By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In comments submitted to a rule proposed by the Washington State Patrol to update the state’s motor-vehicle equipment standards, SEMA opposed efforts to modify the regulations by lowering the maximum bumper height requirement for passenger vehicles from 22 inches to 20 inches. The association also opposed a change to the current regulations that would remove the 6-inch minimum height requirement for windshields and replace it with a vague, subjective standard.

SEMA contended that with regard to incompatible bumper heights, regulations more stringent than the current standard in Washington will not solve this difference among vehicles in the national vehicle fleet. Vehicles of vastly differing bumper heights—from sports cars to stock pickups, to tractor-trailers and school busses—come off the assembly lines each year.

The proposal also would require that windshields “be of sufficient dimensions to protect the driver and occupants from insects, other airborne objects, and highway surface water and debris, when the motor vehicle is moving forward, or as originally equipped by a recognized manufacturer.”

This proposed change removes an objective requirement that the vertical height of the windshield must be at least 6 inches and replaces it with language that relies on the subjective interpretation of the individual inspector or law enforcement authority, rendering the vehicle owner without clear direction as to lawful modifications. 

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

By SEMA Editors

Pirelli World Challenge Announces New Race Director, Dorsey Schroeder

	Dorsey Schroeder named race director for the 2015 Pirelli World Challenge.

WC Vision has announced additional racing operations changes for the 2015 Pirelli World Challenge, including a new race operations committee and the naming of multi-time racing champion Dorsey Schroeder as the new race director. Schroeder, a past road racing event winner and series champion, comes to the Pirelli World Challenge after a successful career as a driver and television racing analyst. In addition, Schroeder will lead the committee with another former racing champion Brian Till, Pirelli World Challenge chief driving steward, and Chief Steward Pat di Natale. PWC Competition Director Marcus Haselgrove will advise the race committee as appropriate.

"We are very pleased to bring in Dorsey as our race director and having him working closely with Brian, and Pat in our race operations," said Scott Bove, president and CEO of WC Vision, Pirelli World Challenge. The next PWC competition is scheduled for rounds 10, 11 and 12 of the Touring Car categories—TC, TCA and TCB—on August 13–15, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. For more information visit www.world-challenge.com.

Legendary Drivers Signing Autographs at Perris Auto Speedway

Five-time CRA champion and National Sprint Car Hall of Famer Jimmy Oskie, shown here in 1981, is one of several legendary drivers from the past who will be signing autographs Saturday at Perris Auto Speedway.(Photo courtesy of Scott Daloisio)

Southern California racing fans will be able to get the autographs of several legendary racers when the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Cars headline the “California Racer’s Hall of Fame Night” at Perris Auto Speedway (PAS) this Saturday, August 15. Before the races begin the drivers will be in the track’s sports bar signing free autographs, posing for photos and talking with fans.

Among the many drivers who will be at the signing is five-time CRA champion Jimmy Oskie.  Other confirmed CRA champs who will be signing include “Lover Boy” Bob Hogle (1963 & 1968), Don Thomas (1966), Rick Goudy (1978) and Eddie Wirth (1985). Rickie Hood, the 1984 & 1985 USAC National Sprint Car champ and 1985 USAC Silver Crown champion, has indicated he will be on hand for a rare PAS appearance. Among the other popular stars who have confirmed their participation are Mike Sweeney, John Redican and Jeff Heywood.

To keep up with all of the latest Perris Auto Speedway news, photos, gossip and to receive special offers, visit the PAS Facebook page and follow PAS on Twitter @perrisautospdwy.

The Off-Road Business Association Magazine

	Created by the Off Road Business Association, the National Advocate is a quarterly newsletter dedicated to off-road advocacy.

In partnership with the largest and most active motorized recreation advocacy groups, the Off-Road Business Association has created a unified quarterly newsletter with a focus on developing a unified voice. ORBA is proud to announce the publication of the National Advocate’s second edition.

This issue is features stories about the Endangered Species Act, California Association of 4WD Clubs name change, ORBA meeting with the Speaker of the House, Economic Impact Reports and more. Click here to download a copy of the National Advocate.

Kleiman Earns First-Ever TORC PRO Light Victory at Sturgis

TORC Series PRO Light driver Kyle Kleiman earns his first-ever class victory at the Battle of the Chip.

An impressive crowd at the 75th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally watched part-time TORC Series PRO Light driver Kyle Kleiman earn his first-ever class victory Tuesday at the Battle of the Chip at the Legendary Buffalo Chip Powersports Complex. It was a hard-fought, physical battle for the entire race that saw points leader Doug Mittag with his Cooper Tire-sponsored machine finish second with Cam Reimers putting his Liquid Wrench truck in third for his third podium finish of the season.

“Oh, it’s awesome!” said Kleiman after taking the win on his Kenda tires. “It’s a lot of work, that’s for sure. It was a long time coming and I’m just thankful to be up here.”

For more information on TORC, visit them online at TORCSeries.com. Fans can also follow them at Facebook.com/TORC and on Twitter and Instagram at @TORCOffRoad.

Walker Evans Continues Legacy At Crandon International Raceway

	The “Walker Evans Racing Legendary Launch.” hurls competitors toward the track’s Calamity Corner and the Amsoil Finish Line. (Photo Courtesy of Crandon International Raceway)

Thanks to a new track partnership with his highly successful business enterprise of Walker Evans Racing, the man nicknamed “The Legend” can enjoy watching the sport’s best racers literally fly into history via the renamed “Walker Evans Racing Legendary Launch.”

Along with Crandon’s famous Forest County Potawatomi Turn 1, the Walker Evans Racing “Legendary Launch” represents one of the track’s most historic landmarks. Located after a fast but steep uphill climb that lies at the exit of Crandon’s Polaris RZR Gravel Pit Turn, this extreme jump launches competitors toward the track’s Calamity Corner and the Amsoil Finish Line. More often than not, fearless racers will attack this portion of the track side-by-side with two or even three competitors.

“Crandon’s relationship with Walker Evans and Walker Evans Racing runs deep,” explained Crandon International President Cliff Flannery. “We are proud of this historic relationship, and honored his company has agreed to this new partnership. To rename this historic part of Crandon as the ‘Walker Evans Racing Legendary Launch” is about as good as it gets.”

For more information on Crandon International Off-Road Raceway visit www.crandonoffroad.com.

By Becca Butler

	Sullair will feature the company's newly enhanced formula of Genuine Sullube lubricant for compressors.

Find out what exhibitors of the 2015 SEMA Show have planned for the upcoming show by visiting the Online Media Center.  Below are some of the recent announcements you will find in the Online Media Center:

• Sullair LLC, Booth #15225 announces the company's newly enhanced formula of Genuine Sullube, a high-performance Polyglycol-based lubricant that helps keep compressors running clean and cool.

• Knipex Tools, Booth #15515 introduces the new 10-inch Cobra QuickSet pliers, which features a new slide and lock system that makes repetitive tasks easier and more convenient than ever before.

• Access Covers, Booth #34047 will feature a number of its product lines such as the Access Roll-Up covers, Snowsport snow plows, Rockstar hitch mounted mud flaps, Access Motion LED light strip and more at this year’s Show.

• Weapons Grade Fabrication, Booth #34320 will showcase its unique racks at this year’s Show. The Weapons Grade Fabrication truck will be outfitted with the company's all-new modular utility rack featuring a front and back profile screen, full utility bed and roof rack with fold-down wind screen/light bar.

• Performance Automatic, Booth #71004 has created a Ford 4R70W Street Smart System to partner with those who have a Ford with a 5.0L Coyote engine or the new 3.5L EcoBoost engine. This system comes complete with a Street Smart 4R70W transmission, a stand-alone transmission controller that’s user-friendly, custom torque converter, dipstick/filler tube and more.

• Nostrum Energy, Booth #35320 introduces the launch of its high-flow gasoline Direct injectors (DI). As an innovative game changer for direct injection engines, the high-flow DI injector is a solution for tuners and jobbers to eliminate fueling limitations in search for high horsepower and absolute performance.

• Pro Comp, Booth #30139 is returning to the SEMA Show with a huge booth, complete with new products in the Upper South Hall and the addition of the Pro Comp semi-truck and trailer that will be located in the SCORE Baja 1000 area just outside the South Halls.

• ProRyde Suspension Systems, Booth #31205 announces that patented technology has now been applied to the new Radius Arm Ram 2500/3500 4WD pickups. This new adjustable front lift leveling kit provides live on-vehicle front ride height adjustments from 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches to accommodate up to 35-inch tire/wheel packages.

• MGM Brakes, Booth #22783 releases a new second-gen Camaro/Firebird booster conversion kit. Nothing in the kit is re-manufactured and it includes an 11-inch Delco Moraine stamped brake booster, proportioning valve, bracket and lines.

• Advanced Metal Products Inc., Booth #32297 introduces aluminum load-bearing Tonneau truck covers that easily carry four wheelers, side-by-side ATVs and cargo up to the maximum pickup load rate.

The 2015 SEMA Show will take place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. Register to attend the Show at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

By Becca Butler

	Sullair will feature the company's newly enhanced formula of Genuine Sullube lubricant for compressors.

Find out what exhibitors of the 2015 SEMA Show have planned for the upcoming show by visiting the Online Media Center.  Below are some of the recent announcements you will find in the Online Media Center:

• Sullair LLC, Booth #15225 announces the company's newly enhanced formula of Genuine Sullube, a high-performance Polyglycol-based lubricant that helps keep compressors running clean and cool.

• Knipex Tools, Booth #15515 introduces the new 10-inch Cobra QuickSet pliers, which features a new slide and lock system that makes repetitive tasks easier and more convenient than ever before.

• Access Covers, Booth #34047 will feature a number of its product lines such as the Access Roll-Up covers, Snowsport snow plows, Rockstar hitch mounted mud flaps, Access Motion LED light strip and more at this year’s Show.

• Weapons Grade Fabrication, Booth #34320 will showcase its unique racks at this year’s Show. The Weapons Grade Fabrication truck will be outfitted with the company's all-new modular utility rack featuring a front and back profile screen, full utility bed and roof rack with fold-down wind screen/light bar.

• Performance Automatic, Booth #71004 has created a Ford 4R70W Street Smart System to partner with those who have a Ford with a 5.0L Coyote engine or the new 3.5L EcoBoost engine. This system comes complete with a Street Smart 4R70W transmission, a stand-alone transmission controller that’s user-friendly, custom torque converter, dipstick/filler tube and more.

• Nostrum Energy, Booth #35320 introduces the launch of its high-flow gasoline Direct injectors (DI). As an innovative game changer for direct injection engines, the high-flow DI injector is a solution for tuners and jobbers to eliminate fueling limitations in search for high horsepower and absolute performance.

• Pro Comp, Booth #30139 is returning to the SEMA Show with a huge booth, complete with new products in the Upper South Hall and the addition of the Pro Comp semi-truck and trailer that will be located in the SCORE Baja 1000 area just outside the South Halls.

• ProRyde Suspension Systems, Booth #31205 announces that patented technology has now been applied to the new Radius Arm Ram 2500/3500 4WD pickups. This new adjustable front lift leveling kit provides live on-vehicle front ride height adjustments from 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches to accommodate up to 35-inch tire/wheel packages.

• MGM Brakes, Booth #22783 releases a new second-gen Camaro/Firebird booster conversion kit. Nothing in the kit is re-manufactured and it includes an 11-inch Delco Moraine stamped brake booster, proportioning valve, bracket and lines.

• Advanced Metal Products Inc., Booth #32297 introduces aluminum load-bearing Tonneau truck covers that easily carry four wheelers, side-by-side ATVs and cargo up to the maximum pickup load rate.

The 2015 SEMA Show will take place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. Register to attend the Show at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

By Becca Butler

	Sullair will feature the company's newly enhanced formula of Genuine Sullube lubricant for compressors.

Find out what exhibitors of the 2015 SEMA Show have planned for the upcoming show by visiting the Online Media Center.  Below are some of the recent announcements you will find in the Online Media Center:

• Sullair LLC, Booth #15225 announces the company's newly enhanced formula of Genuine Sullube, a high-performance Polyglycol-based lubricant that helps keep compressors running clean and cool.

• Knipex Tools, Booth #15515 introduces the new 10-inch Cobra QuickSet pliers, which features a new slide and lock system that makes repetitive tasks easier and more convenient than ever before.

• Access Covers, Booth #34047 will feature a number of its product lines such as the Access Roll-Up covers, Snowsport snow plows, Rockstar hitch mounted mud flaps, Access Motion LED light strip and more at this year’s Show.

• Weapons Grade Fabrication, Booth #34320 will showcase its unique racks at this year’s Show. The Weapons Grade Fabrication truck will be outfitted with the company's all-new modular utility rack featuring a front and back profile screen, full utility bed and roof rack with fold-down wind screen/light bar.

• Performance Automatic, Booth #71004 has created a Ford 4R70W Street Smart System to partner with those who have a Ford with a 5.0L Coyote engine or the new 3.5L EcoBoost engine. This system comes complete with a Street Smart 4R70W transmission, a stand-alone transmission controller that’s user-friendly, custom torque converter, dipstick/filler tube and more.

• Nostrum Energy, Booth #35320 introduces the launch of its high-flow gasoline Direct injectors (DI). As an innovative game changer for direct injection engines, the high-flow DI injector is a solution for tuners and jobbers to eliminate fueling limitations in search for high horsepower and absolute performance.

• Pro Comp, Booth #30139 is returning to the SEMA Show with a huge booth, complete with new products in the Upper South Hall and the addition of the Pro Comp semi-truck and trailer that will be located in the SCORE Baja 1000 area just outside the South Halls.

• ProRyde Suspension Systems, Booth #31205 announces that patented technology has now been applied to the new Radius Arm Ram 2500/3500 4WD pickups. This new adjustable front lift leveling kit provides live on-vehicle front ride height adjustments from 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches to accommodate up to 35-inch tire/wheel packages.

• MGM Brakes, Booth #22783 releases a new second-gen Camaro/Firebird booster conversion kit. Nothing in the kit is re-manufactured and it includes an 11-inch Delco Moraine stamped brake booster, proportioning valve, bracket and lines.

• Advanced Metal Products Inc., Booth #32297 introduces aluminum load-bearing Tonneau truck covers that easily carry four wheelers, side-by-side ATVs and cargo up to the maximum pickup load rate.

The 2015 SEMA Show will take place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. Register to attend the Show at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Aftermarket Foundation Expands Awareness Partner Program

The Aftermarket Foundation, the only nonprofit organization devoted exclusively to assisting individuals in the automotive aftermarket in times of need, is expanding its Awareness Partner Program, according to Executive Director Joel Ayres. To participate in the program, an aftermarket company only needs to designate a point person to be responsible for sharing foundation information with employees. Partner companies receive recognition on the foundation website, www.aftermarketfoundation.org. Contact Joel Ayres at joel@aftermarketfoundation.org.

The foundation’s largest fundraiser is its Aftermarket Foundation Bob Schoeberl Charity Golf Tournament and evening cocktail reception, held annually in conjunction with the SEMA Show. This year’s cocktail and networking reception is slated for Sunday, November 1, at the Las Vegas Country Club; the golf tournament will be held at the country club on Monday, November 2.

Funrise Toys Debuts TONKA Toyota 4Runner

	TONKA Toyota 4Runner

Funrise Toys, manufacturer of TONKA branded products under license from Hasbro, announced the completion of its new TONKA 4Runner, sponsored by Toyota, Bulletproof Suspensions and other brands, including Smittybilt and Rigid Industries. The TONKA 4Runner boasts a roof-top tent, a 10-inch lift, 38-inch tires, custom suspension, custom interior seats, and a Funrise-designed custom wrap. The TONKA 4Runner debuted at the property of TONKA Motorsports driver Myan Spaccarelli before the Funrise team and select media.

Hypertherm Names Spark Something Great Grant Winners

Hypertherm, a U.S.-based manufacturer of plasma, laser and waterjet cutting systems, announced the recipients of its 2015 Spark Something Great educational grant on August 4. The winners represent nearly a dozen high schools, vocational schools, community colleges, colleges and universities from throughout North America who will receive a Hyperterm plasma-cutting and -gouging system, a curriculum kit and training from an industry expert.

“We are thrilled to help some of these schools improve the ratio of students to cutting systems, and at the same time, provide students with an opportunity to learn to cut and gouge on a modern plasma system,” said Betsy Van Duyne, manager of Hypertherm’s educational program.

Turn 14 Distribution Announces New Logo, Brand Identity

Turn 14 Distribution announced the redesign and launch of the company’s logo. The new logo blends the elements of the company’s motto, “There At Every Turn” into the letters T, U and R in Turn. The old logo represented the company for eight years when it was a single-location WD in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania.  

“The launch of our new brand logo kick-off a new era at Turn 14 Distribution that speaks to who we are as a progressive, innovative company while maintaining definite design cues from our previous logo that identify the motorsports background from which the company was started,” said Jon Pulli, CEO of Turn 14 Distribution.

Former Indy Racers Join Educational Panel, “Young People and Old Cars: The Future of Restoration”

Lyn St. James

Former Indy 500 racers Lyn St. James and Dominic Dobson will be part of a special restoration-themed panel discussion set for Saturday, August 15, during the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The 45-minute presentation—“Young People and Old Cars: The Future of Restoration”—is sponsored and hosted by the Hagerty Education Program at America’s Car Museum (HEP). HEP, a program dedicated to preparing young adults for careers in automotive restoration, supports hands-on, career-based training for students in the United States and Canada. It will be broadcasted live from the track during a race intermission.

Samantha Young Joins Creative Team at The Marx Group

	Samantha Young

Samantha Young has joined The Marx Group as the newest member of the agency’s creative team. In her new role, Young will assist The Marx Group in the areas of creative design for print and digital advertising, marketing collateral and social media campaigns. Most recently, Young was a graphic designer for Ogden Costa Creative Group, where she helped create website banners, emails and direct-mail materials.

“We are thrilled to add a talented and creative individual to our team, especially one who shares our passion for vehicles and the aftermarket,” said Kerri Petersen, vice president of marketing and creative services.

National Performance Warehouse Completes Its Third Acquisition of 2015

National Performance Warehouse has announced the completion of their third new location for 2015. Time Distributors is a wholesaler of performance and truck accessories which, when combined with the traditional business of National Auto Parts Warehouse Utah, will have the operation mirroring other NPW locations where customers can purchase virtually all their automotive needs.

The company now operates from a separate Salt Lake facility which will be consolidated into the National Auto Parts Warehouse’s modern and automated facility in West Valley City, Utah, while the Boise, Idaho, facility will continue. The deal, made on July 31, is NPW’s third acquisition in 2015.

Greg Hewgill Joins Lucas Oil as Technical Director

Greg Hewgill

Lucas Oil Products Inc. announced that Greg Hewgill will join the company as technical director. Hewgill began his in-depth oil industry career soon after leaving Cal State Fullerton, California, where he studied science. His first full-time position in the oil industry was with Union Oil (later Unocal) Research Center in Brea, California, as part of a team developing, testing and implementing new technologies in the area of well stimulation.

"Greg has a wealth of experience in the science of oil products technology," said Lucas Oil COO Tom Fredrickson. "We look forward to him playing a key part in the development of Lucas Oil products as we continue to expand into new markets around the globe."

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Industry pioneer and SEMA Hall of Fame member Ed Iskenderian talks about how the Model T, and the hot rodders who drove them, fueled his passion for speed and racing. 

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The 2015 SEMA Show will be held Tuesday–Friday, November 3–November 6.

Industry pioneer and SEMA Hall of Fame member Ed Iskenderian talks about how the Model T, and the hot rodders who drove them, fueled his passion for speed and racing. 

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The 2015 SEMA Show will be held Tuesday–Friday, November 3–November 6.

Industry pioneer and SEMA Hall of Fame member Ed Iskenderian talks about how the Model T, and the hot rodders who drove them, fueled his passion for speed and racing. 

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The 2015 SEMA Show will be held Tuesday–Friday, November 3–November 6.

	From Internet and telephone orders to New Products Showcase entries to carpet and cleaning orders, nearly 20 services are available at discounts for exhibitors who order by the advance rate deadlines.

By Jason Catullo

With the 2015 SEMA Show a little more than 80 days away, planning ahead to take advantage of discounts is the simplest way for exhibitors to save money. 

From Internet and telephone orders to New Products Showcase entries to carpet and cleaning orders, nearly 20 services are available at discounts for exhibitors who order by the advance rate deadlines.

For complete information on the all SEMA Show services and advance rate deadlines, access the SEMA Show Exhibitor Deadline Checklist.

This first advance rate deadline that exhibitors can take advantage of is September 21 for lead retrieval rentals through CompuSystems. Learn more about lead retrieval and the benefits for exhibitors both pre- and post-Show by reading "Tools to Maximize Pre- and Post-Show Buyer Outreach."

Aside from September’s lead retrieval rental deadline, the majority of deadlines and discounts begin in October. However, exhibitors looking to save money are encouraged to refer to the deadline checklist to plan accordingly and order prior to the due dates.

“Now is the time for exhibitors to determine the services they need for the Show, and access the Show’s deadline checklist to verify dates and see what discounts are available,” said SEMA Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso. “These discounts are just one example of how we work with vendors and service providers year-round to explore ways to reduce Show costs and improve customer satisfaction.”

For more information about the 2015 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.