Filler for eNews

Alleviating the mounting cost pressure of health care premiums on SEMA members and their workers remains a top SEMA priority. Legislation that would have permitted trade associations to offer small-business health plans (SBHPs) based on national pooling arrangements was narrowly defeated in 2006. Federal lawmakers are still seeking a consensus approach to resolve issues that produced the stalemate two years ago, such as conflicts over federal/state oversight and requiring minimum policy mandates. 

A new proposal was recently introduced that may provide relief. Entitled the “Small Business Health Options Act” (SHOP), the legislation is a variation on the SEMA-supported SBHP bill, with the added benefit of a tax credit. The bill is described below.

SEMA is now working with the Small Business Health Plan Coalition, sponsored by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) to study the legislation. Lawmakers are expected to schedule hearings and votes on the bill later this year, although enactment of any major health care reform legislation into law may not occur until 2009 or beyond due to the upcoming elections. SEMA will keep you posted on any new developments.

For additional information on this topic, please contact Brian Duggan in the SEMA Washington, D.C., office: briand@sema.org.

Pooling: The SHOP Act would provide coverage for small businesses (defined as up to 100 employees) and the self-employed through expanded private health insurance pools. It would be phased-in over a five-year period. Pooling would begin at the state level and then expand to national pools offering private health insurance through a program administered by the federal government. The pooling arrangements are aimed at reducing costs by spreading risk, administrative efficiencies and economies of scale (SBHPs would achieve the same goals, but the pooling arrangements would be created by trade associations rather than the state/federal government).

Tax Credits: The SHOP Act would provide a tax credit to help offset the cost of health coverage. Small employers who pay at least 60% of the premium would receive a tax credit of up to $1,000 for each covered employee ($2,000 for family coverage). The full credit would be available to the smallest employers (10 or fewer employees) and would be phased down as the size of the employer increases, up to a maximum of 50 employees (The SBHP legislation would not provide tax credits).

Rating Reforms: SHOP’s rating reforms should make premiums more stable and affordable from year-to-year. It would be illegal to base ratings on health status or claims experience, and other tight rating restrictions would apply to other issues, such as age, location and industry.   

Administrative Improvements: Statewide and nationwide purchasing pools would offer a wide range of health plan choices, facilitate plan comparisons and provide one-stop shopping for small businesses. SHOP’s nationwide purchasing pool would offer private health plans that cover the entire nation, in addition to plans that operate only in a single state or area. Trade associations would serve as “navigators” to advertise the health insurance programs and help member companies enroll in the state/federal insurance pools.

SEMA defeated two Hawaii bills that sought to tax vehicle owners in an attempt to reduce motor-vehicle emissions. The first bill would have imposed a new-car surcharge tax, which would have escalated based on carbon emissions. Depending on the vehicle purchased, this surcharge could have required owners to pay up to $2,500 more for the vehicle.

The second bill would have established a progressive fee for state motor vehicles based on engine size. These fees would be collected by the state at the time of initial vehicle registration and at subsequent renewals of registration. These fees would be in addition to fees and taxes normally required for registration or renewal. SEMA supports a national solution to greenhouse gas emissions control. A patchwork of state rules would significantly increase the complexity and cost of compliance for the industry.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA defeated a bill in the Vermont State Senate that would have implemented a vehicle scrappage program and financed it with a progressive purchase and use tax and higher registration fees for some new motor vehicles based on fuel-efficiency ratings. Funds collected under the program would have been used to dismantle vehicles deemed by the state to be “clunkers,” regardless of their historical value or collector interest.

If this effort had been successful, purchasing the vehicle of choice could have been significantly more costly. Further, this proposed scrappage program could have denied hobbyists the availability of vintage cars and parts for restoration projects.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Filler for eNews

IT’S OFFICIAL: Mark Martin will return to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on a full-time basis, as the fourth driver for Hendrick Motorsports next season. Martin will steer the No. 5 Chevrolet as a teammate to Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

MAJOR MOVE: In an unprecedented move, the NHRA has mandated that races in the nitro-burning Top Fuel and Funny Car divisions will be run at 1,000 feet instead of the traditional 1,320 (quarter-mile) beginning this weekend at Bandimere Speedway near Denver. The temporary move has been taken to give NHRA more time to find other ways to slow down cars in the wake of Scott Kalitta’s death at Englishtown, New Jersey, last month.

NO CLASSIC: The PRI Sprint & Midget Classic, a three-year staple during the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, will not be held this season. The race is expected to return in December of 2009.

COMEBACK TRAIL: Racer Shane Hmiel is slowly making a comeback from drug dependency. He discusses his problems and his struggle to return to racing in this week’s (July 9) National Speed Sport News.

THE FIRST: Ryan Hunter-Reay picked up his first IndyCar Series victory at Watkins Glen International. Ray, however, was a two-time winner in the Champ Car World Series.

NEW SPONSOR: IZOD has signed on as the official apparel sponsor of the Indy Racing League.

ALL TIED UP: After nine races, the Formula One World Championship standings is a three-way tie among Lewis Hamilton, who won his home nation British Grand Prix Sunday, Felipe Massa and defending champion Kimi Raikkonen. Robert Kubica is only two points behind that trio.

POWER RANKINGS: Kyle Busch and Donny Schatz swapped the top spot in the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings again. Busch’s dramatic victory at Daytona International Speedway pushed him ahead of Schatz, who won his 10th race of the season. 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

NHRA SHORTENS RACE DISTANCE TO 1,000 FEET FOR TOP FUEL AND FUNNY CAR CLASSES: As the investigation continues into the tragic accident that killed driver Scott Kalitta, NHRA announced today that beginning at the Mopar Mile High Nationals in Denver, both the Top Fuel and Funny Car classes will race to 1,000 feet instead of the traditional 1,320-foot quarter mile. This is an interim step taken while the NHRA continues to analyze and determine whether changes should be made to build upon the sport's long standing safety record, given the inherent risks and ever-present dangers associated with the sport.
    This interim change was made by the NHRA in collaboration with professional race teams. The NHRA believes that racing the Top Fuel and Funny Car classes to 1,000 feet will allow NHRA and the racing community time to evaluate, analyze and implement potential changes based on the safety initiatives outlined last week. With the change, fans will still be able to enjoy the sights, sounds and thrill of NHRA nitro racing with speeds around 300 MPH and quick elapsed times to 1,000 feet.
    Over the years, the NHRA has implemented many initiatives to enhance safety, including measures to limit speeds from increasing, personal protective gear, vehicle improvements and track enhancements such as sand traps, catch nets and concrete barriers the entire length of the drag strip. This is the first time in NHRA history that competition in Top Fuel and Funny Car will be contested at a distance of 1,000 feet, instead of the traditional 1,320 feet.
    Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle and all Lucas Oil Series sportsman categories will continue to compete in the full quarter-mile. National record performances in Top Fuel and Funny Car will not be officially recorded, and bonus points for setting national elapsed time records in the two nitro categories will not be available.

SHOWDOWN IN THE WILD WEST—TEAMS GET READY FOR FAMED WESTERN SWING: With only six races left before the end of the regular season and a cutoff spot for the top 10 drivers, many drivers in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season know that now is the time to make a stand if they want a shot at the POWERade world championship titles. And what better spot to do so than on the famed three-race stretch known as the Western Swing?
    Competing in three races over three weeks, beginning with the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals this week in Denver, moving over to the Schuck’s Auto Supply NHRA Nationals in Seattle the following week, and finishing in two weeks with the FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals in Sonoma, California, the historic trek combines long hours, hot temperatures and non-stop action for teams and fans alike.
    Many teams know that it’s these three weeks in the hot summer month of July that can either make or break your chances at a POWERade Series world championship. Top Fuel teammates Morgan Lucas and J.R. Todd are looking for success during this year’s Swing. Both sit 11th and 12th respectively in the point standings.
    Funny Car’s Jack Beckman came close to sweeping last year’s Western Swing, picking up wins in both Denver and Seattle, but suffered a first round loss at Sonoma. Currently sitting 13th, Beckman needs to channel his success from last year if he hopes to crack the Top 10 before Indy. Dave Connolly also hopes to see the same success during this year’s Swing that he saw in the past.
    Picking up a win in Seattle and a semifinal finish in Sonoma last year, Connolly hopes similar success will help push him into that 10th spot in the point standings.

SCHUMACHER AND ASHLEY FORCE NOMINATED FOR 2008 ESPY AWARDS: NHRA POWERade Series five-time world champion Tony Schumacher and Funny Car sensation Ashley Force have both been nominated for awards at this year’s 2008 ESPYs. Force was nominated for the ESPY Hummer Like Nothing Else award, which recognizes athletes who have attained unique accomplishments in their respective sports.
    Competing against Force for the award will be Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez, Pittsburgh Penguins scoring machine Sidney Crosby and former NFL player George Martin. Schumacher was nominated for the ESPY Best Driver award after winning his fifth POWERade Series world championship last season. Joining Schumacher on the ESPY ballot are NASCAR drivers Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch, former IRL driver Dario Franchitti, Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton and IRL driver Scott Dixon.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS, BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY, JULY 11–13: The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series returns to the Mile-High city for the beginning of the Western Swing and 50th anniversary of Bandimere Speedway. Defending event winners include Rod Fuller (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); Allen Johnson (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

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). 

HE SAID, SHE SAID

FOCUS ON NEW FINISHING LINE: Funny Car driver Del Worsham describes what the interim 1,000-feet racing will be like for the drivers and the fans at the Mopar Mile-High Nationals near Denver.
    “Now, with the finish line being moved to 1,000 feet, it's going to be a new challenge to get our brains dialed-in to where we shut the cars off. When you race at a track for a long time, you have a sort of automatic knowledge of where the finish line is, so we're going to have to ignore the scoreboards and look for those 1,000-foot timing blocks until we get used to this.
    "It's still a long way down there, I promise you that, and we'll still be going fast enough that you have to know what you're doing. You can't just look around at 290 or 300 mph, wondering where you are. It all happens way too fast to be doing that.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

5: The number of drivers who have swept the Western Swing: 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).

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the famed Western Swing began in 1989. Though Seattle and Sonoma were added to the schedule in 1988, Bandimere Speedway in Denver was closed that year for renovations.

This story was originally published in July 2008. For current industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announced that two-time defending IHRA Nitro Funny Car World Champion Dale Creasy Jr. is recovering at Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, after a leg injury suffered at the Rocky Mountain Nationals. Creasy’s lower left leg was severely injured during his semifinal match-up when his transmission failed.
     “The transmission was spinning,” Creasy said. “Something broke and it locked up. There was nothing I could do.” The doctors at Royal Alexandra spent five hours piecing Creasy’s lower left leg back together. The surgery was successful and Creasy will have a lengthy rehabilitation ahead of him. After the surgery he was able to move all his toes, which is a good sign.
     Cards and greetings can be sent to Creasy at this address: Dale Creasy Jr., 1550 Mallard’s Cove, Beecher, Illinois 60401.

Superior Industries International Inc. promoted Parveen Kakar to senior vice president of corporate engineering and product development. Kakar joined Superior in 1989 and most recently served as the company’s vice president of program development.

ASC Industries Inc. selected Scott Swaldo for the newly formed position of senior vice president of operations. Swaldo is responsible for oversight of all ASC’s global operations, including North Canton, Mexico, Spain and China. He has been with ASC since 2001 and has been executive vice president and general manager of the North Canton facility since 2005. Previously, Swaldo was the vice president of procurement and human resources for ASC.

Permatex Inc. announced that it’s continuing the corporate sponsorship of the Follow A Dream Race Team as it competes in the NHRA Championship Top Alcohol Funny Car Series. Permatex has partnered with Jay Blake and his team since 2004. The Follow A Dream Racing Team has been winning at the Nationals level, despite the reality that its owner and crew chief, Jay Blake, is totally blind. Blake lost his eyesight in a tire explosion over nine years ago.

Internet Pioneering Inc. (IPI) acquired the assets of The Enthusiast Network LLC and recently formed a new company, TEN Media LLC. The company upgraded the TEN websites to enhance the visitor experience. IPI completed the purchase of The Enthusiast Network in April 2008. TEN’s 25-plus websites include up-to-the-minute industry news, in-depth features, easy navigation to past stories and simple access to the huge number of quality aftermarket products offered at IPI’s 16 consumer websites. 

The upcoming Aftermarket eForum, July 14–16, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago, was approved for continuing education credits (CEU) by Northwood University’s University of the Aftermarket. Aftermarket eForum attendees will earn 1.0 CEUs toward the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) certifications. The University of the Aftermarket provides business, management and leadership education to professionals in the motor-vehicle aftermarket. It is an operating unit of Northwood University, a private, nonprofit, accredited university specializing in managerial and entrepreneurial education offering four-year degrees in a variety of enterprise fields. For more information on the 2008 Aftermarket eForum, visit www.AftermarketeForum.com or contact Barbara Clark at 301/654-6664.

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 registration form is available for download 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 Jim to request a confirmation that your application has been received. The 2009 MPMC Media Trade Conference is scheduled for 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 and 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 (The receipt date of the 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

Click on the logo to visit ARMO's website.

ARMO Council Announces Election Results       
 
On 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:

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 jand@sema.org.

ARMO Column in SEMA Member News

Click on the logo to visit TORA's website.

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:

1. Making sure your web store is open for business
2. Secrets to marketing a highly effective website
3. How reps can help installers sell to car dealers
4. Your customer doesn’t live here any more
5. How manufacturers can communicate more effectively with distributors and customers
6. The mindset of leadership—timeless qualities of a successful leader
7. Lean Manufacturing—how to eliminate waste in manufacturing and distribution
8. Management strategies for the most challenging situations
9. Six Sigma—the secret weapon of success
10. Financial management for the non-financial manager
11. 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.

For information about the TORA, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@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 from all fundraising benefits 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.

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.

HPI Racing E10 R/C drift car, featuring a shaft drive 4WD system, independent suspension, slicks and a high-torque 540 motor (click here for more details). Also offered in the auction are the Wheely King 4x4 R/C monster truck and Subaru Impreza precision diecast. Donated by HPI Racing.

• (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.

• GT Toolboxes Model 111 Toolbox Hutch, size 26 x 66 x 33 with 58,375 cu in volume. Donated by GT Toolboxes. 

• (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 five-hour Performance Driving Course. Check www.bondurant.com for details. Donated by Bob Bondurant High Performance School of Driving.

• (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.
  

• 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.

• "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.

• Original reproduction pedal car—'93 Camaro, Official Pace Car of the 77th Indy 500. Donated by Classic Industries.

• Racing poster from the 1980 Indy 500, framed and signed by Vince Granatelli. Donated by Hayward, Tilton & Rolapp Insurance Associates Inc.

• (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.

• Gift certificate for 50% off Borla stainless steel exhaust products. Donated by Borla Performance Industries.