The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) Class of 2014 includes Del Albright, David Ashley, Marty Fiolka, Nye Frank and Bill Sanders. Photo credit: Bower Motorsports Media

The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) announced that its 2014 Induction Ceremony will kick off SEMA week in Las Vegas, at the South Point Hotel and Casino.    

This invitation-only, black-tie affair will be an evening filled with fun, laughter and memories. On Sunday, November 2, all past inductees and the Class of 2014: Del Albright, David Ashley, Marty Fiolka, Nye Frank and Bill Sanders will be honored at the event. This special evening will entertain the Annual Silent Auction, as well as a Live Auction, showcasing unique industry products, hotel stays and off-road themed memorabilia. Vehicles from the Reno-based exhibit will also be on display for the Las Vegas crowd to enjoy.

“The off-road market represents an exciting and growing segment of our industry. We’re pleased that the ORMHOF is hosting its induction ceremony at the SEMA Show,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. Its members share a love and passion for the motorsports industry, and we look forward to having them join us at the industry’s premier annual marketplace for automotive innovation.”

Bios

Del Albright has shared 33 years of wisdom, knowledge of leadership and supervision to help keep public lands open to the public. His extensive background in leadership, supervision and management has allowed him to mentor many other land-use advocates through Recreational Leadership Training courses and Volunteer Leader and Land Stewardship classes.

David Ashley has been engaged in off-road motorsports for 43 years. He has successfully raced motorcycles, buggies, off-road trucks and stadium vehicles, while being a leader in the safety field. Ashley took his passion for safety to vehicle manufacturers and has worked with the transmission, safety, engine, chassis development, motorsports and special vehicle teams (SVT) of Ford Motor Co.

Marty Fiolka’s involvement in off-road motorsports demonstrates a broad reach with his ability to intermix public relations, marketing, journalism, broadcasting and other expertise into one effective representation for the off-road industry. He has been instrumental in preserving the history of the sport, in many areas, helping to re-launch the legendary Meyers Manx. Fiolka continues to build an off-road motorsports legacy, with a number of ongoing projects that will further document and celebrate the sport.

Nye Frank’s successful career as a designer and car builder proved that he had a unique and comprehensive understanding of performance. He is best known for his innovative use of air shocks with the Mazda program in the Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group (MTEG) and later with Rob MacCachren in SODA and CORR. He led the way in new concepts in all aspects of the sport.

Bill Sanders was one of the original editors of Four Wheeler magazine; he lifted the sport from obscurity to the public recognition by faithfully covering off-road races from Baja to Las Vegas. Sanders helped to grow off-road motorsports, and provided a place for those who were also supporting the sport to showcase their work.

To find out more about SEMA, visit www.SEMAShow.com. For further information on the Induction Ceremony or ORMHOF, contact: Shelby Hall at shall@ormhof.org.

	The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) Class of 2014 includes Del Albright, David Ashley, Marty Fiolka, Nye Frank and Bill Sanders. Photo credit: Bower Motorsports Media

The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) announced that its 2014 Induction Ceremony will kick off SEMA week in Las Vegas, at the South Point Hotel and Casino.    

This invitation-only, black-tie affair will be an evening filled with fun, laughter and memories. On Sunday, November 2, all past inductees and the Class of 2014: Del Albright, David Ashley, Marty Fiolka, Nye Frank and Bill Sanders will be honored at the event. This special evening will entertain the Annual Silent Auction, as well as a Live Auction, showcasing unique industry products, hotel stays and off-road themed memorabilia. Vehicles from the Reno-based exhibit will also be on display for the Las Vegas crowd to enjoy.

“The off-road market represents an exciting and growing segment of our industry. We’re pleased that the ORMHOF is hosting its induction ceremony at the SEMA Show,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. Its members share a love and passion for the motorsports industry, and we look forward to having them join us at the industry’s premier annual marketplace for automotive innovation.”

Bios

Del Albright has shared 33 years of wisdom, knowledge of leadership and supervision to help keep public lands open to the public. His extensive background in leadership, supervision and management has allowed him to mentor many other land-use advocates through Recreational Leadership Training courses and Volunteer Leader and Land Stewardship classes.

David Ashley has been engaged in off-road motorsports for 43 years. He has successfully raced motorcycles, buggies, off-road trucks and stadium vehicles, while being a leader in the safety field. Ashley took his passion for safety to vehicle manufacturers and has worked with the transmission, safety, engine, chassis development, motorsports and special vehicle teams (SVT) of Ford Motor Co.

Marty Fiolka’s involvement in off-road motorsports demonstrates a broad reach with his ability to intermix public relations, marketing, journalism, broadcasting and other expertise into one effective representation for the off-road industry. He has been instrumental in preserving the history of the sport, in many areas, helping to re-launch the legendary Meyers Manx. Fiolka continues to build an off-road motorsports legacy, with a number of ongoing projects that will further document and celebrate the sport.

Nye Frank’s successful career as a designer and car builder proved that he had a unique and comprehensive understanding of performance. He is best known for his innovative use of air shocks with the Mazda program in the Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group (MTEG) and later with Rob MacCachren in SODA and CORR. He led the way in new concepts in all aspects of the sport.

Bill Sanders was one of the original editors of Four Wheeler magazine; he lifted the sport from obscurity to the public recognition by faithfully covering off-road races from Baja to Las Vegas. Sanders helped to grow off-road motorsports, and provided a place for those who were also supporting the sport to showcase their work.

To find out more about SEMA, visit www.SEMAShow.com. For further information on the Induction Ceremony or ORMHOF, contact: Shelby Hall at shall@ormhof.org.

	The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) Class of 2014 includes Del Albright, David Ashley, Marty Fiolka, Nye Frank and Bill Sanders. Photo credit: Bower Motorsports Media

The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) announced that its 2014 Induction Ceremony will kick off SEMA week in Las Vegas, at the South Point Hotel and Casino.    

This invitation-only, black-tie affair will be an evening filled with fun, laughter and memories. On Sunday, November 2, all past inductees and the Class of 2014: Del Albright, David Ashley, Marty Fiolka, Nye Frank and Bill Sanders will be honored at the event. This special evening will entertain the Annual Silent Auction, as well as a Live Auction, showcasing unique industry products, hotel stays and off-road themed memorabilia. Vehicles from the Reno-based exhibit will also be on display for the Las Vegas crowd to enjoy.

“The off-road market represents an exciting and growing segment of our industry. We’re pleased that the ORMHOF is hosting its induction ceremony at the SEMA Show,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. Its members share a love and passion for the motorsports industry, and we look forward to having them join us at the industry’s premier annual marketplace for automotive innovation.”

Bios

Del Albright has shared 33 years of wisdom, knowledge of leadership and supervision to help keep public lands open to the public. His extensive background in leadership, supervision and management has allowed him to mentor many other land-use advocates through Recreational Leadership Training courses and Volunteer Leader and Land Stewardship classes.

David Ashley has been engaged in off-road motorsports for 43 years. He has successfully raced motorcycles, buggies, off-road trucks and stadium vehicles, while being a leader in the safety field. Ashley took his passion for safety to vehicle manufacturers and has worked with the transmission, safety, engine, chassis development, motorsports and special vehicle teams (SVT) of Ford Motor Co.

Marty Fiolka’s involvement in off-road motorsports demonstrates a broad reach with his ability to intermix public relations, marketing, journalism, broadcasting and other expertise into one effective representation for the off-road industry. He has been instrumental in preserving the history of the sport, in many areas, helping to re-launch the legendary Meyers Manx. Fiolka continues to build an off-road motorsports legacy, with a number of ongoing projects that will further document and celebrate the sport.

Nye Frank’s successful career as a designer and car builder proved that he had a unique and comprehensive understanding of performance. He is best known for his innovative use of air shocks with the Mazda program in the Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group (MTEG) and later with Rob MacCachren in SODA and CORR. He led the way in new concepts in all aspects of the sport.

Bill Sanders was one of the original editors of Four Wheeler magazine; he lifted the sport from obscurity to the public recognition by faithfully covering off-road races from Baja to Las Vegas. Sanders helped to grow off-road motorsports, and provided a place for those who were also supporting the sport to showcase their work.

To find out more about SEMA, visit www.SEMAShow.com. For further information on the Induction Ceremony or ORMHOF, contact: Shelby Hall at shall@ormhof.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Kristin Grons

Kristin Grons Joins Brake Parts Inc. as Marketing Manager

Kristin Grons has joined Brake Parts Inc. (BPI) as marketing manager. In her new role, Grons is responsible for leading the planning and execution of marketing strategies for Raybestos brand brakes. She will provide leadership insights and support corporate strategic objectives, as well as analyze research and manage advertising, social media, promotional programs and social, digital and web strategies.

Prior to joining BPI, Grons served as product and creative services manager for Intermatic Inc. in Spring Grove, Illinois. In addition, Grons worked in the wireless data industry for five years at Motient Communications in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Her positions with the company included retail channel administrator, product manager and marketing manager.

THI Holdings Acquired by TA Associates

Tectum Holdings Inc. (THI) has announced it has been acquired by TA Associates—one of the world’s largest and oldest private equity investment firms. THI manufactures tonneau covers, bedliners and related truck accessories.

THI was formed in 2007 by Kinderhook Industries with a merger between Extang and TruXedo. THI has expanded to a family of seven recognized brands: Extang, TruXedo, BedRug, UnderCover, Advantage, Retrax and BAK Industries.

THI CEO and President Bill Reminder stated, “We are excited about our new partnership with TA Associates and consider ourselves fortunate to be part of a distinguished, world-class private equity firm and their exceptional portfolio of companies. I’m convinced that we will continue to thrive and set the standard for the industry’s best truck accessories through the combined capabilities of our companies.” Reminder will continue in his current role, as will all members of the company’s executive and management teams.

A.R.E. will showcase its fishing truck during 2014 Bassmaster tournament series events.

A.R.E. to Showcase 2014 Fishing Tundra Project at Bassmaster Events

A.R.E. will showcase its fishing truck during 2014 Bassmaster tournament series events being held around the country. The complete list of enhancements made to the 2014 A.R.E. Fishing Team Tundra include: A.R.E. Pickup Vault Lockable Storage Drawers; A.R.E. Z Series Truck Cap; A.R.E. Rod Pod; Air Lift Co. Air Spring Kit and Wireless Control System; BedRug Polypropylene Carpeted Bedliner; BOLT Receiver Lock and Padlocks; Bully Dog Gauge Tuner; Bushwacker Fender Flares; CargoGlide Roll Out Tray System; Dick Cepek Tires; K&N Air Intake; Hellwig Sway Bars; Magnaflow Exhaust System; Monster Hooks Recovery Hooks; N-Fab Steps and Bumpers; Rigid Industries Light Bars; Skyjacker Suspension System; Surco Roof Basket; TIS Monster Energy Edition Wheels; and Yakima Tower Series Roof Rack.

	Jake Snow

Snow Performance Announces New Director of Operations

Snow Performance Inc. has announced that Jake Snow has accepted the position of director of operations of Snow Performance, reporting to President Matt Snow. Matt’s son Jake will have total oversight of day-to-day operations, including purchasing, receivables and social media. He will also be integral in all financial and strategic planning aspects of the company. Jake recently graduated with a B.S. in finance from Colorado State University, and has management experience as squadron leader and 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force ROTC, where he also earned a pilot slot.

Amos Media Hires Glenn Bucher as Publisher

Amos Media, owners of the bi-monthly magazine and website Cars & Parts, has announced the hiring of Glenn Bucher as publisher for all its automotive platforms. Bucher has worked for more than 25 years in the field of automotive publishing. He and his team plan to reinvent Cars & Parts for high-performance, tech, DIY, all-out driving and maximum aftermarket sales.

The Class 8 Baja-winning ’76 Ford F-100 campaigned by Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Famer Frank “Scoop” Vessels is estimated to sell for $75,000–$100,000 at auction.

Seminal Baja Race Truck Being Auctioned, Proceeds Benefit Hall of Fame

The Class 8 Baja-winning ’76 Ford F-100 campaigned by Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Famer Frank “Scoop” Vessels will go on the auction block Friday, August 1. All proceeds from the truck’s sale will benefit the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF), which is housed in the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada.

The truck was built for Vessels in 1976 by Charlie Haga. Not only was this F-100 the first to win an off-road race on radial tires, but it also ran on propane. The F-100’s 404-ci Ford V8 was converted to an Impco LPG fueling system by Don Bass.

Behind the Ford V8 is an Art Carr race-prepped Ford C6 automatic. The rearend was built by Jack Chrisman. Other period components include Rough Country shocks, custom disc brakes, American Racing wheels, BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires and F-250 spindles with knock-off hubs. The truck was recently housed at the Petersen Automotive Museum following a multi-year appearance at the ORMHOF. Bids can be placed in person when the truck goes across the block at Auctions America’s California Sale, Friday, August 1, at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel. For remote bidding options, visit Auctions America’s website.

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

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Joni Wiman jumps the Red Bull/Bluebeam Ford Fiesta ST. Photo credit: Olsbergs MSE

Olsbergs Rallycross Cars Post Fast Runs in Charlotte
Olsbergs MSE Ford driver Joni Wiman earned a second-row starting position in last Saturday's Final at the Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He finished fourth in his Red Bull/Bluebeam Ford Fiesta ST and now sits fourth in the overall standings—two points behind third-place driver Steve Arpin.

In addition to the Supercars contest, seven GRC Lites returned to the series for their fourth round of 2014 competition, and it was an Olsbergs MSE podium sweep. Young Red Bull driver Mitchell DeJong earned his third win of the season, followed by brothers Kevin Eriksson in second and Oliver Eriksson in third. It was the first podium for rookie Oliver Eriksson who, at age 15, was the youngest driver in the field last weekend. Ford driver Ken Block took the Supercars win in Charlotte, while Sverre Isachsen nabbed the second spot. Third place went to fellow Ford driver Nelson Piquet Jr.

Olsbergs MSE next returns to Red Bull Global Rallycross competition in Daytona, Florida, next month. Before then, Wiman will make his World Rallycross Championship debut when he joins team drivers Andreas Bakkerud and Reinis Nitiss for a guest drive in the World RX of Canada at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres August 7–8.

Speedway Motors to Sponsor SCCA Classic American Muscle Invitational Challenge
Speedway Motors has partnered with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) to present the Speedway Motors Classic American Muscle (CAM) Invitational Challenge at the 2014 Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo Finale in Lincoln, Nebraska, August 30–31. The new Classic American Muscle class is designed for all years of front-engine, rear-wheel-drive American musclecars. Cars must be street-legal, licensed and insured, have interiors and use 200 tread wear street tires. There are no restrictions on engines and drivetrains.

The Classic American Muscle Invitational will bring the best of these modified musclecars and drivers to Lincoln Airpark for a competition based on the ProSolo format, which combines elements of autocross and drag racing, staging competitors side-by-side and using a drag race-style Christmas tree start before the racers enter mirror-image autocross courses. CAM Invitational drivers may also compete in the inaugural running of the CAM class at the Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships, held at the same location later in the week. CAM class runs will happen September 2–3, and will follow SCCA CAM class rules.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Joni Wiman jumps the Red Bull/Bluebeam Ford Fiesta ST. Photo credit: Olsbergs MSE

Olsbergs Rallycross Cars Post Fast Runs in Charlotte
Olsbergs MSE Ford driver Joni Wiman earned a second-row starting position in last Saturday's Final at the Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He finished fourth in his Red Bull/Bluebeam Ford Fiesta ST and now sits fourth in the overall standings—two points behind third-place driver Steve Arpin.

In addition to the Supercars contest, seven GRC Lites returned to the series for their fourth round of 2014 competition, and it was an Olsbergs MSE podium sweep. Young Red Bull driver Mitchell DeJong earned his third win of the season, followed by brothers Kevin Eriksson in second and Oliver Eriksson in third. It was the first podium for rookie Oliver Eriksson who, at age 15, was the youngest driver in the field last weekend. Ford driver Ken Block took the Supercars win in Charlotte, while Sverre Isachsen nabbed the second spot. Third place went to fellow Ford driver Nelson Piquet Jr.

Olsbergs MSE next returns to Red Bull Global Rallycross competition in Daytona, Florida, next month. Before then, Wiman will make his World Rallycross Championship debut when he joins team drivers Andreas Bakkerud and Reinis Nitiss for a guest drive in the World RX of Canada at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres August 7–8.

Speedway Motors to Sponsor SCCA Classic American Muscle Invitational Challenge
Speedway Motors has partnered with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) to present the Speedway Motors Classic American Muscle (CAM) Invitational Challenge at the 2014 Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo Finale in Lincoln, Nebraska, August 30–31. The new Classic American Muscle class is designed for all years of front-engine, rear-wheel-drive American musclecars. Cars must be street-legal, licensed and insured, have interiors and use 200 tread wear street tires. There are no restrictions on engines and drivetrains.

The Classic American Muscle Invitational will bring the best of these modified musclecars and drivers to Lincoln Airpark for a competition based on the ProSolo format, which combines elements of autocross and drag racing, staging competitors side-by-side and using a drag race-style Christmas tree start before the racers enter mirror-image autocross courses. CAM Invitational drivers may also compete in the inaugural running of the CAM class at the Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships, held at the same location later in the week. CAM class runs will happen September 2–3, and will follow SCCA CAM class rules.

The shooters at KGP Photography caught GM engineers testing several prototypes outfitted with an upgraded version of its Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 engine. Performance specifications are unavailable at this time, but the goal must certainly be to bump the current 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel's horsepower, torque and towing capacity to counter Ford's recently upgraded 6.7L Powerstroke V8 Turbo-Diesel. Ford's revamped 6.7L Diesel currently outguns GM's 6.6L units; the Ford generates 440 hp and 860 lb.-ft. of torque vs. GM's 397 hp and 760 lb.-ft. of torque. It's unknown exactly what internal changes are in play on these latest GMC and Chevy HD prototypes, although sources have reported that a more potent turbo and software upgrades are on tap for the ’16 model year. This fits perfectly with the evidence now spotted undergoing severe hot-weather testing in the California desert.

Part of GM's strategy is to feed more air into the engine via a new functional hood air intake designed into the truck's redesigned hoods. The new air duct sits prominently near the leading edge of the hood; the GMC gets a circular mesh intake grille while the Chevy appears to get a diamond-shaped interweaving mesh grille insert.

You may be wondering how the shooters can be sure that these prototypes were powered by GM's Duramax Turbo-Diesel engines. Here's how: They caught some of the prototypes tanking up and it was definitely diesel being dispensed into the truck. They also managed to zoom in tight on the fuel door, and it read "Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel Only." It's also worth noting that the test group had a Ford F-350 on hand as a benchmark vehicle, fitted with the 6.7L PowerStroke Turbo-Diesel V8.

More changes may ultimately be in store for GM's fullsize trucks, with some additional, modest changes to the truck's front fascias joining the redesigned hood spotted on these prototypes.

The shooters at KGP Photography caught GM engineers testing several prototypes outfitted with an upgraded version of its Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 engine. Performance specifications are unavailable at this time, but the goal must certainly be to bump the current 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel's horsepower, torque and towing capacity to counter Ford's recently upgraded 6.7L Powerstroke V8 Turbo-Diesel. Ford's revamped 6.7L Diesel currently outguns GM's 6.6L units; the Ford generates 440 hp and 860 lb.-ft. of torque vs. GM's 397 hp and 760 lb.-ft. of torque. It's unknown exactly what internal changes are in play on these latest GMC and Chevy HD prototypes, although sources have reported that a more potent turbo and software upgrades are on tap for the ’16 model year. This fits perfectly with the evidence now spotted undergoing severe hot-weather testing in the California desert.

Part of GM's strategy is to feed more air into the engine via a new functional hood air intake designed into the truck's redesigned hoods. The new air duct sits prominently near the leading edge of the hood; the GMC gets a circular mesh intake grille while the Chevy appears to get a diamond-shaped interweaving mesh grille insert.

You may be wondering how the shooters can be sure that these prototypes were powered by GM's Duramax Turbo-Diesel engines. Here's how: They caught some of the prototypes tanking up and it was definitely diesel being dispensed into the truck. They also managed to zoom in tight on the fuel door, and it read "Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel Only." It's also worth noting that the test group had a Ford F-350 on hand as a benchmark vehicle, fitted with the 6.7L PowerStroke Turbo-Diesel V8.

More changes may ultimately be in store for GM's fullsize trucks, with some additional, modest changes to the truck's front fascias joining the redesigned hood spotted on these prototypes.