By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to make it easier for companies, trade associations and unions to develop federally recognized apprenticeship programs. Such apprenticeships are paid positions that combine on-the-job training with classroom education and earn the participant a credential. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) oversees the national apprenticeship program in conjunction with the states. It establishes federal and state standards for private programs sponsored by individual employers, industry associations, educational institutions and others.

The DOL will attempt to reduce red tape and overly rigid requirements for administering apprenticeship programs. The federal program’s funding will also nearly double to $200 million. The United States has an estimated 6 million job vacancies, many of which remain unfilled because of a skilled labor shortage. Traditionally, apprenticeships have been largely confined to the construction industry and building trades, although this order is designed to unlock the private sector’s expansion of these programs in other fields. 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to make it easier for companies, trade associations and unions to develop federally recognized apprenticeship programs. Such apprenticeships are paid positions that combine on-the-job training with classroom education and earn the participant a credential. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) oversees the national apprenticeship program in conjunction with the states. It establishes federal and state standards for private programs sponsored by individual employers, industry associations, educational institutions and others.

The DOL will attempt to reduce red tape and overly rigid requirements for administering apprenticeship programs. The federal program’s funding will also nearly double to $200 million. The United States has an estimated 6 million job vacancies, many of which remain unfilled because of a skilled labor shortage. Traditionally, apprenticeships have been largely confined to the construction industry and building trades, although this order is designed to unlock the private sector’s expansion of these programs in other fields. 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Tim Martin, K&N Engineering vice president and SEMA chairman-elect, thanked an audience of more than 2,500 who had gathered for the annual SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet, where he was named the association’s Person of the Year for 2016. The award is among SEMA’s highest honors.

Nominations are now open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards that are presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show. The awards are Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, Representative Agency of the Year, Warehouse Distributor of the Year and GEN-III Innovator of the Year. All SEMA members are invited to nominate individuals and companies who have made a significant impact on the specialty-equipment market.

The 2017 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet takes place Thursday, November 2, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the Westgate Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas.

Nominate now!

Person of the Year: The SEMA Person of the Year Award was established in 1969 to honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to the association and the automotive aftermarket as a whole. During the selection process, the task force takes into consideration the nominees’ service beyond their normal job functions over the past year. Full criteria is available on the SEMA Awards webpage, along with a listing of past honorees. In order to assist the Person of the Year Task Force in making its selection, a brief statement, including the nominee’s accomplishments, is required at the time of submission.

Manufacturer of the Year: The SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Award has been established to honor a Manufacturer for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. 

GEN-III Innovator of the Year: SEMA is also seeking nominations to recognize young innovators who exhibit the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders, and whose work is changing the way the automotive aftermarket does business. He or she may have been the first to act on a new trend, invented an original product or devised and implemented ideas that better suit the current marketplace. Qualifying nominees must be younger than 40 as of December 31, 2016.

Rep Agency of the Year: The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award honors a manufacturers’ rep agency for its contribution to the industry for the past 12 months. Considerations include product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets and continuous training and education programs.

Warehouse Distributor of the Year: The SEMA WD of the Year Award recognizes a warehouse distributor that operates with the integrity and business practices that set the company apart as an industry leader. Over the last year, the ideal candidate will have been involved in industry events, serviced and communicated with suppliers and resellers with excellence and provided development opportunities for clients and staff.

All SEMA members are invited to nominate the companies and individuals that conduct business in a way that furthers the interests of the entire industry. The SEMA awards website provides photos from previous banquets and information regarding the rich history of award winners, award criteria and how to nominate industry leaders for awards in multiple categories.

For questions regarding the SEMA Awards program, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692

By SEMA Editors

Tim Martin, K&N Engineering vice president and SEMA chairman-elect, thanked an audience of more than 2,500 who had gathered for the annual SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet, where he was named the association’s Person of the Year for 2016. The award is among SEMA’s highest honors.

Nominations are now open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards that are presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show. The awards are Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, Representative Agency of the Year, Warehouse Distributor of the Year and GEN-III Innovator of the Year. All SEMA members are invited to nominate individuals and companies who have made a significant impact on the specialty-equipment market.

The 2017 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet takes place Thursday, November 2, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the Westgate Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas.

Nominate now!

Person of the Year: The SEMA Person of the Year Award was established in 1969 to honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to the association and the automotive aftermarket as a whole. During the selection process, the task force takes into consideration the nominees’ service beyond their normal job functions over the past year. Full criteria is available on the SEMA Awards webpage, along with a listing of past honorees. In order to assist the Person of the Year Task Force in making its selection, a brief statement, including the nominee’s accomplishments, is required at the time of submission.

Manufacturer of the Year: The SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Award has been established to honor a Manufacturer for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. 

GEN-III Innovator of the Year: SEMA is also seeking nominations to recognize young innovators who exhibit the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders, and whose work is changing the way the automotive aftermarket does business. He or she may have been the first to act on a new trend, invented an original product or devised and implemented ideas that better suit the current marketplace. Qualifying nominees must be younger than 40 as of December 31, 2016.

Rep Agency of the Year: The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award honors a manufacturers’ rep agency for its contribution to the industry for the past 12 months. Considerations include product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets and continuous training and education programs.

Warehouse Distributor of the Year: The SEMA WD of the Year Award recognizes a warehouse distributor that operates with the integrity and business practices that set the company apart as an industry leader. Over the last year, the ideal candidate will have been involved in industry events, serviced and communicated with suppliers and resellers with excellence and provided development opportunities for clients and staff.

All SEMA members are invited to nominate the companies and individuals that conduct business in a way that furthers the interests of the entire industry. The SEMA awards website provides photos from previous banquets and information regarding the rich history of award winners, award criteria and how to nominate industry leaders for awards in multiple categories.

For questions regarding the SEMA Awards program, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692

By SEMA Editors

Tim Martin, K&N Engineering vice president and SEMA chairman-elect, thanked an audience of more than 2,500 who had gathered for the annual SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet, where he was named the association’s Person of the Year for 2016. The award is among SEMA’s highest honors.

Nominations are now open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards that are presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show. The awards are Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, Representative Agency of the Year, Warehouse Distributor of the Year and GEN-III Innovator of the Year. All SEMA members are invited to nominate individuals and companies who have made a significant impact on the specialty-equipment market.

The 2017 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet takes place Thursday, November 2, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the Westgate Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas.

Nominate now!

Person of the Year: The SEMA Person of the Year Award was established in 1969 to honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to the association and the automotive aftermarket as a whole. During the selection process, the task force takes into consideration the nominees’ service beyond their normal job functions over the past year. Full criteria is available on the SEMA Awards webpage, along with a listing of past honorees. In order to assist the Person of the Year Task Force in making its selection, a brief statement, including the nominee’s accomplishments, is required at the time of submission.

Manufacturer of the Year: The SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Award has been established to honor a Manufacturer for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. 

GEN-III Innovator of the Year: SEMA is also seeking nominations to recognize young innovators who exhibit the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders, and whose work is changing the way the automotive aftermarket does business. He or she may have been the first to act on a new trend, invented an original product or devised and implemented ideas that better suit the current marketplace. Qualifying nominees must be younger than 40 as of December 31, 2016.

Rep Agency of the Year: The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award honors a manufacturers’ rep agency for its contribution to the industry for the past 12 months. Considerations include product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets and continuous training and education programs.

Warehouse Distributor of the Year: The SEMA WD of the Year Award recognizes a warehouse distributor that operates with the integrity and business practices that set the company apart as an industry leader. Over the last year, the ideal candidate will have been involved in industry events, serviced and communicated with suppliers and resellers with excellence and provided development opportunities for clients and staff.

All SEMA members are invited to nominate the companies and individuals that conduct business in a way that furthers the interests of the entire industry. The SEMA awards website provides photos from previous banquets and information regarding the rich history of award winners, award criteria and how to nominate industry leaders for awards in multiple categories.

For questions regarding the SEMA Awards program, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The 7th Annual Lucas Oil NMCA West Coast Shootout presented by JE Pistons June 2-4, 2017, featured an array of heads-up and index classes and the Hotchkis Auto X presented by Nitto Tire.

Race Wrap - 7th Annual Lucas Oil NMCA West Coast Shootout presented by JE Pistons

The 7th Annual Lucas Oil NMCA West Coast Shootout presented by JE Pistons, June 2–4, featured an array of heads-up and index classes and the Hotchkis Auto X presented by Nitto Tire.

ProCharger Outlaw Street: Johnny Coleman and his ’69 Camaro faced the ’68 Camaro of Michael Orban in the final round, where Orban edged him out at the stripe, 5.386 to 5.501.

ARP Outlaw 8.5: George Raygoza and his Chevy Nova faced Tim Orello in the final round of competition. At the stripe, it was Raygoza first with a 5.15 to Orello’s off-pace 7.43 effort.

Lucas Oil Ultra Street: Mike Silva came up short in the final round against Dan Dagata, who edged Silva out with a 5.341 to Silva’s 5.347.

Lucas Oil NA 10.5: The final round pitted Joe Keurjikian’s ’69 Firebird against the late-model ’91 Camaro of Victor Brum, who advanced to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle after his 8.246 to 8.249 victory.

Meziere Top Sportsman: Mack Moffat raced to the final round, where he was paired up with the ’09 Cobalt of Don Meziere. Meziere drilled Moffat to the tree with a .037-to-.257 reaction time advantage and then pushed him out at the top end, with Moffat’s break-out 6.87 run on his 6.90 dial-in while Meziere’s 7.14 on a 7.06 proved victorious.

Champion Cooling Pro Comp: Zach Meziere went .009 on the tree to Kenny Snow’s .050—enough for his 8.924 on an 8.90 to defeat Snow’s 8.902/8.90 effort.

NMCA West Open Comp: Ron DeHoop drove his ’67 Chevelle to a 10.561 on his 10.54 dial in, while Kevin Stokesberry and his ’71 Chevelle gave up the win by running under his 9.53 dial-in with a 9.512.

TBT Racing Products Street Comp: At the stripe, the Nova of Mike Sayle had run 10.938 on his 10.92 dial in, but it wasn’t enough to beat Mustang of Jan Vanderpool’s 10.545 on a dial in of 10.54 seconds.

Edelbrock Super Quick: Jay Shelton ran a 10.505 on his 10.54 dial-in, thus handing Mark Miyashiro (8.399 on an 8.32) the win and a trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

Calvert Racing Quick Street: Trey Sommer’s wheel-standing ’56 Chevy faced Kris Johnson’s ’72 Duster in the final, and grabbed a significant reaction-time advantage—.048 to .108. He used it and his 10.346 on a 10.27 dial-in to defeat Johnson’s 10.091 on a 10.07 effort.

Mustang Madness: Brent Calvert met Justen Spencer in the final, where Calvert went 8.782 on an 8.78 dial-in for the win.

Classic Performance Products Nostalgia Street Car: Merle Williams squared off against Steve Cox, who was .015 on the tree and ran it flat out to a victorious 10.470 on his 10.50 index.

Gear Vendors True Street: Bill Fowler averaged 9.579 seconds across three runs, which proved quicker than runner-up Dan Geis’ 9.756 average. Michael Webb grabbed the 10-second win with a 10.549 average; and Sean Oltan was right behind him with an 11.148 to nab the 11-second award in his Nissan GTR. The ’00 Camaro of Drew McKinley edged out a tight group with a 12.018 average, and Gene Federico was similarly accurate at 13.036 for the 13-second prize. Melanie Green once again proved her ’06 Mustang was a consistent 14-second-winning car with a 14.136 average, and Victor Vallicella drove his ’14 Mustang to a 15.275 average for the 15-second win.

2017 Lucas Oil NMCA West Coast Shootout: The event win last weekend went to Jason Dawson, who faced Dustin Lee in the final round of competition. Lee drove to a 7.844 on a 7.84 dial-in. Dawson’s 7.680 on his 7.65 dial in likely wouldn’t have been enough, but Lee was -.007 on the tree and handed Dawson the win.

Edelbrock Bracket Showdown: Bob Earleywine took the Super Pro win, Mike Nordahl grabbed the Pro award, and Jack Swanson grabbed the trophy in Sportsman. Sunday’s winners were Cecil Wiles Jr. in Super Pro, Trevor Hayes in Pro, and Willie Hoefer in Sportsman.

Hotchkis Auto X presented by Nitto Tire: Saturday winners included: Sports Car Class—Tom Kamman ’02 Corvette, Classic Muscle—Greg Thurmond ’65 Corvette, Modern Muscle—Paul Molina ’17 Mustang, Compact—James Gassor—’08 Saturn Sky, Truck—Wes Drelleshak ’59 Apache. On Sunday, the winners were: Sports Car Class—John Lazorack III ’88 Dodge Conquest, Classic Muscle—Greg Thurmond ’65 Corvette, Modern Muscle—Gregg Biddlingmeier ’88 Mustang, Compact—Pat Sheely ’17 Ford Focus ST, Truck—Mike Sullivan ’65 El Camino, Hotchkis Cup Winner— Mike Cuthbertson ’68 Camaro.

The championship chase continues at the 6th Annual Energy Suspension NMCA West Street Car Nationals, September 15–17, 2017.

Steve Torrence secured his third victory of the season with a 3.857-second pass at 320.28 mph in his Capco Contractors dragster to defeat Antron Brown who ran a 3.932 at 306.74 in his Matco Tools dragster in the final round.

Torrence, Beckman, Anderson, Savoie Notch Victories at NHRA Summernationals

Steve Torrence powered his Top Fuel dragster to victory last Sunday at the 48th annual NHRA Summernationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Jerry Savoie (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners in their respective categories at the 10th of 24 events on the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Torrence secured his third victory of the season with a 3.857-second pass at 320.28 mph in his Capco Contractors dragster to defeat Antron Brown who ran a 3.932 at 306.74 in his Matco Tools dragster in the final round. Torrence now trails Brown by seven points in the Top Fuel standings, while previous points leader Leah Pritchett fell to third with a first round exit in Englishtown. Beckman earned his 25th career victory and first of the season with a 4.100 at 312.42 in the final round to defeat Ron Capps who ran a 4.143 at 299.66. This was Beckman’s first win since St. Louis in 2016, and his first final round appearance of the season. With the win, Beckman sits at third in the standings as the fifth different Funny Car winner of the season. Capps maintained his lead atop the Funny Car standings with the runner-up finish in Englishtown. Anderson secured the victory in Pro Stock after driving to a 6.613 at 210.44 to knock off Vincent Nobile, who ran a 6.665 at 210.21. Anderson now has two victories on the year as he notched his first win since Phoenix. With the victory, Anderson now sits second in the points standings behind Bo Butner, who he defeated in the semifinals. Nobile sits seventh in the Pro Stock standings after his best finish of the year. Defending Pro Stock Motorcycle Champion Savoie emerged victorious with a 6.918 at 192.85 to defeat Hector Arana Jr.’s pass of 6.862 at 195.62. Savoie notched his seventh career victory and first of the season. With his first victory of the season, Savoie now sits third in the Pro Stock Motorcycle standings, becoming the third winner in four events in the category. Arana Jr. is sixth in the standings following his best finish of the season. The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues with the 17th NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, June 16–18.

VP Racing to Sponsor Prime Motivation as Official Fuel

VP Racing Fuels has announced its support for Prime Motivation—a non-profit organization dedicated to helping disconnected youth stay in school and focus on future personal and career oriented goals. As Official Fuel, VP will help support events staged by Prime Motivation on high-school campuses to showcase customized vehicles with the latest aftermarket and high-tech products and gadgets. The vehicles facilitate discussion of the work and skills needed to customize vehicles and associated career opportunities in the automotive Industry. Teens can participate in hands-on workshops, educational seminars and demonstrations that cover such topics as mobile electronics, manufacturing, research and development, auto body and more.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The 7th Annual Lucas Oil NMCA West Coast Shootout presented by JE Pistons June 2-4, 2017, featured an array of heads-up and index classes and the Hotchkis Auto X presented by Nitto Tire.

Race Wrap - 7th Annual Lucas Oil NMCA West Coast Shootout presented by JE Pistons

The 7th Annual Lucas Oil NMCA West Coast Shootout presented by JE Pistons, June 2–4, featured an array of heads-up and index classes and the Hotchkis Auto X presented by Nitto Tire.

ProCharger Outlaw Street: Johnny Coleman and his ’69 Camaro faced the ’68 Camaro of Michael Orban in the final round, where Orban edged him out at the stripe, 5.386 to 5.501.

ARP Outlaw 8.5: George Raygoza and his Chevy Nova faced Tim Orello in the final round of competition. At the stripe, it was Raygoza first with a 5.15 to Orello’s off-pace 7.43 effort.

Lucas Oil Ultra Street: Mike Silva came up short in the final round against Dan Dagata, who edged Silva out with a 5.341 to Silva’s 5.347.

Lucas Oil NA 10.5: The final round pitted Joe Keurjikian’s ’69 Firebird against the late-model ’91 Camaro of Victor Brum, who advanced to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle after his 8.246 to 8.249 victory.

Meziere Top Sportsman: Mack Moffat raced to the final round, where he was paired up with the ’09 Cobalt of Don Meziere. Meziere drilled Moffat to the tree with a .037-to-.257 reaction time advantage and then pushed him out at the top end, with Moffat’s break-out 6.87 run on his 6.90 dial-in while Meziere’s 7.14 on a 7.06 proved victorious.

Champion Cooling Pro Comp: Zach Meziere went .009 on the tree to Kenny Snow’s .050—enough for his 8.924 on an 8.90 to defeat Snow’s 8.902/8.90 effort.

NMCA West Open Comp: Ron DeHoop drove his ’67 Chevelle to a 10.561 on his 10.54 dial in, while Kevin Stokesberry and his ’71 Chevelle gave up the win by running under his 9.53 dial-in with a 9.512.

TBT Racing Products Street Comp: At the stripe, the Nova of Mike Sayle had run 10.938 on his 10.92 dial in, but it wasn’t enough to beat Mustang of Jan Vanderpool’s 10.545 on a dial in of 10.54 seconds.

Edelbrock Super Quick: Jay Shelton ran a 10.505 on his 10.54 dial-in, thus handing Mark Miyashiro (8.399 on an 8.32) the win and a trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

Calvert Racing Quick Street: Trey Sommer’s wheel-standing ’56 Chevy faced Kris Johnson’s ’72 Duster in the final, and grabbed a significant reaction-time advantage—.048 to .108. He used it and his 10.346 on a 10.27 dial-in to defeat Johnson’s 10.091 on a 10.07 effort.

Mustang Madness: Brent Calvert met Justen Spencer in the final, where Calvert went 8.782 on an 8.78 dial-in for the win.

Classic Performance Products Nostalgia Street Car: Merle Williams squared off against Steve Cox, who was .015 on the tree and ran it flat out to a victorious 10.470 on his 10.50 index.

Gear Vendors True Street: Bill Fowler averaged 9.579 seconds across three runs, which proved quicker than runner-up Dan Geis’ 9.756 average. Michael Webb grabbed the 10-second win with a 10.549 average; and Sean Oltan was right behind him with an 11.148 to nab the 11-second award in his Nissan GTR. The ’00 Camaro of Drew McKinley edged out a tight group with a 12.018 average, and Gene Federico was similarly accurate at 13.036 for the 13-second prize. Melanie Green once again proved her ’06 Mustang was a consistent 14-second-winning car with a 14.136 average, and Victor Vallicella drove his ’14 Mustang to a 15.275 average for the 15-second win.

2017 Lucas Oil NMCA West Coast Shootout: The event win last weekend went to Jason Dawson, who faced Dustin Lee in the final round of competition. Lee drove to a 7.844 on a 7.84 dial-in. Dawson’s 7.680 on his 7.65 dial in likely wouldn’t have been enough, but Lee was -.007 on the tree and handed Dawson the win.

Edelbrock Bracket Showdown: Bob Earleywine took the Super Pro win, Mike Nordahl grabbed the Pro award, and Jack Swanson grabbed the trophy in Sportsman. Sunday’s winners were Cecil Wiles Jr. in Super Pro, Trevor Hayes in Pro, and Willie Hoefer in Sportsman.

Hotchkis Auto X presented by Nitto Tire: Saturday winners included: Sports Car Class—Tom Kamman ’02 Corvette, Classic Muscle—Greg Thurmond ’65 Corvette, Modern Muscle—Paul Molina ’17 Mustang, Compact—James Gassor—’08 Saturn Sky, Truck—Wes Drelleshak ’59 Apache. On Sunday, the winners were: Sports Car Class—John Lazorack III ’88 Dodge Conquest, Classic Muscle—Greg Thurmond ’65 Corvette, Modern Muscle—Gregg Biddlingmeier ’88 Mustang, Compact—Pat Sheely ’17 Ford Focus ST, Truck—Mike Sullivan ’65 El Camino, Hotchkis Cup Winner— Mike Cuthbertson ’68 Camaro.

The championship chase continues at the 6th Annual Energy Suspension NMCA West Street Car Nationals, September 15–17, 2017.

Steve Torrence secured his third victory of the season with a 3.857-second pass at 320.28 mph in his Capco Contractors dragster to defeat Antron Brown who ran a 3.932 at 306.74 in his Matco Tools dragster in the final round.

Torrence, Beckman, Anderson, Savoie Notch Victories at NHRA Summernationals

Steve Torrence powered his Top Fuel dragster to victory last Sunday at the 48th annual NHRA Summernationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Jerry Savoie (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners in their respective categories at the 10th of 24 events on the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Torrence secured his third victory of the season with a 3.857-second pass at 320.28 mph in his Capco Contractors dragster to defeat Antron Brown who ran a 3.932 at 306.74 in his Matco Tools dragster in the final round. Torrence now trails Brown by seven points in the Top Fuel standings, while previous points leader Leah Pritchett fell to third with a first round exit in Englishtown. Beckman earned his 25th career victory and first of the season with a 4.100 at 312.42 in the final round to defeat Ron Capps who ran a 4.143 at 299.66. This was Beckman’s first win since St. Louis in 2016, and his first final round appearance of the season. With the win, Beckman sits at third in the standings as the fifth different Funny Car winner of the season. Capps maintained his lead atop the Funny Car standings with the runner-up finish in Englishtown. Anderson secured the victory in Pro Stock after driving to a 6.613 at 210.44 to knock off Vincent Nobile, who ran a 6.665 at 210.21. Anderson now has two victories on the year as he notched his first win since Phoenix. With the victory, Anderson now sits second in the points standings behind Bo Butner, who he defeated in the semifinals. Nobile sits seventh in the Pro Stock standings after his best finish of the year. Defending Pro Stock Motorcycle Champion Savoie emerged victorious with a 6.918 at 192.85 to defeat Hector Arana Jr.’s pass of 6.862 at 195.62. Savoie notched his seventh career victory and first of the season. With his first victory of the season, Savoie now sits third in the Pro Stock Motorcycle standings, becoming the third winner in four events in the category. Arana Jr. is sixth in the standings following his best finish of the season. The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues with the 17th NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, June 16–18.

VP Racing to Sponsor Prime Motivation as Official Fuel

VP Racing Fuels has announced its support for Prime Motivation—a non-profit organization dedicated to helping disconnected youth stay in school and focus on future personal and career oriented goals. As Official Fuel, VP will help support events staged by Prime Motivation on high-school campuses to showcase customized vehicles with the latest aftermarket and high-tech products and gadgets. The vehicles facilitate discussion of the work and skills needed to customize vehicles and associated career opportunities in the automotive Industry. Teens can participate in hands-on workshops, educational seminars and demonstrations that cover such topics as mobile electronics, manufacturing, research and development, auto body and more.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Tom Marx

Tom Marx to Be Featured Presenter at 2017 University of the Aftermarket Heavy Duty Leadership Program

Appearing for the fifth straight year as a featured presenter at the 2017 University of the Aftermarket Heavy Duty Leadership program, Tom Marx, partner, Hart Marx Advisors, will provide industry leaders insight on consolidation within the heavy-duty and commercial vehicle aftermarket. Marx, an expert on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), will look at “Surviving and Thriving in a Consolidating World” on the campus of Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, during the July 9–13 program. This session will examine the common consolidation scenarios young executives might face, including the sale of a company, divestiture of a business unit, an acquisition or a merger. He will also discuss different events that could impact participants, such as the next generation moving into leadership and the role of private equity. He will also share market data on what has changed in recent M&A activity. The course provides an opportunity for heavy-duty leaders to participate in an interactive question-and-answer session. To learn more and register, visit the Northwood University website.

Kevin Annison

Motorsport TV Hires Former Fox Sports SPEED Channel Exec as Network President

Former FOX Sports/SPEED Channel television network and digital media executive Kevin Annison will join Motorsport Network to spearhead the group’s planned expansion in traditional and internet television as the president of Motorsport.tv. The appointment of Annison comes one week after former NASCAR Digital Media Vice President Colin Smith joined Motorsport Network as CEO. Motorsport Network acquired European cable network Motors TV last year, and Annison will lead the team as the newly renamed Motorsport.tv expands from its European cable and satellite roots to a global internet television network reaching large and small screens of race fans around the world. Annison not only played a major role in the acquisition, relaunch and relocation of SPEED Channel from 2001 through 2004, he also served as vice president and general manager of the digital media division and oversaw the launch of SPEED2.com—the internet television over-the-top network dedicated to motorsports. He also managed the network’s expansion into live and multi-camera streaming; multiplatform rights renewals with NASCAR, Formula One and MotoGP; the launch of mobile apps; the creation of video and video-on-demand channels on cable television, Apple TV, Hulu and YouTube and is also a renowned expert in digital and social-media business models.

Robert Johnson

Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Appoints New Board Trustee 

Bob Hirsch, president of Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), has announced the appointment of Robert Johnson to its board of trustees. Johnson is the executive director, finance at Bridgestone Retail Operations, and has worked in the automotive and retail industry for the past 15 years. Founded in 1959 to assist members of the automotive aftermarket and their families, the AACF has distributed millions of dollars to help in times of great need. To make a donation or to learn more about the foundation and its cause, visit www.aacfi.org or contact Executive Director Joel Ayres at 916-628-0271.

Galpin Motors Becomes Exclusive Kia Dealership in San Fernando Valley Serving Southern California

Galpin Motors has announced that it has opened its latest franchise, Galpin Kia, and is officially the exclusive Kia dealership in the San Fernando Valley serving all of Southern California. Galpin Kia includes both sales and service, and is located in North Hills, California. The dealership serves customers with the brand’s full line of cars and SUVs. Galpin Kia officially opened October 24, 2016. In May 2017, Galpin Kia finished the month as the number-eight Kia dealer in the country. Galpin Kia is the 12th franchise to join Galpin’s family of brands, which currently includes Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, Aston Martin, Honda, Subaru, Volkswagen, Lotus, Volvo, Jaguar and Spyker. The Kia dealership will operate out of a 10,000-sq.-ft. temporary facility while the permanent showroom is built.

Hundreds of Jeep owners traveled to the Jeep Heritage Expo to showcase their personal Jeeps, purchase parts from on-site vendors and get an up-close and personal look at Omix-ADA’s private Jeep collection.

Second Annual Omix-ADA Jeep Heritage Expo Celebrates Company’s Dedication to the Brand and Benefits Local Community

Omix-ADA hosted hundreds of Jeep enthusiasts at its Suwanee, Georgia, headquarters on June 3. The second annual Jeep Heritage Expo built upon the success of last year’s event with hundreds of custom Jeeps in attendance. Omix-ADA’s own private collection, which includes 30 rare Jeeps ranging from very early ’41 prototypes to the latest Wranglers, was also on display to the public. The company will celebrate its 25th anniversary later this year. For this year’s event, Omix-ADA partnered with Habitat for Humanity to raise money to support the local Atlanta community. All of the proceeds from the Jeep Heritage Expo were donated to the organization, totaling $3,800 in one day. Hundreds of Jeep owners traveled to the Expo to showcase their personal Jeeps, purchase parts from on-site vendors, and get an up-close and personal look at Omix-ADA’s private Jeep collection.

Chip Foose and Barry Meguiar to Host “Car Guys for United Way” Car Show

On Saturday, June 24, in Chanhassen, Minnesota, 3M Auto and United Way will host “Car Guys for United Way,” a car show and community event featuring legendary designer Chip Foose and car-care expert and television personality Barry Meguiar. At Car Guys for United Way, attendees can expect to see a plethora of one-off custom-painted hot rods and trucks. A live auction will take place on-site, and one bidder will have the opportunity to watch Foose hand-draw his/her personal vehicle live at the event. A host of 3M Auto products and installations will also be up for grabs during the auction. All of the proceeds from ticket sales and the auction will be donated to United Way to further support the Twin Cities community. Tickets start at $25.

The check presentation was made last Friday at the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) meeting and luncheon, held at the Ontario Convention Center, by TORA Chair Kathryn Reinhardt and 4 Wheel Parts executives Brent Goegebuer and Sam Cervantes.

4 Wheel Parts Round Up Campaign Raises More Than $30,000 for ORBA

4 Wheel Parts presented a check in the amount of $30,872 to the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) as part of its “Round Up” charitable fundraising initiative. The Round Up initiative served to raise funds to support the foundation’s goals of promoting, preserving and expanding meaningful off-road recreation on public and private land. Led by 4 Wheel Parts Regional Manager Jeremy Komorn, the full roster of 80 stores across North America supported the campaign by providing customers the option of rounding up to the next dollar at checkout with the proceeds to be directly contributed to ORBA to further its objectives. The presentation was made last Friday at the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) meeting and luncheon, held at the Ontario Convention Center, by TORA Chair Kathryn Reinhardt and 4 Wheel Parts executives Brent Goegebuer and Sam Cervantes. For more information about ORBA, make a donation or to become a member, visit www.orba.biz.

SpeedVideo’s Mobile Live Video Draws More Than 4.9 Million Minutes Viewed

SpeedVideo’s past 10 events accumulated a total of 3.4 million video views. While simultaneously broadcasting to SpeedVideo’s website, social media platforms captured an even larger audience specifically targeting those on mobile devices. In total, 63% of the views were from either a mobile phone or tablet. The past 10 drag-racing events racked up almost five million minutes of broadcast time. SpeedVideo will live broadcast 36 events in 2017 with a projected audience of more than six million performance enthusiasts between live broadcasts and social media.

BestDrive’s new location at S. Transport Street, in Boise, Idaho, is centrally located to service the increasing demand from fleet customers.

BestDrive LLC Opens New Boise Location

BestDrive LLC, a commercial tire dealer and retreader, celebrated the opening of its newest location in Boise, Idaho. The new shop and service center continues the increasing expansion of the Continental Tire and ContiLifeCycle retread service network throughout the United States and the rest of North America.

Permatex Partners with PowerNation TV to Promote Core Products

Permatex has announced an advertising partnership with PowerNation TV. As part of this partnership, PowerNation TV will showcase and integrate Permatex and Fast Orange-brand products in its premium programming, which include Detroit Muscle, Engine Power, Truck Tech and Xtreme Off-Road. PowerNation is an automotive how-to program produced by RTM, creator of the PowerBlock. Across cable TV, digital TV, and streaming platforms, Powernation’s programs reach more than 120 million viewers annually. According to Dan Clarke, Permatex senior product manager, Permatex chose to partner with PowerNation because of its broad reach through traditional broadcasting, cable with Spike TV and free streaming app on Roku and Apple TV. Throughout the partnership, Permatex will utilize traditional commercials and integrated product placements on PowerNation TV programming. The programs will showcase both Permatex and Fast Orange brands, including a new line of gasket makers, premium hand cleaners and Permatex Fast Orange Grease X.

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Dennis Pittsenbarger catches up with Brian Lohnes from Bangshift.

Dennis Pittsenbarger catches up with Brian Lohnes from Bangshift.