There are still a few SEMA Show deadlines left.

Most deadlines have passed to receive advance or discounted rates, but it is never too late to order services at the SEMA Show. Please reference all forms on the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual, which will provide a pdf or hyperlinks to the appropriate forms. You can also order services online from Freeman.

October 19		Audio/Visual (Advance Rate) – PRG
October 19		Computer Rental (Advance Rate) – PRG
October 19		Advance Shipments to Freeman Warehouse - Freeman (including New Products and Hanging Signs)

Parking at the SEMA Show—Plan Ahead

The SEMA Show is going to be bigger than ever, with activities and displays taking over much of the parking lots on and around the Las Vegas Convention Center. One particular parking lot, the Gold Lot, will be closed for all parking beginning the week prior to the SEMA Show until Wednesday of the Show due to the Global Rallycross taking place the evening of October 30. Therefore, it is important you plan ahead if you intend to park or stage a vehicle or truck at the SEMA Show. SEMA will continue to offer complimentary shuttle service to more than 30 partner hotels. SEMA and the Las Vegas Convention Center have also secured an additional parking lot nearby for overflow parking, just north on Paradise Road across the street from the Las Vegas Hotel. Complimentary shuttle service also will be provided from that parking lot. Meanwhile, the monorail is a great option for commuting to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Registration for Badges is Still Open

While the deadline may have passed to have your badges mailed in advance to your office, it is not too late to register your staff for their badges. At this point, any registrations made will have badges waiting for you at the Exhibitor Registration onsite location, which this year is located in the meeting rooms behind the Grand Lobby, or more specifically, Room N109. Also note that while the deadline for early-bird attendee registration has passed, complimentary Exhibitor badges are still determined according to your allotment and any badges requested over and above your allotment are $25 each.

SEMA’S Official Housing Bureau Continues to Offer Great Rates to the Show

While many hotels around Las Vegas are filling up quickly, there are a few hotels still offering discounted rates through SEMA’s official housing website. SEMA is also pleased to offer two great options at two incredible and recently upgraded properties downtown at the Golden Nugget and the Plaza Las Vegas. 

• Golden Nugget: As low as $85 per night.
• Plaza Las Vegas: As low as $65 per night.

From a luxurious non-gaming property, to a mega-resort in the heart of the Strip, and a more economical option, there is an option for everyone on the Strip as well. Below are the remaining properties still available on the Strip:

• Circus Circus: As low as $65 per night.
• Planet Hollywood: As low as $150 per night.
• TI: As low as $153 per night.
• Trump: As low as $160 per night.
• Westin Casuarina: As low as $149 per night.

Deadline to Receive Freight at the Advance Warehouse: October 19

Friday, October 19 (tomorrow), is the deadline for freight to arrive in advance. After that date, freight must arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center directly according to a specific schedule. Each exhibitor is assigned a target time, which is the time for your freight to arrive at the SEMA Show. You can find all target times in the bottom left corner of the Exhibitor Manual page on www.SEMAShow.com. Answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding freight delivery and when/how your freight should come to the Las Vegas Convention Center is answered on the informational sheet, which is the last link located on the left column of the Exhibitor Manual. If the time assigned does not work for you, don’t hesitate to contact Ron Pickens at Freeman by e-mail at ron.pickens@freemanco.com. He will use his best efforts to accommodate your requests. 

Bringing a Vehicle to Display at the Show? Understand the Process and Differences for Booth Vehicles and Feature Vehicles Before You Arrive

Vehicles are all around the SEMA Show, and it is oftentimes confusing to understand the differences between booth vehicles and feature vehicles, and when they can be placed. Booth vehicles are those that are located inside an exhibitor’s actual booth. These can be displayed whenever an exhibitor is ready to place it in their booth. There is no specific date or time the vehicle can enter the exhibit hall; it can simply go directly to the nearest freight door and Freeman will help escort the vehicle to the booth at no charge. Feature vehicles are those vehicles sponsored by exhibitors that are placed in and around the convention center property, yet not in an exhibitor’s booth. Placement of feature vehicles is determined according to confirmations previously sent to the exhibitors when applications were submitted for feature vehicles. Most vehicles will be placed Sunday, October 28, from one check-in location in the Green Lot. Each confirmation has a check-in time, and all vehicles must proceed directly to the Green Lot entrance off of Desert Inn Road, just east of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Any questions, e-mail featurevehicle@convexx.com.

Las Vegas Monorail Offers e-Ticket Option for Last-Minute Ticket Purchases

SEMA and the Las Vegas Monorail have partnered once again to provide SEMA Show attendees and exhibitors exclusive advance purchase discounts on monorail tickets. Discounted passes are available only to convention attendees when purchasing online in advance. Single-ride and unlimited-ride day passes are also available. All monorail tickets purchased today up until the Show will be e-mailed with an eTicket barcode, which can be redeemed at the eTicket kiosks located on all monorail stations. Las Vegas Monorail riders can travel to and from the SEMA Show and the Las Vegas Strip in 15 minutes or less, with direct access to the Las Vegas Convention Center and many of the city’s most popular restaurants, shows, shops, casinos and resorts. If you have any questions, contact the Las Vegas Monorail at 702-699-8200 or sales@lvmonorail.com.

Cheap Alternative Offered for Cleaning Your Booth

Looking for a cheap alternative for cleaning your booth on a nightly basis? SEMA has purchased a limited quantity of portable vacuum cleaners that you can purchase from Show Management at a low price of only $65. You can pick them up at the show in the Show Office, and save money each day of the Show by simply vacuuming your booth yourself each night after the Show closes. If interested, contact Tricia Hanisko at 702-216-5865 or by e-mail at thanisko@convexx.com. Quantity is limited so call soon if you are interested.

Are You a U.S. Citizen and Travel Overseas? SEMA Has A New Opportunity to Make Your Traveling Easier

Deadline: October 22

SEMA is proud to partner with the United States Custom & Border Protection to offer onsite interviews for those desiring to join their Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program. Details were posted in last week’s SEMA eNews. You can begin the process by completing the online application. The CBP will contact you after receipt of the application and payment of a $100 processing fee, and will schedule a follow-up interview with you in the Show Office at the SEMA Show. For more information, visit www.globalentry.gov.

	There are still a few SEMA Show deadlines left.

Most deadlines have passed to receive advance or discounted rates, but it is never too late to order services at the SEMA Show. Please reference all forms on the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual, which will provide a pdf or hyperlinks to the appropriate forms. You can also order services online from Freeman.

October 19		Audio/Visual (Advance Rate) – PRG
October 19		Computer Rental (Advance Rate) – PRG
October 19		Advance Shipments to Freeman Warehouse - Freeman (including New Products and Hanging Signs)

Parking at the SEMA Show—Plan Ahead

The SEMA Show is going to be bigger than ever, with activities and displays taking over much of the parking lots on and around the Las Vegas Convention Center. One particular parking lot, the Gold Lot, will be closed for all parking beginning the week prior to the SEMA Show until Wednesday of the Show due to the Global Rallycross taking place the evening of October 30. Therefore, it is important you plan ahead if you intend to park or stage a vehicle or truck at the SEMA Show. SEMA will continue to offer complimentary shuttle service to more than 30 partner hotels. SEMA and the Las Vegas Convention Center have also secured an additional parking lot nearby for overflow parking, just north on Paradise Road across the street from the Las Vegas Hotel. Complimentary shuttle service also will be provided from that parking lot. Meanwhile, the monorail is a great option for commuting to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Registration for Badges is Still Open

While the deadline may have passed to have your badges mailed in advance to your office, it is not too late to register your staff for their badges. At this point, any registrations made will have badges waiting for you at the Exhibitor Registration onsite location, which this year is located in the meeting rooms behind the Grand Lobby, or more specifically, Room N109. Also note that while the deadline for early-bird attendee registration has passed, complimentary Exhibitor badges are still determined according to your allotment and any badges requested over and above your allotment are $25 each.

SEMA’S Official Housing Bureau Continues to Offer Great Rates to the Show

While many hotels around Las Vegas are filling up quickly, there are a few hotels still offering discounted rates through SEMA’s official housing website. SEMA is also pleased to offer two great options at two incredible and recently upgraded properties downtown at the Golden Nugget and the Plaza Las Vegas. 

• Golden Nugget: As low as $85 per night.
• Plaza Las Vegas: As low as $65 per night.

From a luxurious non-gaming property, to a mega-resort in the heart of the Strip, and a more economical option, there is an option for everyone on the Strip as well. Below are the remaining properties still available on the Strip:

• Circus Circus: As low as $65 per night.
• Planet Hollywood: As low as $150 per night.
• TI: As low as $153 per night.
• Trump: As low as $160 per night.
• Westin Casuarina: As low as $149 per night.

Deadline to Receive Freight at the Advance Warehouse: October 19

Friday, October 19 (tomorrow), is the deadline for freight to arrive in advance. After that date, freight must arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center directly according to a specific schedule. Each exhibitor is assigned a target time, which is the time for your freight to arrive at the SEMA Show. You can find all target times in the bottom left corner of the Exhibitor Manual page on www.SEMAShow.com. Answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding freight delivery and when/how your freight should come to the Las Vegas Convention Center is answered on the informational sheet, which is the last link located on the left column of the Exhibitor Manual. If the time assigned does not work for you, don’t hesitate to contact Ron Pickens at Freeman by e-mail at ron.pickens@freemanco.com. He will use his best efforts to accommodate your requests. 

Bringing a Vehicle to Display at the Show? Understand the Process and Differences for Booth Vehicles and Feature Vehicles Before You Arrive

Vehicles are all around the SEMA Show, and it is oftentimes confusing to understand the differences between booth vehicles and feature vehicles, and when they can be placed. Booth vehicles are those that are located inside an exhibitor’s actual booth. These can be displayed whenever an exhibitor is ready to place it in their booth. There is no specific date or time the vehicle can enter the exhibit hall; it can simply go directly to the nearest freight door and Freeman will help escort the vehicle to the booth at no charge. Feature vehicles are those vehicles sponsored by exhibitors that are placed in and around the convention center property, yet not in an exhibitor’s booth. Placement of feature vehicles is determined according to confirmations previously sent to the exhibitors when applications were submitted for feature vehicles. Most vehicles will be placed Sunday, October 28, from one check-in location in the Green Lot. Each confirmation has a check-in time, and all vehicles must proceed directly to the Green Lot entrance off of Desert Inn Road, just east of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Any questions, e-mail featurevehicle@convexx.com.

Las Vegas Monorail Offers e-Ticket Option for Last-Minute Ticket Purchases

SEMA and the Las Vegas Monorail have partnered once again to provide SEMA Show attendees and exhibitors exclusive advance purchase discounts on monorail tickets. Discounted passes are available only to convention attendees when purchasing online in advance. Single-ride and unlimited-ride day passes are also available. All monorail tickets purchased today up until the Show will be e-mailed with an eTicket barcode, which can be redeemed at the eTicket kiosks located on all monorail stations. Las Vegas Monorail riders can travel to and from the SEMA Show and the Las Vegas Strip in 15 minutes or less, with direct access to the Las Vegas Convention Center and many of the city’s most popular restaurants, shows, shops, casinos and resorts. If you have any questions, contact the Las Vegas Monorail at 702-699-8200 or sales@lvmonorail.com.

Cheap Alternative Offered for Cleaning Your Booth

Looking for a cheap alternative for cleaning your booth on a nightly basis? SEMA has purchased a limited quantity of portable vacuum cleaners that you can purchase from Show Management at a low price of only $65. You can pick them up at the show in the Show Office, and save money each day of the Show by simply vacuuming your booth yourself each night after the Show closes. If interested, contact Tricia Hanisko at 702-216-5865 or by e-mail at thanisko@convexx.com. Quantity is limited so call soon if you are interested.

Are You a U.S. Citizen and Travel Overseas? SEMA Has A New Opportunity to Make Your Traveling Easier

Deadline: October 22

SEMA is proud to partner with the United States Custom & Border Protection to offer onsite interviews for those desiring to join their Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program. Details were posted in last week’s SEMA eNews. You can begin the process by completing the online application. The CBP will contact you after receipt of the application and payment of a $100 processing fee, and will schedule a follow-up interview with you in the Show Office at the SEMA Show. For more information, visit www.globalentry.gov.

	Artist rendering of Crush Recovery. Photo: Keg Digital Garage
	Jeep Builder Dave Doetsch with ’12 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4 prior to its transformation as "Crush Recovery." Photo: Dave Doetsch

Dealers, jobbers, installers and other specialty-equipment industry enthusiasts attending the 2012 SEMA Show will be able to learn all about the dynamic Jeep and off-road lifestyle market through the new Off-Road Success Center, presented by OMIX-ADA/Rugged Ridge.

Located within the Truck, SUV & Off-Road section in booth #30147 at the 2012 SEMA Show, the center provides those interested in learning about the off-road market with a place to exchange ideas, learn new concepts for success and network with other like-minded people.

Check out the OMIX-Rugged Ridge video. When prompted, enter the password "sema."

A number of events and seminars will be held in the Off-Road Success Center, located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased.

One such event will be a social-media case study of legendary off-road enthusiast Dave Doetsch, builder of award-winning Jeepzilla and Black Widow, with online marketing expert, William Leake, CEO of Apogee Results. Doetsch will publicly unveil his latest project, "Crush Recovery," at the OMIX-ADA/Rugged Ridge Off-Road Success Center.

	Artist rendering of Crush Recovery. Photo: Keg Digital Garage
	Jeep Builder Dave Doetsch with ’12 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4 prior to its transformation as "Crush Recovery." Photo: Dave Doetsch

Dealers, jobbers, installers and other specialty-equipment industry enthusiasts attending the 2012 SEMA Show will be able to learn all about the dynamic Jeep and off-road lifestyle market through the new Off-Road Success Center, presented by OMIX-ADA/Rugged Ridge.

Located within the Truck, SUV & Off-Road section in booth #30147 at the 2012 SEMA Show, the center provides those interested in learning about the off-road market with a place to exchange ideas, learn new concepts for success and network with other like-minded people.

Check out the OMIX-Rugged Ridge video. When prompted, enter the password "sema."

A number of events and seminars will be held in the Off-Road Success Center, located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased.

One such event will be a social-media case study of legendary off-road enthusiast Dave Doetsch, builder of award-winning Jeepzilla and Black Widow, with online marketing expert, William Leake, CEO of Apogee Results. Doetsch will publicly unveil his latest project, "Crush Recovery," at the OMIX-ADA/Rugged Ridge Off-Road Success Center.

	The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino and The Plaza Hotel & Casino have undergone extensive renovations and have been added to the official block for this year's Show.

While many hotels around Las Vegas are filling up quickly, there are a few hotels still offering discounted rates through SEMA’s official housing website.  

New this year, SEMA has included two of the most luxurious hotels downtown in the official block, which means affordable options and complimentary shuttle transportation provided by SEMA from the hotels to the SEMA Show. Both properties have recently completed extensive renovations and expansions, providing quality hotels at deeply discounted prices.

• Golden Nugget: as low as $85 per night.
• Plaza Hotel: as low as $65 per night.

Meanwhile, on the Strip, SEMA still has rooms available at three different hotels each offering varied options that will fit whatever you prefer. From a luxurious, non-gaming property, to mega-resorts in the heart of the Strip, as well as a more economical option, there is something for everyone. Below are the remaining properties still available on the Strip:

• Circus Circus: As low as $65 per night.
• Planet Hollywood: As low as $150 per night.
• TI: As low as $153 per night.
• Trump: As low as $160 per night.
• Westin Casuarina: As low as $149 per night.

Also note that all rates shown on SEMA’s official housing site include any resort fees that many properties in Las Vegas now charge. When comparing prices, be sure to verify if a particular property charges a resort fee and what the fee may be. While it can significantly increase the final rate one pays, these fees include wireless Internet and fitness center access at most properties.

If you have any questions about booking your hotels for the SEMA Show, don’t hesitate to contact Travel Planners—SEMA’s Official Housing Bureau—at 800-221-3531or e-mail res@tphousing.com.

	The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino and The Plaza Hotel & Casino have undergone extensive renovations and have been added to the official block for this year's Show.

While many hotels around Las Vegas are filling up quickly, there are a few hotels still offering discounted rates through SEMA’s official housing website.  

New this year, SEMA has included two of the most luxurious hotels downtown in the official block, which means affordable options and complimentary shuttle transportation provided by SEMA from the hotels to the SEMA Show. Both properties have recently completed extensive renovations and expansions, providing quality hotels at deeply discounted prices.

• Golden Nugget: as low as $85 per night.
• Plaza Hotel: as low as $65 per night.

Meanwhile, on the Strip, SEMA still has rooms available at three different hotels each offering varied options that will fit whatever you prefer. From a luxurious, non-gaming property, to mega-resorts in the heart of the Strip, as well as a more economical option, there is something for everyone. Below are the remaining properties still available on the Strip:

• Circus Circus: As low as $65 per night.
• Planet Hollywood: As low as $150 per night.
• TI: As low as $153 per night.
• Trump: As low as $160 per night.
• Westin Casuarina: As low as $149 per night.

Also note that all rates shown on SEMA’s official housing site include any resort fees that many properties in Las Vegas now charge. When comparing prices, be sure to verify if a particular property charges a resort fee and what the fee may be. While it can significantly increase the final rate one pays, these fees include wireless Internet and fitness center access at most properties.

If you have any questions about booking your hotels for the SEMA Show, don’t hesitate to contact Travel Planners—SEMA’s Official Housing Bureau—at 800-221-3531or e-mail res@tphousing.com.

The first-ever AppRadio Hackathon presented by Pioneer Electronics at the 2012 SEMA Show will bring creative minds within the app developer community together with the Show's exhibitors.

Pioneer has tasked app developers to work non-stop to create the next big app to work with Pioneer’s AppRadio, an in-dash car stereo that controls compatible apps directly from its touchscreen.

The 69-hour event will span the length of the SEMA Show, beginning Tuesday, October 30, and concluding with an award presentation, Friday, November 2. Developers will work around the clock for a chance to take home more than $50,000 in cash and prizes. First-, second- and third-place winners will be awarded in three app categories, including:

• Social Networking Automotive Apps: Concept for In-Vehicle Social Networking Services (SNS)
• Location-Based Services (LBS) Apps: Concept for Geo-Fenced or Geo-Tagged Automotive Related Services 
• Automotive Accessory Apps: Concept incorporating one or more of SEMA exhibitor’s technology(s), products or services.

Does your company have a product, technology or service that would be enhanced with an app? If you would like a chance to have a developer create an app compatible with both your product and the Pioneer AppRadio, enter now to be a part of the Hackathon.   

If you are an app developer and would like more information and to register to participate in the Hackathon, visit www.pioneerhackathon.com.

The first-ever AppRadio Hackathon presented by Pioneer Electronics at the 2012 SEMA Show will bring creative minds within the app developer community together with the Show's exhibitors.

Pioneer has tasked app developers to work non-stop to create the next big app to work with Pioneer’s AppRadio, an in-dash car stereo that controls compatible apps directly from its touchscreen.

The 69-hour event will span the length of the SEMA Show, beginning Tuesday, October 30, and concluding with an award presentation, Friday, November 2. Developers will work around the clock for a chance to take home more than $50,000 in cash and prizes. First-, second- and third-place winners will be awarded in three app categories, including:

• Social Networking Automotive Apps: Concept for In-Vehicle Social Networking Services (SNS)
• Location-Based Services (LBS) Apps: Concept for Geo-Fenced or Geo-Tagged Automotive Related Services 
• Automotive Accessory Apps: Concept incorporating one or more of SEMA exhibitor’s technology(s), products or services.

Does your company have a product, technology or service that would be enhanced with an app? If you would like a chance to have a developer create an app compatible with both your product and the Pioneer AppRadio, enter now to be a part of the Hackathon.   

If you are an app developer and would like more information and to register to participate in the Hackathon, visit www.pioneerhackathon.com.

	Paul Brown

Pirelli World Challenge Champion Paul Brown Succumbs to Cancer
Champion race-car driver Paul Brown of Covina, California, passed away last Saturday morning after battling cancer. He was 43.

Highlighted by the 2011 Pirelli World Challenge GTS Drivers’ Championship, Brown started his racing career in 1992 in SCCA Club Racing. He made his first SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge start in 1993 at Des Moines, and would run another 41 races through the 2000 season before taking a hiatus from the series. After a handful of starts in 2008–2009, Brown returned for a full slate in with his Tiger Racing/Paul Brown Racing Ford Mustang Boss 302S in 2011.

At the season-opening round at St. Petersburg, Brown earned his first-career pole position and followed that with a win at Long Beach. Brown would win four more times in 2011 en route to a dominating Drivers’ Championship.

Following the season, Brown was diagnosed with an aggressive melanoma and began undergoing treatment. The team signed Justin Bell to drive the No. 50 Mustang for 2012 in Brown’s absence. With Bell unable to attend the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (Mosport) event in June due to a scheduling conflict, Brown returned to the driver’s seat for what would turn out to be the final time. Battling side effects from the cancer treatment, Brown raced to a pair of top-10 finishes, highlighted by a fourth-place run on Saturday.

Brown married fellow World Challenge driver Carol Hollfelder in 2005. The couple each came from a racing family. Brown’s father is renowned Mustang tuner Kenny Brown, and Hollfelder’s father, Tom, has been a fixture in North American vintage racing scene for many years and also previously competed in World Challenge. Outside of the driver’s seat, Brown managed the shop at Tiger Racing.

Service arrangements are not yet available.

	Justin Pawlak, piloting the Falken Tire Ford Mustang, qualified second at the Formula Drift season finale.

Team Falken Takes a Pair of Silvers
The Formula Drift season finale “Title Fight” held in Southern California’s “House of Drift,” Irwindale Speedway, saw Team Falken’s Vaughn Gittin Jr., yield to second place in this year’s Driver’s Championship, while teammate Justin Pawlak, also a contender for the overall win, earned second place in the night’s final round, losing to the 2012 champion, Daigo Saito.

Pawlak, piloting the Falken Tire Ford Mustang, qualified second, while Gittin Jr., was in ninth, with teammates Daijiro Yoshihara in 17th and Darren McNamara in 30th. Both Gittin Jr., and Pawlak advanced to the Top 16. However, after a lengthy “half-time,” Gittin Jr., was defeated by Pat Mordaunt while Pawlak advanced after defeating Ryan Tuerck. Competitor Saito took the win in the final round. Pawlak ended up in fourth in the 2012 Driver Championship while Defending Formula D Champion “Dai” Yoshihara finished in seventh.

Hotchkis Sport Suspension's new Scion FR-S project car clocked the quickest time of the day at 86Fest.

Hotchkis Clocks Fastest Time at 86Fest Autocross
At the famed Auto Club Speedway, Hotchkis Sport Suspension's new Scion FR-S project car clocked the quickest time of the day. 86Fest brought Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ owners together with fans of the original “AE86” Toyota Corolla (the new cars’ spiritual predecessor) for a car show and autocross competition. Team Hotchkis joined in on the festivities and competed in the autocross competition with its own FR-S project vehicle.



Driven by Hotchkis Chief Engineer Aaron Ogawa, the Hotchkis FR-S repeatedly produced quicker lap times that were seconds ahead of any FR-S or BRZ. According to Hotchkis, while the average FR-S/BRZ on stock tires could trip the lights at around 42 seconds, the more modified cars could do it in 38 to 40 seconds. The Hotchkis FR-S, however, was consistently completing laps in the 36-second range and set a best time of 35.58 seconds.



The car’s handling advantage stems from a combination of the new Hotchkis Sport Suspension package, which includes sport coil springs, front and rear adjustable sport sway bars with upgraded end links, front sport caster/camber plates and the front sport strut tower brace. For additional speed, the Hotchkis FR-S is also equipped with a PST carbon-fiber driveshaft, Magnaflow Exhaust and a Takeda cold air intake.



The Hotchkis FR-S and a complete Hotchkis Sport Suspension system will be on display in Hotchkis booth #21261 at the upcoming 2012 SEMA Show.

	Paul Brown

Pirelli World Challenge Champion Paul Brown Succumbs to Cancer
Champion race-car driver Paul Brown of Covina, California, passed away last Saturday morning after battling cancer. He was 43.

Highlighted by the 2011 Pirelli World Challenge GTS Drivers’ Championship, Brown started his racing career in 1992 in SCCA Club Racing. He made his first SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge start in 1993 at Des Moines, and would run another 41 races through the 2000 season before taking a hiatus from the series. After a handful of starts in 2008–2009, Brown returned for a full slate in with his Tiger Racing/Paul Brown Racing Ford Mustang Boss 302S in 2011.

At the season-opening round at St. Petersburg, Brown earned his first-career pole position and followed that with a win at Long Beach. Brown would win four more times in 2011 en route to a dominating Drivers’ Championship.

Following the season, Brown was diagnosed with an aggressive melanoma and began undergoing treatment. The team signed Justin Bell to drive the No. 50 Mustang for 2012 in Brown’s absence. With Bell unable to attend the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (Mosport) event in June due to a scheduling conflict, Brown returned to the driver’s seat for what would turn out to be the final time. Battling side effects from the cancer treatment, Brown raced to a pair of top-10 finishes, highlighted by a fourth-place run on Saturday.

Brown married fellow World Challenge driver Carol Hollfelder in 2005. The couple each came from a racing family. Brown’s father is renowned Mustang tuner Kenny Brown, and Hollfelder’s father, Tom, has been a fixture in North American vintage racing scene for many years and also previously competed in World Challenge. Outside of the driver’s seat, Brown managed the shop at Tiger Racing.

Service arrangements are not yet available.

	Justin Pawlak, piloting the Falken Tire Ford Mustang, qualified second at the Formula Drift season finale.

Team Falken Takes a Pair of Silvers
The Formula Drift season finale “Title Fight” held in Southern California’s “House of Drift,” Irwindale Speedway, saw Team Falken’s Vaughn Gittin Jr., yield to second place in this year’s Driver’s Championship, while teammate Justin Pawlak, also a contender for the overall win, earned second place in the night’s final round, losing to the 2012 champion, Daigo Saito.

Pawlak, piloting the Falken Tire Ford Mustang, qualified second, while Gittin Jr., was in ninth, with teammates Daijiro Yoshihara in 17th and Darren McNamara in 30th. Both Gittin Jr., and Pawlak advanced to the Top 16. However, after a lengthy “half-time,” Gittin Jr., was defeated by Pat Mordaunt while Pawlak advanced after defeating Ryan Tuerck. Competitor Saito took the win in the final round. Pawlak ended up in fourth in the 2012 Driver Championship while Defending Formula D Champion “Dai” Yoshihara finished in seventh.

Hotchkis Sport Suspension's new Scion FR-S project car clocked the quickest time of the day at 86Fest.

Hotchkis Clocks Fastest Time at 86Fest Autocross
At the famed Auto Club Speedway, Hotchkis Sport Suspension's new Scion FR-S project car clocked the quickest time of the day. 86Fest brought Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ owners together with fans of the original “AE86” Toyota Corolla (the new cars’ spiritual predecessor) for a car show and autocross competition. Team Hotchkis joined in on the festivities and competed in the autocross competition with its own FR-S project vehicle.



Driven by Hotchkis Chief Engineer Aaron Ogawa, the Hotchkis FR-S repeatedly produced quicker lap times that were seconds ahead of any FR-S or BRZ. According to Hotchkis, while the average FR-S/BRZ on stock tires could trip the lights at around 42 seconds, the more modified cars could do it in 38 to 40 seconds. The Hotchkis FR-S, however, was consistently completing laps in the 36-second range and set a best time of 35.58 seconds.



The car’s handling advantage stems from a combination of the new Hotchkis Sport Suspension package, which includes sport coil springs, front and rear adjustable sport sway bars with upgraded end links, front sport caster/camber plates and the front sport strut tower brace. For additional speed, the Hotchkis FR-S is also equipped with a PST carbon-fiber driveshaft, Magnaflow Exhaust and a Takeda cold air intake.



The Hotchkis FR-S and a complete Hotchkis Sport Suspension system will be on display in Hotchkis booth #21261 at the upcoming 2012 SEMA Show.