The annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser will feature the inaugural SEMA Pinewood Derby Sponsored by Fellers and DUB Publishing. The checkered flag will drop Friday, July 25, prior to the SEMA Hall of Fame recognition and fundraising activities. According to Race Director and Pinewood Derby veteran Mike Spagnola, the inaugural event will feature three race classes: Stock, Modified and Unlimited classes. All proceeds will benefit the Victory Junction Gang Camp and Childhelp USA children's charities.
For more information, rules and details about entering, click here.
Thu, 03/27/2008 - 00:00
Thu, 03/27/2008 - 00:00
General Motors will focus on two key areas for its 2008 SEMA Show project vehicle programs: passenger car performance accessories and large SUV/pickups with full accessory programs from the accessories market.
Key passenger cars considered include the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac Vibe and G8, and Saturn Astra. Other GM product lines will be available in limited quantities within the scope of this program. Proposals will be reviewed on an individual basis for approval.
Three copies of the proposal, including a rendering on 8½ x 11 paper (stapled, not bound), are requested and preferred over emailed submissions. To be considered, proposals must include the four General Motors criteria listed below for content and definition:
- An introductory letter defining the theme of the project vehicle (i.e. appealing to which market segment) and its general content, vehicle need date, and project completion date.
- A list of specific system upgrades including partnered sources, if appropriate. Please use the Excel formatted “Sheet B” which will be provided by calling Bob Kern as stated below.
- A proposed list of intended events, trade shows, publications, etc., where the vehicle will be promoted. Availability for the 2008 SEMA Show is required. Please state where the vehicle will be displayed at the SEMA Show and who will sponsor the vehicle if placed in a feature spot. Note that partners are required to promote the vehicle through November 1, 2009. Proposals with guaranteed interior booth space will be given preferred consideration.
- An 8½ x 11 copy of a color rendering illustrating front and side appearance (composite 3/4 views acceptable) with the intended color and graphic scheme defined. If the interior will be significantly modified, an interior sketch is recommended as well. Preservation of front-end brand identity (divisional emblem and possibly grille features) is mandatory.
SEMA members interested in developing a General Motors project vehicle for the 2008 SEMA Show are encouraged to prepare a Project Description Plan and submit it to:
Bob Kern
SEMA Relations Manager
Suite 100
2382 Browning Dr.
Orion, MI 48360
e-mail: rob_eagle22@yahoo.com
phone: 313/667-6126
cell phone: 313/300-9471 (best access)
fax: 313/667-5001
Please note that quantities for each brand will be limited. Vehicle availability (timing) may vary by brand, depending on start-of-production schedules. It is recommended to submit proposals early for preferential consideration, but no later than May 15, 2008. Approved projects will be requested to be completed no later than October 18, 2008.
Thu, 03/27/2008 - 00:00
More than 1,000 exhibitors have already signed up for this year’s SEMA Show, scheduled November 4–7, 2008 in Las Vegas.
“We are anticipating another sellout show, so exhibitors should definitely sign up soon if they want to participate in this unique opportunity,” said Gary Vigil, Trade Shows Director for the SEMA Show.
According to the SEMA Show Attendee Survey, an overwhelming 92% of buyers confirm that “seeing new products” is the number one reason they attend the show.
“We have been non-stop! It’s a must to be here. This is where we launch all our new products,” said Robert Wooley, National Sales Manager of Go Rhino! Products, at the 2007 SEMA Show.
Exhibitors still have until April 4, 2008 to submit the Exhibit Space Rental Agreement online at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth and participate in premium space selection. Space selection will begin the week of May 13, 2008.
For questions about exhibiting, contact ConvExx at 702/450-7662 ext. 120 or SEMA-exhibit@convexx.com.
For more information on the SEMA Show, go to www.SEMAShow.com.
Thu, 03/27/2008 - 00:00
Filler for eNews
Thu, 03/27/2008 - 00:00
Brenda Priddy & Co. photographers nabbed these shots of the Cadillac CTS Coupe, what some sources speculate will actually be called the CTC when it reaches production in May 2009. Codenamed GMX226, the stylish coupe will be built alongside the CTS sedan at the Lansing (Michigan) Grand River Plant, Priddy says.
The coupe will feature a backup camera (not currently found on the sedan) and will have a touch-pad entry system instead of traditional door handles. As seen here, styling very closely follows the concept, and even the dual exhaust is expected to make production. Only the concept's front end may see a modest toning down to bring it inline with the CTS sedan.
Thu, 03/27/2008 - 00:00
SEMA Manufacturer Members: SEMA has set up a Measuring Session with smart USA for the 2008 smart fortwo coupe and cabriolet. Measuring Sessions provide manufacturers with private previews of new and soon-to-be-released vehicles. In addition to gathering first-hand measurements and specs, participants are also able to interact with high-level OEM personnel and get answers to technical queries directly from vehicle designers.
For more information on smart USA and the smart fortwo, click here. For additional information on SEMA-OEM relations, visit www.sema.org/oem.
Measuring Session Details
Who: smart USA
What: 2008 smart fortwo coupe and cabriolet
Two-seater, three cylinder, 1.0L, 61 ci, 70 hp
15-inch, three-bolt wheels
Where: AAA Building (next to the SEMA offices), 1577 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765
When: Thursday, April 3, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
To Register: E-mail responses with name(s), company, address and phone to: measuringsession@sema.org
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 28
Questions?: Contact Bill Wolf or Sandy Conolly at 909/396-0289, ext. 177 or ext. 155, respectively.
Thu, 03/27/2008 - 00:00
SEMA manufacturing members are invited to preview and gather measurements of Ford's 2009 E-Series and F Super Duty trucks. The Measuring Session is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, at the Ford Conference and Event Center in Dearborn, Michigan. The limit is two persons per company.
Upon confirmation, maps and hotel information will be e-mailed to attendees. Please click here for registration. (If your browser does not link directly, copy and paste the following URL into your browser's address bar):
www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/E_F-Series_Measuring_Session_Form.html.
The event will be separated into a morning and an afternoon session. The agenda (subject to change) is:
Morning Session
- 8:00 a.m.–9:15 a.m.: Classroom-style introduction and discussion with question-and-answer session
- 9:15 a.m.–9:30 a.m.: Break (beverages served)
- 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Measuring Session in the garage area
- 1:00 p.m.–2:15 p.m.: Classroom-style introduction and discussion with question-and-answer session
- 2:15 p.m.–2:30 p.m.: Break (beverages served)
- 2:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Measuring Session in the garage area
For information on SEMA Measuring Sessions or OEM relations, contact Bill Wolf at billw@sema.org.
Thu, 03/27/2008 - 00:00
Filler for eNews
Thu, 03/27/2008 - 00:00
TELEVISION HOME: The World of Outlaws signed a contract with SPEED for the network to be the organization’s exclusive television provider this season. SPEED will generate 25 hours of coverage of World of Outlaws events including the Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway, National Open at Williams Grove Speedway and the World Finals at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
NAME IT: Thanks to an agreement with the Southern California Toyota Dealers Advertising Association, Irwindale Speedway has been rechristened Toyota Speedway at Irwindale.
EARLY START: Teams making the switch from the Champ Car World Series to the Indy Racing League tested at Homestead-Miami Speedway March 24–25 in preparation for this weekend’s IndyCar Series opener, which because of the reunification of open-wheel racing, may be the most anticipated Indy car event in 13 years.
DIED: Popular NHRA Funny Car racer Al Hofmann died March 20 of a heart attack. He was 60 years old. Hofmann was a 15-time NHRA national event winner.
POWER RANKINGS: Five-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher retained the top spot in the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings, which 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.
Thu, 03/27/2008 - 00:00
NEWS NUGGETS
HEADING BACK TO HOUSTON; FOURTH STOP ON POWERade SERIES AN EMOTIONAL TRIP FOR DRIVERS: It was just one year ago that the NHRA POWERade Series rolled in to Houston for the 20th running of the O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals, though the race was like none other at Houston Raceway Park. Just one week before the event, the NHRA family lost one of their own when Funny Car driver Eric Medlen was killed in a testing accident at Gainesville Raceway.
With heavy hearts, the teams and drivers descended on the Baytown area, hoping that a return to racing would bring some normality to their lives. None was more emotional than Top Fuel driver and close friend to Medlen, J.R. Todd. Todd traveled to Houston just one day after the funeral services for Medlen, waiting out the rain showers of Friday and Saturday qualifying to go on and win the event.
“I want to win every race I’m in but this one more than ever,” Todd said. “I guess Eric was watching over me.” Now one year later, Todd returns to Houston in hopes of not only defending his win, but grabbing his first “Wally” in over a year. Along with Todd, Ron Capps, Jason Line and Angelle Sampey will look to defend their 2007 event wins in Baytown, Texas.
Qualifying for the O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals will be televised on ESPN2 Saturday, from 4:30–5:00 p.m. (ET), then again from 10–11 p.m. (ET), with the finals airing Sunday, 4:30–7:00 p.m. (ET).
NEW ROUTE HELPS TRAFFIC FOR O’REILLY NHRA SPRING NATIONALS: Thanks to an addition made to the Houston Grand Parkway, fans and media attending this week’s O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park will find travel to the track a bit easier than years past. With the addition of the FM 565 exit off the Houston Grand Parkway, fans will be able to travel directly from Interstate 10 to the entrance of the track.
Whether traveling eastbound from Houston or westbound from golden triangle on I-10, attendants can simply take exit 799-Grand Parkway/Highway 99 and travel south for less than a mile to the FM 565 exit, which sits adjacent to Houston Raceway Park. To learn more about this expansion and travel tips for this weekend, click here.
NHRA DRIVERS TO PARTICIPATE IN PRO/CELEBRITY RACE IN LONG BEACH: Funny Car world champion Tony Pedregon, Whit Bazemore and Marty Nothstein will join racers and celebrities alike to participate in the 34th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 19. The 10-lap race on a 1.97-mile street circuit through downtown Long Beach will pit professional drivers against famed celebrities to raise money for local charities.
Notable celebrities include That "70s Show’s" Wilmer Valderrama, four-time NBA champion and sportscaster for "Best Damn Sports Show Period," John Sailey, and singer and former group member of 98 Degrees, Drew Lachey.
Joining Pedregon, Bazemore, and Nothstein in the Pro category will be professional off-road racer Beccy Gordon, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Mike Skinner and Grand-Am race car driver Sarena Traver.
TEXAS NATIVE BRADSHAW TO DRIVE SHELL-EDITION DESIGN IN HOUSTON: Returning to his native state of Texas, Top Fuel pilot Alan Bradshaw will drive a special-edition design for the O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals this weekend at Houston Raceway Park. Bradshaw’s normal maroon and yellow Vis Viva dragster will change to the red and blue of Shell’s V-Power fuel additive.
“I’m really looking forward to racing in my home state,” said Bradshaw, who had the No. 1 qualifier for the previous race, the ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals. “We have a ton of Texas race fans who are looking forward to the Shell V-Powers/Vis Viva Energy dragster doing them proud in the Lone Star state.”
Bradshaw will also race the Shell colors at The SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas, as well as the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals in Atlanta. To view Bradshaw’s new paint scheme, click here.
FROM POSTS TO PILLARS; CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES AT THE DRAGWAY @ LOWE’S MOTOR SPEEDWAY: In anticipation of the inaugural NHRA Carolinas Nationals, September 11–14 in Charlotte, construction of The Dragway @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway continues along. To view some of the latest photos of the track, click here.
FUNNY CAR VETERAN, 1995 RUNNER-UP HOFMANN DIES: Former NHRA POWERade Series Funny Car driver Al Hofmann died March 20 of a heart attack at his home in Eustis, Florida. He was 60. A 15-time national event winner, Hofmann finished in the NHRA top 10 standings from 1991–1996, highlighted by a five-win, runner up finish for the world championship to John Force in 1995.
Hofmann was the second driver in Funny Car to exceed 300 mph when he recorded a run of 301.10 mph, on February 19, 1994, in Phoenix.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
O’REILLY NHRA SPRING NATIONALS, HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK, MARCH 28–30: Drivers in all four categories in the POWERade Drag Racing Series will duel it out for a Texas win (at this fourth race in the regular season). Defending event winners include: J.R. Todd (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle).
SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, APRIL 10–13: The NHRA POWERade series travels to Nevada for the fifth event of the 2008 season. Defending event winners include: Brandon Bernstein (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock).
SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS, ATLANTA DRAGWAY, APRIL 24–27: The NHRA POWERade series heads back down south, as drivers in four categories will compete at the sixth event of the season. Defending event winners include: Brandon Bernstein (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle).
HE SAID, SHE SAID
BRADSHAW, TASCA JOIN NHRA.COM BLOG FAMILY: Did you know that Funny Car driver Bob Tasca’s sponsors, Motorcraft and Quick Lane, debuted their new interactive display for fans at the ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals two weeks ago?
“You can’t miss it,” Tasca said. “It’s 4,800 square feet and three trailers long!”
Or that Top Fuel driver Alan Bradshaw was heckled, not at the track, but while having a meal at the Waffle House on his way to Gainesville?
“Our waitress immediately informed us that (the heckler) had been doing this all night and that she had called the police,” Bradshaw said. “She asked us to stay until the police showed up because she and five other ladies didn’t want to be there alone with him and that they were glad we had come in.”
Read more about their experiences, plus other drivers in the NHRA POWERade Series, at www.nhra.com.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
7: The most wins by a single driver, John Force, at Houston Raceway Park. Warren Johnson, who currently holds six wins at HRP, could tie Force with a win this weekend.
DRIVERS TELL ALL
RACING LEATHERS—CHECK. 340 HORSEPOWER BUELL—CHECK. CRYSTAL CHANDELIER...: After receiving a Swarovski Crystal-decorated drivers suit as well as finding a crystal chandelier installed in her hospitality tent, Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Angelle Sampey has been pleasantly surprised at some of the “add-ons” that have come with her move to the Rush Racing Product/Karl & Kim Klement team for 2008.
“My team has nicknamed me ‘Queen Bling’ and Karl’s wife Kim is my 'Princess Bling',” Sampey said. “I am the one who should be showering them with gifts for the opportunity they have given me.