Jay Rogers, Local Motors

Some say Jay Rogers is a modern-day Henry Ford who will dramatically change the landscape of the car industry. His cars are designed by an open-source community that works together to develop vehicles and build them locally—with customer participation. His company, Local Motors, is manufacturing these vehicles in micro factories, essentially challenging the paradigm of highly centralized manufacturing, dealerships and service locations.

Agree or disagree with the method, one thing is certain—Rogers is an innovator who is challenging the status quo.

Rogers will give the opening keynote at the SEMA Product Development Conference: Race to Innovate, February 7, at SEMA's Diamond Bar, California, Headquarters. He will talk about some of Local Motors' approaches to product development and how open-source, co-creation communities work. He will highlight how manufacturers can learn from their customers to generate truly innovative product ideas.

Following Rogers' keynote, several other subject-matter experts will be on hand to highlight technology and tools that are rapidly changing the way products are conceived and delivered to market, from online open- innovation models to product-creation software, and surface scanning tools to additive manufacturing equipment. Attendees will have the chance to meet face-to-face with representatives of companies that supply some of these tools and resources.

Conference participants will also have the opportunity to measure the new ’13 Ford Ranger T6 (a one-ton pickup sold throughout the world but not in the United States or Canada), as well as the ’12 Toyota HiLux. This Measuring Session provides an opportunity for you to create export-ready product for these vehicles.

Join us February 7, for a one-day educational conference and Measuring Session.

Register today or call 909-978-6655 with questions.

Learn. Measure. Innovate.

About Jay Rogers: John “Jay” Rogers is president, CEO and co-founder of Local Motors—a next-generation United States-based car company that is changing the way cars are designed, built and owned.

A car guy through-and-through, Rogers grew up a student of the industry. His grandfather owned the Indian Motorcycle Co. and was the first Cummins engine distributor in the United States. Rogers is a graduate of Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School (Baker Scholar). His career has taken him from a startup in China to Ewing & Partners, where he became a chartered financial analyst (CFA) to McKinsey & Co., and the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served for six years as an infantry company commander.

Founded just five years ago, Local Motors is already home to more than 60,000 car design concepts, 25,000 community members, more than 40 full-time employees, one production vehicle—the Rally Fighter—and one prototype vehicle—the XC2v—co-created for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

Rogers' story, and the Local Motors story of American innovation and co-creation, has been shared on numerous national and international television and radio programs, on the pages of the world’s most well-respected technology and automotive publications and via dozens of speaking engagements around the world.

Rogers lives in Phoenix with his wife and four young boys.

A bill has been introduced in Georgia to alter the definition of "fair market value” to force owners of antique, hobby and special-interest vehicles to pay an increased annual tax by assessing their value at the retail selling price or the value contained within the assessment manual, whichever is greater. Since current law requires antique, hobby and special-interest vehicles to be valued at only $100 for tax purposes, the retail selling price will inevitably create a substantial tax burden on these owners and have a corresponding deleterious effect on the businesses that serve these vehicles. 

Under Georgia law, an antique, hobby or special-interest motor vehicle is a motor vehicle that is 25 years old or older or a motor vehicle that has been designed and manufactured to resemble an antique or historical vehicle. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

A bill has been introduced in Georgia to alter the definition of "fair market value” to force owners of antique, hobby and special-interest vehicles to pay an increased annual tax by assessing their value at the retail selling price or the value contained within the assessment manual, whichever is greater. Since current law requires antique, hobby and special-interest vehicles to be valued at only $100 for tax purposes, the retail selling price will inevitably create a substantial tax burden on these owners and have a corresponding deleterious effect on the businesses that serve these vehicles. 

Under Georgia law, an antique, hobby or special-interest motor vehicle is a motor vehicle that is 25 years old or older or a motor vehicle that has been designed and manufactured to resemble an antique or historical vehicle. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

A bill has been introduced in Georgia to alter the definition of "fair market value” to force owners of antique, hobby and special-interest vehicles to pay an increased annual tax by assessing their value at the retail selling price or the value contained within the assessment manual, whichever is greater. Since current law requires antique, hobby and special-interest vehicles to be valued at only $100 for tax purposes, the retail selling price will inevitably create a substantial tax burden on these owners and have a corresponding deleterious effect on the businesses that serve these vehicles. 

Under Georgia law, an antique, hobby or special-interest motor vehicle is a motor vehicle that is 25 years old or older or a motor vehicle that has been designed and manufactured to resemble an antique or historical vehicle. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is dedicated to preserving and promoting the hot-rod industry. HRIA members consist of hot-rod manufacturers, builders/fabricators, dealers, car clubs and enthusiast publications. HRIA welcomes two new members:

	Brett Littlefield's ’67 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback.

Brett Littlefield, Auto Meter Products Inc.

New HRIA member Brett Littlefield, OEM, commercial and military sales manager of Auto Meter Products Inc., was convinced by current SEMA Board member Jeep Worthan to come work for the company 11 years ago.

When Littlefield isn’t making sales calls, he is working on his ’67 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback. He chose this car for its uniqueness—it's nearly 18-ft. long. He enjoys attending local car shows to show off his prized possession.

Professionally, Littlefield received his MPA from Northern Illinois University, capturing all major high-performance OEM platforms in Detroit. On a personal note, Littlefield is married and has a son, Chase, who is a Ford fan.

Bob Shetrone, Progressive Automotive Inc.

HRIA would like to welcome Bob Shetrone, president of Progressive Automotive Inc. Shetrone started his business 32 years ago because of his love for hot rods and he wanted to build parts for them. His passion runs in designing, building and refurbishing these cars. “Hot Rodders were the first recyclers,” he says.

In his spare time, Shetrone is currently working on a ’55 Chevy 210 Handyman wagon for his wife. His love for ’55 Chevy cars started when he saw the movie American Graffiti, which he has seen so many times he can recite almost every word. For this reason, no one else will watch it with him.

Shetrone has been married to his wife Amy since 1992. They have two children—a daughter Taylor and “car guy” Sam.

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is dedicated to preserving and promoting the hot-rod industry. HRIA members consist of hot-rod manufacturers, builders/fabricators, dealers, car clubs and enthusiast publications. HRIA welcomes two new members:

	Brett Littlefield's ’67 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback.

Brett Littlefield, Auto Meter Products Inc.

New HRIA member Brett Littlefield, OEM, commercial and military sales manager of Auto Meter Products Inc., was convinced by current SEMA Board member Jeep Worthan to come work for the company 11 years ago.

When Littlefield isn’t making sales calls, he is working on his ’67 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback. He chose this car for its uniqueness—it's nearly 18-ft. long. He enjoys attending local car shows to show off his prized possession.

Professionally, Littlefield received his MPA from Northern Illinois University, capturing all major high-performance OEM platforms in Detroit. On a personal note, Littlefield is married and has a son, Chase, who is a Ford fan.

Bob Shetrone, Progressive Automotive Inc.

HRIA would like to welcome Bob Shetrone, president of Progressive Automotive Inc. Shetrone started his business 32 years ago because of his love for hot rods and he wanted to build parts for them. His passion runs in designing, building and refurbishing these cars. “Hot Rodders were the first recyclers,” he says.

In his spare time, Shetrone is currently working on a ’55 Chevy 210 Handyman wagon for his wife. His love for ’55 Chevy cars started when he saw the movie American Graffiti, which he has seen so many times he can recite almost every word. For this reason, no one else will watch it with him.

Shetrone has been married to his wife Amy since 1992. They have two children—a daughter Taylor and “car guy” Sam.

It’s that time of year for SEMA Hall of Fame nominations. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate a person for the 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame. The SEMA Hall of Fame Award has been established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of and significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the Hall of Fame website and SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee to make their selection for the 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame form by Friday, March 22, 2013.

It’s that time of year for SEMA Hall of Fame nominations. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate a person for the 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame. The SEMA Hall of Fame Award has been established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of and significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the Hall of Fame website and SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee to make their selection for the 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame form by Friday, March 22, 2013.

	Robby Gordon and his #315 SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires/MAPEI HUMMER captured eight podiums during the 2013 Dakar.

Toyo Tires Racers Capture Six Stage Wins and 13 Podiums During the 2013 Dakar
Toyo Tires racers captured six stage wins and a total of 13 podiums during the running of the 2013 Dakar, which completed its final stage this past weekend. Running from Lima, Peru, to Santiago, Chile, the roughly 5,000-mile, 14-stage rally wound its way south along the Pacific Coast, while sweeping inland through parts of Argentina. Competitors were challenged with extreme off-highway conditions, which included huge sand dunes, rock-strewn desert roads, deep river crossings and treks through high mountains.

In addition to Team Toyo’s Robby Gordon, two past Dakar champions, Carlos Sainz and Nasser Al-Attiyah, also took on the Dakar. Immediately, Sainz captured Stage 1 with his American-built #303 Team Qatar Red Bull buggy. Al-Attiyah then responded by winning Stages 3, 4 and 6 with his #300 Team Qatar Red Bull buggy.

This year, Gordon and his #315 SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires/MAPEI HUMMER rebounded from challenges early in the rally to win Stages 11 and 13, capturing a total of eight podiums along the way. Gordon ultimately finished 14th overall in this year’s endurance rally.

Another driver that impressed the fans this year was Eric Vigouroux driving his #319 Herock/ Toyo Tires Chevrolet Silverado trophy truck. Vigouroux is a veteran of endurance rallies, and finished this year in 22nd overall.

Check out the Toyo Tires Dakar Rally blog for a recap of this year’s Dakar.

2013 NMRA WEST Street Car Nationals Event Schedule Announced
The second annual Lucas Oil NMCA WEST Street Car Nationals opens the season April 5–7, 2013, at Auto Club Famoso Dragway in Bakersfield, California. View the complete 2013 schedule.

Registration Continues for SCCA Convention, Hall of Fame Induction In Las Vegas
Spaces are still available for those wishing to attend the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Convention presented by SafeRacer at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, February 28–March 2. The annual gathering includes informative sessions for members and region leadership, awards luncheons and the Hall of Fame Induction ceremony for 2013 class members: Skip Barber, Bobby Rahal, Bill Noble, Carroll Shelby and Andy Porterfield.

Registration is available online at www.scca.com/convention.

	The2013 Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series will have expanded TV coverage.

Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series Expands TV
The 2013 Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series blasts into the New Year with expanded TV coverage, a new rule book, increased safety and a 10 national championship race series.

Expanded TV coverage will air on CBS, CBS Sports Network, NBC Sports Network, SPEED and the MAVTV American Real network. Up from 30 minutes last year, each Lucas Oil Championship event will run a full hour allowing fans to peek behind the scenes. In addition to the professional show, which consists of Top Fuel Hydro, Top Alcohol Hydro, Top Alcohol Flat and Pro Mod running the 1,000-ft. course, there are four Sportsman classes ranging from 8 to 11 seconds and three bracket (dial-in) classes in the quarter-mile. The Top Fuel Hydro class features nitro-methane-powered V8s breaking speeds of more than 250 mph and covering the liquid 1,000 ft. in an elapsed time (ET) of 3.39 seconds.

For an events schedule, visit the Lucas Oil website.

	Robby Gordon and his #315 SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires/MAPEI HUMMER captured eight podiums during the 2013 Dakar.

Toyo Tires Racers Capture Six Stage Wins and 13 Podiums During the 2013 Dakar
Toyo Tires racers captured six stage wins and a total of 13 podiums during the running of the 2013 Dakar, which completed its final stage this past weekend. Running from Lima, Peru, to Santiago, Chile, the roughly 5,000-mile, 14-stage rally wound its way south along the Pacific Coast, while sweeping inland through parts of Argentina. Competitors were challenged with extreme off-highway conditions, which included huge sand dunes, rock-strewn desert roads, deep river crossings and treks through high mountains.

In addition to Team Toyo’s Robby Gordon, two past Dakar champions, Carlos Sainz and Nasser Al-Attiyah, also took on the Dakar. Immediately, Sainz captured Stage 1 with his American-built #303 Team Qatar Red Bull buggy. Al-Attiyah then responded by winning Stages 3, 4 and 6 with his #300 Team Qatar Red Bull buggy.

This year, Gordon and his #315 SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires/MAPEI HUMMER rebounded from challenges early in the rally to win Stages 11 and 13, capturing a total of eight podiums along the way. Gordon ultimately finished 14th overall in this year’s endurance rally.

Another driver that impressed the fans this year was Eric Vigouroux driving his #319 Herock/ Toyo Tires Chevrolet Silverado trophy truck. Vigouroux is a veteran of endurance rallies, and finished this year in 22nd overall.

Check out the Toyo Tires Dakar Rally blog for a recap of this year’s Dakar.

2013 NMRA WEST Street Car Nationals Event Schedule Announced
The second annual Lucas Oil NMCA WEST Street Car Nationals opens the season April 5–7, 2013, at Auto Club Famoso Dragway in Bakersfield, California. View the complete 2013 schedule.

Registration Continues for SCCA Convention, Hall of Fame Induction In Las Vegas
Spaces are still available for those wishing to attend the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Convention presented by SafeRacer at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, February 28–March 2. The annual gathering includes informative sessions for members and region leadership, awards luncheons and the Hall of Fame Induction ceremony for 2013 class members: Skip Barber, Bobby Rahal, Bill Noble, Carroll Shelby and Andy Porterfield.

Registration is available online at www.scca.com/convention.

	The2013 Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series will have expanded TV coverage.

Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series Expands TV
The 2013 Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series blasts into the New Year with expanded TV coverage, a new rule book, increased safety and a 10 national championship race series.

Expanded TV coverage will air on CBS, CBS Sports Network, NBC Sports Network, SPEED and the MAVTV American Real network. Up from 30 minutes last year, each Lucas Oil Championship event will run a full hour allowing fans to peek behind the scenes. In addition to the professional show, which consists of Top Fuel Hydro, Top Alcohol Hydro, Top Alcohol Flat and Pro Mod running the 1,000-ft. course, there are four Sportsman classes ranging from 8 to 11 seconds and three bracket (dial-in) classes in the quarter-mile. The Top Fuel Hydro class features nitro-methane-powered V8s breaking speeds of more than 250 mph and covering the liquid 1,000 ft. in an elapsed time (ET) of 3.39 seconds.

For an events schedule, visit the Lucas Oil website.