Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Lingenfelter's new C7 Corvette intercooler manifold received a 2014 Global Media Award at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering C7 Corvette Intercooler Manifold Receives SEMA Global Media Award

A panel of 35 top international automotive journalists have chosen Lingenfelter Performance Engineering's new C7 Corvette intercooler manifold to receive a 2014 Global Media Award at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Representing more than 20 countries, the journalists reviewed hundreds of entries in the SEMA New Products Showcase to select the specialty-equipment products that would most appeal to their home markets. The intercooler manifold from Lingenfelter Performance Engineering was chosen for its low-profile design, which fits with a stock C7 hood and integrates neatly into the engine compartment. The new Corvette engine intercooler builds on the previous success of products Lingenfelter created for Gen-3 and Gen-4 engines, and is designed for turbocharged or centrifugal supercharged applications of up to 1,200 hp.

The Global Media Award, introduced by SEMA in 2004, was created to highlight specialty-equipment products to a growing audience of automotive enthusiasts around the world. According to SEMA research, more than 25% of the buyers at this year's SEMA Show came from more than 100 nations outside of the United States.

Trent Van Arsdalen of Trent's Trick Upholstery holds the Mother's Choice Award for A.R.E. Accessories’ ’15 Ford F-150 Extreme Sport Project Truck.

A.R.E. Accessories' Ford F-150 Project Truck Wins 2014 Mothers Choice Award

The new A.R.E. Accessories’ ’15 Ford F-150 Extreme Sport Project Truck was selected for the top 10 Mothers Choice Award at the 2014 SEMA Show. Started in 2001 to honor excellence in vehicle design, the awards are presented to the most outstanding SEMA Show vehicles chosen by a panel of industry judges.

The winning project truck, built by A.R.E. and Trent's Trick Upholstery, is designed to showcase the extreme sports lifestyle for the Ford F-150 truck. Featuring a completely customized interior from award-winning Trent's Trick Upholstery and the contributions of more than 20 aftermarket product leaders, the project truck is equipped with an array of sporty customization features, including an A.R.E. fiberglass truck cap, DUB wheels, Rigid Industries light bars, Corsa exhaust, Bushwacker fender flares, Skyjacker suspension, Air Lift air springs, Toyo tires and a Lynch Concepts custom gloss/matte paint treatment. In addition, GoPro cameras integrated into the design help capture and share all of the extreme sports action.

	James Wilkins, Performance Motorsports News owner/president.

Performance Motorsports News Launches Online Publication to Serve the Classic Car and American Motorsports Communities

Performance Motorsports News (PMN) has launched Classics-Racers.com, a content-driven website for classic car/American motorsports enthusiasts and specialty-equipment manufacturers and jobbers/retailers. The new site can be found at classics-racers.com/brochure. PMN, which was created a decade ago to help facilitate interaction between manufacturers, jobbers/retailers and consumers by providing free catalogs, will be an integral part of Classics-Racers.com.

Cecil County Dragway and New Smyrna Speedway Partner With VP Racing Fuels

VP Racing Fuels has announced an agreement with Cecil County Dragway extending its long-standing Official Fuel partnership through 2017. An NHRA-sanctioned dragway, Cecil County conducted its first race in April 1963 and has been the host to many past and present high-profile racers and events, including the Yellow Bullet Nationals and the NHRA Division 1 sportsman event.

Officials at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida also have announced a two-year agreement extending VP Racing Fuels as the track’s Official Fuel Supplier through 2016. Under the agreement, VP will be the track's exclusive supplier of race fuels with VP110 and C12 available on site and fuel service to be provided by VP-Southeast, VP’s Ft. Lauderdale-based distributor for the state of Florida.

Toyo Tires Recognized for Quality Design and Manufacturing Factory Receives ISO/TS 16949:2009 Certification

Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing, Inc. (TNA) of White, Georgia, has received ISO/TS 16949:2009 certification for the design and manufacturing of passenger and light-truck tires. The quality management system standards certification was issued by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance Limited of Houston. Established in June 2004, the manufacturing facility produces both Toyo Tires and Nitto brand tires using a proprietary automated production system called Advanced Tire Operation Module (A.T.O.M.). In addition to replacement tires, the factory also produces original-equipment tires for vehicle brands, including Ford and Toyota. The plant is currently undergoing its fourth expansion, adding more than 1 million sq. ft. to its current 2 million sq. ft. of manufacturing and warehousing. TNA also plans to hire an additional 650 employees over the next year. Also named on the certificate is the Toyo Tires Technical Center in Itami City, Japan.

	Erika Garcia from BOLT Locks received the STAR Award at last week's SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

BOLT National Sales Manager Receives SEMA Star Award

SEMA’s Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) has selected BOLT Locks national sales manager Erika Garcia as the recipient of the Sales Team Annual Recognition (STAR) Award at last week's 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The STAR Award is presented to the most outstanding manufacturer's sales team, chosen from nominations made by the general membership of the MRN. In the four years that the BOLT lock brand has been in the automotive aftermarket industry, Garcia has focused on developing significant market share gains and greater awareness for the product line.

Coming into the aftermarket industry from the OEM world took some adjustment, Garcia noted, and she acknowledges the assistance of the MRN and support of a dedicated sales team and experienced manufacturer's representatives as critical contributors to BOLT's success.

TI Automotive Announces Marketing Partnership With The Marx Group

TI Automotive has announced a new marketing partnership with The Marx Group. As part of that relationship, The Marx Group will help TI Automotive with marketing, branding and public relations for its performance aftermarket products. TI Automotive is a global OE supplier to auto manufacturers and a leader in the development and production of automotive fluid systems.

Calumet Specialty Products Appoints Leah Herrington as VP of Marketing for Packaging and Branded Products Division

Calumet Specialty Products Partners L.P. has appointed Leah Herrington to the position of vice president of marketing for its packaging and branded products division, reporting to Calumet Vice President of Packaging and Branded Products Bryan Yourdon.

Effective immediately, Herrington will be responsible for overseeing all facets of strategy and execution of branding, marketing, advertising, public relations and corporate communications initiatives for Calumet’s Royal Purple, Bel-Ray, Quantum and TruFuel brands. Herrington brings more than 20 years of domestic and international marketing expertise to her new position, working with companies such as PepsiCo Inc., IBM, Mary Kay and Quaker State oil. Most recently, Herrington served as the OTC marketing group director for Gaderman S.A.—a division of Nestle Skin Health.

	Mahle Aftermarket's new website contains updated information on the company's newest division.

MAHLE Service Solutions Unveils New Website

MAHLE Aftermarket, Service Solutions, formerly MAHLE RTI, has introduced its new website at www.servicesolutions.mahle.com. The site contains updated information on MAHLE Aftermarket’s newest division, providing visitors with a user-friendly site with comprehensive information on the company’s automotive tools and maintenance equipment.

According to Max Dull, general manager, MAHLE Service Solutions, the new website helps complete the transition that started in 2013 when MAHLE purchased RTI Technologies. He said the new site provides MAHLE Service Solutions with the opportunity to display the new MAHLE branding for the division’s newest tool, TechPRO, along with its existing ArcticPRO, FluidPRO and NitroPRO lines. The site includes detailed equipment specifications for each machine they sell. Dull said the website will soon feature a “Where to Buy” section so customers can find the nearest location to purchase the division’s tools and equipment. A new, interactive contact section is currently being built that will provide the most current answers to frequently asked customer questions.

The shooters at KGP Photography have gotten the first definitive shots of the ’16 Camaro Convertible, caught testing with clear evidence of a soft-top in place.

Some recent Camaro prototypes have had newly camouflaged roofs, leading to some speculation that they might be testing the new convertible. Those prototypes had several details, however, that pointed to the existence of solid roof rails, and no noticeable breaks at the Camaro's A-pillar and headliner. With these latest Camaro test cars, it is certain that those earlier prototypes are clearly not convertibles. Whether they're hiding something else—like a throwback to the classic T-Top—is still up for debate.

The Camaro Convertible's soft roof is uncovered in these new shots, and elements of the roof's understructure can be seen underneath the soft surface. A redesigned B-pillar area has more of a glass-to-glass treatment than the Camaro Coupe. There is also the clear presence of a seam where the soft-top meets the headliner. The Camaro convertible exists, and it's now testing alongside the Camaro Coupe, suggesting a possible simultaneous launch—just as on the new ’15 Mustangs.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography have gotten the first definitive shots of the ’16 Camaro Convertible, caught testing with clear evidence of a soft-top in place.

Some recent Camaro prototypes have had newly camouflaged roofs, leading to some speculation that they might be testing the new convertible. Those prototypes had several details, however, that pointed to the existence of solid roof rails, and no noticeable breaks at the Camaro's A-pillar and headliner. With these latest Camaro test cars, it is certain that those earlier prototypes are clearly not convertibles. Whether they're hiding something else—like a throwback to the classic T-Top—is still up for debate.

The Camaro Convertible's soft roof is uncovered in these new shots, and elements of the roof's understructure can be seen underneath the soft surface. A redesigned B-pillar area has more of a glass-to-glass treatment than the Camaro Coupe. There is also the clear presence of a seam where the soft-top meets the headliner. The Camaro convertible exists, and it's now testing alongside the Camaro Coupe, suggesting a possible simultaneous launch—just as on the new ’15 Mustangs.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography have gotten the first definitive shots of the ’16 Camaro Convertible, caught testing with clear evidence of a soft-top in place.

Some recent Camaro prototypes have had newly camouflaged roofs, leading to some speculation that they might be testing the new convertible. Those prototypes had several details, however, that pointed to the existence of solid roof rails, and no noticeable breaks at the Camaro's A-pillar and headliner. With these latest Camaro test cars, it is certain that those earlier prototypes are clearly not convertibles. Whether they're hiding something else—like a throwback to the classic T-Top—is still up for debate.

The Camaro Convertible's soft roof is uncovered in these new shots, and elements of the roof's understructure can be seen underneath the soft surface. A redesigned B-pillar area has more of a glass-to-glass treatment than the Camaro Coupe. There is also the clear presence of a seam where the soft-top meets the headliner. The Camaro convertible exists, and it's now testing alongside the Camaro Coupe, suggesting a possible simultaneous launch—just as on the new ’15 Mustangs.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography have gotten the first definitive shots of the ’16 Camaro Convertible, caught testing with clear evidence of a soft-top in place.

Some recent Camaro prototypes have had newly camouflaged roofs, leading to some speculation that they might be testing the new convertible. Those prototypes had several details, however, that pointed to the existence of solid roof rails, and no noticeable breaks at the Camaro's A-pillar and headliner. With these latest Camaro test cars, it is certain that those earlier prototypes are clearly not convertibles. Whether they're hiding something else—like a throwback to the classic T-Top—is still up for debate.

The Camaro Convertible's soft roof is uncovered in these new shots, and elements of the roof's understructure can be seen underneath the soft surface. A redesigned B-pillar area has more of a glass-to-glass treatment than the Camaro Coupe. There is also the clear presence of a seam where the soft-top meets the headliner. The Camaro convertible exists, and it's now testing alongside the Camaro Coupe, suggesting a possible simultaneous launch—just as on the new ’15 Mustangs.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• DSI – Transamercian Auto Parts, located in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, is hiring an outside salesperson/account executive to obtain and submit orders while expanding the client base and performing product sales trainings. The successful candidate will have a minimum of two years’ experience in automotive aftermarket sales and selling direct to new car dealers. Knowledge of four-wheel/off-road parts and accessories is a plus.

• ECS Tuning, located in Wadsworth, Ohio, is hiring an R&D design engineer with a thorough understanding of how automotive systems work. Responsibilities include performing engineering/design analysis for new-product development using advanced CMM/scan equipment, 3D modelling and simulation software; researching the viability of new-product ideas; and applying engineering principles to improve automotive performance. The successful candidate must have an associates degree in mechanical engineering technology with a minimum of five years’ design engineering experience in a professional capacity.

• Turbosmart USA LLC, located in Rancho Cucamonga, California, is hiring a salesperson responsible for closing national distributors and continuing to manage these accounts successfully and making and obtaining sales targets to add to the company's national distributor network. The successful candidate will have a minimum of two years’ sales experience, knowledge of turbochargers and performance cars and be fluent in Spanish.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

NHRA News

HIGHT EXCITED FOR JFR TEAM'S OPPORTUNITY AT AUTO CLUB NHRA FINALS: Robert Hight is focused on finishing his 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season on a good note, in part because he knows just three months later he will be starting the 2015 season in the same location. But momentum aside, a strong finish at the 50th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals, November 13–16, at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California, could set up a memorable finish for the three-car John Force Racing Funny Car team of Hight, John Force and Courtney Force. Hight trails points leader Matt Hagan by 150 points, while Courtney is two spots ahead in third and 121 points back. John Force sits in second, just 21 points behind Hagan to set up the finale in Pomona.

“You want to win the last race of the season because that is the one you remember all off-season,” Hight said. “That gives you a positive feeling going into the Winternationals [in Pomona]. This is also our sponsor’s race so you want to do well. The focus for us in this race is on getting that championship. We aren’t out of it mathematically and strange things have happened at the Auto Club Finals.”

Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Hagan (Funny Car), Rickie Jones (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year's winners of the season-ending race that will once again be televised nationally on ESPN2.

LUC ROBITAILLE NAMED GRAND MARSHAL FOR AUTO CLUB NHRA FINALS: As part of the celebration of the NHRA’s 50th anniversary of the Auto Club NHRA Finals, Los Angeles Kings and National Hockey League legend Luc Robitaille will serve as the Grand Marshal for the season-ending event at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Robitaille is the current president of business operations for the Los Angeles Kings. A native of Montreal, Robitaille spent 19 seasons as a player in the NHL, including 14 with the Kings, winning the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings during the 2001–02 season. He holds the NHL record of being the highest-scoring left winger in league history and also holds the Kings’ scoring record at 577 goals. Robitaille was selected to eight NHL All-Star games during his illustrious career and retired in 2006.

SCHUMACHER CONFIDENT RACING INTO POMONA AS POINTS LEADER: The door is still slightly open for a miraculous comeback for five Top Fuel standouts in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship. But if Top Fuel points leader Tony Schumacher has his way that door will be slammed shut as quickly as possible at this weekend’s 50th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Spencer Massey, J.R. Todd, reigning world champion Shawn Langdon, Doug Kalitta and Steve Torrence are all still mathematically alive heading into the final event of the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. Schumacher, though, knows any and all equations are eliminated with a first-round win in his 10,000-hp U.S. Army dragster. He currently leads Massey by 109 points, meaning Schumacher’s seventh world championship—and first since 2009—is at his fingertips.

“I feel great,” Schumacher said. “It’s a good place to be. When you come in with a big lead, you’ve done a great job and your car has done what it has had to do to get this lead. I hope I step up and the car goes as fast as it can, and we win this race and show why we’re the champs. We have to live up to what the Army car is supposed to do."

He Said, She Said

"Shirley [Muldowney] has been very supportive of me, and I'm really appreciative of that because as a kid, and still now at my age and where I'm at, I admire the heck out of her and what she's accomplished in the time period that she accomplished it in. It wasn't necessarily heard of before for a female to compete with or even be dominant in a male-dominated profession, so I admire her very, very much, and to have her support means a lot to me. We do press events and whatnot together, but she's also a friend of mine. She comes by the pit and we talk on the phone occasionally. It always seems that when I need some advice, my phone rings, and it's like she knew I was thinking about her or something. But she spells it out for you and she's very straightforward, and that's what I need to hear, and she's been awesome. I hope to be half as successful as she was."

—Erica Enders-Stevens on her bid to be the first female Pro Stock world champion in the history of the sport. She has received support and guidance from past champions, including legendary racer Shirley Muldowney.

Inside the Numbers

5: Number of consecutive seasons a Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson racer has won the season-ending event at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Eddie Krawiec has three wins at the event (2009, 2010, 2013) and his teammate Andrew Hines has two wins at the race (2011, 2012). Both riders also hold both ends of the track records with an E.T. record for Hines at 6.766 seconds in 2012 and Krawiec the speed record with a run of 198.29 also in 2012. Hines will attempt to secure his third Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship as he holds a 92-point lead prior to the season-ending event.

Did You Know

DEDICATION OF CHRISMAN, BRINKER GALLERY OF SPEED AND NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS AT WALLY PARKS NHRA MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM: The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California will dedicate the Chrisman, Brinker Gallery of Speed, November 15, during an historical evening at the museum, which is located on the edge of the Los Angeles County Fairplex. The “Night of Champions” will honor Art Chrisman, the legendary hot-rod builder and drag racer, for his numerous contributions to the sport of drag racing. Chrisman, who was 29th on the list of the top 50 NHRA racers in 2001, will attend the star-studded event.