SILLY SEASON: The annual NASCAR silly season is at full swing. Two-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart announced last week that he will leave Joe Gibbs Racing at the end of the season to become driver and co-owner of Haas CNC Racing, which will be renamed Stewart Haas Racing. Meanwhile, Penske Racing and driver Ryan Newman have announced they will part ways at the end of the year, with Newman expected to join Stewart Haas Racing as the second driver.
RE-SIGNED: Dan Wheldon confirmed he will re-sign with Target Chip Ganassi Racing and return to the team for the 2009 IndyCar Series.
NO NASHVILLE: After strong crowds for eight years, it appears the IRL IndyCar Series will not return to Nashville Superspeedway next year. Instead it added a new stop on the schedule.
MUMPED: IndyCar Series driver E.J. Viso sat out Saturday’s event at Nashville Speedway after being diagnosed with the mumps. Viso is a native of Venezuela.
THE KING: Daryn Pittman won the 25th annual Kings Royal sprint-car race at Ohio’s Eldora Speedway. The triumph was worth $50,035.
MAKING PEACE: The McLaren and Ferrari Formula One teams have agreed to bury the hatchet in regard to the spy scandal that dominated the news during the 2007 season. McLaren issued a public apology and Ferrari accepted.
POWER RANKINGS: A sweep of NASCAR events at Chicagoland Speedway kept Kyle Busch in the top spot in the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings. 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
DRIVERS READY FOR SEATTLE SEGMENT OF THE WESTERN SWING: The drivers of the POWERade Drag Racing Series are getting ready for part two of three of the Western Swing at Pacific Raceways near Seattle. Defending event winners Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Dave Connolly (Pro Stock) are looking forward to gaining valuable points when they visit the Pacific Northwest. Along with the difficulty of racing for three weeks in a row, the drivers are looking to gain valuable points as the Countdown to 10 is in the homestretch.
Drivers on the bubble spots, like Top Fuel teammates Doug Kalitta and Dave Grubnic or Denver Funny Car runner-up Jack Beckman, need to perform well to have the opportunity to run for the championship in a few short weeks when the cutoff for the Countdown to 1 happens Labor Day weekend in Indianapolis.
WILKERSON, SCHUMACHER, ANDERSON AND SMITH TAME THE MILE-HIGH TRACK AT DENVER: Independent Funny Car racer Tim Wilkerson continued his dream season by defeating defending event winner Jack Beckman at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway near Denver. Tony Schumacher moved within five wins of Joe Amato’s Top Fuel record of 52 wins when he defeated Antron Brown for his 47th career win. Joining Schumacher and Wilkerson in the winner’s circle were Pro Stock points leader Greg Anderson and defending Pro Stock Motorcycle winner Matt Smith.
With the wins, Wilkerson and Anderson moved closer to clinching their positions in the POWERade Series Countdown to One. Smith was able to cut into Andrew Hines’ points lead by moving within two rounds of the top spot.
NHRA ANNOUNCES 2009 SCHEDULE AND PURSE INCREASES: The NHRA released its 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule recently featuring 24 events. In addition, NHRA announced an event purse increase in excess of $1.3 million. Beginning in 2009, national event winners in both Top Fuel and Funny Car will each receive $50,000, a 25% increase.
Pro Stock national event winners will receive $25,000, and Pro Stock Motorcycle winners will receive $10,000. At the most prestigious drag racing event in the world, the 55th running of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, winners in the top two nitro classes will receive a check for $100,000, and Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle winners will earn $50,000 and $20,000, respectively.
Increases at national events also were announced for runners-up, semifinalists and second-round finishers. At the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, increases were announced for semifinalists and second-round finishers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock. Pro Stock Motorcycle received increases for runner-up and second-round finishers.
In all, the total increase in event purses in the four Professional classes is $1,353,700. In 2009, the total purse for professional categories for all POWERade Series races, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals excluded, is $660,000 for events including Pro Stock Motorcycle and $625,000 for those without bikes. The total professional category purse for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in 2009 will be $862,500.
SAFETY TASK FORCE MEMBERS ANNOUNCED: The NHRA has announced the members of its safety task force created to investigate, analyze and determine ways to implement the initiatives recently outlined by NHRA to continue to enhance safety. The current task force is made up of NHRA officials and Top Fuel and Funny Car crew chiefs and conducted its first conference call among its members earlier this week.
The task force is headed up by Dan Olson, NHRA director of Top Fuel & Funny Car racing. He is joined by Austin Coil, crew chief for John Force Racing; Jim Head, Funny Car driver/crew chief; Alan Johnson, crew chief for the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster; Jon Oberhofer, crew chief for the Doug Kalitta-driven Top Fuel dragster; Mark Oswald, co-crew chief on Melanie Troxel's Funny Car; and Tim Wilkerson, Funny Car driver/crew chief.
Other representatives from NHRA and the Professional Racers Owners Organization (PRO) will also participate. To learn about the safety task force, visit www.nhra.com.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
SCHUCK’S AUTO SUPPLY NHRA NATIONALS, PACIFIC RACEWAYS, JULY 18–20: The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series heads to the northwest for the second race on the famed Western Swing. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); and Dave Connolly (Pro Stock).
FRAM AUTOLITE NHRA NATIONALS, INFINEON RACEWAY, JULY 25–27: Heading to the beautiful Sonoma Valley, the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series travels to northern California for the third and final race of the Western Swing. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).
LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS, BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, AUGUST 7–10: The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series returns to central Minnesota for the third to last race where drivers can earn points to get into the Countdown to One. Defending event winners include Brandon Bernstein (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle).
HE SAID, SHE SAID
TONY SCHUMACHER TALKS ABOUT HIS NEW TOP FUEL RIVAL: While every Top Fuel team in the POWERade Series has Tony Schumacher listed as a rival, Schumacher says he considers his biggest rival to be a former Pro Stock Motorcycle racer.
“Antron (Brown) is a great dude. He and I are buddies, and he makes me sit up high in the seat and drive hard. If it's us battling it out for the championship, I'd be proud to have him as my adversary. Now that's a rivalry.”
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
17: The total number of points separating positions 10 through 12 in the Funny Car POWERade Series point standings. With his runner-up finish in Denver, Jack Beckman moved to the valuable 10th position, but right behind him are Bob Tasca III (11th), whom Beckman knocked out, and Del Worsham (12th).
DID YOU KNOW…
…that in the 28 years of the Western Swing, only five drivers have swept all three races (Denver, Seattle and Sonoma). Those drivers are Joe Amato (1991, Top Fuel), John Force (1994, Funny Car), Cory McClenathan (1997, Top Fuel), Larry Dixon (2003, Top Fuel) and Greg Anderson (2004, Pro Stock).
For more information, visit www.nhra.com.
AkzoNobel announced a program to donate part of its earnings to SEMA’s philanthropic programs for children. The company will earmark a percentage of earnings from its new PowerCoat powdercoating business among SEMA member manufacturers to charities supported by the new SEMA Cares Committee.
“We like AkzoNobel’s creative idea for giving,” said Joel Ayres, SEMA Cares Committee chairman. “We will support their effort through the committee.”
SEMA members have raised money for decades to benefit organizations such as Childhelp, whose mission is to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of abused and neglected children, and the Victory Junction Gang Camp, an organization that enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.
The SEMA Cares Committee, established in January 2008, is charged with identifying and creating new opportunities for its members to enrich the lives of children nationwide. AkzoNobel is one of the first SEMA members to step up to the challenge.
“We are excited about the acceptance of our new PowerCoat powdercoating product line by SEMA-member companies, and we want to share our good fortune with SEMA charities,” said Tom Branscome, PowerCoat marketing manager.
The PowerCoat line, just recently announced, has already been adopted by several SEMA members and will be featured in Las Vegas in November.
TEN Media LLC hired Butch Madigan, a 30-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket, as national sales director of TEN Media and VerticalREV, a program of TEN’s parent company. Madigan was most recently the vice president of sales and marketing for more than 10 years with Daystar International and Trail Master Suspension.
KICKER Performance Audio hired Chuck Jones as the business unit director of KICKER OEM at Stillwater Designs. Jones’ primary OEM markets are auto, commercial vehicles, marine and SUV markets. “I love working for KICKER,” Jones said. “We have great people and a great product. It is really a fun business to be in.” Jones most recently was the global customer manager at Delphi Energy and Chassis Systems where he led the development of a world-class portfolio of products for the commercial vehicle market.
Chuck Jones
Schiefer Public Relations appointed Camee Edelbrock to public relations account manager. “Camee is a third-generation SEMA member and an industry leader,” said James Schiefer, President/CEO of Schiefer Media Inc. During her tenure at the Edelbrock Corporation, Camee sat on the Board of Directors, earned the SEMA Young Executive of the Year Award in 1993 and acted as vice president of advertising for more than 25 years. She planned and produced several events, as well as all company catalogs, print ads and product launches.
“Camee did an excellent job for Edelbrock Corporation and we are proud of what she’s accomplished," says Vic Edelbrock. "My wife Nancy and I support Camee 100% in her decision."
AAEQ Manufacturers and Recyclers hired Jason Bishop as the company’s new marketing and customer service manager. Bishop will report to Scott Stolberg, president and CEO. He will have responsibility for the company’s marketing and customer service activities for both its AA Midwest and EngineQuest (EQ) divisions, as well as its Las Vegas scrap metal business. Bishop holds a B.S. degree in economics from the University of Iowa. Most recently, Bishop was a senior account executive with Countrywide Home Loans in Las Vegas. He has over nine years of experience with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage/Financial and ITT Industries.
Jason Bishop
Click on the logo to visit ARMO's website.
ARMO Council Announces Election Results
Effective July 1, 2008, Jim Barber of Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists Inc. assumed the Chairman position, with Laura Bergan of American Collectors Insurance Inc. taking the Chairman-Elect seat.
ARMO welcomes it newly elected leaders and looks forward to working closely with them. Join us in welcoming:
- Ken DeVries – Auto Trader Classics
- Michael Manning – American Autowire
- Sal Perez – American Muscle Car
ARMO welcomes back its returning members:
- Jeff Broadus – Car Collector Magazine
- Kim Mitchell – Eaton Detroit Spring Inc.
- Sheila Perkins – Bradley David Productions
- Alex Tainsh – TrimParts Inc.
ARMO thanks its retiring member Walter Vaughan of Steele Rubber Products for his years of dedication and volunteer service to the ARMO membership.
Contact Chairman Barber and Chairman-Elect Bergan or any of the Select Committee members with any questions or to introduce yourself to them. Jan Desma, SEMA council relations director and staff liaison for ARMO, can be reached at 909/396-0289, ext. 134 or e-mail jand@sema.org.
ARMO Column in SEMA Member News
Read ARMO's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
ARMO Select Committee Elections
If you have any questions about the election, contact Jan Desma at 909/396-0289, ext. 134, or jand@sema.org.
For more information about ARMO, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.
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Click on the logo to visit HRIA's website.
HRIA Announces New Leadership Team
Effective July 1, 2008, the council welcomed its newest members to the select committee. Please join us in welcoming:
- Sandie Denton – Made For You Products
- Kerry Hopperstad – Hopperstad Customs
HRIA welcomes back its returning members:
- Ed Capen – Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
- John McLeod – Classic Instruments Inc.
- John Menzler – Comp Performance Group
- Stacy Tucker – Detroit Speed and Engineering Inc.
HRIA thanks its retiring members Yogi Somerville of Yogi’s Inc. and Chico Kodama of Mooneyes USA Inc. for years of dedication and volunteer service to the membership of HRIA.
Jeanette Ladina of Flaming River Industries Inc. and Dennis Overholser of Painless Performance continue in their leadership roles as chairman and chairman-elect, respectively.
Contact Chairman Ladina and Chairman-Elect Overholser or any of the Select Committee members with any questions or to introduce yourself to them.
Jan Desma, SEMA council relations director and staff liaison for HRIA, can be reached at 909/396-0289, ext. 134 or e-mail jand@sema.org.
A Message From HRIA Chairman-Elect Dennis Overholser
Fellow Council Leaders:
HRIA has purchased two pinewood cars for the upcoming Pinewood Drag Race at the Gala. Each committee person has chipped in with a donation, and two committee members are building the cars. After the races, the cars will be donated to the two charities—one for each charity—for the kids to enjoy. I challenge each of you to do the same: To not only help the kids with a cash donation, but the more cars we can give them, the more fun they can have in the future.
Dennis Overholser,
HRIA Chairman-Elect
HRIA Column in SEMA Member News
Read HRIA's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
For more information about HRIA, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.
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Click on the logo to visit TORA's website.
TORA Welcomes New Select Committee Members
Bill Cole of Yankee Custom Truck Caps, Brad Leach of Tom’s Camperland and Melanie White of Hellwig Products all joined the TORA Select Committee effective July 1, 2008.
“I am extremely pleased with the election results,” said TORA Chairman Ron DiVincenzo. “Bill Cole has been in the industry for many years, not only as a business owner, but as an active force in the TORA. Bill was on the original board of directors of TCAA when it all started, and we are grateful that he has the dedication to step up and serve on the Select Committee once again.
"Brad and Melanie, while representing the “younger generation,” also have lifetimes of experience, each having grown up in family operated businesses. I’m very excited about the coming year for the TORA.”
Webinar CD added to TORA’s List of Member Benefits
The TORA, in conjunction with the SEMA education and marketing departments, has created a CD compilation of SEMA webinars. Having access to webinars online is a great SEMA-member benefit, but listening to one still requires sitting down at the computer and downloading.
With this CD, TORA members can listen to 11 TORA-relevant seminars without the need for Internet access. You can listen in the car or on a plane. If you are savvy enough to convert and load the files onto your iPod, you can even listen to them while tearing up the treadmill!
The 11 seminars included on the CD are:
- Making sure your web store is open for business
- Secrets to marketing a highly effective website
- How reps can help installers sell to car dealers
- Your customer doesn’t live here any more
- How manufacturers can communicate more effectively with distributors and customers
- The mindset of leadership—timeless qualities of a successful leader
- Lean Manufacturing—how to eliminate waste in manufacturing and distribution
- Management strategies for the most challenging situations
- Six Sigma—the secret weapon of success
- Financial management for the non-financial manager
- Get Paid: Avoiding slow/non-paying customers and collecting debt.
For a copy of the "TORA Education & Training Benefits Webinar CD," TORA members can contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org. The 11 seminars featured on the CD are but a small sampling of what’s available from the SEMA website. On the SEMA homepage, click on “Shows and Events” then “webinars.” You can search the webinars by author or topic.
TORA Column in SEMA Member News
Read TORA's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
Select Committee Election Update
Select Committee nominations are now closed. The list of nominees will be reviewed by the TORA election task force, and a ballot will be mailed to all TORA members in the next few weeks. Please keep an eye out for this mailing, and above all, VOTE!
For information about the TORA, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.
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Click on the logo to visit MPMC's website.
2008 MPMC Media Trade Conference
Media Trade Conference Exhibitor Registration Now Open!
Exhibitor Registrations for the 2009 MPMC Media Trade Conference are now being accepted! A downloadable registration form is available on the MPMC webpage, www.sema.org/mpmc. Each MPMC member company will also receive a link to the registration form via e-mail and a hard copy via U.S. Postal Service. If you do not receive either the e-mail or hard copy version, or if you have any questions, please contact Jim Skelly, the MPMC Council Liaison, at jimsk@sema.org. You should also e-mail Skelly to request confirmation that your application has been received. The 2009 MPMC Media Trade Conference is on January 20–22 at the Embassy Suites LAX South, next to Los Angeles International Airport.
Registration is only available to MPMC member companies. Exhibitor registration will close on August 15, 2008, at which time all registrations will be assigned a random number. Exhibitors with six or more years of seniority, who complete the registration process by August 15, 2008, are guaranteed an exhibitor suite. The remaining suites will be assigned by the random number tagged to the registration. (Receipt date of application has no bearing on whether or not you are assigned a suite.) Due to the logistics of the event, only 100 exhibitor suites are available. Any company that does not receive a suite assignment will be placed on a waiting list in random number order. More details of the registration process are available on the form itself.
New Chairman-Elect
Kyle Fickler of Aeromotive Inc. was elected to the position of MPMC Chairman-Elect during a Select Committee meeting held on January 25, following the annual MPMC Media Trade Conference. Fickler is a current member of the MPMC Select Committee and took over duties as chairman-elect on July 1. On that same date, current Chairman-Elect Bill Floyd became Chairman of MPMC when Lisa Chissus’ two-year term as MPMC chairperson ended.
MPMC Column in SEMA Member News
Read MPMC's column featured in the July/August 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 MRC's website.
The New MRC
Effective July 1, 2008, Joel Rosenthal of Gantt-Thomas & Associates Inc. moved into the position of Chairman of the MRC, with Wade Cobb of Hapco LLC as his wing-man and chairman-elect.
We look forward to working closely with MRC’s newly elected members:
- Tommy Jourdan – True High Performance Sales
- Les Rudd – Bob Cook Sales
We welcome back returning select committee members:
- Bill Chamberlain – J.S. Chamberlain & Associates
- Evan Mecham – Evan Mecham & Associates
And we thank the following retiring members for their years of volunteer service and dedication to the MRC:
- Bob Bader – Hapco
- Mark Adin – PSKB
- Zane Shaffer – Wes-Coast Marketing
- Alex Walker – Bob Cook Sales
MRC re-evaluated and decreased the amount of seats on the Select Committee thus allowing more focus on membership participation. The council has 14 leaders on the Select Committee serving its membership.
Please feel free to contact Chairman Rosenthal and Chairman-Elect Cobb or any of the select committee members with any questions or to introduce yourself to them. Staci Bostock, SEMA Council Relations Coordinator and staff liaison for MRC, can be reached at 909/396-0289, ext. 104 or e-mail stacib@sema.org.
MRC Column in SEMA Member News
Read MRC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
For information about MRC, contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org.
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Click on the logo to visit PRO's website.
PRO Welcomes New Select Committee Members
Five new members joined the PRO Select Committee roster, effective July 1, 2008. “We lost a total of five outstanding Select Committee members this year,” said PRO Chairman Chuck Blum. “We will miss their experience on the Select Committee. But at the same time, we picked up five new members who are talented and eager to contribute, and I look forward to working with them in the coming year.” A complete roster of the PRO Select Committee may be found on the PRO Council homepage at www.sema.org/pro. The five newest Select Committee members are:
- Mike Bolio - Scafidi Bolio & Associates
- Stefan Majlinger - Katzkin Leather
- Shari McCullough-Arfons - McCulough Public Relations
- Doug Perez - Automotive Essentials
- Dale R. Sterwart - 3M Automotive Division
Record Attendance Highlights Annual PRO Long Range Planning Meeting
The Professional Restylers Organization held its annual Long Range Planning Meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Detroit, June 12–13, with a record 40 members in attendance. “This is the largest attendance that I can remember in recent history,” commented PRO Chairman Chuck Blum. “Not only was I impressed by the attendance numbers, but the participation by all the attendees was inspiring. This meeting proves once again that PRO council members are committed to the restyling industry, and they believe in the networking and collaboration opportunities provided by PRO.”
PRO Open Meeting at SEMA Show 2008!
PRO will hold an open meeting during the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The meeting is open to all PRO Council members, and will be in meeting rooms N219-222, located in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Now more than ever, PRO needs input from all its members. So please plan to attend on Thursday morning at the Show, and bring all your ideas with you!
What: PRO Open Meeting
When: Thursday, November 6, 2008
7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center
North Hall, rooms N219-222
Mark Your Calendar!
Select Committee Election Update
Select Committee nominations are now closed. The list of nominees is being reviewed by the PRO elections task force, and a ballot will be mailed to all PRO members in the next few weeks. Please keep an eye out for this mailing, and above all, VOTE!
PRO Column in SEMA Member News
Read PRO's column featured in the July/August 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 SBN's website.
Congratulations to the Newly Elected SBN Select Committee Members
The ballots are in and the votes have been counted for elections of the 2008 SBN Select Committee. With record voter turnout and a slate of excellent candidates, the SBN Select Committee elected to add two seats bringing the count to 17. It was an exciting and close race. We now have two new members of the Select Committee, and five returning incumbents.
I would like to welcome our two newest members:
- Daytona Dayton - President, Daytona & Friends Global Enterprises Inc.
- Rose Kawasaki - Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Exports International
And we are glad to see the return of our five incumbents:
- Lee McGuire - Skyjacker Suspensions
- Bianca Hennings - Window Canvas
- Tracy Teuscher - The Buzz Maker!
- Lauren Fix - Classic Tube
- Leslie Maxwell - The Marx Group
Their two-year terms began on July 1, 2008. We look forward to an exciting future for the SBN with many new and improved programs.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the elections.
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 program, click here.
SBN Select Committee Election
If you have any questions about the Select Committee elections, contact Jan Desma at 909/396-0289, ext. 134 or jand@sema.org.
SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by SBN
Check out this video of SBN members in action during the valuable SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by SBN held annually at the SEMA Show. Check out the video by clicking here
SBN Column in SEMA Member News
Read SBN's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
For information about SBN, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.
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Click on the logo to visit SPC's website.
Improve Your Online Presence and Message at SEMA’s Internet Symposium
Discover better ways to connect with your customers through the SEMA Internet Symposium on July 25, in Irvine, California. From everyday products to specialty items, the Internet has changed the way customers research and buy. To meet the needs of the more empowered consumer, businesses need to take advantage of opportunities through the Internet to deliver product messages and drive sales. Whether your company is ready to learn the fundamentals or prepared for focused Internet solutions, take advantage of the 2008 SEMA Internet Symposium on July 25.
The symposium’s curriculum covers broad-based topics, such as Internet marketing and understanding legal rights online, as well as more advanced subjects, such as pay-per-click web design and web-based customer relationship management.
The event is facilitated by SEMA’s Street Performance Council, and course descriptions, complete information and registration for the SEMA Internet Symposium are available by clicking here. The 2008 SEMA Internet Symposium is held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. For more information on the Gala and its related fundraising activities, click here.
New Council Name
The SEMA Board of Directors has approved Street Performance Council (SPC) as the replacement for the Sport-Compact Council (SCC) name. The council’s current Select Committee recommended the change to better serve its members in the extremely diverse street-performance industry. The council is committed to maintaining its mission statement and current objectives—to provide market information, education and support members concerning new and emerging trends. This council name represents a broader market and provides new growth and educational opportunities for the diverse council membership.
SPC Chairman Eric Breslow remarks, “As SEMA itself has expanded to include different facets of the automotive aftermarket, the street-performance parts manufacturers and distributors didn’t have an exclusive council representing their interests. Some gravitated to the Sport-Compact Council, but with our new name, member benefits and initiatives, we welcome those diverse companies with open arms.”
A Message From SPC Chairman Eric Breslow
Dear SPC Member:
In today's volatile economy, member companies must exploit every opportunity to get product messages in front of the end consumer and drive that all-important purchase dollar to their coffers. All levels of commerce have unprecedented access to product knowledge via the Internet. Take advantage of another exclusive SEMA-member benefit and attend the 2008 Internet Symposium, July 25, 2008, in Irvine, California.
Your SPC Select Committee has been busy developing this year's Internet Symposium. Thanks to attendee suggestions from last year, the day's events have been split into two separate tracks. One for people who are seeking a broad "50,000-ft." view of understanding how the Internet impacts an individual business, and a more focused track for in-depth Internet solutions.
It is the mission of SPC to make sure that our valued members have the first opportunity to sign up. Last year we sold out in just one week. For the schedule and online registration, click here.
See you in July.
Best regards,
Eric Breslow, SPC Chairman
SPC Column in SEMA Member News
Read SPC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
For information about SPC, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.
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Click on the logo to visit WTC's website.
Congratulations to the Newly Elected WTC Select Committee Members
- Linda Blumer - SenDel Wheel/TIRECO Inc.
- Barry Horlick - Voxx Products Inc.
- Jim Husted - Discount Tire Co.
- David Insull - American Tire Distributors
- Bob Riegel - Bridgestone/Firestone - Incumbent
- Carl Robinson - Mickey Thompson Performance Tires - Incumbent
- Brandon Stotsenburg - Mobile Awareness LLC - Incumbent
- Shelly Urwiler - Ultra Wheel
WTC Column in SEMA Member News
Read WTC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
For information about WTC, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.
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Click on the logo to visit YEN's website.
Congratulations to the Newly Elected YEN Select Committee Members
- Tim Watts - Superlift Suspension Systems - Incumbent
- Fred Snow - Hella Inc. - Incumbent
- Rachel Fernandez - TruXedo by Shur-Co Automotive
- Lee McGuire - Skyjacker Suspensions - Incumbent
Join YEN
Did you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has over 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.
SEMA Silent Auction
Efforts for the 2008 SEMA Silent Auction are beginning NOW! To learn more about the silent auction and how it has raised nearly $150,000 for SEMA scholarships in the last two years, visit the SEMA Silent Auction website at www.semasilentauction.com.
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 program, click here.
YEN Column in SEMA Member News
Read YEN's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
For information about YEN, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.
Emcee Dave McClelland hosts proceedings at the 2007 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser.
The annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser on Friday, July 25, serves to not only thank the association's outgoing Board members and welcome those newly elected, but also to announce the newest inductees into the SEMA Hall of Fame. This year's inductees are Raymond Bleiweis, Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Corky Coker and Bob Cook—an elite group of industry innovators and pioneers who have played a key role in the automotive specialty-equipment market.
This year's event is further underscored by a program of charitable fundraising activities that includes the Pinewood Drag Race Sponsored by Fellers and DUB Publishing and a silent auction.
Proceeds benefit SEMA's two chosen charities, Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp aids victims of child abuse and originally began receiving support from wheel manufacturers in 1994. It now garners significant contributions from a wide range of industry businesses.
Victory Junction Gang Camp, founded in 2004 by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, has received support from the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance and others in the industry. Victory Junction uses camping experiences in its racing-themed facilities to enrich the lives of children who suffer from chronic medical conditions or illnesses.
Tickets and details for the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, including a schedule of activities and auction donation forms, are available at www.sema.org/gala or by contacting Lisa Moreno at lisam@sema.org or 909/396-0289, ext. 105.
Charity Auction
Finally, SEMA will host a live and silent auction during the banquet, with auction items ranging from sports memorabilia to a 2006 Victory motorcycle owned and donated by Kyle Petty. To donate an item, contact Tricia Ward at triciaw@sema.org. Some of the items include:
Kyle Petty's 2006 Victory Jackpot motorcycle. Donated by Kyle Petty Charity Ride.
Gibson Les Paul Custom electric guitar with Motor Trend-branded pearl-inlaid ebony fretboard. The guitar features a one-piece mahogany neck, mahogany body, carved maple top and Gibson 490R and 498T humbucker pickups. Includes Gibson Custom Shop hardshell case. One of only 15 Motor Trend-branded Les Paul Customs made. Donated by Motor Trend.
Original reproduction go kart—'93 Camaro, Official Pace Car of the 77th Indy 500. Donated by Mark Vogt, Classic Industries, on behalf of ARMO.
Brett Favre-autographed Wilson football. Donated by Rick Rollins.
Peyton Manning-autographed Wilson football. Donated by Motorola.
Lawrence Taylor-autographed Wilson football. Donated by Motorola.
Trick Your Truck Package, including accessories from Mickey Thompson, Superlift Suspension Systems, Rampage Products, Bushwacker and more.
Greer Black Dragster replica, 1:6 scale and over 28 inches long. Donated by GMP Die Cast.
2x8 advertising space for one year on the guardwall of Virginia Motorsports Park's dragstrip, home of the Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals. Donated by Virginia Motorsports Park.
Subaru Impreza Precision Diecast replica of the car that raced in the 2004 Super Taikyu Enurance Series in Japan. This 1/43-scale diecast is painstakingly detailed down the brake calipers and sponsor logos of the original (click here for more). Also offered is the E10 R/C drift car and the Wheely King 4x4 R/C monster truck. Donated by HPI Racing.
General Mills "Salute to Petty" Hot Wheels diecast cars, case signed by Richard Petty. Donated by Victory Junction Gang Camp.
12-band Maximum Performance digital radar/laser detector with full-color Extreme Bright DataGraphix display. Donated by Cobra Electronics.
A signed copy of How to Wire Your Hot Rod by author Dennis Overholser. Donated by Dennis Overholser of Painless Performance.
Motorola T305 portable Bluetooth hands-free kit. Donated by Motorola.
Accura 1 Digital Tire Inflation Gauge. Donated by PCL Air Technology.
(6) Clean Breeze Truck Screens. Donated by Clean Breeze Truck Screens.
Floorshift Tilt column (2-inch diameter, 32-inch length), polished stainless steel universal joints, Water Fall steering wheel, Water Feel steering wheel adapter, 18-inch stainless steel shaft. Donated by Flaming River Industries.
GT Toolboxes Model 111 Toolbox Hutch, size 26 x 66 x 33 with 58,375 cu in volume. Donated by GT Toolboxes.
Pilot GPS Navigation system, featuring 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD, 12,000,000 points of interest, visual- and voice-prompt turn-by-turn navigation with auto map zoom. Donated by Pilot Automotive.
2006 Budweiser/Lucas Oil TF Team crew uniform shirt signed by Kenny and Brandon Bernstein. Donated by Kenny Bernstein Racing.
40th Anniversary Summit Racing Equipment leather jacket. Donated by Summit Racing Equipment.
Charlie One Horse Hat personally worn and autographed by Richard Petty. Donated by Petty Enterprises.
Cycling jersey autographed by Tim Johnson, reigning U.S. Cyclocross Champion. Donated by LEER, Truck Accessories Group.
Pair of Maui Jim sunglasses. Donated by Joel Ayres.
Stuhrling Apocalypse Skeleton 160A Men's watch with manual self-winding mechanical movement, stainless steel case and 22mm tapered silicon rubber strap.
Wireless remote controlled searchlight. Donated by Golight Inc.
'55 Chevy neon clock. Donated by Southern Speed & Custom.
"The Morning Rush Hour" framed print. Donated by 1-800-EveryRim.com.
Original pencil drawing of a post-war-styled hot rod going flat out on dry lake bed. Used as cover art of SEMA News magazine, May 2008. Donated by artist Colby Martin.
Large painting of Wally Parks from the 2007 SEMA Show Banquet. Donated by SEMA.
"They Call It Detroit"— limited-edition print, framed, numbered and signed by Ken Eberts. Donated by Ken Eberts, Robert Larivee Sr. and Hot Rod Heritage Fine Arts.
(3) framed and signed Bonneville salt flats photos with (3) certificates for one year of advertising (468x60 banner) on partsdepartment.tv website. Donated by Parts Department TV.
Racing poster from the 1980 Indy 500, framed and signed by Vince Granatelli. Donated by Hayward, Tilton & Rolapp Insurance Associates Inc.
Original painting by Christine Breeze of Breeze Art Scottsdale. Donated by Childhelp.
The Ultimate "My Classic Car" Gift Pack: Premium "My Classic Car" goods, including a set of (6) Matchbox cars, DVD sets of 2006 and 2007 episodes, Legendary Fords DVD, autographed photo of Dennis Gage and more. Donated by Bradley David Productions.
Certificate for five-hour Performance Driving Course. Check www.bondurant.com for details. Donated by Bob Bondurant High Performance School of Driving.
Gift certificate for 50% off Borla stainless steel exhaust products. Donated by Borla Performance Industries.
(4) Saturday Top Eliminator Club tickets (TEC) and (1) TEC parking pass for either the 2008 Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals or the 2009 Carquest Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, VIP tour and a ride in the Full Throttle Express. Donated by NHRA.
(4) tickets to Los Angeles Dodgers game (vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, August 2, 7 p.m.) at Dodger Stadium. Preferred parking included. Donated by Joe Sebergandio/Motor Media Inc.
A family or individual portrait sitting plus one 16x20 canvas wall portrait. Also, a family or individual portrait sitting plus one 11x14 canvas wall portrait. Donated by Bradford Renaissance Portraits.
(2) tickets to "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Donated by SEMA Cares committee.
(2) complimentary dinners at Benihana at the Las Vegas Hilton. Donated by the Las Vegas Hilton.
(2) complimentary dinners at Casa Nicola Restaurant. Donated by Las Vegas Hilton.
(2) nights for two at Cibolo Creek Ranch, Big Bend, Texas. Meals included. Donated by Leer Truck Accessories Group/Cibolo Creek Ranch.
Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas—3-day/2-night package. Donated by Planet Hollywood.
Get Your Empties First at the 2008 SEMA Show certificate. Donated by Freeman.
Other items include:
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A reserved spot on the 2009 Kyle Petty Ride Across America motorcycle ride (includes [9] nights hotel accommodations, fuel for [1] motorcycle at all pit stops—motorcycle not included—all scheduled meals, and a commemorative designer leather jacket). Donated by Kyle Petty Charity Ride.
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Voiceover services for 5- to 7-minute video production for use as point-of-purchase display, product explanation and demonstration, booth exhibit at trade show, product installation, etc. (winning bidder provides copy). Donated by Dave McClelland.
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Voiceover services for a telephone answering device, with opening greeting and any other necessary announcements regarding hours of operation, forwarding to extensions, etc. (winning bidder provides copy). Donated by Dave McClelland.
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Private viewing of the Smith Collection, the world’s largest collection of vintage to exotic racing engines, cars, speed equipment, pedal cars and more, at the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska. Tour guided by Bill “Speedy” Smith for (2) groups of four guests (same-day tour required). Includes lunch. Donated by Bill and Joyce Smith.
- Package for two to the 2009 Childhelp Drive the Dream Gala, including dinner, drinks and entertainment, (2) VIP passes to the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction (January 11–18), and (2) nights stay at Marriott in Scottsdale, Arizona. Donated by Childhelp.
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Two (2) front stretch tower grandstand tickets to the 2009 Shootout Under the Lights at Daytona International Speedway (February 14, 2009). Includes (2) admissions into the Sprint Fanzone located in the infield. Donated by Daytona International Speedway.
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Gift basket including (2) shirts, $500 gift certificate, Mother’s bucket of detailing items and a custom-painted bowling pin. Donated by L&G Enterprises.
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Horizon 4 Mammoth Lakes condominium rental. One-bedroom condo for 7 nights; sleeps four and includes a spa, pool and tennis court. Located near shops, restaurants and across the street from bus stop for Mammoth Mountain. Donated by the Marx Group.
- GPI (Great Plains Industries) Bulk Oil transfer pump, 115v and 16 quarts-per-minute flow rate. Includes hose, nozzle and suction pipe (intended use: dispensing non-flammable fluids, such as waste oil, hydraulic fluids, antifreeze and oil-based solvents). Mounts directly to tanks or barrels. Donated by GPI.
- (2) Half-hour golf lessons with pro Scott Miller at North Ranch Country Club, Westlake Village, California. Donated by Scott Miller/PGA.
- (2) daily tickets to any two days of the 2008 Chevron World Challenge Event (December 18–21, 2008) at Sherwood Country Club. For more details, click here. Donated by Joe Reda, Tiger Woods Foundation.
- Thermal Flex high-performance silicone hose (winning bidder contacts Thermal Flex for desired sizes and colors). Donated by Thermal Flex.
- (4) Safe-T-Boost, The Intelligent Booster Cable System, units. Donated by Autoeffex.com.
- Certificate for a World Class Driving Experience for a driver and passenger (restrictions apply). List of likely cars includes Audi R8, Ferrari F430 and Mercedes SLR McLaren. Donated by Source Interlink Media.
- Certificate for the Richard Petty Driving Experience, applicable to any Driving Experience, Ride-Along, or souvenir purchase at any of 23 tracks nationwide. For more info, visit www.1800bepetty.com. Donated by Petty Enterprises.
- SPEEDcat Express—allows manufacturers to create and present e-commerce-compliant data to consumers directly through Digital Performance's Shopping Guide Network. Donated by Digital Performance.
- Two-piece Race Ramps. Strong, lightweight with a textured surface, and with all of the features of the 56-inch design in convenient two-piece package. Donated by Race Ramps–Brute Industries.
- One single-angle custom illustration of a vehicle done on 14x17-inch heavyweight paper and shipped in a protective tube (shipping included). Donated by Cars By Chris.
- Steve Young-autographed football. Donated by Childhelp.
- Jimmy Johnson-autographed football. Donated by SEMA.
Filler for eNews
Filler for eNews
The SEMA Store is running a series of promotions through the end of August on merchandise from the 2007 SEMA Show.
The current promotion: From July 16 through July 22, the SEMA Store is offering 25% off on all SEMA Show hats, plus free shipping on orders of $50.00 or more. There are several styles of premium quality adjustable caps available, each featuring the SEMA Show name.
For more information, visit www.semastore.com.
SEMA Show exhibitors: Get some extra company exposure at the 2008 SEMA Show by offering your products to builders through the SEMA Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. Included each week in SEMA eNews, the list is accessed by hundreds of builders seeking the pieces that add extra flair to their project vehicles. Product placement opportunities such as this are so beneficial that many exhibitors offer products for free or at a greatly reduced rate.
To place your product in the list, submit the form included with the SEMA Show Exhibitor Prospectus. Or, send your company name, a brief product description, your SEMA Show booth number and contact information to eNews@sema.org and put “Product List” in the e-mail subject line. Remember, builders will contact you directly, so make sure your contact information is accurate. New submissions will be included every week. Each submission appears in eNews once and then is moved to the SEMA.org website. Check out all the products offered by clicking here.
Here are this week's offerings from exhibitors:
Engine/Underhood Components
Whiteline Automotive: Go Fast Bits blow off valves, wastegates, turbo fuse, short shift kits, lightweight aluminum pulley kits. Contact: Glenn Dirkse, glennd@globalperformanceparts.com. Website: www.globalperformanceparts.com.
Exterior Components/Accessories
Bedslide: Bedslide sliding cargo-management systems; five models available for pickups, vans, trailers, SUV and service bodies. Contact: David McInturf, davidmc@bedslide.com, 541/842-2771. Website: www.bedslide.com.
DiamondBack Truck Covers: DiamondBack HD, ATV Solutions systems, Commercial Solutions systems, the Standard Edition cover, and the new Rhino Cover. Contact: info@diamondbackcovers.com, 800/935-4002. www.diamondbackcovers.com.
Husky Liners: Custom-molded floor and cargo liners and mud guards, heavy-duty floor mats, paint protection film, storage boxes, decorative chrome vents, hummer accessories, aluminum accessories and reproduction vintage signs. Contact: Tina Henry, thenry@huskyliners.com or 620/221-2268 ext. 138. Website: www.huskyliners.com
Koneta Inc.: ProTecta® Heavyweight bedmats, and the officially licensed Harley-Davidson Bedmat. Contact: Sarah Stechman, 800/331-0775, sarahstechman@konetainc.com. Website: www.konetainc.com.
Pace Edwards: Retractable truck bed tonneau covers. Contact: Jodi Hoebing, jhoebing@paceedwards.com, 800/338-3697, ext. 216. Website: www.paceedwards.com.
Xsighting Lighting: Limited number of high-performance HID lighting products available, including bi-function HID headlamp kits for 2005 through current-model Mustangs (V6, GT and GT500), and bi-function HID 7-inch and 5¾-inch modules (mostly for Jeeps, Hot Rods, Bikes, Customs, etc.). Contact: Dave david.egly@valeo.sylvania.com. Website: www.xsighting.com.
Suspension/Brake Components
Whiteline Automotive: Whiteline Flat Out heavy-duty adjustable sway bars, spherical rod end links, heavy-duty alloy strut tower braces, Max-C adjustable strut tops, adjustable roll center/bump steer kits and Whiteline’s anti-lift/caster kits. Contact: Glenn Dirkse, glennd@globalperformanceparts.com. Website: www.globalperformanceparts.com.