NEWS NUGGETS

BRISTOL WINNERS READY FOR SUMMER STRETCH OF NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES: At the end of a long day of racing Sunday at the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, three drivers stood in the winner’s circle, reflecting on their wins and the constantly changing weather conditions that they and their teams battled all weekend. As Top Fuel pilot Larry Dixon, Funny Car driver Robert Hight and Pro Stock racer Mike Edwards spoke with the media following the race, one statement was loud and clear—their teams are ready for summer racing in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

“Today was unbelievable,” said Hight, whose Auto Club Ford Mustang not only won the race, but also set the national record for speed at 316.45 mph. “I really give Jimmy (Prock, crew chief) a lot of credit for coming here this weekend and sneaking up on it. He knew he could run big numbers but on the night runs, we played it safe. We made eight great runs. When we needed it the most, Jimmy pulled it out and he had some confidence.”

Dixon agreed that his win in Bristol gave his team a confidence boost. He said that adapting to challenging conditions is exactly what his team will need to continue to do during the next few months of summer racing.

“Jason McCulloch (crew chief), Alan Johnson (team manager) and everybody else on the Al-Anabi team did a great job today,” said Dixon. “Jason and the rest of our team worked their tails off. It’s a great team, and I just feel blessed to be a part of it.”

Pro Stock winner Edwards scored his third consecutive win in Bristol Sunday, though it didn’t come easy, given the challenging conditions and the strong competition he faced in Vincent Nobile, Greg Anderson and Erica Enders. The 2009 Full Throttle series world champ recognizes that his team’s ability to change according to the situation will be a vital tool in the next few months.

“Congrats to my team. They fought hard,” said Edwards. “This car has given us so many headaches. I hope we can build on this.”

To see more results from the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, visit NHRA.com.

K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE FIELD SET; ENDERS GETS FAN VOTE FOR FINAL SPOT: The field is set for this week’s K&N Horsepower Challenge—the lucrative race-within-a-race bonus Pro Stock event at the fifth annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. The seven drivers who accumulated the most points in qualifying during the bonus-event series earned their place in the $76,000 challenge, and the eighth and final position was determined by fan voting. This year, fans selected sensation Erica Enders to fill out the field. The first-round pairings for this year’s K&N Horsepower Challenge are as follows:

Jason Line vs. Erica Enders

Allen Johnson vs. Shane Gray
Mike Edwards vs. Rodger Brogdon
Greg Anderson vs. Ron Krisher


Last year, defending world champion Greg Anderson raced to his third K&N Horsepower Challenge win in eight appearances when he beat Mike Edwards on a holeshot. Anderson also won the race that weekend to collect the NHRA sweep bonus awarded to those drivers who win both the bonus event and race, bringing his weekend winnings to $100,000. It was the second time that Anderson picked up the NHRA sweep bonus (2004).

COMING ATTRACTIONS

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, June 23–26: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Norwalk, Ohio, and its 10th stop on the circuit. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 419/668-5555 or visit summitmotorsportspark.tix.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, July 7–10: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Chicago and the Windy City for its 11th stop of the season. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 815/727-RACE or visit route66raceway.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS, BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY, July 22–24: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to the Rocky Mountains of Denver and the first of three stops on the historic Western Swing. Defending event winners are Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/664-UWIN or go online at ticketreturn.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

EVERYTHING BUT THE…: Funny Car driver Jack Beckman after his final-round loss to Robert Hight Sunday at the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers at Bristol Dragway: “We threw the kitchen sink—and more—at Hight in the finals, but it was too much. We thought we would need more car than we had in the third round to beat Robert, but we ended up spinning the tires.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1982, CONNIE VS SHIRLEY, U.S. NATIONALS: On August 8, 1982, Top Fuel sensation Shirley Muldowney faced former crew chief Connie Kalitta in a much anticipated final round at the historic U.S. Nationals. Muldowney beat Kalitta and became the first female winner in U.S. Nationals history. Both Muldowney and Kalitta will be the NHRA Legends honored at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. The two drivers will participate in autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with fans throughout the weekend.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Eddie Krawiec	Andrew Hines
LE Tonglet	Matt Smith

4: There have been four different winners in the first four races of the NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock Motorcycle season. The class returns to racing this weekend at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. Will one of these riders be the first this season to win a second race?

DID YOU KNOW…

…that of the four NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series classes that will compete at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, Funny Car is the only one to have different winners in the four years the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing has been competing at the track? Will Jack Beckman, Tony Pedregon or Tim Wilkerson become the first repeat winner in the class in Norwalk? For tickets, call 419/668-5555 or visit summitmotorsportspark.tix.com.

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center.

NEWS NUGGETS

BRISTOL WINNERS READY FOR SUMMER STRETCH OF NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES: At the end of a long day of racing Sunday at the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, three drivers stood in the winner’s circle, reflecting on their wins and the constantly changing weather conditions that they and their teams battled all weekend. As Top Fuel pilot Larry Dixon, Funny Car driver Robert Hight and Pro Stock racer Mike Edwards spoke with the media following the race, one statement was loud and clear—their teams are ready for summer racing in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

“Today was unbelievable,” said Hight, whose Auto Club Ford Mustang not only won the race, but also set the national record for speed at 316.45 mph. “I really give Jimmy (Prock, crew chief) a lot of credit for coming here this weekend and sneaking up on it. He knew he could run big numbers but on the night runs, we played it safe. We made eight great runs. When we needed it the most, Jimmy pulled it out and he had some confidence.”

Dixon agreed that his win in Bristol gave his team a confidence boost. He said that adapting to challenging conditions is exactly what his team will need to continue to do during the next few months of summer racing.

“Jason McCulloch (crew chief), Alan Johnson (team manager) and everybody else on the Al-Anabi team did a great job today,” said Dixon. “Jason and the rest of our team worked their tails off. It’s a great team, and I just feel blessed to be a part of it.”

Pro Stock winner Edwards scored his third consecutive win in Bristol Sunday, though it didn’t come easy, given the challenging conditions and the strong competition he faced in Vincent Nobile, Greg Anderson and Erica Enders. The 2009 Full Throttle series world champ recognizes that his team’s ability to change according to the situation will be a vital tool in the next few months.

“Congrats to my team. They fought hard,” said Edwards. “This car has given us so many headaches. I hope we can build on this.”

To see more results from the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, visit NHRA.com.

K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE FIELD SET; ENDERS GETS FAN VOTE FOR FINAL SPOT: The field is set for this week’s K&N Horsepower Challenge—the lucrative race-within-a-race bonus Pro Stock event at the fifth annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. The seven drivers who accumulated the most points in qualifying during the bonus-event series earned their place in the $76,000 challenge, and the eighth and final position was determined by fan voting. This year, fans selected sensation Erica Enders to fill out the field. The first-round pairings for this year’s K&N Horsepower Challenge are as follows:

Jason Line vs. Erica Enders

Allen Johnson vs. Shane Gray
Mike Edwards vs. Rodger Brogdon
Greg Anderson vs. Ron Krisher


Last year, defending world champion Greg Anderson raced to his third K&N Horsepower Challenge win in eight appearances when he beat Mike Edwards on a holeshot. Anderson also won the race that weekend to collect the NHRA sweep bonus awarded to those drivers who win both the bonus event and race, bringing his weekend winnings to $100,000. It was the second time that Anderson picked up the NHRA sweep bonus (2004).

COMING ATTRACTIONS

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, June 23–26: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Norwalk, Ohio, and its 10th stop on the circuit. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 419/668-5555 or visit summitmotorsportspark.tix.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, July 7–10: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Chicago and the Windy City for its 11th stop of the season. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 815/727-RACE or visit route66raceway.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS, BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY, July 22–24: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to the Rocky Mountains of Denver and the first of three stops on the historic Western Swing. Defending event winners are Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/664-UWIN or go online at ticketreturn.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

EVERYTHING BUT THE…: Funny Car driver Jack Beckman after his final-round loss to Robert Hight Sunday at the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers at Bristol Dragway: “We threw the kitchen sink—and more—at Hight in the finals, but it was too much. We thought we would need more car than we had in the third round to beat Robert, but we ended up spinning the tires.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1982, CONNIE VS SHIRLEY, U.S. NATIONALS: On August 8, 1982, Top Fuel sensation Shirley Muldowney faced former crew chief Connie Kalitta in a much anticipated final round at the historic U.S. Nationals. Muldowney beat Kalitta and became the first female winner in U.S. Nationals history. Both Muldowney and Kalitta will be the NHRA Legends honored at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. The two drivers will participate in autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with fans throughout the weekend.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Eddie Krawiec	Andrew Hines
LE Tonglet	Matt Smith

4: There have been four different winners in the first four races of the NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock Motorcycle season. The class returns to racing this weekend at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. Will one of these riders be the first this season to win a second race?

DID YOU KNOW…

…that of the four NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series classes that will compete at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, Funny Car is the only one to have different winners in the four years the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing has been competing at the track? Will Jack Beckman, Tony Pedregon or Tim Wilkerson become the first repeat winner in the class in Norwalk? For tickets, call 419/668-5555 or visit summitmotorsportspark.tix.com.

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center.

 

FIAT is offering a FIAT 500 Sport vehicle to two vehicle customizers for the 2011 SEMA Show to create and promote accessories and vendor capabilities.

In partnering with external customizers to showcase the FIAT 500 for the 2011 SEMA Show, the manufacturer is offering a FIAT 500 Sport vehicle to two vehicle customizers. This offer is designed to create and promote accessories and vendor capabilities. The modified vehicle potentially will be displayed at major auto shows and FIAT promotional events with media coverage.

The FIAT 500 Sport is equipped with a 1.4L 16v MultiAir Engine with a manual transmission and features a sport suspension, sport seats, a rear spoiler and 16-in. aluminum alloy wheels

FIAT 500 2011 SEMA Show Requirements:

• Send an introductory letter defining the theme of the project vehicle and its general content.
• Submit 8½ x 11 color renderings illustrating front/side, rear and interior appearance (composite ¾ views are acceptable) with the intended color and graphic scheme accurately defined. Preservation of front-end brand identity (divisional emblem and possibly grille features) is mandatory.
• Include a list of specific system upgrades, including partnered sources and new products being developed for FIAT through the project.
• Send examples of previous project vehicles and promotional activities by the applicant.
• Submit a promotional and media outreach plan beyond the SEMA Show (i.e. tour of events, specific magazine feature articles, online promotion, etc.).
• Availability for the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 1–4 is required. Please state where the vehicle will be displayed at the SEMA Show and who will sponsor the vehicle if it is placed in a feature spot. Note that partners are required to promote the vehicle through November 1, 2012. Proposals with guaranteed interior booth space will be given preferred consideration.
• Required shows to be displayed as part of FIAT display: NAIAS (January 9–22, 2012); Chicago Auto Show (February 8–19, 2012); New York Auto Show (April 6–15, 2012); Fader Fort (April 2012).
• Must be accessible for a minimum of four Fiat brand/dealer events.

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 FIAT USA or Chrysler Group LLC or Mopar.
• Be willing to partner with other non-competing aftermarket companies or enthusiast publications to enhance the vehicle project.
• Have a history of active promotion of vehicle projects with an established marketing plan.

Project vehicle recipients must:

• Execute a promotional agreement with Chrysler that sets forth the obligations of the vehicle recipient, including, without limitation, the requirement to return the vehicle to Chrysler Group LLC.
• Commit to make the vehicle available to FIAT 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 FIAT and model logos intact and visible.
• Commit to provide regular reports to FIAT USA public relations regarding media coverage and event activity for the project vehicle for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.

Please e-mail your detailed project proposal or questions to nicole.longhini@FIATUSA.com before July 7, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. (EDT).

For more information, click here.

 

FIAT is offering a FIAT 500 Sport vehicle to two vehicle customizers for the 2011 SEMA Show to create and promote accessories and vendor capabilities.

In partnering with external customizers to showcase the FIAT 500 for the 2011 SEMA Show, the manufacturer is offering a FIAT 500 Sport vehicle to two vehicle customizers. This offer is designed to create and promote accessories and vendor capabilities. The modified vehicle potentially will be displayed at major auto shows and FIAT promotional events with media coverage.

The FIAT 500 Sport is equipped with a 1.4L 16v MultiAir Engine with a manual transmission and features a sport suspension, sport seats, a rear spoiler and 16-in. aluminum alloy wheels

FIAT 500 2011 SEMA Show Requirements:

• Send an introductory letter defining the theme of the project vehicle and its general content.
• Submit 8½ x 11 color renderings illustrating front/side, rear and interior appearance (composite ¾ views are acceptable) with the intended color and graphic scheme accurately defined. Preservation of front-end brand identity (divisional emblem and possibly grille features) is mandatory.
• Include a list of specific system upgrades, including partnered sources and new products being developed for FIAT through the project.
• Send examples of previous project vehicles and promotional activities by the applicant.
• Submit a promotional and media outreach plan beyond the SEMA Show (i.e. tour of events, specific magazine feature articles, online promotion, etc.).
• Availability for the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 1–4 is required. Please state where the vehicle will be displayed at the SEMA Show and who will sponsor the vehicle if it is placed in a feature spot. Note that partners are required to promote the vehicle through November 1, 2012. Proposals with guaranteed interior booth space will be given preferred consideration.
• Required shows to be displayed as part of FIAT display: NAIAS (January 9–22, 2012); Chicago Auto Show (February 8–19, 2012); New York Auto Show (April 6–15, 2012); Fader Fort (April 2012).
• Must be accessible for a minimum of four Fiat brand/dealer events.

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 FIAT USA or Chrysler Group LLC or Mopar.
• Be willing to partner with other non-competing aftermarket companies or enthusiast publications to enhance the vehicle project.
• Have a history of active promotion of vehicle projects with an established marketing plan.

Project vehicle recipients must:

• Execute a promotional agreement with Chrysler that sets forth the obligations of the vehicle recipient, including, without limitation, the requirement to return the vehicle to Chrysler Group LLC.
• Commit to make the vehicle available to FIAT 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 FIAT and model logos intact and visible.
• Commit to provide regular reports to FIAT USA public relations regarding media coverage and event activity for the project vehicle for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.

Please e-mail your detailed project proposal or questions to nicole.longhini@FIATUSA.com before July 7, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. (EDT).

For more information, click here.

 

Meet with China’s leading distributors and retailers of specialty-equipment products from throughout China at the SEMA China Business Development Conference.

In response to a number of calls and e-mails, priority registration for the SEMA China Business Development Conference has been extended until July 15. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the potential for your products in the growing Chinese market.

Highlights include:

• One-on-one meetings with China’s leading distributors and retailers of specialty-equipment products from throughout China.
• Full contact information for participating buyers for the exclusive use of program participants.
• Session with Chinese media.
• VIP access to the China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE).
• One low-cost price includes an interpreter, hotel, food and meeting space.

Register today to participate in the September program in Beijing. For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/china.

 

Meet with China’s leading distributors and retailers of specialty-equipment products from throughout China at the SEMA China Business Development Conference.

In response to a number of calls and e-mails, priority registration for the SEMA China Business Development Conference has been extended until July 15. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the potential for your products in the growing Chinese market.

Highlights include:

• One-on-one meetings with China’s leading distributors and retailers of specialty-equipment products from throughout China.
• Full contact information for participating buyers for the exclusive use of program participants.
• Session with Chinese media.
• VIP access to the China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE).
• One low-cost price includes an interpreter, hotel, food and meeting space.

Register today to participate in the September program in Beijing. For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/china.

 

Meet with China’s leading distributors and retailers of specialty-equipment products from throughout China at the SEMA China Business Development Conference.

In response to a number of calls and e-mails, priority registration for the SEMA China Business Development Conference has been extended until July 15. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the potential for your products in the growing Chinese market.

Highlights include:

• One-on-one meetings with China’s leading distributors and retailers of specialty-equipment products from throughout China.
• Full contact information for participating buyers for the exclusive use of program participants.
• Session with Chinese media.
• VIP access to the China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE).
• One low-cost price includes an interpreter, hotel, food and meeting space.

Register today to participate in the September program in Beijing. For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/china.

Assemblymember Bill Reilich, sponsor of the New York resolution recognizing Collector Car Appreciation Day, serves as chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus.

The New York State Assembly has approved a resolution to memorialize July 8, 2011, as Collector Car Appreciation Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with National Collector Car Appreciation Day. The effort was sponsored by New York Assemblymember Bill Reilich, who has served the automotive hobbyist community for the past four years as national chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. Earlier this year, at SEMA’s request, U.S. Senators John Tester (D-MT) and Richard Burr (R-NC) introduced and the Senate approved Resolution 154 (S. Res. 154), officially designating July 8, 2011, as “National Collector Car Appreciation Day.”

The New York Resolution reads in part, “Since its invention, the automobile has become a most treasured piece of Americana; by recognizing the importance of its history, car collectors provide a nostalgic way to preserve the presence of the past and inspire the innovations of the future.”

The 2011 National Collector Car Appreciation Day events in the state of New York include: Collector Car Appreciation Day at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich, New York, from July 8–10, 2011; the 8th Annual All Firebird Cruise with the Firebird Nation of North America in Saratoga Springs, New York, on July 8, 2011; the Hemmings Motor News and Hathaway's Drive-In Theatre Cruise-In for cars 25 years or older, in North Hoosick, New York, on July 8, 2011; the 9th Annual All Firebird Lawn Show at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta, New York, on July 9, 2011; and the All Corvette Show in Saratoga Springs, New York, on July 9, 2011.

For a full listing of events happening nationwide to celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Assemblymember Bill Reilich, sponsor of the New York resolution recognizing Collector Car Appreciation Day, serves as chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus.

The New York State Assembly has approved a resolution to memorialize July 8, 2011, as Collector Car Appreciation Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with National Collector Car Appreciation Day. The effort was sponsored by New York Assemblymember Bill Reilich, who has served the automotive hobbyist community for the past four years as national chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. Earlier this year, at SEMA’s request, U.S. Senators John Tester (D-MT) and Richard Burr (R-NC) introduced and the Senate approved Resolution 154 (S. Res. 154), officially designating July 8, 2011, as “National Collector Car Appreciation Day.”

The New York Resolution reads in part, “Since its invention, the automobile has become a most treasured piece of Americana; by recognizing the importance of its history, car collectors provide a nostalgic way to preserve the presence of the past and inspire the innovations of the future.”

The 2011 National Collector Car Appreciation Day events in the state of New York include: Collector Car Appreciation Day at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich, New York, from July 8–10, 2011; the 8th Annual All Firebird Cruise with the Firebird Nation of North America in Saratoga Springs, New York, on July 8, 2011; the Hemmings Motor News and Hathaway's Drive-In Theatre Cruise-In for cars 25 years or older, in North Hoosick, New York, on July 8, 2011; the 9th Annual All Firebird Lawn Show at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta, New York, on July 9, 2011; and the All Corvette Show in Saratoga Springs, New York, on July 9, 2011.

For a full listing of events happening nationwide to celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

After an effort that stretched into two legislative sessions, SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles (including kit cars and replicas) and provide for special license plates was signed into law by Governor Rick Perry. Slated to go into effect on September 1, 2011, the new law defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The law also allows for the use of non-original materials and creates a titling and registration criterion that assigns these vehicles the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble. In addition, the law only holds street rods, customs and replicas to the equipment standards specified by law during the model year listed on the title and exempts them from the state’s emissions inspection program. 

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