BIG DEAL: The A1 World Cup of Motorsports has signed a five-year contract to race at Surfers Paradise, Australia, beginning in 2009. The race comes after 18 Indy car races at the successful street circuit in Queensland.

SPONSOR HUNT: The World Racing Group is once again searching for a sponsor for its World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series after the announcement late last week that Advance Auto Parts was withdrawing after the first year of a three-year contract as title sponsor for the series.

THE NOD: Nick Craw, president of the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States has been elected as the new FIA Deputy President for Sport.

RETIRING: After 29 years and 10 USAC national championships, midget car team owner Steve Lewis is retiring from racing following the Turkey Night Grand Prix. Lewis’s Nine Racing cars have won more than 130 feature events.

ONE YEAR: Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores signed a one-year extension to its contract as naming-rights sponsor at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The contract now runs through 2009.

POWER RANKINGS: NHRA Top Fuel point leader Tony Schumacher remains at the top of the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings after clinching his sixth (fifth-straight) NHRA Top Fuel championship. The season concludes this weekend at Pomona, California. The National Speed Sport News Power Rankings are published weekly in the 74-year-old motorsports publication.

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

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE FIELD TIGHTEST IN YEARS HEADING INTO FINALS IN POMONA: With the final race of the 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season this weekend and five riders still mathematically in the fight, the POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship could very well come down to the final pass of the season at the Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California.

Defending world champion and current points leader Matt Smith knows this scenario all too well. Last year at the same race, Smith claimed his first world championship on the final pass of the season after he drove past runner-up Chip Ellis to claim his prize. Current fifth-place driver and three-time world champion Andrew Hines also remembers that pass. After posting a red light in the second round of eliminations, Hines was left to watch as his hopes of a fourth consecutive title disappeared.

This year, Hines is a very, very long shot to win the world championship, but fellow Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson teammate Eddie Krawiec appears to be the strongest contender to knock off the first-place Smith. Krawiec is currently 19 points behind leader Smith and is not only looking for the first world championship of his career, but also his first win in the category.

Don’t count out third-place driver Chris Rivas either, who is coming off a win in Las Vegas just a few weeks ago, or fourth-place driver Angelle Sampey, currently second on the all-time wins list in Pro Stock Motorcycle (41) with three world championships of her own (2000, 2001, 2002).

FUNNY CAR DRIVER HAGAN TO DRIVE FOR DON SCHUMACHER RACING IN 2009: Funny Car racer Matt Hagan will drive a Dodge Charger Funny Car for Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) in the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Hagan, who raced in four NHRA POWERade events this season, will climb behind the wheel of the BrakeSafe Rear-End Collision Avoidance System Dodge Charger R/T fielded by DSR and tuned by veteran crew chief Tommy DeLago. Hagan will also compete for the Auto Club Road to the Future Rookie of the Year Award for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Series.

“I’m really excited,” Hagan said. “Being involved with a team such as DSR, which has so much knowledge, experience and great equipment, is going to be very rewarding. It’s one of those opportunities that doesn’t come around but once in a lifetime.”

NHRA DRIVERS TO AGAIN VISIT TROOPS IN KUWAIT AND GERMANY: For the fourth consecutive year, a group of NHRA drivers will take part in a post-season, United Service Organizations (USO)-sponsored trip to visit Army and Air Force personnel stationed at the Kaiserslautern Military Community in Germany as well as a stop in Kuwait.

Six-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion Warren Johnson, Two-time Pro Stock world champion Jim Yates, 2006 Pro Stock world champion Jason Line and Top Fuel driver Cory McClenathan will participate in the late-November trip to visit troops stationed overseas.

“It’s an honor for me to be able to do this,” said Johnson. “We owe so much to those that serve in the military, and this is just a small way for me to say thank you for all that they do for each and every one of us.”

NHRA SOFTBALL CLASSIC; TEAMS SET AND READY FOR BATTLE: After months of anticipation which included a player draft, many practices, a rained-out event and plenty of trash talking, Funny Car driver Gary Scelzi’s Superchargers and Top Fuel pilot Antron Brown’s Burn Down Bombers will finally meet on the field Wednesday for the NHRA Softball Classic.

The game will be held at Arrowhead Credit Union Park in San Bernardino, California, with the proceeds from ticket sales going towards the Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW). Some of the biggest names in NHRA POWERade Drag Racing will participate and tickets are still on sale for this event. Visit www.ticketmaster.com or www.ie66ers.com for more ticket information.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NHRA FINALS, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, NOVEMBER 13–16: The 2008 season comes to an end where it started: sunny California. The Countdown to 1 comes to an end as POWERade world champions are determined in this final race. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

BATTLING TOUGH WEATHER CONDITIONS, IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE: At the annual NHRA Breakfast held during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas last week, five of NHRA’s most compelling and successful female racers fielded questions from SEMA show attendees on the different aspects of their racing careers.

Asked what her least favorite track to race at was, Funny Car driver Ashley Force said that though she didn’t feel there was a particular track she didn’t like to compete at. Weather conditions not only play a huge part in tuning her 7,000hp Funny Car, but also her enjoyment at certain tracks and venues on the NHRA POWERade Series schedule.

“I know that all of the gals up here can relate to this, but I don’t like the tracks that have weather that gives you a bad hair day,” said Force. “That’s just a really tough thing. It’s hard to get all the frizzy hair stuffed into a helmet.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

5: The number of Funny Car drivers who, entering the final race of the NHRA POWERade season, the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, have a shot at the POWERade world championship. Cruz Pedregon, Tim Wilkerson, Robert Hight, Tony Pedregon and Jack Beckman will battle it out at the final stop of 2008 starting Thursday at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that for the past 24 years, the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series has always started and ended at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona. This week’s 44th annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals will actually be the 24th time the event has capped off the NHRA POWERade season.

Keystone Automotive Operations has acquired selected assets of Arrow Speed Warehouse. On September 22, Keystone Automotive bid for certain assets of the business, and the transaction closed on November 7. This acquisition gives Keystone Automotive additional resources and customer reach to grow the business in the Midwest region, the company said. Arrow Speed is known for its customer service and marketing capabilities; Keystone plans to integrate this expertise into its operations. The company said synergies are expected to benefit Keystone in both the short- and long-term as the company remains focused on leveraging its core strengths: inventory availability, timely delivery and superior customer service.

"Despite challenging economic and industry conditions, we strongly believe that as an industry leader we must continue to invest to serve our customers and partners effectively," said Ed Orzetti, chief executive officer of Keystone Automotive Operations. "We are excited about the capabilities Arrow Speed brings to Keystone, especially in the areas of customer relationships and marketing. This is an investment that will put Keystone on even stronger footing as we look forward to profitable future growth."

AIM Parts appointed Gary McQuillen as the company’s new general manager. For the past 11 years, McQuillen served as vice president of manufacturing for AIM. McQuillen has more than 40 years of experience in the remanufacturing industry. Prior to joining AIM, he spent 19 years as plant manager at World Generator Company in South Holland, Illinois. Before that he worked for 11 years at General Electric Company in Chicago Heights, Illinois, serving as production manager.

Gary McQuillen

Winston Guillory was named the president of RaySat Broadcasting Corporation. Guillory was previously senior vice president of consumer and enterprise at NAVTEQ. Prior to joining NAVTEQ, Guillory was senior vice president for the Intermec Global Sales organization. He now serves on several boards of directors and advisory boards for several innovative companies in the location-based services market.

J. F. Launier of JF Kustoms in Osyoos, British Columbia, was presented with the 2008 Goodguys Trendsetter award during the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Launier accepted the award during the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Awards reception at the SEMA Show (HRIA is a SEMA council). The Goodguys Trendsetter Award is presented annually at the SEMA Show to rising young talents in the realm of rod and custom car building.

Launier, 33, got started early in the custom-car scene. He completed his first build, a '51 Mercury pickup, when he was just 16 years old. His career accelerated during the new millennium with groundbreaking custom builds and six appearances on the hit show “Overhaulin’.”

Launier’s breakout custom came in 2006 when he debuted a '51 Kaiser 2-door named ”Kontageous,” which won the coveted Chip Foose Design Excellence Award at the 2006 Grand National Roadster show as well as a finalist bid for the 2006 Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year. For more information about JF Kustoms and to see their latest projects, visit www.desertspeedshop.com.

J. F. Launier

Stillwater Designs hired Deon Bearden as KICKER’s new acoustic engineer. His previous work experiences contributed to his extensive knowledge of acoustics and mobile audio. His start at DIY Audio in 1992 gave him the hands-on experience that turned his hobby into a career. Following stints at Klipsch Audio Technologies, TC Sounds and B-52 Professional, he decided to make the move to Stillwater Designs.

Mickey Thompson Tires and Tire Group International (TGI) have entered into an agreement that will allow TGI to distribute Mickey Thompson tires and wheels as well as Dick Cepek tires in South Florida and throughout Central America, South America and the Caribbean. TGI will carry the full line of Mickey Thompson tires and wheels in its Miami distribution center.

Both Ford and General Motors recognized the products, design and styling innovations of the specialty-equipment industry through the Ford and GM Design Awards during the 2008 SEMA Show.

Ford presented awards in the following categories: Best of Show, Best of Ford Show Stand, Best Heritage Vehicle, Special Achievement and Outstanding Project Vehicle Development and Execution.  

GM recognized the following companies and builders for their innovation and creativity.

To ensure that buyers at the 2008 SEMA Show obtained maximum value from their experience, SEMA set up a Reward Zone booth where all domestic buyers could enter for a chance to win televisions as well as the grand prize of a motorcycle owned and donated by Kyle Petty. 

Buyers who each won a television were: Robert Bray, L-3 GCS; Landon Davila, Auto Trim Design; Phil Lamping, Phil's Body Shop; and Bob Smeigh, RV 4 Wheel. The winner of the motorcycle was Laura Jensen of Bob's Body Shop.

Kyle Petty's motorcycle was won by Laura Jensen of Bob's Body Shop.

The annual SEMA Show provides a platform for exhibitors to make announcements, showcase their newest products and unveil their latest debuts in the midst of an action-filled few days. Read below for a recap of Show highlights and announcements.

Day One of the 2008 SEMA Show

Topline Products
Featuring a fresh and contemporary take on mesh design, the Black Ice Alloys B5-Nemesis is new for 2009. Available in 20x8.5 and 22x8.5 sizes for most passenger-car applications, the B5-Nemesis features the highly coveted black and chrome finish that is exclusive to Black Ice Alloys. www.toplinemfg.com

Autonet Mobile
Delphi Corp. and Autonet Mobile announced an agreement today to market and develop Internet-connectivity technology products for original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Delphi and Autonet Mobile are developing the next-generation telematics platform that will deliver entertainment, downloadable content and many other forms of media that will generate a new ecosystem of revenue for OEMs. www.autonetmobile.com

Visualeyes, U.S. Inc.
Visualeyes introduced Razer RS, its newest wide-beam driving light designed specifically for the high-performance car driver and enthusiast. Featuring a carbon-fiber veneer, the innovative wide-beam light provides a clean, sleek design to match the look and feel of high-performance cars. www.visualeyes.se

American Honda Motor Co.
Honda introduced a 2009 Fit equipped with MUGEN accessories today along with the announcement that beginning next spring, Honda will make a complete new line of MUGEN accessories available for the 2009 Fit on an à la carte basis through authorized Honda dealers. Honda also revealed a Civic Honda Factory Performance (HFP) Concept sedan that represents a new approach on performance improvement. With more consumer concern about fuel prices, future customers may want to maximize the performance of their vehicles without compromising fuel economy. In the truck display area, the 2009 Ridgeline Powersports Concept represents what Ridgeline owners could build using currently available Honda Genuine Accessories. www.honda.com

Kia Motors America
Kia unveiled several tricked-out concept vehicles, including the Soul Burner, which was designed with a hardcore attitude meant for those who live freely and enjoy life. KOUP offers a look into Kia Motors’ evolving design direction with its slanting exterior shape. The Borrego Limited concept extends from the all-new 2009 Borrego midsize SUV, offering four-wheel drive and a sexy stance that’s perfect for urban excursions. The Rio5—designed specifically for the SEMA Show—is truly a tuner’s car with a KMA-genuine body kit, cat-back exhaust and side sills. www.kia.com
 
DuPont Hot Hues
DuPont Hot Hues unveiled two never-before-seen custom vehicles: a ’56 Chevrolet Nomad and a ’51 Henry J. Both are finished in DuPont Hot Hues, a line of custom finishing products that includes special two- and three-stage basecoat colors, concentrated candy dyes and other special-effect finishes, such as Hot Efx Brilliantz and Hot PinStripe Efx. pc.dupont.com/HotHues/webengine/hothues/Controller

Line-X Protective Coatings
Line-X Protective Coatings was presented with the 2008 Product of the Year Award for its Re-New product by Frost & Sullivan. Re-New is a bedliner enhancement system used to repair any brand of spray-on bedliner. With the economy in a slump and consumers spending less on discretionary items, this low-cost alternative to a new bedliner offers truck owners the appearance and performance of a new bedliner for a fraction of the cost of having the vehicle detailed. www.line-x.com

General Tire
General Tire debuted a new DOT-approved off-road tire and will recap its wildly successful return to off-road desert racing. www.generaltire.com

Ford Motor Company
Ford unveiled the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, a product of the Special Vehicle Team (SVT). Better known for making cars and trucks go fast on the street, SVT focused on making the Raptor go as fast as possible in the dirt. When it goes on sale next summer, the SVT Raptor will introduce Ford’s all-new 6.2L V8, which is expected to develop 400 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. The Raptor will also introduce the general public to things, such as internal bypass shocks and locking differentials that still work at 80 mph. www.ford.com

Yokohama Tire Corp.
Yokohama introduced the next-generation tire in its ADVAN Ultra-High-Performance line: The ADVAN Neova AD08. Also on display were Yokohama’s environmentally friendly tires: the dB Super E-Spec and the Experimental Eco Race Tire. The dB Super E-Spec, a passenger tire, and the Eco Race Tire (for the track) use Orange Oil and significantly less petroleum. www.yokohamatire.com

Day Two of the 2008 SEMA Show

Volkswagen
Volkswagen of America Inc. (VW) debuted a race car and its performance Jetta TDI sibling—two exciting versions of the all-new CC and a hot performance Tiguan that blows away the competition—all to illustrate how its growing lineup can be transformed into unique high-performance, one-of-a-kind vehicles. The Tiguan Performance Concept boasts a three-stage turbocharger kit that will hike output to 312 hp and torque to 319 lb.-ft. VW has also outfitted the vehicle with an aero body kit and a Rockford Fosgate audio system. The CC Gold Coast Edition makes a second public appearance, following its debut in August at Pebble Beach, featuring a ground-effects body kit with a luxurious tricoat finish. Volkswagen also unwrapped the 2009 Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition Concept. The diesel-powered sport sedan gets upgraded sway bars and brakes from the Euro-spec Jetta GLI and a “European sport-tuned suspension,” along with some cosmetic enhancements, such as a three-spoke steering wheel, sill plates and Interlagos sport seats. www.vw.com

Craftsman
Craftsman introduced its new series of products, which provides everything needed for total garage organization. Craftsman now offers configuration ideas with a 6-ft. workbench, five-drawer workbench module, floor and wall cabinets, along with a selection of cool magnetic panels to customize the garage. Craftsman’s new VersaTrak Trackwall and wide selection of HOOKTITE hooks and baskets can organize all types of garage gear. VersaTrak comes with organizers for extension cords, stick tools, step tools, aerosol cans, bicycle trimmers and more.  www.craftsman.com

Gale Banks Engineering
Gale Banks unveiled his new twin-turbo sidewinder top diesel dragster aimed at 200 mph in the quarter-mile. Using a Duramax 6.6L mill not unlike Banks’ S-10 oilburner—already capable of hitting 180 mph in the quarter—output is expected at well over 1,000 hp and 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque. www.bankspower.com

BASF and Chip Foose
Chip Foose introduced his new partnership with BASF to create his own line of “Foose Signature Colors” under BASF brand names R-M and Glasuirt. The new signature BASF colors are featured on his newest masterpiece, the “Terra Cuda.” www.basf.com www.chipfoose.com

Hypertherm
Hypertherm, the leader in plasma arc metal-cutting technology unveiled its Powermax45, the world’s most versatile and portable 1/2-inch plasma cutting and gouging system. From body panels to mounting plates for engine-test stands, the 37-lb. Powermax45 is the only plasma cutter people who repair, restore or customize cars and trucks trucks will ever need. www.hypertherm.com

Race Ramps/Brute Industries
Race Ramps introduced its patented Portable Pit Stop Ramp which provides a quick, simple and safe way to access the underside of a car or truck—in nearly any location. The Portable Pit Stop is simple to transport as it is very lightweight (the complete system is 230 lbs. and no single piece weighs more than 40 lbs.), and the pieces nest together to form a compact unit that’s easily carried in a vehicle or trailer. The ramp system is also quick and easy to set up, with only six major components per side and is adjustable to accommodate vehicle wheelbases ranging from 98–110 inches. www.raceramps.com

Talegator Distributors LLC
Talegator demonstrated the Talegator patented seating system, the only one of its kind in the world,which is designed to fit all pickup tailgates. www.thetalegator.com

STS Turbo
STS Turbo unveiled the new 750hp Twin-Turbocharged STS C6 Corvette performance package, built on the C6 platform with complete performance and comfort. www.ststurbo.com

Piloti
Designed exclusively for the motorcycle enthusiast, Piloti has developed its all-new Moto Collection (Moto 800 and MotoWerks) of boots with the same high-quality craftsmanship and all-day comfort Piloti customers expect. With attention to achieve a balance of both design and performance features, the Moto 800 and MotoWerks collections create a point of difference from the competition with the ability to wear the boots both on and off the bike. www.piloti.com

Topline Products
Topline Products introduced the B-6 Crossfade—the latest premiere in its 2009 wheel collection. Utilizing its exclusive black- and chrome-finish technology, the B-6 Crossfade incorporates a multisplit, 10-spoke design and is available to fit most passenger-car and truck/SUV applications. www.toplinemfg.com

Day Three of the 2008 SEMA Show

Westin Automotive Products Inc.
Westin Automotive has introduced over 30 new products into its product line and two new product categories—off-road & body trim. Included in the body trim, Wade Automotive has partnered with Westin and is now a part of the Westin Family of brands. In addition, Westin has purchased the assets of T-Max LLC Winches and Accessories, now included in Westin Off-Road Products. Westin also kicked off a new jobber-level loyalty program with great sign-up prizes and drawings. www.westinautomotive.com

Hankook Tire
Hankook unveiled its new Ventus R-S3 extreme ultra-high performance tire designed for tuner and performance enthusiasts. The new tire will hit dealer shelves early in 2009. As a successor to the track-proven Ventus R-S2 and complement to the Ventus Z214 racing tires, Hankook has applied its latest motorsports technology to improve dry grip performance by 30%. In addition, Hankook launched Kontrol Technology to the U.S. market—a philosophy as well as a set of proprietary innovations—developed by Hankook to ensure controlled driving experiences. www.hankooktireusa.com

REGEN EV Shocks
REGEN EV Shocks introduced a regenerative suspension system on a “Green” Chevrolet Blazer. REGEN EV Shocks are hydraulic-electric generators. Hydraulic pressure from vehicle weight powers a gear motor and generator to recharge a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) battery bank stored underneath the vehicle. Variations in travel terrain (road bumps) cause the REGEN EV Shock to effectively “pump” hydraulic fluid into a piston accumulator, which then actuates a solenoid valve after a certain level of fluid pressure is reached. The pressurized fluid released then turns a gear linked to the hydraulic motor to generate electricity and regenerate the PHEV batteries WHILE DRIVING!

Tire Profiles
Tire Profiles announced the innovative TAC (Tread Analysis-Condition-Scan) Tire tread and wear scanner. New to the market, Tire Profiles introduces laser diode measurement technology to shop and fleet tire diagnostics. Through a special laser/software combination developed from expertise gained in Formula 1 racing, tire diagnostics are now possible using scientifically derived data. This laser/software package makes non-contact measurement of tire tread and wear both accurate and reportable. TAC-Scan provides a totally new method to analyze, diagnose root-cause problems and trend tire performance. www.tireprofile.com

Race Car Dynamics
RCD Suspension, a division of Race Car Dynamics Inc. recently announced the release of its new line of lowered suspension systems for light truck and SUV applications. Twelve new lowering suspension systems have been released that cover nearly every major manufacturer, including: Chevy/GMC, Dodge, Ford, Nissan and Toyota vehicles. www.racecardynamics.com

Vortech Engineering
Vortech Engineering introduced the new Vortech VL Compressor, the company’s first ever positive displacement supercharger for GM and Ford vehicle applications. www.vortechsuperchargers.com

Performance Friction Brakes
The company has repurposed its hard-won racing braking expertise for aftermarket enthusiasts' performance vehicles. Performance Friction Z-Rated Brake Pad pads are an extension of the Carbon Metallic brand, specifically engineered for high-performance and/or severe-duty usage. Whether you drive a BMW, Corvette, Honda or Mustang or you tow tons of weight with an F-350, Z-Rated is engineered to deliver safety and performance under even the most severe conditions. www.performancefriction.com

Snow Performance
Snow Performance had a special guest presentation by Scott Bentz of Cummins. Scott discussed the new MPG-MAX Diesel water methanol injection system-mechanisms and fuel-economy data with diesel. Snow Performance founder Matt Snow and special guest Richard Holdener also introduced the new MPG-MAX for gasoline applications, its mechanisms and fuel-economy results. www.snowperformance.net

Iron Horse BBQ: “New Infrared BBQ Offering 'Green Grilling'”
With its gas-propelled grilling and smart design, this custom-built themed barbecue turns heads everywhere, and it is the latest in green grilling. www.ironhorsebbq.com

CON2R
CON2R introduced its patent-pending “Boxed I-Beam" construction system, which is a frame that is built to match the exact frame profile and width requirements to match your vehicle design, suspension type and ride height. Whether it’s a replacement that follows the contours of the original or a completely unique design that will fit only your one-off custom build, CON2R can create it for you. www.con2r.com 

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

SEMA Installer Certification Program, Exam date: November 13, 2008
 SEMA Webinar, "Fast Track Product Development with 3-D Design Technology," November 20, 2008 10:00 a.m. (PDT)
SEMA Webinar, "How to Make Money with the Right Social Media Tools," December 4, 2008 10:00 a.m. (PDT)
SEMA MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 20–22, 2009, El Segundo, California
SEMA Technical Skills & Training Conference, March 27–28, 2009, Orlando, Florida
PAACE Automechanika Mexico, July 15–17, 2009, Mexico

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.

As previously reported, SEMA has negotiated reduced hotel rates and added incentives for attendees of this year's SEMA Show. Even with the Show less than a week away, it is not too late to take advantage of these great deals.

• Palms Place: rate reduced from $245 to $199

• Platinum: rate reduced from $199 to $189

• Signature at MGM: $245 rate reduced to $199

• Excalibur: $131 rate to a tiered rate of $89, $99, $119; $159 rate reduced to $139

• Mirage: tiered rate of $209 to $239 is now reduced to a tiered rate of $175 and $209

• Gold Coast: $138 rate to a tiered rate of $57, $66, $104; $88 rate reduced to $57

• Hilton: 2-for-1 buffet coupon, 2-for-1 drink in the Tempo Lounge and $10 in free casino play

• Circus Circus: one free buffet dinner and $25 in free casino play

• MGM Grand: $25 bar/restaurant credit, 2-for-1 spa pass and 15% off spa services

• New York, New York: two welcome cocktails, 2-for-1 Il Fornaio breakfasts, $15 off of a spa treatment and 2-for-1 roller coaster ride

• Treasure Island: 15% off Mystére tickets

• Harrah’s Properties (Caesar’s Palace, Harrah’s, Rio, Imperial Palace, Flamingo, Ballys and Paris): 2-for-1 “Who's to Blame” margaritas (7 a.m.–2 a.m.) and free souvenir in gift shop with $15 minimum purchase

• Imperial Palace: $132 rate reduced to a tiered rate of $70 and $132

• Flamingo: $155 rate reduced to a tiered rate of $90, $130 and $155

• Palace Station: Tiered rate of $94 and $115 reduced to $79 and $99; tiered rate of $115 and $135 reduced to $99 and $119
  

The reductions are retroactive and companies that have already booked accommodations for the Show will qualify for the new rates. Attendees with existing reservations will be contacted directly to facilitate the necessary adjustments.

“We have gone to bat for SEMA members because we understand that dollars are tight right now,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “The best incentive of all continues to be the tremendous opportunity that the Show provides with the enormous gathering of buyers and manufacturers that will be in town.”

For more information and to register for the 2008 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com. 

The electric Hi-Pa Drive Ford F-150 concept vehicle uses one of the world's favorite pickups to demonstrate what OEM and specialty-equipment innovators can do today to make powerful, profitable vehicles that are clean and fun to drive. Built by U.K.-based PML Flightlink in collaboration with Ford, the F-150 concept is powered by four in-wheel motors that can deliver 600 combined horsepower. It will be on display at the 2008 SEMA Show in the Ford Motor Company booth (#22200, Central Hall).

Hi-Pa Drive effectively replaces the mechanical drivetrain, gearbox, transmission, engine, exhaust, gas tank and the differential in the F-150 concept vehicle, freeing up space for a 40-kilowatt battery under the chassis with no loss of load space. The Hi-Pa Drive system acts as a motor that delivers over 150 hp per wheel and a powerful generator that recaptures more of the kinetic energy lost during braking than other hybrid technologies, according to project representatives.

Each 66-lb. motor delivers over 150 lb.-ft. of torque where it matters most—in the wheel—at any speed. Together, the four motors installed on the F-150 deliver more power and torque than the 320-hp 5.4L V8 that was removed from the truck.

The master vehicle controller included in the system gives designers the option to control each wheel independently or as a single unit—the truest form of all-wheel drive. The light, compact nature of the Hi-Pa Drive system makes it simple to install on almost any vehicle and easy for systems integrators to create new applications and designs that meet a wide variety of needs.

The compact motor can fit almost anywhere—in the wheel, on standard bearings or on dead axles and other small spaces. The system allows designers and builders to eliminate the oil, carbon emissions and cost from the vehicle while adding power, room, performance and driver control.

Filler for eNews