People, Places & Racing News

NEWS NUGGETS

ROOKIES PREPARED FOR O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS AND START OF 2012 NHRA FULL THROTTLE SEASON: Just one week remains before the beginning of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season at the 52nd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries, February 9–12, at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. For three drivers, the season-opening race will mark their first full-season debuts as competitors in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

Hawk Performance Hires Andrew Hisley as Director of Marketing
Hawk Performance Products Group, a division of Carlisle Brake and Friction, hired Andrew Hisley as director of marketing. Hisley will coordinate global activities in the performance market segment for aftermarket and OE customers. His responsibilities include coordinating prices, analysis, product rationalization, short- and long-term planning and strategic brand management.

Melanie Rushforth started her business—Rushforth Wheels—approximately five years ago in Tacoma, Washington, and, like many others within the automotive aftermarket industry, she enjoys the people she meets at shows and other venues. With the help of the Internet, she has also built many relationships through Rushforth Wheels’ online forums.

Brian Deegan Named 2011 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series Driver of the Year
Brian "The General" Deegan dominated the 2011 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Season (LOORRS) Championship Awards Banquet January 21, much in the same way that he dominated the 2011 LOORS season, taking home a total of four awards for the night.

News and updates and from SEMA's councils and committees. 

SEMA Member Invis-A-Rack to Appear on ABC's "Shark Tank"
SEMA-member company Invis-A-Rack announced that the company will appear on the ABC television show "Shark Tank" on January 27 at 8:00 p.m. (PST). In 2010, the Invis-A-Rack product received SEMA's Light Truck Industry Alliance (LTAA) Industry Award for Best Product Over $500 and received a Global Media Award at the 2010 SEMA Show. More information on  Invis-A-Rack is available at www.invisarack.com.

Yes, that is Honest Charley Card, Hisself, parked in front of his brand-new, 30,000-sq.-ft. speed parts store on Honest Street in Chattanooga. Hot Rod’s Ralph Guldahl traveled to Tennessee in late 1970 to profile the legendary retailer, who had recently become the second inductee into SEMA’s Hall of Fame.

NEWS NUGGETS

TRAXXAS JOINS LIST OF NHRA OFFICIAL SPONSORS; SPONSORSHIP INCLUDES TOP FUEL AND FUNNY CAR SPECIALTY RACE PROGRAMS: The NHRA has announced that it has signed a multi-year agreement with Traxxas—a leading manufacturer and seller of high-performance radio-controlled vehicles. The agreement designates Traxxas as the “Official Radio Controlled Performance Products of the NHRA” and will fully integrate the Traxxas brand into all aspects of the NHRA, including extensive multi-media rights, broadcast elements and a strong on-site presence, including interactive displays, signage and entertainment features. The sponsorship includes new Top Fuel and Funny Car specialty “race-within-a-race” programs, both sponsored by Traxxas. The specifics of the specialty programs, including locations for each event, will be announced at a later date. Traxxas will provide $260,000 to fund the two programs, with the Top Fuel and Funny Car specialty race winners receiving $100,000 each.

TRAXXAS/Red Bull's Mitchell DeJong Makes History
Fourteen-year-old Mitchell DeJong has claimed his eighth racing title in five years—two off-road titles in a single season—including the only 2011 back-to-back championship in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series. From training off the track, coupled with track practice and midnight race-car simulator gaming sessions, his dedication has pushed this TRAXXAS/Red Bull athlete into the history books.

News and updates and from SEMA's councils and committees.