With only five weeks until the SEMA Show, now is the time to register for the 2007 SEMA Show Internship Program. The Internship Program is an excellent opportunity for the participating exhibitors to observe, influence and potentially hire new talent pursuing a career in the specialty-equipment industry. SEMA Show interns are students enrolled in schools or universities that specialize in automotive-related fields of study and seeking a technical or business/management position after graduation. 

The intern assigned to your SEMA Show exhibitor booth will gain an enormous amount of exposure and valuable insight to the numerous career opportunities available to them. Interns will be designated to exhibitor companies based on their area of interest and industry segment in which they'd like to work after graduation.

Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to work with future innovators and leaders in the specialty-equipment industry. If you are interested in hosting an intern during the SEMA Show or want more information about the SEMA Show Internship Program, visit www.sema.org/images/pdf/07_SS_Internship_Flyer.pdf and download the registration form.

For the first time ever, the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. spotted a Camaro test mule in the United States. Most of the testing and development is taking place in Australia, Priddy says, and previously they’ve only been able to grab grainy cell phone shots of a Holden-badged mule.

“Perhaps it’s to throw us off, but this chopped-up engineering mule is a Holden sibling, Chevrolet’s Middle Eastern market Lumina SS. But this is no Lumina. Underneath this hacked four-door shell is the long-awaited 2009 Camaro—at least the chassis and drivetrain, anyway.”

Contrary to its appearance, this Lumina SS has only two working doors, and comparing this mule with the donor body, this mule has a well-modified (and shorter) wheelbase, as well as a lower roofline.

“It’s no secret that this soon-to-be-Canadian-built ‘Heartbeat of America’ will start production in February of 2009, with an annual production run in the 65–75K-unit range,” Priddy notes. “There will be several powerplants offered, including a 3.6L direct-injection V6, as well as a regular V8 and likely a Z28-type V8 (LS8). Power-wise, the top-of-the-line should put out close to 500 horsepower and a convertible will follow for the 2010 model year."

A bill to ban the sale or installation of "an exhaust system which has been modified in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the exhaust” will be considered by the Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee on October 2. The bill excludes limited-use “antique motor cars” from its scope, a clear attempt by the bill’s sponsors to divide the automobile hobby in an effort to gain clearer sailing for this restrictive and damaging piece of legislation. 

SEMA opposes the bill primarily because it does not supply law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce, allowing them to make subjective judgments on whether or not a modified exhaust system is in violation. The measure was defeated in the past five legislative sessions. For more information, go to www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62241.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

The California Air Resources Board is proposing to revise its current requirements for the sale and use of aftermarket and re-manufactured catalytic converters. The proposed requirements would extend the period for meeting emissions reductions from 25,000 to 50,000 miles or a period of five years, applicable to all new converters sold, advertised or installed after January 1, 2009.

Under the proposal, catalytic converter warranties would be required to include these new limits. The proposal would also require that the sale of used catalytic converters cease beginning July 1, 2008. A public hearing on these proposals will be held October 25, 2007 in Sacramento, California.

For more information, contact Jim McFarland at jmcfar1@aol.com.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to regulate paint-stripping operations that use methylene chloride and surface coating and autobody refinishing operations that use paints containing hazardous metal compounds. The rule targets hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), which the agency believes may cause cancer or other health disorders. The rule would apply to most coating activities that emit HAPs. 
 
The EPA intends to establish “best practices” (spray booth, spray gun cleaning, etc.) for minimizing HAP emissions during surface-coating operations. All shops would be required to have a filtered spray booth or prep station and use high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) or equivalent spray equipment. Spray guns would be required to be cleaned manually or with an enclosed spray gun washer. The EPA believes many shops have already implemented these best practices. According to the EPA, those facilities that have not yet done so could recover the cost of new equipment and training through a more efficient use of labor and materials. The EPA notes that OSHA already requires spray finishing operations to be performed in a booth or similar enclosure (although the new EPA rule could necessitate the use of more efficient filters than are currently used).
 
Owners and operators would be required to provide training for their painters on how to properly spray surface coatings and clean the spray equipment. The EPA would prefer that training be comparable to existing programs offered by I-CAR (The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair), STAR (the Spray Technique Analysis and Research program) or other certification organizations. The EPA also anticipates that training and certification programs would be available through state and community colleges or industry initiatives. Painters would be required to complete refresher training and be re-certified every five years.

In addition, owners or operators of a paint-stripping/surface-coating operation would be required to provide the EPA with contact information, a brief description of the operation, the number of spray booths and average number of employed painters and other basic information. Reports would be filed on a yearly basis certifying that the operation is in compliance or identifying activities which do not comply. Owners and operators would also have to maintain records for at least five years that verify painter training/certification, filter replacement, spray gun information, etc.

The rule would not require individuals to produce a training certificate in order to buy paints and coatings. The rule would not apply to painting done with an airbrush or hand-held non-refillable aerosol cans. The EPA did not specifically address “miniature spray guns” that are being used in open areas. It may seek to require spray booths for these operations when it issues a final rule, which is expected in 2008. 

The proposal also did not exempt facilities that conduct limited coating operations. Once issued, the EPA will likely provide two years for most businesses to comply with the rule. SEMA intends to submit comments on the proposed rule, which are due on October 17, 2007. SEMA requests industry feedback as soon as possible so that it can be reflected in the comments. Comments may be directed to Jason Tolleson at jasont@sema.org or 202/783-6007, ext. 39.

Link to three-page overview of the proposed rule: www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t3/fact_sheets/paintstrpng_fs090607.pdf

Link to EPA proposed rule: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-17973.pdf

Filler for eNews

INJURED: 14-time NHRA Funny Car champion John Force was seriously injured in a crash Sunday at the Texas Motorplex. Force, who received six hours of reconstructive surgery Sunday night on his feet, legs and hands, was already undergoing physical therapy on Monday. Force suffered a compound fracture of the left ankle, a deep laceration of the right knee down to the bone, broken fingers and lacerations on the right hand and a dislocated left wrist that originally was diagnosed as a dislocation and break.

SPONSORS: National Guard, Mountain Dew and Amp Energy Drink will sponsor the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolets driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series next season.

HIRES AND FIRES: Champ Car World Series drivers Oriol Servia and Ryan Dalziel were relieved of their rides with two races remaining. David Martinez will replace Servia at Forsythe Racing, while Mario Dominguez will take Dalziel’s spot with Pacific Coast Motorsports.

NEW TRACK: Officials for New Jersey Motorsports Park broke ground on Thunderbolt Raceway, the road course portion of the multifaceted facility located in Millville, New Jersey, September 19. In the process, the group headed by Harvey Siegel and Lee Brahin unveiled a plaque honoring National Speed Sport News Editor Chris Economaki, which will grace the media center at the facility.

4-CROWN: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (midget), Robert Ballou (sprint car), Chad Ruhlman (modified) and Jerry Coons Jr. (Silver Crown) claimed victories during Eldora Speedway’s 27th annual 4-Crown Nationals.

A CHAMPION: 17-year-old Joey Logano, a Joe Gibbs Racing development driver, clinched the NASCAR East championship in his rookie season.

NUMBER ONE: Despite his season being complete, IRL IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti remained at the top of the NSSN Power Rankings for the second consecutive week. NHRA Pro Stock driver Dave Connolly moved 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
JOHN FORCE IN GOOD CONDITION AFTER SURGERY ON ANKLE AND WRIST IN TEXAS: After an operation in which doctors inserted three pins to set his broken ankle and also three temporary pins to stabilize his severely dislocated wrist, Funny Car driver John Force was reported to be in good condition Monday morning. Force suffered the injuries Sunday after he was involved in a second-round accident with Kenny Bernstein at the 22nd annual O’Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas. He was airlifted from the track to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas where the medical procedures were performed late Sunday night, early Monday morning. For more information on John Force’s recovery as updates appear, log on to www.nhra.com.

LLEWELLYN PICKS UP FIRST WIN AND CLINCHES SPOT IN COUNTDOWN TO ONE; PEDREGON, CONNOLLY, DIXON ALSO WIN IN DALLAS: Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Peggy Llewellyn won her first NHRA POWERade series race this past weekend in Dallas, securing herself in the fourth and final cutoff spot for the Countdown to One field by just 15 points over fifth-place Craig Treble at the O’Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals in Dallas. With her win, Llewellyn became the ninth female driver to win a POWERade series race and 44th overall to win an NHRA event. Larry Dixon, Tony Pedregon and Dave Connolly also joined Llewellyn in the winners’ circle Sunday, each winning in their respective categories.
     Picking up his third win of the season and second at Texas Motorplex, Dixon moved to the No. 1 spot in the POWERade Championship point standings, just 45 points ahead of second-place Rod Fuller. In Funny Car, Tony Pedregon’s win boosted him from fifth place, sitting outside the Countdown cutoff spot, to first place in the point standings, 16 points ahead of previous No. 1 points holder Robert Hight, who failed to qualify for the event. Dave Connolly continued his domination of the Pro Stock series, collecting his fourth win in a row and seventh of the season.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE FIELD SET FOR COUNTDOWN TO ONE: The Pro Stock Motorcycle field was set for the Countdown to One this past weekend at the O’Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals in Dallas. Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson rider and defending POWERade Series Champion Andrew Hines sits at the top of the point standings, with three-time 2007 winner Matt Smith in second place. Drag Specialties S&S Buell rider Chip Ellis enters the Countdown to One in the third-place spot and Dallas winner Peggy Llewellyn rounds out the field in the fourth spot. The Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock fields for the Countdown to One will be set in two weeks at the Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals in Richmond, Virginia.

MOTEL 6 EXTENDS MULTIYEAR SPONSORSHIP CONTRACT WITH THE NHRA: Motel 6 announced this past weekend that it has renewed its contract with NHRA, continuing to serve as the Official Motel of the NHRA POWERade series through the 2010 season. “We greatly value our relationship with NHRA and its millions of passionate fans,” said Eric Studer, senior vice president of marketing for Accor North America. 
     “NHRA provides us multiple platforms to communicate with motorsports fans, including traditional media, online communications, sales promotions and on-site access to 3 million NHRA race attendees annually.” 
     Motel 6 began its relationship with NHRA in 2001 and has stood as the Official Motel of the NHRA since 2005.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS EXTENDS TITLE SPONSORSHIP OF O’REILLY FALL NATIONALS AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX: NHRA announced this past weekend that O’Reilly Auto Parts has agreed to a multiyear extension to be the title rights sponsor of the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex through 2010. O’Reilly Auto Parts is the only title rights sponsor the event has had this decade, stretching back to 1999, the first year of the sponsorship.
    “O’Reilly Auto Parts is extremely excited to have the opportunity to continue our long-term association with NHRA and the Texas Motorplex,” said Ron Byerly, vice president of advertising and marketing for O’Reilly Auto Parts. “Our relationship with NHRA has grown significantly over the years and we welcome the opportunity to continue to enable our customers to experience the excitement of NHRA POWERade Drag Racing.”

GARDELLA PICKS UP THIRD WIN IN-A-ROW AT SPORT COMPACT NATIONALS: Pro FWD driver Gary Gardella collected his third win in a row this past weekend and ninth of his career at the NHRA Sport Compact Nationals at the O’Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals in Dallas, Texas. Joining Gardella in the winner’s circle was Pro RWD driver Brad Personett, who picked up his fifth win of the season and 18th of his career. The Xplod Series’ next event is the NHRA Sport Compact Fallnationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, Oct. 6–7.

COMING ATTRACTIONS
TORCO RACING FUELS NHRA NATIONALS, VIRGINIA MOTORSPORTS PARK, OCTOBER 5–7: The Countdown to One fields will be set when the POWERade Series returns to the East Coast, where Cory McClenathan, Eric Medlen, and Jason Line won in 2006.

NHRA SPORT COMPACT FALLNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, OCTOBER 6–7: The drivers of the Xplod Series return to this historic track to fight for points that will lead to the year-end world championship. Look for records to fall in the cool fall weather. This also marks the last race for the Eastern Region Sportsman Championship.

AC DELCO LAS VEGAS NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, OCTOBER 25–28: The Countdown to One begins with the Top 4 in each professional category battling it out for POWERade World Championships. The 2007 Technicoat Top Fuel Shootout also will take place at the event, pitting the top drivers in Top Fuel battling against each other for $100,000 and bragging rights.

.INSIDE THE NUMBERS
112: The number of points Funny Car driver Tony Pedregon picked up with his win in Dallas, which propelled him from fifth place to first place in the POWERade Funny Car point standings. With his win in Dallas, Pedregon is 16 points ahead of second place Robert Hight and 68 points ahead of fourth place and cutoff spot John Force. 

DRIVERS TELL ALL
LLEWELLYN GETTING HER FIRST WIN AND ADVANCING TO THE COUNTDOWN TO ONE:  Moving from sixth place, two spots out of the Countdown to One, to fourth place and securing her advancement to the next round of the Countdown to the Championship, while also collecting her first career win, Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Peggy Llewellyn was more than just excited about finding herself in the winner’s circle this past weekend in Dallas. “A year ago I was back in my real estate company working behind a desk thinking I wasn’t going to race anymore,” Llewellyn said. “I keep on telling my crew guys, ‘Pinch me, pinch me.' It’s pretty exciting.”

Powermaster hired Vince Sica as its sales and marketing director. Sica brings with him more than 30 years in the automotive aftermarket industry. In addition, the company appointed Stacy Edelmann as its media relations and IT director, and moved Mike Abney to the newly created position of business development manager.

 Vince Sica

Central Tools Inc. announced that Robert Pond will become president of Central effective October 1. Pond has been executive vice president of Central since 2005. He joined Central as vice president of marketing and sales in 1999 and started his career in the automotive aftermarket in 1984. Prior to joining Central, Pond spent many years involved with automotive systems training for ITT AIMCO and Allied Signal.

Voodoo Ride will be launching a line of interior and exterior cleaners geared toward the do-it-yourself and auto enthusiast markets. The company was co-founded by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Christopher Ferraro, a veteran of the appearance products industry. Voodoo Ride is currently in production on seven products, and a website (www.voodooride.com) is in development.

Toyo Tires has once again been selected “#1 Overall Brand” for both consumer and commercial tires in Tire Review Magazine’s annual Tire Brand Study of North American tire dealers. Conducted by Babcox Research for Tire Review for the past 15 years, the survey measures tire dealer opinions and perceptions about the brands they carry and sell. Toyo has earned the honor seven out of the past eight years for consumer products (passenger, performance and light truck/SUV) and four of the last six years for commercial products (medium truck).

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

All ARMO-member companies, branch offices and individuals are invited to attend the events the council has scheduled for SEMA Show week.

ARMO Functions at the SEMA Show

ARMO Industry Awards Reception, with emcee Dennis Gage, host of "My Classic Car"
Date: Tuesday, October 30
Time: 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Location: Ballroom C, Las Vegas Hilton Hotel

ARMO Open General Membership Meeting
Date: Wednesday, October 31
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: CR 1–3, Las Vegas Hilton Hotel

• To better serve the membership of the council, the leadership of ARMO is determined to involve more members in their planning sessions and allow more time to research viable projects before submitting budgetary items for fiscal year 2008. Members are asked to make plans to head east in October to attend this yearly open meeting. The council leadership recognizes one of the many strengths ARMO has lies in networking with other industry professionals. A networking opportunity prior to the Long Range Planning Meeting is in place. Members are invited to attend the ARMO Mixer on Sunday, October 7, at the close of Fall Carlisle. Situated on fairgrounds property, a nostalgic car dealership will provide the backdrop for this event and will also host the Long Range Planning Meeting.

All ARMO-member companies, branch offices and individuals are welcome to attend and are encouraged to participate. For more information or to reserve your space, contact Jan Desma at armo@sema.org or 909/396-0289, ext. 134. For travel assistance, contact Manya Petropaki, Travel Store USA, 888/219-1915 x19268 or 949/930-9268, manya.p@travelstoreUSA.com.

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

The Latest News From SEMA Councils and Committees:

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

During SEMA Show week, all HRIA members are invited to celebrate and honor exceptional industry individuals during the HRIA Industry Awards Reception, Wednesday, October 31, 5:30 p.m., in the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, Ballrooms A & B.

• Largest SEMA council networking event!
• Celebrate with the newest members entering the HRIA Hall of Fame
• Find out what company will be receiving the Business of the Year Award
• What individual will be recognized and awarded the Industry Recognition Award?  Be there to find out.
• Recognition of the Best New Product of the Year award recipient (judged from the New Products display at the Show)

Seminar #1
Maximum Bang for Your Marketing Bucks—How to Bring a Flood of New Customers for Little or No Money
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m.—White River Ballroom
Keynote speaker: Bob Negen, WhizBang! Training

To download an application form, visit www.sema.org/hria. For more information on SEMA educational opportunities, visit www.sema.org/education.

To learn more about the HRIA, visit www.sema.org/hria or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

• The DVD “Why Paint Colors Vary?” This valuable resource is now available. TORA members now have a valuable new tool that will help educate consumers about the challenges of the paint-color-matching process. Available for dealers and installers to play in their waiting areas, the video is presented in a professional format and brings a consistent message on why paint colors vary. The TORA “Why Paint Colors Vary?” DVD is available to TORA council members free of charge (or $49.95 for non-TORA members). Other tools available from TORA are the CHMSL and altered-height CDs. For details or to place an order, contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289, ext. 104, or e-mail stacib@sema.org.

To learn more about the TORA, visit www.sema.org/TORA or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Manufacturers' Representatives Council (MRC)

Here is a breakdown of MRC's activities for the rest of the year:

SEMA Show 2007
General Membership Meeting & Awards Ceremony—Presentation of the Hall of Fame and STAR Awards
Date: Sunday October 28
Location: Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, Pavilion 6
Time: 4 p.m.–6 p.m.

Rep Center for MRC Reps Only
Date: Sunday, October 28–Friday, November 5
Location: Center Hall, Room C104 (Front of building)

Rep Center Hours
Sunday: Noon–4 p.m.
Monday: Thursday–8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

To reserve a meeting room, contact Nancy Lund to confirm availability at mrc@sema.org or 909/396-0289. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Click here to download sponsorship form.

Breakfast with the Interns
Date: Thursday, November 1, 2007
Location: Room S233, South Hall
Time:  7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. 

Long Range Planning Open Meeting – PRI Show
Date:  Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Location: Orlando, Florida – Hotel and Room TBD
Time:  8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

To learn more about the MRC, visit www.sema.org/mrc or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

• The 11th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference is set for Tuesday, January 22–Thursday, January 24, 2008, at the Embassy Suites Hotel LAX South in Los Angeles. For more information on the MPMC Media Trade Conference, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

To learn more about the MPMC, visit www.sema.org/mpmc.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

To learn more about PRO, visit www.sema.org/pro or contact Ellen McKoy at ellenm@sema.org.

Sport-Compact Council (SCC)

To learn more about the SCC, visit www.sema.org/scc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

• Like to get some exposure for your company in front of the wheel and tire industries’ top companies and also have a good time? Become a sponsor of the WTC Reception during the 2007 SEMA Show. The reception is scheduled for Wednesday, October 31, 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton, Pavilion 1. Sponsorship Agreement forms have been mailed to all WTC members. If you need a Sponsorship Agreement form or have any questions about the WTC Reception, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Sponsorship Agreements must be received by Friday, September 28.

To learn more about the WTC, visit www.sema.org/wtc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

• Like to get some exposure for your company in front of the industries’ top companies and also meet new people? Become a sponsor of the SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN during the 2007 SEMA Show. The breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Sponsorship Agreement forms have been mailed to all SBN members. If you need a Sponsorship Agreement form or have any questions about the SBN Networking Breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org. Sponsorship Agreements must be received by Friday, September 28.

• Get expert advice on a business-related problem. The SEMA Mentoring Program, Powered by the SBN, is available to all employees of SEMA-member companies. Ask a one-time question or be matched with an established leader. Visit www.sema.org/mentoring for details.

• SBN has sponsorship opportunities available for its annual breakfast held in conjunction with the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. For information, visit www.sema.org/images/pdf/2007SBNBreakfastSponsorshipAgreement.pdf.

To learn more about the SBN, visit www.sema.org/sbn.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

• The annual SEMA Show Silent Auction, hosted by YEN, raised more than $70,000 for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund in 2006. The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to students pursuing careers in automotive-related fields. SEMA members and Show exhibitors interested in donating an item or becoming involved in the 2007 Silent Auction are encouraged to visit the SEMA Silent Auction website at www.sema.org/silentauction or the YEN SEMA Silent Auction website at www.semasilentauction.com.

• Would you like to gain more exposure for your company among our industry’s rising young executives? Would you like to enjoy a fun evening getting to know these future industry leaders? Become a sponsor of the Young Executives Network Reception! The reception is scheduled for Tuesday, October 30, 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton, Ballrooms E—G. The reception will have a '50s theme. Sponsorship Agreement forms have been mailed to all YEN members. If you need a Sponsorship Agreement form or have any questions about the YEN Reception, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Sponsorship Agreements must be received by Friday, September 28, 2007.

• Did you know that the 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 our website at www.sema.org/yen.

To learn more about the YEN, visit www.sema.org/yen or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.