In a last-minute flurry of activity before the adjournment of the legislature, SEMA-model legislation (H.B. 890) to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was passed by the full Texas Senate. The bill has already been approved by the full Texas House of Representatives and will now be sent to Governor Rick Perry for his signature and enactment into law. H.B. 890 defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill also allows for the use of non-original materials and creates a titling and registration criterion that assigns these vehicles the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble. 

For more information, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

	The 5th annual Open House event on May 28 will include John Force Racing, Tony Pedregon Racing, Don Schumacher Racing, Morgan Lucas Racing and many more.

John Force Racing Brownsburg Shop Open This Saturday
On the eve of the centennial Indianapolis 500, more than half a dozen of the premier motorsports race shops in Brownsburg, Indiana, will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. The 5th annual Open House event on May 28 will include John Force Racing, Tony Pedregon Racing, Don Schumacher Racing, Morgan Lucas Racing and many more. At John Force Racing, fans can tour the 150,000-sq.-ft. shop and see a number of Ford Mustang Funny Cars, trailers and shop machines. Also, fans can see the Eric Medlen Tribute Room and the John Force Racing museum. The shop tour is free and 15-time Funny Car champion John Force, 2009 Funny Car champion and recent Summer Nationals winner Robert Hight, along with Full Throttle Funny Car points leader Mike Neff and rising star Courtney Force, will be in attendance signing autographs at 11:00 a.m.

Brian Deegan Will Auction Fiberglass at Lucas Oil Off-Road Series to Benefit Local Children’s Hospital
Metal Mulisha founder and 2010 Lucas Oil Rider of the Year Brian Deegan will auction signed fiberglass parts and other race-day memorabilia from his Lucas Oil Off Road Series races to benefit The Loma Linda Children’s Foundation. After both of Deegan’s Pro 2 Races at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, fans can head to the Metal Mulisha pits for the chance to bid. All proceeds will be given to The Loma Linda Children’s Hospital in Loma Linda, California.

Quarter Mile Foundation to Help Vintage Drag-Car Restorers
In mid-March, the Quarter Mile Foundation Board of Directors was approached by Jon Lundberg of Southwest Valuations LLC, himself a board member, with the concept of the Foundation being the vehicle that would help establish guideline criteria for the growing restoration of vintage/nostalgia drag-racing cars. Lundberg felt, as a drag-racing historian and an accredited senior appraiser by the American Society of Appraisers, the need to establish criteria that would define various types of vehicle restoration/recreation, which would help establish its value and validity. He had been a part of an online discussion with the members of the “Standard 1320” group regarding categorization of various types of restorations and recreations. He told the group he would develop a set of criteria, based upon points raised in that discussion. He then contacted several other individuals who had deep roots in the vintage/nostalgia drag-racing vehicle world, including Greg Sharp (curator of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum), Bill Pitts (restorer of the famed “Magicar” front engine Top Fuel dragster), Carl Olson (former NHRA vice president and restorer of sprint cars and drag-racing cars) and Steve Gibbs (former NHRA vice president of competition, Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum board member and co-founder of the California and National Hot Rod Reunion events). Gibbs and Sharp also co-created the “Cacklefest” concept. All shared concerns about the current state of the restoration/recreation market environment. Gibbs authored the designations while the group supplied project suggestions and proof-reading. Then, he and Olson proposed the Quarter Mile Foundation be utilized to distribute the Guideline White Paper to those who participate as restorers/recreators, event promoters and automotive vehicle appraisers. Gibbs and Olson are also board members of the Quarter Mile Foundation.

	The 5th annual Open House event on May 28 will include John Force Racing, Tony Pedregon Racing, Don Schumacher Racing, Morgan Lucas Racing and many more.

John Force Racing Brownsburg Shop Open This Saturday
On the eve of the centennial Indianapolis 500, more than half a dozen of the premier motorsports race shops in Brownsburg, Indiana, will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. The 5th annual Open House event on May 28 will include John Force Racing, Tony Pedregon Racing, Don Schumacher Racing, Morgan Lucas Racing and many more. At John Force Racing, fans can tour the 150,000-sq.-ft. shop and see a number of Ford Mustang Funny Cars, trailers and shop machines. Also, fans can see the Eric Medlen Tribute Room and the John Force Racing museum. The shop tour is free and 15-time Funny Car champion John Force, 2009 Funny Car champion and recent Summer Nationals winner Robert Hight, along with Full Throttle Funny Car points leader Mike Neff and rising star Courtney Force, will be in attendance signing autographs at 11:00 a.m.

Brian Deegan Will Auction Fiberglass at Lucas Oil Off-Road Series to Benefit Local Children’s Hospital
Metal Mulisha founder and 2010 Lucas Oil Rider of the Year Brian Deegan will auction signed fiberglass parts and other race-day memorabilia from his Lucas Oil Off Road Series races to benefit The Loma Linda Children’s Foundation. After both of Deegan’s Pro 2 Races at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, fans can head to the Metal Mulisha pits for the chance to bid. All proceeds will be given to The Loma Linda Children’s Hospital in Loma Linda, California.

Quarter Mile Foundation to Help Vintage Drag-Car Restorers
In mid-March, the Quarter Mile Foundation Board of Directors was approached by Jon Lundberg of Southwest Valuations LLC, himself a board member, with the concept of the Foundation being the vehicle that would help establish guideline criteria for the growing restoration of vintage/nostalgia drag-racing cars. Lundberg felt, as a drag-racing historian and an accredited senior appraiser by the American Society of Appraisers, the need to establish criteria that would define various types of vehicle restoration/recreation, which would help establish its value and validity. He had been a part of an online discussion with the members of the “Standard 1320” group regarding categorization of various types of restorations and recreations. He told the group he would develop a set of criteria, based upon points raised in that discussion. He then contacted several other individuals who had deep roots in the vintage/nostalgia drag-racing vehicle world, including Greg Sharp (curator of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum), Bill Pitts (restorer of the famed “Magicar” front engine Top Fuel dragster), Carl Olson (former NHRA vice president and restorer of sprint cars and drag-racing cars) and Steve Gibbs (former NHRA vice president of competition, Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum board member and co-founder of the California and National Hot Rod Reunion events). Gibbs and Sharp also co-created the “Cacklefest” concept. All shared concerns about the current state of the restoration/recreation market environment. Gibbs authored the designations while the group supplied project suggestions and proof-reading. Then, he and Olson proposed the Quarter Mile Foundation be utilized to distribute the Guideline White Paper to those who participate as restorers/recreators, event promoters and automotive vehicle appraisers. Gibbs and Olson are also board members of the Quarter Mile Foundation.

The first in a series of SEMA Town Hall meetings was held February 4 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The meetings provide not only networking opportunities, but also a chance for member companies to provide feedback about where they would like the association to concentrate its efforts.

SEMA understands the value of getting out and meeting face-to-face with our members. So, starting in 2011, staff and key industry leaders have been working hand-in-hand to bring a series of Town Hall meetings to you. Throughout the first five months of this year, SEMA has visited Scottsdale, Arizona, and Fort Worth, Texas, hosting successful small gatherings of members in those regions. As we continue our tour to Charlotte, North Carolina, on June 3, we look forward to meeting you.

SEMA will round up our local and prospective members for an evening at Joe Gibbs Racing headquarters. Don't miss the exclusive opportunity to network with local industry leaders, members and SEMA staff to share the challenges and opportunities facing your business.

Agenda for Charlotte, North Carolina, Town Hall:

• Tours of Joe Gibbs Racing facility
• Networking with SEMA leadership over a bite to eat and a drink
• State of the industry discussion
• Hear feedback from our members and SEMA executive staff

Remember, you only need to bring yourself, a few business cards and a willingness to share your feedback with SEMA and its volunteers. Please know that this will be a business-casual event; no suits and ties at this one! R.S.V.P. to this event by e-mailing your first and last name, company name, e-mail address, company category (e.g. service, media, etc.) and preferred tour time to Andrea “AJ” Carney, or call 909/978-6697 for further details.

	Members of the media are encouraged to secure credentials now for the 2011 SEMA Show by applying online at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Members of the media are encouraged to secure credentials now for the 2011 SEMA Show by applying online at www.SEMAShow.com/register. Registering in advance of the SEMA Show is the easiest way to ensure that you are qualified and that your credentials are ready for pickup upon arrival. Once you’re approved, all you’ll need to do is provide a photo ID when you arrive at the Show to obtain your credentials.

Not only does early registration ensure that you hit the Show floor qualified and prepared, but you'll receive important news and updates, helping you to stay informed about new features, attractions and how the Show is shaping up overall. SEMA will also consolidate exhibitor press releases and send them to you via an Online Media Center.

Media credentials are reserved for media representatives covering the SEMA Show. In addition to complimentary credentials, you will have exclusive access to the Media Center. With more than 100,000 individuals attending the SEMA Show each year, the Media Center is the ideal place for reporters to work and file stories.

For additional information, visit www.SEMAShow.com or call 909/978-6723.

	Members of the media are encouraged to secure credentials now for the 2011 SEMA Show by applying online at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Members of the media are encouraged to secure credentials now for the 2011 SEMA Show by applying online at www.SEMAShow.com/register. Registering in advance of the SEMA Show is the easiest way to ensure that you are qualified and that your credentials are ready for pickup upon arrival. Once you’re approved, all you’ll need to do is provide a photo ID when you arrive at the Show to obtain your credentials.

Not only does early registration ensure that you hit the Show floor qualified and prepared, but you'll receive important news and updates, helping you to stay informed about new features, attractions and how the Show is shaping up overall. SEMA will also consolidate exhibitor press releases and send them to you via an Online Media Center.

Media credentials are reserved for media representatives covering the SEMA Show. In addition to complimentary credentials, you will have exclusive access to the Media Center. With more than 100,000 individuals attending the SEMA Show each year, the Media Center is the ideal place for reporters to work and file stories.

For additional information, visit www.SEMAShow.com or call 909/978-6723.

Earlier in the week, the photographers at Brenda Priddy & Co. delivered photos of the production prototype of Toyota's new sporty two-door FT-86. Soon after, the team sent over shots of the much hotter FT-86 Coupe.

This FT-86 coupe is looking to be noticed—sporting aggressive bodywork on the front clip, side skirts, lower rear fascia at the rear and the hard-to-miss massive rear wing.

Priddy says that compared to the last concept car at the New York Auto Show, the real thing appears to be toned-down from the hyper-aggressive style of the Scion FR-S concept. She noted, however, that the grille opening and overall profile look similar to the concept.

Sifting through the rumors for this car—which Priddy reports run far and wide—she says there are a few tidbits that seem largely agreed upon. The chassis should be a modified Legacy platform, possibly with bits of the Impreza thrown into the mix. The FT-86 is assumed to be rear-wheel drive and will likely have 2+2 seating, along with independent suspension all around.

For the regular FT-86, a 2.0L flat-four motor pushing about 200 hp will most likely be under the hood, and Priddy says that a six-speed auto with paddle shifters, or a six-speed manual, should be available. For this sport version, she expects that 2.0L flat-four to be turbocharged and rated for around 250–275 hp.

The Toyota and Scion version of this car should debut towards the end of 2011.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

Earlier in the week, the photographers at Brenda Priddy & Co. delivered photos of the production prototype of Toyota's new sporty two-door FT-86. Soon after, the team sent over shots of the much hotter FT-86 Coupe.

This FT-86 coupe is looking to be noticed—sporting aggressive bodywork on the front clip, side skirts, lower rear fascia at the rear and the hard-to-miss massive rear wing.

Priddy says that compared to the last concept car at the New York Auto Show, the real thing appears to be toned-down from the hyper-aggressive style of the Scion FR-S concept. She noted, however, that the grille opening and overall profile look similar to the concept.

Sifting through the rumors for this car—which Priddy reports run far and wide—she says there are a few tidbits that seem largely agreed upon. The chassis should be a modified Legacy platform, possibly with bits of the Impreza thrown into the mix. The FT-86 is assumed to be rear-wheel drive and will likely have 2+2 seating, along with independent suspension all around.

For the regular FT-86, a 2.0L flat-four motor pushing about 200 hp will most likely be under the hood, and Priddy says that a six-speed auto with paddle shifters, or a six-speed manual, should be available. For this sport version, she expects that 2.0L flat-four to be turbocharged and rated for around 250–275 hp.

The Toyota and Scion version of this car should debut towards the end of 2011.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

Earlier in the week, the photographers at Brenda Priddy & Co. delivered photos of the production prototype of Toyota's new sporty two-door FT-86. Soon after, the team sent over shots of the much hotter FT-86 Coupe.

This FT-86 coupe is looking to be noticed—sporting aggressive bodywork on the front clip, side skirts, lower rear fascia at the rear and the hard-to-miss massive rear wing.

Priddy says that compared to the last concept car at the New York Auto Show, the real thing appears to be toned-down from the hyper-aggressive style of the Scion FR-S concept. She noted, however, that the grille opening and overall profile look similar to the concept.

Sifting through the rumors for this car—which Priddy reports run far and wide—she says there are a few tidbits that seem largely agreed upon. The chassis should be a modified Legacy platform, possibly with bits of the Impreza thrown into the mix. The FT-86 is assumed to be rear-wheel drive and will likely have 2+2 seating, along with independent suspension all around.

For the regular FT-86, a 2.0L flat-four motor pushing about 200 hp will most likely be under the hood, and Priddy says that a six-speed auto with paddle shifters, or a six-speed manual, should be available. For this sport version, she expects that 2.0L flat-four to be turbocharged and rated for around 250–275 hp.

The Toyota and Scion version of this car should debut towards the end of 2011.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

Earlier in the week, the photographers at Brenda Priddy & Co. delivered photos of the production prototype of Toyota's new sporty two-door FT-86. Soon after, the team sent over shots of the much hotter FT-86 Coupe.

This FT-86 coupe is looking to be noticed—sporting aggressive bodywork on the front clip, side skirts, lower rear fascia at the rear and the hard-to-miss massive rear wing.

Priddy says that compared to the last concept car at the New York Auto Show, the real thing appears to be toned-down from the hyper-aggressive style of the Scion FR-S concept. She noted, however, that the grille opening and overall profile look similar to the concept.

Sifting through the rumors for this car—which Priddy reports run far and wide—she says there are a few tidbits that seem largely agreed upon. The chassis should be a modified Legacy platform, possibly with bits of the Impreza thrown into the mix. The FT-86 is assumed to be rear-wheel drive and will likely have 2+2 seating, along with independent suspension all around.

For the regular FT-86, a 2.0L flat-four motor pushing about 200 hp will most likely be under the hood, and Priddy says that a six-speed auto with paddle shifters, or a six-speed manual, should be available. For this sport version, she expects that 2.0L flat-four to be turbocharged and rated for around 250–275 hp.

The Toyota and Scion version of this car should debut towards the end of 2011.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company