SEMA-model legislation to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods was introduced in Delaware. Under the bill, a street rod is defined as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949. Importantly, replica street rods would be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble.

Working with state off-road enthusiasts, SEMA helped defeat a bill that sought to restrict modified 4x4 trucks to minimally maintained roads and to the area specifically designated for their use. The legislation defined 4x4 trucks as four-wheeled motor vehicles manufactured to operate on public roads and subsequently modified with special tires, suspension or other equipment.

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

NEWS NUGGETS

SNAKE DRIVERS DIXON AND JOHNSON JR. DOUBLE UP AT E-TOWN: Drag-racing legend Don “Snake” Prudhomme celebrated a double-win Sunday as his two drivers—Larry Dixon in Top Fuel and Tommy Johnson Jr. in Funny Car—pulled off a pair of wins at the 38th annual ProCare Rx NHRA SuperNationals presented by R2B2. It is Dixon’s second win in a row and Johnson Jr.’s first win of 2007. Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson collected his sixth win of the season and 49th career win, tying him with Prudhomme for sixth place on the NHRA POWERade Series’ all-time winner’s list. Pro Stock rider Craig Treble defeated defending POWERade champion Andrew Hines to pick up his first “Wally” of the season. 

TECHNICOAT TO SPONSOR NHRA TOP FUEL SHOOTOUT: Officials from NHRA announced this past week that Technicoat, a West Coast leader in waterproofing and shot-blasting services, will sponsor the NHRA Top Fuel Shootout in 2007. “We are pleased to welcome a progressive company like Technicoat into the sport of NHRA POWERade Drag Racing as a sponsor of one of the highest profile events within the series,” said Gary Darcy, senior vice president of sales and marketing, NHRA. “With their company’s support, the Technicoat Top Fuel Shootout will be one of the most exciting bonus events of the season, featuring the best Top Fuel teams in the world battling to win $100,000.” The lucrative “all-star race-within-a-race,” which returns to its original format, showcases eight of the best-performing Top Fuel teams in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, as determined over 23 races and will be contested during qualifying at the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, October 27.

LEGENDARY MOTORSPORTS JOURNALIST ECONOMAKI PRESENTED LIFETIME NHRA MEDIA AWARD AT ENGLISHTOWN: Legendary American motorsports journalist Chris Economaki was honored this past Friday with a Lifetime NHRA Media Award prior to the first round of qualifying at the ProCare RX NHRA SuperNationals in Englishtown, New Jersey. Economaki, 86, was presented the award by Jerry Archambeault, NHRA vice president of public relations and communications, in a brief ceremony at the starting line. Economaki was honored in recognition of his many decades of providing superior coverage of motorsports with passion, dedication and excellence. Known best as publisher of National Speed Sport News, Economaki has covered just about every type of automobile racing for various forms of media. He has worked as a pit reporter for ABC’s "Wide World of Sports," CBS Sports, and as a contributor to ESPN "Speedweek" and TBS’ "Motorweek Illustrated." He also worked as an analyst for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network.

ASHLEY FORCE, TROXEL, SAMPEY APPEAR ON "GOOD MORNING AMERICA": NHRA stars Ashley Force, Melanie Troxel, and Angelle Sampey appeared on ABC’s "Good Morning America" with hosts Diane Sawyer, Chris Cuomo, Robin Roberts and Sam Champion this past Thursday. In an interesting segment, each racer discussed her race vehicle, and Sampey let the hosts try out the saddle of her U.S. Army Suzuki. For pictures of the event, visit www.nhra.com/content/news.asp?articleid=21324&zoneid=8. 

GAINESVILLE TOWER DEMOLITION COMPLETED: Demolition is complete on the old Gainesville Raceway control tower, in preparation for the construction of a new state-of-the-art control tower that will house track offices, race-control operations and a spacious media center, directly behind the quarter-mile dragstrip. For updated photos of the demolition, visit www.nhra.com/content/news/21280.htm. 

FORMER TAD RACER TORSTVEIT NOMINATED FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE: Phoenix-area heart surgeon, teacher, and international lecturer and philanthropist Jeremy Torstveit, a former national event-winning Alcohol Dragster racer and current National DRAGSTER columnist, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize of 2007 for his work since 1992 in developing children’s heart surgery in southeast Asia. Torstveit, who received prior nominations in 2000 and 2002, has provided technical and financial assistance in Cambodia and Thailand, and helped originate and develop state-of-the-art children’s open-heart programs in Sri Lanka during a difficult economic and political climate.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, NORWALK, OHIO, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, JUNE 28–JULY 1: The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series will make its first appearance at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park. Catch all your favorite Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle drivers as they battle it out at this inaugural event.

O’REILLY NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS, BRISTOL, TENNESSEE, BRISTOL DRAGWAY, JULY 6–8: Rescheduled from its original date due to track surface conditions, this favorite stop for drivers never fails to produce an exciting weekend for racing. Defending event winners include Doug Kalitta, Ron Capps and Jason Line.

MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS, DENVER, BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY, JULY 13–15: The 13th stop on the 23-race schedule, Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle drivers will head to the “Mile-High” city to compete in the fourth of a six-races, six-weeks schedule. Defending event winners include J.R. Todd, Gary Scelzi, Dave Connolly and Andrew Hines.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

9: The number of wins held by the top five drivers in points in the Top Fuel category out of 10 events. Melanie Troxel, currently sixth in the points standings, who is only 16 points ahead of eighth place Bob Vandergriff Jr., holds the lone win outside the top five.

DRIVERS TELL ALL

FUNNY CAR DRIVER TOMMY JOHNSON JR. ON HIS ENGINE EXPLOSION IN ENGLISHTOWN: Before coming back and winning the event, Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson Jr. started his day off with a first-round explosion that nearly took him out of contention on Sunday at Englishtown. “We had to change everything after that fire, right down to the fuel tanks,” Johnson said. “That was a bad fire. It snuck up on me because the run was going fine and then, blam, there was this huge fireball. I hit the bottles, but it was still very hot in there. I had oil on my tires, and I was trying the best I could to stop and get out but the damage was already done.”

For more information, visit www.nhra.com.

JERSEY: International Speedway Corporation officials are again talking to officials with the Meadowlands Sports Complex about the possibility of building a race track around the existing horse track in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

FINED: Crew chiefs Steve Letarte and Chad Knaus were each fined $100,000 and suspended six races, while their Hendrick Motorsports drivers Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson were each docked 100 points, as well as team owner Rick Hendrick, because both cars failed pre-qualifying inspection at Infineon Raceway last Friday.

RECYCLED: Nine machines used to move disabled Formula One cars at the U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway have been sold to the government for delivery to the U.S. military in Iraq. The JCB load-alls will be shipped to Camp Arifjan in Kuwait before their delivery to the troops in Iraq.

NEW SITE: National Speed Sport News will debut its redesigned website July 3. While the site will still offer subscribers the same password-protected information offered in the hard copy of the nation's oldest auto-racing publication, it will also offer daily news stories and features, along with reader interaction.

TOP RUNG: World Driving Championship points-leader Lewis Hamilton remained on top of the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings for the second-consecutive week despite having the weekend off. Formula One returns to the track this weekend at the French Grand Prix.

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

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Yokohama Tire Corporation added two seasoned employees to its team: Gregg Vandermar, performance marketing manager, and Rusty Taylor, new manager of finance & administration, business division. Vandermark's responsibilities include corporate and consumer ride and drives, dealer training and working with automotive enthusiast groups and car clubs. He has more than eight years of tire-industry experience, formerly serving in several positions at Toyo Tires. Taylor's duties will include planning and forecasting budgets; generating financial models; and developing business plans for sales, marketing and finance. He will also review proposals.

Universal Trailer Corporation named Keith Peterson vice president of sales and marketing and Walter Niziolek vice president of operations for Haulmark Industries, one of Universal Trailer's brands. Peterson has more than 26 years of experience in product, channel and global marketing as well as in sales and service. Niziolek's expertise is in engineering and operations/plant management. In his 15-year industrial career, he has been instrumental in developing high-performing manufacturing facilities through process improvements, team building, kaizen and other lean manufacturing methodologies.

Century Fiberglass hired Chad Mesenbrink as its new regional sales manager for the western territory. Mesenbrink has been in the truck-accessory business since 1996 and brings a high level of experience to the Century Team. In addition, Sheryl Renee Draus was appointed the company’s newest inside salesperson. Draus began her career in the truck accessory business in 1986. She will eventually move into an outside sales position. “We are so fortunate to have both Chad and Sheryl Renee join the team,” commented Century’s National Sales Manager Sheryl Noblitt. “Our ‘passion for partnership’ includes everyone involved with Century Fiberglass. From dealers to sales reps to employees, it is our goal to have the best team possible.”

AIM hired Wayne Golonka as territory sales manager. Golonka, who has spent his entire career in the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket, most recently was district manager for ATP. In his role with AIM, Golonka calls on WDs and automotive jobbers in the Northeast region of the United States. For 20 years, Golonka was the co-owner of C & L Automotive Electric in Union, New Jersey. His company specialized in heavy duty and industrial repair.

Grant Brothers announced that Shawn Whiffen joined the company’s sales team as district manager for the Newfoundland territory. He most recently has been working as a business manager at an automotive dealership.

Audiobahn announced the winners of the Jada Toys “Chub City In Action” Film Contest, announced June 19, at the 2007 International Licensing Expo in New Your City at the Javits Convention Center. The contest challenged hobbyists, aspiring filmmakers and videographers to create a 28-second commercial using the Chub City Toys line. The aspiring film makers competed for $6,500 in prize money and Audiobahn audio equipment. "Chub City In Action” Film contest winners: $5,000 Grand Prize Winner—“Why So Sad Johnny,” by Jeffrey Glasson (Attleboro, Massachusetts); $1,000 Winner—“Jake, I Got An Idea,” by John Hampton (Long Beach, California); and the $500 Winner—“Bully,” by Dan Cunliffe (Minot, Maine). More information available at www.jadatoys.com, www.chubcity.com and www.iplayaz.com.

GBC Motorsports was named the title sponsor of the WPSA PowerSports ATV Tour double national race at Virginia Motorsports Park. As part of the sponsorship, the race will be called the GBC Virginia National. The GBC Virginia National is scheduled for June 29–July 1, at Virginia Motorsports Park.

The latest news from SEMA councils and committees:

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

• The PRO Select Committee has chosen Karl Stearns, vice-president of sales and marketing for Auto Trim International, to serve as council chair-elect. A member of the select committee, Stearns will serve as chair-elect for two years prior to assuming the role of chairman. He will serve alongside incoming Chairman Chuck Blum of Chuck Blum Consulting. Former Chairman BJ Leanse will remain onboard in an advisory capacity as chairman emeritus.

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

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

• Kelly Kneifl, division manager of automotive accessories at Shur-Co, has been elected by the TORA Select Committee to serve as council chair-elect. Kneifl, a member of the select committee, will serve as chair-elect for two years starting July 1 prior to assuming the role of chairman. He will serve alongside incoming Chairman Ron DiVincenzo, Cap World. Former Chairman Todd Yeoman will remain on the select committee in an advisory capacity as Immediate Past Chair/Advisor.

• 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 Monica Terlouw at monicat@sema.org.

More SEMA council and committee news:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

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

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

• Manufacturers are invited to sign up for time slots for the Hotrod & Restoration Education Day presented by the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA).  Registration is now open exclusively to HRIA member companies. There are seven session times offered and five available sessions per hour. Participants must be exhibitors of the Hotrod & Restoration (HRR) trade show. The exclusive opportunity ends July 1, and registration will then be open to all HRR trade show exhibitors. For a registration form, click here. More information on this educational opportunity contact SEMA, 909/396-0289 x134. or hria@sema.org.  
  
• HRIA Open General Membership Meeting
  
  Thursday, July 12, 2007
  3 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
  Ohio Expo Center – Ohio Building
  Columbus, Ohio

To learn more about the HRIA, visit www.sema.org/hria 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 Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

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

Manufacturers' Representatives Council (MRC)

• MRC members should mark their calendars for the following upcoming council activity:
  
  2007 MRC Rep Conference
  September 26–27, 2007
  Phoenix, Arizona

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

Sport-Compact Council (SCC)

• Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, was elected chairman-elect of the SCC. Nuñez will start her role on July 1 when current chairman-elect, Eric Breslow, Power Slot/Power Performance Group, takes over as SCC chairman.
  To learn more about the SCC, visit www.sema.org/scc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

• George Gillespie, Safety Compliance Engineer responsible for OVSCs tire-related standards, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), delivered a presentation at the 2006 SEMA Show regarding NHTSA's enforcement activity relative to tires for passenger vehicles and trucks. Gillespie provided overview and status of the agency's recent initiatives to increase tire safety, including compliance and enforcement actions for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (FMVSS No. 138) and passenger and light-truck tires (FMVSS No. 139). He also discussed the current increased enforcement to address concerns related to imported tires. SEMA members can now get a copy of Gillespie's PowerPoint presentation by contacting 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)

• 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.

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

Young Executives Network (YEN)

• 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.

• YEN has more than 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 YEN for free. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, visit the YEN website at www.sema.org/yen.

• Bianca Hennings, Window Canvas, was selected for the YEN Silent Auction Task Force Chairman. Hennings will assume the position when the current chairman, Dave Williams, Rampage Products, finishes his term with the YEN Select Committee in July. The SEMA Silent Auction, that is managed by the YEN, has raised more than $100,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in the past three years. If you are interested in participating in the SEMA Silent Auction on any level, visit www.sema.org/yen for additional information.
  

• Did you know that YEN sponsors networking events and mixers at most of the major trade shows and conferences? If you are interested in becoming a member of the SEMA Young Executive’s Network, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen

• Lance Packard, Painless Performance, was elected YEN chairman-elect. Packard will assume the position when current chair-elect, Laurel Dasher, Uni-Marketing LLC, takes over as YEN chairman on July 1.

• 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.

Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows and activities have been announced. Details are:

>> Aftermarket eForum, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, July 16–18, Chicago
>> SEMA Webinar: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), July 12, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> SEMA Webinar: Urban Lifestyle Report, July 26, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 27, Irvine, California
>> MRC Rep Conference, September 26–27, Phoenix
>> SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, Las Vegas
>> MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 22–24, 2008, Los Angeles

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268.

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