By Della Domingo

Members of the media will have an opportunity to check out new products from TORA manufacturers, Monday, November 3, in the SEMA Show Media Center.

For the first time, media attending the SEMA Show can get a head start on their coverage before the Show’s official opening.

At the SEMA Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA) Media Preview, registered and credentialed journalists can avoid the rush of 60,000 buyers to get a sneak peek at some of the newest parts and accessories for the Truck and SUV segment of the automotive aftermarket, including those for the very popular and newly redesigned ’15 Ford F-150 pickup and Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon SUVs.

A limited number of TORA manufacturers will have their new products on display, and representatives will be available for interviews from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (PST), Monday, November 3, in the SEMA Show Media Center, located in room N110 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Media can register online by visiting the SEMA Show's Media page.

“With more than 2,000 exhibitors spread over one million square feet, there’s a lot to cover at the SEMA Show, even for the most seasoned journalists,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The Media Preview event gives journalists an opportunity to connect with exhibitors and see new products before the Show opens, making it that much easier to get the stories they need.”

The 2014 SEMA Show is set to take place Tuesday–Friday, November 4–7, in Las Vegas. The annual trade show is where manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories gather to connect with buyers from all over the world.

By SEMA Editors

	Super Street, GT Channel and Speedhunters will put their own spins on the stock FR-S vehicles during the 10th annual Scion Tuner Challenge at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 4–7.

Scion has announced the three media partners that will compete in its 10th annual Scion Tuner Challenge at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 4–7. Super Street, GT Channel and Speedhunters will put their own spins on the stock FR-S vehicles, drawing inspiration from the details of the FR-S Release Series 1.0.

All three outlets have long relationships with Scion and will receive $15,000 to modify the vehicles. Super Street is a magazine dedicated to covering high-performance customized cars and the lifestyle. GT Channel is a car video network focused on drifting videos, car racing and new vehicle tests. Speedhunters is an international collective of photographers, writers and drivers with a shared passion for digging up the most exciting stories surrounding car culture happening anywhere in the world. A panel of judges will evaluate the entries and announce the winner at the SEMA Show. First place earns a $10,000 grand prize.

“The FR-S Release Series 1.0 presents a modern take on the vehicle’s racing heritage and will provide our three media teams a creative muse for their own inspired customizations,” said Landy Joe, Scion auto shows and special events manager. “In our 10 years bringing this competition to the SEMA Show, we’ve always been impressed by the ingenuity of car builders there and our Scion fans. By bringing in these three respected partners to help us celebrate this milestone, we hope to get even more people excited about the possibilities.”

At the start of the competition, each FR-S vehicle will have its 2.0L, flat boxer engine, six-speed manual transmission and streamlined body exterior. Each build team can reach out to aftermarket partners for support as needed.

For more details about the contest, visit www.ScionRacing.com for blog entries, photos and video content. Fans can follow the builds on Scion Racing Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #ScionTunerChallenge and #FRSRS1.

By SEMA Editors

	Super Street, GT Channel and Speedhunters will put their own spins on the stock FR-S vehicles during the 10th annual Scion Tuner Challenge at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 4–7.

Scion has announced the three media partners that will compete in its 10th annual Scion Tuner Challenge at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 4–7. Super Street, GT Channel and Speedhunters will put their own spins on the stock FR-S vehicles, drawing inspiration from the details of the FR-S Release Series 1.0.

All three outlets have long relationships with Scion and will receive $15,000 to modify the vehicles. Super Street is a magazine dedicated to covering high-performance customized cars and the lifestyle. GT Channel is a car video network focused on drifting videos, car racing and new vehicle tests. Speedhunters is an international collective of photographers, writers and drivers with a shared passion for digging up the most exciting stories surrounding car culture happening anywhere in the world. A panel of judges will evaluate the entries and announce the winner at the SEMA Show. First place earns a $10,000 grand prize.

“The FR-S Release Series 1.0 presents a modern take on the vehicle’s racing heritage and will provide our three media teams a creative muse for their own inspired customizations,” said Landy Joe, Scion auto shows and special events manager. “In our 10 years bringing this competition to the SEMA Show, we’ve always been impressed by the ingenuity of car builders there and our Scion fans. By bringing in these three respected partners to help us celebrate this milestone, we hope to get even more people excited about the possibilities.”

At the start of the competition, each FR-S vehicle will have its 2.0L, flat boxer engine, six-speed manual transmission and streamlined body exterior. Each build team can reach out to aftermarket partners for support as needed.

For more details about the contest, visit www.ScionRacing.com for blog entries, photos and video content. Fans can follow the builds on Scion Racing Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #ScionTunerChallenge and #FRSRS1.

By SEMA Editors

UPS is offering to be the single point of contact for all vehicle-shipment needs for exhibitors before, during and after the 2014 SEMA Show.

UPS is offering to be the single point of contact for all vehicle-shipment needs for exhibitors before, during and after the 2014 SEMA Show. Through the UPS Autogistics Finished Vehicle Transportation, exhibitors will benefit from the service that will request quotes, negotiate rates and manage exhibitor’s vehicle shipments from origin to destination.

To participate in the program, find out more information or request a quote, contact Dave Sprock at 702-283-0438.

By SEMA Editors

UPS is offering to be the single point of contact for all vehicle-shipment needs for exhibitors before, during and after the 2014 SEMA Show.

UPS is offering to be the single point of contact for all vehicle-shipment needs for exhibitors before, during and after the 2014 SEMA Show. Through the UPS Autogistics Finished Vehicle Transportation, exhibitors will benefit from the service that will request quotes, negotiate rates and manage exhibitor’s vehicle shipments from origin to destination.

To participate in the program, find out more information or request a quote, contact Dave Sprock at 702-283-0438.

By SEMA Editors

UPS is offering to be the single point of contact for all vehicle-shipment needs for exhibitors before, during and after the 2014 SEMA Show.

UPS is offering to be the single point of contact for all vehicle-shipment needs for exhibitors before, during and after the 2014 SEMA Show. Through the UPS Autogistics Finished Vehicle Transportation, exhibitors will benefit from the service that will request quotes, negotiate rates and manage exhibitor’s vehicle shipments from origin to destination.

To participate in the program, find out more information or request a quote, contact Dave Sprock at 702-283-0438.

Noemi Gutierrez Promoted to Regional Sales Manager for Covercraft

	Noemi Gutierrez

Noemi Gutierrez has been named Southeast regional sales manager for Covercraft. Gutierrez, who previously worked for 18 years in the company’s customer service department, will oversee product sales in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana, the South Central territory, including Kentucky and Virginia, and Southern states East of the Mississippi River, including Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. She will continue to work from the company’s headquarters in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.

Red Kap Names Mike Ness Brand Ambassador

Social Distortion front man Mike Ness.

Red Kap has chosen Billboard-charting recording artist and Social Distortion front man Mike Ness as a brand ambassador. Red Kap will feature Ness in upcoming advertising and marketing programs in addition to future product collaboration.

Social Distortion’s storied history includes seven studio albums, countless sold-out world tours and an unrelenting determination to create something genuine and authentic.

“Ness’ prolific career has spanned decades, establishing him as an American punk-rock legend,” said Chris Holcombe, vice president and general manager of distributor brands, Red Kap. “His passion for car culture, clothing and all things vintage Americana make him an ideal fit for the Red Kap brand and where we are headed.”

James K. Truxal Named Mitchell 1 2014 Educator of the Year

James K. Truxal

James K. Truxal of New Carlisle, Ohio, was named the Mitchell 1 2014 Educator of the Year during the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference held recently in Greenville, South Carolina. Each year, Mitchell 1 recognizes one of the nation’s top teachers for excellence in automotive repair instruction. Truxal will receive a one-year complimentary subscription to Mitchell 1’s ProDemand diagnostic, estimating and repair information software for the school where he teaches. He was also presented with a check for $500 and a recognition certificate.

Truxal has been an associate professor of automotive technology at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, since 1994. In addition to maintaining his ASE Master and Advanced Level Specialist certifications, he participates in ongoing training to maintain his GM and Honda certifications, allowing him to teach in the GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) and the Honda Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT) programs. He is currently the coordinator for the Honda PACT program at the school.

Selection criteria for the Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year award requires that a master automotive technician excel on all ASE automotive tests, including A1–A8 (Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train and Axles, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating and Air Conditioning, Engine Performance) and the L1 (Advanced Engine Performance Exam).

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org. 

	Registration of the 2014 SEMA China Business Development Tour ends next Friday, August 21.

Registration of the 2014 SEMA China Business Development Tour ends next Friday, August 21. Participants will be part of a 30 member-company group of manufacturers and have the opportunity to visit with buyers at two events—one in Beijing and the other in Shanghai.

Taking place September 16–20, U.S. manufacturers will receive four night's hotel, a turnkey booth at each show, interpreters, all meals and a bullet-train ticket from Beijing to Shanghai, all included for $2,550 for qualified companies.

Registration ends August 21!

Companies interested in participating in the 2014 SEMA China Business Development Tour, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/china.

Registration on the website is available under the Exhibitor Registration link on the left-hand side of the page.

	Registration of the 2014 SEMA China Business Development Tour ends next Friday, August 21.

Registration of the 2014 SEMA China Business Development Tour ends next Friday, August 21. Participants will be part of a 30 member-company group of manufacturers and have the opportunity to visit with buyers at two events—one in Beijing and the other in Shanghai.

Taking place September 16–20, U.S. manufacturers will receive four night's hotel, a turnkey booth at each show, interpreters, all meals and a bullet-train ticket from Beijing to Shanghai, all included for $2,550 for qualified companies.

Registration ends August 21!

Companies interested in participating in the 2014 SEMA China Business Development Tour, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/china.

Registration on the website is available under the Exhibitor Registration link on the left-hand side of the page.

TOP FUEL ROOKIE RICHIE CRAMPTON KNOWS IMPORTANCE OF LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS: Top Fuel rookie Richie Crampton may not have any family ties to Brainerd International Raceway, but this weekend’s 33rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals feels very much like a hometown race. Having the Lucas Oil name attached to the event makes the race a big deal for Crampton, who has already piloted his GEICO/Lucas Oil dragster to one win in his first Top Fuel season. Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) took home victories at the event last season. The incentive to do well is certainly there for Crampton for that reason, but also to enter the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship on a good note.

"It's a hometown feel for everyone at Morgan Lucas Racing," Crampton said. “Brainerd is a pretty special event for Lucas Oil and the Lucas family, and we always have a great time. It’s a big event to do well at and build some momentum for the Countdown. We just need to stay consistent and do well every run so we can gather all the information we can for Sunday. The way [crew chief] Aaron Brooks has the car running right now, it's fun to go to every race."

FORCE BUILDING CHAMPIONSHIP MOMENTUM HEADING TO BRAINERD: With 16 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships to his credit, it is safe to say reigning Funny Car world champion John Force knows how to peak for a championship run. Further proof of that is Force’s longtime dominance at Brainerd International Raceway, which plays host to the 33rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. Force has 11 victories at the facility, the most for any driver in NHRA history at one particular track. The race also serves as the 17th of 24 races during the 2014 season and is the penultimate stop in the regular season before the upcoming Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship. That means doing well in Brainerd can go a long way toward getting the ball rolling for a strong start in the Countdown playoffs.

"You try and get on a roll with your teams going into Indy," Force said. "You are trying to get things figured out on the Western Swing and the bottom line is you want to have your cars at the head of the pack. Brainerd helps build on that because you get that mental motivation coming out of Brainerd with a good race and that takes you right into Indy and the Countdown."

MACH 1 TO BACK ENDERS-STEVENS: The Pro Stock points leader Erica Enders-Stevens will challenge for the 2014 NHRA championship with Mach 1 Global Services on the side of her powerful Elite Motorsports Camaro. The global logistics company, which has supported Enders-Stevens in the past, signed on as title sponsor for the remainder of the season, beginning with the race in Dallas.

"We're so excited to reunite with Erica," CEO Jamie Fletcher said. "We've certainly kept up with her career since we first started supporting her in 2008 and we're definitely impressed with the season she's putting together. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry, Erica and I share a special bond because we've faced many of the same obstacles in our respective careers. She's been a real inspiration to so many young women and to see her in the winner's circle so many times since we've met always serves as personal motivation for me."

He Said, She Said

"I’m sort of taking on that Al Davis mindset of 'Just win, baby.' The car has had its ups and downs, but we’re working real hard on it and I’m confident. We just need to go out there and turn on the win lights. All I’m thinking about is just winning. We may have dug ourselves too big of a hole [for the Countdown], but we just have to win. That will make everything that much better. We just haven’t been able to get caught up. It’s nobody’s fault and everyone has worked incredibly hard. We’ve made a lot of improvements and I feel like we’re getting a lot closer. We had five consecutive runs under power in Seattle and that’s what we like to see. I’m not happy with where we’re at in the points, but I am happy with our team."

—Top Fuel racer Clay Millican, on his goals in the final two races remaining until the start of the Countdown to the Championship. Millican is 151 points out of the 10th position in his Parts Plus team, which is owned and tuned by Dexter Tuttle. The team came together at the start of the season, has qualified at every event in the ultra-competitive Top Fuel category and is looking for consistency the remainder of the season.

Inside the Numbers

4: Number of wins defending Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals event winner Ron Capps has at Brainerd International Raceway. He is second on the all-time Funny Car wins list at the facility behind John Force who has 11 career wins at the historic facility. Joe Amato has the most Top Fuel wins at the event with six with active drivers Larry Dixon and Tony Schumacher each having three wins. Bruce Allen, Jeg Coughlin, Bob Glidden and Warren and Kurt Johnson are all tied for the most Pro Stock wins at the track with four.

Did You Know

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.