Thu, 05/29/2014 - 10:35

By AJ Carney

townhallSEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, where members and prospective members will gather at Weld Racing LLC, Wednesday, June 4, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff, including members of the SEMA Data Co-op team.

Panelists will include:

  • Kyle Fickler – Weld Racing LLC
  • Nate Shelton – Driven Performance Brands
  • Steve Matusek – Aeromotive Inc.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

Register now, or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697. For more information about the SEMA Data Co-op, visit www.semadatacoop.org.

Thu, 05/29/2014 - 10:35

By AJ Carney

townhallSEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, where members and prospective members will gather at Weld Racing LLC, Wednesday, June 4, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff, including members of the SEMA Data Co-op team.

Panelists will include:

  • Kyle Fickler – Weld Racing LLC
  • Nate Shelton – Driven Performance Brands
  • Steve Matusek – Aeromotive Inc.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

Register now, or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697. For more information about the SEMA Data Co-op, visit www.semadatacoop.org.

Thu, 05/29/2014 - 10:35

By AJ Carney

townhallSEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, where members and prospective members will gather at Weld Racing LLC, Wednesday, June 4, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff, including members of the SEMA Data Co-op team.

Panelists will include:

  • Kyle Fickler – Weld Racing LLC
  • Nate Shelton – Driven Performance Brands
  • Steve Matusek – Aeromotive Inc.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

Register now, or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697. For more information about the SEMA Data Co-op, visit www.semadatacoop.org.

Thu, 05/29/2014 - 10:26
By SEMA Editors

 ccad
Last year, a ’58 Chevrolet Stepside auto creamery truck served treats at TORA-member company Source Interlink Media’s office.
  
Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) will return for its fifth commemoration, July 11, and SEMA-member companies are encouraged to recognize this annual celebration by hosting their own events. At the request of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), this “holiday” has been marked each year since 2010 by a U.S. Senate Resolution.

Intended to celebrate the classics of the past and the future, these events can be as simple as encouraging staff members to drive their special ride to work. Other ideas include hosting a community car show, staging an open house or promoting a “holiday sale” in honor of CCAD. Members can partner with local car clubs, community groups and other automotive businesses. Invite your local legislators to participate as well. The SAN can help with identifying these legislators and locating car clubs and museums near you.   

Whether public or private, register your July gathering to take advantage of promotional support from SEMA. Participating organizers will receive a copy of the year’s U.S. Senate Resolution for display at each registered event.

Visit www.semasan.com/CCAD for details, event listings, planning suggestions and registration. Contact SAN Director Colby Martin at SAN@sema.org for more information.
Thu, 05/29/2014 - 10:26
By SEMA Editors

 ccad
Last year, a ’58 Chevrolet Stepside auto creamery truck served treats at TORA-member company Source Interlink Media’s office.
  
Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) will return for its fifth commemoration, July 11, and SEMA-member companies are encouraged to recognize this annual celebration by hosting their own events. At the request of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), this “holiday” has been marked each year since 2010 by a U.S. Senate Resolution.

Intended to celebrate the classics of the past and the future, these events can be as simple as encouraging staff members to drive their special ride to work. Other ideas include hosting a community car show, staging an open house or promoting a “holiday sale” in honor of CCAD. Members can partner with local car clubs, community groups and other automotive businesses. Invite your local legislators to participate as well. The SAN can help with identifying these legislators and locating car clubs and museums near you.   

Whether public or private, register your July gathering to take advantage of promotional support from SEMA. Participating organizers will receive a copy of the year’s U.S. Senate Resolution for display at each registered event.

Visit www.semasan.com/CCAD for details, event listings, planning suggestions and registration. Contact SAN Director Colby Martin at SAN@sema.org for more information.
Thu, 05/29/2014 - 10:26
By SEMA Editors

 ccad
Last year, a ’58 Chevrolet Stepside auto creamery truck served treats at TORA-member company Source Interlink Media’s office.
  
Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) will return for its fifth commemoration, July 11, and SEMA-member companies are encouraged to recognize this annual celebration by hosting their own events. At the request of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), this “holiday” has been marked each year since 2010 by a U.S. Senate Resolution.

Intended to celebrate the classics of the past and the future, these events can be as simple as encouraging staff members to drive their special ride to work. Other ideas include hosting a community car show, staging an open house or promoting a “holiday sale” in honor of CCAD. Members can partner with local car clubs, community groups and other automotive businesses. Invite your local legislators to participate as well. The SAN can help with identifying these legislators and locating car clubs and museums near you.   

Whether public or private, register your July gathering to take advantage of promotional support from SEMA. Participating organizers will receive a copy of the year’s U.S. Senate Resolution for display at each registered event.

Visit www.semasan.com/CCAD for details, event listings, planning suggestions and registration. Contact SAN Director Colby Martin at SAN@sema.org for more information.
Thu, 05/29/2014 - 09:58

Compiled by SEMA Editors

  unser
Al Unser Jr. (left) is pictured with driver James Davison of KV Racing. Unser Jr., now a performance expert for Pulstar Pulse Plugs, is serving as a team coach for KV Racing at this year’s Indianapolis 500. Photo credit: Chris Jones
  

Two-Time Indy 500 Winner Al Unser Jr. Joins Pulstar Plugs as Performance Expert
Enerpulse Technologies Inc. has announced that racing legend Al Unser Jr. has joined the company as its Pulstar Pulse Plugs performance expert. Unser Jr., a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, will be a consumer advocate for Enerpulse, assisting Enerpulse in delivering automotive enthusiasts improved vehicle power and performance.

Unser Jr. is a two-time IndyCar Series champion and has 34 IndyCar wins. He was the winner of both the Indy 500 and the Series championship in 1994. Unser Jr. was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2009. Unser Jr. will participate in the 2014 Indianapolis 500 as a race team coach for KV Racing. He will return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from June 6–8, where he will race in the “Indy Legends Pro-Am” feature that will be part of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association’s Brickyard Invitational weekend.

olsbergs
Olsbergs MSE leads the way at Lydden Hill.
 
  

First and Third for Olsbergs MSE at FIA World Rallycross Championship
Olsbergs MSE Ford driver Andreas Bakkerud earned his first win of the 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship last weekend at the Lydden Hill Circuit, while guest driver Andrew Jordan took third, to extend the team's lead in the points standings. Bakkerud now leads the championship points as the series heads to his home country of Norway for the next round, June 14–15. Olsbergs MSE guest driver Jordan, the defending British Touring Car Champion, marked his return to rallycross for the first time in seven years with a third-place result.

Pole Position and Podium Finish for Callaway Competition
At the Lausitzring—the third weekend of the ADAC GT Masters series—Callaway Competition went right to the front again. Daniel Keilwitz captured his 18th Pole Position with the No. 01 Callaway Competition-built Corvette Z06.R GT3. Then, the title defender finished the fifth race of the season in third place, together with Oliver Gavin. In their AutoArenA.de-Corvette, Patrick Assenheimer and Diego Alessi were held up in the first race with a drive-through penalty after contact with another racer and, following a session of playing catch-up, they finished the second race in 11th place.

  usca
The Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) has developed a nationwide tour of legendary venues that gives people the chance to follow in the tire tracks of their favorite professional drivers.
  

Ultimate Street Car Association Gives Fans a Chance to Test Their Racing Skils on Legendary Tracks
The Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) has developed a nationwide tour of legendary venues that gives people the chance to follow in the tire tracks of their favorite professional drivers in a no-pressure environment that promotes fun, education and safety. The three-day event, which kicks off at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, June 13–15, includes a 60-mile “poker run” road rally, an autocross, a speed stop challenge, a road course time trial and vehicle judging for overall design and engineering. The USCA has designed the events to cater to both the experienced driver and track novices having fun in their daily drivers. Throughout the weekend, the events are designed to build up the driver’s confidence behind the wheel as they learn the limits of their car’s handling, acceleration and braking in a safe and controlled environment. On the final day, participants head out onto the road course to put these skills to use while they enjoy more time on track than any other driving event around. Instructors are available free of charge to anyone who requests them.

The USCA will come to some of the most renowned tracks in the United States this year, including Sebring International Raceway, Auto Club Speedway, Road America and Portland International Raceway. Spaces for each event are limited. To sign up for an event or for more information on the USCA, including a list of track dates, event results, rules and membership information, visit www.ultimatestreetcarassociation.com.

Thu, 05/29/2014 - 09:58

Compiled by SEMA Editors

  unser
Al Unser Jr. (left) is pictured with driver James Davison of KV Racing. Unser Jr., now a performance expert for Pulstar Pulse Plugs, is serving as a team coach for KV Racing at this year’s Indianapolis 500. Photo credit: Chris Jones
  

Two-Time Indy 500 Winner Al Unser Jr. Joins Pulstar Plugs as Performance Expert
Enerpulse Technologies Inc. has announced that racing legend Al Unser Jr. has joined the company as its Pulstar Pulse Plugs performance expert. Unser Jr., a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, will be a consumer advocate for Enerpulse, assisting Enerpulse in delivering automotive enthusiasts improved vehicle power and performance.

Unser Jr. is a two-time IndyCar Series champion and has 34 IndyCar wins. He was the winner of both the Indy 500 and the Series championship in 1994. Unser Jr. was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2009. Unser Jr. will participate in the 2014 Indianapolis 500 as a race team coach for KV Racing. He will return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from June 6–8, where he will race in the “Indy Legends Pro-Am” feature that will be part of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association’s Brickyard Invitational weekend.

olsbergs
Olsbergs MSE leads the way at Lydden Hill.
 
  

First and Third for Olsbergs MSE at FIA World Rallycross Championship
Olsbergs MSE Ford driver Andreas Bakkerud earned his first win of the 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship last weekend at the Lydden Hill Circuit, while guest driver Andrew Jordan took third, to extend the team's lead in the points standings. Bakkerud now leads the championship points as the series heads to his home country of Norway for the next round, June 14–15. Olsbergs MSE guest driver Jordan, the defending British Touring Car Champion, marked his return to rallycross for the first time in seven years with a third-place result.

Pole Position and Podium Finish for Callaway Competition
At the Lausitzring—the third weekend of the ADAC GT Masters series—Callaway Competition went right to the front again. Daniel Keilwitz captured his 18th Pole Position with the No. 01 Callaway Competition-built Corvette Z06.R GT3. Then, the title defender finished the fifth race of the season in third place, together with Oliver Gavin. In their AutoArenA.de-Corvette, Patrick Assenheimer and Diego Alessi were held up in the first race with a drive-through penalty after contact with another racer and, following a session of playing catch-up, they finished the second race in 11th place.

  usca
The Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) has developed a nationwide tour of legendary venues that gives people the chance to follow in the tire tracks of their favorite professional drivers.
  

Ultimate Street Car Association Gives Fans a Chance to Test Their Racing Skils on Legendary Tracks
The Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) has developed a nationwide tour of legendary venues that gives people the chance to follow in the tire tracks of their favorite professional drivers in a no-pressure environment that promotes fun, education and safety. The three-day event, which kicks off at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, June 13–15, includes a 60-mile “poker run” road rally, an autocross, a speed stop challenge, a road course time trial and vehicle judging for overall design and engineering. The USCA has designed the events to cater to both the experienced driver and track novices having fun in their daily drivers. Throughout the weekend, the events are designed to build up the driver’s confidence behind the wheel as they learn the limits of their car’s handling, acceleration and braking in a safe and controlled environment. On the final day, participants head out onto the road course to put these skills to use while they enjoy more time on track than any other driving event around. Instructors are available free of charge to anyone who requests them.

The USCA will come to some of the most renowned tracks in the United States this year, including Sebring International Raceway, Auto Club Speedway, Road America and Portland International Raceway. Spaces for each event are limited. To sign up for an event or for more information on the USCA, including a list of track dates, event results, rules and membership information, visit www.ultimatestreetcarassociation.com.

Thu, 05/29/2014 - 09:52
 mustang

The shooters at KGP Photography have some new, very aggressive photos revealing the new SRT-tuned Dodge Challenger—this time captured undisguised in red. The menacing, stormy weather in which this prototype was photographed was a fitting scene, given the menacing look resulting from the Challenger's powerful hood design.

This is now the second time our shooters have captured this hood design on a Challenger. They caught a silver prototype wearing this hood scoop in what appeared to to be the first look at the top-tier Challenger model sporting the new "Hellcat" supercharged V8 engine. Some have questioned that assertion, and claimed that it's the traditional Challenger SRT8. It should be noted that this red Challenger—while it has the same hood design as the earlier spy shots—looks like it is not quite as seriously specced out as the earlier prototype. The wheels and brakes on this prototype look to be of a less-aggressive makeup, while the wheels and brakes on the earlier prototype are an exact match for those on an earlier "Hellcat" prototype (which yielded shots of an exposed engine and its supercharger).

 challenger

 Photo credit: KGP Photography

Thu, 05/29/2014 - 09:52
 mustang

The shooters at KGP Photography have some new, very aggressive photos revealing the new SRT-tuned Dodge Challenger—this time captured undisguised in red. The menacing, stormy weather in which this prototype was photographed was a fitting scene, given the menacing look resulting from the Challenger's powerful hood design.

This is now the second time our shooters have captured this hood design on a Challenger. They caught a silver prototype wearing this hood scoop in what appeared to to be the first look at the top-tier Challenger model sporting the new "Hellcat" supercharged V8 engine. Some have questioned that assertion, and claimed that it's the traditional Challenger SRT8. It should be noted that this red Challenger—while it has the same hood design as the earlier spy shots—looks like it is not quite as seriously specced out as the earlier prototype. The wheels and brakes on this prototype look to be of a less-aggressive makeup, while the wheels and brakes on the earlier prototype are an exact match for those on an earlier "Hellcat" prototype (which yielded shots of an exposed engine and its supercharger).

 challenger

 Photo credit: KGP Photography