Compiled by SEMA Editors

	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 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.

	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.

Ford has begun testing prototypes for its next-generation Super Duty trucks, and the shooters at KGP Photography have the first shots to prove it. The massive pickup prototypes are thoroughly covered in camouflage, for what appears to be their most significant overhaul in a very long time.  

Aluminum Or Steel?

These prototypes have actually appeared sooner than many analyst sources had expected, suggesting that Ford is working to continue its momentum having just finished the bulk of the development work on the new F-150 trucks. Ford representatives are very confident that the all-new, aluminum-intensive F-150 is a game changer in the standard-duty pickup segment, so the question is, are they are going to try to parlay that advantage into the heavy-duty truck ranks? As these prototypes are literally fresh off the pilot build lines, the shooters haven't had a chance to get close enough with any magnets to try to answer the big "Is it aluminum," question, but they will keep digging to try to get more information.

The continuous improvements necessary to compete in the truck segment means that Ford has already made several improvements to their Super Duty engines, many of which will likely find their way into these new trucks—including direct injection that is destined for the 6.2L V8 for the ’14 model year. The prototype caught here is clearly a diesel, but its displacement and power output are unknown.

The Super Duty will get a beefed-up version of the new 10-speed transition as part of the GM/Ford joint-venture, further aiding in fuel economy, which will continue to be a major focus of Ford's truck-related efforts.

With the appearance of these new prototypes, it looks like the next-generation Super Duty is on pace for a ’16 calendar year intro as a ’17 model.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Ford has begun testing prototypes for its next-generation Super Duty trucks, and the shooters at KGP Photography have the first shots to prove it. The massive pickup prototypes are thoroughly covered in camouflage, for what appears to be their most significant overhaul in a very long time.  

Aluminum Or Steel?

These prototypes have actually appeared sooner than many analyst sources had expected, suggesting that Ford is working to continue its momentum having just finished the bulk of the development work on the new F-150 trucks. Ford representatives are very confident that the all-new, aluminum-intensive F-150 is a game changer in the standard-duty pickup segment, so the question is, are they are going to try to parlay that advantage into the heavy-duty truck ranks? As these prototypes are literally fresh off the pilot build lines, the shooters haven't had a chance to get close enough with any magnets to try to answer the big "Is it aluminum," question, but they will keep digging to try to get more information.

The continuous improvements necessary to compete in the truck segment means that Ford has already made several improvements to their Super Duty engines, many of which will likely find their way into these new trucks—including direct injection that is destined for the 6.2L V8 for the ’14 model year. The prototype caught here is clearly a diesel, but its displacement and power output are unknown.

The Super Duty will get a beefed-up version of the new 10-speed transition as part of the GM/Ford joint-venture, further aiding in fuel economy, which will continue to be a major focus of Ford's truck-related efforts.

With the appearance of these new prototypes, it looks like the next-generation Super Duty is on pace for a ’16 calendar year intro as a ’17 model.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Ford has begun testing prototypes for its next-generation Super Duty trucks, and the shooters at KGP Photography have the first shots to prove it. The massive pickup prototypes are thoroughly covered in camouflage, for what appears to be their most significant overhaul in a very long time.  

Aluminum Or Steel?

These prototypes have actually appeared sooner than many analyst sources had expected, suggesting that Ford is working to continue its momentum having just finished the bulk of the development work on the new F-150 trucks. Ford representatives are very confident that the all-new, aluminum-intensive F-150 is a game changer in the standard-duty pickup segment, so the question is, are they are going to try to parlay that advantage into the heavy-duty truck ranks? As these prototypes are literally fresh off the pilot build lines, the shooters haven't had a chance to get close enough with any magnets to try to answer the big "Is it aluminum," question, but they will keep digging to try to get more information.

The continuous improvements necessary to compete in the truck segment means that Ford has already made several improvements to their Super Duty engines, many of which will likely find their way into these new trucks—including direct injection that is destined for the 6.2L V8 for the ’14 model year. The prototype caught here is clearly a diesel, but its displacement and power output are unknown.

The Super Duty will get a beefed-up version of the new 10-speed transition as part of the GM/Ford joint-venture, further aiding in fuel economy, which will continue to be a major focus of Ford's truck-related efforts.

With the appearance of these new prototypes, it looks like the next-generation Super Duty is on pace for a ’16 calendar year intro as a ’17 model.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

By SEMA Editors

The Product Development Expo, fueled by the SEMA Garage, will be held Thursday, April 10, 2014, at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

As vehicle technology continues to evolve rapidly, so do the tools that can take your product from a concept to a working product. Knowing that tomorrow’s consumers will look for different capabilities in their vehicles, the challenge becomes understanding how connectivity influences the user experience. The Product Development Expo, fueled by the SEMA Garage, is one of the tools that will help you remain knowledgeable about the newest technologies and developments in the industry, setting your business up for long-term success in a rapidly changing market.

"The race to define future vehicles is on," said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. "Competition for the future of the auto industry is rapidly evolving between Silicon Valley and Detroit. The recession accelerated the auto industry’s transformational changes required for growth as well as reinvention and product development of vehicles—from mechanical to electrical systems, from standalone to connected, and from mass markets to personalization and customization. The changes we are going through today will impact the performance aftermarket industry for decades to come. SEMA's Product Development Expo is your chance to learn how to compete and win as new technologies, tools and applications are deployed."

During the SEMA Product Development Expo, industry experts—including automakers, tier suppliers and association leaders—will discuss the future of the accessory market, including how products will be integrated into new vehicles and why automotive apps, such as Ford’s Open XC platform, matter.

Cosponsored by the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) and the Emerging Trends & Technology network (ETTN), the SEMA Product Development Expo takes place April 10, 2014, at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the future of product development and product planning, current emissions certification requirements, how to access high-tech tools at a reduced cost and other ways to make products cost efficiently.

The registration fee, which includes lunch, is $47 for SEMA members and $97 for non-SEMA members. For details, visit www.sema.org/product-development or contact Juliet Marshall, 909-978-6655.

Register now.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

By SEMA Editors

The Product Development Expo, fueled by the SEMA Garage, will be held Thursday, April 10, 2014, at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

As vehicle technology continues to evolve rapidly, so do the tools that can take your product from a concept to a working product. Knowing that tomorrow’s consumers will look for different capabilities in their vehicles, the challenge becomes understanding how connectivity influences the user experience. The Product Development Expo, fueled by the SEMA Garage, is one of the tools that will help you remain knowledgeable about the newest technologies and developments in the industry, setting your business up for long-term success in a rapidly changing market.

"The race to define future vehicles is on," said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. "Competition for the future of the auto industry is rapidly evolving between Silicon Valley and Detroit. The recession accelerated the auto industry’s transformational changes required for growth as well as reinvention and product development of vehicles—from mechanical to electrical systems, from standalone to connected, and from mass markets to personalization and customization. The changes we are going through today will impact the performance aftermarket industry for decades to come. SEMA's Product Development Expo is your chance to learn how to compete and win as new technologies, tools and applications are deployed."

During the SEMA Product Development Expo, industry experts—including automakers, tier suppliers and association leaders—will discuss the future of the accessory market, including how products will be integrated into new vehicles and why automotive apps, such as Ford’s Open XC platform, matter.

Cosponsored by the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) and the Emerging Trends & Technology network (ETTN), the SEMA Product Development Expo takes place April 10, 2014, at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the future of product development and product planning, current emissions certification requirements, how to access high-tech tools at a reduced cost and other ways to make products cost efficiently.

The registration fee, which includes lunch, is $47 for SEMA members and $97 for non-SEMA members. For details, visit www.sema.org/product-development or contact Juliet Marshall, 909-978-6655.

Register now.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

By Della Domingo

	Tim Martin	Rick Trudo
Steve Wolcott	Greg Adler	Larry Pacey

The following slate of candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Manufacturers Category (one open seat available)

• Tim Martin – COO, K&N Engineering Inc.
• Rick Trudo – President/CEO, SCT Performance LLC
• Steve Wolcott – President/CEO, ProMedia LLC

Distributor Retailer Category (one open seat available)

• Greg Adler – CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
• Larry Pacey – President/CEO, National Performance Warehouse

Voting will take place online between May 14–June 10, 2014, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

For more information about the 2014–2017 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.

By Della Domingo

	Tim Martin	Rick Trudo
Steve Wolcott	Greg Adler	Larry Pacey

The following slate of candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Manufacturers Category (one open seat available)

• Tim Martin – COO, K&N Engineering Inc.
• Rick Trudo – President/CEO, SCT Performance LLC
• Steve Wolcott – President/CEO, ProMedia LLC

Distributor Retailer Category (one open seat available)

• Greg Adler – CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
• Larry Pacey – President/CEO, National Performance Warehouse

Voting will take place online between May 14–June 10, 2014, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

For more information about the 2014–2017 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.

	Nissan's updated versions of its Body Builder's Guides for the Nissan NV Cargo and NV Passenger (pictured above) vehicles are now available.

Nissan has released an updated version of its Body Builder's Guide for the Nissan NV and NV Passenger vehicles. The revised builder's guides contain information on Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) and Center of Gravity (GC).

The Cargo version of the Nissan NV was released in 2011, and represented the automaker's first fullsize van built for the United States and sold by Nissan. The NV uses the same F-Alpha platform as the Nissan Titan that has been highly modified to meet the need for loading, unloading and carrying cargo.

The NV Passenger is a highly configurable people carrier that has 12-passenger seating. There are currently three trim levels available for the NV Passenger, and two engine options—a V6 4.0L 24-valve DOHC, or a V8 5.6L 32-valve DOHC. 

Access the Body Builder's Guide for both the Nissan NV 1500 Cargo Van and Passenger Van. 

	Nissan's updated versions of its Body Builder's Guides for the Nissan NV Cargo and NV Passenger (pictured above) vehicles are now available.

Nissan has released an updated version of its Body Builder's Guide for the Nissan NV and NV Passenger vehicles. The revised builder's guides contain information on Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) and Center of Gravity (GC).

The Cargo version of the Nissan NV was released in 2011, and represented the automaker's first fullsize van built for the United States and sold by Nissan. The NV uses the same F-Alpha platform as the Nissan Titan that has been highly modified to meet the need for loading, unloading and carrying cargo.

The NV Passenger is a highly configurable people carrier that has 12-passenger seating. There are currently three trim levels available for the NV Passenger, and two engine options—a V6 4.0L 24-valve DOHC, or a V8 5.6L 32-valve DOHC. 

Access the Body Builder's Guide for both the Nissan NV 1500 Cargo Van and Passenger Van.