Whether an attending company is a SEMA Show veteran or a first-time exhibitor, the SEMA Show Exhibitor Education Summit is packed with the tools, tips and insight needed to help exhibitors maximize their return on investment.

By SEMA Staff

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Education program returns for its fourth year and is now open for registration to all exhibitors and potential exhibitors. The SEMA Exhibitor Summit, taking place April 15–17, in Las Vegas, is an intensive program designed to connect exhibitors with key individuals and provide participants with up-to-the-minute insights into the Show.

Beginning April 15, at 3:00 p.m., exhibitors will learn SEMA Show best practices dedicated to the following topics and opportunities:

• Saving money on SEMA Show costs, including material handling, electrical and other related expenses.
• Taking advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Properly planning and budgeting to add value to the SEMA Show experience.
• Exploring promotional opportunities through sponsorships.
• Using proven strategies to direct buyers to visit your booth.

The Exhibitor Education Summit was created to allow attendees to meet face to face with members of the SEMA Show staff and service providers and help companies establish relationships with personnel who can be instrumental to a successful SEMA Show experience. Programs and services are available to help SEMA Show exhibitors find new buyers, strengthen relationships with existing buyers, promote new products, expand brand awareness and discover untapped markets.

Space for the program is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Complimentary hotel rooms and meals at the summit are included. Certain conditions do apply.

For more information on the Exhibitor Education Summit, contact Kate Peterson at kpeterson@convexx.com or 702-216-5831.

Important Exhibitor Dates


• March 29: Exhibitor Education Summit Registration Deadline

• April 5: Priority Booth Space Selection Deadline

• Apr 15–17: Exhibitor Summit, Las Vegas Convention Center

• May 2–20: Booth Space Selection

• November 5–8: 2013 SEMA Show, Las Vegas Convention Center

	Whether an attending company is a SEMA Show veteran or a first-time exhibitor, the SEMA Show Exhibitor Education Summit is packed with the tools, tips and insight needed to help exhibitors maximize their return on investment.

By SEMA Staff

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Education program returns for its fourth year and is now open for registration to all exhibitors and potential exhibitors. The SEMA Exhibitor Summit, taking place April 15–17, in Las Vegas, is an intensive program designed to connect exhibitors with key individuals and provide participants with up-to-the-minute insights into the Show.

Beginning April 15, at 3:00 p.m., exhibitors will learn SEMA Show best practices dedicated to the following topics and opportunities:

• Saving money on SEMA Show costs, including material handling, electrical and other related expenses.
• Taking advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Properly planning and budgeting to add value to the SEMA Show experience.
• Exploring promotional opportunities through sponsorships.
• Using proven strategies to direct buyers to visit your booth.

The Exhibitor Education Summit was created to allow attendees to meet face to face with members of the SEMA Show staff and service providers and help companies establish relationships with personnel who can be instrumental to a successful SEMA Show experience. Programs and services are available to help SEMA Show exhibitors find new buyers, strengthen relationships with existing buyers, promote new products, expand brand awareness and discover untapped markets.

Space for the program is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Complimentary hotel rooms and meals at the summit are included. Certain conditions do apply.

For more information on the Exhibitor Education Summit, contact Kate Peterson at kpeterson@convexx.com or 702-216-5831.

Important Exhibitor Dates


• March 29: Exhibitor Education Summit Registration Deadline

• April 5: Priority Booth Space Selection Deadline

• Apr 15–17: Exhibitor Summit, Las Vegas Convention Center

• May 2–20: Booth Space Selection

• November 5–8: 2013 SEMA Show, Las Vegas Convention Center

	Whether an attending company is a SEMA Show veteran or a first-time exhibitor, the SEMA Show Exhibitor Education Summit is packed with the tools, tips and insight needed to help exhibitors maximize their return on investment.

By SEMA Staff

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Education program returns for its fourth year and is now open for registration to all exhibitors and potential exhibitors. The SEMA Exhibitor Summit, taking place April 15–17, in Las Vegas, is an intensive program designed to connect exhibitors with key individuals and provide participants with up-to-the-minute insights into the Show.

Beginning April 15, at 3:00 p.m., exhibitors will learn SEMA Show best practices dedicated to the following topics and opportunities:

• Saving money on SEMA Show costs, including material handling, electrical and other related expenses.
• Taking advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Properly planning and budgeting to add value to the SEMA Show experience.
• Exploring promotional opportunities through sponsorships.
• Using proven strategies to direct buyers to visit your booth.

The Exhibitor Education Summit was created to allow attendees to meet face to face with members of the SEMA Show staff and service providers and help companies establish relationships with personnel who can be instrumental to a successful SEMA Show experience. Programs and services are available to help SEMA Show exhibitors find new buyers, strengthen relationships with existing buyers, promote new products, expand brand awareness and discover untapped markets.

Space for the program is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Complimentary hotel rooms and meals at the summit are included. Certain conditions do apply.

For more information on the Exhibitor Education Summit, contact Kate Peterson at kpeterson@convexx.com or 702-216-5831.

Important Exhibitor Dates


• March 29: Exhibitor Education Summit Registration Deadline

• April 5: Priority Booth Space Selection Deadline

• Apr 15–17: Exhibitor Summit, Las Vegas Convention Center

• May 2–20: Booth Space Selection

• November 5–8: 2013 SEMA Show, Las Vegas Convention Center

	The ’14 Ford Fiesta ST will be highlighted at the 2013 SEMA Show and is eligible for the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program.

By SEMA Staff

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2013. The automaker requests that project-vehicle proposals be submitted in two parts, and that all proposals meet the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria outlined below.

For more information, contact Sherry Kollien or Mike Nicopolis at semainfo@ford.com.

2013 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2013
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2013

The Ford booth at the 2013 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to Ford's existing lineup. The provided links allow you to research these newly announced products and find high-resolution images that may be used for your proposal rendering.

’14 Ford Fiesta ST (New for ’14 model year)

• Small cars continue to be a hot segment in North America, and with the new Fiesta ST—introduced at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show—Ford is expected to have the hottest hatch around.

• Fiesta ST—a performance model first launched in Europe back in 2005—is yet another proof point from Ford that small cars are anything but boring. In addition to a precision sport-tuned suspension and an improved braking system, Fiesta ST packs a punch under the hood.

• A new high-output variant of the award-winning 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine propels Fiesta ST with an estimated 197 hp and 214 lb.-ft. of torque. In comparison, MINI Cooper S makes do with 181 hp and 177 lb.-ft., while Chevrolet Sonic RS produces just 138 hp and 148 lb.-ft.

’14 Transit Connect Van/Wagon (Updated for ’14 model year)

Van

• Ford brings an all-new compact Transit Connect commercial van to market, ideally suited to small business owners and fleets placing high value on fuel efficiency.

• According to Ford, the Transit Connect Van is expected to deliver at least 5 mpg better fuel economy on the highway than Ram C/V Cargo Van while carrying more payload than a fullsize Ram 1500 pickup.

• Transit Connect Van takes versatility to a new level with convenient sliding side doors, side-hinged rear cargo doors, a choice of side and rear window configurations and an estimated 1,600-lb. payload.

Wagon

• Ford introduces the first seven-passenger people mover expected to break the 30 mpg-plus highway barrier with the all-new Transit Connect Wagon, which drives like a car, has the flexibility of a utility and can haul the payload of a fullsize pickup.

• Transit Connect Wagon gives young families and people on the go the fun-to-drive and efficient vehicle they’ve been looking for. It’s an all-new, smaller seven-seater that has better mileage than larger vans and creates a segment of its own. The wagon brings a combination of style, adaptability and affordability.

• Transit Connect Wagon is offered in two wheelbase lengths, in five- and seven-passenger configurations and in XL, XLT and Titanium series levels. It offers the convenience of fold-flat seating, at least a 1,200-lb. payload and more than 100 cu.-ft. of cargo space.

While Ford plans to emphasize the above vehicles at this year’s SEMA Show, the entire retail Ford product lineup—with the exception of GT500, Raptor and Lincoln products—is eligible for the Project Vehicle Program.

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

E-mail a one-page project summary: must be received by February 21, 2013. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2013 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal: must be received by March 1, 2013. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at: www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A Manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability insurance and $1 million in vehicle liability insurance.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner's discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Additional exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration
8. E-mail, disc or fax reports will not be accepted

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Sherry Kollien & Mike Nicopolis
semainfo@ford.com

	The ’14 Ford Fiesta ST will be highlighted at the 2013 SEMA Show and is eligible for the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program.

By SEMA Staff

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2013. The automaker requests that project-vehicle proposals be submitted in two parts, and that all proposals meet the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria outlined below.

For more information, contact Sherry Kollien or Mike Nicopolis at semainfo@ford.com.

2013 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2013
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2013

The Ford booth at the 2013 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to Ford's existing lineup. The provided links allow you to research these newly announced products and find high-resolution images that may be used for your proposal rendering.

’14 Ford Fiesta ST (New for ’14 model year)

• Small cars continue to be a hot segment in North America, and with the new Fiesta ST—introduced at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show—Ford is expected to have the hottest hatch around.

• Fiesta ST—a performance model first launched in Europe back in 2005—is yet another proof point from Ford that small cars are anything but boring. In addition to a precision sport-tuned suspension and an improved braking system, Fiesta ST packs a punch under the hood.

• A new high-output variant of the award-winning 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine propels Fiesta ST with an estimated 197 hp and 214 lb.-ft. of torque. In comparison, MINI Cooper S makes do with 181 hp and 177 lb.-ft., while Chevrolet Sonic RS produces just 138 hp and 148 lb.-ft.

’14 Transit Connect Van/Wagon (Updated for ’14 model year)

Van

• Ford brings an all-new compact Transit Connect commercial van to market, ideally suited to small business owners and fleets placing high value on fuel efficiency.

• According to Ford, the Transit Connect Van is expected to deliver at least 5 mpg better fuel economy on the highway than Ram C/V Cargo Van while carrying more payload than a fullsize Ram 1500 pickup.

• Transit Connect Van takes versatility to a new level with convenient sliding side doors, side-hinged rear cargo doors, a choice of side and rear window configurations and an estimated 1,600-lb. payload.

Wagon

• Ford introduces the first seven-passenger people mover expected to break the 30 mpg-plus highway barrier with the all-new Transit Connect Wagon, which drives like a car, has the flexibility of a utility and can haul the payload of a fullsize pickup.

• Transit Connect Wagon gives young families and people on the go the fun-to-drive and efficient vehicle they’ve been looking for. It’s an all-new, smaller seven-seater that has better mileage than larger vans and creates a segment of its own. The wagon brings a combination of style, adaptability and affordability.

• Transit Connect Wagon is offered in two wheelbase lengths, in five- and seven-passenger configurations and in XL, XLT and Titanium series levels. It offers the convenience of fold-flat seating, at least a 1,200-lb. payload and more than 100 cu.-ft. of cargo space.

While Ford plans to emphasize the above vehicles at this year’s SEMA Show, the entire retail Ford product lineup—with the exception of GT500, Raptor and Lincoln products—is eligible for the Project Vehicle Program.

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

E-mail a one-page project summary: must be received by February 21, 2013. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2013 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal: must be received by March 1, 2013. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at: www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A Manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability insurance and $1 million in vehicle liability insurance.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner's discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Additional exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration
8. E-mail, disc or fax reports will not be accepted

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Sherry Kollien & Mike Nicopolis
semainfo@ford.com

	The ’14 Ford Fiesta ST will be highlighted at the 2013 SEMA Show and is eligible for the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program.

By SEMA Staff

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2013. The automaker requests that project-vehicle proposals be submitted in two parts, and that all proposals meet the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria outlined below.

For more information, contact Sherry Kollien or Mike Nicopolis at semainfo@ford.com.

2013 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2013
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2013

The Ford booth at the 2013 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to Ford's existing lineup. The provided links allow you to research these newly announced products and find high-resolution images that may be used for your proposal rendering.

’14 Ford Fiesta ST (New for ’14 model year)

• Small cars continue to be a hot segment in North America, and with the new Fiesta ST—introduced at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show—Ford is expected to have the hottest hatch around.

• Fiesta ST—a performance model first launched in Europe back in 2005—is yet another proof point from Ford that small cars are anything but boring. In addition to a precision sport-tuned suspension and an improved braking system, Fiesta ST packs a punch under the hood.

• A new high-output variant of the award-winning 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine propels Fiesta ST with an estimated 197 hp and 214 lb.-ft. of torque. In comparison, MINI Cooper S makes do with 181 hp and 177 lb.-ft., while Chevrolet Sonic RS produces just 138 hp and 148 lb.-ft.

’14 Transit Connect Van/Wagon (Updated for ’14 model year)

Van

• Ford brings an all-new compact Transit Connect commercial van to market, ideally suited to small business owners and fleets placing high value on fuel efficiency.

• According to Ford, the Transit Connect Van is expected to deliver at least 5 mpg better fuel economy on the highway than Ram C/V Cargo Van while carrying more payload than a fullsize Ram 1500 pickup.

• Transit Connect Van takes versatility to a new level with convenient sliding side doors, side-hinged rear cargo doors, a choice of side and rear window configurations and an estimated 1,600-lb. payload.

Wagon

• Ford introduces the first seven-passenger people mover expected to break the 30 mpg-plus highway barrier with the all-new Transit Connect Wagon, which drives like a car, has the flexibility of a utility and can haul the payload of a fullsize pickup.

• Transit Connect Wagon gives young families and people on the go the fun-to-drive and efficient vehicle they’ve been looking for. It’s an all-new, smaller seven-seater that has better mileage than larger vans and creates a segment of its own. The wagon brings a combination of style, adaptability and affordability.

• Transit Connect Wagon is offered in two wheelbase lengths, in five- and seven-passenger configurations and in XL, XLT and Titanium series levels. It offers the convenience of fold-flat seating, at least a 1,200-lb. payload and more than 100 cu.-ft. of cargo space.

While Ford plans to emphasize the above vehicles at this year’s SEMA Show, the entire retail Ford product lineup—with the exception of GT500, Raptor and Lincoln products—is eligible for the Project Vehicle Program.

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

E-mail a one-page project summary: must be received by February 21, 2013. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2013 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal: must be received by March 1, 2013. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at: www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A Manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability insurance and $1 million in vehicle liability insurance.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner's discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Additional exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration
8. E-mail, disc or fax reports will not be accepted

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Sherry Kollien & Mike Nicopolis
semainfo@ford.com

	The WeatherTech Audi R8 GRAND-AM racing team won the GT class of the 51st GRAND-AM Rolex 24 at Daytona.

By SEMA Staff

WeatherTech Racing Audi R8 Wins GT Title in Rolex 24 at Daytona
The WeatherTech Audi R8 GRAND-AM racing team of Felipe Albuquerque (Portugal), Oliver Jarvis (England), Eduardo Mortara (Italy) and Dion von Moltke (Coral Gables, Florida) won the GT class of the 51st GRAND-AM Rolex 24 at Daytona.

With nearly three-and-a-half hours left in the race, the Alex Job Racing team had to serve a 60-second, green flag penalty for avoidable contact with another car. That judgment call nearly cost them the race. But, the team gave Audi its first Rolex 24 win, first in the GRAND-AM Series and Alex Job Racing their second Rolex 24 victory (1999).

Granatelli Motor Sports Sponsored Racer Joe Charles Wins NMRA Strange Engineering Coyote Stock Class Championship
Granatelli Motor Sports’ sponsored racer Joe Charles won the 2012 NMRA Strange Engineering Coyote stock class championship. The class requires that the engine and computers are left stock and untouched. “HiPo Joe’s” ’01 Ford Mustang Bullitt, built by MV Performance, has run a quarter-mile time of 10.901 at 118.87 mph. The championship-winning Mustang is powered by a stone stock ’12 5.0-liter Coyote engine and Granatelli Hot Street Coils.

Ross Martin finished second taking the silver and his fourth X Games medal.

Ross Martin Brings Home His Fourth Medal From ESPN's Winter X Games
Ross Martin qualified and hammered the holeshot off the line in the Final at the Winter X Snocross Competition in Aspen, Colorado, last weekend. By lap two of 16, the leaders were set and continued to pull away from the competition. Martin finished second taking the silver and his fourth X Games medal.

NAPA Auto Parts Indoor Auto Racing Weekend Set for February 1–2
A massive field of Three Quarter Midget, 600cc Micro, Slingshot and Champ Kart drivers will make their way from across the northeast  to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall this Friday and Saturday, February 1–2, for NAPA Auto Parts Indoor Racing Weekend. The 11th running of the event is the third and final race of the Fatheadz Eyewear Indoor Series.

Overall, 213 teams are entered among the four divisions of competition; less than half of them will transfer to the feature races, making the qualifying events intense affairs in their own right.

TQ Midgets and 600 Micros race feature events on both Friday and Saturday with the ultimate prize—the Gamblers Classic the main TQ race on Saturday. Champ Karts and Slingshots complete the majority of their qualifying Friday and their features on Saturday night.

Last year’s winners indoors in Atlantic City were Erick Rudolph, who won the Gamblers Classic TQ race and both 600cc Micro main events; Ted Christopher, winner of the remaining TQ race; Simon Egan, winner of the Slingshot race and Chris Daley, victor in the Champ Kart main event. All 2012 winners are among the entries for the 2013 NAPA Auto Parts Racing Weekend. There are 78 entries in the TQ Midget field. 

In the 600cc Micro class, 39 drivers have filed entries. Several of the TQ drivers have separate cars for the 600cc Micro race. Micro specialists entered include Jimmy Carpenter, Manchester, New Jersey; Slingshot specialists Gary and Kyle Hieber, Langhorne, Pennsylvania; past Bridgeport, New Jersey Sprint Car champion Tim Iulg, Bridgeton, New Jersey; Jason Ormsby, Warsaw, Indiana, and Rob Vivona, Staten Island, New York.

Fifty-six Champ Karts are heading to Boardwalk Hall. Major contenders, besides defending race winner Daley, include Justin Bonsignore, West Islip, New York; Danny Bouc, Plumsteadville, Pennsylvania; Glen Meisenhelder of Feeding Hills, Massachusetts; Ron Midford, Tolland, Connecticut; Michael Pares Jr., Wayne, New Jersey; Brandon Rusczek, Wallingford, Connecticut; DJ Shaw, Center Conway, New Hampshire; and Andrew Swisher, West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Forty entries have been filed for the Slingshot class. Prominent among these are Andy Bachetti, Sheffield, Massachusetts; Bobby Dmuchowski, Manville, New Jersey; Anthony Perrego, Montgomery, New York; and Ricky Yetter, Easton, Pennsylvania.

Tickets for the Atlantic City events are on sale at Ticketmaster outlets and at the Boardwalk Hall box office.

	The WeatherTech Audi R8 GRAND-AM racing team won the GT class of the 51st GRAND-AM Rolex 24 at Daytona.

By SEMA Staff

WeatherTech Racing Audi R8 Wins GT Title in Rolex 24 at Daytona
The WeatherTech Audi R8 GRAND-AM racing team of Felipe Albuquerque (Portugal), Oliver Jarvis (England), Eduardo Mortara (Italy) and Dion von Moltke (Coral Gables, Florida) won the GT class of the 51st GRAND-AM Rolex 24 at Daytona.

With nearly three-and-a-half hours left in the race, the Alex Job Racing team had to serve a 60-second, green flag penalty for avoidable contact with another car. That judgment call nearly cost them the race. But, the team gave Audi its first Rolex 24 win, first in the GRAND-AM Series and Alex Job Racing their second Rolex 24 victory (1999).

Granatelli Motor Sports Sponsored Racer Joe Charles Wins NMRA Strange Engineering Coyote Stock Class Championship
Granatelli Motor Sports’ sponsored racer Joe Charles won the 2012 NMRA Strange Engineering Coyote stock class championship. The class requires that the engine and computers are left stock and untouched. “HiPo Joe’s” ’01 Ford Mustang Bullitt, built by MV Performance, has run a quarter-mile time of 10.901 at 118.87 mph. The championship-winning Mustang is powered by a stone stock ’12 5.0-liter Coyote engine and Granatelli Hot Street Coils.

Ross Martin finished second taking the silver and his fourth X Games medal.

Ross Martin Brings Home His Fourth Medal From ESPN's Winter X Games
Ross Martin qualified and hammered the holeshot off the line in the Final at the Winter X Snocross Competition in Aspen, Colorado, last weekend. By lap two of 16, the leaders were set and continued to pull away from the competition. Martin finished second taking the silver and his fourth X Games medal.

NAPA Auto Parts Indoor Auto Racing Weekend Set for February 1–2
A massive field of Three Quarter Midget, 600cc Micro, Slingshot and Champ Kart drivers will make their way from across the northeast  to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall this Friday and Saturday, February 1–2, for NAPA Auto Parts Indoor Racing Weekend. The 11th running of the event is the third and final race of the Fatheadz Eyewear Indoor Series.

Overall, 213 teams are entered among the four divisions of competition; less than half of them will transfer to the feature races, making the qualifying events intense affairs in their own right.

TQ Midgets and 600 Micros race feature events on both Friday and Saturday with the ultimate prize—the Gamblers Classic the main TQ race on Saturday. Champ Karts and Slingshots complete the majority of their qualifying Friday and their features on Saturday night.

Last year’s winners indoors in Atlantic City were Erick Rudolph, who won the Gamblers Classic TQ race and both 600cc Micro main events; Ted Christopher, winner of the remaining TQ race; Simon Egan, winner of the Slingshot race and Chris Daley, victor in the Champ Kart main event. All 2012 winners are among the entries for the 2013 NAPA Auto Parts Racing Weekend. There are 78 entries in the TQ Midget field. 

In the 600cc Micro class, 39 drivers have filed entries. Several of the TQ drivers have separate cars for the 600cc Micro race. Micro specialists entered include Jimmy Carpenter, Manchester, New Jersey; Slingshot specialists Gary and Kyle Hieber, Langhorne, Pennsylvania; past Bridgeport, New Jersey Sprint Car champion Tim Iulg, Bridgeton, New Jersey; Jason Ormsby, Warsaw, Indiana, and Rob Vivona, Staten Island, New York.

Fifty-six Champ Karts are heading to Boardwalk Hall. Major contenders, besides defending race winner Daley, include Justin Bonsignore, West Islip, New York; Danny Bouc, Plumsteadville, Pennsylvania; Glen Meisenhelder of Feeding Hills, Massachusetts; Ron Midford, Tolland, Connecticut; Michael Pares Jr., Wayne, New Jersey; Brandon Rusczek, Wallingford, Connecticut; DJ Shaw, Center Conway, New Hampshire; and Andrew Swisher, West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Forty entries have been filed for the Slingshot class. Prominent among these are Andy Bachetti, Sheffield, Massachusetts; Bobby Dmuchowski, Manville, New Jersey; Anthony Perrego, Montgomery, New York; and Ricky Yetter, Easton, Pennsylvania.

Tickets for the Atlantic City events are on sale at Ticketmaster outlets and at the Boardwalk Hall box office.

By SEMA Staff

It’s that time of year for SEMA Hall of Fame nominations. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate a person for the 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame. The SEMA Hall of Fame Award has been established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of and significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the Hall of Fame website and SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee to make their selection for the 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame form by Friday, March 22, 2013.

By SEMA Staff

It’s that time of year for SEMA Hall of Fame nominations. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate a person for the 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame. The SEMA Hall of Fame Award has been established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of and significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the Hall of Fame website and SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee to make their selection for the 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame form by Friday, March 22, 2013.