The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new emissions standards for chromium electroplating and anodizing operations. For decorative chrome plating, the EPA wants to lower the emissions levels for existing sources from 0.01 milligrams per dry standard cubic meter (mg/dscm) to 0.007 mg/dscm. New sources would be required to meet a 0.006-mg/dscm limit. The EPA is also pursuing a reduction in the bath surface tension, arguing that it will achieve further reductions in actual emissions.

The EPA contends most facilities already meet the proposed standards and facilities that do not meet the standards could by simply using more fume suppressants. SEMA is reviewing the proposal but questions the need for additional regulations at a time when, according to the EPA’s own data, industry's emissions have been reduced by 99.7% since 1995. Additionally, the plating and finishing industry's total U.S. emissions are less than 1% of all chromium emissions from various other sources. 

For additional information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued proposed guidelines intended to limit the risk of driver distraction from in-vehicle electronic devices that are not directly applicable to driving a car. The draft guidelines would be voluntary and apply specifically to original equipment installed in new light-duty vehicles. The electronic devices covered include “information, navigation, communications and entertainment” products that require the driver to take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. For example, certain functions, such as inputting an address into a navigation system, text messaging, dialing a phone number or browsing the Internet would be disabled until the vehicle is in park. Operations that require less than two seconds and one hand to achieve would be permitted.

The NHTSA has been researching driver distraction for years. Following a public meeting in 2000 on the topic, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers developed a set of best practices for telematic devices. The Alliance Guidelines consist of 24 principles that have been revised several times, most recently in June 2006. According to the NHTSA, the draft agency guidelines attempt to build on, but also go beyond the Alliance principles in order to potentially specify a single test procedure and aid in the voluntary adoption of uniform guidelines.

In the future, the NHTSA intends to issue a second guidance document for aftermarket products. Such devices include smart phones, electronic tablets and pads and other mobile communications devices. The NHTSA could also issue a third set of guidelines covering voice-activated control devices offered by the automakers and aftermarket. 

For additional information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued proposed guidelines intended to limit the risk of driver distraction from in-vehicle electronic devices that are not directly applicable to driving a car. The draft guidelines would be voluntary and apply specifically to original equipment installed in new light-duty vehicles. The electronic devices covered include “information, navigation, communications and entertainment” products that require the driver to take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. For example, certain functions, such as inputting an address into a navigation system, text messaging, dialing a phone number or browsing the Internet would be disabled until the vehicle is in park. Operations that require less than two seconds and one hand to achieve would be permitted.

The NHTSA has been researching driver distraction for years. Following a public meeting in 2000 on the topic, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers developed a set of best practices for telematic devices. The Alliance Guidelines consist of 24 principles that have been revised several times, most recently in June 2006. According to the NHTSA, the draft agency guidelines attempt to build on, but also go beyond the Alliance principles in order to potentially specify a single test procedure and aid in the voluntary adoption of uniform guidelines.

In the future, the NHTSA intends to issue a second guidance document for aftermarket products. Such devices include smart phones, electronic tablets and pads and other mobile communications devices. The NHTSA could also issue a third set of guidelines covering voice-activated control devices offered by the automakers and aftermarket. 

For additional information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

	Open to men and women, the mission of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth, networking opportunities and communication.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) welcomes both women and men who work for a SEMA-member company to join the committee. Along with the benefit of joining a community of prominent industry leaders, membership in the SBN offers several distinct advantages: 

Networking: The SBN offers access to more than 300 members, largely composed of women who understand the challenges and advantages of working in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Via exclusive invitations to SBN mixers at industry events and SBN events at the SEMA Show, such as the Speed Networking Breakfast, members have the opportunity to network with key influencers in the industry.

Recognition: Established in 1994, the SBN Awards have become the premier honor for recognition of industry veterans who have volunteered their personal and professional time to contribute to women in the automotive aftermarket. Also, through SBN’s Member of the Month (MoM) spotlight, select women are highlighted as trendsetters in the industry. MoM spotlights receive the honor of being featured in SEMA eNews with a subscription of more than 150,000 recipients, along with a feature on the SEMA website.   

SEMA Show: The SBN offers members the ideal opportunity to become actively engaged in SEMA via volunteering time to help with SBN-sponsored events. Events featured throughout the week include the Speed Networking Breakfast, Café SEMA, and the Gear-up Girl, which act as a great medium to enhance professional growth, networking and business leads.  

There is no cost to join SBN, just many opportunities to meet other women in the industry who are as equally committed to professional growth as you are. Join the SBN now!

	Open to men and women, the mission of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth, networking opportunities and communication.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) welcomes both women and men who work for a SEMA-member company to join the committee. Along with the benefit of joining a community of prominent industry leaders, membership in the SBN offers several distinct advantages: 

Networking: The SBN offers access to more than 300 members, largely composed of women who understand the challenges and advantages of working in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Via exclusive invitations to SBN mixers at industry events and SBN events at the SEMA Show, such as the Speed Networking Breakfast, members have the opportunity to network with key influencers in the industry.

Recognition: Established in 1994, the SBN Awards have become the premier honor for recognition of industry veterans who have volunteered their personal and professional time to contribute to women in the automotive aftermarket. Also, through SBN’s Member of the Month (MoM) spotlight, select women are highlighted as trendsetters in the industry. MoM spotlights receive the honor of being featured in SEMA eNews with a subscription of more than 150,000 recipients, along with a feature on the SEMA website.   

SEMA Show: The SBN offers members the ideal opportunity to become actively engaged in SEMA via volunteering time to help with SBN-sponsored events. Events featured throughout the week include the Speed Networking Breakfast, Café SEMA, and the Gear-up Girl, which act as a great medium to enhance professional growth, networking and business leads.  

There is no cost to join SBN, just many opportunities to meet other women in the industry who are as equally committed to professional growth as you are. Join the SBN now!

	Open to men and women, the mission of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth, networking opportunities and communication.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) welcomes both women and men who work for a SEMA-member company to join the committee. Along with the benefit of joining a community of prominent industry leaders, membership in the SBN offers several distinct advantages: 

Networking: The SBN offers access to more than 300 members, largely composed of women who understand the challenges and advantages of working in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Via exclusive invitations to SBN mixers at industry events and SBN events at the SEMA Show, such as the Speed Networking Breakfast, members have the opportunity to network with key influencers in the industry.

Recognition: Established in 1994, the SBN Awards have become the premier honor for recognition of industry veterans who have volunteered their personal and professional time to contribute to women in the automotive aftermarket. Also, through SBN’s Member of the Month (MoM) spotlight, select women are highlighted as trendsetters in the industry. MoM spotlights receive the honor of being featured in SEMA eNews with a subscription of more than 150,000 recipients, along with a feature on the SEMA website.   

SEMA Show: The SBN offers members the ideal opportunity to become actively engaged in SEMA via volunteering time to help with SBN-sponsored events. Events featured throughout the week include the Speed Networking Breakfast, Café SEMA, and the Gear-up Girl, which act as a great medium to enhance professional growth, networking and business leads.  

There is no cost to join SBN, just many opportunities to meet other women in the industry who are as equally committed to professional growth as you are. Join the SBN now!

	Open to men and women, the mission of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth, networking opportunities and communication.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) welcomes both women and men who work for a SEMA-member company to join the committee. Along with the benefit of joining a community of prominent industry leaders, membership in the SBN offers several distinct advantages: 

Networking: The SBN offers access to more than 300 members, largely composed of women who understand the challenges and advantages of working in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Via exclusive invitations to SBN mixers at industry events and SBN events at the SEMA Show, such as the Speed Networking Breakfast, members have the opportunity to network with key influencers in the industry.

Recognition: Established in 1994, the SBN Awards have become the premier honor for recognition of industry veterans who have volunteered their personal and professional time to contribute to women in the automotive aftermarket. Also, through SBN’s Member of the Month (MoM) spotlight, select women are highlighted as trendsetters in the industry. MoM spotlights receive the honor of being featured in SEMA eNews with a subscription of more than 150,000 recipients, along with a feature on the SEMA website.   

SEMA Show: The SBN offers members the ideal opportunity to become actively engaged in SEMA via volunteering time to help with SBN-sponsored events. Events featured throughout the week include the Speed Networking Breakfast, Café SEMA, and the Gear-up Girl, which act as a great medium to enhance professional growth, networking and business leads.  

There is no cost to join SBN, just many opportunities to meet other women in the industry who are as equally committed to professional growth as you are. Join the SBN now!

	Open to men and women, the mission of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth, networking opportunities and communication.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) welcomes both women and men who work for a SEMA-member company to join the committee. Along with the benefit of joining a community of prominent industry leaders, membership in the SBN offers several distinct advantages: 

Networking: The SBN offers access to more than 300 members, largely composed of women who understand the challenges and advantages of working in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Via exclusive invitations to SBN mixers at industry events and SBN events at the SEMA Show, such as the Speed Networking Breakfast, members have the opportunity to network with key influencers in the industry.

Recognition: Established in 1994, the SBN Awards have become the premier honor for recognition of industry veterans who have volunteered their personal and professional time to contribute to women in the automotive aftermarket. Also, through SBN’s Member of the Month (MoM) spotlight, select women are highlighted as trendsetters in the industry. MoM spotlights receive the honor of being featured in SEMA eNews with a subscription of more than 150,000 recipients, along with a feature on the SEMA website.   

SEMA Show: The SBN offers members the ideal opportunity to become actively engaged in SEMA via volunteering time to help with SBN-sponsored events. Events featured throughout the week include the Speed Networking Breakfast, Café SEMA, and the Gear-up Girl, which act as a great medium to enhance professional growth, networking and business leads.  

There is no cost to join SBN, just many opportunities to meet other women in the industry who are as equally committed to professional growth as you are. Join the SBN now!

	Open to men and women, the mission of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth, networking opportunities and communication.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) welcomes both women and men who work for a SEMA-member company to join the committee. Along with the benefit of joining a community of prominent industry leaders, membership in the SBN offers several distinct advantages: 

Networking: The SBN offers access to more than 300 members, largely composed of women who understand the challenges and advantages of working in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Via exclusive invitations to SBN mixers at industry events and SBN events at the SEMA Show, such as the Speed Networking Breakfast, members have the opportunity to network with key influencers in the industry.

Recognition: Established in 1994, the SBN Awards have become the premier honor for recognition of industry veterans who have volunteered their personal and professional time to contribute to women in the automotive aftermarket. Also, through SBN’s Member of the Month (MoM) spotlight, select women are highlighted as trendsetters in the industry. MoM spotlights receive the honor of being featured in SEMA eNews with a subscription of more than 150,000 recipients, along with a feature on the SEMA website.   

SEMA Show: The SBN offers members the ideal opportunity to become actively engaged in SEMA via volunteering time to help with SBN-sponsored events. Events featured throughout the week include the Speed Networking Breakfast, Café SEMA, and the Gear-up Girl, which act as a great medium to enhance professional growth, networking and business leads.  

There is no cost to join SBN, just many opportunities to meet other women in the industry who are as equally committed to professional growth as you are. Join the SBN now!

NEWS NUGGETS

BROWN, NEFF, ANDERSON IN POINTS LEADS AFTER NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS: Top Fuel pilot Antron Brown is right where he wants to be heading into the third event of the season. After racing to back-to-back final-round appearances at the first two races and the win at the recent NHRA Arizona Nationals, Brown is at the top of the Top Fuel standings with a 32-point lead over second-place driver and Don Schumacher Racing teammate Tony Schumacher.

“Making it to the final round for the second race in a row is a real huge statement,” said Brown following his victory at Firebird International Raceway. “But it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish, especially when the Countdown gets tight. The competition in Top Fuel now, pound for pound, is like a 324-mph Pro Stock class.”

Brown isn’t the only NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series driver to start the season with back-to-back finals; Mike Neff (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) have both posted consecutive title-round berths to start the season and lead the points.

“We want to win,” said Neff, who recorded runner-up finishes at the first two races. “We work hard, but on the positive side, we’ve had two races with two [John Force Racing] cars in each of the finals. We’re definitely satisfied with that. All in all, anytime you go to the final, it’s a good day, especially to be leaving here with the points lead.”

Brown, Neff and Anderson will look to keep their streak of consecutive final-round appearances alive when the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville March 8–11 for the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

UNI-SELECT AND ITS AUTO-PLUS BRAND ACQUIRE NAMING RIGHTS TO GAINESVILLE RACEWAY: Uni-Select USA and its Auto-Plus network of automotive retail stores have acquired the naming rights to the NHRA-owned and -operated facility in Gainesville, Florida. Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville will host the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com March 8–11, the third stop in the 23-race NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. One of NHRA’s major events, the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, serves as the East Coast opener for the series, featuring Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and the season opener for Pro Stock Motorcycle. In 2012, the NHRA will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the sport’s first 300-mph pass, which took place at the historic track. Making a special appearance at the event to commemorate the feat considered by many as one of the greatest accomplishments in the sport will be the driver who recorded it—NHRA legend Kenny Bernstein.

Besides holding naming rights to Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, the company serves as title-rights sponsor of the Auto-Plus NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania, and is the official auto-parts store of Atlanta Dragway, also an NHRA-owned and -operated facility, and Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. The naming-rights sponsorship affords Auto-Plus significant signage at the historic facility, which has hosted an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event for 42 years, as well as hospitality privileges for business associates and customers.

For tickets to the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS PRESENTED BY NAPAFILTERS.COM, AUTO-PLUS RACEWAY AT GAINESVILLE, March 8–11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to historic Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville for the third stop of the series and season-opening race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com. For media credentials, contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

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 Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@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, contact Media Relations Manager Alex Baca at abaca@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

LOOKING OPTIMISTIC: Top Fuel pilot Tony Schumacher after falling to Antron Brown in the final round at the NHRA Arizona Nationals and extending his winless streak to eight final-round appearances: “We’re definitely not going to hang our heads in the U.S. Army team camp. We know we have a great race car, and we are going to win races this season. Our Army Strong soldiers continually stay focused on the mission, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do moving forward.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Top Fuel pilot Kenny Bernstein was the first driver in NHRA history to break the 300-mph barrier.

301.70: That’s the speed that former Top Fuel world champion Kenny Bernstein posted in 1992 when he became the first Top Fuel driver to break the 300-mph barrier at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Bernstein’s historical moment.

DID YOU KNOW

…that the Pro Stock Motorcycle class will kick off its season at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com, March 8–11, at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville. Rider Eddie Krawiec is looking to defend his world championship as well as his 2011 event victory as the two-wheel class hits the track at more than 190 mph.