By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on amended legislation to exempt motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from emissions-inspection requirement has been set for Friday, May 27, 2016.

A Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on amended legislation to exempt motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from emissions-inspection requirement has been set for Friday, May 27, 2016. Under the amended bill, vehicles manufactured after the ’76 model year but prior to the ’81 model year would be exempted if the owner submits proof that the vehicle is insured as a collector motor vehicle. This exemption would be a two-year trial that would need to be renewed by separate legislation in order to continue. Current law requires the lifetime testing of all ’76 and newer model-year vehicles. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Congress has reached agreement on a bipartisan plan to update the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)—legislation to provide the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with broad new duties and powers to regulate hazardous chemicals. Lawmakers and industry have been seeking to overhaul the 1976 law, which governs thousands of chemicals found in a diverse range of products, from paint thinners to clothing. 

The proposed updates to the law seek to provide the industry with a single federal regulatory system for testing and regulating potentially dangerous chemicals, rather than the current patchwork of state rules. Under current law, the EPA must prove that a chemical poses a potential risk before it can demand health and safety data or require testing. Since the substance can automatically enter the marketplace after 90 days, a number of states have enacted their own restrictions. Under the new approach, the EPA would have the authority to direct companies to test products in exchange for a uniform rule that supersedes state rules. The legislation has been approved by the House and is pending in the Senate.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org. 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Congress has reached agreement on a bipartisan plan to update the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)—legislation to provide the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with broad new duties and powers to regulate hazardous chemicals. Lawmakers and industry have been seeking to overhaul the 1976 law, which governs thousands of chemicals found in a diverse range of products, from paint thinners to clothing. 

The proposed updates to the law seek to provide the industry with a single federal regulatory system for testing and regulating potentially dangerous chemicals, rather than the current patchwork of state rules. Under current law, the EPA must prove that a chemical poses a potential risk before it can demand health and safety data or require testing. Since the substance can automatically enter the marketplace after 90 days, a number of states have enacted their own restrictions. Under the new approach, the EPA would have the authority to direct companies to test products in exchange for a uniform rule that supersedes state rules. The legislation has been approved by the House and is pending in the Senate.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org. 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Congress has reached agreement on a bipartisan plan to update the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)—legislation to provide the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with broad new duties and powers to regulate hazardous chemicals. Lawmakers and industry have been seeking to overhaul the 1976 law, which governs thousands of chemicals found in a diverse range of products, from paint thinners to clothing. 

The proposed updates to the law seek to provide the industry with a single federal regulatory system for testing and regulating potentially dangerous chemicals, rather than the current patchwork of state rules. Under current law, the EPA must prove that a chemical poses a potential risk before it can demand health and safety data or require testing. Since the substance can automatically enter the marketplace after 90 days, a number of states have enacted their own restrictions. Under the new approach, the EPA would have the authority to direct companies to test products in exchange for a uniform rule that supersedes state rules. The legislation has been approved by the House and is pending in the Senate.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org. 

By SEMA Editors

If you know a leader age 35 or under—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—nominate them for the SEMA News 35 Under 35. Honorees are young professionals with the innovation, drive and ideas to shape a strong future, and also represent the wide range of career opportunities that currently exist within the automotive specialty-equipment market.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2016 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due Tuesday, May 31, 2016.

For more details on the 35 Under 35 program and complete details on all of last year's winners, read through this article taken from the September 2015 issue of SEMA News.

SEMA members currently work with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. These professionals have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas that include marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. These are people who know what’s going on at the ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that may be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

If you know a leader age 35 or under—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—nominate them for the SEMA News 35 Under 35. Honorees are young professionals with the innovation, drive and ideas to shape a strong future, and also represent the wide range of career opportunities that currently exist within the automotive specialty-equipment market.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2016 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due Tuesday, May 31, 2016.

For more details on the 35 Under 35 program and complete details on all of last year's winners, read through this article taken from the September 2015 issue of SEMA News.

SEMA members currently work with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. These professionals have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas that include marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. These are people who know what’s going on at the ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that may be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

If you know a leader age 35 or under—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—nominate them for the SEMA News 35 Under 35. Honorees are young professionals with the innovation, drive and ideas to shape a strong future, and also represent the wide range of career opportunities that currently exist within the automotive specialty-equipment market.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2016 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due Tuesday, May 31, 2016.

For more details on the 35 Under 35 program and complete details on all of last year's winners, read through this article taken from the September 2015 issue of SEMA News.

SEMA members currently work with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. These professionals have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas that include marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. These are people who know what’s going on at the ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that may be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Royal Purple will sponsor the No. 30 truck in the 2016 SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks series.

Royal Purple to Sponsor No. 30 Race Truck in 2016 SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks Series; Named Official Motor Oil of the SportsCar Vintage Racing Association

Royal Purple has announced its entry into the 2016 SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks series as the lead sponsor of the No. 30 race truck. The Royal Purple No. 30 race truck will compete at speeds upward of 130 mph and fly through the air nearly 20 feet off the ground at Stadium Super Trucks events throughout 2016. Piloted by a team of top drivers, including veteran racer and Royal Purple’s Director of Sponsorships and Customer Events Davey Hamilton, the Royal Purple truck will compete at Stadium Super Trucks events spanning the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

In addition, Royal Purple is renewing its partnership with the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) for 2016. As the official motor oil of the SVRA, Royal Purple branding will be prominently featured at each of the 16 vintage racing events held across the country. Royal Purple will also have its truck and hospitality trailer on-site at a number of events throughout the season, where Royal Purple lubrication experts will be available to assist racers and attendees with technical advice and product recommendations for their vehicles.

Rice Oil Signs on With VP Racing Fuels Branding Program

Officials with VP Racing Fuels have announced the addition of Rice Oil Co. to its roster of retail branding partners. Based in LaFollette, Tennessee, Rice Oil has supplied the mining, convenience store and other industries for 36 years, and currently supplies 12 retail locations in Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia. It recently converted its first site to the VP brand in Jellico, Tennessee.

Kevin Fiscus clicked off a 3.540 at 231.44-mph pass in the eighth-mile in the Jerry Bickel Race Cars-built, Pro Line Racing-powered Q80/El General Racing C7 Corvette.

Fiscus Sets Unofficial Speed Record

At an early April test session at GALOT Motorsports Park during which he drove the Jerry Bickel Race Cars-built, Pro Line Racing-powered Q80/El General Racing C7 Corvette for car owner Jose Gonzalez, Kevin Fiscus clicked off a 3.540 at 231.44-mph pass in the eighth-mile. The speed set a new unofficial world record, and marked Fiscus as the second person to have eclipsed the 230-mph mark in the eighth-mile in a door car.

Jaguar to Sponsor U.S. Vintage Grand Prix at Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen International has announced that Jaguar Cars North America will sponsor the United States Vintage Grand Prix weekend—one of the largest vintage racing events on the national calendar—September 9–11, 2016. Davy Jones—who won the 1990 24 Hours of Daytona driving a Jaguar XJR-12—will serve as grand marshal. The weekend kicks off Friday with practice and qualifying rounds, and continues Saturday and Sunday with 11 race groups scheduled to compete on the 3.4-mile-long course.

Michael Shawhan managed to pull out a win in the Touring Class of the United States Touring Car Championship at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Photo credit: www.headonphotos.net

Shawhan Pulls Out a Win at Mazda Raceway in Touring Car

Michael Shawhan in the BTM Motorwerks BMW 330i managed to pull out a win in the Touring Class of the United States Touring Car Championship by making a remarkable pass on the last lap at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. His teammate Matt Cresci led all laps in the Super Touring class while Daniel Akhromstev won the GT class and Joshua Allan won the Sportsman class. The Touring Car class was competitive with the top seven cars being separated by a few tenths of a second. 

In Super Touring, Cresci filling in the BTM Motorwerks Porsche 911 took first place, while Doug Makishima’s SanDisk/MCS BMW M3 took second and VJ Mirzayan’s Achilles Motorsports BMW M3 finished third. The GT class was dominated once again by Daniel Akhrostev’s Red Star Racing BMW M3. John Fredericks in the BMS M3 finished second, while Felipe Loza’s Pepster’s Garage Chevrolet Camaro finished third. The Sportsman class victory went to Allan in his Mother’s/RD Racing Mazda MX5, while Larry Bani finished second in the GoGoGear.com/Konig Wheels/UTI BMW M3. Valentin Ryabov finished third in the Red Star Racing BMW M3.

The 15th Annual Quick Fuel Technology NMCA Bluegrass Nationals featuring the Dave Duell Classic served up plenty of action, May 12–15, 2016, at Beech Bend Raceway, in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Race Wrap for 15th Annual Quick Fuel Technology NMCA Bluegrass Nationals at Beech Bend Raceway Park

The 15th Annual Quick Fuel Technology NMCA Bluegrass Nationals featuring the Dave Duell Classic served up plenty of action, May 12–15, 2016, at Beech Bend Raceway, in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

VP Racing Fuels Xtreme Pro Mod: Tim Savell in the Bankston Motorsports ’13 Camaro took the victory with a 3.81 at 198 mph to Stephan Stringer and his ’68 Camaro’s 3.88 at 189 mph.

Mickey Thompson Radial Wars: Daniel Pharris in his ’95 Mustang won with a 3.92 at 204 mph to Keith Berry and his ’02 Corvette’s 4.00 at 187 mph.

Wiseco Performance Products Street Outlaw: Jarod Wenrick and his ’66 Nova defeated Jacky McCarty and his ’91 Mustang with a 4.48 at 161 mph to 4.50 at 167 mph.

Holley EFI Factory Super Cars: Kevin Skinner powered his ’14 Cobra Jet to an 8.46 to 849 battle over Chuck Watson and his ’16 Cobra Jet.

ARP Nitrous Pro Street: Don Baskin and his his ’13 Camaro defeated Jennifer Brooke Rice and her ’09 Mustang after trapping 7.46 at 180 mph to Rice’s troubled and aborted pass.

Edelbrock Xtreme Street: Eric Kenward in his ’79 Malibu wagon went 7.55 at 179 mph to win over Camren Massengale and his ’01 Corvette in a 7.55 at 179 mph to 7.66 at 179 mph.

Quick Lane at Downs Ford NA 10.5: Dave Theisen and his ’69 Firebird defeated Rick Riccardi and his ’81 Capri with a 7.93 at 175 mph to Riccardi’s 8.35 at 139 mph.

Dave Duell Classic: Clay Kossuth over Jeffrey Frees in FX. Brian Merrick took the A/NSS win over Bruce Sammett, while in B/NSS, Ed Becker ousted Randy Stanbury. Coy Templeton took out JT Fulkerson in D/NSS; Doug Poskevich defeated Al Wilson in E/NSS while Bob Cochran won the F/NSS class over Jimmy Gower. The G/NSS win went to Butch Cassady after he defeated Bernie Lawrence.

ATI Performance Nostalgia Super Stock: Mike DeChicco was victorious over Donnie Wilson in a 9.47 to 11.44 pairing.

Detroit Truetrac Nostalgia Muscle Car: Matt Keiser and his ’68 Mustang defeated Andy Warren and his ’71 Caprice with a 10.51 to Warren’s 9.99.

MagnaFuel Open Comp: Jenna Pierce Wilson grabbed the win in her ’12 Camaro when Fenlon went -.006 red on the tree in his ’73 Camaro.

Chevrolet Performance Stock presented by Scoggin-Dickey Performance Center: Kevin Lumsden and his ’99 Camaro claimed victory over Glenn Pushis and his ’13 Camaro after a 10.30 to 10.32 fight.

MX235 Shootout: Brad Medlock and his ’95 Mustang defeated Brian Edwards in his ’93 Mustang after their 4.70 at 154 mph to 4.74 to 156 mph contest.

Bluegrass Stick Shift Shootout: Thomas Borgia and his ’95 Mustang was victorious over Dallas Peffley in his ’67 Valiant after a 7.90 to 8.13 bout.

Fastest Street Car Top Sportsman: Mark McDonald and his ’67 Mustang beat Jonathan Smiddy and his ’96 Cutlass.

Gear Vendors True Street: No one was faster than Troy Easton’s ’89 Mustang and its 8.51 three-run average. James Walker was the nine-second winner with a 9.65, Shannon Doyle grabbed the 10-spot with a 10.27 and Jason Smith in his blown ’87 Monte Carlo hauled in the 11-second prize at 11.01. Further back was Chris Mohler taking the 12-second win with a 12.04, Robert Peffley averaged 13.06 for the 13-second prize, Eric Lambert in a ’15 Challenger won the 14-second award with a 14.05 effort, and Dan Lambert brought home the 15-second award in his ’12 Challenger with a 15.15 average.

FSC Bracket: Rodney Collins and his ’71 Nova defeated David Hearn and his ’69 Camaro in Bracket 1; Terry Lindsey pushed the ’67 Camaro to a win over Jarrod Arnold and his ’79 Mustang in Bracket 2; and Brenda Blair wheeled her ’77 Caprice to the win over Ronnie Halslip and his ’69 Mustang Mach 1 in Bracket 3. Spencer Warren and his ’90 Corvette ousted Teddy Barlow and his ’00 Camaro in Bracket 1; Ryan Richardson and his ’69 Nova trailered Bobby Wibanks and his ’66 Belvedere in Bracket 2; and Austin Boorn and his ’00 1500 truck bettered Blair in Bracket 3.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Royal Purple will sponsor the No. 30 truck in the 2016 SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks series.

Royal Purple to Sponsor No. 30 Race Truck in 2016 SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks Series; Named Official Motor Oil of the SportsCar Vintage Racing Association

Royal Purple has announced its entry into the 2016 SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks series as the lead sponsor of the No. 30 race truck. The Royal Purple No. 30 race truck will compete at speeds upward of 130 mph and fly through the air nearly 20 feet off the ground at Stadium Super Trucks events throughout 2016. Piloted by a team of top drivers, including veteran racer and Royal Purple’s Director of Sponsorships and Customer Events Davey Hamilton, the Royal Purple truck will compete at Stadium Super Trucks events spanning the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

In addition, Royal Purple is renewing its partnership with the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) for 2016. As the official motor oil of the SVRA, Royal Purple branding will be prominently featured at each of the 16 vintage racing events held across the country. Royal Purple will also have its truck and hospitality trailer on-site at a number of events throughout the season, where Royal Purple lubrication experts will be available to assist racers and attendees with technical advice and product recommendations for their vehicles.

Rice Oil Signs on With VP Racing Fuels Branding Program

Officials with VP Racing Fuels have announced the addition of Rice Oil Co. to its roster of retail branding partners. Based in LaFollette, Tennessee, Rice Oil has supplied the mining, convenience store and other industries for 36 years, and currently supplies 12 retail locations in Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia. It recently converted its first site to the VP brand in Jellico, Tennessee.

Kevin Fiscus clicked off a 3.540 at 231.44-mph pass in the eighth-mile in the Jerry Bickel Race Cars-built, Pro Line Racing-powered Q80/El General Racing C7 Corvette.

Fiscus Sets Unofficial Speed Record

At an early April test session at GALOT Motorsports Park during which he drove the Jerry Bickel Race Cars-built, Pro Line Racing-powered Q80/El General Racing C7 Corvette for car owner Jose Gonzalez, Kevin Fiscus clicked off a 3.540 at 231.44-mph pass in the eighth-mile. The speed set a new unofficial world record, and marked Fiscus as the second person to have eclipsed the 230-mph mark in the eighth-mile in a door car.

Jaguar to Sponsor U.S. Vintage Grand Prix at Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen International has announced that Jaguar Cars North America will sponsor the United States Vintage Grand Prix weekend—one of the largest vintage racing events on the national calendar—September 9–11, 2016. Davy Jones—who won the 1990 24 Hours of Daytona driving a Jaguar XJR-12—will serve as grand marshal. The weekend kicks off Friday with practice and qualifying rounds, and continues Saturday and Sunday with 11 race groups scheduled to compete on the 3.4-mile-long course.

Michael Shawhan managed to pull out a win in the Touring Class of the United States Touring Car Championship at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Photo credit: www.headonphotos.net

Shawhan Pulls Out a Win at Mazda Raceway in Touring Car

Michael Shawhan in the BTM Motorwerks BMW 330i managed to pull out a win in the Touring Class of the United States Touring Car Championship by making a remarkable pass on the last lap at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. His teammate Matt Cresci led all laps in the Super Touring class while Daniel Akhromstev won the GT class and Joshua Allan won the Sportsman class. The Touring Car class was competitive with the top seven cars being separated by a few tenths of a second. 

In Super Touring, Cresci filling in the BTM Motorwerks Porsche 911 took first place, while Doug Makishima’s SanDisk/MCS BMW M3 took second and VJ Mirzayan’s Achilles Motorsports BMW M3 finished third. The GT class was dominated once again by Daniel Akhrostev’s Red Star Racing BMW M3. John Fredericks in the BMS M3 finished second, while Felipe Loza’s Pepster’s Garage Chevrolet Camaro finished third. The Sportsman class victory went to Allan in his Mother’s/RD Racing Mazda MX5, while Larry Bani finished second in the GoGoGear.com/Konig Wheels/UTI BMW M3. Valentin Ryabov finished third in the Red Star Racing BMW M3.

The 15th Annual Quick Fuel Technology NMCA Bluegrass Nationals featuring the Dave Duell Classic served up plenty of action, May 12–15, 2016, at Beech Bend Raceway, in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Race Wrap for 15th Annual Quick Fuel Technology NMCA Bluegrass Nationals at Beech Bend Raceway Park

The 15th Annual Quick Fuel Technology NMCA Bluegrass Nationals featuring the Dave Duell Classic served up plenty of action, May 12–15, 2016, at Beech Bend Raceway, in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

VP Racing Fuels Xtreme Pro Mod: Tim Savell in the Bankston Motorsports ’13 Camaro took the victory with a 3.81 at 198 mph to Stephan Stringer and his ’68 Camaro’s 3.88 at 189 mph.

Mickey Thompson Radial Wars: Daniel Pharris in his ’95 Mustang won with a 3.92 at 204 mph to Keith Berry and his ’02 Corvette’s 4.00 at 187 mph.

Wiseco Performance Products Street Outlaw: Jarod Wenrick and his ’66 Nova defeated Jacky McCarty and his ’91 Mustang with a 4.48 at 161 mph to 4.50 at 167 mph.

Holley EFI Factory Super Cars: Kevin Skinner powered his ’14 Cobra Jet to an 8.46 to 849 battle over Chuck Watson and his ’16 Cobra Jet.

ARP Nitrous Pro Street: Don Baskin and his his ’13 Camaro defeated Jennifer Brooke Rice and her ’09 Mustang after trapping 7.46 at 180 mph to Rice’s troubled and aborted pass.

Edelbrock Xtreme Street: Eric Kenward in his ’79 Malibu wagon went 7.55 at 179 mph to win over Camren Massengale and his ’01 Corvette in a 7.55 at 179 mph to 7.66 at 179 mph.

Quick Lane at Downs Ford NA 10.5: Dave Theisen and his ’69 Firebird defeated Rick Riccardi and his ’81 Capri with a 7.93 at 175 mph to Riccardi’s 8.35 at 139 mph.

Dave Duell Classic: Clay Kossuth over Jeffrey Frees in FX. Brian Merrick took the A/NSS win over Bruce Sammett, while in B/NSS, Ed Becker ousted Randy Stanbury. Coy Templeton took out JT Fulkerson in D/NSS; Doug Poskevich defeated Al Wilson in E/NSS while Bob Cochran won the F/NSS class over Jimmy Gower. The G/NSS win went to Butch Cassady after he defeated Bernie Lawrence.

ATI Performance Nostalgia Super Stock: Mike DeChicco was victorious over Donnie Wilson in a 9.47 to 11.44 pairing.

Detroit Truetrac Nostalgia Muscle Car: Matt Keiser and his ’68 Mustang defeated Andy Warren and his ’71 Caprice with a 10.51 to Warren’s 9.99.

MagnaFuel Open Comp: Jenna Pierce Wilson grabbed the win in her ’12 Camaro when Fenlon went -.006 red on the tree in his ’73 Camaro.

Chevrolet Performance Stock presented by Scoggin-Dickey Performance Center: Kevin Lumsden and his ’99 Camaro claimed victory over Glenn Pushis and his ’13 Camaro after a 10.30 to 10.32 fight.

MX235 Shootout: Brad Medlock and his ’95 Mustang defeated Brian Edwards in his ’93 Mustang after their 4.70 at 154 mph to 4.74 to 156 mph contest.

Bluegrass Stick Shift Shootout: Thomas Borgia and his ’95 Mustang was victorious over Dallas Peffley in his ’67 Valiant after a 7.90 to 8.13 bout.

Fastest Street Car Top Sportsman: Mark McDonald and his ’67 Mustang beat Jonathan Smiddy and his ’96 Cutlass.

Gear Vendors True Street: No one was faster than Troy Easton’s ’89 Mustang and its 8.51 three-run average. James Walker was the nine-second winner with a 9.65, Shannon Doyle grabbed the 10-spot with a 10.27 and Jason Smith in his blown ’87 Monte Carlo hauled in the 11-second prize at 11.01. Further back was Chris Mohler taking the 12-second win with a 12.04, Robert Peffley averaged 13.06 for the 13-second prize, Eric Lambert in a ’15 Challenger won the 14-second award with a 14.05 effort, and Dan Lambert brought home the 15-second award in his ’12 Challenger with a 15.15 average.

FSC Bracket: Rodney Collins and his ’71 Nova defeated David Hearn and his ’69 Camaro in Bracket 1; Terry Lindsey pushed the ’67 Camaro to a win over Jarrod Arnold and his ’79 Mustang in Bracket 2; and Brenda Blair wheeled her ’77 Caprice to the win over Ronnie Halslip and his ’69 Mustang Mach 1 in Bracket 3. Spencer Warren and his ’90 Corvette ousted Teddy Barlow and his ’00 Camaro in Bracket 1; Ryan Richardson and his ’69 Nova trailered Bobby Wibanks and his ’66 Belvedere in Bracket 2; and Austin Boorn and his ’00 1500 truck bettered Blair in Bracket 3.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Mike Wilcox

Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Appoints New Board Trustee

Bob Hirsch, president of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), has announced the appointment of Mike Wilcox to its Board of Trustees. Wilcox is the vice president of worldwide sales at Hennessy Industries, where he has worked for the past 20 years. He also serves on the AACF Golf Committee, which organizes and leads the annual Bob Schoeberl Memorial Golf Tournament to help support of the AACF. Wilcox and his family reside in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 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.

“Terrible accidents or catastrophic illness can occur suddenly, and drastically alter the life of a family,” said Joel Ayres, executive director of the AACF. “We are ready to step in to help. We often are called in after all available resources have been exhausted. That's when we fulfill our mission: to provide sustainable solutions for those in great need.”

Brembo names Brian Lesiewicz Aftermarket Manager North America

Brembo has announced the appointment of Brian Lesiewicz to the position of aftermarket manager, Brembo North America. Lesiewicz joins Brembo following eight years of service at Exide Technologies, where he was the sales director of retail key accounts. Before Exide, Lesiewicz worked for Automotive Distributors Warehouse, in their General Motors Accessory Distributor Installer (ADI) division. He is a 2005 graduate of the automotive aftermarket management program at Northwood University.

Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Carfax Team Up on Customer Service Campaign to Alert Owners of Open Manufacturer Recalls

Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC) became the first quick-lube provider to team up with Carfax to help customers stay informed about open manufacturer recalls on their vehicle. Within the next few months, VIOC will check vehicles serviced at any of their locations for open recalls using www.myCarfax.com as a courtesy and notify customers by email when any are found. VIOC services more than 35,000 customer vehicles per day—a sample analysis by Carfax suggests nearly one out of every four of them has an open manufacturer recall. Carfax data suggests there are more than 47 million vehicles in the United States with unfixed recalls. Drivers often are unaware of recalls on their vehicle, and this courtesy email service for VIOC customers can help keep them safe. A link in the email will take customers to www.myCarfax.com so they can view more recall details and get notified of future recalls after setting up a free account.

Nitto Tire Auto Enthusiast Day will return to Texas, Saturday, May 21.

Nitto Tire Auto Enthusiast Day Event Returns to Texas

Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. is bringing its Auto Enthusiast Day car show back to Texas for the second year in a row. On Saturday, May 21, 2016, gearheads from across Texas will converge on Globe Life Park in Arlington for a free celebration of all things wheeled, including a judged car show, drifting and off-road racing demonstrations by Team Nitto drivers, a vendor midway, prize raffles and live entertainment. The car show will feature the hottest rides from all across Texas, with awards being given out to cars and trucks in eight different categories, including the new “Nitto Tire King of Texas” award in which judges get to cast their vote for the ultimate lifted truck. In addition to the car show, Nitto’s sponsored drivers, including Matt Powers and Loren Healy, will give driving demonstrations throughout the day. Admission to the event is free for everyone, and vendor space is free of charge for companies that want to show off their latest products, but space is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets for Auto Enthusiast Day are available online, and interested vendors can reserve their spot by contacting autoenthusiastday@gmail.com.

FAST to Expand Electronic Fuel Injection System Training Classes In 2016

Following a successful first season, in 2016, FAST will bring back its training program for enthusiasts interested in making the switch to electronic fuel injection or wanting to get the most out of their EFI system. A new facility dedicated to training and education on electronic fuel-injection systems has been set up at the COMP Performance Group headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. The 2,800-sq.-ft. facility offers a professional training environment that includes both a classroom setting and live engines for hands-on training and live demonstrations of EFI theories and concepts. During the 2016 calendar year, FAST is scheduled to host six two-day events at its Memphis Training Center, where attendees can learn about the brand’s fuel-injection products and gain hands-on experience. Scheduled for Thursdays and Fridays in May, June, August, September, November and December, the programs are entitled “Intro to FAST Fuel Injection Systems.” Attendees can register for either day or sign up for both classes for savings. For more information and to register, call Tammy Holland at 901-219-9895.

Daniel N. Schildge

CRP Industries Inc. CEO Daniel Schildge Finalist for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016

CRP Industries Inc. has announced that its CEO Daniel N. Schildge was selected as a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016 Award in New Jersey. The awards program, which is celebrating its 30th year, recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Schildge was selected as a finalist by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala on June 23, 2016, at the Hyatt Regency, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at gala event in Palm Springs, California, November 19, 2016. Schildge has been the CEO of CRP Industries Inc. since July 2008, after serving in a variety of capacities with the company, including COO.

Mustang Club of America to Celebrate 40th Anniversary at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Mustang Club of America (MCA) is celebrating its 40th anniversary at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, September 1–4, 2016, featuring a lineup of performance cars and track events, including performance ride-and-drives, demonstrations offering the latest in performance technology and designated car corral areas for individual MCA chapters and members of Shelby American Automobile Club and Team Shelby. More than 2,000 Mustangs are expected to be in attendance.

R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. Partners With US Gear

R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. has announced their partnership with US Gear. R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. will represent all US Gear light-duty/high-performance products listed in the US Gear High Performance Catalog. Representation territory will consist of the Central and Western United States and Central and Western Canada.

Included in the auction block is an all-new ’16 BMW M4 GTS—an exclusive high-performance version of the M4.

America’s Car Museum to Host 2016 Wheels & Heels Annual Gala

The theme of this year’s America’s Car Museum’s (ACM) Wheels & Heels Annual Gala is “Casino Royale: High Stakes & Hot Cars.” Now in its fifth year, Wheels & Heels has become a high-profile fundraising event by providing an elegant setting for ACM and the Hagerty Education Program (HEP) supporters to mingle and cast bids in both a silent and live auction. Guests will recognize Casino Royale-themed items throughout the museum, including a James Bond-inspired Aston Martin and the ’77 McLaren M23 that won at the Monaco Grand Prix.   

Included in the auction block is an all-new ’16 BMW M4 GTS (provided by BMW North America) and a four-star trip to Monaco with four-star accommodations in Monte Carlo and two tickets to the ’17 Monte Carlo Grand Prix. Available for the first time in the U.S., the limited-edition GTS is an exclusive high-performance version of the M4. It is the fastest production BMW road car ever made and showcases new technology, including water-injection and OLED taillights.

Proceeds from the event will benefit ACM’s educational initiatives, such as HEP, which provides funding for scholarships, apprenticeships and internships for young adults looking toward careers in automotive restoration. To purchase tickets for Wheels & Heels Annual Gala, or for more information, visit www.americascarmuseum.org/gala.

Keystone Automotive was presented with the Federated Co-Man Member of the Year award.

Federated Members Honored for Excellence

Three Federated members have been recognized for exceptional performance and commitment to select Federated programs, according to Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts. Each member received their honor during the recent Federated Auto Parts national meeting. Keystone Automotive, headquartered in Exeter, Pennsylvania, was presented with the Federated Co-Man Member of the Year award. David Burke accepted the award on behalf of Keystone. This annual award is presented to a member that has shown outstanding support of the member-owned Federated Co-Man warehouse operation and its programs. Arnold Oil Company of Austin, Texas, received the Federated Car Care Excellence award. This award honors a Federated member that has excelled at implementing the Federated Car Care Center program and has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to Federated service provider customers. Jim Arnold accepted the award on behalf of Arnold Oil. A new award introduced this year, the Federated National Accounts award, was presented to John Berrodin of the Berrodin Parts Warehouse, based in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. This top award recognizes a Federated member for excellence in serving national accounts customers.

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