NAMED: Argentine driver Jose Maria Lopez was officially named as the first of two drivers for the new U.S. Formula One team that opens competition in March.

FOUR WIDE: NHRA professional racing teams will compete four-wide during the inaugural NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina, March 25–28. It will be the first NHRA event held with competition in four lanes at the same time.

BIG BUCKS: Legends cars will compete for a purse of $1 million in a special event scheduled July 15–17 at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s infield quarter-mile oval.

OVER AND OUT: Tony George resigned from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Board of Directors, ending all ties to the speedway.

NEW BACKER: K&N Engineering has taken over sponsorship of NASCAR’s East and West Series for the coming season. The NASCAR K&N Pro Series will kick off this weekend at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (California).

DRAFT AWAY: NASCAR officials say they will allow drivers to bump draft and to police themselves during the upcoming season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. Subscribe to National Speed Sport News for a special industry rate.

	The 2010 Media Trade Conference moved to a new location at the Radisson Suites in Covina, California. The format, however—short, informal meetings between manufacturers and media—remained the same.

The 2010 Media Trade Conference, hosted by SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), coincided with one of the wettest weeks on record in Southern California—unfortunate for those who came from colder climes seeking a little West Coast sun and warmth.

For three days from January 19–21, 100 manufacturers met with editors and writers throughout the day in a series of half-hour meetings. For manufacturers it's a chance to put their newest products in front of the enthusiat media. For editors it's a way to nail down several months (in some cases an entire year's) worth of editorial projects.

SEMA News took the opportunity to meet with member companies to not only learn about their new products, but also the overall business climate. We were relieved to learn that most businesses are fairly optimistic about recovery in 2010, embracing a feeling that the worst has past.

Judging by the investment these companies have made in new-product development, from Edelbrock's venture into supercharging to Yokohama's "green" tires, 2010 looks to have gotten off on the right foot for enthusiasts and specialty-equipment businesses alike.

AEM's Greg Nakano demonstrated the company's new gauges and discussed plans to release performance and diagnostic apps for Apple's iPhone.	Jason Snyder (right) and Smitty Smith discussed Edelbrock's new E-Force superchargers for the '08-'09 Corvette and 2010 Camaro SS. Kits for C6 Vettes and the Chrysler Hemi are in development.
Horace Mast of Mast Motorsports introduced several new valvetrain and fuel-system components, including a line of LS3 heads with 12-degree ports.	MagnaFlow's Ross Berlanga (left) and Robert Wilson highlighted the company's new 49-state direct fit cat converters for Camaro, Mustang and F-150.
Nate Shelton (left) and Dan Wu discussed new Hurst and B&M products, as well as the new Hurst Heritage series cars to be offered through only 100 exclusive dealers.	In between persuasive arguments for relocating to Chattanooga, Coker Tire's Corky Coker (right) and David Leach showed us the company's new Redlines and its Excelsior radial, offered in classic bias-ply look and sizes.
Tim Stewart (left), Lucio Tapia and Nestor Cabrera highlighted K&N's new hood scoops, 16-inch round filter and Power Kleen cleaner/degreaser.	Mickey Thompson's Willy Woo (right) and Don Sneddon introduced the company's new apparel line for men and women, as well as the ET drag, Sportsman S/T and ET Street tires.
Ken Farrell (left) and Jim Davis of Professional Products brought the Powerjection Plus EFI, a fuel injection system with the look of a traditional carb.	Steve Scheidker (left) and John Sonnefeldt of VP Racing Fuels discuss one of the most overlooked performance products: high-octane fuel. VP now offers its 50-state legal VP100.
Baer Brakes' Todd Gartshore (left) and Ben O'Connor showed us some new calipers and talked about their recent move to a larger headquarters in Arizona.	Yokohama is committed to environmental responsibility, says Marketing Communications Director Fred Koplin. The dB super E-spec tire, which uses orange oil to to make the rubber more compliant and helps eliminate 80 percent of the petrochemicals used in its construction, is a long step in that direction.
Jay Jones with Toyo Tires was excited to tell us about Robby Gordon's 2009 SCORE series championship, a first for the tiremaker. Gordon raced to victory on Toyo's Open Country M/T-R tires.	John Hotchkis of Hotchkis Sport Suspension showcased his new Mopar line (for '67-'76 A bodies), new 2010 Camaro subframe and components and new swaybars for BMW's 1-Series.
Rich Barsamian from Grant shows us one of the company's Revolution Airbag steering wheels.	Marc Lewis and Vic Wood (right) with Hedman Performance show us their new oil filter bypass adapter.
Ken Wagstaff (left) and Brian Downard from Lokar show some of the company's new door handles and window cranks.	Ernie Silvers from Egge Machine and Speed Shop highlights this remanufactured water pump.
Barry Meguiar explained the properties blended into the company's new Ultimate Wash & Wax.	Art and Craig Morrison showcase their new A-arms.
The Falken Tire crew, including (from left) Josh Spears, Nick Fousekis, James Yin and Mark Richter discussed the company's new all-terrain offering.	Garrett's Kyle Snyder talked specifics about the new GTX-R turbochargers, which offer a claimed 10 percent gain in flow compared to traditional GT compressor wheel designs.
Fidanza President Bob Scheid announced that his company has teamed with Zoom Performance Products to form Clutch Alliance.	Kyle Fickler (left) and Gregory Smith of Weld Racing highlight one of the Kansas City-based wheelmaker's latest offerings.
Skyjacker's Lee McGuire ran down the company's new gear, including 4- and 6-inch suspensions for 2009-2010 F-150.	Dennis Overholser showed some new Painless Performance products, including a three-bolt flathead throttle body.
Advanced Clutch Technology's Tracie Nunez (left) and Cheralyn Smith with some of ACT's new clutch hardware.	Ray Frescas shows off MSD Ignition's new 40th Anniversary Retro Box.
Aeromotive president Steve Matusek accepts an award for service on the MPMC Select Committee from council director Jim Skelly.	MPMC Select Committee member Rich Barsamian.
Prestolite Performance's Ed "Blake" Burgy, MPMC Select Committee member.	Weld Wheels' Kyle Fickler.
COMP Performance Group's John Menzler, 2009-2010 MPMC Select Committee member.	2009-2010 Select Committee member Marla Moore of Hypertech.
JET Performance Products' Dan Nicholas.	Ron Johnson of ADDCO.
AIRAID's Chris Thompson, a 2009-2010 Select Committee member.	Hedman Performance's Vic Wood.
The 2009-2010 MPMC Select Committee.	MPMC Chairman Bill Floyd presents the Chairman's Award to SEMA Chairman-Elect Scooter Brothers.
Floyd with the Robert E. Petersen Award winner Karl Fredrickson from Speedway Illustrated.	A Wednesday evening panel at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum featured industry leaders tackling future trends, product development, hybrids, and career training among other timely topics.

 

	The 2010 Media Trade Conference moved to a new location at the Radisson Suites in Covina, California. The format, however—short, informal meetings between manufacturers and media—remained the same.

The 2010 Media Trade Conference, hosted by SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), coincided with one of the wettest weeks on record in Southern California—unfortunate for those who came from colder climes seeking a little West Coast sun and warmth.

For three days from January 19–21, 100 manufacturers met with editors and writers throughout the day in a series of half-hour meetings. For manufacturers it's a chance to put their newest products in front of the enthusiat media. For editors it's a way to nail down several months (in some cases an entire year's) worth of editorial projects.

SEMA News took the opportunity to meet with member companies to not only learn about their new products, but also the overall business climate. We were relieved to learn that most businesses are fairly optimistic about recovery in 2010, embracing a feeling that the worst has past.

Judging by the investment these companies have made in new-product development, from Edelbrock's venture into supercharging to Yokohama's "green" tires, 2010 looks to have gotten off on the right foot for enthusiasts and specialty-equipment businesses alike.

AEM's Greg Nakano demonstrated the company's new gauges and discussed plans to release performance and diagnostic apps for Apple's iPhone.	Jason Snyder (right) and Smitty Smith discussed Edelbrock's new E-Force superchargers for the '08-'09 Corvette and 2010 Camaro SS. Kits for C6 Vettes and the Chrysler Hemi are in development.
Horace Mast of Mast Motorsports introduced several new valvetrain and fuel-system components, including a line of LS3 heads with 12-degree ports.	MagnaFlow's Ross Berlanga (left) and Robert Wilson highlighted the company's new 49-state direct fit cat converters for Camaro, Mustang and F-150.
Nate Shelton (left) and Dan Wu discussed new Hurst and B&M products, as well as the new Hurst Heritage series cars to be offered through only 100 exclusive dealers.	In between persuasive arguments for relocating to Chattanooga, Coker Tire's Corky Coker (right) and David Leach showed us the company's new Redlines and its Excelsior radial, offered in classic bias-ply look and sizes.
Tim Stewart (left), Lucio Tapia and Nestor Cabrera highlighted K&N's new hood scoops, 16-inch round filter and Power Kleen cleaner/degreaser.	Mickey Thompson's Willy Woo (right) and Don Sneddon introduced the company's new apparel line for men and women, as well as the ET drag, Sportsman S/T and ET Street tires.
Ken Farrell (left) and Jim Davis of Professional Products brought the Powerjection Plus EFI, a fuel injection system with the look of a traditional carb.	Steve Scheidker (left) and John Sonnefeldt of VP Racing Fuels discuss one of the most overlooked performance products: high-octane fuel. VP now offers its 50-state legal VP100.
Baer Brakes' Todd Gartshore (left) and Ben O'Connor showed us some new calipers and talked about their recent move to a larger headquarters in Arizona.	Yokohama is committed to environmental responsibility, says Marketing Communications Director Fred Koplin. The dB super E-spec tire, which uses orange oil to to make the rubber more compliant and helps eliminate 80 percent of the petrochemicals used in its construction, is a long step in that direction.
Jay Jones with Toyo Tires was excited to tell us about Robby Gordon's 2009 SCORE series championship, a first for the tiremaker. Gordon raced to victory on Toyo's Open Country M/T-R tires.	John Hotchkis of Hotchkis Sport Suspension showcased his new Mopar line (for '67-'76 A bodies), new 2010 Camaro subframe and components and new swaybars for BMW's 1-Series.
Rich Barsamian from Grant shows us one of the company's Revolution Airbag steering wheels.	Marc Lewis and Vic Wood (right) with Hedman Performance show us their new oil filter bypass adapter.
Ken Wagstaff (left) and Brian Downard from Lokar show some of the company's new door handles and window cranks.	Ernie Silvers from Egge Machine and Speed Shop highlights this remanufactured water pump.
Barry Meguiar explained the properties blended into the company's new Ultimate Wash & Wax.	Art and Craig Morrison showcase their new A-arms.
The Falken Tire crew, including (from left) Josh Spears, Nick Fousekis, James Yin and Mark Richter discussed the company's new all-terrain offering.	Garrett's Kyle Snyder talked specifics about the new GTX-R turbochargers, which offer a claimed 10 percent gain in flow compared to traditional GT compressor wheel designs.
Fidanza President Bob Scheid announced that his company has teamed with Zoom Performance Products to form Clutch Alliance.	Kyle Fickler (left) and Gregory Smith of Weld Racing highlight one of the Kansas City-based wheelmaker's latest offerings.
Skyjacker's Lee McGuire ran down the company's new gear, including 4- and 6-inch suspensions for 2009-2010 F-150.	Dennis Overholser showed some new Painless Performance products, including a three-bolt flathead throttle body.
Advanced Clutch Technology's Tracie Nunez (left) and Cheralyn Smith with some of ACT's new clutch hardware.	Ray Frescas shows off MSD Ignition's new 40th Anniversary Retro Box.
Aeromotive president Steve Matusek accepts an award for service on the MPMC Select Committee from council director Jim Skelly.	MPMC Select Committee member Rich Barsamian.
Prestolite Performance's Ed "Blake" Burgy, MPMC Select Committee member.	Weld Wheels' Kyle Fickler.
COMP Performance Group's John Menzler, 2009-2010 MPMC Select Committee member.	2009-2010 Select Committee member Marla Moore of Hypertech.
JET Performance Products' Dan Nicholas.	Ron Johnson of ADDCO.
AIRAID's Chris Thompson, a 2009-2010 Select Committee member.	Hedman Performance's Vic Wood.
The 2009-2010 MPMC Select Committee.	MPMC Chairman Bill Floyd presents the Chairman's Award to SEMA Chairman-Elect Scooter Brothers.
Floyd with the Robert E. Petersen Award winner Karl Fredrickson from Speedway Illustrated.	A Wednesday evening panel at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum featured industry leaders tackling future trends, product development, hybrids, and career training among other timely topics.

 

	The 2010 Media Trade Conference moved to a new location at the Radisson Suites in Covina, California. The format, however—short, informal meetings between manufacturers and media—remained the same.

The 2010 Media Trade Conference, hosted by SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), coincided with one of the wettest weeks on record in Southern California—unfortunate for those who came from colder climes seeking a little West Coast sun and warmth.

For three days from January 19–21, 100 manufacturers met with editors and writers throughout the day in a series of half-hour meetings. For manufacturers it's a chance to put their newest products in front of the enthusiat media. For editors it's a way to nail down several months (in some cases an entire year's) worth of editorial projects.

SEMA News took the opportunity to meet with member companies to not only learn about their new products, but also the overall business climate. We were relieved to learn that most businesses are fairly optimistic about recovery in 2010, embracing a feeling that the worst has past.

Judging by the investment these companies have made in new-product development, from Edelbrock's venture into supercharging to Yokohama's "green" tires, 2010 looks to have gotten off on the right foot for enthusiasts and specialty-equipment businesses alike.

AEM's Greg Nakano demonstrated the company's new gauges and discussed plans to release performance and diagnostic apps for Apple's iPhone.	Jason Snyder (right) and Smitty Smith discussed Edelbrock's new E-Force superchargers for the '08-'09 Corvette and 2010 Camaro SS. Kits for C6 Vettes and the Chrysler Hemi are in development.
Horace Mast of Mast Motorsports introduced several new valvetrain and fuel-system components, including a line of LS3 heads with 12-degree ports.	MagnaFlow's Ross Berlanga (left) and Robert Wilson highlighted the company's new 49-state direct fit cat converters for Camaro, Mustang and F-150.
Nate Shelton (left) and Dan Wu discussed new Hurst and B&M products, as well as the new Hurst Heritage series cars to be offered through only 100 exclusive dealers.	In between persuasive arguments for relocating to Chattanooga, Coker Tire's Corky Coker (right) and David Leach showed us the company's new Redlines and its Excelsior radial, offered in classic bias-ply look and sizes.
Tim Stewart (left), Lucio Tapia and Nestor Cabrera highlighted K&N's new hood scoops, 16-inch round filter and Power Kleen cleaner/degreaser.	Mickey Thompson's Willy Woo (right) and Don Sneddon introduced the company's new apparel line for men and women, as well as the ET drag, Sportsman S/T and ET Street tires.
Ken Farrell (left) and Jim Davis of Professional Products brought the Powerjection Plus EFI, a fuel injection system with the look of a traditional carb.	Steve Scheidker (left) and John Sonnefeldt of VP Racing Fuels discuss one of the most overlooked performance products: high-octane fuel. VP now offers its 50-state legal VP100.
Baer Brakes' Todd Gartshore (left) and Ben O'Connor showed us some new calipers and talked about their recent move to a larger headquarters in Arizona.	Yokohama is committed to environmental responsibility, says Marketing Communications Director Fred Koplin. The dB super E-spec tire, which uses orange oil to to make the rubber more compliant and helps eliminate 80 percent of the petrochemicals used in its construction, is a long step in that direction.
Jay Jones with Toyo Tires was excited to tell us about Robby Gordon's 2009 SCORE series championship, a first for the tiremaker. Gordon raced to victory on Toyo's Open Country M/T-R tires.	John Hotchkis of Hotchkis Sport Suspension showcased his new Mopar line (for '67-'76 A bodies), new 2010 Camaro subframe and components and new swaybars for BMW's 1-Series.
Rich Barsamian from Grant shows us one of the company's Revolution Airbag steering wheels.	Marc Lewis and Vic Wood (right) with Hedman Performance show us their new oil filter bypass adapter.
Ken Wagstaff (left) and Brian Downard from Lokar show some of the company's new door handles and window cranks.	Ernie Silvers from Egge Machine and Speed Shop highlights this remanufactured water pump.
Barry Meguiar explained the properties blended into the company's new Ultimate Wash & Wax.	Art and Craig Morrison showcase their new A-arms.
The Falken Tire crew, including (from left) Josh Spears, Nick Fousekis, James Yin and Mark Richter discussed the company's new all-terrain offering.	Garrett's Kyle Snyder talked specifics about the new GTX-R turbochargers, which offer a claimed 10 percent gain in flow compared to traditional GT compressor wheel designs.
Fidanza President Bob Scheid announced that his company has teamed with Zoom Performance Products to form Clutch Alliance.	Kyle Fickler (left) and Gregory Smith of Weld Racing highlight one of the Kansas City-based wheelmaker's latest offerings.
Skyjacker's Lee McGuire ran down the company's new gear, including 4- and 6-inch suspensions for 2009-2010 F-150.	Dennis Overholser showed some new Painless Performance products, including a three-bolt flathead throttle body.
Advanced Clutch Technology's Tracie Nunez (left) and Cheralyn Smith with some of ACT's new clutch hardware.	Ray Frescas shows off MSD Ignition's new 40th Anniversary Retro Box.
Aeromotive president Steve Matusek accepts an award for service on the MPMC Select Committee from council director Jim Skelly.	MPMC Select Committee member Rich Barsamian.
Prestolite Performance's Ed "Blake" Burgy, MPMC Select Committee member.	Weld Wheels' Kyle Fickler.
COMP Performance Group's John Menzler, 2009-2010 MPMC Select Committee member.	2009-2010 Select Committee member Marla Moore of Hypertech.
JET Performance Products' Dan Nicholas.	Ron Johnson of ADDCO.
AIRAID's Chris Thompson, a 2009-2010 Select Committee member.	Hedman Performance's Vic Wood.
The 2009-2010 MPMC Select Committee.	MPMC Chairman Bill Floyd presents the Chairman's Award to SEMA Chairman-Elect Scooter Brothers.
Floyd with the Robert E. Petersen Award winner Karl Fredrickson from Speedway Illustrated.	A Wednesday evening panel at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum featured industry leaders tackling future trends, product development, hybrids, and career training among other timely topics.

 

	The 2010 Media Trade Conference moved to a new location at the Radisson Suites in Covina, California. The format, however—short, informal meetings between manufacturers and media—remained the same.

The 2010 Media Trade Conference, hosted by SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), coincided with one of the wettest weeks on record in Southern California—unfortunate for those who came from colder climes seeking a little West Coast sun and warmth.

For three days from January 19–21, 100 manufacturers met with editors and writers throughout the day in a series of half-hour meetings. For manufacturers it's a chance to put their newest products in front of the enthusiat media. For editors it's a way to nail down several months (in some cases an entire year's) worth of editorial projects.

SEMA News took the opportunity to meet with member companies to not only learn about their new products, but also the overall business climate. We were relieved to learn that most businesses are fairly optimistic about recovery in 2010, embracing a feeling that the worst has past.

Judging by the investment these companies have made in new-product development, from Edelbrock's venture into supercharging to Yokohama's "green" tires, 2010 looks to have gotten off on the right foot for enthusiasts and specialty-equipment businesses alike.

AEM's Greg Nakano demonstrated the company's new gauges and discussed plans to release performance and diagnostic apps for Apple's iPhone.	Jason Snyder (right) and Smitty Smith discussed Edelbrock's new E-Force superchargers for the '08-'09 Corvette and 2010 Camaro SS. Kits for C6 Vettes and the Chrysler Hemi are in development.
Horace Mast of Mast Motorsports introduced several new valvetrain and fuel-system components, including a line of LS3 heads with 12-degree ports.	MagnaFlow's Ross Berlanga (left) and Robert Wilson highlighted the company's new 49-state direct fit cat converters for Camaro, Mustang and F-150.
Nate Shelton (left) and Dan Wu discussed new Hurst and B&M products, as well as the new Hurst Heritage series cars to be offered through only 100 exclusive dealers.	In between persuasive arguments for relocating to Chattanooga, Coker Tire's Corky Coker (right) and David Leach showed us the company's new Redlines and its Excelsior radial, offered in classic bias-ply look and sizes.
Tim Stewart (left), Lucio Tapia and Nestor Cabrera highlighted K&N's new hood scoops, 16-inch round filter and Power Kleen cleaner/degreaser.	Mickey Thompson's Willy Woo (right) and Don Sneddon introduced the company's new apparel line for men and women, as well as the ET drag, Sportsman S/T and ET Street tires.
Ken Farrell (left) and Jim Davis of Professional Products brought the Powerjection Plus EFI, a fuel injection system with the look of a traditional carb.	Steve Scheidker (left) and John Sonnefeldt of VP Racing Fuels discuss one of the most overlooked performance products: high-octane fuel. VP now offers its 50-state legal VP100.
Baer Brakes' Todd Gartshore (left) and Ben O'Connor showed us some new calipers and talked about their recent move to a larger headquarters in Arizona.	Yokohama is committed to environmental responsibility, says Marketing Communications Director Fred Koplin. The dB super E-spec tire, which uses orange oil to to make the rubber more compliant and helps eliminate 80 percent of the petrochemicals used in its construction, is a long step in that direction.
Jay Jones with Toyo Tires was excited to tell us about Robby Gordon's 2009 SCORE series championship, a first for the tiremaker. Gordon raced to victory on Toyo's Open Country M/T-R tires.	John Hotchkis of Hotchkis Sport Suspension showcased his new Mopar line (for '67-'76 A bodies), new 2010 Camaro subframe and components and new swaybars for BMW's 1-Series.
Rich Barsamian from Grant shows us one of the company's Revolution Airbag steering wheels.	Marc Lewis and Vic Wood (right) with Hedman Performance show us their new oil filter bypass adapter.
Ken Wagstaff (left) and Brian Downard from Lokar show some of the company's new door handles and window cranks.	Ernie Silvers from Egge Machine and Speed Shop highlights this remanufactured water pump.
Barry Meguiar explained the properties blended into the company's new Ultimate Wash & Wax.	Art and Craig Morrison showcase their new A-arms.
The Falken Tire crew, including (from left) Josh Spears, Nick Fousekis, James Yin and Mark Richter discussed the company's new all-terrain offering.	Garrett's Kyle Snyder talked specifics about the new GTX-R turbochargers, which offer a claimed 10 percent gain in flow compared to traditional GT compressor wheel designs.
Fidanza President Bob Scheid announced that his company has teamed with Zoom Performance Products to form Clutch Alliance.	Kyle Fickler (left) and Gregory Smith of Weld Racing highlight one of the Kansas City-based wheelmaker's latest offerings.
Skyjacker's Lee McGuire ran down the company's new gear, including 4- and 6-inch suspensions for 2009-2010 F-150.	Dennis Overholser showed some new Painless Performance products, including a three-bolt flathead throttle body.
Advanced Clutch Technology's Tracie Nunez (left) and Cheralyn Smith with some of ACT's new clutch hardware.	Ray Frescas shows off MSD Ignition's new 40th Anniversary Retro Box.
Aeromotive president Steve Matusek accepts an award for service on the MPMC Select Committee from council director Jim Skelly.	MPMC Select Committee member Rich Barsamian.
Prestolite Performance's Ed "Blake" Burgy, MPMC Select Committee member.	Weld Wheels' Kyle Fickler.
COMP Performance Group's John Menzler, 2009-2010 MPMC Select Committee member.	2009-2010 Select Committee member Marla Moore of Hypertech.
JET Performance Products' Dan Nicholas.	Ron Johnson of ADDCO.
AIRAID's Chris Thompson, a 2009-2010 Select Committee member.	Hedman Performance's Vic Wood.
The 2009-2010 MPMC Select Committee.	MPMC Chairman Bill Floyd presents the Chairman's Award to SEMA Chairman-Elect Scooter Brothers.
Floyd with the Robert E. Petersen Award winner Karl Fredrickson from Speedway Illustrated.	A Wednesday evening panel at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum featured industry leaders tackling future trends, product development, hybrids, and career training among other timely topics.

 

	Jerry Daisey

The National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) hired Jerry Daisey as its car show director. Prior to this appointment, Daisey spent 15 years as lead announcer for Autostar Productions, former producers of the Super Chevy Show. Elevating NMCA’s car show series is among the chief responsibilities assigned to Daisey.

Tom Hobson was selected to lead the sales and marketing department at Ingalls Engineering. Hobson has more than 30 years of sales, marketing and management experience with several manufacturing and distribution organizations, including Wheels Discount Auto Supply, Bumper-to-Bumper, Wells Manufacturing, Bendix/Honeywell and Engine Parts Group.

John Gallagher announced that he has returned to Source Interlink Media. He will work as the company’s regional sales director for the western region out of its new El Segundo, California, office.

Entrepreneur and marketing expert Dan Herrmann has created a new company, Marketing Clarity, based in Chicago. According to the company, it uses a proprietary technology to help clients in the automotive aftermarket accurately anticipate consumer behavior and reach existing and potential customers with relevant tactics.

Registration is open for the National Catalog Managers Association (NCMA) 37th annual Knowledge Exchange conference, April 24–27, in San Antonio, Texas. For an event agenda and registration details, visit www.ncmacat.org.

Redhorse Performance and JS Chamberlain & Associates (JSC&A) have expanded their relationship through the creation of a new marketing and sales campaign for the Redhorse line of performance hoses and fittings in the North American and European performance aftermarkets.

	Josh Russell

Josh Russell was named the director of sales and marketing for Online, Performance & Racing at Affinia Global Brake & Chassis. In his new role, Russell, who joined Affinia in 2007, is responsible for developing new business models, introducing new product lines and generating sales across the online, performance and enthusiast markets.

Superwinch has been added to the family of contingency sponsors for the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. The Superwinch contingency program will provide prizes to the top three finishers in both the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Grand Sport and Street Tuner classes who carry the Superwinch decal on their cars.

True High Performance Sales has been named the rep of record for Turbo Start. True High Performance Sales will cover the southeastern states for the company. For more information, contact thpsskeeter@tds.net.

At SEMA’s urging, the Transportation Committee of the Virginia House of Delegates has abandoned a bill to ban the sale of “any aftermarket exhaust system component” that would cause the vehicle to produce “excessive or unusual noise.” The action effectively kills the bill for 2010. SEMA asked lawmakers to reject the bill and recommended that Virginia adopt reasonable noise decibel limits for modified exhaust systems, which can be verified through an easy-to-administer test standard.

In California, for example, a SEMA-supported provision is made for the testing of vehicle exhaust noise to a standard adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to an established noise limit of 95 decibels (SAE J1169). To date, this procedure has been enacted in California, Washington, Maine and Montana.

For details, contact Steve McDonald.

At SEMA’s urging, the Transportation Committee of the Virginia House of Delegates has abandoned a bill to ban the sale of “any aftermarket exhaust system component” that would cause the vehicle to produce “excessive or unusual noise.” The action effectively kills the bill for 2010. SEMA asked lawmakers to reject the bill and recommended that Virginia adopt reasonable noise decibel limits for modified exhaust systems, which can be verified through an easy-to-administer test standard.

In California, for example, a SEMA-supported provision is made for the testing of vehicle exhaust noise to a standard adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to an established noise limit of 95 decibels (SAE J1169). To date, this procedure has been enacted in California, Washington, Maine and Montana.

For details, contact Steve McDonald.

At SEMA’s urging, the Transportation Committee of the Virginia House of Delegates has abandoned a bill to ban the sale of “any aftermarket exhaust system component” that would cause the vehicle to produce “excessive or unusual noise.” The action effectively kills the bill for 2010. SEMA asked lawmakers to reject the bill and recommended that Virginia adopt reasonable noise decibel limits for modified exhaust systems, which can be verified through an easy-to-administer test standard.

In California, for example, a SEMA-supported provision is made for the testing of vehicle exhaust noise to a standard adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to an established noise limit of 95 decibels (SAE J1169). To date, this procedure has been enacted in California, Washington, Maine and Montana.

For details, contact Steve McDonald.

At SEMA’s urging, the Transportation Committee of the Virginia House of Delegates has abandoned a bill to ban the sale of “any aftermarket exhaust system component” that would cause the vehicle to produce “excessive or unusual noise.” The action effectively kills the bill for 2010. SEMA asked lawmakers to reject the bill and recommended that Virginia adopt reasonable noise decibel limits for modified exhaust systems, which can be verified through an easy-to-administer test standard.

In California, for example, a SEMA-supported provision is made for the testing of vehicle exhaust noise to a standard adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to an established noise limit of 95 decibels (SAE J1169). To date, this procedure has been enacted in California, Washington, Maine and Montana.

For details, contact Steve McDonald.