By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A bill to ban motor-vehicle exhaust systems that increase the noise level died when the legislature adjourned for the year.

A bill to ban motor-vehicle exhaust systems that increase the noise level died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill is eligible for consideration in 2016. Under the measure, violators would not have passed the state’s required inspection and would have been subject to fines of up to $350. The bill also did not provide an opportunity for vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket exhaust systems that meet an objective decibel limit under a fair and predictable test.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A bill to ban motor-vehicle exhaust systems that increase the noise level died when the legislature adjourned for the year.

A bill to ban motor-vehicle exhaust systems that increase the noise level died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill is eligible for consideration in 2016. Under the measure, violators would not have passed the state’s required inspection and would have been subject to fines of up to $350. The bill also did not provide an opportunity for vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket exhaust systems that meet an objective decibel limit under a fair and predictable test.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

	Voting for SEMA's council and network Select Committees is now open.

Voting for SEMA's council and network Select Committees is underway, and ballots are due Friday, June 5, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT). SEMA has collaborated with Association Voting to facilitate the election process. Members eligible to vote should have received an e-mail containing the online ballot information from announcement@associationvoting.com on May 18, 2015.

Each Select Committee works together with the general membership to develop programs, services and benefits that support the group's vision. These volunteers also work with the association's leadership to provide strategic direction for the markets they represent. Committee members serve two-year terms (three terms maximum) and act as individuals, not as company representatives.

Election winners will be announced mid-June, with the individuals beginning their terms July 1, 2015.

Questions? Contact Lindsay Bianco at 909-978-6692.

	Voting for SEMA's council and network Select Committees is now open.

Voting for SEMA's council and network Select Committees is underway, and ballots are due Friday, June 5, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT). SEMA has collaborated with Association Voting to facilitate the election process. Members eligible to vote should have received an e-mail containing the online ballot information from announcement@associationvoting.com on May 18, 2015.

Each Select Committee works together with the general membership to develop programs, services and benefits that support the group's vision. These volunteers also work with the association's leadership to provide strategic direction for the markets they represent. Committee members serve two-year terms (three terms maximum) and act as individuals, not as company representatives.

Election winners will be announced mid-June, with the individuals beginning their terms July 1, 2015.

Questions? Contact Lindsay Bianco at 909-978-6692.

Has Ford begun a testing program for a new-generation follow-up to its SVT Lightning performance truck? New mules caught running the streets of Dearborn strongly hint at the possibility. In addition to mules that are clearly progenitors for the ’17 SVT Raptor, a new style of mule has now appeared suggesting a similar SVT-tuned powerplant, but without the Raptor's familiar wide-body packaging.

Same Exhaust Setup, Same (Or Similar) Engines Likely

The SVT mules both have dual-exhaust tips exiting straight back through makeshift cut-outs in the rear bumper. The exhaust setups mimic the height and placement found on the Liquid Blue ’17 Raptor introduced at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This suggests that both trucks are testing similar high-performance powertrains, likely based on the twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 promised in the show truck. It's worth noting that the Raptor mule had a sticker on the fuel door specifying the use of 103-octane fuel.  

A Body With No Raptor Overtones

Where things get interesting is in the body styles and key details that are displayed on the two, distinct mules. One mule clearly displays the Fox Racing suspension and the wider front and rear tracks for which Ford's Raptor truck is known. The other mule is clearly based on a normal-width F-150, which looks more like a typical street truck without the Baja-busting pretense—something much more in keeping with the configuration that would be found on a follow-up to the Ford Lightning. It's true that the new mule still seems to be outfitted with the same wheels found on the Raptor mule, and not exactly high-performance tires as of yet, but it appears that they're early in their gestation, so they could be dipping into the SVT parts bin until things get further sorted out.

Lest there be any doubt as to the SVT roots of the two mules, KGP shooters followed both of them right to Ford's SVT workshop, which is shared with the high-performance arm of Roush Industries. The non-Raptor mule can be seen driving right into the SVT/Roush entrance.  

Will Lightning Strike?

Ford hasn't announced any performance trucks beyond the next Raptor, but the company has promised a big wave of high-performance models to hit showrooms by 2020. With that in mind, the evidence on the streets should be taken seriously. SVT clearly appears to be testing some other form of performance-minded F-150 that does not follow the Raptor's recipe, which could mean a resurrection of something like the SVT Lightning pickup might be in the works.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Has Ford begun a testing program for a new-generation follow-up to its SVT Lightning performance truck? New mules caught running the streets of Dearborn strongly hint at the possibility. In addition to mules that are clearly progenitors for the ’17 SVT Raptor, a new style of mule has now appeared suggesting a similar SVT-tuned powerplant, but without the Raptor's familiar wide-body packaging.

Same Exhaust Setup, Same (Or Similar) Engines Likely

The SVT mules both have dual-exhaust tips exiting straight back through makeshift cut-outs in the rear bumper. The exhaust setups mimic the height and placement found on the Liquid Blue ’17 Raptor introduced at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This suggests that both trucks are testing similar high-performance powertrains, likely based on the twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 promised in the show truck. It's worth noting that the Raptor mule had a sticker on the fuel door specifying the use of 103-octane fuel.  

A Body With No Raptor Overtones

Where things get interesting is in the body styles and key details that are displayed on the two, distinct mules. One mule clearly displays the Fox Racing suspension and the wider front and rear tracks for which Ford's Raptor truck is known. The other mule is clearly based on a normal-width F-150, which looks more like a typical street truck without the Baja-busting pretense—something much more in keeping with the configuration that would be found on a follow-up to the Ford Lightning. It's true that the new mule still seems to be outfitted with the same wheels found on the Raptor mule, and not exactly high-performance tires as of yet, but it appears that they're early in their gestation, so they could be dipping into the SVT parts bin until things get further sorted out.

Lest there be any doubt as to the SVT roots of the two mules, KGP shooters followed both of them right to Ford's SVT workshop, which is shared with the high-performance arm of Roush Industries. The non-Raptor mule can be seen driving right into the SVT/Roush entrance.  

Will Lightning Strike?

Ford hasn't announced any performance trucks beyond the next Raptor, but the company has promised a big wave of high-performance models to hit showrooms by 2020. With that in mind, the evidence on the streets should be taken seriously. SVT clearly appears to be testing some other form of performance-minded F-150 that does not follow the Raptor's recipe, which could mean a resurrection of something like the SVT Lightning pickup might be in the works.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Has Ford begun a testing program for a new-generation follow-up to its SVT Lightning performance truck? New mules caught running the streets of Dearborn strongly hint at the possibility. In addition to mules that are clearly progenitors for the ’17 SVT Raptor, a new style of mule has now appeared suggesting a similar SVT-tuned powerplant, but without the Raptor's familiar wide-body packaging.

Same Exhaust Setup, Same (Or Similar) Engines Likely

The SVT mules both have dual-exhaust tips exiting straight back through makeshift cut-outs in the rear bumper. The exhaust setups mimic the height and placement found on the Liquid Blue ’17 Raptor introduced at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This suggests that both trucks are testing similar high-performance powertrains, likely based on the twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 promised in the show truck. It's worth noting that the Raptor mule had a sticker on the fuel door specifying the use of 103-octane fuel.  

A Body With No Raptor Overtones

Where things get interesting is in the body styles and key details that are displayed on the two, distinct mules. One mule clearly displays the Fox Racing suspension and the wider front and rear tracks for which Ford's Raptor truck is known. The other mule is clearly based on a normal-width F-150, which looks more like a typical street truck without the Baja-busting pretense—something much more in keeping with the configuration that would be found on a follow-up to the Ford Lightning. It's true that the new mule still seems to be outfitted with the same wheels found on the Raptor mule, and not exactly high-performance tires as of yet, but it appears that they're early in their gestation, so they could be dipping into the SVT parts bin until things get further sorted out.

Lest there be any doubt as to the SVT roots of the two mules, KGP shooters followed both of them right to Ford's SVT workshop, which is shared with the high-performance arm of Roush Industries. The non-Raptor mule can be seen driving right into the SVT/Roush entrance.  

Will Lightning Strike?

Ford hasn't announced any performance trucks beyond the next Raptor, but the company has promised a big wave of high-performance models to hit showrooms by 2020. With that in mind, the evidence on the streets should be taken seriously. SVT clearly appears to be testing some other form of performance-minded F-150 that does not follow the Raptor's recipe, which could mean a resurrection of something like the SVT Lightning pickup might be in the works.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

By AJ Carney

	SEMA Town Hall Meetings keep members aware of the association’s benefits and overall objectives.

SEMA's next General Membership and Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for next Thursday, June 4, 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m, at Turn 14 Distribution Inc. in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania.

Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to discuss the state of the industry and learn about the association's current programs and objectives.

Here is the lineup scheduled for next week.

Emcees:

• Jonathan Mill, Vice President, E-Stopp
• Ian Lehn, President, BOOSTane

Guest Speakers:

• Nate Shelton, CMO, Driven Performance Brands, and SEMA Chairman of the Board
• Chris Kersting, President and CEO, SEMA
• Mike Spagnola, Vice President, OEM and Product Development, SEMA
• Steve McDonald, Vice President, Government Affairs, SEMA

	Town Hall Meetings provide members with the opportunity to mix and interact with their friends and colleagues.

Special Guest:

• U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle

In addition to an update on the industry at large and the association's current programs, participants can network and discuss timely business topics with automotive 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.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA's Town Hall Meetings website or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

By AJ Carney

	SEMA Town Hall Meetings keep members aware of the association’s benefits and overall objectives.

SEMA's next General Membership and Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for next Thursday, June 4, 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m, at Turn 14 Distribution Inc. in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania.

Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to discuss the state of the industry and learn about the association's current programs and objectives.

Here is the lineup scheduled for next week.

Emcees:

• Jonathan Mill, Vice President, E-Stopp
• Ian Lehn, President, BOOSTane

Guest Speakers:

• Nate Shelton, CMO, Driven Performance Brands, and SEMA Chairman of the Board
• Chris Kersting, President and CEO, SEMA
• Mike Spagnola, Vice President, OEM and Product Development, SEMA
• Steve McDonald, Vice President, Government Affairs, SEMA

	Town Hall Meetings provide members with the opportunity to mix and interact with their friends and colleagues.

Special Guest:

• U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle

In addition to an update on the industry at large and the association's current programs, participants can network and discuss timely business topics with automotive 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.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA's Town Hall Meetings website or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Kurt Rezzetano in the No. 37 Calvert Dynamics/Phoenix Performance Ford Mustang Boss 302. Photo courtesy of Jay Bonvouloir.

Kurt Rezzetano Captures First Career Pirelli World Challenge GTS Win

Kurt Rezzetano captured his first career Pirelli World Challenge GTS win on May 16 at the 10-turn Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario. The 29-lap GTS round-seven race was part of the Remo Ferri Group Canadian Grand Prix presented by Replay XD event. Driving the No. 37 Calvert Dynamics/Phoenix Performance Ford Mustang Boss 302, Rezzetano took the lead in turn eight of the first lap and never looked back. Teammate Andrew Aquilante, driving the No. 32 Calvert Dynamics/Phoenix Performance Ford Mustang Boss 302, finished fourth in the 17-car GTS field. Jack Roush Jr., who represents Capaldi Racing, finished in sixth place.

Olsbergs MSE Ford Returns to Red Bull Global Rallycross to Defend Title

Olsbergs MSE is set to begin its 2015 title defense this weekend at the Red Bull Global Rallycross season opener in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This year, 2014 champion Joni Wiman returns to the series with OMSE for his second championship campaign. He is joined by rookie Sebastian Eriksson. They will both drive 2015 Red Bull/Bluebeam Ford Fiesta ST rallycross machines.

OMSE, which is headquartered in Sweden, has won every Global Rallycross championship title since the United States-based series started in 2011. The team has been preparing this week with a final round of vehicle testing at Charlotte Motor Speedway, near the team's new U.S. home base in North Carolina. OMSE is also fielding Lites drivers in Red Bull Global Rallycross. American Austin Cindric and Swede Oliver Eriksson are committed to the program this year. Full coverage of the 2015 Red Bull Global Rallycross season opener is broadcast live on NBC Sunday, May 31, at 3:00 p.m.