By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Under the Michigan bill, if the license plate is not attached to the exterior of the historic military vehicle, it must be present in the vehicle and available upon demand by law enforcement officers.

Legislation to exempt historic military vehicles from the requirement that they display a license plate unless the vehicle was originally manufactured with lighting and mounting provisions for a plate was signed into law by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. Under the bill, if the plate is not attached to the exterior of the historic military vehicle, it must be present in the vehicle and available upon demand by law enforcement officers.

The new law protects the aesthetic contours of historic military vehicles and relieves vehicle owners of the burden of having to create mounting holes.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Under the Michigan bill, if the license plate is not attached to the exterior of the historic military vehicle, it must be present in the vehicle and available upon demand by law enforcement officers.

Legislation to exempt historic military vehicles from the requirement that they display a license plate unless the vehicle was originally manufactured with lighting and mounting provisions for a plate was signed into law by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. Under the bill, if the plate is not attached to the exterior of the historic military vehicle, it must be present in the vehicle and available upon demand by law enforcement officers.

The new law protects the aesthetic contours of historic military vehicles and relieves vehicle owners of the burden of having to create mounting holes.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Obama Administration has extended for a second time a requirement that health care policies meet minimum levels of coverage. The federal government will now give consumers another two years, until October 2016, to purchase health plans that comply with the coverage standards.  Consumers had already been given a one year reprieve last November. The extension is voluntary for states and insurers so its impact is unclear.

As of 2014, most policies offered through exchanges and in the individual and small group market were to have covered 10 categories deemed to be essential. Service categories include doctor/outpatient, emergency, hospitalization, maternity/newborn, pediatric, mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, laboratory, preventive and wellness, and coverage for prescription drugs, oral and vision care.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/healthcare  or contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Obama Administration has extended for a second time a requirement that health care policies meet minimum levels of coverage. The federal government will now give consumers another two years, until October 2016, to purchase health plans that comply with the coverage standards.  Consumers had already been given a one year reprieve last November. The extension is voluntary for states and insurers so its impact is unclear.

As of 2014, most policies offered through exchanges and in the individual and small group market were to have covered 10 categories deemed to be essential. Service categories include doctor/outpatient, emergency, hospitalization, maternity/newborn, pediatric, mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, laboratory, preventive and wellness, and coverage for prescription drugs, oral and vision care.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/healthcare  or contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE CATEGORY LAUNCHES 2014 SEASON AT AMALIE MOTOR OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Defending Pro Stock Motorcycle world champ Matt Smith will lead the two-wheel category into its first race of the season this weekend at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville. Several riders are expected to challenge Smith for the PSM crown this season, including Andrew Hines, Eddie Krawiec, Hector Arana Jr., Steve Johnson, Hector Arana Sr., Michael Ray, Chaz Kennedy and John Hall among others. For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

MCMILLEN DREAM SCENARIO INCLUDES FIRST CAREER VICTORY AT AMALIE OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Terry McMillen has replayed the scenario over in his mind enough times to lose count, but when the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville comes around, the visualization of the Top Fuel driver’s first win in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series goes on repeat. “I do that every race, but this one more so than any other,” McMillen said. “I’ve envisioned that first win so many times, but what better way to do it than to win at your sponsor’s race.” For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

TODD TO RUN SECOND VANDERGRIFF DRAGSTER IN GAINESVILLE: Bob Vandergriff Racing will again be a two-car team at the 2014 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, where J.R. Todd will drive the Total Equipment And Service-sponsored Top Fuel dragster. This is the first of a planned 10 races with Todd behind the wheel. Mike Guger will also return as Todd’s crew chief. “Having Total Equipment And Service support our program once again in 2014 is great and a big step towards helping us rebuild our two-car team concept,” said Bob Vandergriff Jr. “The second car is a huge help to our team, and we look forward to getting it back on track full time as soon as possible.” For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

"It's tons different than my old Comp car. There is a lot more going on. You have to think about throttle control a whole lot more, changing gears, keeping it straight. There is just a whole lot more to worry about in the Pro Stock car than the automatic car, that's for sure. It was a big sense of relief getting the first burnout out of the way. I know I can do it now, but we'll see. We'll see what happens. I'm as comfortable as I know how to be in the car right now, and I'm just going to keep chipping away at it, keep getting runs and getting more comfortable. Really and truly, not a whole lot excites me. I'm pretty even. But this does. This excites me."

—Jonathan Gray, the youngest son of veteran drag racer Johnny Gray and brother of fifth-year Pro Stock driver Shane Gray, who earned his Pro Stock license Monday. Gray will attempt to make the field of 16 in Pro Stock at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.

Inside the Numbers

200: When Antron Brown defeated Clay Millican in the finals at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in 2013, it marked the 200th time a Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) car had won a national event. DSR currently has 220 national event wins and Brown knows that success at the track in 2013 doesn't guarantee success this season.

"My best memory at this track was being able to give Don his 200th win,” Brown said. “That was very special. We knew someone would, and I’m glad it was me and our Matco team. I just feel incredibly blessed to be part of this whole organization. It’s nice to have that Gatornationals Wally back home, but it won’t help me any when we roll to the starting line this year. Our Matco guys have been hard at it getting things fixed, and now that we’ve won there, we want to do it again.”

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE CATEGORY LAUNCHES 2014 SEASON AT AMALIE MOTOR OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Defending Pro Stock Motorcycle world champ Matt Smith will lead the two-wheel category into its first race of the season this weekend at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville. Several riders are expected to challenge Smith for the PSM crown this season, including Andrew Hines, Eddie Krawiec, Hector Arana Jr., Steve Johnson, Hector Arana Sr., Michael Ray, Chaz Kennedy and John Hall among others. For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

MCMILLEN DREAM SCENARIO INCLUDES FIRST CAREER VICTORY AT AMALIE OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Terry McMillen has replayed the scenario over in his mind enough times to lose count, but when the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville comes around, the visualization of the Top Fuel driver’s first win in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series goes on repeat. “I do that every race, but this one more so than any other,” McMillen said. “I’ve envisioned that first win so many times, but what better way to do it than to win at your sponsor’s race.” For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

TODD TO RUN SECOND VANDERGRIFF DRAGSTER IN GAINESVILLE: Bob Vandergriff Racing will again be a two-car team at the 2014 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, where J.R. Todd will drive the Total Equipment And Service-sponsored Top Fuel dragster. This is the first of a planned 10 races with Todd behind the wheel. Mike Guger will also return as Todd’s crew chief. “Having Total Equipment And Service support our program once again in 2014 is great and a big step towards helping us rebuild our two-car team concept,” said Bob Vandergriff Jr. “The second car is a huge help to our team, and we look forward to getting it back on track full time as soon as possible.” For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

"It's tons different than my old Comp car. There is a lot more going on. You have to think about throttle control a whole lot more, changing gears, keeping it straight. There is just a whole lot more to worry about in the Pro Stock car than the automatic car, that's for sure. It was a big sense of relief getting the first burnout out of the way. I know I can do it now, but we'll see. We'll see what happens. I'm as comfortable as I know how to be in the car right now, and I'm just going to keep chipping away at it, keep getting runs and getting more comfortable. Really and truly, not a whole lot excites me. I'm pretty even. But this does. This excites me."

—Jonathan Gray, the youngest son of veteran drag racer Johnny Gray and brother of fifth-year Pro Stock driver Shane Gray, who earned his Pro Stock license Monday. Gray will attempt to make the field of 16 in Pro Stock at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.

Inside the Numbers

200: When Antron Brown defeated Clay Millican in the finals at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in 2013, it marked the 200th time a Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) car had won a national event. DSR currently has 220 national event wins and Brown knows that success at the track in 2013 doesn't guarantee success this season.

"My best memory at this track was being able to give Don his 200th win,” Brown said. “That was very special. We knew someone would, and I’m glad it was me and our Matco team. I just feel incredibly blessed to be part of this whole organization. It’s nice to have that Gatornationals Wally back home, but it won’t help me any when we roll to the starting line this year. Our Matco guys have been hard at it getting things fixed, and now that we’ve won there, we want to do it again.”

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE CATEGORY LAUNCHES 2014 SEASON AT AMALIE MOTOR OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Defending Pro Stock Motorcycle world champ Matt Smith will lead the two-wheel category into its first race of the season this weekend at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville. Several riders are expected to challenge Smith for the PSM crown this season, including Andrew Hines, Eddie Krawiec, Hector Arana Jr., Steve Johnson, Hector Arana Sr., Michael Ray, Chaz Kennedy and John Hall among others. For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

MCMILLEN DREAM SCENARIO INCLUDES FIRST CAREER VICTORY AT AMALIE OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Terry McMillen has replayed the scenario over in his mind enough times to lose count, but when the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville comes around, the visualization of the Top Fuel driver’s first win in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series goes on repeat. “I do that every race, but this one more so than any other,” McMillen said. “I’ve envisioned that first win so many times, but what better way to do it than to win at your sponsor’s race.” For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

TODD TO RUN SECOND VANDERGRIFF DRAGSTER IN GAINESVILLE: Bob Vandergriff Racing will again be a two-car team at the 2014 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, where J.R. Todd will drive the Total Equipment And Service-sponsored Top Fuel dragster. This is the first of a planned 10 races with Todd behind the wheel. Mike Guger will also return as Todd’s crew chief. “Having Total Equipment And Service support our program once again in 2014 is great and a big step towards helping us rebuild our two-car team concept,” said Bob Vandergriff Jr. “The second car is a huge help to our team, and we look forward to getting it back on track full time as soon as possible.” For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

"It's tons different than my old Comp car. There is a lot more going on. You have to think about throttle control a whole lot more, changing gears, keeping it straight. There is just a whole lot more to worry about in the Pro Stock car than the automatic car, that's for sure. It was a big sense of relief getting the first burnout out of the way. I know I can do it now, but we'll see. We'll see what happens. I'm as comfortable as I know how to be in the car right now, and I'm just going to keep chipping away at it, keep getting runs and getting more comfortable. Really and truly, not a whole lot excites me. I'm pretty even. But this does. This excites me."

—Jonathan Gray, the youngest son of veteran drag racer Johnny Gray and brother of fifth-year Pro Stock driver Shane Gray, who earned his Pro Stock license Monday. Gray will attempt to make the field of 16 in Pro Stock at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.

Inside the Numbers

200: When Antron Brown defeated Clay Millican in the finals at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in 2013, it marked the 200th time a Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) car had won a national event. DSR currently has 220 national event wins and Brown knows that success at the track in 2013 doesn't guarantee success this season.

"My best memory at this track was being able to give Don his 200th win,” Brown said. “That was very special. We knew someone would, and I’m glad it was me and our Matco team. I just feel incredibly blessed to be part of this whole organization. It’s nice to have that Gatornationals Wally back home, but it won’t help me any when we roll to the starting line this year. Our Matco guys have been hard at it getting things fixed, and now that we’ve won there, we want to do it again.”

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

SEMA has initiated a search for a leadership position within the association.

The SEMA vice president of marketing is responsible for all activities related to conceptualizing and implementing market strategy and achieving marketing targets for association events, services and activities. Specific activities include strategic direction for promotion and advertising; coordination and collaboration with all departments, hiring and directing the day-to-day activities of marketing staff and external vendors.

The vice president of marketing will lead a team that will manage the department's advertising agencies, services bureaus, designers, printers, photographers and e-mail service providers. The new vice president will report to the senior vice president of operations and work from the SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

The ideal candidate will have a four-year degree in business or marketing and/or 10 years of experience in marketing, five years of experience in direct marketing and related fields, along with strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualified candidates may submit a résumé to SEMA Human Resources by e-mailing a résumé and cover letter to Linda Czarkowski at lindac@sema.org. 

	SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program.

For the third consecutive year, SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35. We need your input. If you know of a leader who is under 35—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

It is very likely that SEMA members are currently working with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. They are also the ones who have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas including marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

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. These are people who know what’s going on at ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that might be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Nominate now for the 2014 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 9, 2014.

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.

	SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program.

For the third consecutive year, SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35. We need your input. If you know of a leader who is under 35—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

It is very likely that SEMA members are currently working with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. They are also the ones who have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas including marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

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. These are people who know what’s going on at ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that might be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Nominate now for the 2014 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 9, 2014.

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.