Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

ARMSTRONG PASSES AWAY: Legendary NHRA crew chief and mechanical wizard Dale Armstrong died November 28 from complications of sarcoidosis at his home in Temecula, California. He was 73. As a driver, Armstrong won 12 NHRA national events—including three victories at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals—with a series of alcohol-burning dragsters, funny cars and altereds during the ’70s, but the ’75 Pro Comp national champion and former nitro Funny Car national record holder is perhaps best known for his many mechanical and technological breakthroughs while serving as crew chief for Kenny Bernstein.

D. SCHUMACHER RECOVERING AT HOME, ON ROAD TO RECOVERY: Don Schumacher is resting at home after successful surgery Wednesday to treat cancer at the back of his tongue and two lymph nodes. The owner of Schumacher Electric Corp. and Don Schumacher Racing underwent a six-hour surgery for Stage 1 Squamous cell carcinoma at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is now continuing to recover at home before any further treatments are considered.

"I just want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers for me and my family," he said. "There are so many wonderful people in our sport, and I can't tell you how much you all mean to me."

T. SCHUMACHER LOOKS BACK AT HIS RECENT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Tony Schumacher won a record eighth NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Top Fuel championship with his U.S. Army dragster, buoyed by three wins in the six races of the Countdown to the Championship. He took part in a recent NHRA champions teleconference to discuss his season and the championship.

He Said, She Said

"Going up for the flight is really awesome. They have all these practiced procedures and moves they do and it's like clockwork. Then before you know it, you're airborne. I was thinking I'd be somewhat familiar with G forces as we experience 4.5Gs during a run, but that's nothing compared to pulling 9Gs through a long turn. When Maj. Fisher was so calm going through all these moves, I was thinking how incredibly exceptional these men and women are. To handle all that the plane is doing and then carry out a mission at the same time is so mind-boggling. What would it be like to be in a firefight? Just crazy. I've never been more proud to be an American."

—Top Fuel teamowner and racer Morgan Lucas on taking a ride with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds recently. Lucas strapped into the F-16 for the opportunity and was able to join the elite 9G club during his thrilling ride.

Inside the Numbers

5: Number of first-round losses that Shawn Langdon suffered during the 2014 season. He had the fewest first-round exits of any competitor in the Top Fuel category. His career low in first-round losses is four, which he recorded in his championship season of 2013. This year, Langdon finished fourth in points, and it was the third consecutive season he has finished in the top five in points. He has also never finished outside the top 10 in points in his career.

Did You Know

NHRA RACERS TAKE PART IN OPERATION APPRECIATION: NHRA racers Jason Line, Greg Anderson, Eddie Krawiec and Andrew Hines, monster truck racer Dan Runte, NHRA announcer Alan Reinhart, along with Summit Racing Equipment dignitaries, are currently overseas visiting with American troops during Operation Appreciation. This long-running program is a way for the racers to give back to the troops who are protecting the country.

“I look forward to this trip. It isn’t very often that civilians are able to go behind the gates to say thank you to all of our troops who support us,” said NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Eddie Krawiec. “They put their lives on the line, and this is just a small thank you for that. It makes me feel good to be able to thank them personally.” Krawiec is actively Tweeting during the tour and his updates can be found @EddieKrawiec.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

ARMSTRONG PASSES AWAY: Legendary NHRA crew chief and mechanical wizard Dale Armstrong died November 28 from complications of sarcoidosis at his home in Temecula, California. He was 73. As a driver, Armstrong won 12 NHRA national events—including three victories at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals—with a series of alcohol-burning dragsters, funny cars and altereds during the ’70s, but the ’75 Pro Comp national champion and former nitro Funny Car national record holder is perhaps best known for his many mechanical and technological breakthroughs while serving as crew chief for Kenny Bernstein.

D. SCHUMACHER RECOVERING AT HOME, ON ROAD TO RECOVERY: Don Schumacher is resting at home after successful surgery Wednesday to treat cancer at the back of his tongue and two lymph nodes. The owner of Schumacher Electric Corp. and Don Schumacher Racing underwent a six-hour surgery for Stage 1 Squamous cell carcinoma at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is now continuing to recover at home before any further treatments are considered.

"I just want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers for me and my family," he said. "There are so many wonderful people in our sport, and I can't tell you how much you all mean to me."

T. SCHUMACHER LOOKS BACK AT HIS RECENT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Tony Schumacher won a record eighth NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Top Fuel championship with his U.S. Army dragster, buoyed by three wins in the six races of the Countdown to the Championship. He took part in a recent NHRA champions teleconference to discuss his season and the championship.

He Said, She Said

"Going up for the flight is really awesome. They have all these practiced procedures and moves they do and it's like clockwork. Then before you know it, you're airborne. I was thinking I'd be somewhat familiar with G forces as we experience 4.5Gs during a run, but that's nothing compared to pulling 9Gs through a long turn. When Maj. Fisher was so calm going through all these moves, I was thinking how incredibly exceptional these men and women are. To handle all that the plane is doing and then carry out a mission at the same time is so mind-boggling. What would it be like to be in a firefight? Just crazy. I've never been more proud to be an American."

—Top Fuel teamowner and racer Morgan Lucas on taking a ride with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds recently. Lucas strapped into the F-16 for the opportunity and was able to join the elite 9G club during his thrilling ride.

Inside the Numbers

5: Number of first-round losses that Shawn Langdon suffered during the 2014 season. He had the fewest first-round exits of any competitor in the Top Fuel category. His career low in first-round losses is four, which he recorded in his championship season of 2013. This year, Langdon finished fourth in points, and it was the third consecutive season he has finished in the top five in points. He has also never finished outside the top 10 in points in his career.

Did You Know

NHRA RACERS TAKE PART IN OPERATION APPRECIATION: NHRA racers Jason Line, Greg Anderson, Eddie Krawiec and Andrew Hines, monster truck racer Dan Runte, NHRA announcer Alan Reinhart, along with Summit Racing Equipment dignitaries, are currently overseas visiting with American troops during Operation Appreciation. This long-running program is a way for the racers to give back to the troops who are protecting the country.

“I look forward to this trip. It isn’t very often that civilians are able to go behind the gates to say thank you to all of our troops who support us,” said NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Eddie Krawiec. “They put their lives on the line, and this is just a small thank you for that. It makes me feel good to be able to thank them personally.” Krawiec is actively Tweeting during the tour and his updates can be found @EddieKrawiec.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to renew more than 50 tax breaks for businesses and individuals that expired at the end of 2013. While many members of Congress were looking to permanently extend some of the tax credits and deductions, the bill (HR 5771) simply renews key tax breaks through the end of 2014, including tax credits for research & development (R&D) and equipment depreciation. The U.S. Senate is expected to approve the measure and send to the President to be enacted into law.

Of key importance to SEMA members, the bill supports investment in company products and equipment. It extends the R&D tax credit through 2014. It also extends the IRS Section 179 provision in effect from 2010 to 2013 by allowing companies to write off 100% of their capital investments placed in service during 2014, up to $500,000. Without the extension, the amount would have been $25,000. The bill also increases the number of companies eligible to take the write off by increasing the amount a business can invest in equipment, from $200,000 to $2 million.

The bill also extends the “bonus depreciation” through 2014, allowing businesses to write off 50% of capital investments in the first year. (Unlike Section 179 expensing, there is no limit on applying the bonus depreciation.) For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to renew more than 50 tax breaks for businesses and individuals that expired at the end of 2013. While many members of Congress were looking to permanently extend some of the tax credits and deductions, the bill (HR 5771) simply renews key tax breaks through the end of 2014, including tax credits for research & development (R&D) and equipment depreciation. The U.S. Senate is expected to approve the measure and send to the President to be enacted into law.

Of key importance to SEMA members, the bill supports investment in company products and equipment. It extends the R&D tax credit through 2014. It also extends the IRS Section 179 provision in effect from 2010 to 2013 by allowing companies to write off 100% of their capital investments placed in service during 2014, up to $500,000. Without the extension, the amount would have been $25,000. The bill also increases the number of companies eligible to take the write off by increasing the amount a business can invest in equipment, from $200,000 to $2 million.

The bill also extends the “bonus depreciation” through 2014, allowing businesses to write off 50% of capital investments in the first year. (Unlike Section 179 expensing, there is no limit on applying the bonus depreciation.) For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Member Benefits Manual is now available online.

SEMA members now have access to the Member Benefits Manual online, where they can download updates or print additional copies for their company.

The Benefits Manual is designed to help members align the association’s offerings with their company’s unique needs—whether they’ve just joined or want to take the next step. This reference tool is the key for members who want to become more engaged in the association.

Check back regularly to download updates or additional copies of the complete manual.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Member Benefits Manual is now available online.

SEMA members now have access to the Member Benefits Manual online, where they can download updates or print additional copies for their company.

The Benefits Manual is designed to help members align the association’s offerings with their company’s unique needs—whether they’ve just joined or want to take the next step. This reference tool is the key for members who want to become more engaged in the association.

Check back regularly to download updates or additional copies of the complete manual.

	Previous Town Hall Meetings have been held at various SEMA-members' headquarters, including Coker Tire in Chattanooga, Tennesee. The next one will be held January 23, 2015, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA invites industry professionals to the first Town Hall Meeting of 2015, taking place Friday, January 23, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., at SEMA’s headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. Members and prospective members will gather at the new SEMA Garage (adjacent to the association’s main offices) for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interact with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA's Town Hall Meetings website or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

	Previous Town Hall Meetings have been held at various SEMA-members' headquarters, including Coker Tire in Chattanooga, Tennesee. The next one will be held January 23, 2015, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA invites industry professionals to the first Town Hall Meeting of 2015, taking place Friday, January 23, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., at SEMA’s headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. Members and prospective members will gather at the new SEMA Garage (adjacent to the association’s main offices) for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interact with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA's Town Hall Meetings website or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

	Previous Town Hall Meetings have been held at various SEMA-members' headquarters, including Coker Tire in Chattanooga, Tennesee. The next one will be held January 23, 2015, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA invites industry professionals to the first Town Hall Meeting of 2015, taking place Friday, January 23, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., at SEMA’s headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. Members and prospective members will gather at the new SEMA Garage (adjacent to the association’s main offices) for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interact with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA's Town Hall Meetings website or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

The shooters at KGP Photography caught a production-spec prototype for the upcoming Scion iM testing in Southern California.

The Scion iM concept that debuted at last week's L.A. Auto Show is much more edgy than the production reality (shown here) appears to be. The production iM may not inject quite the hot-hatch excitement suggested by the fetching blue concept in Scion's L.A. stand.

The Scion iM concept sported a wide-body package not found on these prototypes. The concept's aggressive front fender is thoroughly toned down behind the camouflage, and its resulting front fender flare is a no-show, as well. The production iM's European Toyota Auris roots are showing much more clearly than has been suggested by the iM concept.

Photo credit: KGP Photography