Thu, 05/17/2012 - 09:25

NEWS NUGGETS

dollar general

NHRA HEADS TO KANSAS FOR DOLLAR GENERAL NHRA SUMMERNATIONALS, HOME OF NHRA’S FIRST NATIONAL EVENT, May 18–20: Due to the flat landscape and its central proximity to the rest of the country, in 1955, Kansas served as the official host for the NHRA’s first “national event” on an airstrip near the town of Great Bend. It was simply called "The Nationals," and with that event, hot rodding enthusiasts across the U.S. could test their machines against the best of the best. That race evolved into what is today the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, but Kansas has solidified its place in NHRA Drag Racing history. Heartland Park Topeka has hosted NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events since 1989 and in some seasons hosted two per year. Today, the track is regarded as one of the fastest on the circuit, and every year, drivers get to return and pay homage to the sport’s roots. Defending winners are Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Shane Gray (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

toyota

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR TOYOTA NHRA SUPERNATIONALS: Old Bridge Township Raceway Park will host the supercharged 43rd annual Toyota NHRA SuperNationals, May 31–June 3, the ninth of 23 events in the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season. Drivers are in the championship hunt and will bring fans plenty of heart-pounding action in four categories: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. The 2011 event winners—Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle)—are poised to defend their victories at the event that will be televised on ESPN2HD. For tickets, call 732-446-7800 or log on to RacewayPark.com.

SPEEDFEST IN TOPEKA TO KICK OFF RACE WEEK:
Festivities for the Dollar General NHRA Summernationals at Heartland Park Topeka, May 18–20, kick off May 17 with SPEEDFEST—a fan fest in downtown Topeka, Kansas, that will feature NHRA driver appearances, contests, racing simulators, music, food, prizes and race car displays. The free event is scheduled from 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. on 8th Street and Kansas Avenue. Get your tickets for the Dollar General NHRA Summernationals at NHRATix.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

DOLLAR GENERAL NHRA SUMMERNATIONALS, HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA, May 18–20: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its eighth stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. Defending winners are Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Shane Gray (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

TOYOTA NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, May 31–June 3:
The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its ninth stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. Defending winners are Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 732-446-7800 or log on to RacewayPark.com.

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS PRESENTED BY TRI-CITIES AREA FORD DEALERS, BRISTOL DRAGWAY, June 15–17: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 10th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 423-989-6900 or log on to BristolDragway.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

langdon

EARLY-SEASON STRUGGLES NOT DAMPENING LANGDON’S SPIRITS: When Shawn Langdon got a call from world championship tuner Alan Johnson, he jumped at the chance to drive for one of the best in the business. Many people expected them to win races right away, and though that hasn’t been the case this season, Langdon knows that’s part of the growing pains of joining a new team, and he still has all the confidence in the world in his Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel team: “Everything has been really good; we just haven’t had the success that we had hoped for to start off. It’s been a little tough here in the beginning, but once everything starts clicking, our chances are going to be pretty good. We know what this team is capable of, and we know what our goal is: We want to win the championship. I have the confidence of knowing that we could have the best race car out here based on what these guys have done in the past. We have the potential to go out at every racetrack and set low e.t., qualify No. 1 and win. Alan has always been one step ahead of everybody else, and when Alan says we’ll be fine, I take his word for it.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

topeka

700: NHRA FUNNY CAR CLASS REACHES 700TH RACE IN TOPEKA: The NHRA has been around for 61 years, and as of this weekend’s Dollar General NHRA Summernationals at Heartland Park Topeka, Funny Car will have been officially contested at 700 races. There have been 88 different Funny Car winners in the 61-year history and in this shot is the Hawaiian—the 1970 Winternationals FC winner.

DID YOU KNOW…

tasca

YOU CAN VOTE FOR BOB TASCA’S PAINT SCHEME IN THE EVERYDAY HEROES RACE CAR DESIGN CONTEST: Just two weeks remain before the top 10 advance to the finals of the contest for which driver Bob Tasca III and a panel of judges will choose which child of the many with type 1 diabetes around the country will see his or her design on the 7,000-hp Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang Funny Car at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series race in Norwalk, Ohio, July 5–8. For the fifth consecutive year, Ford Customer Service Division has partnered with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to host a race car design contest. This year’s theme is a patriotic one that honors everyday heroes—from those who serve the United States in the military, fire or police forces to children who soldier on every day with a disease that has no known cause or cure. Vote now on the JDRF website at www.jdrf.org/ford. Voting ends at 12:00 a.m. (EDT) on Memorial Day (Monday, May 28), which is fitting, given the contest’s patriotic theme.

Thu, 05/17/2012 - 07:17
  aftermarket news, automotive aftermarket news
The team at Bob Cook Sales was named the SEMA Manufacturers' Rep Agency of the Year for 2011. 
   

Nominations are now being accepted for SEMA's Industry Awards. The awards, which are presented during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show, include SEMA Person of the Year, SEMA Rep Agency of the Year and SEMA WD of the Year.

Take a moment to review the SEMA Awards website, which lists the criteria established for each award, including a listing of previous honorees for each award.

Deadline to submit your SEMA Award nomination forms is Friday, June 29, 2012.

If you have any questions, contact Staci Bostock at 909-978-6693 or StaciB@SEMA.org.

Thu, 05/17/2012 - 07:17
  aftermarket news, automotive aftermarket news
The team at Bob Cook Sales was named the SEMA Manufacturers' Rep Agency of the Year for 2011. 
   

Nominations are now being accepted for SEMA's Industry Awards. The awards, which are presented during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show, include SEMA Person of the Year, SEMA Rep Agency of the Year and SEMA WD of the Year.

Take a moment to review the SEMA Awards website, which lists the criteria established for each award, including a listing of previous honorees for each award.

Deadline to submit your SEMA Award nomination forms is Friday, June 29, 2012.

If you have any questions, contact Staci Bostock at 909-978-6693 or StaciB@SEMA.org.

Thu, 05/17/2012 - 07:17
  aftermarket news, automotive aftermarket news
The team at Bob Cook Sales was named the SEMA Manufacturers' Rep Agency of the Year for 2011. 
   

Nominations are now being accepted for SEMA's Industry Awards. The awards, which are presented during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show, include SEMA Person of the Year, SEMA Rep Agency of the Year and SEMA WD of the Year.

Take a moment to review the SEMA Awards website, which lists the criteria established for each award, including a listing of previous honorees for each award.

Deadline to submit your SEMA Award nomination forms is Friday, June 29, 2012.

If you have any questions, contact Staci Bostock at 909-978-6693 or StaciB@SEMA.org.

Wed, 05/16/2012 - 14:30
The photo gallery located at www.semaphotos.com features thousands of pictures of products featured in the Show's New Products Showcase, vehicles on display and exhibiting companies from the 2011 SEMA Show. Each week in SEMA eNews, a new collection of vehicle photos is highlighted. In the spotlight this week are vehicles from Porsche.

In addition to the vehicle photos, the product photos also include key details, such as product name, a brief description and exhibitor contact information.


Wed, 05/16/2012 - 14:30
The photo gallery located at www.semaphotos.com features thousands of pictures of products featured in the Show's New Products Showcase, vehicles on display and exhibiting companies from the 2011 SEMA Show. Each week in SEMA eNews, a new collection of vehicle photos is highlighted. In the spotlight this week are vehicles from Porsche.

In addition to the vehicle photos, the product photos also include key details, such as product name, a brief description and exhibitor contact information.


Thu, 05/10/2012 - 16:36
  chryst_mx5
  Beth Chryst races at Sebring. Photo: Mark Weber/SCCA

Beth Chryst Sets Goals, Ready to Move Forward in MX-5 Cup Competition
Beth Chryst is just one of the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup drivers chasing a dream that began with a go-kart ride as a 14-year-old.

The Herndon, Virginia, native had grown up visiting the short tracks in her area, but didn’t truly become interested in driving herself until an acquaintance invited her and her father Martin to Summit Point Raceway to participate in the Woodbridge Kart Club’s fun finale. Fifteen minutes on the two-mile road course, and she was hooked.

For 10 years, the Chryst family traveled up and down the east coast, progressively running up the karting world’s ladder at events on road courses from Loudon, New Hampshire, to Daytona, and hitting circuits currently on the MX-5 Cup schedule, such as Road America and Mid-Ohio.

With Regional, Grand National and World Karting Association World Championships under her belt, and an accounting and accounts receivable job offering some flexibility, it was time for something new.

With relatively little seat time in a car, Chryst showed up at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the season 2011 season-opener and realized quickly that she was going to have to reassess her goals. After a couple of races, Chryst learned that the MX-5 Cup was an opportunity for a new driver to learn the ropes—both for working on the MX-5 and her driving.

During her rookie season, the 26-year-old entered the 2012 season-opening doubleheader at Sebring with optimistic, yet reasonable hopes. The improvements were noticeable, but the results still showed a 17th- and a 16th-place finish—further down the charts than the small team hoped.

Chryst plans to run the full schedule in 2012. In the meantime, she displayed her car—nicknamed “Miss Scarlet”—at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show over the winter, and blogs about her racing experiences at Female Racing News.

Chryst, and all of the competitors in the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup, returns to action this week with a doubleheader “home race” for the Series at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

  poison spyder
  Larry McRae drove the Poison Spyder Modified Ultra4 #4581 to a class win at the Ultra4 Cinco de Baja race last weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Poison Spyder Larry McRae Wins Modified Class at Cinco de Baja
Larry McRae drove the Poison Spyder Modified Ultra4 #4581 to a class win at the Ultra4 Cinco de Baja race last weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With this Modified Class Western Series win and the 2012 Modified Class King of the Hammers win, the Poison Spyder Racing team is leading the Pro Series Modified Class and the Western Series Modified Class points race.

Co-driver Shad Kennedy, a desert racing veteran, helped navigate the light blue and silver Modified Ultra4. The strategy for this race was to click off conservative laps early on and then see how the other competitors in the class were fairing. Depending on the split times they would decide whether to race the last three laps or stay conservative to ensure a finish. With the five-lap, 40-mile loop race, the attrition rate allowed the Poison Spyder team to continue the conservative pace and preserve the car.

The team managed to finish 11th overall in the much faster Ultra4 Unlimited 4400 class. They have already started full prep for the upcoming races this summer, including 4 Wheel Parts Glen Helen Grand Prix in July and BITD Vegas to Reno in August, as part of the Ultra4 Modified Series.

Fuel 21st Inc. Becomes an Official Sponsor of Infineon Raceway
Infineon Raceway and Fuel 21st Inc. have entered into an agreement that will make the Napa, California-based company an associate level partner in the raceway’s Accelerating Sustainable Performance program.

Fuel 21 is an ethanol gel fuel made from sustainable sugarcane, which provides intense heat that lasts longer than other warming fuels. Fuel 21 is all-natural, non-toxic, sustainable and cost-effective.

The company’s products include portable fuels for use in food service, retail and government for emergencies and disaster relief. As part of this new relationship, Fuel 21 will also become the “Official Food Warming Gel Fuel of Infineon Raceway” and a partner at the raceway’s green performance summit, to be held in September.

The program builds on the raceway’s operational record as a sustainable business in areas such as recycling and water conservation, with new initiatives, such as a major solar-electric installation, and a series of demonstrations featuring the latest in high-performance green vehicle technologies.

Fuel 21’s sponsorship will include the use of its products by on-site caterer Levy Restaurants during major event weekends, as well as season-long ticket and promotional elements.

Irwindale Dragstrip Reopens
After almost three months off, the Irwindale Dragstrip roared back to life last Thursday night with more than 250 racers running and almost 2,000 fans in attendance. Fans are invited back this Thursday evening for more racing action. Gates open at 4:00 p.m., racing from 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Thu, 05/10/2012 - 16:36
  chryst_mx5
  Beth Chryst races at Sebring. Photo: Mark Weber/SCCA

Beth Chryst Sets Goals, Ready to Move Forward in MX-5 Cup Competition
Beth Chryst is just one of the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup drivers chasing a dream that began with a go-kart ride as a 14-year-old.

The Herndon, Virginia, native had grown up visiting the short tracks in her area, but didn’t truly become interested in driving herself until an acquaintance invited her and her father Martin to Summit Point Raceway to participate in the Woodbridge Kart Club’s fun finale. Fifteen minutes on the two-mile road course, and she was hooked.

For 10 years, the Chryst family traveled up and down the east coast, progressively running up the karting world’s ladder at events on road courses from Loudon, New Hampshire, to Daytona, and hitting circuits currently on the MX-5 Cup schedule, such as Road America and Mid-Ohio.

With Regional, Grand National and World Karting Association World Championships under her belt, and an accounting and accounts receivable job offering some flexibility, it was time for something new.

With relatively little seat time in a car, Chryst showed up at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the season 2011 season-opener and realized quickly that she was going to have to reassess her goals. After a couple of races, Chryst learned that the MX-5 Cup was an opportunity for a new driver to learn the ropes—both for working on the MX-5 and her driving.

During her rookie season, the 26-year-old entered the 2012 season-opening doubleheader at Sebring with optimistic, yet reasonable hopes. The improvements were noticeable, but the results still showed a 17th- and a 16th-place finish—further down the charts than the small team hoped.

Chryst plans to run the full schedule in 2012. In the meantime, she displayed her car—nicknamed “Miss Scarlet”—at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show over the winter, and blogs about her racing experiences at Female Racing News.

Chryst, and all of the competitors in the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup, returns to action this week with a doubleheader “home race” for the Series at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

  poison spyder
  Larry McRae drove the Poison Spyder Modified Ultra4 #4581 to a class win at the Ultra4 Cinco de Baja race last weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Poison Spyder Larry McRae Wins Modified Class at Cinco de Baja
Larry McRae drove the Poison Spyder Modified Ultra4 #4581 to a class win at the Ultra4 Cinco de Baja race last weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With this Modified Class Western Series win and the 2012 Modified Class King of the Hammers win, the Poison Spyder Racing team is leading the Pro Series Modified Class and the Western Series Modified Class points race.

Co-driver Shad Kennedy, a desert racing veteran, helped navigate the light blue and silver Modified Ultra4. The strategy for this race was to click off conservative laps early on and then see how the other competitors in the class were fairing. Depending on the split times they would decide whether to race the last three laps or stay conservative to ensure a finish. With the five-lap, 40-mile loop race, the attrition rate allowed the Poison Spyder team to continue the conservative pace and preserve the car.

The team managed to finish 11th overall in the much faster Ultra4 Unlimited 4400 class. They have already started full prep for the upcoming races this summer, including 4 Wheel Parts Glen Helen Grand Prix in July and BITD Vegas to Reno in August, as part of the Ultra4 Modified Series.

Fuel 21st Inc. Becomes an Official Sponsor of Infineon Raceway
Infineon Raceway and Fuel 21st Inc. have entered into an agreement that will make the Napa, California-based company an associate level partner in the raceway’s Accelerating Sustainable Performance program.

Fuel 21 is an ethanol gel fuel made from sustainable sugarcane, which provides intense heat that lasts longer than other warming fuels. Fuel 21 is all-natural, non-toxic, sustainable and cost-effective.

The company’s products include portable fuels for use in food service, retail and government for emergencies and disaster relief. As part of this new relationship, Fuel 21 will also become the “Official Food Warming Gel Fuel of Infineon Raceway” and a partner at the raceway’s green performance summit, to be held in September.

The program builds on the raceway’s operational record as a sustainable business in areas such as recycling and water conservation, with new initiatives, such as a major solar-electric installation, and a series of demonstrations featuring the latest in high-performance green vehicle technologies.

Fuel 21’s sponsorship will include the use of its products by on-site caterer Levy Restaurants during major event weekends, as well as season-long ticket and promotional elements.

Irwindale Dragstrip Reopens
After almost three months off, the Irwindale Dragstrip roared back to life last Thursday night with more than 250 racers running and almost 2,000 fans in attendance. Fans are invited back this Thursday evening for more racing action. Gates open at 4:00 p.m., racing from 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Thu, 05/10/2012 - 16:19
  aftermarket news, automotive aftermarket news, aftermarket business
Performance Automatic Inc. relocated to a larger facility to accommodate its growing manufacturing and sales operations.
   

Performance Automatic Inc. Moves to Larger Facility
Performance Automatic Inc. announced that the company relocated to a new and larger facility to accommodate its growing manufacturing and sales operations. The company now has specified areas for the dyno, tear down, warehousing, packaging, building and shipping. The company's new address is: 5119 Pegasus Ct., Suite F, Frederick, MD 21704. Phone: 240-439-4650. Fax: 240-439-4873. 

Sun Tyre & Wheel Systems Builds Third Plant Based in India
Sun Tyre & Wheel Systems has constructed its third manufacturing plant at a new campus in South India. After its acquisition of Watts Lanka Private Limited in Sri Lanka in 2010, Sun Tyre & Wheel Systems has expanded its capacity of Solid Resilient and Press On Band tires at this location, and the company plans additional capacity later this year for its Solid Skid Steer tires.  

Omega Research and Development Technologies Inc. Upgrades Website
Omega Research and Development Technologies Inc. has launched upgrades to its tech support installation guide website, www.wiresheet.com. Website enhancements include  a new "WebApp" icon for iPhone that provides quick access to the website, an exclusive Omegalink module lookup, access to full owner's and installation guides and an improved wire lookup.

Mike Darrow Named President and COO of Russ Darrow Group
Mike Darrow, executive vice president of the Russ Darrow Group, was named the president and chief operating officer of the company. Darrow assumes responsibility for the daily management of all aspects of the new car dealerships, encompassing 23 franchises in 13 locations, along with oversight of Russ Darrow Leasing Co. Inc. and JD Byrider/CNAC. Darrow joined the company in May 1990 as a sales associate. He also trained at the National Automobile Dealer Association’s Dealer Candidate Academy and was named executive vice president in 2000.

Standard Motor Products Honored by Hahn Automotive
Standard Motor Products was honored by Hahn Automotive Warehouse Inc. with three awards during the company's national sales conference in Orlando, Florida. Standard Motor Products received the Vendor of the Year, Outstanding Manpower 2011 and Outstanding Training Support 2011. Hahn Automotive Warehouse Inc. Director of Marketing Michael Bonacci presented the awards to Standard Motor Products' Bob Kimbro, vice president distribution sales, and Ken Wendling, national sales manager.

  aftermarket news, automotive aftermarket news, aftermarket business
Warren Morley was named key account manager for CRP Automotive.
   

Warren Morley Named Key Account Manager for CRP Automotive
CRP Automotive named Warren Morley its key account manager. He is responsible for managing an assigned portfolio of CRP's wholesale distributor accounts by building relationships and creating sales strategies that result in continuous growth. Before joining CRP, Warren was the southeast sales manager for Valeo Service, a company that he worked with for 13 years in various sales capacities. Warren was involved with aftermarket sales of engine cooling, rotating electrical, AC compressors, transmission clutches and wiper blade products.

Martin & Co. Adds Kevin Shaw as Director of PR & Social Marketing
Martin & Co. announced that the newest member of its team is Kevin Shaw, director of public relations and social marketing. Shaw has served as associate editor of Mopar Muscle and Corvette Fever magazines, editor of Personal Watercraft Illustrated and senior editor of several powerTV Media’s online-only digital publications Street Legal TV, LSXTV, Chevy Hardcore and Rod Authority. “It is with great enthusiasm that we announce Kevin Shaw as Martin & Company’s director of public relations and social marketing,” said agency president Zan Martin. “His keen understanding of the automotive culture and its brands allows him the ability to create compelling content for traditional media & PR, as well as websites, social media sites & mobile applications.”

Meyer Distributing Announces Little Rock Location
Meyer Distributing has announced a new cross-dock location in Little Rock, Arkansas. The new addition will have a direct feed from the company's hub in Jasper, Indiana, which houses more than 500,000 sq. ft. of inventory. “The addition of the Little Rock cross-dock enhances our ability to offer logistical services throughout the region," states Jason Braun, executive vice president of Meyer Distributing. "The new site has already been fully integrated with our distribution system and technology framework and will provide unmatched service to customers in this market."

ICON/TLC Opens New Location in Chatsworth, California
ICON/TLC is celebrating 16 years in business  in 2012 and has opened a new location in Chatsworth, California, about 14 miles from its previous location. The company announced that it's looking forward to the increased capacity and a providing customers with a wider range of services. The address of the new location is 9601 Lurine Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311. TLC phone: 818-280-3330. ICON phone: 818-280-3333.

Thu, 05/10/2012 - 14:24
  aftermarket news, automotive aftermarket news, aftermarket business
  SEMA has a main Facebook page for the association, as well as additional pages for its councils and committees, programs and initiatives and the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

SEMA's page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/sema.org, recently received fan number 50,000.

The page includes news from SEMA and around the industry, as well as links to several other Association websites, such as www.SEMA.org, www.SEMAShow.com and www.semaphotos.com. SEMA's Facebook page is frequently updated with content and is a key destination for SEMA members and other professionals in the specialty-equipment market.

SEMA has other Facebook pages available for the SEMA Show, SEMA Action Network and SEMA Cares Committee. 

The SEMA Show
Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual trade event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks.
www.facebook.com/semashow

The SEMA Action Network (SAN)
The SAN is a unique partnership between car clubs, individual enthusiasts and members of the automotive specialty-equipment industry who work together to promote pro-hobby legislation. SAN members receive legislative updates as bills are introduced in their states, including contact information for particular lawmakers or committees that will decide a bill's fate. In addition, SAN members receive information about legislative issues through a monthly newsletter, Driving Force.
www.facebook.com/pages/SEMA-Action-Network/236661948182

The SEMA Cares Committee
Established by the SEMA Board of Directors in 2007, the SEMA Cares Committee aims to bring the voice and resources of the SEMA community together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Fundraising efforts include the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser; custom industry-built vehicles, such as the WD-40/SEMA Cares Challenger unveiled at the 2011 SEMA Show and auctioned off at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction for $115,000; as well as products sold at auction on eBay Motors.
www.facebook.com/pages/SEMA-Cares/197340646970890

There are additional pages available for each of SEMA's councils and committees. Here is a breakdown of the SEMA Facebook council and committee destinations.

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
The ARMO is dedicated to addressing the many challenges facing this segment of the aftermarket, the ARMO directs its efforts toward preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry. The ARMO works through subcommittees to focus on the legislative, educational and communication needs of its members.
www.facebook.com/SEMAarmo

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
The HRIA's primary objectives are to ensure the future prosperity of the hot rod industry and to advance and promote awareness of the hobby. The HRIA focuses on industry-specific issues, developing effective strategies and programs that will assist members in improving their business practices and procedures.
www.facebook.com/SEMAhria

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)
Members of the TORA are industry professionals who have joined together to form a potent coalition whose mission is to determine and shape the future of the light-truck accessory industry. Through cooperative action, members work together to develop effective strategies and programs that specifically address the needs of this industry. The ultimate goal: to ensure the viability and longevity of this increasingly expansive and vibrant market segment.
www.facebook.com/SEMATORA

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)
Established specifically for companies engaged in manufacturing functional performance parts used in sanctioned racing applications, membership in the MPMC is open to companies that manufacture, assemble and/or design a performance product. The MPMC is dedicated to addressing industry-specific issues and to preserving and promoting the motorsports parts industry.
www.facebook.com/SEMAmpmc

Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)
The mission of the MRC is to provide a forum for manufacturers’ representatives in order to increase their impact as an industry, explore issues of common interest and concern, increase their collective knowledge and elevate the overall image of the profession.
www.facebook.com/SEMAmrc

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
The PRO is dedicated to addressing the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to developing effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues.
www.facebook.com/SEMApro

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)
The SBN helps to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth, networking opportunities and communication that will enrich the growth of the entire automotive aftermarket.
www.facebook.com/SEMAsbn

Street Performance Council (SPC)
Members of the SPC work collectively to help provide members with opportunities to capture their share of this rapidly expanding street performance market. The groups helps facilitate and promote the growth of street performance through legislative and regulatory advocacy, technology information sharing, networking and more.
www.facebook.com/SEMAspc

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
The WTC's mission is to identify common problems and opportunities relating to the aftermarket wheel industry, which the council, as an interested body of companies, can address for the common good.
www.facebook.com/SEMAwtc

Young Executives Network (YEN)
The mission of the YEN is to cultivate young talent in the automotive aftermarket through implementation of education and networking programs.
www.facebook.com/semayen