In 2004, legislation was enacted to repeal California’s rolling emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older and replace it with a law requiring the lifetime testing of all ’76 and newer model-year vehicles. This year, a SEMA-supported bill has been introduced in the California Senate to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions inspection requirement. The bill will be considered in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee March 27, 2012. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

In 2004, legislation was enacted to repeal California’s rolling emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older and replace it with a law requiring the lifetime testing of all ’76 and newer model-year vehicles. This year, a SEMA-supported bill has been introduced in the California Senate to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions inspection requirement. The bill will be considered in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee March 27, 2012. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

	SEMA will visit LaGrange, Kentucky, Friday April 13, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff.

SEMA invites industry professionals to the next stop of its 2012 Town Hall tour, where local and prospective members will gather at the Parts Unlimited Inc. facility in LaGrange, Kentucky, Friday April 13, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff.

SEMA's Town Hall Meeting initiative launched in 2011 to provide members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions provide members the chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. They also give SEMA staff valuable feedback that will help identify current benefits to enhance members' business operations and better meet their needs.

“As a new SEMA member, my experience at the Town Hall Meeting in St. Charles [Illinois] was certainly without regret,” said Christine Giovingo of Mecum Auctions. “I found the topics discussed by the panel very informative. I was able to capture industry-related subjects worth discussing within the Mecum organization. Debra [Flicker] provided me with knowledge that will allow me to make an intelligent decision as to which SEMA committee to join. Lastly, what an honor it was listening to the legendary Vic Edelbrock tell his story and how he has impacted the industry for so many years.”

So far, SEMA has visited Scottsdale, Arizona; Fort Worth, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; Tacoma, Washington; and St. Charles, Illinois, hosting successful small gatherings of members in those regions.

For more information, contact AJ Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

	SEMA will visit LaGrange, Kentucky, Friday April 13, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff.

SEMA invites industry professionals to the next stop of its 2012 Town Hall tour, where local and prospective members will gather at the Parts Unlimited Inc. facility in LaGrange, Kentucky, Friday April 13, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff.

SEMA's Town Hall Meeting initiative launched in 2011 to provide members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions provide members the chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. They also give SEMA staff valuable feedback that will help identify current benefits to enhance members' business operations and better meet their needs.

“As a new SEMA member, my experience at the Town Hall Meeting in St. Charles [Illinois] was certainly without regret,” said Christine Giovingo of Mecum Auctions. “I found the topics discussed by the panel very informative. I was able to capture industry-related subjects worth discussing within the Mecum organization. Debra [Flicker] provided me with knowledge that will allow me to make an intelligent decision as to which SEMA committee to join. Lastly, what an honor it was listening to the legendary Vic Edelbrock tell his story and how he has impacted the industry for so many years.”

So far, SEMA has visited Scottsdale, Arizona; Fort Worth, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; Tacoma, Washington; and St. Charles, Illinois, hosting successful small gatherings of members in those regions.

For more information, contact AJ Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

	The Ford-Cobra-Shelby Reunion is scheduled for Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.

Elite Collection of Cobras to be Displayed in the Speed Merchants of Venice Exhibit
Guest curator Lynn “Mr. Cobra” Park has announced a short list of the extraordinary Cobras to be included in the “Speed Merchants of Venice” 50th Anniversary Cobra Exhibit as part of the Ford-Cobra-Shelby Reunion scheduled for Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by Automobile Club of Southern California.

The rare Cobras to be displayed include the following:

• The first production Cobra kindly loaned by Bruce Meyer.
• FIA 289 loaned by Park.
• Recently restored Shelby School of High-Performance Driving car loaned by David Lerian.
• 427 Comp Car loaned by Anthony Boosalis.
• 427 S/C loaned by Boosalis.
• King Cobra loaned by Bill Hartman.
• “El Cid” Dragonsnake loaned by Park.

The 50th Anniversary Cobra Exhibit will be part of the inaugural Ford-Cobra-Shelby Reunion, which is open to all Cobras, GT40s, Ford GTs, all Ford, Lincoln, Mercury (FLM) and FLM-powered vehicles, including trucks and Broncos and all Shelby vehicles.

Proceeds benefit the NHRA Motorsports Museum and the Carroll Shelby Foundation.

	Team Falken finished eighth place in the GT class at the Twelve Hours of Sebring.

Team Falken Perseveres for Strong Finish at Sebring
The 60th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida, Saturday, March 17, was a long and hard run for Team Falken Tire. The American Le Mans Series GT team spent most of the 12-hour endurance race trying to regain ground lost early in the event. Despite the setbacks, the team earned an eighth-place finish in the GT class, marking the team's first finish of the historic event.
 


Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler worked his way through the field and joined the top 10 in the GT class in the first hour, running 37th overall. An hour and 30 minutes into the race, Henzler successfully earned the third GT spot. After 40 laps, veteran racer Bryan Sellers took command of the Porsche, rejoining the field at eighth in class.

The team has much work to do before the Long Beach Grand Prix April 13–14. Historically, the team has raced strong on street courses, racing the Falken Tire Azenis slicks. Walker and the team will work closely with Porsche and Falken Tire to continue to showcase strong competition against the more experienced veterans of the American Le Mans Series.

	Rob MacCachren won at the MasterCraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, averaging 56.29 mph and finishing the course in four hours, 25 minutes and three seconds.

FOX Athletes Claim Victory in San Felipe SCORE Desert Series Races
FOX extended its SCORE Desert Series Baja Trophy Truck winning streak to nine with Rob MacCachren's recent win at the MasterCraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250. MacCachren ran the same FOX External Cooling System-equipped bypass suspension, also known as the Cactus Cooler, which helped him win on this course last September.

Averaging 56.29 mph and finishing the course in four hours, 25 minutes and three seconds, MacCachren’s win came four minutes and five seconds before his closest competitor.

Another notable victory came from third-generation racer and Class 1600 champion, Luke McMillin. McMillin made his Class 1 racing debut while sharing driving duties with multi-time short course race winner Justin Smith, who, together, took home the Class 1 win and fourth overall finish.

	The Ford-Cobra-Shelby Reunion is scheduled for Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.

Elite Collection of Cobras to be Displayed in the Speed Merchants of Venice Exhibit
Guest curator Lynn “Mr. Cobra” Park has announced a short list of the extraordinary Cobras to be included in the “Speed Merchants of Venice” 50th Anniversary Cobra Exhibit as part of the Ford-Cobra-Shelby Reunion scheduled for Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by Automobile Club of Southern California.

The rare Cobras to be displayed include the following:

• The first production Cobra kindly loaned by Bruce Meyer.
• FIA 289 loaned by Park.
• Recently restored Shelby School of High-Performance Driving car loaned by David Lerian.
• 427 Comp Car loaned by Anthony Boosalis.
• 427 S/C loaned by Boosalis.
• King Cobra loaned by Bill Hartman.
• “El Cid” Dragonsnake loaned by Park.

The 50th Anniversary Cobra Exhibit will be part of the inaugural Ford-Cobra-Shelby Reunion, which is open to all Cobras, GT40s, Ford GTs, all Ford, Lincoln, Mercury (FLM) and FLM-powered vehicles, including trucks and Broncos and all Shelby vehicles.

Proceeds benefit the NHRA Motorsports Museum and the Carroll Shelby Foundation.

	Team Falken finished eighth place in the GT class at the Twelve Hours of Sebring.

Team Falken Perseveres for Strong Finish at Sebring
The 60th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida, Saturday, March 17, was a long and hard run for Team Falken Tire. The American Le Mans Series GT team spent most of the 12-hour endurance race trying to regain ground lost early in the event. Despite the setbacks, the team earned an eighth-place finish in the GT class, marking the team's first finish of the historic event.
 


Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler worked his way through the field and joined the top 10 in the GT class in the first hour, running 37th overall. An hour and 30 minutes into the race, Henzler successfully earned the third GT spot. After 40 laps, veteran racer Bryan Sellers took command of the Porsche, rejoining the field at eighth in class.

The team has much work to do before the Long Beach Grand Prix April 13–14. Historically, the team has raced strong on street courses, racing the Falken Tire Azenis slicks. Walker and the team will work closely with Porsche and Falken Tire to continue to showcase strong competition against the more experienced veterans of the American Le Mans Series.

	Rob MacCachren won at the MasterCraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, averaging 56.29 mph and finishing the course in four hours, 25 minutes and three seconds.

FOX Athletes Claim Victory in San Felipe SCORE Desert Series Races
FOX extended its SCORE Desert Series Baja Trophy Truck winning streak to nine with Rob MacCachren's recent win at the MasterCraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250. MacCachren ran the same FOX External Cooling System-equipped bypass suspension, also known as the Cactus Cooler, which helped him win on this course last September.

Averaging 56.29 mph and finishing the course in four hours, 25 minutes and three seconds, MacCachren’s win came four minutes and five seconds before his closest competitor.

Another notable victory came from third-generation racer and Class 1600 champion, Luke McMillin. McMillin made his Class 1 racing debut while sharing driving duties with multi-time short course race winner Justin Smith, who, together, took home the Class 1 win and fourth overall finish.

Through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF), the association helps prepare the next generation of the automotive workforce for today's competitive market through financial assistance for students attending various universities, colleges, and/or vocational schools in the United States. In fact, the fund has yielded more than $1.5 million in scholarships since 1984.

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2012 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The application, available online at www.sema.org/scholarships, requires college transcripts and letters of recommendation.

SEMA's Education Institute (SEI) recently interviewed 2010 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund recipient Ryan Brimhall, who graduated with a double Bachelor's degree from Weber State in Automotive Field Service Technology and Technical Sales. He is currently working as a store manager for O'Reilly Auto Parts.

Brimhall shared some thoughts about why he chose a career in the auto industry and offers advice for students applying for scholarships and for those just starting out in the automotive industry.

SEMA Education Institute: What company do you work for? What is your title and area of responsibility?

Ryan Brimhall: I currently (and temporarily) work for O'Reilly Auto parts as a manager. Throughout my schooling, I worked on and off in retail parts. Working in retail auto parts provides a relatively flexible schedule and easy hours for someone attending college. When I was notified that I was a recipient of the SEMA scholarship, I could not have been more happy.

At the time, I was working for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. in Torrance, California, as a product quality and service support intern. Although this was a paid internship, I was experiencing the real-life cost of living, and the money toward school was a huge financial burden lifted off my shoulders. As the internship came to a close, I was pondering whether or not I should take out a student loan or credit card to pay the next semester of school, but thanks to the scholarship I received, I didn't have to.

I have since completed school (I graduated from Weber State University with a double Bachelor's degree in Automotive Field Service Technology and Technical Sales in December 2011) and have been taking a short break as I search for my next career opportunity.

SEI: Why did you choose to pursue a career in the automotive industry? Was it because of your enthusiasm for street rodding? A family hobby that inspired you?

Ryan Brimhall: I chose a career in the automotive industry because it's something I have always been interested in. I guess you could say cars are in my blood. I remember as a teenager, I used to send in for automotive manufacturer brochures. After reading various magazines and brochures, I would cut them up and hang the pictures on my walls. I eventually ended up with a 20-ft. collage of photos between two walls in my bedroom.

From there, my father encouraged me to go into the automotive program in high school. Coincidentally, Layton High School had one of the best automotive programs in the state of Utah at the time and is closely affiliated with Weber State University. I had two great teachers (Tom Housley and Robert Griffiths) who helped my education take off. I entered and participated in several automotive competitions and ended up winning a one-year tuition waiver to Weber State University upon high school graduation.

SEI: Do you plan to continue your higher education?

Ryan Brimhall: I have graduated with a double bachelor's degree major in Automotive Field Service technology and in the Technical Sales program. Although I am finished for now, I may consider going for a Master's degree in business, management or education. I truly enjoy learning and would go to school the rest of my life it was financially feasible or practical.

SEI: What advice would you give to a student applying for scholarships now?

Ryan Brimhall: Two words: DO IT! I was unsure about even applying for the scholarship from SEMA. At first, it seemed like a whole lot of work to fill out all the required forms, get letters of recommendation, and write a few papers. But, it paid off! I am fortunate enough to have gotten the scholarship, and, in hindsight, it was really almost no work at all to apply.

My advice is to apply for all the scholarships you can. Many students are lazy, forgetful or don't even bother to complete scholarship applications. I have seen students get scholarships time and time again while attending college just because they filled out a few scholarship requests. Also, some of the documents used for scholarship applications, such as the recommendation letters, are great for applying for jobs as well. For the students that don't believe, it's just that easy. Just look at me as an example!

SEI: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to pursue an education/career in the automotive industry?

Ryan Brimhall: I would say great choice in your education or career. The automotive industry is fast paced and dynamic. The automotive industry is changing rapidly and with so many emerging technologies, you will have a million different ways you could go with your career. You will never be bored with the possibilities in the automotive industry, just take a look at what the SEMA Show has to offer and realize that's only a fraction of the industry. You don't necessarily have to know what you want to do in life, but if you have a passion for automotive, at least you'll know you'll have a career in an industry that you love.

Through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF), the association helps prepare the next generation of the automotive workforce for today's competitive market through financial assistance for students attending various universities, colleges, and/or vocational schools in the United States. In fact, the fund has yielded more than $1.5 million in scholarships since 1984.

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2012 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The application, available online at www.sema.org/scholarships, requires college transcripts and letters of recommendation.

SEMA's Education Institute (SEI) recently interviewed 2010 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund recipient Ryan Brimhall, who graduated with a double Bachelor's degree from Weber State in Automotive Field Service Technology and Technical Sales. He is currently working as a store manager for O'Reilly Auto Parts.

Brimhall shared some thoughts about why he chose a career in the auto industry and offers advice for students applying for scholarships and for those just starting out in the automotive industry.

SEMA Education Institute: What company do you work for? What is your title and area of responsibility?

Ryan Brimhall: I currently (and temporarily) work for O'Reilly Auto parts as a manager. Throughout my schooling, I worked on and off in retail parts. Working in retail auto parts provides a relatively flexible schedule and easy hours for someone attending college. When I was notified that I was a recipient of the SEMA scholarship, I could not have been more happy.

At the time, I was working for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. in Torrance, California, as a product quality and service support intern. Although this was a paid internship, I was experiencing the real-life cost of living, and the money toward school was a huge financial burden lifted off my shoulders. As the internship came to a close, I was pondering whether or not I should take out a student loan or credit card to pay the next semester of school, but thanks to the scholarship I received, I didn't have to.

I have since completed school (I graduated from Weber State University with a double Bachelor's degree in Automotive Field Service Technology and Technical Sales in December 2011) and have been taking a short break as I search for my next career opportunity.

SEI: Why did you choose to pursue a career in the automotive industry? Was it because of your enthusiasm for street rodding? A family hobby that inspired you?

Ryan Brimhall: I chose a career in the automotive industry because it's something I have always been interested in. I guess you could say cars are in my blood. I remember as a teenager, I used to send in for automotive manufacturer brochures. After reading various magazines and brochures, I would cut them up and hang the pictures on my walls. I eventually ended up with a 20-ft. collage of photos between two walls in my bedroom.

From there, my father encouraged me to go into the automotive program in high school. Coincidentally, Layton High School had one of the best automotive programs in the state of Utah at the time and is closely affiliated with Weber State University. I had two great teachers (Tom Housley and Robert Griffiths) who helped my education take off. I entered and participated in several automotive competitions and ended up winning a one-year tuition waiver to Weber State University upon high school graduation.

SEI: Do you plan to continue your higher education?

Ryan Brimhall: I have graduated with a double bachelor's degree major in Automotive Field Service technology and in the Technical Sales program. Although I am finished for now, I may consider going for a Master's degree in business, management or education. I truly enjoy learning and would go to school the rest of my life it was financially feasible or practical.

SEI: What advice would you give to a student applying for scholarships now?

Ryan Brimhall: Two words: DO IT! I was unsure about even applying for the scholarship from SEMA. At first, it seemed like a whole lot of work to fill out all the required forms, get letters of recommendation, and write a few papers. But, it paid off! I am fortunate enough to have gotten the scholarship, and, in hindsight, it was really almost no work at all to apply.

My advice is to apply for all the scholarships you can. Many students are lazy, forgetful or don't even bother to complete scholarship applications. I have seen students get scholarships time and time again while attending college just because they filled out a few scholarship requests. Also, some of the documents used for scholarship applications, such as the recommendation letters, are great for applying for jobs as well. For the students that don't believe, it's just that easy. Just look at me as an example!

SEI: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to pursue an education/career in the automotive industry?

Ryan Brimhall: I would say great choice in your education or career. The automotive industry is fast paced and dynamic. The automotive industry is changing rapidly and with so many emerging technologies, you will have a million different ways you could go with your career. You will never be bored with the possibilities in the automotive industry, just take a look at what the SEMA Show has to offer and realize that's only a fraction of the industry. You don't necessarily have to know what you want to do in life, but if you have a passion for automotive, at least you'll know you'll have a career in an industry that you love.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is hosting a webinar next Tuesday, March 27, at 1:00 p.m. (EDT) designed to maximum U.S. company sales with international buyers at trade shows.

Participants will learn the following:

• How to effectively communicate with buyers and partners from other cultures to turn a show lead into a buyer or channel partner.
• Understand the varied business and communication practices at trade shows from different parts of the world.
• What happens after the show; strategies for turning leads into profit.
• How to present yourself to international visitors at your booth and during networking events.
• How to avoid "worst practices" for trade shows.

Speakers will include:

• Andrew Gately, principal commercial officer, U.S. Commercial Service – China
• Volker Wirsdorf, senior commercial specialist, U.S. Consulate – Frankfurt, Germany
• Daniel Crocker, senior commercial officer, U.S. Embassy Panama, U.S. Commercial Service
• Geoff Sauer, vice president, International Sales Group, Reed Exhibitions U.S.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is hosting a webinar next Tuesday, March 27, at 1:00 p.m. (EDT) designed to maximum U.S. company sales with international buyers at trade shows.

Participants will learn the following:

• How to effectively communicate with buyers and partners from other cultures to turn a show lead into a buyer or channel partner.
• Understand the varied business and communication practices at trade shows from different parts of the world.
• What happens after the show; strategies for turning leads into profit.
• How to present yourself to international visitors at your booth and during networking events.
• How to avoid "worst practices" for trade shows.

Speakers will include:

• Andrew Gately, principal commercial officer, U.S. Commercial Service – China
• Volker Wirsdorf, senior commercial specialist, U.S. Consulate – Frankfurt, Germany
• Daniel Crocker, senior commercial officer, U.S. Embassy Panama, U.S. Commercial Service
• Geoff Sauer, vice president, International Sales Group, Reed Exhibitions U.S.