Thu, 03/20/2014 - 15:40
  jack
Jack Trepanier
  

John "Jack" Trepanier, 70, of Manteno, Illinois, passed away Friday, March 14, 2014, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois. He was the general manager of Rad Rides by Troy in Manteno, former owner and operator of Jack's Automotive and also a jet mechanic at Continental Airlines for six years. Trepanier served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961–1965. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manteno.

Trepanier is survived by his wife Judith; one daughter, Annette and Rob Zimbelman; one son, Troy and Angela Trepanier; four grandchildren, Carly Trepanier, Gavin Zimbelman, Jack Trepanier and Luke Trepanier; one sister, Paula Harris; one brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Elvera Trepanier; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Shirley and James Marion, Norma and Darrell Stauffenberg, Jerri and Stu Cann, Delmar and Coralee Skeen, and Robert and Linda Skeen. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Tannisse Iverach; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Shirley and Anna Skeen.

Trepanier was laid to rest Wednesday, March 19, at St. Joseph Cemetery in Manteno. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Manteno Athletic Boosters or the Manteno Fire Department.

Thu, 03/20/2014 - 15:27
By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show 2013, show floor
SEMA Show contracts and endorses Official Service Contractors that are held accountable to provide Showgoers with the best possible customer service and ensure consistent and negotiated rates.
  
With more than 130,000 industry professionals in attendance at the SEMA Show, the annual trade event presents potential opportunities for many businesses. Unfortunately, some unauthorized vendors use the SEMA Show as an opportunity to solicit exhibitors.

SEMA Show organizers do not sell exhibitor lists or contact information to anyone. Companies often use public information to acquire exhibitors' contact information, thereby offering "better deals" on items and services, such as hotel rooms, directory guides, exhibit design/installation, carpet, freight, shipping and more.

The SEMA Show contracts and endorses Official Service Contractors that are held accountable to provide Showgoers with the best possible customer service and ensure consistent and negotiated rates. The companies partner with the SEMA Show to help exhibitors succeed at the Show. They recognize and understand that exhibitors are focused on promoting their products and connecting with buyers. Learn who these vendors are on the SEMA Show's Exhibits page.

Exhibitors that decide to use non-official contractors are advised to be diligent and keep the following tips in mind:
  • Compare prices between contractors.
  • Ask if the price includes everything. Ancillary expenses, such as shipping, drayage or labor, may not be included.
  • Confirm that any stated representation regarding official contractors is correct, since many statements made by these solicitors are misleading and false. (You may confirm this information by contacting sales@sema.org or by calling 909-396-0289.)
  • Ask if a contact person will be available to work with you at the Show 24 hours per day. (Non-official contractors are not allowed on the Show floor after Show floor hours without written permission from Show management, or sometimes don't come to the Show to assist with setup.)
  • If you decide to hire an outside contractor for booth setup, you will be required to register the contractor as an Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC).
For more information, sales@sema.org or call 909-396-0289.
Thu, 03/20/2014 - 15:27
By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show 2013, show floor
SEMA Show contracts and endorses Official Service Contractors that are held accountable to provide Showgoers with the best possible customer service and ensure consistent and negotiated rates.
  
With more than 130,000 industry professionals in attendance at the SEMA Show, the annual trade event presents potential opportunities for many businesses. Unfortunately, some unauthorized vendors use the SEMA Show as an opportunity to solicit exhibitors.

SEMA Show organizers do not sell exhibitor lists or contact information to anyone. Companies often use public information to acquire exhibitors' contact information, thereby offering "better deals" on items and services, such as hotel rooms, directory guides, exhibit design/installation, carpet, freight, shipping and more.

The SEMA Show contracts and endorses Official Service Contractors that are held accountable to provide Showgoers with the best possible customer service and ensure consistent and negotiated rates. The companies partner with the SEMA Show to help exhibitors succeed at the Show. They recognize and understand that exhibitors are focused on promoting their products and connecting with buyers. Learn who these vendors are on the SEMA Show's Exhibits page.

Exhibitors that decide to use non-official contractors are advised to be diligent and keep the following tips in mind:
  • Compare prices between contractors.
  • Ask if the price includes everything. Ancillary expenses, such as shipping, drayage or labor, may not be included.
  • Confirm that any stated representation regarding official contractors is correct, since many statements made by these solicitors are misleading and false. (You may confirm this information by contacting sales@sema.org or by calling 909-396-0289.)
  • Ask if a contact person will be available to work with you at the Show 24 hours per day. (Non-official contractors are not allowed on the Show floor after Show floor hours without written permission from Show management, or sometimes don't come to the Show to assist with setup.)
  • If you decide to hire an outside contractor for booth setup, you will be required to register the contractor as an Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC).
For more information, sales@sema.org or call 909-396-0289.
Thu, 03/20/2014 - 14:57
By Amanda Gubbins
  mana
The Manufacturers’ Agents National Association’s (MANA) “Best Practices with Reps, Planning with Intent” seminar will be held May 1–2, 2014, at the AMA Executive Conference Center in Chicago.
  

SEMA manufacturing members are invited to participate in the Manufacturers' Agents National Association's (MANA) seminar, "Best Practices With Reps, Planning With Intent." Henry P. Bergson and Kris Hefley are instructors for the two-day event, taking place Thursday–Friday, May 1–2, at the AMA Executive Conference Center in Chicago, Illinois. 

Forming a partnership with an established team of sales representatives can create a host of benefits for manufacturers, including cost savings and wider access to local markets. Developing an understanding of the field sales force, how it functions and the techniques for better management are key to keeping a motivated and productive team.

The seminar is designed specifically for manufacturers who want to gain the most of their relationships with reps. Attendees will learn how to effectively partner with reps, becoming their go-to team from the very beginning of the recruitment process. The session will benefit manufacturers seeking to build a network of reps and those who simply need to restructure their current rep sales team.

MANA is an association of interdependent manufacturers and representatives dedicating to educating, protecting and promoting the multi-lined outsourced sales function.

As a SEMA member, you are invited to participate in the conference for the discounted rate of $995. During registration, just be sure to enter "SEMA" in the "Sister Association Name" box on the registration form.

Learn more and register today.

Thu, 03/20/2014 - 13:28
By SEMA Editors

 Powersports: UTV Accessorization report
The use of UTVs has grown dramatically over the past 10 years. SEMA's “Powersports: UTV Accessorization” report highlights the existing opportunities in the utility task vehicle (UTV) market for a range of specialty-equipment companies.
  

SEMA has released a new powersports study highlighting the existing opportunities in the utility task vehicle (UTV) or side-by-side market for a range of specialty-equipment companies. The report identifies the most popular UTV accessories, the average annual amount spent on accessories and the wide range of ways UTVs are used as both tools and recreational vehicles.

Members are invited to download a copy of the Powersports: UTV Accessorization report at no cost at www.sema.org/utvreport.

The use of UTVs has grown dramatically over the past 10 years. Similar to other auto markets, UTV accessorization is driven by the way that the vehicles are used, and the report offers a current market overview and a breakdown of its three main categories: Sports, Multipurpose and Utility. Whether companies are seeking information on the type of UTVs used for utility, or wants to know what parts enthusiasts use most to increase off-road performance, the report will provide an in-depth breakdown.

The report's information and market insight was collected by Clarity Research LLC using an in-depth, online survey conducted with owners of a variety of UTV models. Survey topics ranged from UTV usage and accessories purchased to driver lifestyles and hobbies.

Due to the scope of the powersports market, the Powersports & Utility Vehicles section of the SEMA Show was created in 2009 in support of its crossover relation to the specialty-equipment market in terms of lifestyle and the need for products that improve specific functions and performance.

Today, the SEMA Show includes special powersports kiosks for exhibitors to create awareness for their products in areas away from their booths; a dedicated powerstports section in the SEMA Show New Products Showcase; and educational seminars and workshops dedicated to powersports professionals.

Thu, 03/20/2014 - 13:28
By SEMA Editors

 Powersports: UTV Accessorization report
The use of UTVs has grown dramatically over the past 10 years. SEMA's “Powersports: UTV Accessorization” report highlights the existing opportunities in the utility task vehicle (UTV) market for a range of specialty-equipment companies.
  

SEMA has released a new powersports study highlighting the existing opportunities in the utility task vehicle (UTV) or side-by-side market for a range of specialty-equipment companies. The report identifies the most popular UTV accessories, the average annual amount spent on accessories and the wide range of ways UTVs are used as both tools and recreational vehicles.

Members are invited to download a copy of the Powersports: UTV Accessorization report at no cost at www.sema.org/utvreport.

The use of UTVs has grown dramatically over the past 10 years. Similar to other auto markets, UTV accessorization is driven by the way that the vehicles are used, and the report offers a current market overview and a breakdown of its three main categories: Sports, Multipurpose and Utility. Whether companies are seeking information on the type of UTVs used for utility, or wants to know what parts enthusiasts use most to increase off-road performance, the report will provide an in-depth breakdown.

The report's information and market insight was collected by Clarity Research LLC using an in-depth, online survey conducted with owners of a variety of UTV models. Survey topics ranged from UTV usage and accessories purchased to driver lifestyles and hobbies.

Due to the scope of the powersports market, the Powersports & Utility Vehicles section of the SEMA Show was created in 2009 in support of its crossover relation to the specialty-equipment market in terms of lifestyle and the need for products that improve specific functions and performance.

Today, the SEMA Show includes special powersports kiosks for exhibitors to create awareness for their products in areas away from their booths; a dedicated powerstports section in the SEMA Show New Products Showcase; and educational seminars and workshops dedicated to powersports professionals.

Thu, 03/20/2014 - 13:28
By SEMA Editors

 Powersports: UTV Accessorization report
The use of UTVs has grown dramatically over the past 10 years. SEMA's “Powersports: UTV Accessorization” report highlights the existing opportunities in the utility task vehicle (UTV) market for a range of specialty-equipment companies.
  

SEMA has released a new powersports study highlighting the existing opportunities in the utility task vehicle (UTV) or side-by-side market for a range of specialty-equipment companies. The report identifies the most popular UTV accessories, the average annual amount spent on accessories and the wide range of ways UTVs are used as both tools and recreational vehicles.

Members are invited to download a copy of the Powersports: UTV Accessorization report at no cost at www.sema.org/utvreport.

The use of UTVs has grown dramatically over the past 10 years. Similar to other auto markets, UTV accessorization is driven by the way that the vehicles are used, and the report offers a current market overview and a breakdown of its three main categories: Sports, Multipurpose and Utility. Whether companies are seeking information on the type of UTVs used for utility, or wants to know what parts enthusiasts use most to increase off-road performance, the report will provide an in-depth breakdown.

The report's information and market insight was collected by Clarity Research LLC using an in-depth, online survey conducted with owners of a variety of UTV models. Survey topics ranged from UTV usage and accessories purchased to driver lifestyles and hobbies.

Due to the scope of the powersports market, the Powersports & Utility Vehicles section of the SEMA Show was created in 2009 in support of its crossover relation to the specialty-equipment market in terms of lifestyle and the need for products that improve specific functions and performance.

Today, the SEMA Show includes special powersports kiosks for exhibitors to create awareness for their products in areas away from their booths; a dedicated powerstports section in the SEMA Show New Products Showcase; and educational seminars and workshops dedicated to powersports professionals.

Thu, 03/20/2014 - 13:28
Chevy cars and trucks from the 2013 SEMA Show floor.
Thu, 03/20/2014 - 13:28
Chevy cars and trucks from the 2013 SEMA Show floor.
Thu, 03/20/2014 - 13:04

Compiled by SEMA Editors

  nmca
Hotchkis Sport Suspension has teamed up with the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) to deliver an autocross event series for 2014 taking place at all three NMCA West events, March 29–30, June 21–22 and October 25–26, 2014, at the Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, California.
  

Hotchkis Announces New Autocross Series to Be Held at NMCA West Drag Races in Fontana
Hotchkis Sport Suspension has teamed up with the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) to deliver an autocross event series for 2014 taking place at all three NMCA West events, March 29–30, June 21–22 and October 25–26, 2014, at the Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, California. The event will deliver unlimited runs for participants, a Media versus Manufacturers True Street Race, a manufacturer's midway and four trophies and 10 special recognition plaques. Hotchkis factory demonstration cars will also be on hand giving rides to any spectator who wants to experience autocrossing.

Registration for the event is $50 for a single day (either Saturday or Sunday) and $75 for both days (Saturday and Sunday). Spectator passes are available at the gate for $20 for one day and $35 for two days, while kids under 12 years old are free. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., track time runs from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on Sunday, and there is a one-hour lunch break at 12:00 p.m.

The Hotchkis Autocross is open to any vehicle that passes a simple safety inspection, which includes checking for leaking fluids or loose parts that can become a hazard on the track. No additional safety equipment beyond the factory seat belts is required because only one car will be on the course at any time. Registration for these events is now open online and will also be available the day of the event. For more information on the Hotchkis Autocross at the NMCA West Event Series, visit www.hotchkis.net.

 permatex
Permatex will continue its long-time sponsorship of the Follow A Dream race team for the 2014 NHRA Championship Top Alcohol Funny Car Series.
  

Permatex Follow A Dream Racing Team Kicks Off 2014 Season
Permatex will continue its long-time sponsorship of the Follow A Dream race team for the 2014 NHRA Championship Top Alcohol Funny Car Series. For the past four years, Jay Blake and his Follow A Dream Race Team have been in the NHRA Top 10 three times. The team has been hard at work in the offseason preparing to debut a brand new car.

This year marks the 10th consecutive season that Permatex has partnered with Jay Blake and his Follow A Dream Race Team. The Permatex Follow A Dream Race Team will challenge the 2014 NHRA series with a brand new race car—a ’14 Chevrolet Camaro. It will debut as the world’s first ’14 Camaro Funny Car and feature a brand-new ’14 Murf McKinney chassis. Veteran driver Todd Veney, who joined the team in 2010, will be in the driver’s seat. He will help the team compete in 12 races this year across the United States, eight of which are national events.

Seal Beach Classic Car Show to Be Broadcast on Velocity Network
The seaside town of Seal Beach is gearing up for its 27th year hosting Southern California's largest beachfront classic car show to be broadcast on Velocity Network. The event is free and open to the public, with ample free parking and shuttle service for attendees. The show is taking place Saturday, April 26, 2014, from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. on Main Street in Old Town Seal Beach.

More than 30,000 attendees will spend the day viewing more than 600 vintage cars in 26 classes at this judged event. Festivities include live music throughout the day from bands on three stages, vendor and nostalgic displays, a Pinewood Derby, celebrity appearances, Seal Beach Lion's pancake breakfast and hotdog lunch and an all-new People's Choice Award. Special features include a pair of Holmes Bakery wagons, IHRA Hall of Famer Kent Fuller's Bonneville Streamliner, NHRA Dragster/Funnycar "Cacklefest" at the pier, drag-racing stars, famed car builder Gary Wales with his ’19 La Bestioni and a special police vehicle display. Seal Beach Cub Scout Pack 116 will again host a Pinewood Derby at the pier from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Trophies will be awarded for the winners, with a $100 savings bond if the derby winner can beat the chamber president's car.

  gts
GTSport team driver Jack Baldwin will campaign his #73 RESET-MD Porsche Cayman S in the 2014 Pirelli World Challenge.
  

GTSport Racing and RESET-MD Announced as Primary Team Sponsor for 2014 Pirelli World Challenge Season
GTSport Racing and RESET-MD by BACAS have announced a partnership for the 2014 Pirelli World Challenge racing series with RESET-MD named as the primary sponsor of the two-car, two-driver team.

GTSport team driver Jack Baldwin, a racing veteran and the 2013 Pirelli World Challenge second-place championship finisher, will campaign his #73 RESET-MD Porsche Cayman S in the 2014 Pirelli World Challenge alongside fellow GTSport Racing driver Buz McCall. McCall finished 14th overall in the 2013 season, and will return for his second PWC season to pilot the #72 RESET-MD Porsche Cayman S. Both cars will debut new RESET-MD liveries at the St. Petersburg PWC season opener race, March 28–30, 2014.

The Pirelli World Challenge race schedule is posted at www.GTSportRacing.com.

Formula DRIFT Makes Sweeping Changes To Sporting Regulations
Formula DRIFT has enacted more changes to the Sporting Regulations in the following areas: Pro Championship and Qualifying points structure, Pro Championship license retention, protests in competition, qualifying format and criteria points allocation, general judging criteria for Qualifying and Head-to-Head competition, and use of replays in competition.

The 2014 Formula DRIFT season will begin with Round 1: Streets of Long Beach, April 4–5, 2014. For more information visit www.formuladrift.com.