Spy photographer Gus Serrano, part of Brenda Priddy & Co.'s network of global prototype and production car hunters, grabbed these shots of the new Corvette ZR1, alternately referred to as the Mako, Blue Devil or just plain SS. "With the Tokyo Show introductions and SEMA Show previews taking center stage," BP tells us, "it appears that these two hot laps in front of American Le Mans Series (practice) spectators—and a fair number of camera-toting media types—helped Chevrolet generate their own spy photo hype in a roundabout way, attempting to steal some attention from Nissan's GT-R and other news-making sports cars."

Filler for eNews

Filler for eNews

A federal appeals court in California rejected fuel-economy standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model year 2008–2011 light trucks, vans and SUVs. The court ruled that the NHTSA had made several errors in the rulemaking, such as a failure to adequately weigh the economic benefits of reduced carbon-dioxide emissions if the agency had issued stricter corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards and a failure to limit the total number of large vehicles that could be produced under the standards. The lawsuit was brought by four environmental groups and 13 states and cities. 

At issue is the NHTSA’s new size-based fuel-economy program for light trucks, vans and SUVs. Under the program, CAFE rates are based on the vehicle’s footprint as measured by wheelbase—the bigger the footprint, the lower the mileage requirement. The actual total mileage rates achieved will vary depending on the mix of trucks sold by each automaker. Manufacturers that sell smaller vehicles will have higher CAFE requirements than those that sell larger vehicles. The automakers have the choice of working within the new size-based system or continuing to meet a traditional total fleet average. The fleet numbers are 22.5 mpg for 2008, 23.1 mpg in 2009 and 23.5 mpg in 2010.

The appeals court criticized the NHTSA because the rule did not mandate a minimum fleet average “backstop,” thereby preventing manufacturers from producing large numbers of bigger vehicles. The court also said that the NHTSA had failed to revise the definitions of light trucks and automobiles to better distinguish between vehicles, such as certain SUVs that may be primarily designed to transport passengers rather than haul heavy loads or tow trailers.

The NHTSA’s 2008–2011 CAFE regulations will remain in effect while the agency reconsiders its rules, a process that may take years since the automakers must be given at least 18 months lead time before stricter standards are set. For additional information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org or 202/783-6007, ext. 30. 

The U.S. Senate approved sweeping energy legislation last June that includes a provision to dramatically increase the CAFE standards for both cars and light trucks. It would require a combined CAFE average of 35 mpg by 2020, a 40% increase from today’s standards. The U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of an energy bill last August, but House lawmakers put off a decision on how high to boost CAFE standards for automobiles.

SEMA has urged both the House and Senate to support the “Hill-Terry” bill (HR 2927) calling for a tough, but attainable CAFE hike, around 32–35 miles per gallon by model year 2022. SEMA has also urged lawmakers to (1) retain the distinction between passenger cars and light trucks and; (2) provide sufficient lead time for automakers to adjust to new technological demands. Since cars and light trucks have dramatically different vehicle attributes, SEMA believes they should be separately regulated. Combining the two categories may threaten consumer choice, the ability to haul supplies and tow trailers, address recreational needs and many other demands. 

LEGISLATIVE ALERT

Contact Your Senators & Representative

Congressional leaders are now attempting to negotiate a compromise on the House/Senate energy bill. SEMA urges its members to contact their Senators and Representative immediately and request that they maintain the CAFE car/light-truck distinction and provide sufficient lead time to implement any CAFE changes. SEMA is a member of the CAFE Coalition, which has set up a website to quickly send a message using this link: www.drivecongress.com.    

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org or 202/783-6007, ext. 30.

TOYOTA TIME: Toyota is scheduled to debut its new 360 c.i. sprint-car engine Thanksgiving night at Irwindale Speedway. Bobby Santos III will pilot a Western Speed Racing entry equipped with the Toyota powerplant during the sprint-car portion of the Turkey Night Grand Prix.

DENIED: McLaren’s appeal of the finish of the Brazilian Grand Prix, which concluded the Formula One season, was denied last week by the FIA’s International Court of Appeals. Kimi Raikkonen was thus confirmed as World Driving Champion.

NEW DRIVES: Brad Keselowski will drive Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s U.S. Navy Chevrolet in the Nationwide Series next season, while 18-year-old road racer Colin Braun will drive Roush Fenway Racing’s No. 6 entry in the Craftsman Truck Series.

NATIONWIDER: Dario Franchitti will share a Fastenal-sponsored Dodge in the NASCAR Nationwide (Busch) Series next season with Reed Sorenson.

NEW OUTLAW: Second-generation Pennsylvania sprint-car driver Lucas Wolfe will race full time with the World of Outlaws next season. Wolfe and the Allebach Motorsports team, with which he won 10 races this past season, will hit the road with Wolfe’s father Randy as crew chief.

ADD ONE: The American Sprint Car Series will add a Northwest Region for the 2008 season.

NUMBER ONE: After clinching the Nextel Cup championship, Jimmie Johnson remained atop the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings.

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: http://www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/subscribe.html?pid=NQ%2BVfhkepT4%3D

NEWS NUGGETS

TESTING, TESTING, TESTING: The drivers of the POWERade Series will get their chances to officially test their cars at the three sessions available beginning in January. The first session will be January 18–20, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway followed by a session in Phoenix at Firebird International Raceway, January 25–27. The testing sessions will wrap-up in Las Vegas for the Last Chance Test Session and the Pontiac Pro Stock Showdown February 1–3.

DRAG RACING DOWN UNDER: Two NHRA racers, Cory McClenathan and Mike Dunn, are headed to The Land Down Under, Australia. The 2007 International Top Fuel Challenge at Western Sydney International Dragway December 8–9. Dunn and McClenathan will be joined by crew chief Glenn Mikres and Wes Cerny, and several American-based crewmembers. “I’m not going down there for vacation; I’m going to win,” Dunn said.

NHRA DRIVERS RETURN FROM MISSION TO GERMANY: A group of goodwill ambassadors from the NHRA have completed a three-day USO-sponsored tour of U.S. military installations in Germany, including the Kaiserslautern Military Community, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Spangdahlem Air Base and the U.S. Army Garrison at Baumholder. It was the third consecutive post-season visit for the drivers, and the brief but memorable time spent with the troops and their families provided an opportunity to make some new friends and see some familiar faces.

Six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson, two-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Jim Yates, Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson Jr. and Top Fuel drivers Cory McClenathan and Melanie Troxel represented the sport of drag racing during the 72-hour troop-morale mission to Germany. As in the two previous post-season trips, the Army Special Forces Association, Randall Shughart Chapter 64, based in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, served as the vanguard for this year's visit, and the 435th Services Squadron at Ramstein Air Base hosted the group during its stay in Germany.

The drivers met race fans at five different military installations and at over 15 different locations during their stay. They also distributed over 1,500 goody bags, which included racing caps, t-shirts, racing decals and other items; signed an even greater number of autographs; and brought smiles of appreciation to the faces of everyone they met. To read more about the trip, go to www.nhra.com. 

COMING ATTRACTIONS

CARQUEST AUTO PARTS WINTERNATIONALS, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, FEBRUARY 7–10: Kick-off the 2008 NHRA POWERade Series Countdown to the Championship at the historic track where last year’s winners included J.R. Todd, Gary Scelzi and Greg Anderson.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

65: That is the percentage of voters who have picked Tony Schumacher in the online poll at www.nhra.com about which 2007 POWERade Series champion is the most likely to repeat as a champion in 2008. The next closest is Pro Stock driver Jeg Coughlin with 24% of the votes. To vote or to see the results, visit www.nhra.com. 

DRIVERS TELL ALL

LINE EXPLAINS SUCCESS: In the most recent issue of National Dragster, Pro Stock driver Jason Line has some advice for new racers: “Only in the dictionary does success come before work. I know that may sound simplistic, but it’s true. A lot of people want the good things in life but aren’t willing to put in the time and effort required to get them. I’ve always assumed that everybody has just about the same amount of intelligence to work with, so anyone with any dreams or goals needs to do something else to gain a competitive edge, and for me, I’ve always felt that it could be done by outworking everyone else. Greg (Anderson) and I have the same work ethic, and whatever success we’ve been able to achieve has come through our extra efforts.”

For more information, visit www.nhra.com.

Filler for eNews

Dealer Services International (DSI), a division of Transamerican Auto Parts LLC, announced that Anne Johnson joined the company as the sales representative for a Northern California territory. Johnson, former co-owner of California Truck Works Inc., will be responsible for the placement of accessorized vehicles at local car dealerships for customer purchase. Johnson has been in the automotive aftermarket industry for more than 20 years and is currently a member of SEMA's Board of Directors and is a Select Committee member of the association's Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA).  

Anne Johnson

In a sweepstakes established by Flex-a-lite Consolidated for its dealers and retailers, Jeff Vochaska of Motor State Distributing won a modified 2002 Acura RSX. Out of 80 preliminary winners, three were chosen to attend the 2007 SEMA Show where the winner was announced in the Flex-a-lite booth. The sweepstakes ran from December 2006 through September 2007.  

PPG Industries promoted Thomas Mauck, general manager of protective and marine coatings, to vice president of protective and marine coatings. Mauck joined PPG Industries in 1980 working in several finance and accounting roles. PPG also promoted John Outcalt to vice president of automotive refinish—Americas. Outcalt, who was previously the company’s director of sales and marketing for automotive refinish in North America, joined PPG in 1983 as a sales representative for the company’s automotive refinish business. 

Tomcar USA entered into an agreement with EDAG Inc. to establish and operate a facility for North American production. Tomcar declared that the initial stage of production will include 7,000 of Tomcar vehicles in two-seat, four-seat and mini-truck configurations. Tomcar produces a line of combat-tested all-terrain vehicles.

Babcox Publications announced that its redesigned Tomorrow’s Technician website is up and available at www.tomorrowstechnician.com. New additions to the site include an in-depth training center section, improved navigation and community-based posting.

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

For the latest council news, read the ARMO column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

ARMO presented six council awards during the ARMO Industry Awards Reception at the 2007 SEMA Show. The awards and winners are:

• ARMO Business of the Year - Dynacorn Classic Bodies Inc.
• ARMO Person of the Year Steve Ames - Ames Automotive Enterprises
• ARMO Restoration Event of the Year - Cruisin' the Coast
• ARMO Best New Product - Original Restoration, ’69-’71 GTO Judge Emblem - Ames Automotive Enterprises
• ARMO Best New Product - Resto-Mod, Eastwood Mopar Light Argent Textured Coating, The Eastwood Company
• ARMO Chairman's Award  - Jason Tolleson - SEMA Washington, D.C., Office

For more information about ARMO, visit www.sema.org/armo or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

HRIA Seminar Workshop Lineup for the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show

Located in the Indiana Convention Center on Thursday, February 28, 2008, all SEMA members are encouraged to participate in the workshops at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show that focus on product use, tips and techniques. Click here to access additional information and a registration form, or contact Jan Desma (jand@sema.org) at 909/396-0289, ext. 134.

For the latest council news, read the HRIA column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

HRIA presented three awards and inducted two members into the HRIA Hall of Fame during the council’s Industry Awards Reception at the 2007 SEMA Show. The awards, winners and Hall of Fame inductees are:

• HRIA Industry Recognition of an Individual - Gary Meadors - Goodguys Rod & Custom Association 
• HRIA Business of the Year - Art Morrison Enterprises
• HRIA Hall of Fame Inductees: Gary Heidt, Heidt's Hot Rod Shop; Joe Mayall, NSRA/Street Scene
• HRIA Chairman's Award - Dennis Silva - Hot Hues Custom Finishes by DuPont

For more information about HRIA, visit www.sema.org/hria or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)

For the latest council news, read the MRC column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

MRC presented its annual STAR (Sales Team Annual Recognition) Award and inducted one member into the MRC Hall of Fame during the council’s open meeting at the 2007 SEMA Show. The sales team and new MRC hall of fame member are:

• MRC STAR Award - AIRAID Filter Company Team members include: Chris Thomson, John Levitz, Brian Paravicini, Bill Goosic, Ryan Young, Tom Hinchey and Shannon Bates
• MRC Hall of Fame - Jim Wrobleski, Jim Wrobleski & Company
• MRC - Chairman's Award - "Mr. Phone - The Early Years" - Founder:  Herb Goldstein; Directors: Frank Roberts, Jim Vaughn and John Scafidi; Regionals: Bob Barker, Bob Popkin, Sid Polan, Steve Ginsberg and Skeeter Jordan

For more information about MRC, visit www.sema.org/mrc or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

For the latest council news, read the MPMC column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For more information about MPMC, visit www.sema.org/mpmc contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

For the latest council news, read the TORA column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

TORA recognized the winners of its annual council awards during the council’s reception at the 2007 SEMA Show. The awards were originally presented earlier this year during the 2007 SEMA Spring Expo. The winners recognized were:

• 2007 Best New Product Under $500, F-150 LED Taillights, Hella Lighting
• 2007 Best New Product Over $500, Bed Buddy Tonneau Cover, Undercover
• 2007 Retailer of the Year Award, Truckin Thunder, Tom and Judy Brooks
• 2007 TORA Hall of Fame Award, Annie Meintz, Santa Rosa Campway Inc.; Dillard Fletcher, Cover Master
• 2007 TORA Chairman’s Award, Eric Kwasnicka, DuPont
• 2007 Best POP Display Award, ATC Truck Covers, mini-freestanding ATC Bed System
• 2007 Ford Styling Awards, Best Use of Exterior Accessories on a Ford Truck/SUV (presented by Ford), Kelderman Air Suspension, 2005 Ford F-250
• 2007 Ford Styling Awards, Best use of Interior Accessories on a Ford Truck/SUV (presented by Ford), Leer, 2007 Ford Sport Trac

For more information about TORA, visit www.sema.org/TORA or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

For the latest council news, read the PRO column in SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For more information about PRO, visit www.sema.org/main/semaorghome.aspx?id=50384 or contact Ellen McKoy at ellenm@sema.org.

Sport-Compact Council (SCC)

SCC presented four awards—Business of the Year, Person of the Year, Industry Image Award and Industry Icon Award—during the council’s Industry Awards Reception at the 2007 SEMA Show. The winners are:

• Business of the Year - ProMotion Distributing
• Person of the Year - Tracie Nuñez - Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT)
• Industry Image - NHRA
• Industry Icon - Richard Schroeder - Eagle Vista Productions

For more information about SCC, visit www.sema.org/scc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

WTC presented its Lifetime Achievement Award and Person of the Year Award during the council’s annual Industry Awards Reception at the 2007 SEMA Show. The winners are:

• Lifetime Achievement Award - Louis Senter - Senter Engineering
• Person of the Year - Joe Findeis - Wheel Consultants

For more information about WTC, visit www.sema.org/wtc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

SBN presented its annual Athena Award and Woman of the Year Award during the committee’s Speed Networking Breakfast held at the 2007 SEMA Show. The winners are:

• Woman of the Year - Amy Faulk, Hypertech Inc.
• Athena Award - Luanne Brown, e-Tool Developers

For more information about SBN, visit www.sema.org/sbn or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

YEN presented its Vanguard Award and named the Young Executive of the Year Award during the YEN Mixer held at the 2007 SEMA Show. The winners are:

• Vanguard - Rick Rollins - Superchips Inc.
• Young Executive of the Year - Jason Bruce - Advance Flow Engineering

For more information about YEN, visit www.sema.org/yen or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.