The vehicles featured in the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder's Challenge during July's SEMA Pinewood Drag Races will soon be made available for auction through ebay. Proceeds raised through the auction will benefit Childhelp and the Victory Junction Camp. But before these carefully crafted masters of the metal dragstrip find new homes, SEMA eNews talked to builders Keith Kaucher and Brent Vandervort to uncover their motivation for making these pinewood cars special.

All of the vehicles featured in the Builder's Challenge will be on display in the HRIA booth at the 2011 SEMA Show. New builders and their vehicles will be included each week in SEMA eNews. Featured this week are Keith Kaucher of Kaucher Kustoms and Brent Vandervort of Fatman Fabrications.

	Kaucher Kustoms' HRIA Builder's Challenge entry. Watch a video of the build here.

Keith Kaucher, Chief Designer, Kaucher Kustoms

SEMA eNews: Why did you decide to get involved and become a HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge participant?

Keith Kaucher: I saw it as an opportunity for some much-needed exposure and a way to help out the kids while doing it—a win-win situation.

SEMA eNews: Did you race Pinewood when you were younger?

Keith Kaucher: No, I never did. I did, however, build more than 100 car model kits since I was nine years old.

SEMA eNews: What was the inspiration for your build?

Keith Kaucher: The custom Show Rods by Barris, Roth, Jefferies, Cushenberry, Starbird and Winfield from the mid to late ’60s.

SEMA eNews: What was the major challenge in completing the build?

Keith Kaucher: For me it was getting the track specifications so I knew exactly what I needed to do to make my car clear everything and still have a great ride height.

SEMA eNews: What are the details of the build that you would like potential bidders to know?

Keith Kaucher: That it's an original concept designed by award-winning, custom-car designer Keith Kaucher of Kaucher Kustoms.

Here is a video of Kaucher's build from beginning to end.

	Fatman Fabrications' HRIA Builder's Challenge vehicle is based on a drawing of a ’40 Ford Tudor converted to a mid-engine, fenderless, topless Phaeton.

Brent VanDervort, Fatman Fabrications

SEMA eNews: Why did you decide to get involved and become a HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge participant?

Brent VanDervort: For the most excellent cause and for the fun and honor of being involved.

SEMA eNews: Did you race Pinewood when you were younger?

Brent VanDervort: No, but I helped some friends as an adult.

SEMA eNews: What was the inspiration for your build?

Brent VanDervort: I have a drawing done years ago for a ’40 Ford Tudor converted to a mid-engine, fenderless, topless Phaeton. I thought this was a good chance to try out the proportions.

SEMA eNews: What was the major challenge in completing the build?

Brent VanDervort: Filling the grain in the wood.

SEMA eNews: What are the details of the build that you would like potential bidders to know?

Brent VanDervort: I built it kind of old school [pinewood]. I marvel at the exotic creations and appreciate the effort. As in all things competitive, it can get a little over complex, so I went old school. I hope my effort wasn’t perceived as being less intensive than it could have been.

All of the HRIA Builder's Challenge vehicles will be on display in HRIA's council booth at the 2011 SEMA Show. More details on the auction will be available in upcoming issues of SEMA eNews. For more information, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

 

	The Beatles LOVE features the music of the Beatles and is playing at the Mirage hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.

The 2011 SEMA Show is coming to town, and Las Vegas is rolling out the red carpet to make sure everyone not only has a great time, but is also treated like a high-roller. Over the next several weeks, SEMA will introduce discounts negotiated with numerous venues across town just by letting them know you are in Las Vegas for SEMA. For many offers, it will be as simple as showing them your badge.

Cirque du Soleil will provide the first offer. Looking to entertain your favorite customer or provide your team with a memorable night while in Las Vegas? Cirque du Soleil wants to ensure you have an opportunity not found anywhere else. While the company is famous for producing traveling shows that can be seen throughout the world, Cirque du Soleil has truly transformed the concept of entertainment on The Strip with its numerous productions now currently performed nightly in Las Vegas. From the original production, Mystère, to recent additions, such as Viva ELVIS, celebrating the life and music of Elvis Presley, and The Beatles LOVE, featuring the music of the Beatles, there is truly something for everyone.

As a benefit to those coming to town for SEMA week, Cirque du Soleil is offering a special discount of up to 35% off for select performances during the SEMA Show dates. Discounts are listed below, but you need to act fast as quantities are limited. Click here for more information on each show and to order tickets online. Once you arrive in Las Vegas, there may be limited tickets remaining for same-day purchase, up to 3:00 p.m. each day, at the information desk in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Show		Hotel		Dates		Discount
Mystère		TI Hotel		November 1, 5		35%
Zumanity		New York New York		November 1–5		35%
KÀ		MGM Grand		November 1–5		35%
The Beatles LOVE		Mirage		November 3–5		20%
Criss Angel Believe		Luxor		November 1–5		35%
Viva ELVIS		ARIA		November 1–5		35%

If you have any further questions regarding this opportunity, please don’t hesitate to call 800/947-1076 and mention the “Delegate Offer,” or visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Please note: Subject to availability. Seating is based on best available, and no holds will be accepted. Not all categories are available for this special offer. Tickets must be purchased online or by phone prior to 72 hours in advance to receive confirmation. The show tickets kiosk at the Las Vegas Convention Center Main Hall is available until 3:00 p.m. the day of the show.

 

	The Beatles LOVE features the music of the Beatles and is playing at the Mirage hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.

The 2011 SEMA Show is coming to town, and Las Vegas is rolling out the red carpet to make sure everyone not only has a great time, but is also treated like a high-roller. Over the next several weeks, SEMA will introduce discounts negotiated with numerous venues across town just by letting them know you are in Las Vegas for SEMA. For many offers, it will be as simple as showing them your badge.

Cirque du Soleil will provide the first offer. Looking to entertain your favorite customer or provide your team with a memorable night while in Las Vegas? Cirque du Soleil wants to ensure you have an opportunity not found anywhere else. While the company is famous for producing traveling shows that can be seen throughout the world, Cirque du Soleil has truly transformed the concept of entertainment on The Strip with its numerous productions now currently performed nightly in Las Vegas. From the original production, Mystère, to recent additions, such as Viva ELVIS, celebrating the life and music of Elvis Presley, and The Beatles LOVE, featuring the music of the Beatles, there is truly something for everyone.

As a benefit to those coming to town for SEMA week, Cirque du Soleil is offering a special discount of up to 35% off for select performances during the SEMA Show dates. Discounts are listed below, but you need to act fast as quantities are limited. Click here for more information on each show and to order tickets online. Once you arrive in Las Vegas, there may be limited tickets remaining for same-day purchase, up to 3:00 p.m. each day, at the information desk in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Show		Hotel		Dates		Discount
Mystère		TI Hotel		November 1, 5		35%
Zumanity		New York New York		November 1–5		35%
KÀ		MGM Grand		November 1–5		35%
The Beatles LOVE		Mirage		November 3–5		20%
Criss Angel Believe		Luxor		November 1–5		35%
Viva ELVIS		ARIA		November 1–5		35%

If you have any further questions regarding this opportunity, please don’t hesitate to call 800/947-1076 and mention the “Delegate Offer,” or visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Please note: Subject to availability. Seating is based on best available, and no holds will be accepted. Not all categories are available for this special offer. Tickets must be purchased online or by phone prior to 72 hours in advance to receive confirmation. The show tickets kiosk at the Las Vegas Convention Center Main Hall is available until 3:00 p.m. the day of the show.

Here is a collection of photos featuring Hyundais at the 2010 SEMA Show. The vehicles are part of a database of photos that are available for download at www.enjoythedrive.com.

With more than 2,000 vehicles available in the database, a group of vehicles are highlighted each week in SEMA eNews.

Getting prepared for the 2011 SEMA Show? Register your staff, sign up as a buyer, buy a booth, view educational session available and more at www.SEMAShow.com.

Here is a collection of photos featuring Hyundais at the 2010 SEMA Show. The vehicles are part of a database of photos that are available for download at www.enjoythedrive.com.

With more than 2,000 vehicles available in the database, a group of vehicles are highlighted each week in SEMA eNews.

Getting prepared for the 2011 SEMA Show? Register your staff, sign up as a buyer, buy a booth, view educational session available and more at www.SEMAShow.com.

	Charley Hutton

As the 2011 SEMA Show draws closer, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) continues to organize a program that will be remembered by collision repairers attending the Show long after it ends.

The latest addition to SCRS's list of events is a live discussion with Charley Hutton—a renowned personality in the automotive industry—regarded as one of the most popular painters in the custom car world. The Society will welcome Hutton Wednesday, November 2, from 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. at the Collision Repair & Refinish Section Stage (North Hall #10873) for an onstage interview and Q&A session.

Working out of his shop in Nampa, Idaho—Charley Hutton's Color Studio—Hutton has produced an impressive number of automotive refinishing projects over his career, most recently through his work using PPG Automotive Refinish. He has garnered a number of prominent honors as a result.

His talents have been recognized with two Ridler Awards, presented by Autorama–a premier customer car show. He is also the winner of several Street Rod of the Year and Custom Rod of the Year awards, as well as the recipient of America's Most Beautiful Roadster award.

Many across the nation recognize Hutton, who has established himself as a media personality. He first attained television fame and national exposure through the Discovery Channel's "American Hot Rod" show, and has appeared on Hot Rod TV and the Learning Channel's "Overhaulin'."

"We have to thank our friends and supporters from PPG who were instrumental in helping SCRS arrange to add such a high-profile personality, such as Charley Hutton to the great lineup we are assembling for the SEMA Show," states SCRS Chairman Aaron Clark. "Charley is of great interest and relevance to the collision-repair audience, as someone who started off in this business like so many of the custom painters and fabricators did."

Domenic Brusco, senior manager of industry relations for PPG Automotive Refinish, added, "It has already been a great experience for PPG to be part of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) program, and the SEMA Show has really given a great canvas for SCRS to use as they put together the educational agenda for the industry. Our partnership with Charley has shown us how his craftsmanship and point of view really complement much of the material that SCRS is offering in their RDE program, and we are glad we can play a role in SCRS' activities, which are clearly providing the widest possible variety of useful content to the repair industry."

	Charley Hutton

As the 2011 SEMA Show draws closer, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) continues to organize a program that will be remembered by collision repairers attending the Show long after it ends.

The latest addition to SCRS's list of events is a live discussion with Charley Hutton—a renowned personality in the automotive industry—regarded as one of the most popular painters in the custom car world. The Society will welcome Hutton Wednesday, November 2, from 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. at the Collision Repair & Refinish Section Stage (North Hall #10873) for an onstage interview and Q&A session.

Working out of his shop in Nampa, Idaho—Charley Hutton's Color Studio—Hutton has produced an impressive number of automotive refinishing projects over his career, most recently through his work using PPG Automotive Refinish. He has garnered a number of prominent honors as a result.

His talents have been recognized with two Ridler Awards, presented by Autorama–a premier customer car show. He is also the winner of several Street Rod of the Year and Custom Rod of the Year awards, as well as the recipient of America's Most Beautiful Roadster award.

Many across the nation recognize Hutton, who has established himself as a media personality. He first attained television fame and national exposure through the Discovery Channel's "American Hot Rod" show, and has appeared on Hot Rod TV and the Learning Channel's "Overhaulin'."

"We have to thank our friends and supporters from PPG who were instrumental in helping SCRS arrange to add such a high-profile personality, such as Charley Hutton to the great lineup we are assembling for the SEMA Show," states SCRS Chairman Aaron Clark. "Charley is of great interest and relevance to the collision-repair audience, as someone who started off in this business like so many of the custom painters and fabricators did."

Domenic Brusco, senior manager of industry relations for PPG Automotive Refinish, added, "It has already been a great experience for PPG to be part of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) program, and the SEMA Show has really given a great canvas for SCRS to use as they put together the educational agenda for the industry. Our partnership with Charley has shown us how his craftsmanship and point of view really complement much of the material that SCRS is offering in their RDE program, and we are glad we can play a role in SCRS' activities, which are clearly providing the widest possible variety of useful content to the repair industry."

	Charley Hutton

As the 2011 SEMA Show draws closer, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) continues to organize a program that will be remembered by collision repairers attending the Show long after it ends.

The latest addition to SCRS's list of events is a live discussion with Charley Hutton—a renowned personality in the automotive industry—regarded as one of the most popular painters in the custom car world. The Society will welcome Hutton Wednesday, November 2, from 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. at the Collision Repair & Refinish Section Stage (North Hall #10873) for an onstage interview and Q&A session.

Working out of his shop in Nampa, Idaho—Charley Hutton's Color Studio—Hutton has produced an impressive number of automotive refinishing projects over his career, most recently through his work using PPG Automotive Refinish. He has garnered a number of prominent honors as a result.

His talents have been recognized with two Ridler Awards, presented by Autorama–a premier customer car show. He is also the winner of several Street Rod of the Year and Custom Rod of the Year awards, as well as the recipient of America's Most Beautiful Roadster award.

Many across the nation recognize Hutton, who has established himself as a media personality. He first attained television fame and national exposure through the Discovery Channel's "American Hot Rod" show, and has appeared on Hot Rod TV and the Learning Channel's "Overhaulin'."

"We have to thank our friends and supporters from PPG who were instrumental in helping SCRS arrange to add such a high-profile personality, such as Charley Hutton to the great lineup we are assembling for the SEMA Show," states SCRS Chairman Aaron Clark. "Charley is of great interest and relevance to the collision-repair audience, as someone who started off in this business like so many of the custom painters and fabricators did."

Domenic Brusco, senior manager of industry relations for PPG Automotive Refinish, added, "It has already been a great experience for PPG to be part of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) program, and the SEMA Show has really given a great canvas for SCRS to use as they put together the educational agenda for the industry. Our partnership with Charley has shown us how his craftsmanship and point of view really complement much of the material that SCRS is offering in their RDE program, and we are glad we can play a role in SCRS' activities, which are clearly providing the widest possible variety of useful content to the repair industry."

Petrillo Name Rostra Chairman, Hanighen Named CEO
Rostra Precision Controls Inc. announced that Thomas P. Petrillo has moved to chairman of the board of Rostra and has named John Hanighen as his successor as CEO. According to Rostra, Hanighen brings more than 30 years of automotive aftermarket experience driving sales and marketing in the commercial markets. He joins Rostra from Genuine Parts Co. where he was vice president of commercial marketing with NAPA. “We are thrilled to have John take over at the helm of the Rostra leadership team, as his background and skill set fits very well with the company’s strategic direction,” said Petrillo. “He is a proven leader with broad aftermarket commercial experience and has a significant track record of successful acquisition integration as well as driving revenue growth. 

Michael Sype was selected to lead Tenneco's Rancho product development team.

Michael Sype Lead Tenneco’s Rancho Product Development Team
Michael Sype has been assigned to lead Tenneco’s Rancho product development team. After serving in increasingly responsible engineering roles within Tenneco’s OE business, Sype joins the Rancho engineering team with a strong background in product development, program management and production. He also served as a senior ride development technician for projects conducted at the General Motors Milford Proving Grounds, Milford, Michigan. Sype will be based in Monroe, Michigan.

McCullough Public Relations Named PR Firm for DCM Manufacturing
McCullough Public Relations was selected the pubic relations firm of record for DCM Manufacturing Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dreison International Inc. McCullough will coordinate all media relations for DCM’s key brands, including Maradyne High Performance Fans, Maradyne Mobile Products and Maradyne Marine Products. The agency is responsible for press release writing, feature story coordination, product placement, on-site trade show representation and organizing company media events.

Parrot Becomes Part of GENIVI Alliance
Parrot Inc. announced that it is an associate member of the GENIVI Alliance, a collection of companies from the in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) value chain for the development and adoption of open IVI reference platforms. According to the company, it will provide expertise in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, telephony, multimedia and mobile Internet access to the GENIVI Alliance. Parrot’s involvement will contribute to the Alliance’s efforts in reducing the development time and costs of future open IVI platforms.

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. Launches Ultimate Ride Sweepstakes
Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. announced that it has launched the company’s largest promotion ever, the Ultimate Ride Sweepstakes. Running through January 2, 2012, the 17-week Ultimate Ride Sweepstakes will award one winner a set of Toyo tires each week, while one person will win the Grand Prize—a custom '11 Dodge Durango. A registration form, official rules, contest odds and prize descriptions are available at www.toyotires.com/sweepstakes.

 

	The ’12 Nissan NV Body Builder's Guide is now available for download.

Nissan has released the first revision of its ’12 NV Body Builder's Guide. This manual contains body-builder’s information for the ’12 Nissan NV, including complete instructions on how to install the OEM rear windows. Also, for easier reading, dimensional data has been reformatted.

The NV is available in three trim levels—1500, 2500 HD and 3500 HD. The 1500 is powered by a 261hp, 4.0L V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. It features a full-length, fully boxed ladder frame, 243-degree wide-opening rear doors, 234.1 cu.-ft. of cargo space and a standard roof. The 2500 HD is equipped with the same 4.0L V6 or a 5.6L V8 that produces 317 hp. Options include a 323.1 cu.-ft. high roof. The 3500 HD is standard-equipped with the 5.6L V8 and also offers the high-roof option. All models are rear-wheel drive and have a two-passenger capacity.

Click here to download a pdf copy of the ’12 Nissan NV Body Builder's Guide.