“Project 1320” Update

SEMA News—May 2011

“Project 1320” Update

The Foundation gathered another 19 interviews during the mid-March weekend. Noted drag-racing historian Don Gillespie interviewed Joe Mondello, Rich Guasco, Roger Gustin, T.C. Lemon, Herm Petersen, Eileen Daniels, Marvin (“Starvin’ Marvin”) Graham, Ray (“Tennessee Boll Weevil”) Godman, Don Hampton, Jimmy King, Bob Stange, Jerry Gwynn, Dale Funk, Barbara Hamilton, Dick LaHaie, Darrell Gwynn, Dale Emery, Australian pioneer Jim Read, Jim Head and Jim Walther.

The Quarter Mile Foundation, using the current working title of “Project 1320,” is developing a series of documentaries dedicated to drag-racing history from post-World War II to the end of the ’80s.

The Quarter Mile Foundation—the effort to preserve the history of drag racing—reported that interviewing continued at the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville, Florida, and at the Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum in Ocala, Florida. The Foundation gathered another 19 interviews during the mid-March weekend. Noted drag-racing historian Don Gillespie interviewed Joe Mondello, Rich Guasco, Roger Gustin, T.C. Lemon, Herm Petersen, Eileen Daniels, Marvin (“Starvin’ Marvin”) Graham, Ray (“Tennessee Boll Weevil”) Godman, Don Hampton, Jimmy King, Bob Stange, Jerry Gwynn, Dale Funk, Barbara Hamilton, Dick LaHaie, Darrell Gwynn, Dale Emery, Australian pioneer Jim Read, Jim Head and Jim Walther.

The gathering of interviews will continue as additional funding is generated. Support from fans continues to grow from the organization’s website and at nostalgia drag-racing events as well as some selected NHRA races.

“Right now, our goal is to have this done by 2013,” said Steve Cole, a member of the Foundation’s board of directors. “We now have 45 interviews completed.”

The Quarter Mile Foundation also reported that its website is receiving an upgrade from former drag-racing star Clare Sanders to reflect the expansion of the organization’s programs plus deliver added features for fans and visitors. The website will have behind-the-scenes footage and outtakes as the interviews are compiled and edited, which will allow those who are members of Friends of Project 1320 and the Brotherhood of the Quarter Mile to follow the progress of the documentaries’ production.

“Many fans and racers as well as some professional photographers have been supplying the foundation with home movies and photo albums of drag racing in those early days,” said Traci Hrudka, Foundation chairman. “Many have given us use of their materials for background B-Roll footage to illustrate what the pioneers are discussing in their narratives.”

The Foundation’s board of directors and advisory board are comprised of racers and industry veterans. The project is focused upon the historic and educational aspect of what has happened over the past 60-plus years, and it is their belief that the stories and information it will convey will also
be entertaining.

As Dave McClelland put it in a short promotional piece for the Foundation: “This is our last, best chance to capture our history from those who were there at the beginning.”

U.S. Postal Service Honors Indianapolis 500

“Indianapolis 500” stamp, the U.S. Postal Service commemorated the centennial of the automobile race held since 1911 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway

With the issuance of an “Indianapolis 500” stamp, the U.S. Postal Service commemorated the centennial of the automobile race held since 1911 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana.

Featuring stylized artwork by John Mattos, the stamp depicts Ray Harroun driving #32, the Marmon “Wasp,” a customized yellow-and-black car in which Harroun won the first Indianapolis 500.

From the 500 festival parade in downtown Indianapolis to the release of multicolored balloons and the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” on the day of the race, many traditions now surround the Indianapolis 500.

Stamps may be purchased at post offices, at www.usps.com/shop or by calling 800/STAMP-24. And don’t miss this year’s event on Sunday, May 29, when the 100th anniversary run of the Indy 500 kicks off at 12:00 p.m. (EDT).

Paul “Scooter” Brothers to Be Featured Presenter at 2011 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium

Paul “Scooter” Brothers, co-owner and director of R&D for Comp Performance Group

The 2011 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) will focus on the theme “Aftermarket Fast Forward: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead” when it convenes Wednesday, May 18, through Thursday, May 19, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago. GAAS 2011 marks the 16th anniversary of the event that annually gathers the leaders of the automotive aftermarket for education and networking opportunities.

One of the featured presentations is a panel discussion entitled “The Business Side of Racing,” which will be led by Paul “Scooter” Brothers, co-owner and director of R&D for Comp Performance Group and the chairman-elect of the SEMA Board of Directors. “The Business Side of Racing” will take place at GAAS 2011 on Wednesday, May 18, from 11:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m.

To review a complete agenda of all speakers and panelists for GAAS 2011, visit here or call 301/654-6664 for more information.

Applications are now available to exhibit at the 2011 SEMA Show. Visit www.SEMAShow.com, and click on “Buy a Booth.”

SEMA Show Exhibitor Update

Applications are now available to exhibit at the 2011 SEMA Show. The application, also called the Exhibit Space Rental Agreement or ESRA, is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

While submissions are accepted anytime before the event takes place November 1–4, 2011, manufacturers who return their ESRAs with a deposit before April 29, 2011, will be included in the Priority Booth Selection Process.

To help exhibitors better understand the available SEMA Show services, exhibitors are invited to attend the Exhibitor Summit on May 2–4, 2011, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Held six months before the SEMA Show and one month before the Priority Booth Selection Process, the second annual conference will help both new and veteran exhibitors get more out of the Show.

“The Exhibitor Summit works because we’re able to walk exhibitors through the process from the very beginning,” explained Gary Vigil, SEMA trade shows director. “We get an opportunity to let exhibitors know what’s new, emphasize what’s important and remind them about key benefits.”

To secure a booth space at the 2011 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com and click “Buy a Booth” or contact ConvExx Show Management at 702/450-7662 ext. 120 or SalesMgr@ConvExx.com.

Fast Facts

John Nodson

The Marx Group named John Nodson as its vice president of market research. Nodson, who has been with The Marx Group since 2009 as a market and strategy specialist, will help the company expand its market research department. In addition to his role with The Marx Group, Nodson is the president of Sagacious Advisor Group (SAG). SAG works with management of select companies by becoming part of their team to help overcome challenges, take advantage of timely opportunities and develop new businesses. The Marx Group, San Rafael, CA; 415/453-0844.

AutoTrader Classics appointed Bryan A. Weston director of national accounts. He is responsible for AutoTrader Classics’ national account sales department. Most recently, Weston was director of national sales at Jumpstart Automotive Group, wholly owned by Hachette Filipacchi Media–U.S., where he was responsible for integrated program development and sales. Weston is based in AutoTrader.com’s Novi, Michigan, office, with nationwide responsibilities. AutoTrader Classics Publishing, Clearwater, FL; 727/712-0035.

RNR Custom Wheels & Tires LLC has added three new store locations. The first store is situated in Rock Hill, South Carolina, in the Cherry Park Plaza owned and operated by RIMS USA. This is the 11th store location for this franchise. The second location is operated by RNR of Virginia LLC, located in Suffolk, Virginia. This location is a satellite store and is scheduled to open in May 2011. This is RNR of Virginia’s third location. Rental Concepts is slated to open a new store in March 2011, located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, bringing the franchise’s total store count to six. RNR, Tampa, FL; 813/977-9800.

Jeff Rayburn

MAHLE Clevite Inc. appointed Jeff Rayburn as heavy-duty and turbocharger sales manager. He is responsible for leading the company’s overall heavy-duty strategy. The company reported that while maintaining his own heavy-duty accounts, Rayburn will work closely with the MAHLE Clevite sales team to further expand their knowledge of the heavy-duty aftermarket. MAHLE Clevite Inc., Ann Arbor, MI.

Prolong Super Lubricants announced that it will continue its sponsorship of the 2011 Prolong Twilight Cruises, the popular street-rod, hot-rod and musclecar events held the first Wednesday of every month from April to December in the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum parking lot at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. The remaining 2011 Prolong Twilight Cruise dates are: May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, August 24, October 5, November 2 and December 7. For more information, visit www.museum.nhra.com. Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, Glendora, CA; 626/914-4761.

Wes-Coast Marketing Inc. has announced the addition of Oracle Lighting Products. Oracle lighting has been designing and developing lighting applications using the latest LED, HID, CCFL and SMD technologies. Wes-Coast Marketing is a manufacturers’ representative agency serving the automotive aftermarket in the 11 western states, Alaska, Hawaii and western Canada. Wes-Coast Marketing, Upland, CA; 909/946-6899. Oracle Lighting Inc. Metairie, LA; 800/407-5776.

Vic Edelbrock Jr.

International AERO Products’ line of car care products has been endorsed by Vic Edelbrock Jr. and Edelbrock LLC. Through a partnership that makes AERO the official surface care company for Edelbrock and Edelbrock racing, International AERO Products will be used to detail all Edelbrock vehicles, Edelbrock’s R&D vehicles, Vic Edelbrock Jr.’s personal cars and the vintage sports cars on the Edelbrock race team. In addition, every Edelbrock transporter will also carry International AERO Products, and all of the AERO vehicles will feature Edelbrock branding. Edelbrock, Torrance, CA; 310/781-2222.

The B&M Automotive Group expanded its portfolio of industry brands with its recent addition of Flowmaster Inc., which now joins the B&M Racing and Performance, Hurst Shifters and Hurst Driveline Conversions team of aftermarket brands. According to a Flowmaster announcement, Flowmaster’s three facilities, totaling more than 400,000 sq. ft., are dedicated to producing exhaust products that are easy to install and provide immediate performance gains—features that the company feels are a perfect fit with the B&M Automotive Group portfolio. B&M Racing & Performance Products, Chatsworth, CA; 818/882-6422.

Yokohama Tire Corp.’s off-the-road (OTR) division was awarded a Gold Alliance Supplier award for 2010 from Birmingham, Alabama-based Vulcan Materials Co., which annually honors its top suppliers. This is the fourth-consecutive year that Yokohama has earned the honor. Vulcan is a major producer of construction aggregates, which includes crushed stone, sand and gravel used in nearly all forms of construction. Yokohama Tire Corp., Fullerton, CA; 714/870-3800.

HRE Performance Wheels unveiled an all-new website that the company feels will help its customers highlight their passion for automobiles. Expanded content is laid out in a unique split-screen format and features photography with a lifestyle focus, fully integrated Facebook and Twitter feeds, large high-res image galleries for each wheel line broken down by consumer category (motorsport, street, luxury) and a digital concierge service for a hands-on wheel-design experience. HRE Performance Wheels, Vista, CA; 760/598-1960.

Bossco International announced that it added Northern California retail chain “More for Less” to its outlet list for the Luma Lite. “This is our first convenience store outlet for the Luma Lite,” explained Cliff Wright, inventor and CEO of the company. “‘More for Less’ is also looking at several other products that we manufacture, and we are thrilled to have them on board.” Bossco International, San Diego, CA; 858/391-9208.

The Tire Group International opened a new logistics office in Xiamen, China. The new location will be headed up by Emma Luo, who joins Tire Group International after spending seven years with Schenker & BAX Global logistics.

Duke Networks LLC’s “Motorz TV” premiered on the Pursuit Channel cable and satellite network starting in April. Hosted by Chris Duke, the show will air every Wednesday night at 10:00 p.m. (PDT). According to a release from Duke Networks, the Pursuit Channel is the number-one channel in satellite distribution among full-time outdoor networks. “Motorz TV” provides aftermarket installation tips step-by-step in layman’s terms, in a typical garage setting, using common tools. Duke Networks LLC, San Diego, CA; 858/935-7300.

Roush Yates Engines added KC Couse to its Roush Yates Performance Products division sales force. Couse has more than 30 years of racing experience throughout all motorsports, and he most recently was the drag-race manager at CV Products. Roush Yates Performance Parts, Mooresville, NC; 704/662-6982.

Gene Winfield

The Winfield Award—named after famous car customizer and builder Gene Winfield—will be presented during the 2011 Syracuse Nationals, which is set for July 15–17. All vehicles that are ’37 or newer that have been chopped, channeled or sectioned are eligible for the award. Winfield will pick 12 vehicles from the entries, and those will be reduced to the “Select Six” that will be in contention for the award. The six finalists will receive a custom award, jacket and $500. The actual Winfield Award winner will be announced on Saturday evening (July 16) during the event’s annual dinner dance.

Former F1 engineer Trevor Foster joined the team at United Autosports as race engineer and technical director. Foster’s career includes running teams in Formula Ford 1600, 2000 and Three before working in Formula One with Tyrrell, Team Lotus, Jordan and BAR. He has worked with Formula One World Champions Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill, plus Jean Alesi, Martin Brundle and Johnny Herbert.