By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

On Sept, 24, 2013, the Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee heard testimony on a bill that would ban the “use and sale of any exhaust pipe that increases the sound emission of any vehicle, including motorcycles.” The legislation supplies law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce for motorcycles, but does not provide a test standard or decibel level for modified exhaust systems installed on any other motor vehicle, including passenger cars and trucks. 

While the bill remains eligible for an executive session by the committee, no vote has yet been taken. It is not too late to voice your opposition. For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has included a recommendation in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that encourages manufacturers to equip new vehicles with a rearview video system. NCAP includes a five-star rating system for raising consumer awareness about crashworthiness and rollover safety information. The NCAP update is separate from NHTSA’s proposed rule to update Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (Rear View Mirrors) to require all new passenger cars be equipped with a rearview camera system. The equipment is intended to prevent accidents by alerting drivers when pedestrians are behind the vehicles.

Under a law passed in 2008, the NHTSA had until 2011 to issue the rule to be phased-in by 2014. While the law permitted sensors, mirrors or other devices to provide drivers with rearward information, the NHTSA determined that a camera and dashboard display screen system was the best solution. The automakers have generally objected to not being provided more flexibility in determining cost-effective ways to achieve the goal. A lawsuit has been filed in federal court to require the NHTSA to issue a final rule and make the cameras mandatory. As of 2012, about 44% of new cars included rear cameras as standard equipment and another 27% offered the equipment as an option. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has included a recommendation in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that encourages manufacturers to equip new vehicles with a rearview video system. NCAP includes a five-star rating system for raising consumer awareness about crashworthiness and rollover safety information. The NCAP update is separate from NHTSA’s proposed rule to update Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (Rear View Mirrors) to require all new passenger cars be equipped with a rearview camera system. The equipment is intended to prevent accidents by alerting drivers when pedestrians are behind the vehicles.

Under a law passed in 2008, the NHTSA had until 2011 to issue the rule to be phased-in by 2014. While the law permitted sensors, mirrors or other devices to provide drivers with rearward information, the NHTSA determined that a camera and dashboard display screen system was the best solution. The automakers have generally objected to not being provided more flexibility in determining cost-effective ways to achieve the goal. A lawsuit has been filed in federal court to require the NHTSA to issue a final rule and make the cameras mandatory. As of 2012, about 44% of new cars included rear cameras as standard equipment and another 27% offered the equipment as an option. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By Chad Simon

	Representatives from Discount Tire Co. attended the Measuring Session to check the specs for the ’14 Honda Odyssey minivan.
	The ’14 Acura RLX mid-luxury sedan is completely redesigned, featuring a 310-hp, direct-injected 3.5L V6 i-VTEC.
	SEMA-member manufacturers came to measure the ’14 Honda Goldwing F6B.
	The Measuring Session featured another first—the Pioneer SXS all-terrain vehicle.

For the first time ever, the SEMA Measuring Sessions program hosted a motorcyle and ATV OEM. Well-attended by SEMA-member manufacturers, the Honda/Acura Measuring Session was held last week at the SEMA Garage, and featured ’14 versions of the Honda Grom, CTX700 and Goldwing F6B motorcycles, the Pioneer SXS all-terrain vehicle and Odyssey minivan. The ’14 Acura MDX midsize SUV and RLX mid-luxury sedan were also available for members to explore.


SEMA Measuring Sessions provide an integration platform for different sectors of the aftermarket community. Members acquaint themselves with new vehicles before their release or immediately following their debut. Participants can question manufacturer representatives and offer their feedback regarding the new vehicles. SEMA acquires first-production or pre-production test vehicles for the sessions, allowing wheel companies, performance groups and cosmetic restyling businesses to shorten the lead-time for new products. SEMA often gathers two or more vehicles for each session, increasing the value of each event.

At the latest Measuring Session, an exhaust company measured the undercarriage of a vehicle while a wheel company inspected the latest braking system. Meanwhile, the second test vehicle was examined by seat-cover companies, a floor mat company and a second performance parts group. After inspecting the cars, SEMA members lingered and reconnected with industry friends, which provided valuable personal interaction not often facilitated by modern online social platforms.

"I find Measuring Sessions refresh my enthusiasm for the industry by allowing me the chance to get back to the basics of the aftermarket community," said Gavin Horlick of Voxx Products. "Instead of sitting behind a desk selling product, answering questions or reviewing data reports, I can interact with the latest vehicles, which allows me to stay informed of advances in the OEM industry. The accumulation of knowledge gained from the Measuring Session allows me to better serve consumers. The Measuring Sessions add value to my SEMA membership."


Measuring Sessions have also been a valuable part of SEMA’s Tech Transfer program, which grants SEMA manufacturing members access to vehicle CAD files provided directly from participating OEMs. The intent of the program is to help streamline production by minimizing or completely eliminating the necessity for reverse engineering. Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and Scion are currently participating in the program. SEMA Measuring Sessions and the Tech Transfer Program are functions of SEMA's OEM department.

"The SEMA Measuring Sessions are very helpful for us in developing product for new vehicles," said Mike Barland of MGP Caliper Covers. "In the case of the new Acura RLX, MGP was approached weeks earlier by a builder to provide caliper covers for his SEMA car. As soon as SEMA announced it would have the RLX for a Measuring Session, we made the appointment and took advantage of this service. The Measuring Session gives MGP the opportunity to fit up a car directly. We verify wheel clearance, rotor clearance and overall fit and function on the car. I prefer this type of hands-on method; it gives me confidence that MGP's product will fit correctly. With a functional fitment, we also take pictures of the product on the car to help customers troubleshoot if install issues arise."



In addition to access to upcoming vehicles, SEMA Measuring Session participants can also ask questions of the participating OEM staff to learn more about the vehicles, the automaker's marketing plans, the intended audience and more.



For additional information on Measuring Sessions, Tech Transfer and additional programs available through SEMA's OEM Relations department, visit www.sema.org/oem.

The ’14 Honda/Acura Measuring Session participants included:

• American Tire Distributors
• Carlisle Tire and Wheel
• Discount Tire Co.
• K&N Filters
• McGard
• MGP Caliper Covers
• Prestige Autotech Corp.
• Ultra Wheel
• Voxx Products
• Wet Okole
• Westin Automotive Products
• Wheel Consultants Inc.
• Wheel Pros

By Chad Simon

	Representatives from Discount Tire Co. attended the Measuring Session to check the specs for the ’14 Honda Odyssey minivan.
	The ’14 Acura RLX mid-luxury sedan is completely redesigned, featuring a 310-hp, direct-injected 3.5L V6 i-VTEC.
	SEMA-member manufacturers came to measure the ’14 Honda Goldwing F6B.
	The Measuring Session featured another first—the Pioneer SXS all-terrain vehicle.

For the first time ever, the SEMA Measuring Sessions program hosted a motorcyle and ATV OEM. Well-attended by SEMA-member manufacturers, the Honda/Acura Measuring Session was held last week at the SEMA Garage, and featured ’14 versions of the Honda Grom, CTX700 and Goldwing F6B motorcycles, the Pioneer SXS all-terrain vehicle and Odyssey minivan. The ’14 Acura MDX midsize SUV and RLX mid-luxury sedan were also available for members to explore.


SEMA Measuring Sessions provide an integration platform for different sectors of the aftermarket community. Members acquaint themselves with new vehicles before their release or immediately following their debut. Participants can question manufacturer representatives and offer their feedback regarding the new vehicles. SEMA acquires first-production or pre-production test vehicles for the sessions, allowing wheel companies, performance groups and cosmetic restyling businesses to shorten the lead-time for new products. SEMA often gathers two or more vehicles for each session, increasing the value of each event.

At the latest Measuring Session, an exhaust company measured the undercarriage of a vehicle while a wheel company inspected the latest braking system. Meanwhile, the second test vehicle was examined by seat-cover companies, a floor mat company and a second performance parts group. After inspecting the cars, SEMA members lingered and reconnected with industry friends, which provided valuable personal interaction not often facilitated by modern online social platforms.

"I find Measuring Sessions refresh my enthusiasm for the industry by allowing me the chance to get back to the basics of the aftermarket community," said Gavin Horlick of Voxx Products. "Instead of sitting behind a desk selling product, answering questions or reviewing data reports, I can interact with the latest vehicles, which allows me to stay informed of advances in the OEM industry. The accumulation of knowledge gained from the Measuring Session allows me to better serve consumers. The Measuring Sessions add value to my SEMA membership."


Measuring Sessions have also been a valuable part of SEMA’s Tech Transfer program, which grants SEMA manufacturing members access to vehicle CAD files provided directly from participating OEMs. The intent of the program is to help streamline production by minimizing or completely eliminating the necessity for reverse engineering. Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and Scion are currently participating in the program. SEMA Measuring Sessions and the Tech Transfer Program are functions of SEMA's OEM department.

"The SEMA Measuring Sessions are very helpful for us in developing product for new vehicles," said Mike Barland of MGP Caliper Covers. "In the case of the new Acura RLX, MGP was approached weeks earlier by a builder to provide caliper covers for his SEMA car. As soon as SEMA announced it would have the RLX for a Measuring Session, we made the appointment and took advantage of this service. The Measuring Session gives MGP the opportunity to fit up a car directly. We verify wheel clearance, rotor clearance and overall fit and function on the car. I prefer this type of hands-on method; it gives me confidence that MGP's product will fit correctly. With a functional fitment, we also take pictures of the product on the car to help customers troubleshoot if install issues arise."



In addition to access to upcoming vehicles, SEMA Measuring Session participants can also ask questions of the participating OEM staff to learn more about the vehicles, the automaker's marketing plans, the intended audience and more.



For additional information on Measuring Sessions, Tech Transfer and additional programs available through SEMA's OEM Relations department, visit www.sema.org/oem.

The ’14 Honda/Acura Measuring Session participants included:

• American Tire Distributors
• Carlisle Tire and Wheel
• Discount Tire Co.
• K&N Filters
• McGard
• MGP Caliper Covers
• Prestige Autotech Corp.
• Ultra Wheel
• Voxx Products
• Wet Okole
• Westin Automotive Products
• Wheel Consultants Inc.
• Wheel Pros

	George Lathouris of Keystone Automotive Operations will provide proven Show-planning tips designed to increase the takeaway and overall Show experience for buyers.

George Lathouris of Keystone Automotive Operations will join SEMA Show Director Tom Gattuso to provide proven Show planning tips and tactics designed to help buyers maximize their Show investment. Offered as a webinar through the SEMA Education Institute (SEI), this informative session—tailored for first-time attendees and returning Show veterans—will take place on Thursday, October 10, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Lathouris has been working for Keystone Automotive Operations since 1999 and his professional experience spans most facets of the specialty-equipment market, including warehouse, operations, sales, advertising, marketing and category management. He is also a current member of SEMA's Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORAA).    

Participants will receive valuable insights from the two trade show experts, including:

• Information every first-timer should know about preparing for the 2013 SEMA Show
• Planning tips and must-know details
• Advice on scheduling appointments for efficient time management
• Arranging travel and hotel stays
• Networking opportunities throughout the Show, which will be held November 5–8 in Las Vegas
• Using the SEMA app to accelerate your efficiency

Register today!

This SEI webinar will provide member companies with the information they need, and you don’t even have to leave your desk or office to participate!

SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

	George Lathouris of Keystone Automotive Operations will provide proven Show-planning tips designed to increase the takeaway and overall Show experience for buyers.

George Lathouris of Keystone Automotive Operations will join SEMA Show Director Tom Gattuso to provide proven Show planning tips and tactics designed to help buyers maximize their Show investment. Offered as a webinar through the SEMA Education Institute (SEI), this informative session—tailored for first-time attendees and returning Show veterans—will take place on Thursday, October 10, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Lathouris has been working for Keystone Automotive Operations since 1999 and his professional experience spans most facets of the specialty-equipment market, including warehouse, operations, sales, advertising, marketing and category management. He is also a current member of SEMA's Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORAA).    

Participants will receive valuable insights from the two trade show experts, including:

• Information every first-timer should know about preparing for the 2013 SEMA Show
• Planning tips and must-know details
• Advice on scheduling appointments for efficient time management
• Arranging travel and hotel stays
• Networking opportunities throughout the Show, which will be held November 5–8 in Las Vegas
• Using the SEMA app to accelerate your efficiency

Register today!

This SEI webinar will provide member companies with the information they need, and you don’t even have to leave your desk or office to participate!

SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Richard Petty, aka "The King," will help open the PRI Trade Show's return to Indianapolis at the show's Grand Opening Breakfast, December 12.

The King Set to Help Open PRI Trade Show's Return to Indianapolis
Richard Petty, known as "The King," will help kick-off the opening of this year’s 26th Annual Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show with a special appearance at the show’s Grand Opening Breakfast, December 12, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The PRI Trade Show, which will run from December 12–14, will return to Indianapolis for the first time since 2004 after the show’s owner, SEMA, acquired the International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS), consolidating it with the PRI Trade Show under the PRI brand for 2013 and beyond.

“We’re honored to have Richard Petty make his first-ever appearance at the PRI Trade Show’s Grand Opening Breakfast,” said John Kilroy, PRI Trade Show Producer. “Everybody in the business of auto racing owes a lot to Richard, and the Petty family, for all they’ve done to establish NASCAR racing as one of America’s most popular sports.”

Petty never had the opportunity to race at Indy during his illustrious career in which he won a record 200 career races and seven NASCAR Cup championships. His Richard Petty Motorsports team has fielded entries at both the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400.

The “King” will be among a variety of guests to appear with motorsports TV personality Dave Despain, who will serve as host of the Grand Opening Breakfast show. Previous guests for the show have included John Force, Bobby Rahal, Kenny Schrader, Bob Bondurant, Humpy Wheeler and Ryan Hunter-Reay.

The Grand Opening Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m., Thursday, December 12, with doors set to open at 7:00 a.m. It will be held in the Sagamore Ballroom of the Indiana Convention Center.

This year’s PRI Trade Show is expected to play host to exhibits from more than 1,100 racing companies occupying 3,300 booths, and attract more than 40,000 racing professionals from across the United States and 72 countries. For additional information on the 2013 PRI Trade Show, or hotel and travel information, visit www.pri2013.com.

	Valerie Thompson joined the “201 MPH Club” after posting a record two-way average speed of 201.02 MPH in the 1000cc MPS/AG class at the recent motorcycle-only BUB Speed Trials.

CTEK Sponsored Motorcyclist Valerie Thompson Becomes Newest Member of BUB Speed Trials “201 MPH Club” at Bonneville Salt Flats
Valerie Thompson, the CTEK Power Inc.-sponsored owner/driver of Valerie Thompson Racing (VTR), joined the “201 MPH Club” after posting a record two-way average speed of 201.02 MPH in the 1000cc MPS/AG class at the recent motorcycle-only BUB Speed Trials. Thompson held this record for only a short period, as her record was surpassed later in the event.

Television Airing of 2013 International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies Announced
The International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, based at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing (Ocala, Florida), has announced the 2013 Induction Ceremony will be televised Sunday, October 6, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. (EDT) on the Velocity channel.

Taped March 14, 2013, at the Paramount Plaza Hotel & Suites (Gainesville, Florida), the ceremony honored Dave Boertman, Wally Booth, Bernie Fedderly, Harry Hibler, the Hirata, Hobbs & Vodnik Top Fuel team, K.S. Pittman, Dick Rosberg and Louis Senter for their accomplishments and contributions to the sport of drag racing. Additionally, noted historian Robert C. Post was honored with the Founders Award.

An All-Star group of presenters included four current and former World champions: 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel Champion Antron Brown, Funny Car Champion Jack Beckman and Pro Stock Champion Allen Johnson; plus former NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car World Champion John Force. The other presenters were: US Nationals Top Fuel Champion (1980) Terry Capp, Track Owner/Event promoter Steve Earwood, National Dragster Senior Editor/Artist and drag-racing historian John Jodauga, Funny Car driver Bruce Larson, Engine Builder Ed Pink and NHRA – Wally Parks Racing Museum curator Greg Sharp.

Individual tickets and corporate table sponsorship programs for the 2014 installation dinner are available for immediate purchase. A table sponsorship costs $1000, which includes seating for 10 with logo on the table, a banquet program listing and inclusion in 2015 promotional brochures, a pair of free passes to the Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum, plus logo placement on the banquet DVD credits. Table sponsors will receive a DVD of the evening’s event, and additionally, each sponsor will be recognized from the stage during the televised portion of the event. Individual seating tickets will be available at $100 each. Major and supporting sponsorship programs are also available.

For ticket and sponsor information, contact Donna Garlits at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing at 352-245-8661 or donna@garlits.com.

Team Falken Expanded Alliances in Ultra4 Racing Pay Off for Entries
Falken Tire continues to expand its involvement in the extreme sport of unlimited four-wheel-drive competition known as Ultra4 Racing, earning tremendous results. Team Falken’s newest alliance is with Seattle’s Jason Blanton, who raced his 966 car to fourth overall in the final race of the Ultra4 season, earning him the points needed to finish third overall in the Ultra4 National Championship, and second-place honors in the Western Division Ultra4 Championship.

A second Team Falken member, Rookie Bailey Cole, finished third in the Ultra4 Every Man Challenge Stock Class West Coast Championship. One of the youngest drivers in the series, at age 16, Cole competed in a specially prepped Toyota 4Runner.

The Diego Alessi/Daniel Keilwitz team clinched the ADAC GT Masters title at Hockenheimring with their Callaway Competition-designed and built Corvette Z06.R GT3.

Callaway Competition Celebrates ADAC GT Masters Championship
Last Sunday, the Diego Alessi/Daniel Keilwitz team clinched the ADAC GT Masters title at Hockenheimring with their Callaway Competition-designed and built Corvette Z06.R GT3. At Hockenheim, Callaway's home track, Alessi and Keilwitz finished fifth in the Saturday race and sixth in the Sunday race on their way to the title. This is Callaway Competition's second ADAC GT Masters Team Championship—the oldest team in the series. Their first ADAC GT Masters Team Championship came in 2009.

At season-end, once again there were Callaway Competition podium finishes in the Gentlemen-Class. Toni Seiler and Jeroen Bleekemolen finished second in the first race, Remo Lips and Lennart Marioneck came in third in both races. Lips ended the season in third place in the Gentlemen-Class.

	Bigfoot will make its debut October 12, 2013, in Brisbane and will be driven by long-time Bigfoot driver and winner of three U.S. championships Rick Long, who will start off in Gosford, New South Wales, October 12 and then on to Whyalla, South Australia.

Bigfoot Heads Down Under
An all-new Bigfoot truck will be based on QLD's Sunshine Coast, under the control of Clive Featherby and the Monster Truck Promotions Australia crew, and will be seen extensively around Australia and New Zealand. Bigfoot will make its debut October 12, 2013, in Brisbane and will be driven by long-time Bigfoot driver and winner of three U.S. championships Rick Long, who will start off in Gosford, New South Wales, October 12, and then on to Whyalla, South Australia. Bigfoot will sport the new-style Bigfoot off-road body, as seen on Bigfoot 18, in a custom new color scheme with blue, orange and black. Bigfoot's first Australian challenge will be a car-crushing, car-jumping contest against the Aussie champion "Outback Thunda" in an all-out contest for the Australian car-jumping record.

Budweiser Oval Nationals Will be David Cardey's Last Sprint Car Race
Racer David Cardey has revealed that the 18th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals Presented by All Coast Construction, October 31–November 2, will be his last race in a sprint car. The veteran competitor is presently the driver of the famed Moose Racing #92.

Cardey has been a fixture in the USAC/CRA Series since it debuted in 2004. Along the way he has driven for owners Jim Giardina, Glenn Crossno, Mark Alexander, Don Blair, Massey Motorsports and his current team Moose Racing. In addition, Cardey also owned and maintained his own car for a couple of seasons. Cardey’s nine lifetime USAC/CRA wins sees him tied for sixth overall on the all-time USAC/CRA victory list. The Moose Racing team will continue on with a new driver in 2013.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Richard Petty, aka "The King," will help open the PRI Trade Show's return to Indianapolis at the show's Grand Opening Breakfast, December 12.

The King Set to Help Open PRI Trade Show's Return to Indianapolis
Richard Petty, known as "The King," will help kick-off the opening of this year’s 26th Annual Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show with a special appearance at the show’s Grand Opening Breakfast, December 12, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The PRI Trade Show, which will run from December 12–14, will return to Indianapolis for the first time since 2004 after the show’s owner, SEMA, acquired the International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS), consolidating it with the PRI Trade Show under the PRI brand for 2013 and beyond.

“We’re honored to have Richard Petty make his first-ever appearance at the PRI Trade Show’s Grand Opening Breakfast,” said John Kilroy, PRI Trade Show Producer. “Everybody in the business of auto racing owes a lot to Richard, and the Petty family, for all they’ve done to establish NASCAR racing as one of America’s most popular sports.”

Petty never had the opportunity to race at Indy during his illustrious career in which he won a record 200 career races and seven NASCAR Cup championships. His Richard Petty Motorsports team has fielded entries at both the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400.

The “King” will be among a variety of guests to appear with motorsports TV personality Dave Despain, who will serve as host of the Grand Opening Breakfast show. Previous guests for the show have included John Force, Bobby Rahal, Kenny Schrader, Bob Bondurant, Humpy Wheeler and Ryan Hunter-Reay.

The Grand Opening Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m., Thursday, December 12, with doors set to open at 7:00 a.m. It will be held in the Sagamore Ballroom of the Indiana Convention Center.

This year’s PRI Trade Show is expected to play host to exhibits from more than 1,100 racing companies occupying 3,300 booths, and attract more than 40,000 racing professionals from across the United States and 72 countries. For additional information on the 2013 PRI Trade Show, or hotel and travel information, visit www.pri2013.com.

	Valerie Thompson joined the “201 MPH Club” after posting a record two-way average speed of 201.02 MPH in the 1000cc MPS/AG class at the recent motorcycle-only BUB Speed Trials.

CTEK Sponsored Motorcyclist Valerie Thompson Becomes Newest Member of BUB Speed Trials “201 MPH Club” at Bonneville Salt Flats
Valerie Thompson, the CTEK Power Inc.-sponsored owner/driver of Valerie Thompson Racing (VTR), joined the “201 MPH Club” after posting a record two-way average speed of 201.02 MPH in the 1000cc MPS/AG class at the recent motorcycle-only BUB Speed Trials. Thompson held this record for only a short period, as her record was surpassed later in the event.

Television Airing of 2013 International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies Announced
The International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, based at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing (Ocala, Florida), has announced the 2013 Induction Ceremony will be televised Sunday, October 6, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. (EDT) on the Velocity channel.

Taped March 14, 2013, at the Paramount Plaza Hotel & Suites (Gainesville, Florida), the ceremony honored Dave Boertman, Wally Booth, Bernie Fedderly, Harry Hibler, the Hirata, Hobbs & Vodnik Top Fuel team, K.S. Pittman, Dick Rosberg and Louis Senter for their accomplishments and contributions to the sport of drag racing. Additionally, noted historian Robert C. Post was honored with the Founders Award.

An All-Star group of presenters included four current and former World champions: 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel Champion Antron Brown, Funny Car Champion Jack Beckman and Pro Stock Champion Allen Johnson; plus former NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car World Champion John Force. The other presenters were: US Nationals Top Fuel Champion (1980) Terry Capp, Track Owner/Event promoter Steve Earwood, National Dragster Senior Editor/Artist and drag-racing historian John Jodauga, Funny Car driver Bruce Larson, Engine Builder Ed Pink and NHRA – Wally Parks Racing Museum curator Greg Sharp.

Individual tickets and corporate table sponsorship programs for the 2014 installation dinner are available for immediate purchase. A table sponsorship costs $1000, which includes seating for 10 with logo on the table, a banquet program listing and inclusion in 2015 promotional brochures, a pair of free passes to the Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum, plus logo placement on the banquet DVD credits. Table sponsors will receive a DVD of the evening’s event, and additionally, each sponsor will be recognized from the stage during the televised portion of the event. Individual seating tickets will be available at $100 each. Major and supporting sponsorship programs are also available.

For ticket and sponsor information, contact Donna Garlits at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing at 352-245-8661 or donna@garlits.com.

Team Falken Expanded Alliances in Ultra4 Racing Pay Off for Entries
Falken Tire continues to expand its involvement in the extreme sport of unlimited four-wheel-drive competition known as Ultra4 Racing, earning tremendous results. Team Falken’s newest alliance is with Seattle’s Jason Blanton, who raced his 966 car to fourth overall in the final race of the Ultra4 season, earning him the points needed to finish third overall in the Ultra4 National Championship, and second-place honors in the Western Division Ultra4 Championship.

A second Team Falken member, Rookie Bailey Cole, finished third in the Ultra4 Every Man Challenge Stock Class West Coast Championship. One of the youngest drivers in the series, at age 16, Cole competed in a specially prepped Toyota 4Runner.

The Diego Alessi/Daniel Keilwitz team clinched the ADAC GT Masters title at Hockenheimring with their Callaway Competition-designed and built Corvette Z06.R GT3.

Callaway Competition Celebrates ADAC GT Masters Championship
Last Sunday, the Diego Alessi/Daniel Keilwitz team clinched the ADAC GT Masters title at Hockenheimring with their Callaway Competition-designed and built Corvette Z06.R GT3. At Hockenheim, Callaway's home track, Alessi and Keilwitz finished fifth in the Saturday race and sixth in the Sunday race on their way to the title. This is Callaway Competition's second ADAC GT Masters Team Championship—the oldest team in the series. Their first ADAC GT Masters Team Championship came in 2009.

At season-end, once again there were Callaway Competition podium finishes in the Gentlemen-Class. Toni Seiler and Jeroen Bleekemolen finished second in the first race, Remo Lips and Lennart Marioneck came in third in both races. Lips ended the season in third place in the Gentlemen-Class.

	Bigfoot will make its debut October 12, 2013, in Brisbane and will be driven by long-time Bigfoot driver and winner of three U.S. championships Rick Long, who will start off in Gosford, New South Wales, October 12 and then on to Whyalla, South Australia.

Bigfoot Heads Down Under
An all-new Bigfoot truck will be based on QLD's Sunshine Coast, under the control of Clive Featherby and the Monster Truck Promotions Australia crew, and will be seen extensively around Australia and New Zealand. Bigfoot will make its debut October 12, 2013, in Brisbane and will be driven by long-time Bigfoot driver and winner of three U.S. championships Rick Long, who will start off in Gosford, New South Wales, October 12, and then on to Whyalla, South Australia. Bigfoot will sport the new-style Bigfoot off-road body, as seen on Bigfoot 18, in a custom new color scheme with blue, orange and black. Bigfoot's first Australian challenge will be a car-crushing, car-jumping contest against the Aussie champion "Outback Thunda" in an all-out contest for the Australian car-jumping record.

Budweiser Oval Nationals Will be David Cardey's Last Sprint Car Race
Racer David Cardey has revealed that the 18th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals Presented by All Coast Construction, October 31–November 2, will be his last race in a sprint car. The veteran competitor is presently the driver of the famed Moose Racing #92.

Cardey has been a fixture in the USAC/CRA Series since it debuted in 2004. Along the way he has driven for owners Jim Giardina, Glenn Crossno, Mark Alexander, Don Blair, Massey Motorsports and his current team Moose Racing. In addition, Cardey also owned and maintained his own car for a couple of seasons. Cardey’s nine lifetime USAC/CRA wins sees him tied for sixth overall on the all-time USAC/CRA victory list. The Moose Racing team will continue on with a new driver in 2013.

By SEMA Editors

	"Snake & Mongoose" is opening this weekend in San Diego, Salt Lake City and Evansville, Indiana.

The feature film, "Snake & Mongoose," about the life and times of legendary drag racers, Don ("the Snake") Prudhomme and Tom ("the Mongoose") McEwen, has been incredibly received, and is opening this weekend in San Diego, Salt Lake City and Evansville, Indiana. The film, produced by Stephen Nemeth and Robin Broidy and financed by their company Entertainment Universe, is still playing in 10 cities around the country. It was shot in Southern California with many scenes filmed at historic Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield.

For locations and tickets go to snakeandmongoosemovie.com.