The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is an evening of celebration and includes dinner, the presentation of SEMA and PWA awards and entertainment. Last year's banquet crowd enjoyed the humor of stand-up comedian and actor Sinbad.

Exhibitors looking to enhance company exposure at the 2012 SEMA Show may want to consider hosting a table at the Industry Awards Banquet.  

Held on Thursday evening during the week of the Show, the annual banquet serves as the backdrop for the presentation of SEMA's industry awards and is one of the largest gatherings of automotive specialty equipment movers and shakers. In fact, interest in last year's Industry Awards Banquet reached an all-time high, resulting in a waiting list for attendees—a first for the event.

In addition to exposure in printed materials, including SEMA News magazine, the Awards Banquet Program and 2012 SEMA Show promotions, host companies receive a prime seating location, as well as a 30-second commercial spot played during the banquet’s spectacular audio/visual program. The 2012 host participation cost is $2,000, which includes a table with seating for 10 people.

Reserve your table today by calling Michelle Harris at 909-978-6684 or e-mail michelleh@sema.org.

The 2012 SEMA Show is set for Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For the latest Show information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	The ’13 Ford Super Duty Platinum pickup will be available later this year as an F-250, F-350 or F-450 crew cab.

Following up on its Platinum-edition F-150, Ford has revealed a ’13 Super Duty Platinum pickup that will be available later this year. The newest luxury pickup from Ford can be ordered as an F-250, F-350 or F-450 crew cab, and with a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine or 6.2L V8 gas engine.

The Platinum series is distinguished by a satin chrome grille surround highlighted by perforated mesh inside. The updated grille is enhanced by a monochromatic bumper and chrome tow hooks.

The exterior of the Super Duty Platinum features chrome door handles, mirror caps, running boards and exhaust tip. The boxside on both sides of the truck sports the “Platinum” name in chrome letters and the tailgate is trimmed with a satin chrome appliqué, similar to the one used on the F-150 Platinum. Twenty-inch polished-aluminum wheels with painted black inserts will be standard on the Super Duty Platinum.

The interior will be trimmed with unique woodgrain appliques and premium wood grain accents on the steering wheel, center stack and door trim. A new storage area on top of the dash includes two USB ports, audio-video connections, SD card slot and a 12-volt charging port for cell phones and other digital devices.

The driver’s seat has 10-way power-adjustable seating and both captain’s chairs are upholstered with softer, premium leather, which is also used on the armrests and console. Other standard features include SYNC with MyFord Touch, a navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, a rear-view camera, remote start system, universal garage door opener and power-telescoping mirrors.

	The ’13 Ford Super Duty Platinum pickup will be available later this year as an F-250, F-350 or F-450 crew cab.

Following up on its Platinum-edition F-150, Ford has revealed a ’13 Super Duty Platinum pickup that will be available later this year. The newest luxury pickup from Ford can be ordered as an F-250, F-350 or F-450 crew cab, and with a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine or 6.2L V8 gas engine.

The Platinum series is distinguished by a satin chrome grille surround highlighted by perforated mesh inside. The updated grille is enhanced by a monochromatic bumper and chrome tow hooks.

The exterior of the Super Duty Platinum features chrome door handles, mirror caps, running boards and exhaust tip. The boxside on both sides of the truck sports the “Platinum” name in chrome letters and the tailgate is trimmed with a satin chrome appliqué, similar to the one used on the F-150 Platinum. Twenty-inch polished-aluminum wheels with painted black inserts will be standard on the Super Duty Platinum.

The interior will be trimmed with unique woodgrain appliques and premium wood grain accents on the steering wheel, center stack and door trim. A new storage area on top of the dash includes two USB ports, audio-video connections, SD card slot and a 12-volt charging port for cell phones and other digital devices.

The driver’s seat has 10-way power-adjustable seating and both captain’s chairs are upholstered with softer, premium leather, which is also used on the armrests and console. Other standard features include SYNC with MyFord Touch, a navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, a rear-view camera, remote start system, universal garage door opener and power-telescoping mirrors.

NEWS NUGGETS

Lucas	Hight	Edwards	Krawiec

NEW FACES IN WINNER’S CIRCLE AT PRESTIGIOUS TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Three of the four winners in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series professional categories at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com were first-time winners at the historic event. Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) can now add “Gatornationals event winner” to their resumes, and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) can add “three-time Gatornationals champ” and “quickest rider in the two-wheel class” to his. To drivers and fans alike, the Gatornationals is easily one of the most prestigious events on tour, making the winners’ triumphs exceptionally special.

NHRA ORIGINALS T-SHIRTS NOW AVAILABLE IN BOYS SIZES: The NHRA Originals T-shirts that have been available in men’s sizes at various stores, including Walmart and Target, are now available in boys sizes XS-XXL at select Walmarts across the country in California, Florida, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR AAA INSURANCE NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS IN ST. LOUIS: Tickets for the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals, September 28–30 at Gateway Motorsports Park near St. Louis, are on sale. The inaugural event is the third of six races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. The track is selling full event and individual event reserved and general-admission tickets as well as RV packages; to buy tickets, log on to GatewayMsp.com or call 618-215-8888 or 855-RACETIK (855-722-3845).

COMING ATTRACTIONS

SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, March 30–April 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Sin City for the fourth race of the season. Defending event winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-644-4444 or log on to LVMS.com. For media credentials, contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, April 13–15: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the only four-wide national event. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or log on to CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Alex Baca at abaca@nhra.com.

O’RIELLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, ROYAL PURPLE RACEWAY, April 27–29: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first stop of the season in the Lone Star State for the sixth race of the season. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Jeff Arend (Funny Car), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 281-383-RACE (7223) or log on to RoyalPurpleRaceway.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID	INSIDE THE NUMBERS
FROM PILOT TO PASSENGER: Top Fuel driver Antron Brown got to experience some circle-track action last week at Charlotte Motor Speedway when he did a ride-along with NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. Brown then returned the favor when he took the wheel of the two-seater Super Comp dragster at zMAX Dragway and showed Truex what NHRA Drag Racing is like. Said Brown after his ride, “It was incredible; it was unreal. He was mat to the floor right at the first turn. It was one of the rides of all rides; I was in awe because I’m usually the one driving. I’ve always had respect for these guys, but now I have a whole new meaning for NASCAR.”	0 for 9: Since winning in Las Vegas in October 2010, Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher is 0–9 in final-round appearances. This is the longest that the seven-time champ has ever gone without a win; he was 0–8 in finals before winning his first Top Fuel event in 1999. Although he is 0–9, he has been to two final rounds in 2012 and holds the Top Fuel point lead.

DID YOU KNOW

… Rookie Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria, who earned her first round-win at the 43rd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville coming off a DNQ at Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix, will be heading to NASCAR country this weekend for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The Tequila Patron team plans to start its Toyota Camry on the race track during pre-race ceremonies on both Saturday and Sunday. The crew will also be doing demos of what it does each weekend when it tears down and rebuilds the 7,000-hp nitro-burning engine in 75 minutes or less.

NEWS NUGGETS

Lucas	Hight	Edwards	Krawiec

NEW FACES IN WINNER’S CIRCLE AT PRESTIGIOUS TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Three of the four winners in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series professional categories at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com were first-time winners at the historic event. Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) can now add “Gatornationals event winner” to their resumes, and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) can add “three-time Gatornationals champ” and “quickest rider in the two-wheel class” to his. To drivers and fans alike, the Gatornationals is easily one of the most prestigious events on tour, making the winners’ triumphs exceptionally special.

NHRA ORIGINALS T-SHIRTS NOW AVAILABLE IN BOYS SIZES: The NHRA Originals T-shirts that have been available in men’s sizes at various stores, including Walmart and Target, are now available in boys sizes XS-XXL at select Walmarts across the country in California, Florida, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR AAA INSURANCE NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS IN ST. LOUIS: Tickets for the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals, September 28–30 at Gateway Motorsports Park near St. Louis, are on sale. The inaugural event is the third of six races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. The track is selling full event and individual event reserved and general-admission tickets as well as RV packages; to buy tickets, log on to GatewayMsp.com or call 618-215-8888 or 855-RACETIK (855-722-3845).

COMING ATTRACTIONS

SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, March 30–April 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Sin City for the fourth race of the season. Defending event winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-644-4444 or log on to LVMS.com. For media credentials, contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, April 13–15: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the only four-wide national event. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or log on to CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Alex Baca at abaca@nhra.com.

O’RIELLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, ROYAL PURPLE RACEWAY, April 27–29: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first stop of the season in the Lone Star State for the sixth race of the season. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Jeff Arend (Funny Car), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 281-383-RACE (7223) or log on to RoyalPurpleRaceway.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID	INSIDE THE NUMBERS
FROM PILOT TO PASSENGER: Top Fuel driver Antron Brown got to experience some circle-track action last week at Charlotte Motor Speedway when he did a ride-along with NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. Brown then returned the favor when he took the wheel of the two-seater Super Comp dragster at zMAX Dragway and showed Truex what NHRA Drag Racing is like. Said Brown after his ride, “It was incredible; it was unreal. He was mat to the floor right at the first turn. It was one of the rides of all rides; I was in awe because I’m usually the one driving. I’ve always had respect for these guys, but now I have a whole new meaning for NASCAR.”	0 for 9: Since winning in Las Vegas in October 2010, Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher is 0–9 in final-round appearances. This is the longest that the seven-time champ has ever gone without a win; he was 0–8 in finals before winning his first Top Fuel event in 1999. Although he is 0–9, he has been to two final rounds in 2012 and holds the Top Fuel point lead.

DID YOU KNOW

… Rookie Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria, who earned her first round-win at the 43rd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville coming off a DNQ at Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix, will be heading to NASCAR country this weekend for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The Tequila Patron team plans to start its Toyota Camry on the race track during pre-race ceremonies on both Saturday and Sunday. The crew will also be doing demos of what it does each weekend when it tears down and rebuilds the 7,000-hp nitro-burning engine in 75 minutes or less.

NEWS NUGGETS

Lucas	Hight	Edwards	Krawiec

NEW FACES IN WINNER’S CIRCLE AT PRESTIGIOUS TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Three of the four winners in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series professional categories at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com were first-time winners at the historic event. Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) can now add “Gatornationals event winner” to their resumes, and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) can add “three-time Gatornationals champ” and “quickest rider in the two-wheel class” to his. To drivers and fans alike, the Gatornationals is easily one of the most prestigious events on tour, making the winners’ triumphs exceptionally special.

NHRA ORIGINALS T-SHIRTS NOW AVAILABLE IN BOYS SIZES: The NHRA Originals T-shirts that have been available in men’s sizes at various stores, including Walmart and Target, are now available in boys sizes XS-XXL at select Walmarts across the country in California, Florida, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR AAA INSURANCE NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS IN ST. LOUIS: Tickets for the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals, September 28–30 at Gateway Motorsports Park near St. Louis, are on sale. The inaugural event is the third of six races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. The track is selling full event and individual event reserved and general-admission tickets as well as RV packages; to buy tickets, log on to GatewayMsp.com or call 618-215-8888 or 855-RACETIK (855-722-3845).

COMING ATTRACTIONS

SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, March 30–April 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Sin City for the fourth race of the season. Defending event winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-644-4444 or log on to LVMS.com. For media credentials, contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, April 13–15: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the only four-wide national event. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or log on to CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Alex Baca at abaca@nhra.com.

O’RIELLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, ROYAL PURPLE RACEWAY, April 27–29: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first stop of the season in the Lone Star State for the sixth race of the season. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Jeff Arend (Funny Car), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 281-383-RACE (7223) or log on to RoyalPurpleRaceway.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID	INSIDE THE NUMBERS
FROM PILOT TO PASSENGER: Top Fuel driver Antron Brown got to experience some circle-track action last week at Charlotte Motor Speedway when he did a ride-along with NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. Brown then returned the favor when he took the wheel of the two-seater Super Comp dragster at zMAX Dragway and showed Truex what NHRA Drag Racing is like. Said Brown after his ride, “It was incredible; it was unreal. He was mat to the floor right at the first turn. It was one of the rides of all rides; I was in awe because I’m usually the one driving. I’ve always had respect for these guys, but now I have a whole new meaning for NASCAR.”	0 for 9: Since winning in Las Vegas in October 2010, Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher is 0–9 in final-round appearances. This is the longest that the seven-time champ has ever gone without a win; he was 0–8 in finals before winning his first Top Fuel event in 1999. Although he is 0–9, he has been to two final rounds in 2012 and holds the Top Fuel point lead.

DID YOU KNOW

… Rookie Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria, who earned her first round-win at the 43rd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville coming off a DNQ at Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix, will be heading to NASCAR country this weekend for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The Tequila Patron team plans to start its Toyota Camry on the race track during pre-race ceremonies on both Saturday and Sunday. The crew will also be doing demos of what it does each weekend when it tears down and rebuilds the 7,000-hp nitro-burning engine in 75 minutes or less.

The 2012 brochure for the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) is now available for download at the newly redesigned website www.globalsymposium.org. GAAS 2012 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, May 16 and 17 at the Hyatt Regency near Chicago.

The annual two-day GAAS brings together industry leaders and experts to examine the issues and trends affecting the worldwide automotive aftermarket and influencing its future.

This year's brochure highlights the 25 speakers and panelists featured, as well as the GAAS 2012 theme: “One Industry, Endless Opportunities.” GAAS chairman Dennis Welvaert said the GAAS steering committee felt the 2012 program should include content that focuses on all the steps in the aftermarket supply chain in North America.

"We want manufacturers, resellers, program groups, parts stores and installers to hear from their customers and suppliers as to the critical things that are affecting the business," explained Welvaert. "We also want to discuss critical issues like the quality of aftermarket parts, how to tackle the parts proliferation issue and how we can best use things like social media and the Internet to market products more successfully."

Welvaert added, "In addition, we will have a review of the economy and the megatrends that will affect the industry for the next several years. This will help all attendees plan better for the future."    

Members of the associations that sponsor GAAS are eligible for discounted registration fees of $200 off regular rates when they register by Friday, April 13, 2012. A complete list of registration fees is available at www.globalsymposium.org/registration.shtml.

For more information, visit www.GlobalSymposium.org or call 301-654-6664.

The GAAS program is a joint professional education effort of the of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tire Industry Association (TIA) and University of the Aftermarket. Polk is the corporate sponsor of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium. GAAS is made possible through the generous support of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

The 2012 brochure for the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) is now available for download at the newly redesigned website www.globalsymposium.org. GAAS 2012 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, May 16 and 17 at the Hyatt Regency near Chicago.

The annual two-day GAAS brings together industry leaders and experts to examine the issues and trends affecting the worldwide automotive aftermarket and influencing its future.

This year's brochure highlights the 25 speakers and panelists featured, as well as the GAAS 2012 theme: “One Industry, Endless Opportunities.” GAAS chairman Dennis Welvaert said the GAAS steering committee felt the 2012 program should include content that focuses on all the steps in the aftermarket supply chain in North America.

"We want manufacturers, resellers, program groups, parts stores and installers to hear from their customers and suppliers as to the critical things that are affecting the business," explained Welvaert. "We also want to discuss critical issues like the quality of aftermarket parts, how to tackle the parts proliferation issue and how we can best use things like social media and the Internet to market products more successfully."

Welvaert added, "In addition, we will have a review of the economy and the megatrends that will affect the industry for the next several years. This will help all attendees plan better for the future."    

Members of the associations that sponsor GAAS are eligible for discounted registration fees of $200 off regular rates when they register by Friday, April 13, 2012. A complete list of registration fees is available at www.globalsymposium.org/registration.shtml.

For more information, visit www.GlobalSymposium.org or call 301-654-6664.

The GAAS program is a joint professional education effort of the of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tire Industry Association (TIA) and University of the Aftermarket. Polk is the corporate sponsor of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium. GAAS is made possible through the generous support of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

Despite amendments drafted by SEMA to ensure that the bill would not hurt legitimate historic vehicle owners, the Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee will not move forward with legislation that originally threatened to further limit the use of these cars. It’s likely that House lawmakers will set the bill aside for a summer study. The Senate will follow suit. SEMA has committed to bill sponsor Delegate Kirill Reznik that it will continue to participate in efforts to help enact a version of the bill next year that will allow these vehicles continued eligibility for the historic class upon their 20th year; not require collector insurance policies and retain the “occasional use” provision. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Despite amendments drafted by SEMA to ensure that the bill would not hurt legitimate historic vehicle owners, the Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee will not move forward with legislation that originally threatened to further limit the use of these cars. It’s likely that House lawmakers will set the bill aside for a summer study. The Senate will follow suit. SEMA has committed to bill sponsor Delegate Kirill Reznik that it will continue to participate in efforts to help enact a version of the bill next year that will allow these vehicles continued eligibility for the historic class upon their 20th year; not require collector insurance policies and retain the “occasional use” provision. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.