Filler for eNews

FOR SALE?: If Marathon Partners, the largest outside shareholder in Dover Motorsports, has its way, Dover International Speedway could be sold to Speedway Motorsports Inc. or International Speedway Corp. Marathon Partners sent a letter to the Dover board of directors asking it to consider a sale.

MIDGET MADNESS: National Speed Sport News celebrates the 75th anniversary of the first organized midget race, which was held June 4, 1933 in Sacramento, California, with a midget special section inside its weekly edition. As part of that section, NSSN readers vote the top 10 midget car drivers of all time.

INDUCTED: Glenn Fitzcharles, Brent Kaeding, Earl Wagner, Kramer Williamson, Bob Hampshire, Doug Howells, Louis Espinoza, Dick Jordan and John Padjen were inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame on May 31.

300: Ryan Briscoe earned his first IndyCar Series triumph Sunday at The Milwaukee Mile and, in the process, gave Team Penske its 300th auto-racing victory.

NEW BOSS: Marcus Smith, the son of Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chairman Bruton Smith, was named president of SMI and Lowe’s Motor Speedway, replacing H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, who retired.

EXTENSION: Four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports and DuPont extended their agreement through the 2010 season.

HE’S BACK: 15-time NHRA Funny Car champion John Force completed his return from injuries he suffered in a crash last fall with a victory Sunday at Heartland Park Topeka.

SPONSOR: Speedway Motors will be the title sponsor of the 2008 Belleville Midget Nationals. The Speedway Motors Belleville Midget Nationals are scheduled August 1–2 at Belleville (Kansas) High Banks.

POWER RANKINGS: A fourth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series triumph kept Kyle Busch at 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

WILL MAKES NHRA HISTORY WITH HISTORIC WIN; FORCE GETS FIRST WIN SINCE DALLAS CRASH IN TOPEKA: Hillary Will became one of only 11 women drivers in NHRA history to win a NHRA POWERade Series event when she drove past runner-up Larry Dixon at the O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals on Sunday in Topeka. Will powered her KB Racing dragster past Doug Herbert, Morgan Lucas, Cory McClenathan and then Dixon on her way to her first win in the highly competitive POWERade Series Top Fuel class—a class she has been competing in for over two years.
    Will was joined in winner’s circle by John Force and Ron Krisher, who also won in their respective categories. It was Force’s first win since his crash in Dallas last September; a crash that sidelined the NHRA legend for five months and the remainder of the 2007 season. To do so, Force had to drive by current Funny Car points leader Tim Wilkerson in the final round to pick up his ninth win at Heartland Park Topeka and impressive 126th career win. To see more storylines from the O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals, including the final results in all professional categories, visit www.nhra.com.

MILLICAN TO RETURN TO NHRA DRAG RACING WITH NEW TEAM: Joining forces with Memphis businessman Mark Pickens, Top Fuel pilot Clay Millican will debut a new race team in time for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. The new team will operate under MPE Motorsports LLC and will be based in Munford, Tennessee, not too far from Millican’s home in Drummonds. Millican will also be joined by veteran tuner Lance Larsen, who has been hired as crew chief for the Top Fuel dragster.

FORD AND TASCA TO HAVE KID-INSPIRED CAR DESIGN AT U.S. NATIONALS: Ford Customer Service Division, along with Funny Car driver Bob Tasca, will unveil a new design for their Shelby Mustang Funny Car at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, August 27–September 1 in Indianapolis. In an effort to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes, Tasca and Ford have joined partnerships with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and children participating in the foundation will have the opportunity to submit a design for the Ford Funny Car.
    Each submitted design will be featured on the JDRF.org/Ford website from June 23 to July 31, and the public is invited to vote for their favorite design. Monetary donations on the website will go to JDRF. For more information on the special paint scheme or JDRF, visit www.nhra.com.

NHRA SPORTSMAN READY TO BATTLE IT OUT AT THE JEGS ALLSTARS IN CHICAGO: The top competitors in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will face each other at Route 66 Raceway, as they battle for cash at the 24th annual Jegs Allstars bonus event this Saturday at the Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Chicago. Drivers in eight sportsman categories earned Allstars points by competing at Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events held within their home divisions.
    Winners in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car earn $7,000 each; in Comp and Super Stock, $6,000 each; and in Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street, $4,500 each. An additional $20,000 will be awarded to the drivers in the division that accumulates the most points. For more information, visit www.nhra.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

TORCO RACING FUELS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, JUNE 5–8: The NHRA POWERade Series heads to The Windy City for the 10th race of the season and second half of the regular season Countdown to 10. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Gary Scelzi (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

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 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).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

HEALING WOUNDS WITH WALLYS: John Force on his win at the O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals, Sunday, at Heartland Park Topeka, nearly nine months after his wreck in Dallas: “I didn’t want to go winless, not after that wreck, and I didn’t want to get mental where I thought I had to quit. If you can’t do the job, then you’ve got to get out, and I didn’t want to get mental. I just told Wilkerson, ‘Thank you, I needed this. More than you needed the points or the money, I needed this mentally.’”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

11: Not only did Hillary Will become the 11th woman to win an NHRA event this past week, but all three female winners this year (Will, Melanie Troxel and Ashley Force) did so from the No. 11 qualifying spot.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the track records at Route 66 Raceway for both speed and time in the NHRA POWERade Series Fuel class, Top Fuel and Funny Car, have stood for four years. In Top Fuel, Kalitta Motorsports teammates Doug Kalitta and Dave Grubnic own the records for time and speed at 4.420 seconds and 333.58 mph, while in Funny Car, NHRA legend John Force owns both records at 4.665 seconds and 333.58. 

For more information, visit www.nhra.com.

SCCA Pro Racing hired Jeremy Thoennes as technical manager responsible for the SCCA SPEED World Challenge Championships. He joins the SCCA Pro Racing staff after serving as club racing technical services manager for Sports Car Club of America Inc. since 2002. Thoennes has been in motorsports his entire professional career, serving as car chief, crew chief, engine builder and fabricator for several racing teams in both oval and road racing. His first experience on the race organization side came with a two-year stint at SCCA Enterprises as assistant technical director. Thoennes becomes the first staff member to work for all three entities of SCCA—the parent company, SCCA Inc., and its two subsidiaries, SCCA Pro Racing and SCCA Enterprises.

Jeremy Thoennes

Azentek won Telematics Update Magazine’s "Best Aftermarket Device" award for its Atlas CPC-1000 all-in-one fully integrated in-car multimedia PC. The Telematics Awards recognize and celebrate the key companies driving the industry forward and pushing the boundaries in automotive and GPS technology. For more information, visit www.telematicsupdate.com/detroit2008/awards_index.shtml.

Detroit Speed hired Steve Crisp as its director of business development. Crisp, who most recently was the director of motorsports for JR. Motorsports, brings more than 20 years of experience to the company. 

Steve Crisp

Eastern Manufacturing Inc. purchased the assets of The Automotive Edge/Hermoff Manufacturing from Dorman Products Inc., a Colmar, Pennsylvania-based supplier of OE automotive replacement parts, automotive hardware, brake products and household hardware to the automotive aftermarket and mass merchandisers. The announcement was made by George Schafer, president of Eastern Manufacturing, who noted, “This acquisition is an excellent business and growth opportunity for Eastern, and will expand both our manufacturing and distribution capabilities. The Hermoff and Automotive Edge business units will not only increase sales volume and open new distribution channels in Canada, but also add some new units to the Eastern product line.”

The JCB GT, the world's fastest backhoe loader dragster, with driver Neil Smith behind the wheel, will be speeding down the track, June 13–15, at the 2008 Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion at Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The 1,300hp "backhoe on steroids" is capable of speeds of more than 150 mph and lights up the sky with its flame-shooting exhaust.
    The 6th annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion is a three-day festival of speed, hot rods and American automotive enthusiasm produced by the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. Information, including a full activities schedule, entry forms and tickets, is available through the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum at http://museum.nhra.com. Proceeds of the Holley Hot Rod Reunion benefit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.

JCB GT—the world's fastest backhoe loader dragster.

Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire announced that it is accepting student-made, safety-themed videos for its 2008 Safety Scholars Video Contest. The company is again turning to America’s teens for solutions presented in a creative format to help make roads safer for everyone. The Safety Scholars Video Contest now includes a chance for young video producers to have their auto safety videos broadcast as a public service commercial.
    The contest will award three $5,000 college scholarships for the most compelling and effective videos that drive home life-saving messages on auto and tire safety. The top 10 filmmakers will also receive a new set of Bridgestone tires. For complete information, visit www.SafetyScholars.com. 

The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA), and Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA), have announced that the groups will file suit against the U.S. Forest Service to restore access to improperly closed off-highway recreation trails located in the Upper Tellico Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) Area in North Carolina. On December 18, 2007, the agency issued a closure order, which UFWDA, BRC and Southern contend is based on outdated and incomplete science. The lawsuit will seek to declare the closure order unlawful and set it aside.

Click the logo to visit PRO's website.

Click the logo to visit ARMO's website.

ARMO Column in SEMA Member News
Read ARMO's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

ARMO Select Committee Elections
Select Committee election ballots are in the mail and due to SEMA by Friday, June 13. 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 the logo to visit HRIA's website.

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News
Read HRIA's column featured in the May/June 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 the logo to visit TORA's website.

TORA Column in SEMA Member News
Read TORA's column featured in the May/June 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 the logo to visit MPMC's website.

New Chair-Elect
Kyle Fickler of Aeromotive Inc. was elected to the position of MPMC chair-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 will take over duties as Chair-Elect on July 1. On that same date, current chair-elect Bill Floyd becomes chairman of MPMC when Lisa Chissus’ two-year term as MPMC chairperson ends.

MPMC Column in SEMA Member News
Read MPMC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

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Click the logo to visit MRC's website.

MRC Column in SEMA Member News
Read MRC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

MRC Select Committee Elections
Select Committee election ballots are in the mail and due to SEMA by Friday, June 13. If you have any questions about the election, contact Jan Desma at 909/396-0289, ext. 134, or jand@sema.org.

For information about MRC, Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

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Click the logo to visit SPC's website.

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 Select Committee Election
SPC Select Committee election ballots are in the mail and due to SEMA by Friday, June 6. If you have any questions about the Select Committee elections, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News
Read SPC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about SPC, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

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Click the logo to visit WTC's website.

WTC Select Committee Election
WTC Select Committee election ballots are in the mail and due to SEMA by Friday, June 6. If you have any questions about the Select Committee elections, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org.

WTC Column in SEMA Member News
Read WTC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about WTC, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

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Click the logo to visit SBN's website.

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
SBN Select Committee election ballots are in the mail and due to SEMA by Friday, June 6. If you have any questions about the Select Committee elections, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org.

Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by SBN
Check out this video of SBN members in action during the valuable 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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about SBN, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

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Click the logo to visit YEN's website.

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.
 
YEN Select Committee Election
YEN Select Committee election ballots are in the mail and due to SEMA by Friday, June 6. If you have any questions about the Select Committee elections, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org.

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

For information about YEN, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Filler for eNews

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.

Here are some offerings from exhibitors:

Engine/Underhood Components

ProCharger: ProCharger superchargers and complete supercharger systems with or without integrated intercooling for street-legal and competition automotive, truck, SUV, sport compact, Harley-Davidson and marine applications. Contact: Send sponsorship proposal to cpangrac@procharger.com. Website: www.procharger.com.  

Exterior Components/Accessories

Roll-N-Lock: Roll-N-Lock E-Series electric retractable tonneau covers, Roll-N-Lock M-Series manual retractable tonneau covers and Cargo Manager moveable bed dividers. Contact: Dan Beaulauier, danb@rollnlock.com, 253/970-2213. Website: www.rollnlock.com.  

DiamondBack Truck Covers: Utility truck covers; HD cover can haul up to 1,600 lbs. on top, and the SE cover can haul up to 400 on top. Both covers are comprised of three panels. The two hinging panels can also flip back 180 degrees for the hauling of taller objects. Contact: Nate,  800/935-4002, ext. 29. 

Cequent Towing Products: Hitches, brake controls, goosenecks, 5th wheel hitches, electrical accessories, lighting accessories and more. Brands include Draw-Tite, Reese, Hidden Hitch, ROLA, Tow Ready and Fifth Gear. Contact: Dawn McConnachie, dmcconnachie@cequentgroup.com.

Truck Covers USA (Booth #36162): Roll Covers and accessories. Contact: Kim Tremelling, ktremelling@truckcoversusa.com, 858/622-9135. Website: www.truckcoversusa.com.

Interior Components/Accessories

Grant Products International Inc.: GRANT Revolution Chevy/GM airbag replacement steering wheels designed to fit popular GM trucks, vans and SUVs. GRANT Revolution wheels retain the factory airbag system and OE switches. Multiple color and high-quality material options available. Contact: Rich Barsamian, richb@grantproducts.com, 818/247-2910, ext. 325; Robert Wityczak, rwityczak@grantproducts.com, 818/247-2910, ext. 307.

Metra Electronics: Tsunami power wire and accessories. Contact: Naomi Qualmann, naomiq@metra-autosound.com.

Webasto Product North America Inc.: Hollandia TVS 900 power sunroof. Twin-venting, double-panel, electric, inbuilt sunroof, with Soft Touch electronics and sliding sunshade. Contact: mike.bacon@webasto-us.com.  

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

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

>> SEMA Webinar: Manage Your Cash Flow in Challenging Times, June 5, 10:00 a.m. (PST)
>> 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  

In 2007, specialty accessories and appearance products attained a volume of $21.995 billion at retail, which is more than half (58.5%) of the total $38.11 billion specialty-equipment market.

Automotive specialty-equipment products can easily be grouped into one of three market segments: specialty accessories and appearance products; racing and performance; and wheels, tires and suspension. However, with retail sales of more than half of the specialty-equipment market share, it is clear that the accessories and appearance segment is the current driving force of the industry.

In 2007, specialty accessories and appearance products attained a volume of $21.995 billion at retail, which is more than half (58.5%) of the total $38.11 billion specialty-equipment market. From 1997 to 2007, the specialty accessories and appearance products segment displayed an increase of 117.1% in sales volume.

Accessories and appearance has increased its market share consistently over the years, going from 52.4% in 1997 to 58.5% in 2007. This sizeable growth has been driven by consumer enthusiasm for light-truck products, electronics, general restyling products and, most recently, by compact-performance products.

"Accessories and appearance products are the gateway for many mainstream consumers to become involved with automotive specialty-equipment products," said Jim Spoonhower, SEMA vice president of market research and information. "That's a double-edged sword—in good times it helps grow the industry more quickly, but in bad times mainstream consumers aren't as motivated to continue purchasing products as enthusiasts are."

The 2007 racing and performance products' sales volume was $6.892 billion, which represents nearly 18% of the total automotive specialty-equipment market.

In 2007, the wheels, tires and suspension products market segment generated $9.224 billion in sales, an increase of more than 93% since 1997. The custom wheels product group continues to grow despite more than 70% of all-new vehicles sold in the United States come with polished-aluminum or chrome wheels.

To view the full report on the three market segments, click here.

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

The latest Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI) for May dropped to a reading of 46, a 10-point decline from April’s reading and a 31-point decline from May 2007. Currently, a total of 12%, or 12 million households, indicate plans to purchase specialty equipment over the next three months.

The charts below show both the index values (black line, values on the left of graph) as well as the percent of consumers indicating that they plan to purchase specialty equipment in the next three months (blue-dashed line, values on the right of graph).

Despite a slight uptick in consumer sentiment regarding the economy, according to Technometrica’s TIPP Economic Optimism Index, consumers are feeling less confident about purchasing performance parts and accessories for their vehicles. Tax rebate checks have left many Americans feeling slightly more optimistic about their finances in April, but many consumers are either saving their money or paying bills with their rebate check. As a consequence, specialty-equipment purchase plans did not increase with consumer economic optimism.

Approximately 7% of consumers surveyed plan to purchase wheel, tire and suspension products within the next three months, representing an index value of 35. The index value for this product category has remained flat over the last two months, but dropped 53% compared to May 2007.

In addition to wheel, tire and suspension product purchase plans, the same percentage of consumers (7%, index of 79) also plan to purchase racing and performance products, a 9% decrease from May 2007. This represents a 7% increase over last month, however, it is also an indication that more consumers may be thinking about gas-saving performance products, such as high-flow air filters, for their vehicles.

While the racing and performance product segment may experience a slight resurgence, consumers are less inclined to purchase appearance and accessory products over the next three months. Approximately 6% (index of 71) of consumers surveyed plan to purchase products from this market segment in the near future. This represents a 30% drop compared to the percent of consumers that planned to purchase accessory and appearance products in May 2007.

Over the last three months, on average, pickups were the most common target vehicles for enhancement or modification (28%), followed by compact cars (16%), fullsize cars (15%) and midsize cars (14%).

On average, the Internet was the most popular purchase destination among those planning to enhance their vehicles over the last three months (20%), followed by independent parts stores (18%), car dealerships (16%) and chain auto parts stores (11%).

When specialty-equipment buyers were asked what form their vehicle would take after customization, the most common answer was “general personalization” (44%), followed by “restoration” (20%), “hot rod” (14%), “off-road” (10%) and “street performance” (6%).

Methodology
Although similar to economic indexes, the index SEMA has been working on is not designed to report past activity, but rather consumers’ expectations of future purchases from our industry.

The Indices track consumers’ plans to purchase performance parts and/or accessories within the next three months after each respective survey. This will help provide a rough forecast for demand of specialty equipment in the near future.

The SEMA PADI, and each of the three sub-indices, is a weighted composite index computed relative to its own baseline value, calculated by taking an average of January through March 2007 raw percentages. This average is then set to 100, and each month’s index is computed relative to the change from its baseline.

The indices and their movements are projectable to the national market for specialty-equipment products, which consists of over 114 million U.S. households.

SEMA has contracted with TechnoMetrica to gather the data used in building and maintaining the SEMA Performance Parts and Accessories Demand Index (PADI). Each month TechnoMetrica uses a Random Digit Dial (RDD) telephone survey to collect the survey data in order to provide a nationally representative sample of U.S. consumers. Typically, the responses total between 850 and 1,000 in any given month. The margin of error is normally within the plus or minus 3%–4% range.

Although the PADI is not a precise measure of absolute future purchasing activity, it is nonetheless a tool for understanding and predicting industry sales. There are two ways of interpreting the PADI. First is its "direction," whether the index is rising or falling. Second, the values themselves provide a guide as to the degree of change in consumer expectations for purchasing industry products.

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