For the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge, the NHRA's Alexis DeJoria is taking a stock Toyota Tundra full-size pickup and turning it into a fully race-ready desert racer she’s christened the “Tundra Prerunner.” The truck will debut October 30, at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. A win by DeJoria will benefit Safety Harbor Kids.

Alexis DeJoria—one of only two women ever to win an NHRA Alcohol Funny Car race—is now the only woman in a different kind of competitive event—the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge. DeJoria—one of four famous drivers aiming to win the vehicle-modification build competition—is taking a stock Toyota Tundra full-size pickup and turning it into a fully race-ready desert racer she’s christened the “Tundra Prerunner.”

Fans will determine by online voting which of the four modified Toyota vehicles will win the challenge, along with $50,000 to the winning driver’s charity of choice.

“We’re going to take a stock truck and make it cooler in every way,” said project lead Andy Peterson of Racer Engineering in San Jacinto, California, where the Tundra is being transformed under DeJoria’s supervision. “We’re going to make it go faster, bigger, louder.”

Racer Engineering is fabricating long A-arms, trailing arms and shocks to achieve 20 in. of wheel travel in front and 24 in. in the rear—enough to tackle virtually any navigable stretch of desert race territory.

DeJoria’s Tundra Prerunner will make its public debut—along with its rivals in the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge—October 30, in the Toyota display at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“I think this is going to be the baddest vehicle at SEMA,” said DeJoria, who drives the Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car for Kalitta Motorsports. Patrón Spirits Co. is owned by DeJoria’s father, John Paul DeJoria, who co-founded the John Paul Mitchell Systems line of professional hair-care products.

DeJoria drag raced successfully in the NHRA Super Gas, Super Comp and Top Alcohol Funny Car series before joining the Toyota team in late 2011. And her project Tundra “is going to be fully caged front to rear, with big tires and wheels—we’re trying to make a statement,” according to Dale Dondel, owner of Racer Engineering.

Meanwhile, DeJoria’s competitors are trying to make statements of their own—NASCAR drivers Clint Bowyer and Kyle Busch, with their “Tekked-Out” Prius and “Rowdy”-edition Camry, respectively, along with the NHRA Top Fuel points leader Antron Brown and his built-for-speed Sequoia.

Each is competing for the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge title and a $50,000 check from Toyota to the driver’s chosen charity. A win by DeJoria will benefit Safety Harbor Kids, whose purpose is to enrich the lives of orphans, foster and homeless children through education.

A 28-episode online reality series has been developed around the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge. Fans can see the progress DeJoria’s team has made in Episode 4. New episodes are uploaded regularly at www.ToyotaRacingDreamBuild.com.

Voting will open October 20 and will continue through October 29. Fans will be able to vote once per day on Facebook, where they can also enter to win prizes, including a Toyota Racing “Dream Trip,” which will be given away to one lucky fan.

The final vehicle builds will be unveiled during a press conference in the Toyota display at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, October 30. Fans will be able to tune in live to watch the entire press conference and see the winner announced in real-time.

	SEMA Chairman of the Board Scooter Brothers (right) meets with John Towle, president of the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) during the recent PWA Conference.

Several SEMA members attended the recent Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. According to PWA, the annual conference is an exclusive opportunity for manufacturers and warehouse distributors of automotive specialty products to meet in a private, business-like environment to discuss sales and marketing opportunities, policies and programs.

The PWA Conference was held at the Arizona Grand Resort, and other events held in conjunction with the conference included a casino night and a series of educational seminars held prior to the opening night cocktail party.

Check out the photos from the conference through the SEMA's page on Facebook.

	Jim Graven, director of membership for the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC), has more than 15 years of experience in the specialty-parts aftermarket, and will play a key role in growing the industry-owned-and-operated data-management solution.

Quality product data management is driving business growth like never before. Stop by SEMA Show booth #20579 for a free demonstration of the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) systems, visit with our technical experts and learn how product data management can grow your business in 2013 and beyond. An industry-owned-and-operated solution, the SDC is here to help by providing expert data-management solutions at the lowest possible cost.

During one-on-one consultations, suppliers will get an overview of the benefits of managing their data process, how to get started with the co-op and view a demonstration of the full featured production system coming in January 2013. Receivers will learn about our industry standards-based approach, how to work with our team to configure custom-designed data exports and tips on how to encourage their suppliers to become part of the co-op.

Join the growing list of suppliers and receivers who have found the SEMA Data Co-op to be the most affordable, state-of-the-art solution in data management! Schedule your meeting time, or drop by booth #20579 and visit with our data experts.

The SEMA Data Co-op is an industry-owned and operated data management solution with a goal of creating the most comprehensive and affordable industry data repository possible, supported by an expert help desk and web-enabled tools. To learn more about the program, visit www.SemaDataCoop.org or contact Jon Wyly at jonw@SemaDataCoop.org or call 888-958-6698.

	Jim Graven, director of membership for the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC), has more than 15 years of experience in the specialty-parts aftermarket, and will play a key role in growing the industry-owned-and-operated data-management solution.

Quality product data management is driving business growth like never before. Stop by SEMA Show booth #20579 for a free demonstration of the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) systems, visit with our technical experts and learn how product data management can grow your business in 2013 and beyond. An industry-owned-and-operated solution, the SDC is here to help by providing expert data-management solutions at the lowest possible cost.

During one-on-one consultations, suppliers will get an overview of the benefits of managing their data process, how to get started with the co-op and view a demonstration of the full featured production system coming in January 2013. Receivers will learn about our industry standards-based approach, how to work with our team to configure custom-designed data exports and tips on how to encourage their suppliers to become part of the co-op.

Join the growing list of suppliers and receivers who have found the SEMA Data Co-op to be the most affordable, state-of-the-art solution in data management! Schedule your meeting time, or drop by booth #20579 and visit with our data experts.

The SEMA Data Co-op is an industry-owned and operated data management solution with a goal of creating the most comprehensive and affordable industry data repository possible, supported by an expert help desk and web-enabled tools. To learn more about the program, visit www.SemaDataCoop.org or contact Jon Wyly at jonw@SemaDataCoop.org or call 888-958-6698.

	Jim Graven, director of membership for the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC), has more than 15 years of experience in the specialty-parts aftermarket, and will play a key role in growing the industry-owned-and-operated data-management solution.

Quality product data management is driving business growth like never before. Stop by SEMA Show booth #20579 for a free demonstration of the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) systems, visit with our technical experts and learn how product data management can grow your business in 2013 and beyond. An industry-owned-and-operated solution, the SDC is here to help by providing expert data-management solutions at the lowest possible cost.

During one-on-one consultations, suppliers will get an overview of the benefits of managing their data process, how to get started with the co-op and view a demonstration of the full featured production system coming in January 2013. Receivers will learn about our industry standards-based approach, how to work with our team to configure custom-designed data exports and tips on how to encourage their suppliers to become part of the co-op.

Join the growing list of suppliers and receivers who have found the SEMA Data Co-op to be the most affordable, state-of-the-art solution in data management! Schedule your meeting time, or drop by booth #20579 and visit with our data experts.

The SEMA Data Co-op is an industry-owned and operated data management solution with a goal of creating the most comprehensive and affordable industry data repository possible, supported by an expert help desk and web-enabled tools. To learn more about the program, visit www.SemaDataCoop.org or contact Jon Wyly at jonw@SemaDataCoop.org or call 888-958-6698.

	WD-40 and Chip Foose are partnering to build a ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty that will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities.

WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will partner again—this time with Source Interlink Media—to build a second truck—’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty—that will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities. The companies also will create new, limited-edition WD-40 Smart Straw cans that feature some of Chip Foose’s classic vehicle designs.

“This year, we’re upping the ante and building two vehicles—one that pays tribute to the WD-40 Company's history, and one that celebrates some of its newer specialty products that help auto pros like me get the job done right,” said Foose. “With the help of some great aftermarket partners and a lot of WD-40 brand products, we’ll be able to build two vehicles that honor those who work hard everyday.”

The second vehicle in this year’s build program is a custom ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty work truck that will include Foose-inspired custom front- and rear-wheel flares, side rockers and a front chin spoiler, among other upgrades. The WD-40 Specialist/SEMA Cares Foose Ford F-350 represents the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. 

Following its debut at the 2012 SEMA Show inside the WD-40 Co. booth, this vehicle will be on the road for 16 months making special appearances, and then auctioned to help fund the SEMA Cares scholarship program.

“After raising a combined $400,000 for SEMA Cares with our last three project vehicle builds, we expect these trucks to turn a lot of heads and continue to help a great cause,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Co. “Working with Chip, who’s an expert in his trade and has been using our products his whole life, is a great fit and we look forward to showcasing more of his designs on some limited-edition cans this fall.”

The partnership with Foose is part of an integrated marketing campaign designed to educate automotive professionals and enthusiasts about how to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product and the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. Build partners include: Street Scene Equipment, Magnaflow, Pro Comp, Takit, Husky Liners, LEER Accessories, BASF Paint, L&G Enterprises, Polk Audio, Audio Innovations and Katzkin.

WD-40 Co. also is collaborating with Source Interlink Media to help get the word out about the charity truck builds. For more information on the trucks and the collectible cans, visit WD40.com/Foose.

	WD-40 and Chip Foose are partnering to build a ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty that will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities.

WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will partner again—this time with Source Interlink Media—to build a second truck—’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty—that will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities. The companies also will create new, limited-edition WD-40 Smart Straw cans that feature some of Chip Foose’s classic vehicle designs.

“This year, we’re upping the ante and building two vehicles—one that pays tribute to the WD-40 Company's history, and one that celebrates some of its newer specialty products that help auto pros like me get the job done right,” said Foose. “With the help of some great aftermarket partners and a lot of WD-40 brand products, we’ll be able to build two vehicles that honor those who work hard everyday.”

The second vehicle in this year’s build program is a custom ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty work truck that will include Foose-inspired custom front- and rear-wheel flares, side rockers and a front chin spoiler, among other upgrades. The WD-40 Specialist/SEMA Cares Foose Ford F-350 represents the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. 

Following its debut at the 2012 SEMA Show inside the WD-40 Co. booth, this vehicle will be on the road for 16 months making special appearances, and then auctioned to help fund the SEMA Cares scholarship program.

“After raising a combined $400,000 for SEMA Cares with our last three project vehicle builds, we expect these trucks to turn a lot of heads and continue to help a great cause,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Co. “Working with Chip, who’s an expert in his trade and has been using our products his whole life, is a great fit and we look forward to showcasing more of his designs on some limited-edition cans this fall.”

The partnership with Foose is part of an integrated marketing campaign designed to educate automotive professionals and enthusiasts about how to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product and the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. Build partners include: Street Scene Equipment, Magnaflow, Pro Comp, Takit, Husky Liners, LEER Accessories, BASF Paint, L&G Enterprises, Polk Audio, Audio Innovations and Katzkin.

WD-40 Co. also is collaborating with Source Interlink Media to help get the word out about the charity truck builds. For more information on the trucks and the collectible cans, visit WD40.com/Foose.

	WD-40 and Chip Foose are partnering to build a ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty that will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities.

WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will partner again—this time with Source Interlink Media—to build a second truck—’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty—that will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities. The companies also will create new, limited-edition WD-40 Smart Straw cans that feature some of Chip Foose’s classic vehicle designs.

“This year, we’re upping the ante and building two vehicles—one that pays tribute to the WD-40 Company's history, and one that celebrates some of its newer specialty products that help auto pros like me get the job done right,” said Foose. “With the help of some great aftermarket partners and a lot of WD-40 brand products, we’ll be able to build two vehicles that honor those who work hard everyday.”

The second vehicle in this year’s build program is a custom ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty work truck that will include Foose-inspired custom front- and rear-wheel flares, side rockers and a front chin spoiler, among other upgrades. The WD-40 Specialist/SEMA Cares Foose Ford F-350 represents the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. 

Following its debut at the 2012 SEMA Show inside the WD-40 Co. booth, this vehicle will be on the road for 16 months making special appearances, and then auctioned to help fund the SEMA Cares scholarship program.

“After raising a combined $400,000 for SEMA Cares with our last three project vehicle builds, we expect these trucks to turn a lot of heads and continue to help a great cause,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Co. “Working with Chip, who’s an expert in his trade and has been using our products his whole life, is a great fit and we look forward to showcasing more of his designs on some limited-edition cans this fall.”

The partnership with Foose is part of an integrated marketing campaign designed to educate automotive professionals and enthusiasts about how to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product and the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. Build partners include: Street Scene Equipment, Magnaflow, Pro Comp, Takit, Husky Liners, LEER Accessories, BASF Paint, L&G Enterprises, Polk Audio, Audio Innovations and Katzkin.

WD-40 Co. also is collaborating with Source Interlink Media to help get the word out about the charity truck builds. For more information on the trucks and the collectible cans, visit WD40.com/Foose.

To keep up with the featured SEMA council and committee special events conducted at the SEMA Show, several event pages have been created on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Special events held by councils and committees during the week of the SEMA Show include select committee and membership meetings, awards receptions and industry networking events.

Below is a breakdown of the recent Facebook pages created on Facebook for SEMA council and committee special events. 

• SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) Open Meeting and Education Presentations
• 2012 SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Long Range Plan Meeting
• Gear-Up Girl Networking Event 
• 2012 SEMA Show 
• 2012 SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) Industry Reception
• 2012 SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Reception 
• SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Novemberfest Reception
• 2012 SEMA Street Performance Council (SPC) Industry Reception 
• SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Industry Reception
• SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast Powered by the SBN 
• ARMO General Membership Meeting 
• SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) General Membership Breakfast Meeting 
• Cafe SEMA: Get in the Know With a Cup of Joe
• Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Industry Reception
• Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC) Roundtable
• Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC)

LinkedIn: SEMA council and committee special event listings on LinkedIn. 

For more information on the 2012 SEMA Show, including a schedule of SEMA special events, attendee registration, and the exhibitor list and floorplan, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA councils offer members unparalleled volunteer opportunities that will not only benefit your company, but will also help you grow as a leader in your industry. Seventy five percent of current SEMA Board members were former council members. Each SEMA council represents a group of SEMA members that share a common business purpose or market segment. 

To keep up with the featured SEMA council and committee special events conducted at the SEMA Show, several event pages have been created on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Special events held by councils and committees during the week of the SEMA Show include select committee and membership meetings, awards receptions and industry networking events.

Below is a breakdown of the recent Facebook pages created on Facebook for SEMA council and committee special events. 

• SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) Open Meeting and Education Presentations
• 2012 SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Long Range Plan Meeting
• Gear-Up Girl Networking Event 
• 2012 SEMA Show 
• 2012 SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) Industry Reception
• 2012 SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Reception 
• SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Novemberfest Reception
• 2012 SEMA Street Performance Council (SPC) Industry Reception 
• SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Industry Reception
• SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast Powered by the SBN 
• ARMO General Membership Meeting 
• SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) General Membership Breakfast Meeting 
• Cafe SEMA: Get in the Know With a Cup of Joe
• Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Industry Reception
• Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC) Roundtable
• Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC)

LinkedIn: SEMA council and committee special event listings on LinkedIn. 

For more information on the 2012 SEMA Show, including a schedule of SEMA special events, attendee registration, and the exhibitor list and floorplan, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA councils offer members unparalleled volunteer opportunities that will not only benefit your company, but will also help you grow as a leader in your industry. Seventy five percent of current SEMA Board members were former council members. Each SEMA council represents a group of SEMA members that share a common business purpose or market segment.