LAWSUIT: Former NASCAR official Mauricia Grant is suing the sanctioning body for $250 million, claiming racial and sexual discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination.

SUMMERNATIONALS: The UMP Summernationals for dirt late models kicks off this week. The event in its 20th year, features 26 races in 31 days.

NEW DIRECTOR: Bob Baker has been tabbed as the new executive director of the national Sprint Car Hall of Fame, replacing Tom Schmeh, who has moved to the position of museum curator.

PETTY NEWS: Petty Enterprises announced a partnership with Boston Ventures and the resigning of driver Bobby Labonte.

FIRST-TIMER: Robert Kubica won the Canadian Grand Prix, becoming the first Polish driver to win a Formula One race. He also claimed the lead in the World Driving Championship standings.

POWER RANKINGS: With his third victory of the season IndyCar Series point-leader Scott Dixon moved to the top of 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

SCHUMACHER COLLECTS FOURTH WIN OF SEASON IN FRONT OF HOME CROWD; PEDREGON, K.J., RIVAS ALSO WIN IN WINDY CITY: In his hometown on his home track, Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher proved why he’s a four-time defending POWERade Series world champion, winning his fourth event of the season at the Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Chicago. After collecting his third No. 1 qualifier of the season, Schumacher drove his U.S. Army dragster past the likes of Bob Vandergriff, Hillary Will, Doug Herbert and Rod Fuller in his third win at Route 66 Raceway. It was his 45th career win which ties him for 8th place on the all-time NHRA POWERade Series victories list with former Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Dave Schultz.
      In Funny Car, after coming back from an explosion during qualifying, defending POWERade Series world champion Tony Pedregon raced his Q Horsepower Chevy Impala SS past Scott Kalitta to pick up his second win of the season and third at the Chicago-area track. With the win, Pedregon moved from tied for sixth place in the point standings to fifth.
    In Pro Stock, Kurt Johnson also picked up his second win of the season and third at Route 66 Raceway. Johnson currently sits at the top of the point standings with a 36-point lead over second place driver and Chicago runner-up Jeg Coughlin. Chris Rivas grabbed his first career win this weekend in Pro Stock Motorcycle, racing his G-Squared/S&S Racing Buell past Craig Treble.
    For more results from the Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals, visit www.nhra.com.

NHRA SELECTS EDELMAN TO TARGET PUBLIC RELATIONS INITIATIVES: To aid its national public relations campaign, the NHRA announced last week that it has retained public relations agency Edelman to provide support and counsel for the world’s largest motorsports organization. Edelman will be charged with increasing the sanctioning body’s national profile through the strategic placement of the NHRA brand at high-profile events and with influential media on a consistent, ongoing basis, while the NHRA’s internal media relations team will continue to manage the race-to-race event publicity and promotion.
    For more on Edelman and the NHRA’s relationship with the public relations agency, visit www.nhra.com.

CONSTRUCTION NEARING END AT zMAX DRAGWAY @ CONCORD: With the inaugural NHRA Carolinas Nationals four months away, construction of the zMAX Dragway @ Concord has kicked in to high gear at the 125-acre facility.
    Some of the progress seen at the new dragstrip includes: the second of two pedestrian tunnels underneath the strip to be completed this week; the steel and aluminum framework on the John Force Grandstand; the main grandstand on the drivers’ left, completed; and the construction on the exterior of the starting-line tower nearing completion.
    For more photos of the construction, visit www.nhra.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

LUCAS OIL NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, JUNE 19–22: The drivers of the NHRA POWERade Series return to this historic track in New Jersey. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Tommy Johnson Jr. (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Craig Treble (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, JUNE 26–29: Heading back to Norwalk for the second annual event, drivers in all four categories have a chance to build up the points needed before the end of the regular season. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Mike Ashley (Funny Car); Dave Connolly (Pro Stock); and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

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).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

A WIN 49 EVENTS IN THE MAKING: Collecting his first career win this past Sunday at the Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Route 66 Nationals, Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Chris Rivas described the emotions that come with waiting so long for that first Wally: “I’ve been waiting for this for such a long time and felt I was so past due in getting this. We did so good so early with my other team that I felt like we would be dangerous all the time.
    "When I went with Matt Smith and the Torco team (in 2007), I thought that would be it. It didn’t happen. When G2 Motorsports called me and George Smith talked to me about riding, I thought, ‘This is it for sure. If I can’t do it with this team, I might as well retire.’”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

6.871: The national E.T. record for Pro Stock Motorcycle set by Angelle Sampey at last year’s event in Englishtown. The last time Raceway Park held a national record was in 2004 when Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Andrew Hines ran a 7.016 for the national E.T. record. That record was then broken by Hines in Sonoma one year later.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the first NHRA national event held at Raceway Park was in 1968, when the NHRA held the Springnationals at the historic track. The NHRA national event tour returned in 1971 with the Summernationals and the track has been on the NHRA POWERade Series tour ever since.

For more information, visit www.nhra.com.

Advanstar Communications appointed Krista McNamara to managing editor of Aftermarket Business magazine. Most recently McNamara was associate editor for Advanstar’s DVM Newsmagazine. “Krista brings immense experience developing feature, news and investigative stories from her work with Advanstar’s award-winning publication in the veterinary medicine field,” said Larry Silvey, editor-in-chief of Aftermarket Business and group editorial director for Advanstar Automotive. “We are fortunate to have a strong journalist join our staff, who can help us immediately in providing relevant content for our readers.”

The Advertising Federation of Fargo-Moorhead, North Dakota (FMADFED), recognized Agri-Cover Inc. (ACI) with a Silver ADDY Award in the audio/visual sales promotion category. ACI’s promotional product video for the ACCESS Roll-Up Cover was honored with the award for 2008. ACI worked closely with Sundog of Fargo, North Dakota, to create and produce the video, which has been broadcasted regionally and nationally, as well as online at www.agricover.com.

 
Agri-Cover Inc. earned a Silver ADDY in the audio/visual sales promotion category from the Advertising Federation of Fargo-Moorhead, North Dakota.

The Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous 2008 Cruisin’ Hall of Fame Inductees are Bill Hines aka “The Leadslinger” in the Builder/Designer Category; Justice Brothers Car Care Products Inc. in the Manufacturer/Vehicle Category; the '68 Ford Mustang in the Media Category; and Inland Vans Berdoo in the Historical/Misc. category. “The Route 66 Rendezvous Cruisin’ Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those who have made a significant contribution to the automotive industry and the uniquely American cultural phenomenon of cruising,” stated Wayne Austin, president and CEO of The San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau (SBCVB).
    A landmark area called the “Route 66 Plaza,” was created just outside City Hall as a backdrop for the Cruisin' Hall of Fame.  A specially designated wall, with a map of “America’s Main Street,” serves as the actual monument. The inductees will be honored at the Cruisin’ Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony on Friday, September 19, 2008 at the Hilton San Bernardino, 285 E. Hospitality Lane at 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.route-66.org.

Wise Industries Inc. and Brumark have entered into an agreement that made Brumark the exclusive distributor of Wise Industries Trade Show Floor to the United States and Mexico. Brumark will brand Wise's interlocking foam tiles as BruLock Carpet Tiles and will sell them to design houses and exhibit distributors.
 
Hurst Jaws of Life renewed its sponsorship of the NHRA by agreeing to a new three-year agreement through which Hurst will be titled as the “Official Rescue Tool of the NHRA.”  As part of the agreement, the NHRA will use Hurst Jaws of Life at all of its events nationwide. Hurst plans to show the capabilities of the rescue tools at select NHRA events during its POWERade Series schedule in 2008. Attendees at the NHRA races will see live demonstrations of the hydraulic tools in action.

Click the logo to visit SPC's website.

Nominations for SPC Select Committee Due Friday, June 20

Last month, the SEMA Board of Directors voted to approve a name change for the Sport Compact Council (SCC). The renamed Street Performance Council (SPC) is looking for new select committee members to form the direction of the council. The SPC membership roster is made up of manufacturers, WDs, jobbers and media, all catering to the largest group within SEMA. This council is poised to become the largest most active council, and broad-thinking enthusiastic individuals looking to give back to their industry are going to make that a reality.

Being on the SPC Select Committee involves one conference call a month and one face-to-face long-range planning meetings (typically in January.) It also includes actively participating in the formation of new and innovative educational programs, such as SPC’s Internet Symposium—an event geared at helping member companies adapt to the selling landscape. Nominations are due Friday, June 20. Act fast! E-mail Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org or call 909/396-0289, ext. 112.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

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.

Exhibitors: 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.

Check out the all the products offered by clicking here.

Here are the latest offerings from exhibitors:

Engine/Underhood Components

AMSOIL: Synthetic fludis, oil, oil filters, anti-freeze, brake fluid, etc. Contact: Brian Fox: thefoxfoundation@aol.com, 717/718-5505. Website: www.amsoil.com.  

K&N Engineering Inc.: Intake systems, air filters, oil filters, custom assemblies and hood scoops. Contact: Richard Blum, RichardB@KNfilters.com, 951/826-4115.

Mishimoto Automotive: A high-quality cooling company with high-performance radiators for domestic and import applications. Contact: Brian Fox, thefoxfoundation@aol.com 717-718-5505. Website: www.mishimoto.com.

S & B Filters: Full line of cold air intake systems, air filters and other products. All intakes utilize a closed airbox and clear lid that can be engraved for your show vehicle at no charge. Cold air intake applications include gas and diesel trucks, plus domestic late-model performance vehicles. Air filters are available for nearly all models of cars, trucks and motorcycles. Contact: Jay Crouch, jcrouch@sbfilters.com, 909/947-0015, ext. 233. Website: www.sbfilters.com.

TurboChargers.com: Turbos for performance import and domestic applications. New parts of GT-R, EVO X, STI, EVO 9, 997, and diesel truck applications. Contact: Brian Fox, thefoxfoundation@aol.com, 717/718-5505. Website: www.turbochargers.com, www.artisanperformance.com.  

Exterior Components/Accessories

BASF Refinish: High-end Glasurit line, R-M Carizzma Candy and flat paint. We will provide primers, color and clear.  Contact: Brian Fox, thefoxfoundation@aol.com, 717/718-5505. Website:  www.basfrefinish.com, www.carizzmacolors.com.

DualLiner: Real Truck Bed Protection System available for most fullsize Ford, GM and Dodge Trucks. Contact: Bryndon@DualLiner.com, 800/992-1949. Website: www.DualLiner.com. 

Interior Components/Accessories

Digital Designs: Above-entry level coaxials to ultra-high-end, German-made components; custom, hand-built, American-made subwoofers and above-entry amplifiers to ultra-high-end tube amps. Custom subwoofers to match anything can be built for your no-compromises vehicles. Heavily discounted rates available. Contact: Steve Milton, steve@ddaudio.com, 405/239-2800.

Gennie Shifter: Complete line of shift knobs for late-model Jeeps and most late-model imports. Gennie fits metric and SAE shifters with threads for standard or automatic transmissions. The universal adapter makes installation to any stick with no threads possible. Contact: Race Ruedisueli: Race@StreamlineUS.com, 866/8-Go-Rods. Website: www.Gennieshifter.com.

Roadawg Customs: 14–18-inch steering wheels. Sixty-plus styles available. Contact: Al Manes, 562/602-0080. Website:  www.roadawgcustoms.com. 

Wheels & Tires

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.: Broad range of premium tires for high-performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs. Contact: Stan Chen, ChenS@toyotires.com, 800/678-3250. Website: www.toyo.com. 

The 2008 SEMA Show is scheduled November 4–7 in Las Vegas. Complete Show information is available at www.SEMAShow.com.  

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

>> SEMA Webinar: SEMA Show: Money Well Spent for Your Business!, June 12, 10:00 a.m. (PST)
>> SEMA Webinar: Best Practices & the Future of Email as a Marketing Tool, June 19, 10:00 a.m. (PST)
>> PAACE Automechanika Mexico, July, 9–11, 2008, Mexico City
>> 2008 Aftermarket eForum, July 14–16, 2008, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Chicago
>> SEMA Internet Symposium, July 25, Irvine, California
>> SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 25, Irvine, California
>> SEMA Show 2008, November 4–7, 2008, Las Vegas  

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The specialty-equipment market is not always directly affected by new-car sales as evidenced by the latest SEMA survey. SEMA’s monthly Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI) showed a one percent increase in the three-month moving average for consumers who are planning to modify a pickup. This means that even after a 32% drop in new-pickup sales in May 2008 compared to one year ago, pickups still dominate the specialty-equipment market share.

There may be an explanation for pickups keeping their popularity while the automakers struggle to make sales in this segment. Current pickup-owners are keeping their trucks longer due to the high cost of buying a new one, so personalizing their older pickups with specialty equipment helps to improve the performance and appearance. Also, a May 2008 SEMA survey directed at automotive enthusiasts showed an average age of 46 years old and the average income was in excess of $96,700.

The age and income coincides with what auto dealers are saying about pickup sales. James Coleman of Plainview Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Plainview, Texas, says, “About 60%–70% of our business is pickups. It’s the Baby Boomers and maturing families that buy pickups.”

The light-truck market is important for the specialty-equipment industry. In 2007, the light-truck niche accounted for 42.3% of all manufacturer sales. This is out of nine niches and by far the largest, almost doubling the manufacturers’ sales volume of the sport-compact niche. This also gives insight into the specialty-equipment market by showing that it is not affected as much by external forces. The specialty-equipment market is built on enthusiasts that are less deterred as much by external economical forces.

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

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