NEFF OUT AS CREW CHIEF ON SCELZI'S DODGE: One week after news broke that Mike Neff would join John Force Racing in 2008 as driver of its fourth Funny Car, Neff has been replaced as crew chief on Gary Scelzi's Don Schumacher Racing-owned Mopar/Oakley Dodge Charger R/T. Todd Okuhara, former co-tuner for Scelzi's teammate Jack Beckman, takes the lead on the Mopar car, while Phil Shuler stays with Beckman.

ASHLEY FORCE SPEAKS "PASSION AND PURPOSE" AT BEAUTY CONVENTION: Ashley Force spoke to more than 5,500 listeners at the BeautiControl Inc. "Ride of Your Life" rally, August 2, at the Gaylord Texas Resort Hotel in Dallas. Force shared a video that featured clips of her Castrol GTX Ford Mustang and followed it up with a speech urging those in attendance to pursue their own career goals with passion and purpose. She received a standing ovation. The company's top consultants can earn Ford Mustang GT convertibles like the one Ashley drives on the street by reaching certain performance goals.

TONY PEDREGON HOT AT ‘NIGHT UNDER FIRE’: While a few drivers enjoyed their first weekend off in months, Tony Pedregon defended his title at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park's 30th annual ACDelco/Ohio Lottery Night Under Fire presented by Amalie Oil in Norwalk. Pedregon, who with his brother Cruz owns and operates his own team, defeated Ohio native Jim Head in the final round with a 4.82-second pass at 301.20 mph in his Q Racing Chevy Impala SS. Ashley Force finished third in her Castrol GTX Ford Mustang at the popular exhibition event.

MEDLEN MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT SEEKS PLAYERS: Organizers of the inaugural Eric Medlen Memorial Golf Tournament are now accepting reservations for teams and individual players interested in competing in the event, scheduled for a shotgun start at 1 p.m. (PST), October 31, at the Mountain Meadows Golf Course in Pomona, California. Proceeds from the tournament will be shared by DRAW and Metro Ministries, a charity chosen by John Medlen. An entry fee of $95 per golfer covers half a cart, lunch, goodie bags and hors d'oeuvres that will be served during a short awards ceremony following the tournament, with honors going to the first and second-place teams, Longest Drive (men and ladies), Closest to the Pin, and the first Hole in One. The tournament is open to all NHRA team owners, drivers, crew members, manufacturers, fans and guests, but is limited to 128 players, so reservations are required. For more information, contact Rosalee Noble at 217/345-6537 or rnoble@consolidated.net.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS, BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, AUG. 9–12: Set in the lake-surrounded area of Northern Minnesota, this event is the next-to-last race in the 17-race Countdown to the Championship regular season. Defending event winners include Brandon Bernstein, Tommy Johnson Jr., Dave Connolly and Antron Brown.

TOYO TIRES NHRA NATIONALS, MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY, AUG. 16–19: The final race of the Countdown to the Championship regular season, this will be the last chance for drivers to either maintain or move into position to clinch a playoff berth. Defending event winners include J.R. Todd, Phil Burkart, Greg Anderson and Karen Stoffer.

INDY NHRA SPORT COMPACT NATIONALS PRESENTED BY BP, O'REILLY RACEWAY PARK, AUG. 18–19: The NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series will be coming to O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis for the inaugural Indy NHRA Sport Compact Nationals presented by BP, August 18–19. This will mark the first time that the Xplod Series has come to Indianapolis as a stand-alone event. For more information log onto the NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series home page www.nhrasportcompact.com.
 
MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS, O'REILLY RACEWAY PARK, AUGUST 29–SEPTEMBER 3: Long known as the most prestigious race on the POWERade Series, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals takes on an even more significant role in 2007 with the inception of the Countdown to the Championship. The Mac Tools U.S. Nationals is the first race in the four-race Countdown playoff that will halve the field of eligible championship teams from eight to four. The annual Skoal Showdown (Funny Car) and the Ringers Gloves (Pro Stock Motorcycle) races-within-a-race will also be contested during the popular Labor Day weekend event.

O'REILLY NHRA MID-SOUTH NATIONALS, MEMPHIS MOTORSPORTS PARK, SEPT. 14–16: Doug Kalitta, John Force, Kurt Johnson and Andrew Hines look to defend their 2006 titles at this second event in the Countdown to Four.

.INSIDE THE NUMBERS

4: Times defending event winner Antron Brown—still three spots out of the Top Eight—has won the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd. This may be the perfect week for Brown to make up ground in the Countdown standings.

DRIVERS TELL ALL

ROD FULLER, DAVID POWERS MOTORSPORTS TOP FUEL DRAGSTER: "My goal (for Brainerd, Minn.) is to lock in the No.1 position in the Countdown. We have to put a stop to the (Tony) Schumacher freight train. We can do it because we're the little engine that could. We ran well there last year, so we need to go out and win the race. We put both the Valvoline and CAT cars in the winner's circle, so we need to do the same with the Great White (car) this weekend."

JOINED: Team owner Ray Evernham has completed his partnership with George N. Gillett, owner of the Montreal Canadiens NHL hockey team, creating Gillett Evernham Motorsports.

SPRINTING: A few drivers will head to this week’s 47th annual Knoxville Nationals with momentum. Pennsylvania driver Sean Michael picked up $30,000 for winning the inaugural Dream Race Extreme at Port Royal (Pennsylvania) Speedway. Shane Stewart and Kaley Gharst dominated the action at Knoxville Raceway during four nights of racing leading up to the four-day extravaganza that will pay $150,000 to the winner. Donny Schatz is the defending champion.

THE LAST ONE: Tony Kanaan won what for now will be the last IndyCar race at Michigan International Speedway this past Sunday. The two-mile that has hosted open-wheel races since the late 1960s is not on next year’s schedule.

NEW LEADER: With IndyCar driver Scott Dixon having trouble, Jeff Gordon used his 14th top five finish of the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season to move to the top of the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings.

NEW COMPANY: Taylor Weld, former CEO of Weld Racing Wheels, has joined with Wheel Pros to form a new company, Taylor Weld Engineering, which will create wheels for the performance racing market.

RUMORS: It appears that Kyle Busch will sign with Joe Gibbs Racing for the 2008 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season, leaving J.J. Yeley looking for a drive.

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 latest news from SEMA councils and committees:

SEMA has hired Jim Skelly as Council Relations Director. Skelly brings with him more than 15 years of experience at the NHRA, and he will serve as the staff liaison for the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) and the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA). As an auto enthusiast and a strong communicator, Skelly will be instrumental in helping the councils move forward and achieve their respective goals. He can be reached at jimsk@sema.org or 909/396-0289, ext. 103.

Jim Skelly

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

• ARMO has elected Steve Moskowitz of Antique Automobile Club of America and Mark Vogt of Classic Industries to its Select Committee. “I’m looking forward to working with Steve and Mark on the ARMO Select Committee,” said ARMO Chairman Ernie Silvers. “They are joining what has proven to be one of the most enthusiastic and hard-working groups that have ever existed. With the group that we have in place, we will definitely make great progress.”
  
  Re-elected to the ARMO Select Committee are Todd Bidwell of Parts Unlimited Inc., Roger Niehaus of Auto Custom Carpets Inc., Sandy Patterson of Primedia, and Jim Vinarski of Carlisle Events. Continuing in service on the ARMO Select Committee are Jim Barber of CARS, Laura Bergan of American Collectors Insurance, Jeff Broadus of Car Collector magazine, Marshall Giorgi of Rare Parts, Kim Mitchell of Eaton Detroit Spring, Sheila Perkins of Bradley David Productions, Alex Tainsh of Trim Parts and Walter Vaughan of Steele Rubber Products.

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

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

• The HRIA welcomes the newest Select Committee members Eric Saltrick of Steele Rubber Products and Mike Kinney of Las Vegas Rod & Custom. These gentlemen join the re-elected Select Committee members: Del Austin – Street Thunder magazine, Tommy Daniels – Yearwood Speed & Custom, Rick Love – Vintage Air and Ross Ortman – Dakota Digital Inc. 
  

To learn more about the HRIA, visit www.sema.org/hria or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

The following are the results of the TORA Select Committee election:

Manufacturers Category

• Re-Elected (1) -  Bryan Baker – A.R.E.
• New Select Committee Members (2):  Jason Bruce, Street Scene Equipment; Eric Kwasnicka, DuPont Performance Coatings

Retailer/Dealer Category

• Re-Elected (1) - Casey Miser – All American Truck & SUV Accessory Centers
• New Select Committee Members (3):  Charlie Card, Vehicle Accessories; Russ Fletcher, Fletcher’s Truck Caps; Ronald Towry, Truck Gear SuperCenter

Manufacturers' Reps/Media/WD Category

• Re-Elected (1) - George Lathouris, Keystone Automotive

TORA Open Long-Range Planning Meeting

• TORA's Open Long-Range Planning Meetings is set for Wednesday, August 22, at the Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Lakefront Hotel, Chicago, Illinois. For flight and hotel arrangements, contact Manya Petropaki at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268 or e-mail manya.p@travelstoreUSA.com.
  
  
• Kelly Kneifl, Division Manager of Automotive Accessories at Shur-Co, has been elected by the TORA Select Committee to serve as council chair-elect. Kelly, a member of the Select Committee, will serve starting July 1 as chair-elect for two years prior to assuming the role of chairman. He will serve alongside incoming Chairman Ron DiVincenzo of Cap World. Former Chairman Todd Yeoman will remain on the Select Committee in an advisory capacity as chairman emeritus.
  
  
• The DVD “Why Paint Colors Vary?” This valuable resource is now available. TORA members now have a valuable new tool that will help educate consumers about the challenges of the paint-color-matching process. Available for dealers and installers to play in their waiting areas, the video is presented in a professional format and brings a consistent message on why paint colors vary. The TORA “Why Paint Colors Vary?” DVD is available to TORA council members free of charge (or $49.95 for non-TORA members). Other tools available from TORA are the CHMSL and altered-height CDs. For details or to place an order, contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289, ext. 104, or e-mail stacib@sema.org.

To learn more about the TORA, visit www.sema.org/TORA or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

MPMC would like to welcome and congratulate the following new and incumbent Select Committee members:

• Rich Barsamian, Grant Products International Inc. (Incumbent)
• Ed Burgy, CORSA Performance  (Incumbent)
• Billy Carroll, Wilson Manifolds
• Kyle Fickler,  Aeromotive Inc.
• Ryan Hunter, SCE Gaskets Inc. (Incumbent)
• Marla Moore, Hypertech Inc. (Incumbent)
• Bob Ritzman, B&M Racing & Performance Products Inc. (Incumbent)
• Todd Ryden, MSD Ignition (Incumbent)
  
  
• The 11th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference is set for Tuesday, January 22–Thursday, January 24, 2008, at the Embassy Suites Hotel LAX South in Los Angeles. For more information on the MPMC Media Trade Conference, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

To learn more about the MPMC, visit www.sema.org/mpmc.

Manufacturers' Representatives Council (MRC)

• MRC has appointed Mike Bolio of Scafidi-Bolio & Associates, Wade Cobb of Hapco LLP, Irv Cohen of SS Sales & Marketing Group, Chris Fairless of R&R Marketing Consultants, Tony Gee of Foster-Babcock & Associates and Scott Majors of MBA Marketing Group onto its Select Committee. “We’re excited about the new faces joining the MRC Select Committee,” said MRC Chairman John Iannotte. “The MRC is an active group with a lot going on, so it is great to have such a talented and enthusiastic group joining us.”
  
  Appointed onto the MRC Select Committee for a third term are Jim Kerr of Kerr & Associates Inc., Jim Klassen of JK Sales and Bill Perry of Bill Perry & Associates. The MRC Select Committee also includes seven members who are continuing to serve. They are Joel Rosenthal of Gantt Thomas, Mark Adin of PSKB, Bob Bader of Hapco LLP, Bill Chamberlain of JS Chamberlain & Associates Inc., Evan Mecham of Evan Mecham & Associates, Zane Shaffer of Wes-Coast Marketing and Alex Walker of Bob Cook Sales.
  
• MRC members should mark their calendars for the following upcoming council activity:
  
  
  2007 MRC Rep Conference
  September 26–27, 2007
  Phoenix, Arizona

To learn more about the MRC, visit www.sema.org/mrc or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

• The votes have been tabulated, and PRO welcomes four incumbents and four newcomers to the council's Select Committee. Incumbents include Bill North, Webasto Product N.A.; Ray Ott, Auto Trim Design of Cleveland East; Karl Stearns, Auto Trim International; and Bob West, Westin Automotive Products. The newly elected members are Jeff Fink, Advantage Truck Accessories; Doug Jacobs, Restyler's Choice; Joey Johnston, Tops & Trends; and Scott Wolin, AC Wolin Group.
  

• The PRO Select Committee has chosen Karl Stearns, vice president of sales and marketing for Auto Trim International, to serve as council chair-elect. A member of the Select Committee, Stearns will serve as chair-elect for two years prior to assuming the role of chairman. He will serve alongside incoming Chairman Chuck Blum of Chuck Blum Consulting. Former Chairman B.J. Leanse will remain on board in an advisory capacity as chairman emeritus.

To learn more about PRO, visit www.sema.org/pro or contact Ellen McKoy at ellenm@sema.org.

Sport-Compact Council (SCC)

• SCC Business of the Year, Person of the Year, Industry Image and Industry Icon Award  nomination forms have been mailed to all SCC members. The awards will be presented during the SCC Reception Wednesday, October 31, 2007, 5 p.m.–7:00 p.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Pavilion 6. Your nominations and support are important to your council. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the SCC Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Nominations are due by Friday, August 24.
  

• Get Connected at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, too! Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Connect with fellow SEMA members at the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN. Participate in Speed Networking - a unique and effective way to build your nexus of contacts. Every few minutes meet someone new in the automotive industry - you’ll make more new contacts at one breakfast than most people make in six months! To purchase tickets or for more information on the networking breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

• Ed Burgy, CORSA Performance (Incumbent)
• Jim Liaw, Formula Drift
• Kirk Miller, AEM (Incumbent)
• Ahad Mirza, Auto Meter Products
• Oliver Rathlein, Eibach Springs Inc.
• Brian Reese, Competition Cams Inc.
• Malen Reger, Motovicity Distribution (Incumbent)
• Richard Schroeder, Eagle Vista Productions (Incumbent)
• Tyler Tanaka, Turbonetics Inc. (Incumbent)
• James Yim, K&N Engineering Inc.
  
  
• Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, was elected chairman-elect of the SCC. Nuñez began her role on July 1, when Eric Breslow, Power Slot/Power Performance Group, took over as SCC chairman.

To learn more about the SCC, visit www.sema.org/scc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

Tim Dietz of Standards Testing Laboratories Inc. is the new WTC Chairman-elect. His background includes:

• Seventeen-year veteran of the tire & wheel testing industry
• Instructor for STL’s annual Tire Technology informational seminar
• Co-developed testing procedures for NHTSA (FMVSS 139 plunger, bead unseat & impact)
• Co-developed testing procedures for OEM and Aftermarket manufacturers
• Member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
• Member of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F09-03, Tire Aging Committee
• Member ASTM F09-03, Road Hazard Impact Subcommittee
• Member ASTM F09-03, Head Seat Subcommittee
• Member ASTM F09-03, Light Truck Flat to Curved Testing Surfaces Subcommittee

WTC Awards

• WTC Lifetime Achievement and Person of the Year Award nomination forms have been mailed to all WTC members. The awards will be presented during the WTC Reception set for Wednesday, November 1, 5–7 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. Your nominations and support are important to your council. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the WTC Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Nominations are due by Friday, August 17.

WTC Reception

• Like to get some exposure for your company in front of the wheel and tire industries’ top companies and also have a good time? Become a sponsor of the WTC Reception during the 2007 SEMA Show. The reception is scheduled for Wednesday, November 1, 5-7 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. Sponsorship agreement forms have been mailed to all WTC members. If you need a Sponsorship agreement form or have any questions about the WTC Reception, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Sponsorship Agreements must be received by Friday, September 28.

SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN

• Get Connected at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, too! Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Connect with fellow SEMA members at the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN. Participate in Speed Networking - a unique and effective way to build your nexus of contacts. Every few minutes meet someone new in the automotive industry - you’ll make more new contacts at one breakfast than most people make in six months! To purchase tickets or for more information on the networking breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

WTC would like to welcome and congratulate the following new and incumbent Select Committee members:

• Keith Alinder, Wheel Pros Inc.
• Ron Escue, Enkei International (Incumbent)
• Doug Frymer, Law Office of Douglas A. Frymer
• Fenton Liffick, Prestige Auto Tech
• Dean Pellegrino, Tru Align LLC
• Paul Spartos, WheelTech International Corp. (Incumbent)
• Michael Webster, Discount Tire Direct (Incumbent)
• Brock Weld, BMF Wheels (Incumbent)

To learn more about the WTC, visit www.sema.org/wtc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

• SBN Athena and Woman of the Year Award nomination forms have been mailed to all SBN members. The awards will be presented during the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN on Thursday, November 1, 7:15 a.m. - 9 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Your nominations and support are important to your committee. Return all nominations by Friday, August 17. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the SBN Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org.
  
  
• SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN
  Like to get some exposure for your company in front of the industries’ top companies and also meet new people? Become a sponsor of the SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN during the 2007 SEMA Show. The breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Sponsorship agreement forms have been mailed to all SBN members. If you need a Sponsorship agreement form or have any questions about the WTC Reception, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org. Sponsorship agreements must be received by Friday, September 28, 2007.
  
  
• Get expert advice on a business-related problem. The SEMA Mentoring program, powered by the SBN, is available to all employees of SEMA-member companies. Ask a one-time question or be matched with an established leader. Visit www.sema.org/mentoring for details.
  
  
• SBN has sponsorship opportunities available for its annual breakfast held in conjunction with the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. For information, visit www.sema.org/images/pdf/2007SBNBreakfastSponsorshipAgreement.pdf.
  
  
• The SBN would like to congratulate the following newly elected SBN Select Committee members:  

Newly Elected SBN Select Committee Members

• Emily Bailey, Racemark International
• Melissa Lawrence, Power TV Media
• Nancy Loetfering, TD3 Products
• Marla Moore, Hypertech Inc. (Incumbent)
• Kristy Neukam, Meyer Distributing
• Linn Remling-Mills, Street Thunder magazine
• Kathryn Wakeford, TEN magazine
• Trina Wilson, Direct Communications

To learn more about the SBN, visit www.sema.org/sbn.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

YEN Awards

• YEN Young Executive of the Year and Vanguard  Award nomination forms have been mailed to all YEN members. The awards will be presented during the YEN Reception scheduled for Tuesday, October 30, 5–7:30 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. Your nominations and support are important to your council. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the YEN Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Return all nominations by Friday, August 17.

YEN Reception

• Would you like to gain more exposure for your company among our industry’s rising young executives?  Would you like to enjoy a fun evening getting to know these future industry leaders?  Become a sponsor of the Young Executives Network Reception! The reception is scheduled for Tuesday, October 30, 5–7:30 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. The reception will have a 50’s theme. Sponsorship agreement forms have been mailed to all YEN members. If you need a Sponsorship agreement form or have any questions about the YEN Reception, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Sponsorship agreements must be received by Friday, September 28, 2007.

SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN

• Get Connected at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, too! Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Connect with fellow SEMA members at the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN. Participate in Speed Networking—a unique and effective way to build your nexus of contacts. Every few minutes meet someone new in the automotive industry—you’ll make more new contacts at one breakfast than most people make in six months! To purchase tickets or for more information on the networking breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

YEN would like to welcome and congratulate the following new and incumbent select committee members:

• Mike Bolio, Scafidi-Bolio & Associates
• Ashley Chalk, Daytona International Speedway (Incumbent)
• Casey Coker, Coker Tire Company
• S. Kellie Colf, Eaton Detroit Spring (Incumbent)
• Bob Engel, Auto Meter Products Inc.
• Nick Gramelspacher, Meyer Distributing (Incumbent)
• Bianca Hennings, Window Canvas (Incumbent)
• Brett Kinsfather, K&N Engineering Inc. (Incumbent)
• Greg Parker, P&E Distributors Inc. (Incumbent)
• Robert Wityczak, Grant Products International Inc.
• Mandi Woodell, Weather Auto Supply (Incumbent)
  
  
• The annual SEMA Show Silent Auction, hosted by the YEN, raised more than $70,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in 2006. If you are interested in donating an item or becoming involved in the 2007 Silent Auction, visit the YEN website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• YEN has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee. If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the YEN for free. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, visit the YEN website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• Bianca Hennings, Window Canvas, was selected for the YEN Silent Auction Task Force Chairman. Hennings will assume the position when the current chairman, Dave Williams, Rampage Products, finishes his term with the YEN Select Committee in July. The SEMA Silent Auction, that is managed by the YEN, has raised more than $100,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in the past three years. If you are interested in participating in the SEMA Silent Auction on any level, visit www.sema.org/yen for additional information.
  
  
• Did you know that YEN sponsors networking events and mixers at most of the major trade shows and conferences? If you are interested in becoming a member of the SEMA Young Executive’s Network, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• Lance Packard, Painless Performance, was elected YEN chairman-elect. Packard assumed the position when Laurel Dasher, Uni-Marketing LLC, took over as YEN chairman on July 1.
  
  
• Did you know that the YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections or to make a nomination, visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

To learn more about the YEN, visit www.sema.org/yen or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. appointed W. Mark Schmitz to executive vice president and chief financial officer. Schmitz succeeds Richard Kramer, who was named to the additional post of president of Goodyear's North American Tire (NAT) business unit in March. Prior to joining Goodyear, Schmitz was most recently vice president and CFO for Tyco International's Fire and Security Segment, where he has been since 2003.

Delta Consolidated Industries (DCI) named Julius Boyd director of strategic accounts. Boyd joins DCI with 23 years of experience in various marketing and sales leadership positions. As director of strategic accounts, Boyd will manage DCI’s relationship with its partners, particularly Tractor Supply Co. DCI also named Bryant Swart its Truck Equipment Division sales manager for North America. Swart has 25 years of sales management experience in several channels, including building materials, hardware, house wares, automotive, discount, drug and HVAC.

Tower Automotive named Mark Malcolm president and chief executive officer of the company. The move is a result of former CEO Kathleen Ligocki stepping down last week. Malcolm previously served as lead automotive consultant for Cerberus Capital Management. The company recently completed the sale of its assets to Cerberus on July 31, as part of a corporation-wide restructuring plan.

The Penray Automotive Division named Chris Kouri and Associates as its sales representatives in the southwest, including California, Arizona and Nevada. “Penray is in a great position right now, and it was important for us to partner with an agency that really knows and understands the industry,” said Fowler. “We are looking for a long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship, and we know that Chris Kouri and Associates is going to be our partner in growth.”

KICKER Car Stereo announced that Makita is the newest partner to join its Livin’ Loud lifestyle campaign. Makita will work alongside current KICKER partners Monster Energy (sports beverages), Polaris (snowmobiles, ATVs), OGIO (gear bags), and Oakley (sunglasses, goggles, apparel).

Roadhouse Marketing announced that it was retained by SpeedFed Media to help identify promotional opportunities and to connect marketers to lifestyles, interests and activities of Gen X and Gen Y. Roadhouse Marketing’s primary role is as an advisor for the SPEEDFED NATIONALS sport compact car show and lifestyle event set for August 18-19, Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, North Carolina.

Filler for eNews

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

>> SEMA Webinar: What the U.S. Supreme Court’s Leegin Decision Means for Minimum Resale Price Agreements, August 10, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> SEMA Webinar: Boost Your Company Image, Sales and Profitability With Good Product Data, August, 16, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> MRC Rep Conference, September 26–27, Phoenix
>> SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, Las Vegas
>> MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 22–24, 2008, Los Angeles

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268.

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:

• Director of New Business Development, Suwanee, Georgia
• Mechanical Design Engineer, City of Industry, California
• Advertising Sales, Fullerton, California
• Corporate Controller, Azusa California
• Engine Builder, Azusa, California
• Retail Sales, Azusa, California

SEMA members: Have a job opening that you need filled? Members are invited to post classified ads on www.sema.org/classifieds free of charge. Categories include Positions Available, Positions Wanted, Rep Opportunities, WD Opportunities, For Sale, Items Wanted, Business Opportunities and Internships. Visit the site for details.

CarGurus recently announced its mid-year top 10 most popular car models as voted by consumers on www.CarGurus.com. Based on the quantity and quality of ratings received by each car on the website, 2007 models were ranked by consumer popularity. Given the recent spikes in gas prices, CarGurus commented that it was surprising that 70% of the top 10 most popular cars were utility trucks or sports cars. Topping the popularity list was the Jeep Wrangler, followed by the Ford Mustang.

Over the last six months with slightly under 1.5 million unique visitors, CarGurus collected the user ratings of all 2007 models. As of June 30, 2007, CarGurus tallied the number of ratings and the positive or negative nature of the ratings to create a mid-year overall popularity index of 2007 cars. Below are the top 10 most popular cars as of June 30, 2007 as voted on by visitors to www.cargurus.com.

Of additional interest was the fact that none of the top 10 cars had an average gas mileage that met the most recent 2004 Federal CAFE gas mileage standard (27.5 mpg for cars and 20.7 mpg for light trucks). The gas-stingy Toyota Prius (average mpg of 46) was only the 15th most popular car on the list (not listed above). According to Ward’s Auto, the best-selling cars for the first half of 2007 mirror this gas-mileage trend, with only two of the top-15-selling cars (the compact sedans Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic) beating the CAFE gas-mileage requirements.

“U.S. online auto consumers love their sports cars and utility trucks,” remarked Langley Steinert, Co-founder and CEO of CarGurus. “While online consumers understand the gas crisis intellectually, they just don’t seem willing to part with the cargo space and performance offered by utility trucks and sports cars.”

Source: CarGurus. (August 2, 2007). “U.S. Online Auto Consumers Can’t Face the Gas Crisis.” CarGurus press release courtesy of PR Newswire.

Source: SEMA Research & Information Center

Forecasting the demand of specialty-equipment parts and accessories provides an invaluable tool for strategic market planners and helps answer one ongoing question: How will industry sales do in the coming months? To help answer this question, SEMA commissioned the market-research firm TechnoMetrica to survey consumers every month in order to gauge their specialty-equipment purchase intentions over the next three months. In July, TechnoMetrica's nationally representative sample of 1,004 consumers—which represents approximately 114 million U.S. households—showed a slight increase in the number of consumers planning on purchasing specialty equipment over the next three months.

In July 2007, 23% of adult American drivers (or approximately 24 million households) indicated that they had plans to purchase specialty equipment, a 1% increase from June. By product, wheels, tires and suspension components were the most popular aftermarket products consumers were likely to purchase (18% or 18 million households), followed by racing and performance products (10% or 10 million households) and specialty accessories/appearance products (8% or 8 million households).

It is interesting to note that as the age of drivers gets higher, the plans to purchase industry products goes down. Over half (55%) of the 18–24 group intends to modify their vehicle, while only 13% of drivers 65 and older plan to do so. The pattern holds true even as we look at the three major segments of products that make up the industry. As you look at the table below, notice that the percentage of consumers planning to make a purchase has risen in some cases (as indicated by the +/- in parenthesis).

The graph below shows three-month moving averages of the types of vehicles marked for accessorization. For example, the last data plot in the graph represents the average over the last three months whereas the first data plot represents the average over the first three months of 2007. Over the last three months, on average, midsize vehicles were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification (19%), followed by compact cars (18%), pickups (17%) and fullsize cars (12%). The fact that pickups come in a close third to midsize and compact cars shows that consumers are still passionate and anticipate customizing their vehicles regardless of fuel prices.

The graph below shows three-month moving averages of the preferred distribution channels for specialty-equipment purchases of those surveyed. Over the last three months, on average, car dealerships and chain auto-parts stores were the top choice for consumers to purchase specialty equipment among those planning to enhance their vehicles (30% and 20%, respectively), while independent parts stores held the third place position (15%).

Source: SEMA Research & Information Center