News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 09:21

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here). Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

The newest classified listings posted under Positions Available include:

SEMA members: Have a job opening that you need filled? Members are invited to post classified ads on www.sema.org/classifieds free of charge. Categories available are: Positions Available, Positions Wanted, Rep Opportunities, WD Opportunities, For Sale, Items Wanted, Business Opportunities and Internships. Visit the SEMA Classifieds site for details.

Mark Your Calendars

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 09:19

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities. Click on an item for more details.

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

Mark Your Calendars

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 09:19

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities. Click on an item for more details.

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

SEMA Heritage: Ted Halibrand

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 08:56

SEMA News—March 2012

HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

Ted Halibrand, aftermarket business, tire industry, automotive history

Given the importance of wheels in today’s automotive aftermarket, it’s hard to imagine a time when they weren’t a driving force (no pun intended) in vehicle modification and personalization. But that’s exactly what LeRoi “Tex” Smith said to open his November 1963 Hot Rod magazine article about custom and racing wheels.

“Until recently, the wheel was virtually overlooked by hot rodders,” Smith wrote. “Those who were concerned with the wheel usually made do with modified steel items or turned to the one major source of supply, the Halibrand Manufacturing Co.”

Ted Halibrand didn’t invent the performance wheel, but his influence over the category looms large. He was a car guy long before the wheel business, working on and racing midgets on Southern California’s oval tracks during the years leading up to World War II. During the war, he worked for Douglas Aircraft as an engineer, where he often used magnesium to replace broken aluminum aircraft parts. And that planted the seed.

Intrigued by magnesium’s light weight and strength, Halibrand looked for a way to adapt the metal into his race cars, knowing—as all rodders did—that less weight equals more speed. He cast his first set of wheels out of magnesium in 1946, and their immediate success led to the formation of the Halibrand Engineering Co. in 1947.

Halibrand’s first customers were Indy racers, and it wasn’t long before Halibrand-shod cars were winning at the Brickyard. In fact, every racecar that won the Indy 500 between 1951–1967 was outfitted with Halibrand wheels. Mickey Thompson went 400 mph at Bonneville with Halibrands. Carroll Shelby specified Halibrands for his cars. So did the Ford engineers who built GT40s to take on LeMans. It’s no wonder, then, that hot rodders and drag racers wanted those original “mags” for their own speed projects. Halibrand’s other lightweight speed parts—especially his quick-change rearend—were also in high demand then as they still are today.

Halibrand was just on the cusp of much of that success when Erick Rickman took this shot in September 1963 for Smith’s article. In Halibrand’s hands is his “split-mag,” a drag race wheel that could be assembled in a variety of widths. Smith said that Halibrand was also about to introduce a new line of street wheels “to fit all American cars and some foreign iron, such as the Jaguar. These wheels will also be available with special knock-off hubs if the customer wants them.”

Did they ever.

Halibrand was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1983. He passed away in 1991.

SEMA Heritage: Ted Halibrand

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 08:56

SEMA News—March 2012

HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

Given the importance of wheels in today’s automotive aftermarket, it’s hard to imagine a time when they weren’t a driving force (no pun intended) in vehicle modification and personalization. But that’s exactly what LeRoi “Tex” Smith said to open his November 1963 Hot Rod magazine article about custom and racing wheels.

“Until recently, the wheel was virtually overlooked by hot rodders,” Smith wrote. “Those who were concerned with the wheel usually made do with modified steel items or turned to the one major source of supply, the Halibrand Manufacturing Co.”

Ted Halibrand didn’t invent the performance wheel, but his influence over the category looms large. He was a car guy long before the wheel business, working on and racing midgets on Southern California’s oval tracks during the years leading up to World War II. During the war, he worked for Douglas Aircraft as an engineer, where he often used magnesium to replace broken aluminum aircraft parts. And that planted the seed.

Intrigued by magnesium’s light weight and strength, Halibrand looked for a way to adapt the metal into his race cars, knowing—as all rodders did—that less weight equals more speed. He cast his first set of wheels out of magnesium in 1946, and their immediate success led to the formation of the Halibrand Engineering Co. in 1947.

Halibrand’s first customers were Indy racers, and it wasn’t long before Halibrand-shod cars were winning at the Brickyard. In fact, every racecar that won the Indy 500 between 1951–1967 was outfitted with Halibrand wheels. Mickey Thompson went 400 mph at Bonneville with Halibrands. Carroll Shelby specified Halibrands for his cars. So did the Ford engineers who built GT40s to take on LeMans. It’s no wonder, then, that hot rodders and drag racers wanted those original “mags” for their own speed projects. Halibrand’s other lightweight speed parts—especially his quick-change rearend—were also in high demand then as they still are today.

Halibrand was just on the cusp of much of that success when Erick Rickman took this shot in September 1963 for Smith’s article. In Halibrand’s hands is his “split-mag,” a drag race wheel that could be assembled in a variety of widths. Smith said that Halibrand was also about to introduce a new line of street wheels “to fit all American cars and some foreign iron, such as the Jaguar. These wheels will also be available with special knock-off hubs if the customer wants them.”

Did they ever.

Halibrand was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1983. He passed away in 1991.

2011 SEMA Show Photo Gallery—A4, R8 and More From Audi

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 08:48

The SEMA Show is the temporary home for a wide variety of display vehicles that showcase the added power, performance, utility and styling of the specialty-equipment industry. Photos of the wide array of display vehicles featured at the 2011 SEMA Show are available for download at www.semaphotos.com.

A new group of photos are highlighted each week in SEMA eNews. This week's collection features custom Audis that made the trip to Las Vegas in 2011. In addition to display vehicles, www.semaphotos.com also includes photos of the Show floor, awards winners, industry personalities and more.

2011 SEMA Show Photo Gallery—A4, R8 and More From Audi

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 08:48

The SEMA Show is the temporary home for a wide variety of display vehicles that showcase the added power, performance, utility and styling of the specialty-equipment industry. Photos of the wide array of display vehicles featured at the 2011 SEMA Show are available for download at www.semaphotos.com.

A new group of photos are highlighted each week in SEMA eNews. This week's collection features custom Audis that made the trip to Las Vegas in 2011. In addition to display vehicles, www.semaphotos.com also includes photos of the Show floor, awards winners, industry personalities and more.

California Finalizes Program to Provide Amnesty to Owners of Illegally Titled/Registered Specially Constructed Vehicles

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 08:23

For the past several years, SEMA has been working with the California legislature and state agencies to provide protection for owners of improperly or illegally titled and registered specially constructed vehicles (SPCNS). Under a looming threat of prosecution, this program was pursued to help vehicle owners and builders avoid a situation that could have led to confiscated cars and felony law enforcement actions.

Beginning July 1, 2011, an amnesty program to allow proper registration of previously registered SPCNS went into effect. The program is slated to conclude on June 30, 2012—roughly 16 weeks remain (as of March 12, 2012). For owners who may have misrepresented the value of the vehicle or its model year at initial registration, this law provides a method to obtain legal title/registration.

For additional details, contact Jim McFarland at jmcfar1@aol.com.

California Finalizes Program to Provide Amnesty to Owners of Illegally Titled/Registered Specially Constructed Vehicles

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 08:23

For the past several years, SEMA has been working with the California legislature and state agencies to provide protection for owners of improperly or illegally titled and registered specially constructed vehicles (SPCNS). Under a looming threat of prosecution, this program was pursued to help vehicle owners and builders avoid a situation that could have led to confiscated cars and felony law enforcement actions.

Beginning July 1, 2011, an amnesty program to allow proper registration of previously registered SPCNS went into effect. The program is slated to conclude on June 30, 2012—roughly 16 weeks remain (as of March 12, 2012). For owners who may have misrepresented the value of the vehicle or its model year at initial registration, this law provides a method to obtain legal title/registration.

For additional details, contact Jim McFarland at jmcfar1@aol.com.

Racing News: ReadyLIFT, Marty Hart Join Forces in 2012 Lucas Oil Off Road Series Championship

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:23


	Marty Hart and ReadyLIFT have joined forces.

Team ReadyLIFT Racing, Marty Hart Join Forces in 2012 Lucas Oil Off Road Series Championship
Team ReadyLIFT Racing has announced that veteran racer and multi-time champion Marty Hart and ReadyLIFT have joined forces. Hart will pilot the ReadyLIFT Off Road Suspension Unlimited Pro 2 as he seeks to secure yet another championship in the 2012 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.

Hart joined Team ReadyLIFT in 2010 where he dominated the Unlimited Pro Lite class and captured yet another championship trophy. In 2011, Hart and Team ReadyLIFT joined up with Johnny Greaves Motorsports where Hart piloted Greaves Pro 2 for the first time in his career.

Co-sponsors of Hart’s #15 ReadyLIFT Off Road Suspension Unlimited Pro 2 include Maxxis Tires, GearUp2Go.com, Fox Shocks, Duncan Racing, Fiberwerx, Simpson Race Products and Walker Evans Racing Wheels.

Race fans will have the opportunity to watch Marty dig hard for the 2012 Pro 2 championship while his up-and-coming son Kyle will pilot his matching ReadyLIFT Off Road Suspension #523 Modified Kart.

The 2012 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series will begin March 31, 2012, at Firebird Raceway in Chandler, Arizona. Races will be broadcast on SPEED Channel, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports and MavTV. For more information about the 2012 LOORRS season check out www.lucasoiloffroad.com.

Champion Oil Seeking Additional Distribution for Racing and Performance Motor Oils, Chemicals and Additives
Champion Oil has recently announced numerous new geographical locations and opportunities available in North America for qualified wholesalers who have customers with hot rods, sprint cars, midgets, modifieds, drag racers, road racers, off-road, diesel pullers, etc.

Inquiries should be from established race and performance businesses interested in acquiring this racing and performance line of products.

World of Outlaws "NAPA Know How So Cal Showdown" Saturday at Perris Auto Speedway
The "Greatest Show on Dirt," the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, will make its only Southern California appearance of 2012 this Saturday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the "NAPA Know How So Cal Showdown" at Perris Auto Speedway. Joining the stars and cars of the Outlaws on the program will be the California Lighting Sprint Car Series.

The event will feature some of the world's fastest dirt track Sprint Car drivers, including 20-time World of Outlaws champion Steve Kinser of Bloomington, Indiana, four-time series champ Donny Schatz (driving for Tony Stewart) of Minot, North Dakota, two-time defending champion Jason Meyers of Clovis, California, Joey Saldana (driving for Kasey Kahne), Danny Lasoski, Craig Dollansky, Kraig Kinser, Paul McMahon, Lucas Wolfe, Jason Sides, Sam Hafertepe Jr. and the rest of the World of Outlaws stars.

Tickets are available at the gate on Saturday and in advance online or by calling 877-395-8606.


	Jim Clark addresses those in attendance at the SCCA Hall of Fame induction. Photo: SCCA

2012 SCCA Hall of Fame Induction, Awards Presentation Caps Convention
With 444 Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) members and guests in attendance at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the 2012 SCCA National Convention came to a close last Saturday night with the induction of five legendary members into the club’s Hall of Fame.

The SCCA National Hall of Fame was created in 2004 to preserve, protect and record the history and accomplishments of the club by acknowledging those members who have made a significant impact on the development of SCCA, be it through service to the national organization, achievements in national competition or brining national recognition to SCCA. The 2012 class consisted of Charlie Earwood, Jim Hall, Gene Henderson, Dr. Peter Talbot and Bryan Webb.

Several other awards were handed out during the evening’s ceremony, including the Woolf Barnato Trophy. SCCA’s highest award, the honor is presented to the member who has made the most outstanding long-term contribution to the club. Winners are nominated by the last three recipients and approved by the Board of Directors. This year’s recipient was Dick Templeton.

The convention concluded with a final message from SCCA President Jeff Dahnert. The 2013 SCCA National Convention will return to the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, February 28–March 2.


	Matt Bell and Charles Bateman will be aiming for British GT title honors in the United Autosports Audi R8 LMS this year.

United Autosports Bids for British GT Crown With Young Chargers
Leeds-based United Autosports has announced it will campaign an Audi R8 LMS GT3 in the 2012 Avon Tyres British GT Championship for Matt Bell (Newcastle-upon-Tyne) and Charles Bateman (Boston, Lincolnshire) in a bid to lift the title it so narrowly missed out on last year.

The team was one of the front-running outfits in 2011, having taken several pole positions and led the championship for the majority of the season with drivers Bell and Mike Guasch. Bateman too was a double race winner in the series last year.

The Audi R8 is one of the most successful GT cars in the history of the sport, having taken more than 100 race wins to date, and the United Autosports car will be updated to the latest 2012 specification.

ISMA's ‘Timmy J’ is Late Providence Indoor Race TQ Entry
A late driver change in the entry roster for the 2012 “Coffee Cup Classic” Indoor Race Weekend in Providence, Rhode Island’s Dunkin Donuts Center March 10–11, has the potential to affect the outcome of the races in a big way. Tim Jedrzejek, aka "Timmy J," an International Super Modified Association (ISMA) Supermodified driver from Independence, Ohio, is replacing owner-driver Mike Dicely, Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, who last year had Ryan Smith, Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, steer his car to a close second-place feature finish. Dicely had intended to drive himself this year.

The race meet format calls for two days of qualifying races and feature events for the Three Quarter (TQ) Midgets and Champ Karts, culminating on Saturday with the running of “The Coffee Cup Classic,” a 40-lap TQ Midget feature, paying $2,000 to its winner.

Jedrzejek was ranked eighth in the 2011 ISMA Supermodified season standings, driving the Dan Soule-owned car. One of Jedrzejek’s main competitors will be Canadian Mike Lichty—a past winner indoors at Providence and a fellow ISMA Supermodified campaigner. New England favorite Ted Christopher of Plainville, Connecticut, is the race’s defending champion.

On Sunday, the feature for TQ Midgets is a first-time event, to be run over a 100-lap distance with a planned mid-race break to allow teams to make adjustments and, if possible, re-enter the race. This all-new race format will place a premium on endurance and could tend to favor ISMA Supermodifed drivers Jedrzejek and Lichty and Modified favorite Christopher, who are used to driving in longer-distance races in open-wheeled cars.

For tickets, call the Dunkin’ Donuts Center Box Office at 404-331-6700 or Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.

SEMA News—March 2012

Big Wheel

SEMA News—March 2012

Big Wheel