The SEMA Show Daily is a great tool for companies looking to directly promote new products and achievements to Showgoers and buyers.

By Jason Catullo

The SEMA Show Daily, the official newspaper of the SEMA Show, delivers the latest updates and news from SEMA Show floor. The newspaper is distributed to every booth, at kiosks throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center and at the entrance of each exhibit hall starting on opening day. Organized by the Show's 12 sections, it features dedicated editorial relevant to specific markets, quickly connecting buyers from a wide range of markets with new product debuts, industry-related announcements, SEMA Show programs, special events and more.

The newspaper is produced on-site by the SEMA Publications team and is a great tool for companies looking to directly promote new products and achievements to Showgoers and buyers. Several of the sections within the newspaper are sponsored by publishing companies exhibiting at the SEMA Show, who provide promotional and editorial content related to their markets. This year's section hosts are: BodyShop Business - Collision Repair & Refinish; 4WDrive/SunCruiser Publishing - Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; Performance Auto & Sound Magazine - Mobile Electronics & Technology; Performance Racing Industry (PRI) - Racing & Performance; and Tire Review (two sections) - Global Tire Expo Powered by the Tire Industry Association, and Wheels & Accessories. 

The first issue of the SEMA Show Daily will hit mailboxes several weeks prior to the opening of the 2013 SEMA Show, offering readers a preview what to expect for this year. The next three installments of the daily will provide an overview of press conferences, seminars, special events and other can’t-miss opportunities related to the 2013 SEMA Show.

For editorial consideration, exhibitors are encouraged to e-mail SEMA Editorial Director John Stewart (johns@sema.org) with news releases about new products, project-vehicle developments or Show-related events and any related artwork in a high-resolution file (.tif, .eps, .jpg format).

In addition to pre-Show publicity and promotion, as companies receive accolades for new product introductions, project-vehicle builds and industry awards, the SEMA Show Daily is proudly among the first publications to celebrate these accomplishments. Exhibitors are encouraged to include the SEMA Show Daily team on their distribution lists as they distribute Show announcements by adding johns@sema.org to their contact lists.

Details on SEMA Show Daily advertising and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Brian Paik (brianp@sema.org) or Monica Terlouw at monicat@sema.org. Complete information on the 2013 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.        

Editorial Submission Policy: All submissions will be featured in pre-Show publications based in the order on which they were received on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event that the publications department receives more submissions that it can accommodate, the unpublished items will be placed on a waiting list and then included when and if additional space becomes available.

	The SEMA Show Daily is a great tool for companies looking to directly promote new products and achievements to Showgoers and buyers.

By Jason Catullo

The SEMA Show Daily, the official newspaper of the SEMA Show, delivers the latest updates and news from SEMA Show floor. The newspaper is distributed to every booth, at kiosks throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center and at the entrance of each exhibit hall starting on opening day. Organized by the Show's 12 sections, it features dedicated editorial relevant to specific markets, quickly connecting buyers from a wide range of markets with new product debuts, industry-related announcements, SEMA Show programs, special events and more.

The newspaper is produced on-site by the SEMA Publications team and is a great tool for companies looking to directly promote new products and achievements to Showgoers and buyers. Several of the sections within the newspaper are sponsored by publishing companies exhibiting at the SEMA Show, who provide promotional and editorial content related to their markets. This year's section hosts are: BodyShop Business - Collision Repair & Refinish; 4WDrive/SunCruiser Publishing - Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; Performance Auto & Sound Magazine - Mobile Electronics & Technology; Performance Racing Industry (PRI) - Racing & Performance; and Tire Review (two sections) - Global Tire Expo Powered by the Tire Industry Association, and Wheels & Accessories. 

The first issue of the SEMA Show Daily will hit mailboxes several weeks prior to the opening of the 2013 SEMA Show, offering readers a preview what to expect for this year. The next three installments of the daily will provide an overview of press conferences, seminars, special events and other can’t-miss opportunities related to the 2013 SEMA Show.

For editorial consideration, exhibitors are encouraged to e-mail SEMA Editorial Director John Stewart (johns@sema.org) with news releases about new products, project-vehicle developments or Show-related events and any related artwork in a high-resolution file (.tif, .eps, .jpg format).

In addition to pre-Show publicity and promotion, as companies receive accolades for new product introductions, project-vehicle builds and industry awards, the SEMA Show Daily is proudly among the first publications to celebrate these accomplishments. Exhibitors are encouraged to include the SEMA Show Daily team on their distribution lists as they distribute Show announcements by adding johns@sema.org to their contact lists.

Details on SEMA Show Daily advertising and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Brian Paik (brianp@sema.org) or Monica Terlouw at monicat@sema.org. Complete information on the 2013 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.        

Editorial Submission Policy: All submissions will be featured in pre-Show publications based in the order on which they were received on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event that the publications department receives more submissions that it can accommodate, the unpublished items will be placed on a waiting list and then included when and if additional space becomes available.

	The SEMA Show Daily is a great tool for companies looking to directly promote new products and achievements to Showgoers and buyers.

By Jason Catullo

The SEMA Show Daily, the official newspaper of the SEMA Show, delivers the latest updates and news from SEMA Show floor. The newspaper is distributed to every booth, at kiosks throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center and at the entrance of each exhibit hall starting on opening day. Organized by the Show's 12 sections, it features dedicated editorial relevant to specific markets, quickly connecting buyers from a wide range of markets with new product debuts, industry-related announcements, SEMA Show programs, special events and more.

The newspaper is produced on-site by the SEMA Publications team and is a great tool for companies looking to directly promote new products and achievements to Showgoers and buyers. Several of the sections within the newspaper are sponsored by publishing companies exhibiting at the SEMA Show, who provide promotional and editorial content related to their markets. This year's section hosts are: BodyShop Business - Collision Repair & Refinish; 4WDrive/SunCruiser Publishing - Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; Performance Auto & Sound Magazine - Mobile Electronics & Technology; Performance Racing Industry (PRI) - Racing & Performance; and Tire Review (two sections) - Global Tire Expo Powered by the Tire Industry Association, and Wheels & Accessories. 

The first issue of the SEMA Show Daily will hit mailboxes several weeks prior to the opening of the 2013 SEMA Show, offering readers a preview what to expect for this year. The next three installments of the daily will provide an overview of press conferences, seminars, special events and other can’t-miss opportunities related to the 2013 SEMA Show.

For editorial consideration, exhibitors are encouraged to e-mail SEMA Editorial Director John Stewart (johns@sema.org) with news releases about new products, project-vehicle developments or Show-related events and any related artwork in a high-resolution file (.tif, .eps, .jpg format).

In addition to pre-Show publicity and promotion, as companies receive accolades for new product introductions, project-vehicle builds and industry awards, the SEMA Show Daily is proudly among the first publications to celebrate these accomplishments. Exhibitors are encouraged to include the SEMA Show Daily team on their distribution lists as they distribute Show announcements by adding johns@sema.org to their contact lists.

Details on SEMA Show Daily advertising and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Brian Paik (brianp@sema.org) or Monica Terlouw at monicat@sema.org. Complete information on the 2013 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.        

Editorial Submission Policy: All submissions will be featured in pre-Show publications based in the order on which they were received on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event that the publications department receives more submissions that it can accommodate, the unpublished items will be placed on a waiting list and then included when and if additional space becomes available.

By Amanda Gubbins

“Now that AAIA Legacy dataset has evolved from being a flat file to AAIA Catalog Enhanced Standard (ACES) and Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES) format, it’s allowed easier mapping and conversions of the vehicle attributes into a relational database,” she says.

The data quality from manufacturers impacts wholesale distributors and other receivers as they prepare products for sale. Dave Ziozios, chief executive officer of Motovicity Distribution is thrilled about this new trend of standardization. He understands how complicated the issue can be. “Data is a very ambiguous and expansive subject. I think that oftentimes as a concept it’s overwhelming to all members of the vertical chain of distributors, from the manufacturers down.”

Ziozios is optimistic, however, that the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) will provide a guiding light for the industry and make the standardization process easier for everyone.

Jon Wyly, CEO of the SDC, believes the resources available help members do just that. The SDC takes product data in whatever form the manufacturer provides and validates it for accuracy and compliance. On the receiver end, the SDC is a one-stop shop for collecting information from multiple manufacturers in the format and time frame they need. This eliminates the need for manufacturers to create multiple formats or for receivers to spend extra time organizing the data for their systems.

While other private operations exist to help organizations standardize their data, the SDC’s goal is to continually find ways to make the process easier, resulting in a higher rate of participation, which will ultimately benefit the entire industry. Currently, about 220 suppliers and 170 receivers are part of the Co-op, with the numbers growing each week. Membership with the SDC is $100 per month with no obligation.

“We’re all about service first and want to make it as easy and affordable as possible,” says Wyly.


Putcharkan believes there are many benefits to standardizing data for the manufacturers, all the way to the consumer. “Making data consistent through standardization allows manufacturers like us to bring our products to market faster by seamlessly exchanging product data with our distributors, wholesalers and retailers. This will improve communication and give the consumer more options as they shop,” she says.
 
Ziozios agrees that the process doesn’t need to be painful. “There are some companies out there that are really taking proactive steps to ensure that they are meeting and exceeding not just industry, but also commerce standards as a whole. I find that very encouraging. It’s really not an impossible, insurmountable task.”

By Amanda Gubbins

“Now that AAIA Legacy dataset has evolved from being a flat file to AAIA Catalog Enhanced Standard (ACES) and Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES) format, it’s allowed easier mapping and conversions of the vehicle attributes into a relational database,” she says.

The data quality from manufacturers impacts wholesale distributors and other receivers as they prepare products for sale. Dave Ziozios, chief executive officer of Motovicity Distribution is thrilled about this new trend of standardization. He understands how complicated the issue can be. “Data is a very ambiguous and expansive subject. I think that oftentimes as a concept it’s overwhelming to all members of the vertical chain of distributors, from the manufacturers down.”

Ziozios is optimistic, however, that the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) will provide a guiding light for the industry and make the standardization process easier for everyone.

Jon Wyly, CEO of the SDC, believes the resources available help members do just that. The SDC takes product data in whatever form the manufacturer provides and validates it for accuracy and compliance. On the receiver end, the SDC is a one-stop shop for collecting information from multiple manufacturers in the format and time frame they need. This eliminates the need for manufacturers to create multiple formats or for receivers to spend extra time organizing the data for their systems.

While other private operations exist to help organizations standardize their data, the SDC’s goal is to continually find ways to make the process easier, resulting in a higher rate of participation, which will ultimately benefit the entire industry. Currently, about 220 suppliers and 170 receivers are part of the Co-op, with the numbers growing each week. Membership with the SDC is $100 per month with no obligation.

“We’re all about service first and want to make it as easy and affordable as possible,” says Wyly.


Putcharkan believes there are many benefits to standardizing data for the manufacturers, all the way to the consumer. “Making data consistent through standardization allows manufacturers like us to bring our products to market faster by seamlessly exchanging product data with our distributors, wholesalers and retailers. This will improve communication and give the consumer more options as they shop,” she says.
 
Ziozios agrees that the process doesn’t need to be painful. “There are some companies out there that are really taking proactive steps to ensure that they are meeting and exceeding not just industry, but also commerce standards as a whole. I find that very encouraging. It’s really not an impossible, insurmountable task.”

The shooters at KGP Photography caught this mysterious Ford Raptor sporting a new dual, rear-exhaust set up, and a curious collection of matte front and rear fenders and a matte black hood. The test truck has the look of a mule. But if it is a mule, a mule for what, exactly?

The current Raptor has side-exit exhaust tips that poke out behind the passenger-side rear wheel. The dual exhaust on this prototype/mule/test truck clearly exit straight out the back, with tips at each corner on the rear bumper. So what can be made of this? New exhaust often means a new engine offering, so is this some sort of Raptor special edition? Perhaps this test truck points to a "farewell" Raptor variant to be sold alongside the new, ’15 F-150. The current F-150 will reportedly be sold alongside the ’15 F-series as production of the new truck ramps-up, so a mix of old and new models already appears to be in the cards for at least six months. No enthusiast would blame Ford if they kept the Raptor around for an even longer overlap—especially one that has been even further massaged for greater off-road and performance awesomeness.

An even more compelling thought comes to mind. Is there any chance that this test truck is a mule for a next-generation Raptor built from the bones of the all-new, ’15 F-150? There are no obvious body modifications to strengthen the case for a next-gen Raptor mule just yet, but those matte black body panels are, at least, more than a little curious.

This Raptor test truck is running around with a rather sketchy exterior look, and an all-new exhaust set-up, suggesting that some changes are in the works. The blue-topped, Fox Racing shock absorbers can be seen peeking above the tires within the rear wheel wells, further confirming that Raptor-spec goods truly reside underneath. So what else is in the makeup of this test truck?

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography caught this mysterious Ford Raptor sporting a new dual, rear-exhaust set up, and a curious collection of matte front and rear fenders and a matte black hood. The test truck has the look of a mule. But if it is a mule, a mule for what, exactly?

The current Raptor has side-exit exhaust tips that poke out behind the passenger-side rear wheel. The dual exhaust on this prototype/mule/test truck clearly exit straight out the back, with tips at each corner on the rear bumper. So what can be made of this? New exhaust often means a new engine offering, so is this some sort of Raptor special edition? Perhaps this test truck points to a "farewell" Raptor variant to be sold alongside the new, ’15 F-150. The current F-150 will reportedly be sold alongside the ’15 F-series as production of the new truck ramps-up, so a mix of old and new models already appears to be in the cards for at least six months. No enthusiast would blame Ford if they kept the Raptor around for an even longer overlap—especially one that has been even further massaged for greater off-road and performance awesomeness.

An even more compelling thought comes to mind. Is there any chance that this test truck is a mule for a next-generation Raptor built from the bones of the all-new, ’15 F-150? There are no obvious body modifications to strengthen the case for a next-gen Raptor mule just yet, but those matte black body panels are, at least, more than a little curious.

This Raptor test truck is running around with a rather sketchy exterior look, and an all-new exhaust set-up, suggesting that some changes are in the works. The blue-topped, Fox Racing shock absorbers can be seen peeking above the tires within the rear wheel wells, further confirming that Raptor-spec goods truly reside underneath. So what else is in the makeup of this test truck?

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography caught this mysterious Ford Raptor sporting a new dual, rear-exhaust set up, and a curious collection of matte front and rear fenders and a matte black hood. The test truck has the look of a mule. But if it is a mule, a mule for what, exactly?

The current Raptor has side-exit exhaust tips that poke out behind the passenger-side rear wheel. The dual exhaust on this prototype/mule/test truck clearly exit straight out the back, with tips at each corner on the rear bumper. So what can be made of this? New exhaust often means a new engine offering, so is this some sort of Raptor special edition? Perhaps this test truck points to a "farewell" Raptor variant to be sold alongside the new, ’15 F-150. The current F-150 will reportedly be sold alongside the ’15 F-series as production of the new truck ramps-up, so a mix of old and new models already appears to be in the cards for at least six months. No enthusiast would blame Ford if they kept the Raptor around for an even longer overlap—especially one that has been even further massaged for greater off-road and performance awesomeness.

An even more compelling thought comes to mind. Is there any chance that this test truck is a mule for a next-generation Raptor built from the bones of the all-new, ’15 F-150? There are no obvious body modifications to strengthen the case for a next-gen Raptor mule just yet, but those matte black body panels are, at least, more than a little curious.

This Raptor test truck is running around with a rather sketchy exterior look, and an all-new exhaust set-up, suggesting that some changes are in the works. The blue-topped, Fox Racing shock absorbers can be seen peeking above the tires within the rear wheel wells, further confirming that Raptor-spec goods truly reside underneath. So what else is in the makeup of this test truck?

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	After the Eastern Series wraps up this weekend, East meets the West at the Grand Nationals in Cortez, Colorado, September 28–29.

W.E. Rock Professional Rock Crawling Eastern Series to Wrap Up in Tennessee August 9–10
When the final round of W.E. Rock Trail-Gear Western Pro Rock Crawling started in Goldendale, Washington, last week, three ProMod drivers were tied for first place. The Eastern Series wraps up in Dayton, Tennessee, August 9–10, then the East meets the West at the Grand Nationals in Cortez, Colorado, September 28–29.

The winner of the Pro Mod class was Jason Feuilly and Cody Folsom—the only ones to finish every obstacle over the course of the weekend. The three teams that had been tied for first at the start of the weekend were drivers Aaron Sykes, Jared Neff and Jesse Haines, who finished second, third and fourth respectively, giving Sykes the National Series win. Shawn McNearney took fifth and Mike Stokes finished sixth.

When all eight courses and the shootout were complete, it was Justin and Mark Hall who were on top of the podium. They had swept the Unlimited Class all season, making the father-and-son team the National Series winner. Matt Messer and John Gabriel finished second, Todd Young and Tate Elquist challenged them for third and Randy and Tyler Southall finished fourth.

Nathan Osburn and Ben Carlson led all weekend and took home the win in the Sportsman class. James Treacy took second, Wayne Mortensen third, Tory Trinka fourth, Alan Phenis fifth, Richard Crist sixth and Clark Williamson finished seventh.

Jeremy Eaton and Kraig Williams took home the win in the Stock Sportsman class, followed by Larry Smith. Karl Vanpetten finished one point behind in third, Rob Flandro finished fourth and Cody Gabriel finished fifth. Terry Jones took sixth, Gerald Gaines seventh, James Jacobson eighth and Shane Lemm in ninth.

World of Speed Plans Motorsports Exposition in Oregon
World of Speed—a nonprofit experiential motorsports exposition—has purchased an 80,000 sq.-ft. building in Wilsonville, Oregon, as the permanent home for an auto racing and performance car tourism destination and an auto industry educational program. World of Speed plans to occupy the former location of Town and Country Jeep Dodge in Wilsonville, which will be organized to accommodate more than 100 vehicles, a workshop area, and space to accommodate educational activities. Melvin Mark Brokerage Co. represented World of Speed in its purchase of the building.

World of Speed's collection is comprised of race and performance cars from various venues, including NASCAR, land-speed racing, drag racing, open wheel, sports cars and motorcycles. The collection includes classic American musclecars as well as race cars with a Pacific Northwest connection.

Through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, World of Speed will offer visitors a behind-the-scenes view of the world of racing. Recently, Ford Motor Company donated a Mustang that will be reconfigured into a hands-on display to showcase how a car is constructed, what materials are used and how materials are recycled. A real Indy car will function as a simulator for fans of all ages, while a car formerly raced by Danica Patrick should appeal to female visitors. Several historic race cars are in the collection, including Mickey Thompson's famous record-breaking Assault, Herm Petersen's Northwest Terror and the Gaines Markley/Rob Bruins National Hot Rod Association Top Fuel Championship Car from 1979. World of Speed is also undertaking restoration responsibilities for any need that arises.

Plans for redevelopment are underway. The World of Speed is expected to open in the fall of 2014.

	Sleepy Tripp in the #67 car racing against Tommy Astone at the 1987 Turkey Night Grand Prix at Ascot. Photo credit: Scott Daloisio

Sleepy Tripp Named Grand Marshal of the Turkey Night Grand Prix at Perris Auto Speedway
Perris Auto Speedway promoter Don Kazarian and JC Agajanian Jr. of Agajanian Promotions have announced that Midget driver Ron “Sleepy” Tripp, who will turn 60 years old August 13, has been named Grand Marshal of the 73rd Turkey Night Grand Prix. The annual race, which features the Honda USAC National Midget Series, will be back on dirt for the second year in a row at Perris Auto Speedway on Thanksgiving night, November 28.

Tripp was named 1974 Rookie of the Year in the Southern California-based United States Racing Club. He headed for the USAC National Midget tour in 1975 and not only won the Rookie of the Year award in that Indianapolis based series, but also won the championship. He backed that up in 1976 when he won the National Championship again.

Tripp came back to Southern California in the early ’80s and dominated Midget action in the newly formed USAC Western Midget Series. He won more than 250 Midget main events, was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in Wisconsin in 1986, the National Midget Auto Racing Museum Hall of Fame in Kansas in 2000 and the Legends of Ascot in 2004.

Tripp also spent 17 winters racing in New Zealand and Australia.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	After the Eastern Series wraps up this weekend, East meets the West at the Grand Nationals in Cortez, Colorado, September 28–29.

W.E. Rock Professional Rock Crawling Eastern Series to Wrap Up in Tennessee August 9–10
When the final round of W.E. Rock Trail-Gear Western Pro Rock Crawling started in Goldendale, Washington, last week, three ProMod drivers were tied for first place. The Eastern Series wraps up in Dayton, Tennessee, August 9–10, then the East meets the West at the Grand Nationals in Cortez, Colorado, September 28–29.

The winner of the Pro Mod class was Jason Feuilly and Cody Folsom—the only ones to finish every obstacle over the course of the weekend. The three teams that had been tied for first at the start of the weekend were drivers Aaron Sykes, Jared Neff and Jesse Haines, who finished second, third and fourth respectively, giving Sykes the National Series win. Shawn McNearney took fifth and Mike Stokes finished sixth.

When all eight courses and the shootout were complete, it was Justin and Mark Hall who were on top of the podium. They had swept the Unlimited Class all season, making the father-and-son team the National Series winner. Matt Messer and John Gabriel finished second, Todd Young and Tate Elquist challenged them for third and Randy and Tyler Southall finished fourth.

Nathan Osburn and Ben Carlson led all weekend and took home the win in the Sportsman class. James Treacy took second, Wayne Mortensen third, Tory Trinka fourth, Alan Phenis fifth, Richard Crist sixth and Clark Williamson finished seventh.

Jeremy Eaton and Kraig Williams took home the win in the Stock Sportsman class, followed by Larry Smith. Karl Vanpetten finished one point behind in third, Rob Flandro finished fourth and Cody Gabriel finished fifth. Terry Jones took sixth, Gerald Gaines seventh, James Jacobson eighth and Shane Lemm in ninth.

World of Speed Plans Motorsports Exposition in Oregon
World of Speed—a nonprofit experiential motorsports exposition—has purchased an 80,000 sq.-ft. building in Wilsonville, Oregon, as the permanent home for an auto racing and performance car tourism destination and an auto industry educational program. World of Speed plans to occupy the former location of Town and Country Jeep Dodge in Wilsonville, which will be organized to accommodate more than 100 vehicles, a workshop area, and space to accommodate educational activities. Melvin Mark Brokerage Co. represented World of Speed in its purchase of the building.

World of Speed's collection is comprised of race and performance cars from various venues, including NASCAR, land-speed racing, drag racing, open wheel, sports cars and motorcycles. The collection includes classic American musclecars as well as race cars with a Pacific Northwest connection.

Through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, World of Speed will offer visitors a behind-the-scenes view of the world of racing. Recently, Ford Motor Company donated a Mustang that will be reconfigured into a hands-on display to showcase how a car is constructed, what materials are used and how materials are recycled. A real Indy car will function as a simulator for fans of all ages, while a car formerly raced by Danica Patrick should appeal to female visitors. Several historic race cars are in the collection, including Mickey Thompson's famous record-breaking Assault, Herm Petersen's Northwest Terror and the Gaines Markley/Rob Bruins National Hot Rod Association Top Fuel Championship Car from 1979. World of Speed is also undertaking restoration responsibilities for any need that arises.

Plans for redevelopment are underway. The World of Speed is expected to open in the fall of 2014.

	Sleepy Tripp in the #67 car racing against Tommy Astone at the 1987 Turkey Night Grand Prix at Ascot. Photo credit: Scott Daloisio

Sleepy Tripp Named Grand Marshal of the Turkey Night Grand Prix at Perris Auto Speedway
Perris Auto Speedway promoter Don Kazarian and JC Agajanian Jr. of Agajanian Promotions have announced that Midget driver Ron “Sleepy” Tripp, who will turn 60 years old August 13, has been named Grand Marshal of the 73rd Turkey Night Grand Prix. The annual race, which features the Honda USAC National Midget Series, will be back on dirt for the second year in a row at Perris Auto Speedway on Thanksgiving night, November 28.

Tripp was named 1974 Rookie of the Year in the Southern California-based United States Racing Club. He headed for the USAC National Midget tour in 1975 and not only won the Rookie of the Year award in that Indianapolis based series, but also won the championship. He backed that up in 1976 when he won the National Championship again.

Tripp came back to Southern California in the early ’80s and dominated Midget action in the newly formed USAC Western Midget Series. He won more than 250 Midget main events, was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in Wisconsin in 1986, the National Midget Auto Racing Museum Hall of Fame in Kansas in 2000 and the Legends of Ascot in 2004.

Tripp also spent 17 winters racing in New Zealand and Australia.