Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Mothers will traverse the country in its signature big rig. For 2015, the trick truck will also bring some of the coolest rides to several car shows, races and festivals.

The Mothers Big Rig Gets Back on the Road in 2015
Mothers has announced it will traverse the country in its signature big rig. For 2015, the trick truck will also bring some of the coolest rides to several car shows, races and festivals. In addition to hauling a selection of cool rides, the Mothers big rig will feed the detailing needs of enthusiasts and experts alike. The Mothers crew of specialists will provide demonstrations and introduce the company's latest car-care products. Highlights on the Mothers car show calendar include the Hot Rod Power Tour, the 2015 SEMA Show and SEMA Ignited, a variety of car shows, motorsport events and and Barrett-Jackson collector-car auctions in Palm Beach, Las Vegas and more. The complete schedule is listed online.

Star Fuel Signs on With VP Racing Fuels Retail Branding Program
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced that Star Fuel of Oklahoma LLC has signed on as the latest partner in its national branding program. Based in Leawood, Kansas, Star supports 275 retail sites in an operating area that encompasses Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri and Arkansas with future plans for expansion in Nebraska.

Champion Racing Oil Revs Up With SuperFlow Dyno Promotion
Champion has announced a special promotion in conjunction with SuperFlow dynamometers and flowbenches. Geared toward the “Engine Builder,” “Machine Shop” or “Dyno Facility,” Champion is offering through the month of March a $1,000 gift certificate toward any new SuperFlow engine or chassis dyno system.

ACCEL Performance Group Launches ACCEL IT Video Series
ACCEL Performance Group has launched a new web-based automotive video series called ACCEL IT. Each 10-minute episode features host Jenny Long traveling the country surprising people who have submitted their vehicle to receive the ultimate upgrade. It is a free, on-site performance upgrade from ACCEL Performance Group’s family of brands—ACCEL, Mr. Gasket, Hays, Lakewood and QuickTime. Episodes of ACCEL IT can be found on the company’s Facebook page (ACCEL Performance Group), by logging onto the ACCEL YouTube page, or by visiting www.ACCELNation.com.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Join With Austin Hatcher Foundation for AutoCross for Kids
Goodguys Rod & Custom Association and The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer have announced a partnership to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation’s mission to erase the effects of pediatric cancer for patients, survivors and their families. The partnership will provide the Foundation with opportunities to educate both children and adults about healthy lifestyles that prevent cancer, as well as provide much-needed therapies, in a variety of cities throughout the United States.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association will work in conjunction with the Foundation at several Goodguys shows during 2015. Association members and show attendees will have opportunities to contribute to the effort through donations, the purchase of limited edition merchandise, and participation in the “AutoCross for Kids”, as well as through volunteering for some of the program’s initiatives. The AutoCross for Kids will offer Goodguys car show attendees opportunities at selected shows a chance to ride with Pro AutoCross competitors on a specially prepared closed performance AutoCross course in exchange for a specified donation to the Austin Hatcher Foundation. The AutoCross for Kids promotion will be held on Fridays and Sundays at select events.

During each event weekend, the Foundation also will partner with a local hospital to bring its innovative Diversionary Therapy program to children and families in the pediatric oncology units. The program is designed to help patients, survivors and their families enjoy leisure time by building and racing the Foundation’s pinewood derby cars, in the process offering a simple but effective diversion from the challenges presented by pediatric cancer. Goodguys will enhance the program by inviting members of the local hot-rod community to participate and display collectible cars.

The partnership will kick off at the Goodguys 1st North Carolina Nationals April 17–19, at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, North Carolina. Attendees should seek out the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s Hatch’s Garage Diversionary Therapy Chevy Silverado, donated and customized by Chevrolet Performance and Mobil 1, and check the event schedule for special activities and times of the AutoCross for Kids.

	Eric Butler’s custom-built ’68 Mustang was the first recipient of the WELD President’s Award at the 2015 O’Reilly’s World of Wheels presented by WELD.

WELD Presents Inaugural President’s Award at
 2015 O’Reilly’s World of Wheels
Eric Butler’s custom-built ’68 Mustang was the first recipient of the WELD President’s Award at the 2015 O’Reilly’s World of Wheels presented by WELD. Butler, who participated in the show at Bartle Hall in Kansas City, Missouri, is a resident of the Kansas City metro area. Butler completed all the work on the vehicle by himself, which included custom WELD wheels with a ’96 Mustang bolt pattern.

The President’s Award was presented to Butler for “the vehicle that embodies tradition, quality and durability like WELD wheels.” The award was mounted on a golden Prostar, one of WELD’s most iconic wheel designs.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee passed SEMA-supported legislation to renew the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit, which expired at the end of 2014. The “American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2015” (HR 880) would increase the alternative simplified credit from 14% to 20%, make the credit permanent and provide small businesses with a credit against the Alternative Minimum Tax. The Senate has also introduced a bipartisan bill to expand the R&D credit and make it permanent. However, the Senate Finance Committee is expected to focus on comprehensive tax reform before considering individual credits.

In related action, the U.S. House of Representatives has already passed a bill to permanently allow small businesses to write off their capital investments, up to $500,000, in the year the purchases were made under Section 179 of the tax code. This legislation would remove small-business uncertainties about tax deductions when making long-term investments. 

For additional details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee passed SEMA-supported legislation to renew the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit, which expired at the end of 2014. The “American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2015” (HR 880) would increase the alternative simplified credit from 14% to 20%, make the credit permanent and provide small businesses with a credit against the Alternative Minimum Tax. The Senate has also introduced a bipartisan bill to expand the R&D credit and make it permanent. However, the Senate Finance Committee is expected to focus on comprehensive tax reform before considering individual credits.

In related action, the U.S. House of Representatives has already passed a bill to permanently allow small businesses to write off their capital investments, up to $500,000, in the year the purchases were made under Section 179 of the tax code. This legislation would remove small-business uncertainties about tax deductions when making long-term investments. 

For additional details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee passed SEMA-supported legislation to renew the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit, which expired at the end of 2014. The “American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2015” (HR 880) would increase the alternative simplified credit from 14% to 20%, make the credit permanent and provide small businesses with a credit against the Alternative Minimum Tax. The Senate has also introduced a bipartisan bill to expand the R&D credit and make it permanent. However, the Senate Finance Committee is expected to focus on comprehensive tax reform before considering individual credits.

In related action, the U.S. House of Representatives has already passed a bill to permanently allow small businesses to write off their capital investments, up to $500,000, in the year the purchases were made under Section 179 of the tax code. This legislation would remove small-business uncertainties about tax deductions when making long-term investments. 

For additional details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

The shooters at KGP Photography got a close-up look at the revised GMC Terrain, which is set for a facelift and debut, likely for the New York Auto Show this spring. Like its Chevy Equinox stablemate, the Terrain will get a very late-cycle update to carry it over until an all-new model arrives. An all-new Equinox and Terrain had been expected to be well on the way, with the arrival of the new Buick Envision CUV, but the strong sales of the current Equinox has enabled GM to stretch the timeline out a bit and wring as much profit as possible out of the existing architecture.

A revised grille and reworked headlights with modernized LED effects help make the Terrain seem more up to date in the fast-moving market segment.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography got a close-up look at the revised GMC Terrain, which is set for a facelift and debut, likely for the New York Auto Show this spring. Like its Chevy Equinox stablemate, the Terrain will get a very late-cycle update to carry it over until an all-new model arrives. An all-new Equinox and Terrain had been expected to be well on the way, with the arrival of the new Buick Envision CUV, but the strong sales of the current Equinox has enabled GM to stretch the timeline out a bit and wring as much profit as possible out of the existing architecture.

A revised grille and reworked headlights with modernized LED effects help make the Terrain seem more up to date in the fast-moving market segment.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography got a close-up look at the revised GMC Terrain, which is set for a facelift and debut, likely for the New York Auto Show this spring. Like its Chevy Equinox stablemate, the Terrain will get a very late-cycle update to carry it over until an all-new model arrives. An all-new Equinox and Terrain had been expected to be well on the way, with the arrival of the new Buick Envision CUV, but the strong sales of the current Equinox has enabled GM to stretch the timeline out a bit and wring as much profit as possible out of the existing architecture.

A revised grille and reworked headlights with modernized LED effects help make the Terrain seem more up to date in the fast-moving market segment.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

By SEMA Editors

	Ken Bolen, center, was the first recipient of the CLeo award for his ’69 Cadillac Deville restoration.

The first-annual CLeo Interior Restoration Trophy winner was Ken Bolen for his ’69 Cadillac Deville restoration, Malcolm Johnson, CEO of ColorBond Automotive Paint, announced. The award was presented January 15, at the Mobile Tech trade show in Orlando, Florida.

The CLeo crystal trophy is awarded to an individual who has shown excellence utilizing ColorBond paints to restore the interior of any vehicle, including trucks, musclecars, classics and antiques. The CLeo was established to honor Leo Kagan, who, in 1977, was responsible for moving the SEMA Show from Anaheim, California, to its current location in Las Vegas. At 98 years old, Kagan continues to work for ColorBond Automotive Paint.

The 20-ft.-long Cadillac Deville convertible was owned by Kay Stevens, a singer, entertainer and celebrity guest host, and was frequently seen in the company of the Rat Pack. Bolen purchased the vehicle from Stevens for $2,600 in 1994. The Caddy sat in a garage until 2013 and was restored last year. Bolen spent a total of $350 for ColorBond Paint and restored the leather seats, door panels, convertible boot and dash panel to the original color, Diamond White. Reskinning the leather interior would have cost $3,000–$5,000. 

The 2015 CLeo award will be presented at the SEMA Show in November. The winner will receive a $500 check and the opportunity to display their car at the 2015 SEMA Show.

For more photos and background information on Bolen's ’69 Cadillac Deville, visit ColorBond Automotive Paint's blog.

By SEMA Editors

	Ken Bolen, center, was the first recipient of the CLeo award for his ’69 Cadillac Deville restoration.

The first-annual CLeo Interior Restoration Trophy winner was Ken Bolen for his ’69 Cadillac Deville restoration, Malcolm Johnson, CEO of ColorBond Automotive Paint, announced. The award was presented January 15, at the Mobile Tech trade show in Orlando, Florida.

The CLeo crystal trophy is awarded to an individual who has shown excellence utilizing ColorBond paints to restore the interior of any vehicle, including trucks, musclecars, classics and antiques. The CLeo was established to honor Leo Kagan, who, in 1977, was responsible for moving the SEMA Show from Anaheim, California, to its current location in Las Vegas. At 98 years old, Kagan continues to work for ColorBond Automotive Paint.

The 20-ft.-long Cadillac Deville convertible was owned by Kay Stevens, a singer, entertainer and celebrity guest host, and was frequently seen in the company of the Rat Pack. Bolen purchased the vehicle from Stevens for $2,600 in 1994. The Caddy sat in a garage until 2013 and was restored last year. Bolen spent a total of $350 for ColorBond Paint and restored the leather seats, door panels, convertible boot and dash panel to the original color, Diamond White. Reskinning the leather interior would have cost $3,000–$5,000. 

The 2015 CLeo award will be presented at the SEMA Show in November. The winner will receive a $500 check and the opportunity to display their car at the 2015 SEMA Show.

For more photos and background information on Bolen's ’69 Cadillac Deville, visit ColorBond Automotive Paint's blog.