FORMULA ONE: A new U.S.-based Formula One team based in Charlotte, North Carolina, was unveiled Tuesday. Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor are the team principals.

DATE MOVES: With promoter Joe Mattioli III no longer involved at Nashville’s Music City Motorplex, the ARCA RE/MAX Series race scheduled there has been moved to Mansfield Motorsports Park, which had announced in December it would not open for the 2009 season. Mattioli worked an arrangement with Mansfield owner Mike Dzurilla to have the race at Mansfield on June 20.

CLOSING: Pennsylvania’s Jennerstown Speedway, near Pittsburgh, is closing for 2009 and is for sale.

NEW PROMOTER: Milwaukee Mile Holdings LLC, headed by Claude Napier, has been named the new promoter at The Milwaukee Mile, located on the grounds of the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds.

SOLD: Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, Pennsylvania, has been sold to Rick Hetrick and Roy Hill, who will operate the dirt-track facility this season.

HIRED: Robert Doornbos has been hired to drive the second Newman/Haas/Lanigan Indy car alongside Graham Rahal. Milka Duno is expected to test with the team and could wheel a third car for the organization this season.

OPEN WHEELERS: USAC opened the season with the Copper on Dirt at Manzanita Speedway. Darren Hagen (sprint cars), Brad Sweet (midgets) and Bud Kaeding (Silver Crown) were winners.

ANOTHER HONOR: National Speed Sport News Editor Chris Economaki has been named the 2009 winner of the Pocono Raceway Bill France Award of Excellence.

TOP DOG: With his second-consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory, Matt Kenseth jumped to the top of the weekly National Speed Sport News Power Rankings. The rankings appear weekly in America’s motorsports authority.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News, click on the following link for a special industry rate: www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/subscribe.html?pid=NQ%2BVfhkepT4%3D.

NEWS NUGGETS  

BROWN, CAPPS STEAL SHOW IN PHOENIX SUN AND FIRST TWO EVENTS OF 2009: To say that Top Fuel pilot Antron Brown and Funny Car driver Ron Capps are off to a strong start for the 2009 Full Throttle Drag Racing season would be an understatement.

Both drivers have not only dominated their respective fields in the first two events, but have also built an impressive lead in the Full Throttle point standings.

After an impressive Top Fuel debut season in 2008 that saw two wins in five final-round appearances, Brown began his 2009 season in similar fashion with a No. 1 qualifier and runner-up finish at the season opening Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

The Matco Tools dragster pilot made better in Phoenix with a win over two-time event winner Brandon Bernstein. “This just shows how strong our team really is here at Mike Ashley Racing,” said Brown. “With all the adversity we dealt with this off-season, this is just an awesome feeling.”

NAPA Dodge Charger driver Ron Capps has also been on a tear in the Funny Car class. Capps’ dismal 2008 season showed signs of what's to come at the season ending Auto Club finals in Pomona, California, as Capps drove to a runner-up finish.

Capps picked up where he left off with his win in Pomona and then followed that with a No. 1 qualifier and win at Firebird International Raceway on Sunday. He currently holds a 97-point lead over second-place drivers Robert Hight and Del Worsham.

“It’s like a really good cook learning how to cook again completely differently,” said Capps. “The car is just so different to run, to feel, and it puts me in the trunk at half-track. It’s so much fun to drive, and when the win light comes on, it’s even better.”

Both Brown and Capps hope to continue their 2009 success as the NHRA returns to Florida for the ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals, March 12–15 at Gainesville Raceway. Capps will look to collect his third win at the famed track, while Brown hopes to grab his first Gators win. 

NHRA ANNOUNCES FAN-RELIEF PROGRAMS FOR GAINESVILLE AND ATLANTA: NHRA has extended the fan-relief program, announced earlier in the year, to the ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway and the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. For both events, NHRA has announced $20 adult general-admission tickets on the spectator-side grandstands on professional qualifying and elimination days (Friday through Sunday).

A total of 1,500 tickets per day are available at the $20 price, and tickets are available for advance purchase on a first-come first-serve basis. NHRA and Ticketmaster have also teamed up to eliminate the convenience fees on fan-relief $20 adult general-admission tickets purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.

To help families attend NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, NHRA also announced that in 2009, children 12 and younger will be admitted free at all NHRA-owned tracks, including Pomona, Gainesville, Atlanta and Indianapolis, as well as at other participating national event tracks when accompanied by a paid adult.

NHRA will also offer a military-appreciation offer, which includes one free Friday reserved ticket to any active military personnel with proof of status. The military offer is only available at the box office on-site. To take full advantage of these Fan-Relief programs, call 800/884-6472 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. 

LUCAS OIL NAMED PRESENTING SPONSOR OF MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS: Lucas Oil Products has been named a presenting sponsor of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the world’s most prestigious drag race. The Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil is set for September 2–7 at historic O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. The race is the final event of the regular season in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. The commitment increases Lucas Oil’s involvement in NHRA Championship Drag Racing.

The company also sponsors the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series for NHRA’s large sportsman racing community. It is also the sponsor of the popular Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota, and was recently named the title sponsor of the Lucas Oil Slick Mist NHRA Nationals in Phoenix. In addition, Lucas Oil provides several sponsorships for race teams, including the Top Fuel dragsters driven by Morgan Lucas, Shawn Langdon and European champion Andy Carter.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

ACDELCO NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, MARCH 12–15: The Pro Stock Motorcycle category opens its 2009 season at the Gatornationals, annually one of the most popular stops on the NHRA Full Throttle Series tour. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Matt Guidera (Pro Stock Motorcycle). 

O’REILLY NHRA SPRING NATIONALS, HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK, MARCH 27–29: Heading back to the Lone Star State, all four categories in the NHRA Full Throttle Series will compete for points towards the Countdown to the Championship. Defending event winners include Antron Brown (Top Fuel); Del Worsham (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, APRIL 2–5: NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing returns to Sin City for the annual spring event. Defending event winners include Cory McClenathan (Top Fuel); Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car); and Jason Line (Pro Stock).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

RACING WITHOUT THE CHIEF: Funny Car driver Mike Neff on racing to a runner-up finish in Phoenix without crew chief John Medlen, who was in Indianapolis recovering from a heart procedure:

“Medlen is one of the smartest guys I know, without a doubt,” said Neff. “It is his car and he set all this stuff up. I didn’t come in here and wave a magic wand. I just picked up and tried to do what he would do. I tried to continue on how he would do it.

"There is no question our performance would have been the same. We didn’t do anything differently…Our number one concern is his health and him getting better. That is more important than winning a drag race. We are just hoping he gets better and back out here. We’ll save that win for another day.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

2: That’s the number of drivers that have won the season-opening NHRA Winternationals, the Phoenix event, and the Gatornationals to start the season. Ron Capps hopes to be the first Funny Car driver and third NHRA Full Throttle Series driver to go perfect the first three races of the season.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that in two weeks, the NHRA Full Throttle series returns to Gainesville for the ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals which is also the traditional start of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock Motorcycle season.

Rider Eddie Krawiec will look to defend his world championship against two-time champ Matt Smith, three-time champion and teammate Andrew Hines, and 2008 Gatornationals winner Matt Guidera.

Have you moved on? Up? Know someone who has? Let us know: editors@sema.org.

Randy Siek

ACI (Agri-Cover Inc.) added customer care specialist Randy Siek to its dealer support team. Siek will handle all dealer and consumer technical questions and warranty issues for ACI products and support the company’s Customer Connect program. Siek came from the company's roll-up tonneau cover production department. ACI also launched a new literature-ordering section of its website at www.agricover.com to assist current and potential dealers with ordering product literature for their stores.

TruXedo named Wes-Coast Marketing its sales rep agency in the Southwest United States. “We are pleased to have them represent TruXedo and think they will be a
great addition to the team,” said Joel Mohlenhoff, TruXedo National Sales Manager.

The United States Endurance Racing Association (USERA) created a new touring car racing series that will help teams, drivers and sponsors reduce the costs associated with racing events. The American Touring Car Championship will feature teams racing under the flags of their home states battling for overall driver, team and state championships. Each of the six race weekends will include two sprint races so teams can minimize travel costs while maximizing exposure opportunities for sponsors. To learn more about the American Touring Car Championship, visit www.usatcc.com.

The Car Care Council and its Be Car Care Aware campaign has partnered with Haynes Manuals to provide do-it-yourself (DIY) content to its website, www.carcare.org. The DIY content currently available covers air filters, coolant, hoses, batteries, tires, cleaning and polishing, wipers and lights.

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels is the 2009 Pro Modified Racing Class Sponsor for the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). The company’s new cash bonus program—the Mickey Thompson Ten Grand Slam—will award a $10,000 bonus to the winning Pro Modified Class racer. 

Gale Banks received the 2009 Distinguished Service Citation from the Automotive Hall of Fame.

Gale Banks received the 2009 Distinguished Service Citation from the Automotive Hall of Fame during its annual lunch held in conjunction with the National Auto Dealers Association Convention in January. The honor is presented annually to individuals who made a significant impact on the automotive industry.

Perris Auto Speedway opens the USAC portion of its schedule Saturday, February 28, with the Sokola Shootout honoring Gary and Mark Sokola. Click here for a video preview of the race, which features the Lucas Oil USAC/CRA & National Sprint Cars and the Western & Mopar National Midget. For event information, visit www.perrisautospeedway.com. 
 
Veteran IndyCar driver Scott Goodyear has partnered with Tire Rack Street Survival, a national nonprofit driving program for teens, to share his expertise and knowledge as a professional driver with teens across the country. The Tire Rack Street Survival program improves driver competence through hands-on experiences in real-world driving situations.

Local owners are invited to show off their street rods at the NHRA March Meet.

The producers of NHRA’s March Meet—March 6–8, at the Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California—are inviting local owners of street rods, musclecars and classics older than '75 for three days of show and competition.
   Spaces are available for $75 for the weekend and include three-day admission (for car and driver) and parking in the tree-lined Grove of Auto Club Famoso Raceway while space lasts. Vehicles will be judged by decade (’30s, ’40s, ’50s, ’60s and ’70s), on Saturday, with awards being presented later that afternoon. For complete information, visit www.autoclubfamosoraceway.com.

Automotive-testing company Westech Performance Group created Westech Certified, a new certification program based solely on Westech-gathered performance data creating third-party validation for manufacturers and consumers to ensure that tested products perform as certified.
   Products will be put through rigorous SAE-mandated performance evaluation on Westech Performance dynamometers to determine exact performance levels. Documentation of the process is captured through dyno testing as well as both still images and video record of the event. Products that complete the testing are given a certification number and are posted on the Westech Certified website for public review of performance results.
  In addition, manufacturers can use this third-party testing program to brand and market these products to ensure their consumers that they are buying a product that offers a certified-performance gain.
   The program is set to begin early April, and certification is based on engine/chassis dyno results, as well as flowbench test data, depending upon product type and manufacture request. For more information, contact Steve Brule, Westech Performance, at 951/685-4767.

Have you moved on? Up? Know someone who has? Let us know: editors@sema.org.

Filler for eNews

Click on the logo to visit SBN's website.

SBN Member Survey – Let Your Voice Be Heard!

This month, the SBN launched a member survey. This brief 10-question survey provides us with vital information needed to address the specific needs and goals of our SBN membership by giving us the input needed to enhance our programming and provide opportunities for networking and personal involvement for our membership. The initial e-mail requesting your participation was sent out February 11. The survey will be open through Friday, February 27. Please take a moment to complete this important survey. Thank you!

Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.

“Ask A Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related questions.

Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.

Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing your professional career. In this program segment you will be paired with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.

So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

For more information on the SEMA Mentoring Program, click here.

SBN Column in SEMA Member News

Read SBN's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about SBN, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

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Attention ARMO Members Attending the Hotrod & Restoration Show

The Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis from March 12–14, is a definite “don’t miss” event. Not only is this one of the greatest trade shows for our niche industry, but there are several educational and networking opportunities in store for ARMO members:

• Exhibitors of the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show can sign up to host a workshop/seminar during the Hot Rod Industry Alliance’s (HRIA) Education & Training Day on Thursday, March 12. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with attendees during your own one-hour session. Click here for details on HRIA Education & Training Day.

• All ARMO members are invited to attend a networking mixer hosted by the Young Executives Network (YEN) at The Ram Restaurant & Brewery, 140 S. Illinois St., from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Mix, mingle and meet new and old industry friends.

• Saturday, March 14, at 9:00 a.m., ARMO is hosting a seminar on "10 Things You Can Do Today to Improve Your Website Results Tomorrow" by Brian Offenberger.  

ARMO Column in SEMA Member News

Read ARMO's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

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Click on the logo to visit HRIA's website.

HRIA Education Day at Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show

A record number of manufacturers are on the slate to present seminars and workshops at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis, on March 12–14. Education & Training Day, scheduled for March 12, provides a unique opportunity for manufacturers to discuss their products in great detail, focusing on the technical aspects, zeroing in on sales strategies and providing you the knowledge necessary to increase your bottom line. With only a handful of time slots remaining, sign up today to talk about your products, or join the more than 1,000 attendees learning how to make their businesses stronger and more profitable.

Receive a certificate of completion for each session you attend from start to finish. Available sessions include:

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

Read HRIA's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For more information about HRIA, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

 

Click on the logo to visit TORA's website.

George Lathouris Named TORA Chair-Elect

The TORA Select Committee has named Keystone’s George Lathouris as its chair-elect. Lathouris will assume his new responsibilities on July 1, when Kelly Kneifl assumes the duties of chairman from current Chairman Ron DiVincenzo. Congratulations to George!

TORA Column in SEMA Member News

Read TORA's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

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Click on the logo to visit MRC's website.

Nominations Now Being Accepted for MRC Select Committee

MRC’s mission is to provide a forum for manufacturers’ representatives to increase their impact as a vital industry segment, exploring issues of common interest and concern, increasing the collective knowledge of all agents and elevating the overall image of the profession.

Members of MRC have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the manufacturers’ representative industry by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the Select Committee as their eyes, ears and voice. The MRC Select Committee is asking you to identify the industry's most talented leaders and nominate them for a seat on the MRC Select Committee. 

We urge you to review the MRC nomination form by clicking here. Tell us about a potential nominee and their leadership background. Self-nominations are also welcome. When filling out the nomination forms, remember that often the best background and experience information comes from the source.
 
Nominations are due Friday, March 6, 2009. Please direct questions and submit forms to Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org or call 909/396-0289, ext. 104.

Manufacturers Seeking Rep List Now Available

Manufacturers’ representatives are encouraged to contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org to request the Manufacturers Seeking Rep List, which is available at no cost. Compiled using information collected from manufacturers prior to the 2008 SEMA Show, the listing contains details on manufacturers currently seeking the services of manufacturers’ representatives along with the lines available and company contact information. The list was originally available in the MRC Rep Center during the week of the 2008 SEMA Show.

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MRC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about MRC, contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org. 

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MPMC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MPMC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Click on the logo to visit PRO's website.

PRO Business Development Guidebook Now On Sale

In today’s ever-changing marketplace, staying ahead of the competition is more important and challenging than ever. To be successful, you not only need an effective business strategy, but also the tools and resources to help your company excel and stand out from the pack. The PRO Business Development Guidebook is your handy reference guide.

Beginning with an overview of the importance of having a business plan—including tips on how to develop a business plan and the many purposes it can serve—the manual offers chapter-by-chapter strategies for making your business a success.

From understanding the basics of business finance and the importance of quality and service and how to make them hallmarks of your business, to building knowledge and skills among your employees to branding your restyling business as a market leader, the guidebook offers information critical to the day-to-day and long-term operation of your business.

Whether you’re starting your own restyling business or already own one—be it mobile or brick and mortar—you’ll find the answers that you’ve been looking for in the guidebook. PRO Council members contributed much of the information contained in the guidebook, drawing on their experience and knowledge to present a valuable business tool.

Click here to download the PRO business guidebook order form, or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

PRO Column in SEMA Member News

Read PRO's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about PRO, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

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Click on the logo to visit SPC's website.

Nominations Now Being Accepted for SPC Select Committee

Street Performance Council (SPC) Member,

Members of SPC have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the street-performance industry by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the Select Committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

SPC’s mission is to provide market information, education and support to members concerning new and emerging trends. SPC is dedicated to developing effective strategies and programs, all of which address the specific needs of the street-performance industry.

Please accept this letter as an invitation to designate any number of individuals (your own name may be included) to run for an open seat on the Select Committee. Download the nomination form on the SPC website. Fill out completely each name you would like to submit for consideration. To further emphasize the importance of the Select Committee, its function and the members who serve on it, the criteria and responsibilities are also posted on the SPC website. We urge you to look it over to fully understand the significance of the Select Committee and its mission.

It is important each nomination form be returned by the deadline, Friday, February 27, 2009.

We would like to see strong participation in these election proceedings, and we thank you for making the SPC stronger by your dedication.

If have any questions regarding the election process, please contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org or 909/396-0289, ext. 112.

Regards,

Tracie Nuñez, SPC Election Task Force Chairman
Eric Breslow, SPC Chairman

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

Read SPC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

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Click on the logo to visit WTC's website.

Nominations Now Being Accepted for WTC Select Committee

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) Member,

Members of WTC have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the wheel and tire industry by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the Select Committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

WTC’s mission is to identify common problems and opportunities relating to the wheel and tire industries that the council, as an interested body of companies, can address for the common good. WTC is dedicated to developing effective strategies and programs, all of which address the specific needs of the wheel and tire industry.

Please accept this letter as an invitation to designate any number of individuals (your own name may be included) to run for an open seat on the Select Committee. Download the nomination form on the WTC website. Fill out completely each name you would like to submit for consideration. To further emphasize the importance of the Select Committee, its function and the members who serve on it, the criteria and responsibilities are also posted on the WTC website. We urge you to look it over to fully understand the significance of the Select Committee and its mission.

It is important each nomination form be returned by the deadline, Friday, February 27, 2009.

We would like to see strong participation in these election proceedings, and we thank you for making the WTC stronger by your dedication.

If have any questions regarding the election process, please contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org or 909/396-0289, ext. 112.

Regards,

Tim Dietz, WTC Election Task Force Chairman
Kelly Austin, WTC Chairman

Read WTC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about WTC, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org. 

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Did you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee? If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the SEMA Young Executives Network for FREE. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

YEN Member of the Month Spotlight

Did you know that YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections or to make a nomination, visit www.sema.org/yen.

Discover The SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker

Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.

“Ask A Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related questions.

Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.

Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing your professional career.  In this program segment you will be paired with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.

So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

For more information on the SEMA Mentoring Program, click here.

YEN Column in SEMA Member News

Read YEN's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about YEN, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Filler for eNews

SEMA member MyRideisMe.com will host its Diecast Drags, Saturday, February 28, 2009, in Mesa, Arizona. This fun event is great for kids as it involves diecast (or Mattel Hot Wheels-size) cars running at high speeds on two continuous, 50-foot long lanes of track.

All attendees are able to race free with a donation, the proceeds of which are donated to the Progeria Research Foundation care of Terry Foose, Chip’s mom.

The race takes place at the "Home Runs, Hot Dogs and Hot Rods" car show by www.Hotrodplanet.com, and will be followed with a cruise down "Main Street" in downtown Mesa.

For more details, contact Craig Pike at pikesan@MyRideisMe.com or to make a donation, go directly to www.firstgiving.org/terryfoose.

To learn about the Take a Kid to a Car Show promotion, sponsored by the SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), visit www.sema.org/armo.

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Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows and activities have been announced. Details are:

SEMA Webinar, "Taking Positive Control of Your Company: How to Save Your Business When the Economic News Is Negative," February 26, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)
 

SEMA Webinar, "Offensive and Defensive Strategies for Supply-Chain Management," March 5, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "Increasing Profits With Fewer Customers," March 12, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

Hotrod and Restoration Trade Show, March 12–14, 2009, Indianapolis, Indiana

SEMA Webinar, "Protecting Your Finances from the Economy," March 19, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "Inventory Management: Stop Storing Cash in the Warehouse," March 25, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)   

SEMA Webinar, "Job Costing Systems That Will Boost Your Cash Flow," April 2, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "Tough Times Bring Change: Learn How to Manage Moving Forward," April 9, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

 The 2009 NCMA Knowledge Exchange Conference, May 2–5, 2009, Newport Beach, California

SEMA Webinar, "Contract Law 101: Sponsored by SEMA SPC," May 7, 2009 (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "Black Book," May 21, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "Sales and Marketing Strategies Guaranteed to Make SEMA 2009 a Success," June 11, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "An Interactive Discussion on Selling Online," June 25, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

PAACE Automechanika Mexico, July 15–17, 2009, Mexico City

SEMA Webinar, "Introduction to Internet Marketing," July 16, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "Internet Marketing Tools," August 6, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "25 Ways to be Successful at the SEMA Show," August 20, 2009 (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "Basics of Website Design and Content," September 24, 2009

SEMA Show, November 3–6, 2009, Las Vegas, Nevada

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268.

Looking for Some Extra Publicity for Your Industry Event?
Publicize your events through the SEMA Online Calendar of Events located at www.sema.org/calendar. The calendar is stocked with information on events taking place throughout the year, broken down by month. Examples of events featured in the calendar include consumer shows and club events, educational and training workshops, conventions and trade shows, races and more.

To submit your event details for the calendar, e-mail company name and the date(s), location and name of the event to Shirley Presecan at shirleyp@sema.org.

Recent SEMA research highlighted owners who drive specific models of popular enthusiast vehicles, namely the Chevrolet Corvette. That spotlight resonated well with readers and has prompted similar features for future articles.

With the 2010 Ford Mustang release quickly approaching and the manufacturer’s announcement of an affordable entry-level model starting at $20,995, consumers looking for an affordable sports coupe could find the Mustang a bargain. Members of the specialty-equipment industry that specialize in Mustangs or modern musclecars, or companies looking for new market opportunities should understand the enthusiast profile of current Mustang owners.

Nearly half (46%) of these owners typically begin customizing their vehicle within the first three weeks of ownership.

Since the '60s, the Mustang has been a popular platform for customization, high-performance street upgrades and most types of motorsports. With a high horsepower-per-dollar value, it has retained a lasting spot at the top of the enthusiast vehicle pool. The new model should be no different. According to Ford, more than 9 million units of the iconic pony car have been sold worldwide.

In late 2008, SEMA’s Automotive Lifestyles Survey gathered information from Mustang owners, from the introductory model to the current generation, and in January 2009 a second group was polled about their plans for the new year. In total, nearly 300 people submitted their thoughts.

This group consists of automotive magazine subscribers and visitors to popular vehicle-specific online forums, so it should come as no surprise that 91% of them made at least one performance part or accessory purchase last year.

Most of the 'Stangs were purchased more than a year ago (81%) and in used condition (73%), understandable since the vehicle was introduced four decades ago and maintains the status of a collector car. Many of the top products purchased are performance related, but some deal with maintenance and reconditioning.

Enthusiasts were also asked about the products that they plan to purchase next. Of the items on the horizon, the focus of products was on braking, appearance and exhaust. Total brake kits (35.2%) or individual brake components (26.8%) topped the list, followed closely by custom paint (24.6%), performance tires (23.2%), exhaust kits (20.4%) and headers (19.7%). 

Emphasizing motorsports and high performance should be a key ingredient to reaching these customers. Almost half watch stock-car (NASCAR) racing while nearly one out of every five (21%) participate in drag racing. For comparison, the general consumer base of the Automotive Lifestyles survey—consisting of more than 3,000 people—yielded an 11.8% rate of participation. — Zack Krelle

For more original market research, visit www.sema.org/research.

The overall SEMA PADI, an index of future consumer specialty-equipment purchase plans, jumped from 29 in December to 36 in January. This translates to nearly 10% of U.S. consumers saying they plan to make a purchase within the next three months.