporate Marketing Manager Brian Smith who illustrated the significance of vehicle personalization to the Toyota brand and covered the importance of warranty programs such as ProPledge.

The New Product Awards Breakfast, emceed by Speedway Illustrated founder Dick Berggren, highlighted the 2008 class of new products and innovations delivered by the specialty-equipment industry.

The Truck Trend Proving Ground sponsored by Toyota gives buyers the chance to see products put to the rigors of the real world and the drivers a chance to fling a little mud.

The NHRA Breakfast featured (left to right) Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock), Tony Pedregon (Funny Car), Larry Dixon (Top Fuel) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

To celebrate its 40 years, Hot Wheels displayed branded memorabilia, collectibles and life-size vehicles throughout the 2007 SEMA Show.

Product demonstrations provide application tips and techniques.

The car crafters of Overhaulin' worked tirelessly to complete its project before the end of the Show.

SEMA President Chris Kersting kicks off the Intern Breakfast during the 2007 SEMA Show’s Education Day. The SEMA Internship program provides students with an educational, real-world Show experience that prepares them for their future in the industry.

The West Coast Customs Crew walks the Show.

For four days, the SEMA Show in Las Vegas represents the pulse of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. With thousands of products and uniquely personalized rides, it is a detailed look at the current state, as well as what to expect from the future, of the industry.

To see more pictures from the 2007 SEMA Show, visit www.semaphotos.com.

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

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities at www.sema.org/classifieds. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enable the employee to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more. The newest classified listings posted under Positions Available include:

More than three-quarters of light-truck enthusiasts customize their trucks to improve performance, according to SEMA research data. Of the 1200 light-truck owners queried for the SEMA 2007 Automotive Lifestyles survey, a staggering 86% somewhat agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I customize my vehicle to increase performance.”

Performance is not the only reason why enthusiasts modify their light-trucks, however. Nearly as many see their truck as an extension of themselves and their individuality, with 79% somewhat or strongly agreeing that their vehicle is a way for them to express themselves, and 78% agreeing that they customize to set their truck apart from others on the road.

Along similar lines, 68% of enthusiasts somewhat or strongly disagreed when asked if their vehicle was only used for basic transportation. Additionally, 59% say they prefer to modify the appearance of their truck rather than the performance.

For further insight into this segment of the specialty equipment industry, read the Light-Truck Market Update produced by the SEMA Research and Information Center in the September issue of SEMA News. For member-exclusive market research reports, visit www.sema.org/research.

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