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RealWheels Plans to FREAK OUT at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas


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CHICAGO - October 30, 2006: Picture this ... It's Halloween in Las Vegas, and illusionist Criss Angel, star of the A&E television series "Mindfreak," is ready to unveil a mysterious magic-themed custom vehicle. It's dark, extremely loud, unusual, completely customized, and a little bizarre.

On October 31st, 2006, the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) trade show will again welcome over 100,000 aftermarket automotive industry professionals to the Las Vegas Convention Center for its annual conference. This event attracts the A-list of the auto industry and custom car builders, and is considered the Super Bowl of the aftermarket business.

Northern Illinois-based RealWheels Accessories, along with the efforts of over 20 sponsors, has been working all summer on the "Mindfreak H2" with the help of award-winning illusionist Criss Angel. "Every year people ask us how we will possibly top our previous show vehicles," says RealWheels vice president Jhan R. Dolphin. "I've always been a big fan of magic, and this year's SEMA show opening on Halloween presented us with the perfect opportunity to create something very unusual. When I shared our idea with Criss, he was thrilled to be part of the project."

Halloween 2006 is a big day in the magic community, as it marks the 80th anniversary of Harry Houdini's death, undoubtedly the world's most famous magician. The unusual custom Hummer project was built in the spirit of Criss Angel's A&E series "Mindfreak." "The more you look at this vehicle, the more interesting and unusual things you'll find," adds Dolphin. "Even original artifacts from Houdini's era have been discreetly added into design features of the Mindfreak Hummer from the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, and from the Martinka Magic Shop in New York, once owned by Houdini himself."

"Our greatest enjoyment from building a project of this scale is the reaction from people that see it, point at it, and photograph it to share with others," says Dolphin. "We plan to make it available at events all over the country during the next 18-24 months."

RealWheels Accessories in Gurnee, Illinois has manufactured vehicle enhancement products for over 25 years. Their products range from stainless steel wheel simulators for big rig trucks and emergency vehicles, to chrome accessories for the Dodge Viper. They produce over 300 items for the Hummer vehicles, and recently released a line of accessories for the new Toyota FJ Cruiser. Photos of their past projects and additional information on the company can be found at www.realwheelstrim.com.

For more on Criss Angel, visit www.crissangel.com.