The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, featured hundreds of pinewood cars—built by children from Victory Junction and Childhelp and sponsored by SEMA-member companies—racing against the clock for bragging rights and to support these two worthwhile charities.
	John Menzler (left) of Competition Cams ran the track at the Pinewood Drag Races, while Joe Sebergandio of Motor Media called the races.

The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors—held at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California, Friday, July 27—brought new challengers and former champions together to race against the clock for a good cause.

The annual drags featured hundreds of pinewood cars constructed primarily by the children at Childhelp and Victory Junction and sponsored by SEMA-member companies. Childhelp is a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect, and the Victory Junction Camp is a facility dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences.

The Pinewood Drag Races included three vehicle classes—Stock, Modified and Unlimited. There was also the Build It for Me/Sponsor a Child category, where a child from Childhelp or Victory Junction built a car and a member-company representative raced it on the child's behalf. In addition, the races also featured the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder's Challenge and the Council Cup Challenge.

The HRIA Builder's Challenge included uniquely styled pinewoods crafted by an incredible class of hot-rod builders. These design creations will be on display at the HRIA booth during the 2012 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas, before being placed on eBay for public auction. All of the proceeds from the auction will go to the Childhelp and Victory Junction children’s charities.

The final heat for this year's Pinewood Drag Races was the Council Cup Challenge—which pitted SEMA-member company representatives on SEMA’s 10 councils and committees up against one another for council honor. In 2011, SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) took the checkered flag in the inaugural Council Cup Challenge.

As the flag dropped, a new champion was crowned—SEMA's Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA).

The full list of winners, by class, included:

Build it for Me

1st: AJ Kuck, Transfer Flow
2nd: Kim Ziebell, Bushwacker
3rd: Mandi Woodell, Weathers Auto Supply

Stock

1st: Nate and Tom Gattuso, SEMA
2nd: SEMA Busineswomen's Network
3rd: Travis and Janette White, Rampage Products (with Childhelp children)

Modified

1st: Eric Saltrick, Matt Agosta, Steele Rubber Products
2nd: Nicholas Hoffend, Freeman Co.
3rd: Chuck Schwartz, ConVexx

Unlimited

1st: John Menzler, Competition Cams
2nd: Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition
3rd: Nicholas Hoffend, Freeman Co.

Council Cup

Weathers Auto Supply, sponsored by TORA and represented by George Lathouris, TORA council chairman

Builder's Race

Derek White, Street Vizions (three-time defending champion)

	The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, featured hundreds of pinewood cars—built by children from Victory Junction and Childhelp and sponsored by SEMA-member companies—racing against the clock for bragging rights and to support these two worthwhile charities.
	John Menzler (left) of Competition Cams ran the track at the Pinewood Drag Races, while Joe Sebergandio of Motor Media called the races.

The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors—held at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California, Friday, July 27—brought new challengers and former champions together to race against the clock for a good cause.

The annual drags featured hundreds of pinewood cars constructed primarily by the children at Childhelp and Victory Junction and sponsored by SEMA-member companies. Childhelp is a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect, and the Victory Junction Camp is a facility dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences.

The Pinewood Drag Races included three vehicle classes—Stock, Modified and Unlimited. There was also the Build It for Me/Sponsor a Child category, where a child from Childhelp or Victory Junction built a car and a member-company representative raced it on the child's behalf. In addition, the races also featured the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder's Challenge and the Council Cup Challenge.

The HRIA Builder's Challenge included uniquely styled pinewoods crafted by an incredible class of hot-rod builders. These design creations will be on display at the HRIA booth during the 2012 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas, before being placed on eBay for public auction. All of the proceeds from the auction will go to the Childhelp and Victory Junction children’s charities.

The final heat for this year's Pinewood Drag Races was the Council Cup Challenge—which pitted SEMA-member company representatives on SEMA’s 10 councils and committees up against one another for council honor. In 2011, SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) took the checkered flag in the inaugural Council Cup Challenge.

As the flag dropped, a new champion was crowned—SEMA's Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA).

The full list of winners, by class, included:

Build it for Me

1st: AJ Kuck, Transfer Flow
2nd: Kim Ziebell, Bushwacker
3rd: Mandi Woodell, Weathers Auto Supply

Stock

1st: Nate and Tom Gattuso, SEMA
2nd: SEMA Busineswomen's Network
3rd: Travis and Janette White, Rampage Products (with Childhelp children)

Modified

1st: Eric Saltrick, Matt Agosta, Steele Rubber Products
2nd: Nicholas Hoffend, Freeman Co.
3rd: Chuck Schwartz, ConVexx

Unlimited

1st: John Menzler, Competition Cams
2nd: Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition
3rd: Nicholas Hoffend, Freeman Co.

Council Cup

Weathers Auto Supply, sponsored by TORA and represented by George Lathouris, TORA council chairman

Builder's Race

Derek White, Street Vizions (three-time defending champion)

	Increase your knowledge and prepare for a successful Show through SEMA's Exhibitor Series webinars.

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show is an important investment. Is your company prepared for the Show? Join the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) and Executive Show Manager Chuck Schwartz for a webinar, Thursday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT). This session is specifically designed for SEMA Show exhibitors. The webinar will cover:

• Your overall Show plan
• Staff preparation and training 
• Pre-Show marketing 
• Display development

Whether you are a small or large company, veteran exhibitor or first-timer, you don't want to miss this opportunity to increase your knowledge and prepare for a successful Show.

Join Chuck Schwartz and SEI, Thursday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT) for this informative session. Register today!

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

	Increase your knowledge and prepare for a successful Show through SEMA's Exhibitor Series webinars.

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show is an important investment. Is your company prepared for the Show? Join the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) and Executive Show Manager Chuck Schwartz for a webinar, Thursday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT). This session is specifically designed for SEMA Show exhibitors. The webinar will cover:

• Your overall Show plan
• Staff preparation and training 
• Pre-Show marketing 
• Display development

Whether you are a small or large company, veteran exhibitor or first-timer, you don't want to miss this opportunity to increase your knowledge and prepare for a successful Show.

Join Chuck Schwartz and SEI, Thursday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT) for this informative session. Register today!

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

	Increase your knowledge and prepare for a successful Show through SEMA's Exhibitor Series webinars.

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show is an important investment. Is your company prepared for the Show? Join the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) and Executive Show Manager Chuck Schwartz for a webinar, Thursday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT). This session is specifically designed for SEMA Show exhibitors. The webinar will cover:

• Your overall Show plan
• Staff preparation and training 
• Pre-Show marketing 
• Display development

Whether you are a small or large company, veteran exhibitor or first-timer, you don't want to miss this opportunity to increase your knowledge and prepare for a successful Show.

Join Chuck Schwartz and SEI, Thursday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT) for this informative session. Register today!

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

	Ed Pink Racing Engines' General Manager Frank Honsowetz with this year's engine block.

The SEMA Scholarship Committee has announced that it will once again be auctioning an engine on eBay in conjunction with the 2012 SEMA Show to benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF). Proceeds will help provide assistance to university, college and trade school students seeking careers in the automotive industry. There is also a Loan Forgiveness Program, wherein employees of SEMA-member firms can provide assistance in paying off student loans. Following in the footsteps of last year’s successful program, highly regarded Ed Pink Racing Engines (EPRE) of Van Nuys, California, will again be responsible for the build.

For 2012, the program has been significantly enhanced, as the winning bidder will have the engine custom built to their requirements from a variety of options. The program will again be spearheaded by long-time Scholarship Committee member Bill Holland of Holland Communications, who explained, “We’ll be opening the bidding for the engine during the SEMA Show and closing it in two weeks. The winning bidder will receive a packaged trip to Orlando, Florida, for the PRI Show (November 29–December 1) that includes airfare, lodging, ground transportation and full credentials. There, he or she will meet with Ed Pink and key EPRE staff to finalize the build. The engine can be set up for street or mild competition applications, depending on the compression, intake system, camshaft profile and other variables selected.”

Last year’s project saw a 347-cid small-block Ford built entirely with aftermarket parts supplied by SEMA- and Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)-member firms. They included: ARP, ATI, Champion, COMP Cams, Crane Ignitions, Dart Machinery, Edelbrock, Fel-Pro, Hedman Hedders, Joe Gibbs Driven, Mahle, Manley Performance, Milodon, Moroso, Power Master, Scat, Speed Pro and Total Seal. Many of the firms that supported the project in 2011 are expected to return.

Details on the 2012 build will be forthcoming, with Dart starting things off by providing an SHP block and their new SHP aluminum cylinder heads for a small-block Chevrolet build. The sale will by conducted through Auction Cause on eBay. And, as the SMSF is a recognized 501(c)(3) charity, the winning bid can be tax deductible (check with your financial advisor).

	Ed Pink Racing Engines' General Manager Frank Honsowetz with this year's engine block.

The SEMA Scholarship Committee has announced that it will once again be auctioning an engine on eBay in conjunction with the 2012 SEMA Show to benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF). Proceeds will help provide assistance to university, college and trade school students seeking careers in the automotive industry. There is also a Loan Forgiveness Program, wherein employees of SEMA-member firms can provide assistance in paying off student loans. Following in the footsteps of last year’s successful program, highly regarded Ed Pink Racing Engines (EPRE) of Van Nuys, California, will again be responsible for the build.

For 2012, the program has been significantly enhanced, as the winning bidder will have the engine custom built to their requirements from a variety of options. The program will again be spearheaded by long-time Scholarship Committee member Bill Holland of Holland Communications, who explained, “We’ll be opening the bidding for the engine during the SEMA Show and closing it in two weeks. The winning bidder will receive a packaged trip to Orlando, Florida, for the PRI Show (November 29–December 1) that includes airfare, lodging, ground transportation and full credentials. There, he or she will meet with Ed Pink and key EPRE staff to finalize the build. The engine can be set up for street or mild competition applications, depending on the compression, intake system, camshaft profile and other variables selected.”

Last year’s project saw a 347-cid small-block Ford built entirely with aftermarket parts supplied by SEMA- and Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)-member firms. They included: ARP, ATI, Champion, COMP Cams, Crane Ignitions, Dart Machinery, Edelbrock, Fel-Pro, Hedman Hedders, Joe Gibbs Driven, Mahle, Manley Performance, Milodon, Moroso, Power Master, Scat, Speed Pro and Total Seal. Many of the firms that supported the project in 2011 are expected to return.

Details on the 2012 build will be forthcoming, with Dart starting things off by providing an SHP block and their new SHP aluminum cylinder heads for a small-block Chevrolet build. The sale will by conducted through Auction Cause on eBay. And, as the SMSF is a recognized 501(c)(3) charity, the winning bid can be tax deductible (check with your financial advisor).

	Ed Pink Racing Engines' General Manager Frank Honsowetz with this year's engine block.

The SEMA Scholarship Committee has announced that it will once again be auctioning an engine on eBay in conjunction with the 2012 SEMA Show to benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF). Proceeds will help provide assistance to university, college and trade school students seeking careers in the automotive industry. There is also a Loan Forgiveness Program, wherein employees of SEMA-member firms can provide assistance in paying off student loans. Following in the footsteps of last year’s successful program, highly regarded Ed Pink Racing Engines (EPRE) of Van Nuys, California, will again be responsible for the build.

For 2012, the program has been significantly enhanced, as the winning bidder will have the engine custom built to their requirements from a variety of options. The program will again be spearheaded by long-time Scholarship Committee member Bill Holland of Holland Communications, who explained, “We’ll be opening the bidding for the engine during the SEMA Show and closing it in two weeks. The winning bidder will receive a packaged trip to Orlando, Florida, for the PRI Show (November 29–December 1) that includes airfare, lodging, ground transportation and full credentials. There, he or she will meet with Ed Pink and key EPRE staff to finalize the build. The engine can be set up for street or mild competition applications, depending on the compression, intake system, camshaft profile and other variables selected.”

Last year’s project saw a 347-cid small-block Ford built entirely with aftermarket parts supplied by SEMA- and Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)-member firms. They included: ARP, ATI, Champion, COMP Cams, Crane Ignitions, Dart Machinery, Edelbrock, Fel-Pro, Hedman Hedders, Joe Gibbs Driven, Mahle, Manley Performance, Milodon, Moroso, Power Master, Scat, Speed Pro and Total Seal. Many of the firms that supported the project in 2011 are expected to return.

Details on the 2012 build will be forthcoming, with Dart starting things off by providing an SHP block and their new SHP aluminum cylinder heads for a small-block Chevrolet build. The sale will by conducted through Auction Cause on eBay. And, as the SMSF is a recognized 501(c)(3) charity, the winning bid can be tax deductible (check with your financial advisor).

	Ed Pink Racing Engines' General Manager Frank Honsowetz with this year's engine block.

The SEMA Scholarship Committee has announced that it will once again be auctioning an engine on eBay in conjunction with the 2012 SEMA Show to benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF). Proceeds will help provide assistance to university, college and trade school students seeking careers in the automotive industry. There is also a Loan Forgiveness Program, wherein employees of SEMA-member firms can provide assistance in paying off student loans. Following in the footsteps of last year’s successful program, highly regarded Ed Pink Racing Engines (EPRE) of Van Nuys, California, will again be responsible for the build.

For 2012, the program has been significantly enhanced, as the winning bidder will have the engine custom built to their requirements from a variety of options. The program will again be spearheaded by long-time Scholarship Committee member Bill Holland of Holland Communications, who explained, “We’ll be opening the bidding for the engine during the SEMA Show and closing it in two weeks. The winning bidder will receive a packaged trip to Orlando, Florida, for the PRI Show (November 29–December 1) that includes airfare, lodging, ground transportation and full credentials. There, he or she will meet with Ed Pink and key EPRE staff to finalize the build. The engine can be set up for street or mild competition applications, depending on the compression, intake system, camshaft profile and other variables selected.”

Last year’s project saw a 347-cid small-block Ford built entirely with aftermarket parts supplied by SEMA- and Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)-member firms. They included: ARP, ATI, Champion, COMP Cams, Crane Ignitions, Dart Machinery, Edelbrock, Fel-Pro, Hedman Hedders, Joe Gibbs Driven, Mahle, Manley Performance, Milodon, Moroso, Power Master, Scat, Speed Pro and Total Seal. Many of the firms that supported the project in 2011 are expected to return.

Details on the 2012 build will be forthcoming, with Dart starting things off by providing an SHP block and their new SHP aluminum cylinder heads for a small-block Chevrolet build. The sale will by conducted through Auction Cause on eBay. And, as the SMSF is a recognized 501(c)(3) charity, the winning bid can be tax deductible (check with your financial advisor).

The ’13 Ford Focus ST and ’13 Ford Fusion will be featured in the next SEMA Measuring Session at TechShop in Allen Park, Michigan, Thursday, August 23, 2012. Registration deadline is Friday August 17.