"Ignore the European plates," says spy shooter Brenda Priddy. "This all-new MINI Cabrio was caught here in the States!"

Priddy says the convertible will arrive shortly after the launch of the MINI Clubman early next year.

"Sporting a 'multifunctional' fabric top, this car is going to be the ultimate summer city car for 2008," she says. "With a C-pillar at least as wide as on the current model, visibility to the rear won’t likely be improved, although we expect the new top to stow a bit better than on the current model."

The United States and Canada have similar motor-vehicle safety standards. When they are not the same, manufacturers and registered importers are permitted to import Canadian-certified vehicles and bring them into compliance with U.S. standards. In recent years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued new safety standards, but Canada has not yet taken similar actions. These standards include FMVSS No. 110 (tire labeling), 118 (power windows), 126 (electronic stability control systems), 138 (tire-pressure monitoring systems), 202 (head restraints), 206 (door locks) and 213 (child restraints). The phase-in period for the new U.S. standards vary between 2007 and 2011. The NHTSA is proposing to update the importing procedures to note that imported vehicles must also be brought into compliance with the new standards, as they become effective in the United States. Comments on the NHTSA’s proposed revisions are due by September 13. For additional information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Filler for eNews

NEWS NUGGETS

RAIN DELAYS TOYO TIRES NHRA NATIONALS AND COUNTDOWN HOPEFULS: For the second day in a row, rain has delayed the final rounds of the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania. Action resumes Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. (EST) at Maple Grove Raceway. Though rain has kept the finals from finishing up, the new Countdown to the Championship playoff system has proven to provide big-time thrills as the last race in the 17-race Countdown to 8 comes to a close.

FIVE DRIVERS CLINCH A COUNTDOWN BERTH, FOUR DRIVERS HOPE TO CLINCH IN FINALS AT READING: Top Fuel pilots Whit Bazemore and Bob Vandergriff, Pro Stock drivers Kurt and Warren Johnson and Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Chip Ellis, Karen Stoffer, Eddie Krawiec and Peggy Llewellyn all clinched a spot in the Countdown Playoffs at the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania. Top Fuel pilot Doug Herbert, in an amazing comeback, is sitting on the verge of overtaking eighth-place driver David Grubnic and securing a spot in the Countdown playoffs with a win in the final round of Top Fuel. Herbert faces Rod Fuller in the finals once racing begins again Tuesday. Funny Car driver Del Worsham, Pro Stock driver V Gaines and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Chris Rivas are hoping to grab the remaining spots in the top eight with semifinal wins in Reading.

PUSTARI FILLS IN FOR AILING DRIVER BRANDON BERNSTEIN IN READING: With regular driver Brandon Bernstein sidelined after surgery to remove a stubborn kidney stone at Reading Hospital and Medical Center, veteran driver Rit Pustari climbed into the seat of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster for the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading. Pustari, who happened to be in Reading to visit friends competing in the race, got the call to sub for Bernstein late last week. Pustari qualified in the lucky 13th spot, but fell in the first round to Top Fuel pilot David Grubnic.

ASHLEY IS IN AOL SEMIS: Ashley Force has made it to the semifinals of America Online’s “Hottest Female Athlete” Tournament. Force defeated golf’s Paula Creamer to make it to the semifinals where she’s pitted against IndyCar diva Danica Patrick for a trip to the finals. The other two semifinalists are Maria Sharapova and Jenny Finch. The daughter of NHRA icon John Force is a leading candidate for the Auto Club Road to the Future award. She is 1–1 against her father and advanced to back-to-back semifinals.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS, O’REILLY RACEWAY PARK, AUGUST 29–SEPTEMBER 3: Long known as the most prestigious race in the POWERade Drag Racing Series, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals takes on an even more significant role in 2007 with the inception of the Countdown to the Championship. The Mac Tools U.S. Nationals is the first race in the four-race Countdown playoffs that will halve the field of eligible championship teams from eight to four. The annual Skoal Showdown (Funny Car) and the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle (Pro Stock Motorcycle) bonus events also will be contested during the popular Labor Day weekend event.

O’REILLY NHRA MID-SOUTH NATIONALS, MEMPHIS MOTORSPORTS PARK, SEPTEMBER 14–16: Doug Kalitta, John Force, Kurt Johnson and Andrew Hines look to defend their 2006 titles at this second event in the Countdown to Four.

O’REILLY NHRA FALL NATIONALS, TEXAS MOTORPLEX, SEPTEMBER 20–23: The third of four races in the Countdown to Four, defending event winners include Brandon Bernstein, Robert Hight and Richie Stevens Jr. Also, for the first time since 2000, Pro Stock Motorcycle will return to compete at Texas Motorplex.

.INSIDE THE NUMBERS

53: Entering the final regular season event in the POWERade Countdown to the Championship in Reading, Snap-on Tools dragster pilot Doug Herbert was sitting in the 11th spot, 53 points away from David Grubnic and the eighth-place cutoff point. With a win Tuesday in the final round against points leader Rod Fuller, Herbert could complete one of the most spectacular comebacks in NHRA history to clinch the final spot in the Countdown playoffs.

DRIVERS TELL ALL

TOP FUEL PILOT MELANIE TROXEL ON NOT ADVANCING TO THE COUNTDOWN TO FOUR: Heading into the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania, the final cutoff race for The Countdown to 8 in the inaugural Countdown to the Championship season, Top Fuel pilot Melanie Troxel was in ninth-place, just two points behind eighth-place and final cutoff spot David Grubnic. Unfortunately, a first-round loss to teammate Morgan Lucas ended her Championship run for 2007. Speaking on the loss to her teammate, Troxel says that a legitimate win, not a “gimme,” was exactly how she wanted to fight for her championship standings. “It’s disappointing, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. I wouldn’t want them (Morgan Lucas’ team) to hand that to us. I wouldn’t have felt we earned our place in the Countdown. We went up there to race, and that’s all there is to it.”

For more information, visit www.nhra.com.  

DIED: Veteran modified racer John Blewett III was killed in a crash during the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at Thompson International Speedway on August 16. Tragically, Blewett’s brother Jimmy was also involved in the crash and was the first on the scene. Blewett was 33 years old. Former Goody’s Dash driver Christian Elder died in his home last week. He was 38.

BACK TO IOWA: After drawing a huge crowd in June, the IRL IndyCar Series will return to Iowa Speedway in 2008 and 2009.

TROUBLE IN FLORIDA: A change in the way Florida is enforcing federal regulations concerning towing vehicles has sanctioning bodies rethinking whether or not to hold races in the state. The state is treating tow vehicles as commercial vehicles instead of recreation vehicles and levying large fines against violators.

COMING HOME: It appears that American Formula One driver Scott Speed, who lost his ride two weeks ago, could return to competition in the United States next season.

A TUNNEL: A group of investors announced plans to build Wind Tunnel Extreme near Charlotte, North Carolina. The facility is planned to open in 2009, but a site has not yet been chosen.

RETIRING AGAIN: NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver Ricky Rudd, who came out of retirement to race for Robert Yates Racing this season, will retire again at the end of this season.

TOP DOG: Despite a crash while racing for the lead at Nodak Speedway, Donny Schatz finished third and first in his next two races and retained the top spot in 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.

The latest news from SEMA councils and committees:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

• 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 back drop for this event and will also host the Long Range Planning meeting.
  
  Date:  Monday, October 8, 2007
  Location: Carlisle Fairgrounds – Carlisle, Pennsylvania
  Schedule: 7:30 a.m. (Continental Breakfast available) 
  8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.–Open Session
  12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch
  
  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.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

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.

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.

Manufacturers' Representatives Council (MRC)

SEMA and the Manufacturers Rep council cordially invite you to participate in The SEMA/MRC Interactive Town Hall Dinner, a new component of the SEMA MRC Rep Conference that is designed specifically for manufacturers, WDs and reps. The MRC Rep Conference Town Hall Interactive Dinner takes place immediately following the close of the PWA Conference on Wednesday, September 26, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the famed MRC sponsored cocktail hour. Dinner service will begin at 6:20 p.m., and the Town Hall discussion will begin at 7:00 p.m. lasting until 9:00 p.m.

The Town Hall is a unique interactive discussion that will explore the expectations the manufacturer, the warehouse distributor, and the manufacturers rep all have in an agency or rep servicing a satellite warehouse location. 

• Join leading manufacturers and WD’s in uncovering the best way to address sales training for WDs.
• Discover new ways to introduce new products, ultimately leading to more sales.
• Go home with practical solutions to your biggest challenges.

Reserving your seat is easy, click here to download a copy of the registration form. To learn more about the MRC Rep Conference, visit www.sema.org/mrc or contact Jan Desma at mrc@sema.org or call 909/396-0289, ext. 134.

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

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)

Richard Schroeder: A special online forum has been created in honor of the late Richard Schroeder, who passed away August 13 after a brief bout with cancer. The forum is located at http://schrodo.com; click on forums. Schroeder was a charter member of the Import Performance Committee, which is now known at the Sport-Compact Council. To learn more about Schroeder’s life and passion for motorsports, visit his website at http://www.schrodo.com.  

• SCC Business of the Year, Person of the Year, Industry Image and Industry Icon Award nomination forms have been mailed to all SCC members. The awards will be presented during the SCC Reception on Wednesday, October 31, 5 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton, Pavilion 6. Your nominations and support are important to your council. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the SCC Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Nominations are due by Friday, August 24.
  

• Get Connected at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, too! Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Connect with fellow SEMA members at the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN. Participate in Speed Networking—a unique and effective way to build your nexus of contacts. Every few minutes you can meet someone new in the automotive industry; you’ll make more new contacts at one breakfast than most people make in six months! To purchase tickets or for more information on the networking breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

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, November 1, 5:00–7:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. 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.
  
  
• Get connected at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, too! Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Connect with fellow SEMA members at the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN. Participate in Speed Networking—a unique and effective way to build your nexus of contacts. Every few minutes you can meet someone new in the automotive industry; you’ll make more new contacts at one breakfast than most people make in six months! To purchase tickets or for more information on the networking breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

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 WTC Reception, 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, 5:00–7:30 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. 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.
  
  
• Get Connected at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, too! Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Connect with fellow SEMA members at the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN. Participate in Speed Networking—a unique and effective way to build your nexus of contacts. Every few minutes you will meet someone new in the automotive industry; you’ll make more new contacts at one breakfast than most people make in six months! To purchase tickets or for more information on the networking breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.
  
  
• The annual SEMA Show Silent Auction, hosted by the YEN, raised more than $70,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in 2006. If you are interested in donating an item or becoming involved in the 2007 Silent Auction, visit the YEN website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• 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.

Grant Brothers Sales Ltd. announced that Terry Bax of Tribax Sales Inc. will join Grant Brothers effective September 1 as district manager for southwestern Ontario. Bax has run a successful agency for the last 15 years and has the experience needed to service and support customers in the traditional automotive aftermarket, the company says.

 Terry Bax

Pilot Automotive Inc. appointed of Awanish Ranjan as director of sales support. Ranjan was previously responsible for new business ventures at AutoZone and has been a business analyst at Pilot since 2004. In his new role, he will lead the Pilot Business and Financial Analysis Team for multiple sales divisions. Ranjan is based at the Pilot Headquarters in City of Industry, California. 

 Awanish Ranjan

Stillwater Designs recently presented service awards to a total of 65 employees during a meeting at the company’s world headquarters. Stillwater Designs founder and owner Steve Irby and Executive Vice President Gary Henderson presented the awards recognizing employees for their dedication and loyalty. Recognized for 20 years of service: Jay Ralston and Bill Doering. Employees with the company 15 years: Clint Cooke, Bob Spencer, Dan Jobin and Jeff Quayle. Employees with the company 10 years:  Jeried Field, Monty Larman, Errick Anderson, Kay Vinson, Steve Perry, Kip Litsey and John Meyers. Employees with the company five years: R Campbell, Casey Murphy, Tyson Coker, Jorge Meyers, Beau Myrick, Eva Pace, Del Birchfield, Jason Lewellen, Ernie Ficklin, Herb Kane and Joey Anglin.

Standard Motor Products Inc. announced that its board of directors has authorized a $3.3 million increase in the company’s stock repurchase program. The program is in addition to the company’s existing stock repurchase program, under which the company recently repurchased approximately $1.7 million of stock. Any repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock and will be available for general corporate purposes, including funding existing stock plans. In addition, Standard Motor Products has announced Pamela Forbes Lieberman has been appointed as an independent director to the company’s board of directors. Lieberman, who previously served as the president and CEO of True Value Corp. and is a certified public accountant, will serve on each of the committees of the board of directors.  

The SEMA Show is loaded with innovative resources, merchandising tools, marketing strategies and networking opportunities to help auto dealers create new profit centers with fast-selling accessories in every department: new car, used car, parts, service and F&I. Gain the knowledge and expertise you need to capture your share of the $36.7 billion accessory market at these dealer-exclusive special events.

Automotive News Dealer Forum: Creating New Profit Centers through Accessorization
Co-sponsored by NADA and SEMA
Wednesday, October 31
2:45 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (doors open at 2:15 p.m.)
Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N258-260

The booming accessory market offers dealers unprecedented profit potential. Whether you’re a franchised dealer or an independent used-car retailer, learn how to tap into this rapidly expanding, high-profit market at the all-new Automotive News Dealer Forum. Hear from a top-level OEM executive how accessories can mean more business and profits for your dealership. Learn firsthand from a panel of savvy dealers how to use accessories to generate showroom excitement, enhance customer satisfaction and significantly boost bottom-line profitability—proven strategies to attract new buyers and position your dealership as a market leader. Moderator: Keith Crain, Crain Communications

Exclusive Welcome Reception
Co-sponsored by Automotive News, NADA and SEMA 
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.                  
Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall Lobby/Door N3

Immediately following the Automotive News Dealer Forum, enjoy a private, after-hours gathering while you meet and mingle with industry executives, OEM representatives and your hosts for the evening—Automotive News, NADA and SEMA—at a gala reception welcoming auto dealers to the 2007 SEMA Show. Unwind amidst stunning displays of stylized vehicles and enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a hosted bar. Savor a selection of premium California wines and much more. Admittance to the reception is by invitation only. To request an invitation or to RSVP by October 22, email to dealerlink@sema.org.

NADA Hospitality Lounge
Co-sponsored by Automotive News and SEMA    
Tuesday, October 30–Thursday, November 1
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center, Silver State Room/C201 (between Halls C1 and C2)

Be sure to visit the all-new NADA Hospitality Lounge, conveniently located near the Show floor between Halls C1 and C2. Hosted by the National Association of Automobile Dealers, the hospitality lounge—open exclusively to auto dealers—is the perfect place to relax, unwind, network with colleagues or hold a casual meeting. Open daily during show hours, Tuesday through Thursday. Show badge required for admittance.

FILLER FOR KEYSTONE EVENT ITEM

The Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) will be hosting a SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Silent Auction at the Annual PWA Conference, September 24–26, at the Point South Mountain Resort in Phoenix, Arizona.

The auction will take place Monday, September 24 during the conference’s annual water park reception. The theme of the auction will be sports memorabilia and will feature collectible items from every major sports category—racing and motorsports, football, baseball, golf, hockey, Olympics and more. The memorabilia ranges from rare items to autographs and signed equipment. Proceeds from the auction benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

PWA’s Executive Director John Towle stated, “I’m pleased to report that PWA will be supporting the SEMA YEN Committee. With the support of the conference participants, this program should raise significant funds for the SEMA Scholarship Fund.”

The SEMA Silent Auction that is managed by YEN has raised more than $100,000 for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund in the past three years. The funds are being raised to support scholarships for students seeking careers in the automotive aftermarket industry and for the student loan forgiveness for those working for SEMA-member companies.

SEMA also hosts a silent auction of automobile-related items yearly at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Individuals or businesses who would like to make a tax-deductible donation or donate items that can be a part of the auctions can do so by visiting www.semasilentauction.com. More information on YEN is available at www.sema.org/yen.