If you are receiving duplicate SEMA e-mails or letters or just want to reduce the amount of incoming mail, let SEMA know. The membership department will use your comments and feedback to “tighten up” the database and create the best experience for members. E-mail memberinfo@sema.org or call 909/396-0289 and ask for the membership department.
"We’ve been following this SS, this very prototype, from the highways in Australia to the Nürburgring, and now to General Motors’ compound in Milford, Michigan," says spy photographer Brenda Priddy about the newest 'Maro variant.
Priddy explains that while there have been rumors and spy photos claiming to be “other” SS prototypes in the States, inside sources tell her that this is THE needle in a haystack, the only Camaro SS prototype in the country, caught during high-speed testing at the Milford proving grounds.
"The bright-red Brembos, along with the unmistakable engine notes, are dead giveaways as to the true identity of this Camaro," Priddy says.
Filler for eNews
At the May meeting of the Off-Road Business Association’s (ORBA) Board of Directors, SEMA Government and Public Affairs Manager Jason Tolleson was selected to serve on the ORBA Board of Directors.
Tolleson serves as director of the SEMA Action Network and is the primary contact for the association on land-access issues and coordinates legislative and regulatory activities with other industry and end-user OHV organizations.
SEMA has been a member of ORBA since 2004, and both organizations share similar mission statements to protect and promote member businesses.
"I welcome this opportunity to join with my fellow board members and ORBA staff in advocating on behalf of the off-road industry," said Tolleson. "Through the support of our members, we will continue to engage and educate policymakers on the economic and political strength of the OHV industry."
Tolleson is a graduate of Brigham Young University-Hawaii, where he majored in political science. Upon moving to Washington, D.C., he began work as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill. More recently, he served as a lobbyist representing local governments and transit agencies before joining the SEMA Government Affairs Office in 2004.
Executive Director of ORBA Fred Wiley stated, "We look forward to working with Jason and taking advantage of his vast experience."
ORBA is a national trade association composed of off-road-related businesses united to promote common goals that support the prosperity and growth of the off-road industry.
KIWI COLLECTOR: Scott Dixon dominated the month of May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, culminating with a victory in Sunday’s Indianapolis 500. Dixon earned a record $2,988,065 from a record overall purse of $14,406,580. Second-place Vitor Meira became the first Indy runner-up to earn more than $1 million, collecting $1,273,215.
LONG-TERM: The IndyCar Series and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach entered into a long-term agreement that will keep the IRL racing at Long Beach through 2013.
RETIRING: After more than 30 years at the helm of Lowe’s Motor Speedway, celebrated racing promoter H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler retired following Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at the 1.5-mile superspeedway.
ANOTHER TRACK: Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Chairman O. Bruton Smith announced the company’s purchase of Kentucky Speedway, giving the race-track company eight major racing facilities.
TRADITION REMAINS: Bobby East and Shane Cottle claimed victories in traditional Indianapolis weekend races: the Night Before the 500 midget-car event and the Little 500 sprint-car race.
TESTING: Former Champ Car driver Paul Tracy will test a Craftsman Truck for Germain Racing later this week at Chicagoland Speedway.
HONORED: Noted racing broadcaster Bob Jenkins earned the Bob Russo Founders Award from the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association.
POWER RANKINGS: NASCAR driver Kyle Busch remained 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. However, Indy 500 winner Scott Dixon jumped to second.
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
HEADING TO THE ‘HEARTLAND’; POWERade SERIES AT HALFWAY POINT IN COUNTDOWN TO 10: As the NHRA POWERade Series heads to Heartland Park Topeka this weekend for the 20th annual O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals, it also enters the second-half of the regular season, or Countdown to 10. This means that only 10 races remain for drivers in all four categories to solidify their spots in the top 10 before the Countdown to 1 begins at the inaugural NHRA Carolinas Nationals at zMAX Dragway @ Concord.
For many drivers sitting on the outside looking in, a few points lost or gained at this point of the season can mean the difference between hoisting the world championship trophy in Pomona in November or getting an early start on the off-season. This couldn’t be more obvious than in Funny Car, where Phoenix winner Jack Beckman, Bristol winner Melanie Troxel and former world champion Gary Scelzi all sit within a few points of 10th-place Del Worsham.
NHRA STARS GET FIRST TASTE OF zMAX DRAGWAY @ CONCORD: NHRA drivers John Force, Mike Neff, Jeg Coughlin and Matt Smith got their first taste of zMAX Dragway @ Concord this week, though, it was behind the wheels of 112,000-lb. dump trucks down the unpaved quarter-mile. Mike Neff, with the help of temporary crew chief Jeg Coughlin, held off John Force and Pro Stock Bike world-champion-turned-engine-tuner-for-the-day Matt Smith, with the help of teammate Angie McBride, to pick up their first wins at the new track, though the vehicles were anything but speed machines. Top Fuel driver Antron Brown stood at the finish line to wave the checkered flag in favor of Neff. Below you’ll find the comparison between Mike Neff’s dump truck and Funny Car.
NHRA DRIVERS VISIT INDY 500: NHRA Funny Car drivers Melanie Troxel, Tommy Johnson and Tony Pedregon all stopped by the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 92nd running of the Indy 500. Troxel and Johnson were special guests during the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association’s annual Indy 500 Breakfast held that Saturday, while defending world champion Pedregon spent some time meeting with the media during the race on Sunday. For more on all the events that occurred for many NHRA drivers this past week, please visit NHRA.com.
MASKIN REJOINS YATES TEAM FOR REMAINDER OF THE SEASON: Three-time Pro Stock champion engine builder Richard Maskin will rejoin two-time Pro Stock world champion Jim Yates and the WileyX Eyewear Pontiac GXP team starting at this week's O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals in Heartland Park Topeka. Yates and Maskins first teamed up in 1994 and went on to win an NHRA Pro Stock world championship two years later.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
O’REILLY NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS, HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA, MAY 30–JUNE 1: Entering the ninth race of the NHRA POWERade Series, drivers will look to gain precious points in their quest to qualify for the Countdown to 1. Defending event winners include: Brandon Bernstein (Top Fuel); Mike Ashley (Funny Car); and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock).
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).
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
4: The number of different drivers to win in Funny Car at Heartland Park Topeka in as many years. Defending world champion Tony Pedregon was the last driver to get back-to-back wins at the track in 2002-2003.
DID YOU KNOW…
…that Funny Car driver Robert Hight has earned the No. 1 qualifier at Heartland Park Topeka for every year he has competed there (2005, 2006, 2007) but has never made it to the final round. Last year, Hight’s hopes for his first win in Topeka burst into flames, along with his car, during a fiery explosion after a second-round win over Scott Kalitta.
For more information, visit www.nhra.com.
Chris Cook
Chris Cook, a 25-year industry veteran and an acknowledged industry expert, joined Mobile Electronics magazine as editor. Cook brings an impressive track record and broad range of knowledge to the role. Cook is a mobile-electronics veteran with a deep understanding of retail business, OEM integration, manufacturing and design of automotive consumer electronics. Cook previously served as the staff liaison to automotive executives from Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and currently chairs the position of the CEA Mobile Electronics Division’s Connectivity Committee.
Tire Group International opened a new sales office in Panama City, Panama, and hired Augusto Terracciano to lead the new location. Terracciano has vast knowledge of the local Panamanian market and a background in international commerce.
“Establishing a local presence in Panama at this time fits into our growth strategy. Panama is a country that is experiencing a construction boom, in addition to the current Panama Canal expansion project. This makes Panama a country where TGI wants to be involved. There is also the future opportunity of opening a distribution center in the free-zone area; this can only further enhance TGI’s distribution capabilities in the region,” said Tony Gonzalez, Tire Group International’s chief executive officer.
While organizers of the Tire Rack One Lap of America cross-country driving event had hoped to raise $100,000, participants set a new event record, raising more than $133,000 for more than a dozen charities. The eight-day odyssey attracted some 160 entrants in 71 cars traveling more than 4,000 miles to benefit hospitalized, adopted and terminally ill children, amputees, transplant recipients and cancer survivors. Complete results are available at www.onelapofamerica.com.
Participants in the Tire Rack One Lap of America raised $133,000 for more than a dozen charities.
General Tire announced that it partnered with Team Lucas and is the official tire of the Lucas Oil World Series of Off-Road Racing (WSORR) for the 2008 season and beyond. Shown nationally on SPEED Channel, the series features off-road trucks and buggies racing in front of live spectators throughout the Midwest. This sponsorship extends General Tire’s exposure to the growing off-road racing market in the United States.
The editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com (www.kbb.com) announced their picks for Kelley Blue Book’s 2008 Top 10 Best New Road Trip Vehicles. The www.kbb.com editors evaluated all tangible and intangible attributes that would enhance any long drive, such as driving enjoyment, passenger comfort, cargo space and fuel economy.
Kbb.com’s Top 10 Road Trip Vehicles for 2008
Vehicles listed in alphabetical order
For more information on the editor’s picks, visit www.kbb.com/roadtrip08.
The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association will feature a display of land speed racers, coming directly from Bonneville Speed Week, during the 22nd West Coast Nationals, August 22–24 at the Pleasanton, California, Fairgrounds. Sanctioned by the Southern California Timing Association, the 60th annual Bonneville Speed Week begins August 18.
Land speed racers will be on display at the Goodguys West Coast Nationals, August 22–24.
Yokohama Tire has signed to be the official tire of two Triple-A minor league teams, the Scranton Yankees and Memphis Redbirds. Each team will offer prominent signage, multiple hospitality events and product displays, and Yokohama is planning promotions centered around the team and company, including in-store ticket giveaways and in-stadium contests. The baseball sponsorships follow Yokohama's successful partnerships this season with three NBA teams: San Antonio Spurs; Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors.
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 PRO's website.
Annual Project Planning Meeting
Make your reservations now for the annual PRO Project Planning meeting. The annual gathering is once again being held in Detroit at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The hotel is airport adjacent for easy access, and SEMA has blocked rooms at only $123 per night.
When: Thursday and Friday, June 12–13
11 a.m.–5 p.m. (Thursday)
8 a.m.–1 p.m. (Friday)
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel
8000 Merriman Road
Romulus, MI 48174
734/729-2600
All PRO members are encouraged to attend this meeting. In these changing times, the restyling industry needs your input more than ever. Please plan to attend!
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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
For information about PRO, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.
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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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
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
For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268.
Looking for Some Extra Publicity for Your Industry Event?
Publicize your events through the SEMA Online Calendar of Events located at www.sema.org/calendar. The calendar is stocked with information on events taking place throughout the year, broken down by month. Examples of events featured in the calendar include consumer shows and club events, educational and training workshops, conventions and trade shows, races and more.
To submit your event details for the calendar, e-mail company name and the date(s), location and name of the event to Shirley Presecan at shirleyp@sema.org.