Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Al Unser Jr. (left) is pictured with driver James Davison of KV Racing. Unser Jr., now a performance expert for Pulstar Pulse Plugs, is serving as a team coach for KV Racing at this year’s Indianapolis 500. Photo credit: Chris Jones

Two-Time Indy 500 Winner Al Unser Jr. Joins Pulstar Plugs as Performance Expert
Enerpulse Technologies Inc. has announced that racing legend Al Unser Jr. has joined the company as its Pulstar Pulse Plugs performance expert. Unser Jr., a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, will be a consumer advocate for Enerpulse, assisting Enerpulse in delivering automotive enthusiasts improved vehicle power and performance.

Unser Jr. is a two-time IndyCar Series champion and has 34 IndyCar wins. He was the winner of both the Indy 500 and the Series championship in 1994. Unser Jr. was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2009. Unser Jr. will participate in the 2014 Indianapolis 500 as a race team coach for KV Racing. He will return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from June 6–8, where he will race in the “Indy Legends Pro-Am” feature that will be part of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association’s Brickyard Invitational weekend.

Olsbergs MSE leads the way at Lydden Hill.

First and Third for Olsbergs MSE at FIA World Rallycross Championship
Olsbergs MSE Ford driver Andreas Bakkerud earned his first win of the 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship last weekend at the Lydden Hill Circuit, while guest driver Andrew Jordan took third, to extend the team's lead in the points standings. Bakkerud now leads the championship points as the series heads to his home country of Norway for the next round, June 14–15. Olsbergs MSE guest driver Jordan, the defending British Touring Car Champion, marked his return to rallycross for the first time in seven years with a third-place result.

Pole Position and Podium Finish for Callaway Competition
At the Lausitzring—the third weekend of the ADAC GT Masters series—Callaway Competition went right to the front again. Daniel Keilwitz captured his 18th Pole Position with the No. 01 Callaway Competition-built Corvette Z06.R GT3. Then, the title defender finished the fifth race of the season in third place, together with Oliver Gavin. In their AutoArenA.de-Corvette, Patrick Assenheimer and Diego Alessi were held up in the first race with a drive-through penalty after contact with another racer and, following a session of playing catch-up, they finished the second race in 11th place.

	The Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) has developed a nationwide tour of legendary venues that gives people the chance to follow in the tire tracks of their favorite professional drivers.

Ultimate Street Car Association Gives Fans a Chance to Test Their Racing Skils on Legendary Tracks
The Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) has developed a nationwide tour of legendary venues that gives people the chance to follow in the tire tracks of their favorite professional drivers in a no-pressure environment that promotes fun, education and safety. The three-day event, which kicks off at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, June 13–15, includes a 60-mile “poker run” road rally, an autocross, a speed stop challenge, a road course time trial and vehicle judging for overall design and engineering. The USCA has designed the events to cater to both the experienced driver and track novices having fun in their daily drivers. Throughout the weekend, the events are designed to build up the driver’s confidence behind the wheel as they learn the limits of their car’s handling, acceleration and braking in a safe and controlled environment. On the final day, participants head out onto the road course to put these skills to use while they enjoy more time on track than any other driving event around. Instructors are available free of charge to anyone who requests them.

The USCA will come to some of the most renowned tracks in the United States this year, including Sebring International Raceway, Auto Club Speedway, Road America and Portland International Raceway. Spaces for each event are limited. To sign up for an event or for more information on the USCA, including a list of track dates, event results, rules and membership information, visit www.ultimatestreetcarassociation.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Al Unser Jr. (left) is pictured with driver James Davison of KV Racing. Unser Jr., now a performance expert for Pulstar Pulse Plugs, is serving as a team coach for KV Racing at this year’s Indianapolis 500. Photo credit: Chris Jones

Two-Time Indy 500 Winner Al Unser Jr. Joins Pulstar Plugs as Performance Expert
Enerpulse Technologies Inc. has announced that racing legend Al Unser Jr. has joined the company as its Pulstar Pulse Plugs performance expert. Unser Jr., a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, will be a consumer advocate for Enerpulse, assisting Enerpulse in delivering automotive enthusiasts improved vehicle power and performance.

Unser Jr. is a two-time IndyCar Series champion and has 34 IndyCar wins. He was the winner of both the Indy 500 and the Series championship in 1994. Unser Jr. was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2009. Unser Jr. will participate in the 2014 Indianapolis 500 as a race team coach for KV Racing. He will return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from June 6–8, where he will race in the “Indy Legends Pro-Am” feature that will be part of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association’s Brickyard Invitational weekend.

Olsbergs MSE leads the way at Lydden Hill.

First and Third for Olsbergs MSE at FIA World Rallycross Championship
Olsbergs MSE Ford driver Andreas Bakkerud earned his first win of the 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship last weekend at the Lydden Hill Circuit, while guest driver Andrew Jordan took third, to extend the team's lead in the points standings. Bakkerud now leads the championship points as the series heads to his home country of Norway for the next round, June 14–15. Olsbergs MSE guest driver Jordan, the defending British Touring Car Champion, marked his return to rallycross for the first time in seven years with a third-place result.

Pole Position and Podium Finish for Callaway Competition
At the Lausitzring—the third weekend of the ADAC GT Masters series—Callaway Competition went right to the front again. Daniel Keilwitz captured his 18th Pole Position with the No. 01 Callaway Competition-built Corvette Z06.R GT3. Then, the title defender finished the fifth race of the season in third place, together with Oliver Gavin. In their AutoArenA.de-Corvette, Patrick Assenheimer and Diego Alessi were held up in the first race with a drive-through penalty after contact with another racer and, following a session of playing catch-up, they finished the second race in 11th place.

	The Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) has developed a nationwide tour of legendary venues that gives people the chance to follow in the tire tracks of their favorite professional drivers.

Ultimate Street Car Association Gives Fans a Chance to Test Their Racing Skils on Legendary Tracks
The Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) has developed a nationwide tour of legendary venues that gives people the chance to follow in the tire tracks of their favorite professional drivers in a no-pressure environment that promotes fun, education and safety. The three-day event, which kicks off at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, June 13–15, includes a 60-mile “poker run” road rally, an autocross, a speed stop challenge, a road course time trial and vehicle judging for overall design and engineering. The USCA has designed the events to cater to both the experienced driver and track novices having fun in their daily drivers. Throughout the weekend, the events are designed to build up the driver’s confidence behind the wheel as they learn the limits of their car’s handling, acceleration and braking in a safe and controlled environment. On the final day, participants head out onto the road course to put these skills to use while they enjoy more time on track than any other driving event around. Instructors are available free of charge to anyone who requests them.

The USCA will come to some of the most renowned tracks in the United States this year, including Sebring International Raceway, Auto Club Speedway, Road America and Portland International Raceway. Spaces for each event are limited. To sign up for an event or for more information on the USCA, including a list of track dates, event results, rules and membership information, visit www.ultimatestreetcarassociation.com.

The shooters at KGP Photography have some new, very aggressive photos revealing the new SRT-tuned Dodge Challenger—this time captured undisguised in red. The menacing, stormy weather in which this prototype was photographed was a fitting scene, given the menacing look resulting from the Challenger's powerful hood design.

This is now the second time our shooters have captured this hood design on a Challenger. They caught a silver prototype wearing this hood scoop in what appeared to to be the first look at the top-tier Challenger model sporting the new "Hellcat" supercharged V8 engine. Some have questioned that assertion, and claimed that it's the traditional Challenger SRT8. It should be noted that this red Challenger—while it has the same hood design as the earlier spy shots—looks like it is not quite as seriously specced out as the earlier prototype. The wheels and brakes on this prototype look to be of a less-aggressive makeup, while the wheels and brakes on the earlier prototype are an exact match for those on an earlier "Hellcat" prototype (which yielded shots of an exposed engine and its supercharger).

 Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography have some new, very aggressive photos revealing the new SRT-tuned Dodge Challenger—this time captured undisguised in red. The menacing, stormy weather in which this prototype was photographed was a fitting scene, given the menacing look resulting from the Challenger's powerful hood design.

This is now the second time our shooters have captured this hood design on a Challenger. They caught a silver prototype wearing this hood scoop in what appeared to to be the first look at the top-tier Challenger model sporting the new "Hellcat" supercharged V8 engine. Some have questioned that assertion, and claimed that it's the traditional Challenger SRT8. It should be noted that this red Challenger—while it has the same hood design as the earlier spy shots—looks like it is not quite as seriously specced out as the earlier prototype. The wheels and brakes on this prototype look to be of a less-aggressive makeup, while the wheels and brakes on the earlier prototype are an exact match for those on an earlier "Hellcat" prototype (which yielded shots of an exposed engine and its supercharger).

 Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography have some new, very aggressive photos revealing the new SRT-tuned Dodge Challenger—this time captured undisguised in red. The menacing, stormy weather in which this prototype was photographed was a fitting scene, given the menacing look resulting from the Challenger's powerful hood design.

This is now the second time our shooters have captured this hood design on a Challenger. They caught a silver prototype wearing this hood scoop in what appeared to to be the first look at the top-tier Challenger model sporting the new "Hellcat" supercharged V8 engine. Some have questioned that assertion, and claimed that it's the traditional Challenger SRT8. It should be noted that this red Challenger—while it has the same hood design as the earlier spy shots—looks like it is not quite as seriously specced out as the earlier prototype. The wheels and brakes on this prototype look to be of a less-aggressive makeup, while the wheels and brakes on the earlier prototype are an exact match for those on an earlier "Hellcat" prototype (which yielded shots of an exposed engine and its supercharger).

 Photo credit: KGP Photography

	CargoGlide hired Ryan Colvin as customer support team manager.

CargoGlide Hires Ryan Colvin as Customer Support Manager

Manufacturer of truck bed-slide solutions, CargoGlide, has hired Ryan Colvin as customer support team manager. Colvin’s background includes almost a decade of service in the United States Marines. He has a wide range of experience in sales team management.

“We are extremely honored to have Ryan onboard,” David McInturf, company president said. “Ryan will provide daily direction and communication to employees so that customer service calls are answered in a timely, efficient and knowledgeable manner. He will also be responsible for the ongoing evaluation of our sales processes and procedures, for suggesting and implementing methods to improve sales at the dealer level, and for setting up customer service reps to handle new channels of business. We take customer service seriously and we feel Ryan’s background makes him the perfect choice for this newly created position.”

Enerpulse Announces Public Offering of Common Stock

Enerpulse Technologies Inc., makers of Pulstar Pulse Plugs, announced on May 16 the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 5,000,000 shares of its common stock and 5,000,000 warrants to purchase 7,500,000 shares of common stock at an offering price of $0.75 per share and $0.05 per warrant. Roth Capital Partners is the sole book-running manager for the offering.  Northland Capital Markets is acting as co-manager for the offering.

“The announcement about the public offering of our stock is great news for our company,” said Joseph Gonnella, CEO of Enerpulse Technologies. “It is another confirmation of the confidence the market places in our groundbreaking, high-energy automotive spark plug technology.”

More information about the Enerpulse Technologies public offering is available online.

A.R.E. Realigns Strategic Direction, Assembles New Sales Team

A.R.E. announced a strategic realignment of its fleet and commercial sales division. The company has been focused on commercial fleet applications, such as utility and service trucks, since the company was established in the late ’60s. For its new direction, A.R.E. assembled a team of professionals with more than 50 years of combined experience in the fleet and pickup aftermarket industries. The division will be led by Jose Reyna, national fleet and commercial sales manager. Norm Brown will serve as fleet and commercial sales representative. Scott West is in place as the commercial fleet coordinator, and Anna Maher continues in her role as the commercial fleet customer service representative.

The team will continue to lead and respond to national commercial fleet needs A.R.E. products. A.R.E. has manufacturing facilities dedicated to commercial products and solutions, and the company anticipates further growth with the new team.

	Rhino Linings Corp. and Doetsch Off-Road are asking Jeep and off-road enthusiasts to design a customized Jeep Wrangler JK that will be built and revealed at the 2014 SEMA Show.

Rhino Linings Doetsch Off-Road Announce “Run My Build”

Rhino Linings Corp. and Doetsch Off-Road are asking Jeep and off-road enthusiasts to design a customized Jeep Wrangler JK that will be built and revealed at the 2014 SEMA Show. Fans will vote on the theme of the build—rock crawler, street/beach cruiser or hunting rig—and vote for the build’s colors, graphics and accessories from partnering companies that include Rhino Linings, Doetsch Shocks, DropStar Wheels, TIS Wheels, Truck-Lite, JcrOffroad and Katzkin Automotive Leather. Once the votes are tallied, award-winning Jeep builder, Dave Doetsch, will bring the winning design to life.

Voting is available at www.rhinolinings.com/tough from now until July 1, and participants can also enter for a chance to win a free Rhino Linings bedliner. Voting results will be announced July 2, and fans can follow the build from July through October on the Run My Build blog at www.rhinolinings.com/tough. The completed build will be unveiled at the Rhino Linings booth (#33037) at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 4–7, and showcased in print ads, on the company’s website and social media pages.

Meyer Announces Valdosta, Georgia, Location

Meyer Distributing Inc. has opened a new location in Valdosta, Georgia. The cross-dock will have a direct feed from Meyer's Jasper, Indiana, distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories in the nation.

“The Valdosta crossdock will greatly enhance service to one of the few areas that didn’t have next-day delivery from our Jasper core,” states Jeff Braun, CFO of Meyer. “Cities in Georgia like Valdosta, Brunswick, and Albany and cities in Florida like Jacksonville and Tallahassee will see four times a week next-day service.”

Denis Snow Leaves Off-Road Adventures; Craig Perronne Named Editor, Publisher

After 15 years at the helm of 4 Wheel Parts’ Off-Road Adventures magazine, Denis Snow, the creator, editor and publisher, is leaving his position. After completing the June and July issues, editing and publishing duties will be handed over to Craig Perronne for the August issue. Snow is moving on to do special marketing, promotion and PR projects with aftermarket manufacturers.

Craig Perronne has an extensive background in off-road, motorsports and publishing. For the past 10 years, Perronne worked as editor-in-chief for Dirt Sports Magazine, where he played a critical role in its launch and development. His experience also includes positions at Four Wheeler, 4-Wheel & Off-Road, 4Wheel Drive & Sport Utility and Off-Road magazines, as well as www.Off-Road.com.

Brembo Expands North American Operations

Brembo celebrated the grand opening of its expanded North American manufacturing operations in Homer, Michigan, an investment which totals more than $115 million dollars through the end of 2015.

Brembo celebrated the grand opening of its expanded North American manufacturing operations in Homer, Michigan, an investment which totals more than $115 million through the end of 2015. The expanded facility houses production of brake, disc, caliper and corner-module manufacturing. During the grand opening, Brembo announced that North America will become the No.1 market for the group by the end of 2014. North America closed 2013 with a 19.4% increase in revenue from 2012 and recently announced a 27.7% increase during the first quarter of this year compared with the first quarter of 2013. Brembo’s North American headquarters and R&D Center are in Plymouth, Michigan, and a facility in Mooresville, North Carolina, near the headquarters of several major racing teams. The company also has additional manufacturing facilities in Monterey, Mexico, and Avenel, New Jersey.

B.R.A.K.E.S. Returns to Pomona, California, Fairplex

B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) intensive Teen Pro-Active Driving Schools is now accepting registrants for weekend sessions at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, California. Classes are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29, and registration and more information are available at www.PutOnTheBRAKES.org.

Offered free of charge, more than 10,000 teen motorists and their parents have completed the Teen Pro-Active Driving Schools since 2008. The program focuses on increasing concentration, confidence, and control behind the wheel. Attendees of the Teen Pro-Active Driving Schools must be 15–19 years-old with a permit or driver’s license and 30-plus hours of seat time. A parent is required to attend with their teen.

	As part of recent partnership, Royal Purple products will be used in all Lingenfelter-tuned vehicles, including the Chevrolet Reaper high-performance pickup, C7 Corvette, Camaro and Cadillac CTS-V.

Royal Purple Named Official Lubricant for Lingenfelter Performance

Royal Purple was chosen as the official lubricant for Indiana-based Lingenfelter Performance Engineering. Royal Purple products will be used in all Lingenfelter-tuned vehicles, including the Chevrolet Reaper high-performance pickup, C7 Corvette, Camaro and Cadillac CTS-V. Customers who take delivery of Lingenfelter-tuned vehicles will receive a certificate for additional Royal Purple oil to be used at the vehicle’s first oil change. Royal Purple will also provide its products to the Lingenfelter race team for road and drag racing campaigns. Royal Purple’s branding will be featured prominently on the L28 Camaro during the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational, at drag strips across the country and on the team’s trailer and fire suits. For its part, Lingenfelter also becomes an authorized distributor of Royal Purple’s full line of automotive products.
 
Tire Group International, Wabash National Enter Supply Agreement  

Tire Group International (TGI) has signed a supply agreement with Wabash National Corp., a diversified industrial manufacturer and leading producer of semi-trailers and liquid transportation systems. After a series of tests conducted by independent auditors, as well as Wabash National’s own quality-assurance group, Wabash National has endorsed TGI’s products and capabilities for support of its customers across the United States. Wabash National customers now have an expanded option of products for OEM and replacement tire offerings.

TGI will also supply the Industrial Purchasing Consortium (IPC), which is managed by Wabash National on behalf of the IPC member companies, to provide its members with incremental savings and cost-reduction opportunities through economies of scale in the procurement of raw materials and component parts.

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. 

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.

Visit TORA's website.

Brainstorm Solutions to Your Pressing Business Challenges

By Amanda Gubbins

Leaders of the light-truck, off-road, Jeep, diesel and SUV industries will meet July 16 for an industry discussion and TORA Long-Range Planning meeting. Members of the council and those who are interested in learning more about the benefits it offers are invited to attend from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

The meeting will take place at the SEMA Garage–Industry Innovations Center in Diamond Bar, California. Attendees will spend time discussing issues they face in their business, and developing strategies that SEMA and the TORA can use to address them. For member companies, participating is a chance to let the association know in person what challenges their businesses face, and to be a part of the solutions. Lunch will be served with an opportunity to network with members of the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO).

For those who can’t make the trip to Southern California, sessions can be attended through web meeting services and teleconference lines.

Register today to save your seat. To learn more about the event, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696.

Media Preview Applications Due May 30

TORA will host a Media Preview for a limited number of manufacturer members at the 2014 SEMA Show. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with a wide variety of truck and off-road editors and writers in a designated area, Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

These focused meetings ensure that editors and reporters can ask their most pressing questions and photograph new products while manufacturers give the full story.

By participating just before the start of the SEMA Show, media members gain an early scoop on the latest products, and manufacturers have quality time with editors and reporters without sacrificing valuable floor time with customers. Participating manufacturers will be provided with various media training resources through the SEMA Education Institute to help them prepare and maximize their meetings. To give manufacturers the best chance for success, participants will be asked to meet media kit production milestones.

To be considered for participation in the 2014 TORA Media Preview, your company’s application must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT), Friday, May 30, 2014. Review the rules and regulations and apply today.

Not yet an TORA member? Join today to become eligible for the 2014 Media Preview.

Back to Top

Visit PRO's website.

Planning the Future of the Restyling and Accessory Business

By Clayton Drescher

On July 16, 2014, leaders of the restyling and accessory world will converge at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. Join the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) as they hold their Long-Range Planning meeting and industry discussion. The SEMA Garage–Industry Innovations Center will play host as leading manufacturers, WDs, installers and restyling professionals discuss the future of the industry and develop strategies that SEMA and the PRO Select Committee will use in addressing the challenges and opportunities confronting your business.

Your insight and perspective is critical. Whether your business has been impacted by new trends in auto sales and discretionary spending, vehicle technology, installation concerns or if there is a need to identify markets for expansion, you will benefit by being in the room when these and other topics are discussed.

The meeting is open to all employees of PRO-member companies, as well as those interested in joining PRO. The day will include a joint networking luncheon with members of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) council.

Traveling from out of town? Contact us for quality hotel options in the area. Not able to attend but want to stay involved? Consider attending the sessions through our web meeting services and teleconference lines.

Register online today. For more information about the meeting, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696.

Visit YEN's website

Launch Pad Competition Offers Winner Free SEMA Show Booth

By Bryan Harrison

After the success of last year’s Launch Pad competition, SEMA has announced that it will return for a second year.

This competition offers innovators under the age of 40 an industry platform to showcase their business for marketing a new automotive product or service.

Industrywide Awareness


The top 10 competitors will vie for the most votes on SEMA’s official Facebook/YouTube voting platform. The top five will receive an invitation to pitch their businesses in front of an industry-packed crowd during a live event at the SEMA Show.

Tools to Fuel Your Biz


The winner’s prize package will include a 10x10 booth at the 2015 SEMA Show, a one-page ad in SEMA News, an ad in Hot Rod magazine or 4-Wheel & Off Road magazine, a rep consultation with the Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN), public relations and social media consultation from Kahn Media, an event-level sponsorship package to either a Family Events truck and off-road group property or a Family Events performance car group property and much more.

Access to Decision Makers


This year’s event will feature another judging panel composed of industry experts who will offer coaching and advice to the contestants. Returning from the 2013 event will be Doug Evans, executive vice president and group publisher at Source Interlink Media, and SEMA’s chairman-elect of the Board, and Ron Coleman, president and CEO of COMP Performance Group. Joining them will be Tracie Nunez, president of the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA); Todd Ballard, director of sports marketing at GoPro; and Glenn Rogers, partner at Beyond Marketing.

Interested? It’s time to launch the next young automotive entrepreneur. For more information and to fill out an application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, please contact Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.

SEMA News highlights the automotive aftermarket industry's top-tier talent who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program.

SEMA News is searching for the best young talent in the automotive aftermarket industry…and we need your input.

We're asking for help finding upcoming industry leaders age 35 or younger. They might be working anywhere in the automotive aftermarket business, including manufacturing and design, retail, events and media, or distribution.

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.

Know someone? Nominate a candidate for 35 Under 35.

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.

Nominations are due May 30, 2014.