By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation that originally prohibited the sale and distribution of corn-based ethanol if at least two other New England states pass a similar prohibition was amended and approved by the Maine Legislature. Under the amendment, 10 other states or a number of states with a collective population of 30,000,000 would have to pass the prohibition before the Maine law could go into effect. LD 115 will now be sent to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation that originally prohibited the sale and distribution of corn-based ethanol if at least two other New England states pass a similar prohibition was amended and approved by the Maine Legislature. Under the amendment, 10 other states or a number of states with a collective population of 30,000,000 would have to pass the prohibition before the Maine law could go into effect. LD 115 will now be sent to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA News Staff
Photos courtesy of General Motors

	At 74 hp per liter, the ’14 Corvette Stingray LT1 has greater power density than the C6 Corvette’s LS3 6.2L engine and even the C6 Z06’s racing-derived 7.0L LS7.
	The ’14 Corvette Stingray’s all-new LT1 6.2L V8 engine is SAE-certified at 460 hp at 6,000 rpm and 465 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm, with the available performance exhaust system.

The ’14 Corvette Stingray’s all-new LT1 6.2L V8 engine is SAE-certified at 460 hp at 6,000 rpm and 465 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm, with the available performance exhaust system, Chevrolet announced Tuesday.

The Stingray is SAE-certified at 455 hp and 460 lb.-ft. with the standard exhaust system. They are the highest standard power ratings ever for the Corvette, delivered with efficiency that is expected to exceed 26 mpg on the highway.

Chevrolet estimates the Corvette will run from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds.

“The ’14 Corvette Stingray’s LT1 engine is a triumph of advanced technology, delivering more power and torque than ever before with greater efficiency,” said Jordan Lee, small-block chief engineer.

“The LT1’s performance complements the Corvette’s low mass with a tremendous feeling of power that builds as the rpm climbs. Drivers will experience more power and acceleration than ever before with the standard engine—in fact, its power and torque surpass many uplevel engines offered by competitors.”

At 74 hp per liter, the LT1 has greater power density than the C6 Corvette’s LS3 6.2L engine and even the C6 Z06’s racing-derived 7.0L LS7. It also produces comparable torque to the LS7—up to 4,700 rpm—and its peak torque is within 5 lb.-ft. of the 7.0L engine. That torque is generated early and sustained across the rpm band, with 316 lb.-ft. available at only 1,000 rpm and 90% of peak torque available from 3,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm.

The new LT1 engine’s high output, and high-power density and efficiency are due to several advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing, which support an advanced combustion system.

The ’14 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale this fall, with a convertible following by the end of the year—each sharing an all-new aluminum frame structure and enhanced chassis, as well as completely new exterior and interior designs.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Speed Energy and Summit Racing's Bigfoot racing team at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Bigfoot Returns to St. Louis for Stadium Super Trucks
For the first time in almost 15 years, Team Bigfoot is returning to the Edward Jones dome in downtown St. Louis to defend their hometown turf as part of the Robby Gordon/Speed Energy Stadium Super Trucks event, Saturday, June 8. Bigfoot driver and world-record holder Dan Runte in the Summit Racing Equipment Bigfoot #18 will join forces with teammate Larry Swim in the Speed Energy Bigfoot #19 to defend the team's home territory against the competition in the dome.

Diesel Motorsports Announces 2013 National Drag Racing Schedule
The National Association of Diesel Motorsports (NADM) and product sponsor Champion Blue Flame Motor Oil have released their 2013 national event schedule for diesel drag-racing and sled-pulling competition.

Competitors in 10 classes chased points toward a year-end prize and the title of World Champion at the NMCA West Coast Shootout in Pomona.

NMCA West Coast Shootout in Pomona Winners Announced
Results are in for the Flowmaster NMCA WEST racing series at Auto Club Raceway of Pomona in Pomona, California, May 16–19. The third annual JE Pistons NMCA WEST Coast Shootout, presented by Lucas Oil, was the second of four races where drivers earned championship points.

Competitors in 10 classes, including the six-second 240-mph Garrett Turbo Pro Street cars, chased points toward a year-end prize and the title of World Champion. Event champions took home a Wally trophy.

The complete list of winners is available on the NMCA website.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Speed Energy and Summit Racing's Bigfoot racing team at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Bigfoot Returns to St. Louis for Stadium Super Trucks
For the first time in almost 15 years, Team Bigfoot is returning to the Edward Jones dome in downtown St. Louis to defend their hometown turf as part of the Robby Gordon/Speed Energy Stadium Super Trucks event, Saturday, June 8. Bigfoot driver and world-record holder Dan Runte in the Summit Racing Equipment Bigfoot #18 will join forces with teammate Larry Swim in the Speed Energy Bigfoot #19 to defend the team's home territory against the competition in the dome.

Diesel Motorsports Announces 2013 National Drag Racing Schedule
The National Association of Diesel Motorsports (NADM) and product sponsor Champion Blue Flame Motor Oil have released their 2013 national event schedule for diesel drag-racing and sled-pulling competition.

Competitors in 10 classes chased points toward a year-end prize and the title of World Champion at the NMCA West Coast Shootout in Pomona.

NMCA West Coast Shootout in Pomona Winners Announced
Results are in for the Flowmaster NMCA WEST racing series at Auto Club Raceway of Pomona in Pomona, California, May 16–19. The third annual JE Pistons NMCA WEST Coast Shootout, presented by Lucas Oil, was the second of four races where drivers earned championship points.

Competitors in 10 classes, including the six-second 240-mph Garrett Turbo Pro Street cars, chased points toward a year-end prize and the title of World Champion. Event champions took home a Wally trophy.

The complete list of winners is available on the NMCA website.

By Della Domingo

	Travel Planners includes this seal on all e-mail communications with SEMA exhibitors and attendees, as well as on their website. If you do not see this seal on a website or e-mail that promotes hotel rooms for the SEMA Show, it is not an official SEMA provider.

SEMA Showgoers can obtain reliable, low-cost hotel rooms from Travel Planners—the official housing partner for the 2013 SEMA Show. Reservations made online offer discounts at dozens of hotels, with rates as low as $56 per night, and many more properties have agreed to waive the standard “resort fees” currently implemented throughout the city.

“We want to give SEMA Show attendees the confidence that when booking their travel plans, they are ensured low rates and a high level of personal service from a dependable partner to help make their trip to the SEMA Show easy and affordable,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Showgoers should be aware that there are other travel providers that often misrepresent their rates and ultimately leave people paying more, or in some cases, without a reservation at all.”

SEMA began partnering with Travel Planners in 2011 to provide Showgoers with guaranteed low rates on dozens of hotel rooms in Las Vegas during the week of the SEMA Show. The 33-year-old company works with the hotels to identify guests as SEMA Showgoers, so they are informed about Show-related programs, such as free shuttles. Other benefits of booking through Travel Planners include:

• No service fees charged.
• Ability to update or cancel reservations up to three days prior to the event without any fees or penalties.
• Immediate confirmations upon making reservations.
• On-site assistance from Travel Planners staff at the SEMA Show.

By Della Domingo

	Travel Planners includes this seal on all e-mail communications with SEMA exhibitors and attendees, as well as on their website. If you do not see this seal on a website or e-mail that promotes hotel rooms for the SEMA Show, it is not an official SEMA provider.

SEMA Showgoers can obtain reliable, low-cost hotel rooms from Travel Planners—the official housing partner for the 2013 SEMA Show. Reservations made online offer discounts at dozens of hotels, with rates as low as $56 per night, and many more properties have agreed to waive the standard “resort fees” currently implemented throughout the city.

“We want to give SEMA Show attendees the confidence that when booking their travel plans, they are ensured low rates and a high level of personal service from a dependable partner to help make their trip to the SEMA Show easy and affordable,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Showgoers should be aware that there are other travel providers that often misrepresent their rates and ultimately leave people paying more, or in some cases, without a reservation at all.”

SEMA began partnering with Travel Planners in 2011 to provide Showgoers with guaranteed low rates on dozens of hotel rooms in Las Vegas during the week of the SEMA Show. The 33-year-old company works with the hotels to identify guests as SEMA Showgoers, so they are informed about Show-related programs, such as free shuttles. Other benefits of booking through Travel Planners include:

• No service fees charged.
• Ability to update or cancel reservations up to three days prior to the event without any fees or penalties.
• Immediate confirmations upon making reservations.
• On-site assistance from Travel Planners staff at the SEMA Show.

Compiled by Jason Catullo

New Web Series Celebrates America's Classic Roads and Vehicles
A new web series produced by American Collectors Insurance, "American Detours," highlights some of the most scenic roads and favorite detours across America while behind the wheel of some of the most classic American rides available. During the show's most recently added third episode, "American Detours" hosts cruise around Pennsylvania's Brandywine Valley in a head-turning ’68 Shelby Cobra. The vehicles planned for upcoming episodes are a '65 MGB Roadster and a '70 Plymouth Road Runner. 

	Through a new partnership with WyoTech, driver Sarah Burgess of BMI Racing will speak to new and returning students during orientation about her career and about working hard to achieve goals at WyoTech campuses in Laramie, Wyoming, and Blairsville, Pennsylvania.

Sarah Burgess, BMI Racing and WyoTech Form Partnership
Sarah Burgess and BMI Racing formed a partnership with WyoTech, a technical school that offers training in the automotive, diesel, collision/refinishing, motorcycle, marine and contraction trades. WyoTech is the title sponsor of the ’13 Ford Mustang for the Xtreme Drift Circuit and Hot Import Nights this year in which Burgess will compete. In addition, Burgess will head to WyoTech campuses in Laramie, Wyoming, and Blairsville, Pennsylvania, during orientation and speak to new and returning students about her career and about working hard to achieve goals. 

University of the Aftermarket Foundation Funds $110,000 of Scholarships, Grants
The University of the Aftermarket Foundation has supplied $110,000 toward the scholarships and grants located on the Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship Central website, www.automotivescholarships.com. The donation, which is double the support the foundation has provided in the past, will be used to help aspiring students take the first step into the aftermarket by funding vocational school and university scholarships. In addition, matching grants will be funded for young technicians who have worked in the industry for at least six months.

Hastings Manufacturing Co. named Marion Holt to its global sales and business development team as vice president of business development.

Hastings Manufacturing Names Marion Holt Vice President of Business Development
Hastings Manufacturing Co. announced that the company added Marion Holt to its global sales and business development team. Holt was named vice president of business development and will report to Bob Kollar, president and CEO. In this capacity, Holt will be responsible for complete management of the company's sales and marketing in the U.S., Canadian and Australian aftermarkets. Holt brings more than 30 years of sales, marketing and management experience to Hastings. He most recently served as vice president of sales for Melling Engine Parts. Holt has also served as program chair and on the board of directors for the Production Engine Remanufacturers Association (PERA).

Holley to Celebrate 110 Years During Hot Rod Power Tour
Holley Performance Products has announced its participation in the 2013 Hot Rod Power Tour, which includes Holley's display trailer set up at every stop. The Holley-sponsored checkpoint at Birmingham, Alabama, Wednesday, June 25, will include the celebration of the company's 110th anniversary of business. The celebration will include an autocross, sponsored by Holley and Mothers Polish, in the parking lot of the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium where drivers can test their skills. Holley will officially kick-off its birthday celebration with cake for attendees (while it lasts) at its display trailer from 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.  

	The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge will be held for the first time ever at a Goodguys' event during the upcoming Goodguys 20th Summer Get-Together.

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge Featured at Goodguys' Event
The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge will be held for the first time ever at a Goodguys' event during the upcoming Goodguys 20th Summer Get-Together presented by Specialty Sales at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California. The Engine Challenge is a timed competition between two, six-man high school teams to see which one can tear down and rebuild a V8 Chevrolet engine the fastest using only hand tools. Joining the mechanical mayhem will be live music from the Diablo Valley College “Rhythm, Rock & Blues Review.” The live stage performance features 25 bands comprised of music students from Concord’s well-known Junior College. Various genres are represented, including rock, jazz, Motown, doo wop, country western and more. The bands will play live from 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 1.

Ringbrothers Selects Kahn Media for PR Outreach
Ringbrothers LLC has selected Kahn Media to handle the company's public relations, media outreach, strategic communications and social media marketing. Specifically, Kahn Media will work with Ringbrothers to promote new vehicle debuts and product announcements, ramp up the company’s social media presence and publicize its accessories and exterior-styling components. “Promoting our products to the right audience is crucial to the success of our company,” said co-owner Mike Ring. “We spend thousands of hours making sure every line, gap and panel is perfect on our halo cars and every component we manufacture works flawlessly, but communicating that attention to detail can be a challenge. Between its reputation as an automotive PR agency and cross-promotional opportunities with other Kahn Media clients that are also our sponsors, we think this is a great fit.”

By SEMA Editors

Companies that have implemented promotional credit programs can gain significant advantages over their competitors. Just like major retailers, automotive specialty-equipment businesses with financing available enjoy benefits that contribute to company profits and long-term success.

One of the major benefits of a credit program that members can leverage is the relationship-building aspect of providing consumer financing. GE Capital Retail Bank Payment Solutions reports that establishing long-term relationships with customers is among their clients' highest priorities. A credit program is highly recommended as a tool to building bonds and establishing trust. Here's how:

• GE Capital Retail Bank's CarCareONE will help customers afford the accessories and repairs that they want and need, even if they are low on cash.

• CarCareONE-qualified customers can receive six-months deferred interest on purchases of $299 or more. Customers can use GE Capital Retail Bank's money interest-free, if they pay off the balance within six months.

• Customers who are approved for the financing program have an open line of credit to use again and again at the store. They can come in anytime for parts, services and repairs and receive the same six-month deferred-interest offer on purchases of $299 or more.

CarCareONE helps businesses help their customers get what they need, while strengthening their rapport as a trusted business that helps make automotive parts and services more affordable. It's a valuable tool that benefits the business and its customers.

Companies that don't currently offer a financing program are encouraged to contact the GE Capital Retail Bank National Sales Team at 866-209-4457 and find out how better relationships are built using consumer financing. 

By Monika Earle

YEN's first-ever “SEMA Launch Pad” contest offers executive-level innovators under the age of 40 an industry platform to showcase their business plan for marketing a new automotive product or service.

The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) is seeking the industry’s brightest and most promising young entrepreneurs to compete in the first-ever “SEMA Launch Pad” competition.

The competition, which culminates at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, offers executive-level innovators under the age of 40 a platform to showcase their business plans for marketing new automotive products or services.

“Our industry is made up of innovative visionaries,” said Bryan Harrison, SEMA Launch Pad project manager. “Through the SEMA Launch Pad, we’re hoping to discover new leaders who will pave the way to the future. We’re looking for folks to follow in the steps of the pioneers who started our industry nearly 50 years ago.”

Open to leading executives (president, CEO or owner) who are YEN members, the competition begins with an online application that requires applicants to submit a short video detailing the company’s functioning prototype/concept or product/service available for sale. Ten candidates will be selected to continue to the next round, at which time, Facebook fans will have an opportunity to narrow the candidates down to five.

The top five candidates will then compete at a live event held at the 2013 SEMA Show, where they will make a business pitch to industry juggernauts that compose the judging panel. The winner will receive a booth at the 2014 SEMA Show, an ad in Hot Rod magazine or 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine, a Family Events sponsorship, web design, graphic design, PR consultation packages and much more.

For complete details or to apply, visit www.SEMA.org/launch-pad or contact Harrison at bryanh@SEMA.org, or 909-978-6691.