By SEMA Editors

	The ’69 Ford Torino Talladega "GPT Special," owned by George Poteet of Memphis, Tennessee, was built by Troy Trepanier at Rad Rides by Troy in Manteno, Illinois.

The 2013 Mothers Shine Award was presented to George Poteet of Memphis, Tennessee, for his ’69 Ford Torino Talladega "GPT Special." Aftermarket industry veteran John Naderi hosted the ceremony this year, which was held last week at the Mothers Polish SEMA Show booth.

The Talladega was given a Holman Moody-inspired body treatment as it was widened by 5 in., with 3 in. removed from the front fenders and 1 in. taken from the wheelbase. The body was Coke-bottled—the rear quarters and front fenders are wider than stock and bulge out relative to the rocker panels. The grille, taillight bezels and other trim parts were CNC'd from large chunks of billet aluminum. The engine is a Boss 429 complete with a rare Ford experimental mechanical fuel-injection intake converted to EFI by Rad Rides by Troy. The chassis is a converted Art Morrison unit with a C5 Corvette front suspension and a Detroit Speed four-link in the rear with a Watts link and a Mark Williams 9-in. axle. The body was treated to more than 1,000 man hours of paint prep and finished in a BASF Glasurit 90-Line Tennessee Whiskey Gold gloss and Daytona Sand satin paint.

The 13th annual edition of the Shine Award was selected from hundreds of the world's premier cars on display at the SEMA Show. An international panel that includes seasoned builders, paint specialists, journalists and previous Shine Award recipients are tasked with selecting a winner. Judging is based on overall appearance, fit and finish, attention to detail, integration of custom and stock elements, creative vision and execution of concept.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

	Delegate Gary Howell and the West Virginia State Capitol building in Charleston.

At a gathering of state lawmakers during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell was named chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. Howell was appointed to the post after the November 5 election of New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich to the office of City Supervisor in Greece, New York. Reilich had served in the role for six years and will continue as chairman emeritus.


Supported by SEMA, the caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love for automobiles. To date, almost 600 state legislators from all 50 states have joined the group. The caucus serves to raise the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in state legislatures across the country, and in the eyes of the public. Many of these lawmakers have sought to preserve and expand the hobby by improving existing motor-vehicle statutes and regulations.
 
As a SEMA member and owner of Howell Automotive in Keyser, West Virginia, Howell immediately demonstrated his desire to get involved in keeping the laws in his state hobby-friendly when he joined the caucus in 2011 upon his election to the West Virginia House of Delegates. He has worked extensively in the motorsports industry, raced both stock cars and drag cars, built winning race cars and award-winning show cars, and designed racing parts. He has also hosted a syndicated radio show, written automotive magazine articles and served as a technical expert on automotive TV shows.
 
“I have been a strong advocate of SEMA-model legislation that helps car enthusiasts enjoy their hobby in a safe and responsible manner,” Howell said. “I have worked to remove the tax burden on low-income car collectors, sponsored a bill to implement an objective exhaust noise testing program and crusaded against increased ethanol blends in gasoline.”   
 
Howell sits on the West Virginia House of Delegate’s Roads and Transportation Committee in order to further help protect the rights of motor vehicle enthusiasts. In addition, his current advocacy efforts are sensitive to the needs of small businesses—the catalyst for the U.S. economic engine. Despite his busy legislative schedule, Howell still finds time to fit in personal "car stuff" and enjoys driving his Dodge SRT-4, which won Car and Driver's 2005 SuperFour Challenge in the front-wheel-drive class. His dream car is a black ’71 GTX, 426 Hemi four-speed.
 
“Those that don't share our love of the automobile are often unaware of the unintended effect of many of the bills,” Howell remarked. “That is the role of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, and I welcome this chance to serve as chairman. As its past leader, Assemblyman Reilich has set the bar very high and established a solid foundation to build upon. Together, the Caucus will continue to ensure the voices of the auto enthusiasts are heard nationwide.”

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

	Delegate Gary Howell and the West Virginia State Capitol building in Charleston.

At a gathering of state lawmakers during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell was named chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. Howell was appointed to the post after the November 5 election of New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich to the office of City Supervisor in Greece, New York. Reilich had served in the role for six years and will continue as chairman emeritus.


Supported by SEMA, the caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love for automobiles. To date, almost 600 state legislators from all 50 states have joined the group. The caucus serves to raise the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in state legislatures across the country, and in the eyes of the public. Many of these lawmakers have sought to preserve and expand the hobby by improving existing motor-vehicle statutes and regulations.
 
As a SEMA member and owner of Howell Automotive in Keyser, West Virginia, Howell immediately demonstrated his desire to get involved in keeping the laws in his state hobby-friendly when he joined the caucus in 2011 upon his election to the West Virginia House of Delegates. He has worked extensively in the motorsports industry, raced both stock cars and drag cars, built winning race cars and award-winning show cars, and designed racing parts. He has also hosted a syndicated radio show, written automotive magazine articles and served as a technical expert on automotive TV shows.
 
“I have been a strong advocate of SEMA-model legislation that helps car enthusiasts enjoy their hobby in a safe and responsible manner,” Howell said. “I have worked to remove the tax burden on low-income car collectors, sponsored a bill to implement an objective exhaust noise testing program and crusaded against increased ethanol blends in gasoline.”   
 
Howell sits on the West Virginia House of Delegate’s Roads and Transportation Committee in order to further help protect the rights of motor vehicle enthusiasts. In addition, his current advocacy efforts are sensitive to the needs of small businesses—the catalyst for the U.S. economic engine. Despite his busy legislative schedule, Howell still finds time to fit in personal "car stuff" and enjoys driving his Dodge SRT-4, which won Car and Driver's 2005 SuperFour Challenge in the front-wheel-drive class. His dream car is a black ’71 GTX, 426 Hemi four-speed.
 
“Those that don't share our love of the automobile are often unaware of the unintended effect of many of the bills,” Howell remarked. “That is the role of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, and I welcome this chance to serve as chairman. As its past leader, Assemblyman Reilich has set the bar very high and established a solid foundation to build upon. Together, the Caucus will continue to ensure the voices of the auto enthusiasts are heard nationwide.”

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

	Delegate Gary Howell and the West Virginia State Capitol building in Charleston.

At a gathering of state lawmakers during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell was named chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. Howell was appointed to the post after the November 5 election of New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich to the office of City Supervisor in Greece, New York. Reilich had served in the role for six years and will continue as chairman emeritus.


Supported by SEMA, the caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love for automobiles. To date, almost 600 state legislators from all 50 states have joined the group. The caucus serves to raise the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in state legislatures across the country, and in the eyes of the public. Many of these lawmakers have sought to preserve and expand the hobby by improving existing motor-vehicle statutes and regulations.
 
As a SEMA member and owner of Howell Automotive in Keyser, West Virginia, Howell immediately demonstrated his desire to get involved in keeping the laws in his state hobby-friendly when he joined the caucus in 2011 upon his election to the West Virginia House of Delegates. He has worked extensively in the motorsports industry, raced both stock cars and drag cars, built winning race cars and award-winning show cars, and designed racing parts. He has also hosted a syndicated radio show, written automotive magazine articles and served as a technical expert on automotive TV shows.
 
“I have been a strong advocate of SEMA-model legislation that helps car enthusiasts enjoy their hobby in a safe and responsible manner,” Howell said. “I have worked to remove the tax burden on low-income car collectors, sponsored a bill to implement an objective exhaust noise testing program and crusaded against increased ethanol blends in gasoline.”   
 
Howell sits on the West Virginia House of Delegate’s Roads and Transportation Committee in order to further help protect the rights of motor vehicle enthusiasts. In addition, his current advocacy efforts are sensitive to the needs of small businesses—the catalyst for the U.S. economic engine. Despite his busy legislative schedule, Howell still finds time to fit in personal "car stuff" and enjoys driving his Dodge SRT-4, which won Car and Driver's 2005 SuperFour Challenge in the front-wheel-drive class. His dream car is a black ’71 GTX, 426 Hemi four-speed.
 
“Those that don't share our love of the automobile are often unaware of the unintended effect of many of the bills,” Howell remarked. “That is the role of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, and I welcome this chance to serve as chairman. As its past leader, Assemblyman Reilich has set the bar very high and established a solid foundation to build upon. Together, the Caucus will continue to ensure the voices of the auto enthusiasts are heard nationwide.”

By SEMA Editors

	SEMA's Consumer Segmentation Report will assist members in identifying and understanding their target consumers within the overall specialty-equipment industry.

Knowledge can be the difference between you and your competition. The SEMA Market Research team works hard to provide you with the information needed to maintain a prosperous business. A variety of market research reports are available to SEMA members, most at no charge.

For instance, the Consumer Segmentation Report is designed to help you understand your target consumers within the larger universe of the specialty-equipment industry. Having a better understanding of who is interested in your products makes it is easier to target and reach those specific individuals. It’s all about helping you expand your customer base.

Stay informed about the latest sales trends, consumer needs and economic fluctuations impacting your industry and company so you can make better business decisions. See what reports are available to you.

By SEMA Editors

	SEMA's Consumer Segmentation Report will assist members in identifying and understanding their target consumers within the overall specialty-equipment industry.

Knowledge can be the difference between you and your competition. The SEMA Market Research team works hard to provide you with the information needed to maintain a prosperous business. A variety of market research reports are available to SEMA members, most at no charge.

For instance, the Consumer Segmentation Report is designed to help you understand your target consumers within the larger universe of the specialty-equipment industry. Having a better understanding of who is interested in your products makes it is easier to target and reach those specific individuals. It’s all about helping you expand your customer base.

Stay informed about the latest sales trends, consumer needs and economic fluctuations impacting your industry and company so you can make better business decisions. See what reports are available to you.

By SEMA Editors

	The 2013 Best GM Vehicle is a ’72 Chevrolet Camaro, built by Steve Strope.

General Motors presented its Chevrolet Design Awards during the 2013 SEMA Show. Bestowed annually, the awards recognize specialty-equipment companies for creativity and innovation, as well as performance styling and product design.

GM designers and judges scoured the Show beginning opening day to locate the best GM-influenced project vehicles and display cars. GM presents awards in 13 categories, including the top honor of Best GM Vehicle of the Show. The 2013 Best GM Vehicle is a ’72 Chevrolet Camaro, built by Steve Strope and featured in the HRE booth.

2013 Chevrolet Design Award Winners

By SEMA Editors

	The 2013 Best GM Vehicle is a ’72 Chevrolet Camaro, built by Steve Strope.

General Motors presented its Chevrolet Design Awards during the 2013 SEMA Show. Bestowed annually, the awards recognize specialty-equipment companies for creativity and innovation, as well as performance styling and product design.

GM designers and judges scoured the Show beginning opening day to locate the best GM-influenced project vehicles and display cars. GM presents awards in 13 categories, including the top honor of Best GM Vehicle of the Show. The 2013 Best GM Vehicle is a ’72 Chevrolet Camaro, built by Steve Strope and featured in the HRE booth.

2013 Chevrolet Design Award Winners

By SEMA Editors

	The 2013 Best GM Vehicle is a ’72 Chevrolet Camaro, built by Steve Strope.

General Motors presented its Chevrolet Design Awards during the 2013 SEMA Show. Bestowed annually, the awards recognize specialty-equipment companies for creativity and innovation, as well as performance styling and product design.

GM designers and judges scoured the Show beginning opening day to locate the best GM-influenced project vehicles and display cars. GM presents awards in 13 categories, including the top honor of Best GM Vehicle of the Show. The 2013 Best GM Vehicle is a ’72 Chevrolet Camaro, built by Steve Strope and featured in the HRE booth.

2013 Chevrolet Design Award Winners

By SEMA Editors

	The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) reports having met with more than 140 different companies in its booth at the Show last week.

In just its second year at the SEMA Show, and just a little more than 18 months since its founding, the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) reports having met with more than 140 different companies in its Show booth last week. Those meetings, described as "very productive" by SDC CEO Jon Wyly, resulted in approximately 40 new members with many other strong prospects expected to join by the first of the year.  

"The meetings were just terrific," said Director of Membership Jim Graven, "and enthusiasm for our data management solutions was very high."

In addition, Bob Castle, the SDC's vice president of IT and eBusiness, reported that "not only has our technology solution (PIMS) gained many daily users, but we also received great feedback for future enhancements and features that will make the SDC the most comprehensive and easy-to-use data management solution available."

Founded in March 2012, the SEMA Data Co-op is industry owned and operated, serving the product data management needs of the SEMA marketplace with outstanding online tools, a centralized data repository and top-quality assistance from top data experts.  

For more information or to join the SDC as a supplier or receiver of product data, contact Jim Graven at 888-958-6698 ext. 4 or via e-mail at JimG@SemaDataCoop.org.