By SEMA Editors

	Honda is offering the ’15 Fit for project vehicle builds culminating in a display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Honda is offering the ’15 Fit for project car builds culminating in a display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Approved projects will maintain at least the original engine (no engine swaps, but other power-adding options are open), maintain the original five-door configuration and honor Honda logo usage restrictions. Themes that support some or all of the stock ’15 Fit’s strengths are encouraged, with uniqueness, style and ambition earning extra consideration.

The all-new ’15 Honda Fit is a premium small car that offers a class-leading combination of fuel-efficiency, passenger and cargo space, standard feature content and innovative connectivity technology, according to the manufacturer. It's powered by a 130hp 1.5L DOHC 16-valve direct-injected i-VTEC engine and an available six-speed manual transmission. The Fit has the ability to both comfortably seat five passengers and haul a cargo despite its small size.

Proposal Submission Deadline: June 2, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: by June 16, 2014
Vehicle Delivery: Late June/Early July 2014

Project Car Offer and Benefits

• Giveaway of a ’15 Honda Fit EX with a six-speed manual transmission (black exterior and black interior) to create and promote accessories and/or vendor capabilities. Value of the giveaway vehicle will be less than $22,000.

• Promotion of the project vehicle build process via a Honda-branded website and social media channels.

• Display of the modified Fit in the official Honda display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

• Potential display of the modified Fit at major auto shows around the country and at Honda promotional events.

• Potential media coverage of the modified Fit and therefore the vendor name from the SEMA Show and through other media outreach.

Requirements:

Honda requests that interested parties submit their detailed project proposals to hondaevents@hna.honda.com before June 1, 2014. Include details in the categories listed below:

• Vehicle Theme: Describe very clearly your overall build theme, target audience, etc.

• Proposed vehicle modifications.

• New products potentially being developed for the Fit through the project.

• Promotional, media and social media outreach plan prior to and beyond the SEMA Show (i.e. tour of events, specific magazine feature articles, online promotion, etc.). Having your own Tumblr page is preferred for integration with Honda's promotional plans.

• Examples of previous project vehicles and promotional activities by the applicant.

• Detailed renderings of the proposed vehicle in .jpg format.

For Customizers:

Aftermarket companies requesting vehicles should have the following capabilities:

• Be financially and technically capable of building a one-off show car without financial or parts support from American Honda Motor Co. Inc.

• Be willing to partner with other non-competing aftermarket companies or enthusiast publications to enhance the vehicle project.

• A history of active promotion of vehicle projects with an established marketing plan.

For Project Vehicle Recipients:

• Commit to creating weekly progress reports during the vehicle build process, including photos, video and commentary. (Likely to be featured on a Tumblr page created by and for each participant.)

• Grant Honda the right to use content from the weekly progress reports and assist Honda in acquiring usage rights from any sponsors or individuals whose logos or images might appear in that content.

• Commit to make the vehicle available to Honda or its dealers, if requested, for additional shows and exhibits for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.

• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Honda and model logos intact and visible.

• Commit to provide regular reports to Honda Public Relations regarding media coverage and event activity for the project vehicle for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.

• Commit to have the completed vehicle available for photography in Torrance, California, by Monday, October 27, 2014.

• Pay applicable federal and state gift taxes on the value of the giveaway vehicle. Value of vehicle will not exceed $22,000.

To obtain digital images of the vehicle for your rendering, submit a request to hondaevents@hna.honda.com. These images or renderings based upon them may not be used for any outside promotion. Full details about and viewable photos of the ’15 Honda Fit are available at www.hondanews.com.

By AJ Carney

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.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, where members and prospective members will gather at Weld Racing LLC, Wednesday, June 4, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff, including members of the SEMA Data Co-op team.

Panelists will include:

• Kyle Fickler – Weld Racing LLC
• Nate Shelton – Driven Performance Brands
• Steve Matusek – Aeromotive Inc.

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 interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

Register now, or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697. For more information about the SEMA Data Co-op, visit www.semadatacoop.org.

By AJ Carney

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.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, where members and prospective members will gather at Weld Racing LLC, Wednesday, June 4, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff, including members of the SEMA Data Co-op team.

Panelists will include:

• Kyle Fickler – Weld Racing LLC
• Nate Shelton – Driven Performance Brands
• Steve Matusek – Aeromotive Inc.

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 interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

Register now, or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697. For more information about the SEMA Data Co-op, visit www.semadatacoop.org.

By AJ Carney

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.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, where members and prospective members will gather at Weld Racing LLC, Wednesday, June 4, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff, including members of the SEMA Data Co-op team.

Panelists will include:

• Kyle Fickler – Weld Racing LLC
• Nate Shelton – Driven Performance Brands
• Steve Matusek – Aeromotive Inc.

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 interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

Register now, or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697. For more information about the SEMA Data Co-op, visit www.semadatacoop.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Al Unser Jr. (left) is pictured with driver James Davison of KV Racing. Unser Jr., now a performance expert for Pulstar Pulse Plugs, is serving as a team coach for KV Racing at this year’s Indianapolis 500. Photo credit: Chris Jones

Two-Time Indy 500 Winner Al Unser Jr. Joins Pulstar Plugs as Performance Expert
Enerpulse Technologies Inc. has announced that racing legend Al Unser Jr. has joined the company as its Pulstar Pulse Plugs performance expert. Unser Jr., a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, will be a consumer advocate for Enerpulse, assisting Enerpulse in delivering automotive enthusiasts improved vehicle power and performance.

Unser Jr. is a two-time IndyCar Series champion and has 34 IndyCar wins. He was the winner of both the Indy 500 and the Series championship in 1994. Unser Jr. was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2009. Unser Jr. will participate in the 2014 Indianapolis 500 as a race team coach for KV Racing. He will return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from June 6–8, where he will race in the “Indy Legends Pro-Am” feature that will be part of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association’s Brickyard Invitational weekend.

Olsbergs MSE leads the way at Lydden Hill.

First and Third for Olsbergs MSE at FIA World Rallycross Championship
Olsbergs MSE Ford driver Andreas Bakkerud earned his first win of the 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship last weekend at the Lydden Hill Circuit, while guest driver Andrew Jordan took third, to extend the team's lead in the points standings. Bakkerud now leads the championship points as the series heads to his home country of Norway for the next round, June 14–15. Olsbergs MSE guest driver Jordan, the defending British Touring Car Champion, marked his return to rallycross for the first time in seven years with a third-place result.

Pole Position and Podium Finish for Callaway Competition
At the Lausitzring—the third weekend of the ADAC GT Masters series—Callaway Competition went right to the front again. Daniel Keilwitz captured his 18th Pole Position with the No. 01 Callaway Competition-built Corvette Z06.R GT3. Then, the title defender finished the fifth race of the season in third place, together with Oliver Gavin. In their AutoArenA.de-Corvette, Patrick Assenheimer and Diego Alessi were held up in the first race with a drive-through penalty after contact with another racer and, following a session of playing catch-up, they finished the second race in 11th place.

	The Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) has developed a nationwide tour of legendary venues that gives people the chance to follow in the tire tracks of their favorite professional drivers.

Ultimate Street Car Association Gives Fans a Chance to Test Their Racing Skils on Legendary Tracks
The Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) has developed a nationwide tour of legendary venues that gives people the chance to follow in the tire tracks of their favorite professional drivers in a no-pressure environment that promotes fun, education and safety. The three-day event, which kicks off at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, June 13–15, includes a 60-mile “poker run” road rally, an autocross, a speed stop challenge, a road course time trial and vehicle judging for overall design and engineering. The USCA has designed the events to cater to both the experienced driver and track novices having fun in their daily drivers. Throughout the weekend, the events are designed to build up the driver’s confidence behind the wheel as they learn the limits of their car’s handling, acceleration and braking in a safe and controlled environment. On the final day, participants head out onto the road course to put these skills to use while they enjoy more time on track than any other driving event around. Instructors are available free of charge to anyone who requests them.

The USCA will come to some of the most renowned tracks in the United States this year, including Sebring International Raceway, Auto Club Speedway, Road America and Portland International Raceway. Spaces for each event are limited. To sign up for an event or for more information on the USCA, including a list of track dates, event results, rules and membership information, visit www.ultimatestreetcarassociation.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Al Unser Jr. (left) is pictured with driver James Davison of KV Racing. Unser Jr., now a performance expert for Pulstar Pulse Plugs, is serving as a team coach for KV Racing at this year’s Indianapolis 500. Photo credit: Chris Jones

Two-Time Indy 500 Winner Al Unser Jr. Joins Pulstar Plugs as Performance Expert
Enerpulse Technologies Inc. has announced that racing legend Al Unser Jr. has joined the company as its Pulstar Pulse Plugs performance expert. Unser Jr., a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, will be a consumer advocate for Enerpulse, assisting Enerpulse in delivering automotive enthusiasts improved vehicle power and performance.

Unser Jr. is a two-time IndyCar Series champion and has 34 IndyCar wins. He was the winner of both the Indy 500 and the Series championship in 1994. Unser Jr. was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2009. Unser Jr. will participate in the 2014 Indianapolis 500 as a race team coach for KV Racing. He will return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from June 6–8, where he will race in the “Indy Legends Pro-Am” feature that will be part of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association’s Brickyard Invitational weekend.

Olsbergs MSE leads the way at Lydden Hill.

First and Third for Olsbergs MSE at FIA World Rallycross Championship
Olsbergs MSE Ford driver Andreas Bakkerud earned his first win of the 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship last weekend at the Lydden Hill Circuit, while guest driver Andrew Jordan took third, to extend the team's lead in the points standings. Bakkerud now leads the championship points as the series heads to his home country of Norway for the next round, June 14–15. Olsbergs MSE guest driver Jordan, the defending British Touring Car Champion, marked his return to rallycross for the first time in seven years with a third-place result.

Pole Position and Podium Finish for Callaway Competition
At the Lausitzring—the third weekend of the ADAC GT Masters series—Callaway Competition went right to the front again. Daniel Keilwitz captured his 18th Pole Position with the No. 01 Callaway Competition-built Corvette Z06.R GT3. Then, the title defender finished the fifth race of the season in third place, together with Oliver Gavin. In their AutoArenA.de-Corvette, Patrick Assenheimer and Diego Alessi were held up in the first race with a drive-through penalty after contact with another racer and, following a session of playing catch-up, they finished the second race in 11th place.

	The Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) has developed a nationwide tour of legendary venues that gives people the chance to follow in the tire tracks of their favorite professional drivers.

Ultimate Street Car Association Gives Fans a Chance to Test Their Racing Skils on Legendary Tracks
The Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) has developed a nationwide tour of legendary venues that gives people the chance to follow in the tire tracks of their favorite professional drivers in a no-pressure environment that promotes fun, education and safety. The three-day event, which kicks off at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, June 13–15, includes a 60-mile “poker run” road rally, an autocross, a speed stop challenge, a road course time trial and vehicle judging for overall design and engineering. The USCA has designed the events to cater to both the experienced driver and track novices having fun in their daily drivers. Throughout the weekend, the events are designed to build up the driver’s confidence behind the wheel as they learn the limits of their car’s handling, acceleration and braking in a safe and controlled environment. On the final day, participants head out onto the road course to put these skills to use while they enjoy more time on track than any other driving event around. Instructors are available free of charge to anyone who requests them.

The USCA will come to some of the most renowned tracks in the United States this year, including Sebring International Raceway, Auto Club Speedway, Road America and Portland International Raceway. Spaces for each event are limited. To sign up for an event or for more information on the USCA, including a list of track dates, event results, rules and membership information, visit www.ultimatestreetcarassociation.com.

The shooters at KGP Photography have some new, very aggressive photos revealing the new SRT-tuned Dodge Challenger—this time captured undisguised in red. The menacing, stormy weather in which this prototype was photographed was a fitting scene, given the menacing look resulting from the Challenger's powerful hood design.

This is now the second time our shooters have captured this hood design on a Challenger. They caught a silver prototype wearing this hood scoop in what appeared to to be the first look at the top-tier Challenger model sporting the new "Hellcat" supercharged V8 engine. Some have questioned that assertion, and claimed that it's the traditional Challenger SRT8. It should be noted that this red Challenger—while it has the same hood design as the earlier spy shots—looks like it is not quite as seriously specced out as the earlier prototype. The wheels and brakes on this prototype look to be of a less-aggressive makeup, while the wheels and brakes on the earlier prototype are an exact match for those on an earlier "Hellcat" prototype (which yielded shots of an exposed engine and its supercharger).

 Photo credit: KGP Photography