RACE TO THE CHASE: Clint Bowyer holds down the final spot in The Chase for the Cup in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with just this Saturday’s race at Richmond International Raceway remaining before the field of 12 is set. He holds a 17-point lead over David Ragan, with Kasey Kahne an additional 31 points behind Ragan.

KEEP THEM SEPARATED: The dominant NHRA Top Fuel combination of driver Tony Schumacher and crew chief Alan Johnson will split after this season, with Johnson leaving Don Schumacher Racing to become a team-owning partner in Al-Anabi Racing.

STILL BUYING: Speedway Motorsports Inc. is moving forward with its purchase of Kentucky Speedway.

DIED: Phil Hill, the only driver born in the United States to win the Formula One championship died August 28 from Parkinson’s disease. He was 81 years old.

HONORED: The media center and control tower at the New Jersey Motorsports Park was dedicated in honor of National Speed Sport News Editor Chris Economaki, as the track held its first professional racing events over the weekend.

POWER RANKINGS: NHRA Top Fuel point leader Tony Schumacher remained at the top of the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings after winning the U.S. Nationals for the seventh time. It was his 11th victory of the season and 52nd of his career, tying him with Joe Amato on the all-time list. 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

REPEAT WINNERS CROWNED AT MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS: Making his third straight final round appearance at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis, Funny Car driver Robert Hight grabbed his second win at the historic track, driving his Auto Club Ford Mustang past runner-up Jack Beckman to pick up his third win of the season at the 54th running of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. Tony Schumacher, Dave Connolly and Steve Johnson also won in their respective categories.

Hight drove past the likes of NHRA legend Frank Hawley, teammate Mike Neff and points leader Tim Wilkerson before facing Beckman, who was making his third straight final round appearance. It was Hight’s 11th career win in his 11th final round appearance. For Schumacher, the win was his seventh at the famed U.S. Nationals, more than any other active driver in the POWERade Drag Racing Series, and 52nd of his career, which tied him with Joe Amato on the all-time wins list in Top Fuel.

Pro Stock’s Dave Connolly picked up his second consecutive win at the "Big Go," becoming only the fifth driver in the class to win back-to-back events at the historic track. Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Steve Johnson also picked up his second win at the legendary event, riding his Snap-on Tools Suzuki past runner up Andrew Hines. Johnson’s last win at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis came in 2005. 

PEDREGON; KRAWIEC GET FIRST WINS AT SHOWDOWN AND PRO BIKE BATTLE: Funny Car driver Cruz Pedregon and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Eddie Krawiec picked up their first wins in the U.S. Smokeless Showdown and Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle at the 54th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Pedregon was able to hold off current points leader Tim Wilkerson en route to his first career $100,000 payoff. It was Pedregon’s 10th appearance in the bonus event and his fifth final round appearance in the Showdown.

Krawiec rode his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson past teammate and defending bonus event winner Andrew Hines to pick up his first even win in the event and the $25,000 check that accompanies that. It was the fifth straight year that a Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson has won the event and Krawiec’s first appearance in the Pro Bike Battle.

FAMED TUNER ALAN JOHNSON TO FIELD TWO-CAR TEAM IN 2009: Seven-time NHRA Top Fuel champion and current crew chief for the U.S. Army dragster Alan Johnson announced plans to field a two-car team in 2009 through a partnership with Qatar-based Al-Anabi Racing. The team will field a Top Fuel dragster and Funny Car team beginning at the 49th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, February 5–8, at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona.

“It’s widely known that my goal for quite some time now has been to become a team owner again, and this is my best opportunity to achieve that goal,” said Johnson. "I have enjoyed a wonderful experience with the U.S. Army race team. I wouldn’t change the past five years for anything. My focus for the remainder of the season will be to put forth my best effort to win the fifth-consecutive championship for the U.S. Army, Tony Schumacher, and DSR.”

Johnson has 11 championships in his career, four in Top Alcohol and seven in Top Fuel.

NHRA DEDICATES ORP SUITES TO FORREST AND CHARLOTTE LUCAS: For their ongoing dedication and commitment to NHRA Drag Racing, Forrest and Charlotte Lucas were honored during Funny Car qualifying Friday at the 54th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. NHRA president Tom Compton led the on-track presentation dedication in the west grandstand suite complex in their honor.

Besides being the title rights sponsor of the NHRA’s sportsman series, Lucas Oil is also the Official Motor Oil of NHRA and holds the title rights to POWERade Series races in Brainerd (Lucas Oil Nationals) and Englishtown (Lucas Oil SuperNationals).

COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA CAROLINAS NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY @ CONCORD, SEPTEMBER 11–14: In the first race of the Countdown to 1, the NHRA POWERade Series heads to the newly constructed zMAX Dragway @ Concord and its first visit to the state of North Carolina. All four professional categories (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle) will compete in this inaugural event.

O’REILLY SUPER START BATTERIES FALL NATIONALS, TEXAS MOTORPLEX, SEPTEMBER 18–21: Making its second stop of the season in the Lone Star State, drivers in all four professional categories will fight it out in the second race of the Countdown to 1. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Dave Connolly (Pro Stock); and Peggy Llewellyn (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

O’REILLY NHRA MID-SOUTH NATIONALS, MEMPHIS MOTORSPORTS PARK, SEPTEMBER 26–28: The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series heads to the south for its third stop in the Countdown to 1 playoffs. Defending event winners include Melanie Troxel (Top Fuel); Gary Scelzi (Funny Car); Dave Connolly (Pro Stock); and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

LOOKING OVER THEIR SHOULDERS: Heading into the famed Western Swing with only six races remaining in the Countdown to 10 regular season, Funny Car driver Jack Beckman was sitting in the 13th spot, 56 points behind then 10th-place driver Bob Tasca. Since then Beckman has made four final-round appearances, has won one race and hasn’t posted anything lower than a second round finish.

“We’re 15 and 5 since Denver,” said Beckman. “Now we leave in sixth place, we tighten up the points deal, and I think everybody ahead of us is going to be looking over their shoulder.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

110: The number of points separating first place from 10th place in the POWERade Series point standings in all four categories. The Top 10 drivers in each category now have six races remaining to battle it out for NHRA POWERade Series world championships.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the next event in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, the inaugural NHRA Carolinas Nationals at zMAX Dragway @ Concord, will mark the first time in history that an NHRA national event has been held in the state of North Carolina.

For more information, visit www.nhra.com.

Sophomore racing talent Dominick Casola will return to action in the ARCA RE/MAX Series driving the Capital City Motorsports Dodge Charger in the Chicagoland ARCA 200 on Saturday, September 6. Casola is sponsored by Quaker Steak and Lube Restaurants headquartered in Sharon, Pennsylvania.

“I am excited to get back behind the wheel at Chicagoland. It is one of my favorite tracks,” said the 21-year-old professional racer. “I appreciate Greg Sarff [car owner] giving me this opportunity, and I am looking forward to carrying the Quaker Steak colors to at least a top 10 finish.”

Pep Boys appointed William Shull to senior vice president of stores. Shull, a veteran executive with more than 25 years of retail experience, will be responsible for sales and operations of 562 Pep Boys locations across the United States and Puerto Rico. Shull’s experience spans several different retailers including Lowe's, The Wiz, Hollywood Entertainment and a 13-year tenure at AutoZone, where he was instrumental in building the foundation of the retail chain as a field leader.

Mike Rowe, host and producer of the Discovery Channel’s "Dirty Jobs" TV series, will give the keynote address at The Work Truck Show 2009 and 45th Annual National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Convention. Rowe’s presentation is set for the President’s Breakfast and NTEA Annual Meeting from 7:30 a.m.–9:15 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2009. For more information about The Work Truck Show 2009, visit www.ntea.com.
 
Three local automotive and racing enthusiasts—Raymond Graziotto, Joseph G. Lubeck and J.C. Solomon II—have purchased Moroso Motorsports Park. The partnership is making a multimillion dollar investment in track and facility upgrades to the legendary Moroso Motorsports Park, previously owned and operated since 1981 by the renowned Moroso racing family.

Initial changes include all-new bathrooms and concessions, and a new track layout that will allow for simultaneous use of the new road course and dragstrip. The “All New Moroso Motorsports Park” (17047 Beeline Highway, Jupiter, Florida) will re-open in the fall 2008 and will continue to be open to the public after its grand reopening. For more information, visit www.RaceMoroso.com.

TCI announced that effective June 2, TCI TRANS HELP tech line phone personnel will be available for longer hours six days a week. The TRANS HELP line will be open Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–8 p.m. (CST), and Saturdays, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (CST). The schedule now matches the tech line hours of its sister company, COMP Performance Group, COMP Cams.

Click on the logo to visit ARMO's website.

ARMO Special Projects in Motion

Sponsorships are being accepted for the ARMO Industry Awards Reception. Now is the time to participate in this great opportunity to show your support of the restoration market, its community, its people and its businesses. Click here to download and print a sponsorship form.
 
For more information, contact any Select Committee member or Jan Desma, 909/396-0289, ext. 134, or e-mail jand@sema.org.

ARMO Column in SEMA Member News

Click on the logo to visit TORA's website.

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

Filler for eNews

Filler for eNews

SEMA Show exhibitors: Generate more buzz for your company and products by announcing your SEMA Show incentives and specials in SEMA eNews.

Exhibitors with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers and other incentives are encouraged to let SEMA know so that the information can be included. To announce your company’s special offers, send information to Adrienne Bailey at adrienneb@sema.org.

Details on the 2008 SEMA Show are available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Here are this week's specials:

More Specials

Byers Products Group is introducing its new Versa Lift power storage lift for home garage-to-attic, commercial garage-to-mezzanine or second-floor storage area lifting. The companion product is the Versa Rail attic ladder safety railing, which is being offered free with all Versa Lift orders placed at the Show. It is a $159 value. Customers that do not need the Versa Rail may choose shipping for systems purchased at regular retail. Website: www.bpghome.com. 

RegenEV Shocks is providing free demonstrations of its latest innovation: a regenerative suspension system on a "green" Chevy SUV. RegenEV's 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. Stop by booth #31215 to see this amazing technology in action!

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

>> SEMA Webinar, "Listen to Your Customers, Their Opinions Really Do Matter," September 18, 2008 10:00 a.m. (PDT)
>> Honda Fit Measuring Session at American Honda, Torrance, California, September 23, 2008 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
>> SEMA Webinar, "U.S. and the World Economy: Will They Shift Forward?" October 2, 2008 10:00 a.m. (PDT)
>> SEMA Webinar, "Right-On, No-Bull Guide to Marketing in a Tough Economy", October 16, 2008 10:00 a.m. (PDT)
>> SEMA Show 2008, November 4–7, 2008, Las Vegas 
>> SEMA Dealer Day, November 5, 2008, Las Vegas
>> SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by SBN, November 6, 2008 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m. (PDT), Las Vegas
>> SEMA MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 20–22, 2009 El Segundo, California
>> SEMA Technical Skills & Training Conference, March 27–28, 2009, Orlando, Florida
>> Aftermarket eForum, July 13–15, 2009, Chicago
>> 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.

Coverage of the Chevrolet Volt continues to make headlines as each new detail is revealed piece by piece. Fuel prices continue to be high and consumers remain interested in seeking fuel-efficient alternatives. It is in this tumultuous market that GM has found the opportunity to prepare the all-electric Chevrolet Volt.

And unlike unsuccessful electric car predecessors, the buzz and demand for the Volt seems justified. Furthermore, a neurologist named Lyle Dennis created a website, GM-Volt.com, which collects a waiting list of interested individuals ready to purchase the vehicle after its launch. Today, the list surpassed the 40,000 milestone.

Though there is high demand for the vehicle, consumers are not yet ready to dish out the more than $40,000 that it will cost GM to produce the car. The website showed that the average consumer was willing to pay $31,261 for the vehicle, well under manufacturing costs. The vehicle plan is to use a new generation of lithium-ion batteries, which are reported to have greater energy capacities.

In order to generate a steady supply of these batteries, the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium has awarded an $8.2 million contract to the Johnson Controls-Saft joint venture to develop the batteries, according to Automotive News. The Advanced Battery Consortium is part of the U.S. Council for Automotive Research, which is composed of many leading auto manufacturers looking to release lithium-ion batteries for their next-generation hybrids and electric vehicles, such as Ford, GM and Chrysler.

A major drawback is the infrequency of recharging stations. Japan, however, is preparing to bolster its infrastructure with a campaign to install thousands of “quick charge” locations throughout major metropolitan areas. Supported by the government, car manufacturers and utility companies, cities are encouraged to promote the surge and will receive tax incentives for participating.

According to the Financial Times, Kanagawa prefecture will install 3,000 such stations over the next five years.

Enthusiasts were polled in SEMA’s recent Automotive Lifestyles survey regarding their future vehicle forecast. One of the more salient statements made by automotive enthusiasts was their interest in electric vehicles. When asked to select the fuel type of the next vehicle they plan to purchase, electric vehicles were highest (values do not equal 100%).

This article highlights two major opportunities for SEMA members. As demand for these vehicles grows, electric vehicles will begin to enter the marketplace, providing a new market for specialty-equipment manufacturers. As the supply of lithium-ion batteries increases and the market for hybrids continues to grow, so will the sale of specialty equipment for these vehicles.

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

Sources:
"JCI-Saft battery venture wins $8.2 million U.S. contract," Craig Trudell, Automotive News, 8/12/2008

“Japan fuels electric car revolution," Jonathan Soble, Financial Times, 8/25/2008

In August, the SEMA Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI) improved by 8 points, or 21%, going from 35 in July to 43 this month. An index value of 43 translates to 12% of adult American drivers (or approximately 12 million-plus households) indicating that they had plans to purchase specialty-equipment products sometime within the next three months.

Only 10% of consumers surveyed said that they plan to purchase specialty equipment in July. So a jump to 12% in August means that potentially 2 million more households plan to purchase custom parts and accessories.

Seven percent of consumers said that they were likely to purchase wheels, tires and suspension components within the next three months, up from 6% last month, but down from 19% that indicated so this time last year.



While 6% said that they were likely to purchase racing and performance products in August, this has remained unchanged from 6% in July. However, 11% of consumers surveyed this time last year said that they would purchase racing and performance products within the following three months.

In August, 6% surveyed said they were likely to purchase accessories and appearance products within the next three months, up from 4% in July, but down from 8% this time last year.

Over the last three months, on average, pickups (20%) were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification, followed by fullsize cars (15%), compact cars (15%) and midsize cars (14%).

Over the last three months, on average, car dealerships (23%) were the most popular purchase destinations among those planning to enhance their vehicles, followed by the Internet (17%), independent auto parts stores (14%) and chain auto parts store (11%).

When specialty-equipment buyers were asked what form their vehicle would take after customization, this month the most common answer was “general personalization” (47%) followed by "street performance" (13%), “restoration” (12%), “off-road” (9%), “hot rod” (4%) and “compact performance” (4%).

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