Compiled by SEMA Editors

	After the Eastern Series wraps up this weekend, East meets the West at the Grand Nationals in Cortez, Colorado, September 28–29.

W.E. Rock Professional Rock Crawling Eastern Series to Wrap Up in Tennessee August 9–10
When the final round of W.E. Rock Trail-Gear Western Pro Rock Crawling started in Goldendale, Washington, last week, three ProMod drivers were tied for first place. The Eastern Series wraps up in Dayton, Tennessee, August 9–10, then the East meets the West at the Grand Nationals in Cortez, Colorado, September 28–29.

The winner of the Pro Mod class was Jason Feuilly and Cody Folsom—the only ones to finish every obstacle over the course of the weekend. The three teams that had been tied for first at the start of the weekend were drivers Aaron Sykes, Jared Neff and Jesse Haines, who finished second, third and fourth respectively, giving Sykes the National Series win. Shawn McNearney took fifth and Mike Stokes finished sixth.

When all eight courses and the shootout were complete, it was Justin and Mark Hall who were on top of the podium. They had swept the Unlimited Class all season, making the father-and-son team the National Series winner. Matt Messer and John Gabriel finished second, Todd Young and Tate Elquist challenged them for third and Randy and Tyler Southall finished fourth.

Nathan Osburn and Ben Carlson led all weekend and took home the win in the Sportsman class. James Treacy took second, Wayne Mortensen third, Tory Trinka fourth, Alan Phenis fifth, Richard Crist sixth and Clark Williamson finished seventh.

Jeremy Eaton and Kraig Williams took home the win in the Stock Sportsman class, followed by Larry Smith. Karl Vanpetten finished one point behind in third, Rob Flandro finished fourth and Cody Gabriel finished fifth. Terry Jones took sixth, Gerald Gaines seventh, James Jacobson eighth and Shane Lemm in ninth.

World of Speed Plans Motorsports Exposition in Oregon
World of Speed—a nonprofit experiential motorsports exposition—has purchased an 80,000 sq.-ft. building in Wilsonville, Oregon, as the permanent home for an auto racing and performance car tourism destination and an auto industry educational program. World of Speed plans to occupy the former location of Town and Country Jeep Dodge in Wilsonville, which will be organized to accommodate more than 100 vehicles, a workshop area, and space to accommodate educational activities. Melvin Mark Brokerage Co. represented World of Speed in its purchase of the building.

World of Speed's collection is comprised of race and performance cars from various venues, including NASCAR, land-speed racing, drag racing, open wheel, sports cars and motorcycles. The collection includes classic American musclecars as well as race cars with a Pacific Northwest connection.

Through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, World of Speed will offer visitors a behind-the-scenes view of the world of racing. Recently, Ford Motor Company donated a Mustang that will be reconfigured into a hands-on display to showcase how a car is constructed, what materials are used and how materials are recycled. A real Indy car will function as a simulator for fans of all ages, while a car formerly raced by Danica Patrick should appeal to female visitors. Several historic race cars are in the collection, including Mickey Thompson's famous record-breaking Assault, Herm Petersen's Northwest Terror and the Gaines Markley/Rob Bruins National Hot Rod Association Top Fuel Championship Car from 1979. World of Speed is also undertaking restoration responsibilities for any need that arises.

Plans for redevelopment are underway. The World of Speed is expected to open in the fall of 2014.

	Sleepy Tripp in the #67 car racing against Tommy Astone at the 1987 Turkey Night Grand Prix at Ascot. Photo credit: Scott Daloisio

Sleepy Tripp Named Grand Marshal of the Turkey Night Grand Prix at Perris Auto Speedway
Perris Auto Speedway promoter Don Kazarian and JC Agajanian Jr. of Agajanian Promotions have announced that Midget driver Ron “Sleepy” Tripp, who will turn 60 years old August 13, has been named Grand Marshal of the 73rd Turkey Night Grand Prix. The annual race, which features the Honda USAC National Midget Series, will be back on dirt for the second year in a row at Perris Auto Speedway on Thanksgiving night, November 28.

Tripp was named 1974 Rookie of the Year in the Southern California-based United States Racing Club. He headed for the USAC National Midget tour in 1975 and not only won the Rookie of the Year award in that Indianapolis based series, but also won the championship. He backed that up in 1976 when he won the National Championship again.

Tripp came back to Southern California in the early ’80s and dominated Midget action in the newly formed USAC Western Midget Series. He won more than 250 Midget main events, was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in Wisconsin in 1986, the National Midget Auto Racing Museum Hall of Fame in Kansas in 2000 and the Legends of Ascot in 2004.

Tripp also spent 17 winters racing in New Zealand and Australia.

By the SEMA Businesswomen's Network

	The SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women won PR Daily’s 2013 Nonprofit PR Award for Best PR on a Shoestring Budget.

The SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women won PR Daily’s 2013 Nonprofit PR Award for Best PR on a Shoestring Budget. With a PR/media budget of less than $1,000, this SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)-organized project received coverage on CBS Evening News, local Fox News, was featured in Times Square, had 85,000 views on Motor Trend’s YouTube channel, and gained 65,000 Facebook likes.

“A big thank you and round of applause goes to Bryan Harrison of SEMA for submitting this project for award consideration,” said Rose Kawasaki, SBN chair. “Along with all the exceptional women who donated their time and talent both on the vehicle and behind the scenes, thanks also must be given to Ford Motor Co., Source Interlink Media and SEMA, who supported and believed in this ground-breaking project.”

For information regarding this award, visit PR Daily's website.

By the SEMA Businesswomen's Network

	The SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women won PR Daily’s 2013 Nonprofit PR Award for Best PR on a Shoestring Budget.

The SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women won PR Daily’s 2013 Nonprofit PR Award for Best PR on a Shoestring Budget. With a PR/media budget of less than $1,000, this SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)-organized project received coverage on CBS Evening News, local Fox News, was featured in Times Square, had 85,000 views on Motor Trend’s YouTube channel, and gained 65,000 Facebook likes.

“A big thank you and round of applause goes to Bryan Harrison of SEMA for submitting this project for award consideration,” said Rose Kawasaki, SBN chair. “Along with all the exceptional women who donated their time and talent both on the vehicle and behind the scenes, thanks also must be given to Ford Motor Co., Source Interlink Media and SEMA, who supported and believed in this ground-breaking project.”

For information regarding this award, visit PR Daily's website.

By the SEMA Businesswomen's Network

	The SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women won PR Daily’s 2013 Nonprofit PR Award for Best PR on a Shoestring Budget.

The SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women won PR Daily’s 2013 Nonprofit PR Award for Best PR on a Shoestring Budget. With a PR/media budget of less than $1,000, this SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)-organized project received coverage on CBS Evening News, local Fox News, was featured in Times Square, had 85,000 views on Motor Trend’s YouTube channel, and gained 65,000 Facebook likes.

“A big thank you and round of applause goes to Bryan Harrison of SEMA for submitting this project for award consideration,” said Rose Kawasaki, SBN chair. “Along with all the exceptional women who donated their time and talent both on the vehicle and behind the scenes, thanks also must be given to Ford Motor Co., Source Interlink Media and SEMA, who supported and believed in this ground-breaking project.”

For information regarding this award, visit PR Daily's website.

Compiled by Jason Catullo

Trim Parts Holdings Corp. Acquires Parts Unlimited Interiors
Trim Parts Holdings Corp. announced the recapitalization of Parts Unlimited Interiors (PUI) of La Grange, Kentucky. Parts Unlimited is a leading supplier of automotive interior restoration products. Trim Parts is a leading supplier of exterior trim parts and one of the market leaders in automotive carpet and rubber restoration products. Debbie Keithley will continue as the president of PUI.

Trim Parts Holdings Corp.'s President and CEO Mitch Williams added, “We are very excited about working with Debbie and the entire PUI team to support reaching their considerable potential in the market. If ever there were two companies with a lot of synergy between them, these are the two. Our goal is certainly to be a larger supplier to the restoration market but more importantly, to be the best supplier at the same time. We believe the opportunity to buy more high-quality products from the same group of companies is a distinct advantage for our customers.” Dubin Clark & Company of Greenwich, Connecticut, is the lead financial sponsor of both companies. Trim Parts and PUI now join their sister companies, B&M Racing, Hurst Shifters, Hurst Driveline, Flowmaster, and Dinan Engineering in the Dubin Clark family of automotive brands.

	Andre Palmier has joined RealTruck.com as its new marketing specialist.

RealTruck.com Adds Andre Palmier as Marketing Specialist
Online retailer RealTruck.com announced that Andre Palmier has joined the company as its new marketing specialist. Palmier has previous experience in e-commerce and will be focusing his work on social media and e-mail marketing. His professional background and determined work ethic make him a strong fit for the position, filling a vital need for the growing online enterprise. “Andre impressed us immediately, not only with his resume, but with his attitude as well,” said RealTruck.com CEO Scott Bintz. “We put a lot of emphasis on making sure our new hires are going to be good cultural fits for our company in addition to having the right skills.”

Schiefer Media to Manage Advertising for Hawk Performance
Hawk Performance Group (a division of Carlisle Brake & Friction) has selected Schiefer Media as its new agency of record to manage Hawk Performance’s media buys in all forms of media. “Schiefer’s forward-thinking and creative approach to media strategy combined with their intense focus on delivering measurable results was exactly what we wanted,” said Andrew Hisey, Managing Director. “We have significant growth plans in place and we expect this partnership to help propel us on our trajectory.” Schiefer Media will leverage its strategic media buying/planning/execution expertise to deliver results for Hawk Performance.

Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. Acquires Mallory
Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. announced the acquisition of Mallory. Founded in 1891, Mallory is the leading Canadian provider of winter snow tools and the North American leader in automotive window squeegees. “Combining Hopkins as the winter tool leader in the United States and Mallory as the leader in Canada, allows us to service both the U.S. and Canadian markets with the most comprehensive line of products available,” said Bradley T. Kraft, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hopkins. “In addition, Mallory’s market-leading branded line of squeegees significantly expands our presence in this product category,” added Kraft.

As part of the acquisition, Hopkins will add manufacturing and distribution facilities in Blenheim, Ontario, and South Sioux City, Nebraska. The Blenheim facility will provide new capabilities in Canada to better serve the Canadian market with all
Hopkins products.

MSD has named Robert Campbell marketing services manager.

MSD Names Robert Campbell Marketing Services Manager
MSD has named Robert Campbell as its marketing services manager. Campbell, who has worked at MSD since 2005, will be in charge of managing and directing the company's marketing services team. MSD has an internal graphic and creative department established to support the needs of the market and its marketing department. Campbell started at MSD in the graphics department as a graphic designer in 2005 and has utilized his skills in print design, illustration, photography and videography. Prior to joining MSD, his work includes projects with companies such as Lucas Films, Fox Entertainment and Warner Brothers.

American Heart Association Recognizes CRP as Fit Friendly Worksite
CRP Industries Inc. was recognized as a “Fit-Friendly Worksite” by The American Heart Association (AHA). The award was presented to the company along with gold status honors for meeting specific criteria for employee wellness. Worksites that offer a minimum of six physical activities, two nutrition activities, and one cultural activity from the Heart Association approved list are eligible for gold status recognition. CRP’s facility includes a gym on-site. The company works with Wellness Solutions to provide employees with personal trainers, yoga, aerobics, and Zumba classes, in addition to offering a wide variety of health services, including flu shots and health screenings. Additionally, CRP offers its employees an opportunity to participate in the Weight Watchers at work program, and contributes 50% of the cost.

As a Fit Friendly worksite, CRP is honored on the AHA’s website and will be recognized at upcoming events and community functions. The company also has the right to use the Fit Friendly program’s recognition seal for internal communications with employees, as well as external communications related to employee recruitment. CRP was presented with an official plaque and letter of recognition from the AHA.

Alan Beals Joins BettsHD as Global Account Manager
BettsHD has hired Alan Beals as global account manager. He will be responsible for key account sales for the company’s heavy-duty component manufacturing division. Beals is BettsHD’s second global account manager, joining Mark Baker to provide experienced, superior resource to BettsHD’s strategic relationships. Beals most recently served BAND-IT-IBEX, where he was national sales manager. Previously, he worked for Fleetline/Hogebuilt/Nuline (Berkshire Hathaway) from 2003 to 2009 as OEM sales manager where he was responsible for the sale of spray suppression products.

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. 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A new law was enacted in 2012 to establish the California Legacy License Plate Program. The plates have been available for pre-order, and cost $50 for non-personalized or personalized plates.

Consumers may choose from one of three classic designs from the ’50s–’60s. However, the law only allows until January 1, 2015, to reach the required minimum 7,500 pre-orders for any one of the plate styles. Currently, none of the plates have reached the required number of applications.

Black lettering on yellow background: 1,213 applications received
Yellow lettering on black background: 4,224 applications received
Yellow lettering on blue background: 901 applications received

If 7,500 applications are not received by January 1, 2015, any fees paid for the California Legacy plates will be refunded to the applicant. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

A new law was enacted in 2012 to establish the California Legacy License Plate Program. The plates have been available for pre-order, and cost $50 for non-personalized or personalized plates.

Consumers may choose from one of three classic designs from the ’50s–’60s. However, the law only allows until January 1, 2015, to reach the required minimum 7,500 pre-orders for any one of the plate styles. Currently, none of the plates have reached the required number of applications.

Black lettering on yellow background: 1,213 applications received
Yellow lettering on black background: 4,224 applications received
Yellow lettering on blue background: 901 applications received

If 7,500 applications are not received by January 1, 2015, any fees paid for the California Legacy plates will be refunded to the applicant. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Thanks to the efforts of several members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, the Michigan State Senate issued a resolution commemorating August 2013 as Automotive Heritage Month in the state. This action follows U.S. Senate Resolution 176, which designated July 12, 2013, as Collector Car Appreciation Day and was requested by the SEMA Action Network (SAN) to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.  

Formed in 2005, the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus is a bipartisan group of hundreds of state lawmakers from all 50 states whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles. Supported by the SAN, the Caucus is raising the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in the state legislatures and in the public's eyes. Among the Caucus members sponsoring the Michigan resolution were Senators Kowall, Jones, Hune, Anderson and Hopgood.

Michigan is home to the world-famous Woodward Dream Cruise, which according to the resolution is the world’s largest one-day celebration of classic car culture, attracting more than 1 million visitors and more than 40,000 musclecars, street rods, custom, collector and special-interest vehicles to Michigan every year. This year’s cruise takes place on August 17. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Thanks to the efforts of several members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, the Michigan State Senate issued a resolution commemorating August 2013 as Automotive Heritage Month in the state. This action follows U.S. Senate Resolution 176, which designated July 12, 2013, as Collector Car Appreciation Day and was requested by the SEMA Action Network (SAN) to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.  

Formed in 2005, the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus is a bipartisan group of hundreds of state lawmakers from all 50 states whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles. Supported by the SAN, the Caucus is raising the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in the state legislatures and in the public's eyes. Among the Caucus members sponsoring the Michigan resolution were Senators Kowall, Jones, Hune, Anderson and Hopgood.

Michigan is home to the world-famous Woodward Dream Cruise, which according to the resolution is the world’s largest one-day celebration of classic car culture, attracting more than 1 million visitors and more than 40,000 musclecars, street rods, custom, collector and special-interest vehicles to Michigan every year. This year’s cruise takes place on August 17. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Thanks to the efforts of several members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, the Michigan State Senate issued a resolution commemorating August 2013 as Automotive Heritage Month in the state. This action follows U.S. Senate Resolution 176, which designated July 12, 2013, as Collector Car Appreciation Day and was requested by the SEMA Action Network (SAN) to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.  

Formed in 2005, the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus is a bipartisan group of hundreds of state lawmakers from all 50 states whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles. Supported by the SAN, the Caucus is raising the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in the state legislatures and in the public's eyes. Among the Caucus members sponsoring the Michigan resolution were Senators Kowall, Jones, Hune, Anderson and Hopgood.

Michigan is home to the world-famous Woodward Dream Cruise, which according to the resolution is the world’s largest one-day celebration of classic car culture, attracting more than 1 million visitors and more than 40,000 musclecars, street rods, custom, collector and special-interest vehicles to Michigan every year. This year’s cruise takes place on August 17. 

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