By SEMA Editors

Westgate Resorts has acquired the LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. The new property will be renamed Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

Westgate Resorts has announced the acquisition of the LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino as the newest addition to its portfolio of 28 resorts. The property was formerly known as the Las Vegas Hilton and will be renamed Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The LVH, at one time, was the largest hotel in the world and was home to such legendary greats as Elvis Presley and Liberace during Vegas’ golden age. The new Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is located one block off the Las Vegas Strip, adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center, and is one of seven stations on the Las Vegas Monorail.

“Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino will set the standard for service in Las Vegas,” said David Siegel, founder and CEO of Westgate Resorts. “We are very excited to be taking this important part of Vegas history and reinventing it for the next generation of Las Vegas visitors.”

The resort is 30 stories tall. With nearly 3,000 rooms, including 300 suites, Westgate will convert some of the rooms to luxury timeshare villas while still operating the resort hotel rooms and suites. Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino features a 95,000-sq.-ft. casino, 200,000 sq.-ft. of meeting and convention space, restaurants, a spa and fitness center, a pool with cabanas, access to golf at the Las Vegas Country Club and a race and sports SuperBook.

“Although a small number of our rooms will be converted into timeshare units, it is important to know that our resort hotel and legendary luxury suites will remain open to our customers,” Siegel explained. “We will be providing the best of both worlds on our resort property. Las Vegas is the center of the universe for luxury destination resorts and the new Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is at the center of the Las Vegas renaissance.”

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

	Bushwacker founder Jerry Logan will present the company’s first-ever Founder’s Award—recognizing the efforts of an SUV or truck builder—during the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

By SEMA Editors

Bushwacker Inc. has announced its plans to recognize the builder of a truck or SUV for his or her passion and devotion to the aftermarket industry by presenting the company’s  first-ever Founder’s Award during the 2014 SEMA Show. The award will go to a builder who created an outstanding vehicle featured at the annual trade show. Bushwacker founder Jerry Logan will present the award on Wednesday, November 6, at 3:00 p.m., in the Bushwacker booth (#30017), located in South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
 
“Bushwacker has always been a business fueled by automotive and industry enthusiasm. For more than 47 years, we have been taking that passion and putting it into the products we manufacture. We will recognize an individual who shares that enthusiasm and present them our Founder’s Award,” says Logan. The Founder’s Award will include a trophy as well as a $1,500 check, but some builders say the industry recognition is worth more than the money.
 
A lifelong automotive enthusiast, Logan started selling custom fender flares for Jeep vehicles out of his garage in 1967 with only a few employees. As his passion for the product—and the automotive industry—grew, so did his business. Bushwacker now has 463 fender flare applications, more than 125,000 sq.-ft. of manufacturing space, and employs more than 275 people in Portland, Oregon, and around the United States. In addition to fender flares, the company manufactures BedRail and TailGate caps for pickups, Trail Armor for Jeeps, and a line of bumper protection for a host of vehicles. The Bushwacker Automotive Group is an OEM supplier to several major automotive manufacturers.
 
Builders looking to enter to win the Founder’s Award should visit www.Bushwacker.com/FoundersAward and follow the instructions and rules located there.

	Bushwacker founder Jerry Logan will present the company’s first-ever Founder’s Award—recognizing the efforts of an SUV or truck builder—during the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

By SEMA Editors

Bushwacker Inc. has announced its plans to recognize the builder of a truck or SUV for his or her passion and devotion to the aftermarket industry by presenting the company’s  first-ever Founder’s Award during the 2014 SEMA Show. The award will go to a builder who created an outstanding vehicle featured at the annual trade show. Bushwacker founder Jerry Logan will present the award on Wednesday, November 6, at 3:00 p.m., in the Bushwacker booth (#30017), located in South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
 
“Bushwacker has always been a business fueled by automotive and industry enthusiasm. For more than 47 years, we have been taking that passion and putting it into the products we manufacture. We will recognize an individual who shares that enthusiasm and present them our Founder’s Award,” says Logan. The Founder’s Award will include a trophy as well as a $1,500 check, but some builders say the industry recognition is worth more than the money.
 
A lifelong automotive enthusiast, Logan started selling custom fender flares for Jeep vehicles out of his garage in 1967 with only a few employees. As his passion for the product—and the automotive industry—grew, so did his business. Bushwacker now has 463 fender flare applications, more than 125,000 sq.-ft. of manufacturing space, and employs more than 275 people in Portland, Oregon, and around the United States. In addition to fender flares, the company manufactures BedRail and TailGate caps for pickups, Trail Armor for Jeeps, and a line of bumper protection for a host of vehicles. The Bushwacker Automotive Group is an OEM supplier to several major automotive manufacturers.
 
Builders looking to enter to win the Founder’s Award should visit www.Bushwacker.com/FoundersAward and follow the instructions and rules located there.

	The deadline for 2014 SEMA Show exhibitors to submit applications to conduct a press conference during the Show is August 1.

By Rebecca Butler

The deadline for 2014 SEMA Show exhibitors to submit applications to conduct a press conference during the Show is August 1.

Although they may not be ideal for all exhibitors, press conferences can be a powerful and effective tool in reaching a large number of media. Learn how to host a successful press conference and determine whether a press conference is right for you.

Upon submitting an application, an automatic message will be e-mailed to confirm the application was received. Exhibitors who do not receive a confirmation e-mail are advised to contact Monika Earle at monikae@sema.org, as there may have been technical problems.

For general information or questions about SEMA Show press conferences, contact monikae@sema.org.

	The deadline for 2014 SEMA Show exhibitors to submit applications to conduct a press conference during the Show is August 1.

By Rebecca Butler

The deadline for 2014 SEMA Show exhibitors to submit applications to conduct a press conference during the Show is August 1.

Although they may not be ideal for all exhibitors, press conferences can be a powerful and effective tool in reaching a large number of media. Learn how to host a successful press conference and determine whether a press conference is right for you.

Upon submitting an application, an automatic message will be e-mailed to confirm the application was received. Exhibitors who do not receive a confirmation e-mail are advised to contact Monika Earle at monikae@sema.org, as there may have been technical problems.

For general information or questions about SEMA Show press conferences, contact monikae@sema.org.

The shooters at KGP Photography caught Ford engineers testing a prototype for their updated global Ford Ranger pickup in the mountains of Colorado. Whenever a Ranger prototype is spotted testing in the United States, especially when it's in prototype form like this test truck, fans of the sub-F-Series trucks get renewed hope that the Ranger may once again be destined for U.S. showrooms.  

The facelifted prototype captured here gets a new front fascia, and the camouflaged interior shows that it is also getting some attention. The mid-cycle facelift applied to this Ranger could be viewed as a new chance for Ford to better tailor the Ranger for U.S. tastes, just as GM overhauled its global Colorado pickup specifically for the U.S. market. Of course, it would be very interesting to see the Ranger hit the U.S. market in light of the increased focus on smaller trucks from GM, Nissan and a new Tacoma likely in the works from Toyota. Still, there are no signs that Ford is looking to join the party, and likely with good reason.

With Ford's truck attentions all so heavily directed toward launching the new aluminum F-150, and developing a thoroughly-overhauled Super Duty lineup, it's unlikely that a U.S.-spec Ranger is high on the priority list for Ford's U.S. product planners.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography caught Ford engineers testing a prototype for their updated global Ford Ranger pickup in the mountains of Colorado. Whenever a Ranger prototype is spotted testing in the United States, especially when it's in prototype form like this test truck, fans of the sub-F-Series trucks get renewed hope that the Ranger may once again be destined for U.S. showrooms.  

The facelifted prototype captured here gets a new front fascia, and the camouflaged interior shows that it is also getting some attention. The mid-cycle facelift applied to this Ranger could be viewed as a new chance for Ford to better tailor the Ranger for U.S. tastes, just as GM overhauled its global Colorado pickup specifically for the U.S. market. Of course, it would be very interesting to see the Ranger hit the U.S. market in light of the increased focus on smaller trucks from GM, Nissan and a new Tacoma likely in the works from Toyota. Still, there are no signs that Ford is looking to join the party, and likely with good reason.

With Ford's truck attentions all so heavily directed toward launching the new aluminum F-150, and developing a thoroughly-overhauled Super Duty lineup, it's unlikely that a U.S.-spec Ranger is high on the priority list for Ford's U.S. product planners.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography caught Ford engineers testing a prototype for their updated global Ford Ranger pickup in the mountains of Colorado. Whenever a Ranger prototype is spotted testing in the United States, especially when it's in prototype form like this test truck, fans of the sub-F-Series trucks get renewed hope that the Ranger may once again be destined for U.S. showrooms.  

The facelifted prototype captured here gets a new front fascia, and the camouflaged interior shows that it is also getting some attention. The mid-cycle facelift applied to this Ranger could be viewed as a new chance for Ford to better tailor the Ranger for U.S. tastes, just as GM overhauled its global Colorado pickup specifically for the U.S. market. Of course, it would be very interesting to see the Ranger hit the U.S. market in light of the increased focus on smaller trucks from GM, Nissan and a new Tacoma likely in the works from Toyota. Still, there are no signs that Ford is looking to join the party, and likely with good reason.

With Ford's truck attentions all so heavily directed toward launching the new aluminum F-150, and developing a thoroughly-overhauled Super Duty lineup, it's unlikely that a U.S.-spec Ranger is high on the priority list for Ford's U.S. product planners.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Royal Purple Announces Fourth Annual Show It Off at SEMA Contest

	Past winner of Royal Purple's Show It Off at SEMA photo contest, Mark Field’s 1969 Chevy Camaro. Fields will serve as a guest on this year’s judging panel. Photo Credit: Mark Fields

Royal Purple’s fourth-annual Show It Off at SEMA photo contest will launch Monday, July 14, on the brand’s Facebook fan page. The winner of the contest will have the opportunity to display his or her vehicle at the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7, in Las Vegas, as a feature vehicle outside the Las Vegas Convention Center.

In addition to paid registration as a feature vehicle, the winner will receive hotel accommodations (restrictions apply), Royal Purple products, Royal Purple apparel and an invitation to attend a winner’s dinner hosted by Royal Purple. Following initial photo submissions, online fan voting will begin July 25, followed by a final round of judging August 5–9. The winner will be announced August 11. The judging panel for this year’s contest includes last year’s Show It Off at SEMA winner Mark Fields and a variety of personalities from the automotive, motorsports and entertainment industries, including Townsend Bell, IndyCar and TUDOR Sportscar Championship driver and TV personality; Tim “Skrape” Katz, vice president and co-founder, Authentic Brands Group LLC, TAPOUT LLC; Jeff Thisted, Discovery Channel’s television show “Rods ‘N Wheels;”  and Carrie Strange, 2013 Royal Purple Ladies Feature Vehicle Contest Winner.

Power Automedia Announces Launch of “Revved”

Power Automedia has announced that it plans to launch a new digital magazine targeted toward sport-compact performance enthusiasts. Entitled, “Revved,” the new publication will deliver content that enthusiasts need, including tech insight and how-to guidance, latest specs in wheels and tires, show and lifestyle highlights and high-performance driving and handling techniques. Power Automedia currently publishes 10 leading automotive performance magazines that reach more than 1.3 million readers a month—each with fresh content delivered daily. Power Automedia plans to launch “Revved” in Q4 2014 at www.revvedmag.com.

BOLT Lock Now Standard Equipment onUnderCover Elite

UnderCover’s newly-designed Elite tonneau cover now comes standard with STRATTEC Security Corp.’s BOLT lock.

UnderCover’s newly designed Elite tonneau cover now comes standard with STRATTEC Security Corp.’s BOLT lock incorporated into the cover’s newly designed handle. The custom-fit tonneau cover is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composite material, which is strong and durable. With a full perimeter seal, the Elite protects gear from damaging weather. BOLT Locks are available for many General Motors, Ford, Ram/Jeep, Toyota and Nissan vehicles, and come with a limited lifetime warranty.

All BOLT products feature patented one-key lock technology, an innovation which permanently programs the lock to the vehicle's ignition key and allows for the use of just a single key, no matter how many BOLT locks are in use. The first time the key is inserted into the BOLT lock cylinder, spring-loaded plate tumblers move, immediately coding the cylinder to that unique key.

6,000 Show Cars Expected at Goodguys 17th PPG Nationals

The 17th PPG Nationals, hits the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio this weekend July 11–13. The event is home to over 6,000 1972 and earlier rods, customs classics, muscle cars and tricked out trucks and boasts over 400 vendor booths featuring the hot rodding industry’s top manufacturer’s. On Friday July 11th, Goodguys will observe Collector Car Appreciation Day.
 
The Goodguys 2014 Optima Batteries Street Machine of the Year and the Goodguys 2014 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year will be crowned Saturday evening July 12th during a special ceremony which will also see the grand unveiling of the Goodguys G-10 Chevy Giveaway Truck. The 1970 Chevy pickup, built by Scott’s Hot Rods, features upholstery from Ron Mangus, paint & body by Palmer’s Customs and a burly Lingenfelter LS3 engine. The truck will tour the country with Goodguys before being given away in Columbus in July of 2015.
 
The Kindig-It Design-built Goodguys ’32 Tribute Ford Tudor sedan will be given away during the closing awards ceremony. Racing action is also on the weekend schedule with Friday Nite Vintage Drags at National Trail Raceway along with Goodguys AutoCross action all weekend long at the Expo Center. For complete event details, hours and admission prices visit www.good-guys.com

Tom O’Hare Named Opening Speakers for University of the Aftermarket Leadership 2.0

Tom O’Hare, retired former president and CEO of Worldpac, will serve as the opening speaker for the next University of the Aftermarket Leadership 2.0 program. O’Hare will address the 2014–2015 Leadership 2.0 class at its opening dinner, August 24, at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. During his presentation, he will discuss his career, the industry and his personal philosophy on leadership in the motor-vehicle aftermarket. The program is designed for early to mid-career, management-track, aftermarket professionals in all market segments. Program participants include a mix of aftermarket professionals from manufacturing, retail/wholesale stores, program groups, warehouses, service dealers, associations and other industry segments.

In May, the University of the Aftermarket officially opened registration for its next class, which begins August 24–29 on Northwood University’s Midland, Michigan, campus. The second session will be held March 8–13, 2015, at Northwood University’s West Palm Beach, Florida, campus. Participants must attend both sessions. For more information about Leadership 2.0, contact Brian Cruickshank at brianc@northwood.edu.

Garagistry Joins Noted Collectors and Industry Experts to Support National Collector Car Appreciation Day

Garagistry is joining with organizers nationwide to celebrate the fifth-annual Collector Car Appreciation Day with several special promotions in cooperation with the Wellborn Musclecar Museum, in Alexander City, Alabama, David Burroughs’ Prove It and Vintage Automotive LLC. As a singular tribute to the collector car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports, the second Friday in July is recognized as Collector Car Appreciation Day as a means to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

"We are excited that businesses and hobbyists throughout the country are joining together to celebrate and that we can be a part of it," said Tim Wellborn, founder of the Wellborn Musclecar Museum.

“Automobiles may have had the largest single social impact on America and Americans. It’s time that that we deliver a positive message about this contribution and recognize the vehicles and people that created it. I’m glad to see this effort launched, and hope to see it inspire new growth and appreciation,” added David Burroughs, founder of Prove It, Bloomington Gold and Survivor.

Bryan Shook of Vintage Automotive, LLC noted, "The fact that state and federal legislatures are supporting Collector Car Appreciation Day is a testament to the enormity of the hobby and the positive impact that collector cars play in our nation's economy. I am very proud of and support SAN's efforts in increasing positive public awareness of our hobby."

"We began our support of Collector Car Appreciation Day months ago," said Tom Daly, senior vice president for Garagistry. "The goal was to provide a broader view of the entire community of classic car owners throughout the world, "The Garagistry World Tour." Thanks to the incredible passion of classic car owners and the power of the Internet, any automotive enthusiast can visit the Garagistry Blog to view dozens of events and owner interviews from more than 30 different countries without ever leaving the comforts of home or using a drop of gas," he added.

"Over the next few days and in cooperation with the Wellborn Musclecar Museum, Prove It and Vintage Automotive, we will be providing a number of exclusive features and complimentary services to every classic car owner, collector and car club," said Fred Prybol, founder of Garagistry. "It's our way of supporting the worldwide classic car community, 365 days a year."