John Viscardo is the vice president of sales for one of America's most popular oval track racing publications, Speedway Illustrated. The Maryland native and Penn State graduate now resides in Tampa, Florida, with his two children. Despite his relatively young age, Viscardo has a wealth of selling experience both inside and outside of the automotive aftermarket industry.

 

Chevrolet's new program will highlight its new small-car entry—the Sonic—seeking accessory-based projects from the specialty-equipment market.

Chevrolet will add a special program to its 2011 SEMA Show strategy. This program will highlight its new small-car entry—the Sonic—seeking accessory-based projects from the specialty-equipment market. To be considered, proposals must include the four General Motors criteria listed below for content and definition:

• An introductory letter defining the theme of the project vehicle (i.e. appealing to which market segment) and its general content, vehicle need date and project completion date.
• A list of specific system upgrades, including partnered sources, if appropriate. Please use the Excel formatted “Sheet B,” which will be provided by contacting Bob Kern (see below for contact information).
• A proposed list of intended events, trade shows, publications, etc., where the vehicle will be promoted. Availability for the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is required. Please state where the vehicle will be displayed at the SEMA Show and who will sponsor the vehicle if it is placed in a feature spot. Note that partners are required to promote the vehicle through November 1, 2012. Proposals with guaranteed interior booth space will be given preferred consideration.
• 8½ x 11 color renderings illustrating front/side and rear appearance (composite ¾ views acceptable) with the intended color and graphic scheme accurately defined. If the interior will be significantly modified, an interior sketch is recommended as well. Preservation of front-end brand identity (divisional emblem and possibly grille features) is mandatory. High-resolution photos will be supplied for doing the sketch work when you contact Bob Kern.

SEMA members interested in developing a General Motors project vehicle for the 2011 SEMA Show are encouraged to prepare a Project Description Plan and submit three copies of the proposal, including a rendering on 8½ x 11 paper (stapled, not bound, please) to:

Bob Kern
SEMA Relations Manager
2382 Browning Dr., Ste. 100
Orion, MI 48360

OR

E-mail: rob_eagle22@yahoo.com
Phone: 313-667-6126
Cell: 313/300-9471 (best access)
Fax: 313/667-5001

Please note that quantities will be limited. Vehicle availability is currently planned in early July. Proposals should be received no later than June 1, 2011. Approved projects will be required to be completed no later than October 15, 2011. Build photos may be requested.

 

Chevrolet's new program will highlight its new small-car entry—the Sonic—seeking accessory-based projects from the specialty-equipment market.

Chevrolet will add a special program to its 2011 SEMA Show strategy. This program will highlight its new small-car entry—the Sonic—seeking accessory-based projects from the specialty-equipment market. To be considered, proposals must include the four General Motors criteria listed below for content and definition:

• An introductory letter defining the theme of the project vehicle (i.e. appealing to which market segment) and its general content, vehicle need date and project completion date.
• A list of specific system upgrades, including partnered sources, if appropriate. Please use the Excel formatted “Sheet B,” which will be provided by contacting Bob Kern (see below for contact information).
• A proposed list of intended events, trade shows, publications, etc., where the vehicle will be promoted. Availability for the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is required. Please state where the vehicle will be displayed at the SEMA Show and who will sponsor the vehicle if it is placed in a feature spot. Note that partners are required to promote the vehicle through November 1, 2012. Proposals with guaranteed interior booth space will be given preferred consideration.
• 8½ x 11 color renderings illustrating front/side and rear appearance (composite ¾ views acceptable) with the intended color and graphic scheme accurately defined. If the interior will be significantly modified, an interior sketch is recommended as well. Preservation of front-end brand identity (divisional emblem and possibly grille features) is mandatory. High-resolution photos will be supplied for doing the sketch work when you contact Bob Kern.

SEMA members interested in developing a General Motors project vehicle for the 2011 SEMA Show are encouraged to prepare a Project Description Plan and submit three copies of the proposal, including a rendering on 8½ x 11 paper (stapled, not bound, please) to:

Bob Kern
SEMA Relations Manager
2382 Browning Dr., Ste. 100
Orion, MI 48360

OR

E-mail: rob_eagle22@yahoo.com
Phone: 313-667-6126
Cell: 313/300-9471 (best access)
Fax: 313/667-5001

Please note that quantities will be limited. Vehicle availability is currently planned in early July. Proposals should be received no later than June 1, 2011. Approved projects will be required to be completed no later than October 15, 2011. Build photos may be requested.

 

Chevrolet's new program will highlight its new small-car entry—the Sonic—seeking accessory-based projects from the specialty-equipment market.

Chevrolet will add a special program to its 2011 SEMA Show strategy. This program will highlight its new small-car entry—the Sonic—seeking accessory-based projects from the specialty-equipment market. To be considered, proposals must include the four General Motors criteria listed below for content and definition:

• An introductory letter defining the theme of the project vehicle (i.e. appealing to which market segment) and its general content, vehicle need date and project completion date.
• A list of specific system upgrades, including partnered sources, if appropriate. Please use the Excel formatted “Sheet B,” which will be provided by contacting Bob Kern (see below for contact information).
• A proposed list of intended events, trade shows, publications, etc., where the vehicle will be promoted. Availability for the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is required. Please state where the vehicle will be displayed at the SEMA Show and who will sponsor the vehicle if it is placed in a feature spot. Note that partners are required to promote the vehicle through November 1, 2012. Proposals with guaranteed interior booth space will be given preferred consideration.
• 8½ x 11 color renderings illustrating front/side and rear appearance (composite ¾ views acceptable) with the intended color and graphic scheme accurately defined. If the interior will be significantly modified, an interior sketch is recommended as well. Preservation of front-end brand identity (divisional emblem and possibly grille features) is mandatory. High-resolution photos will be supplied for doing the sketch work when you contact Bob Kern.

SEMA members interested in developing a General Motors project vehicle for the 2011 SEMA Show are encouraged to prepare a Project Description Plan and submit three copies of the proposal, including a rendering on 8½ x 11 paper (stapled, not bound, please) to:

Bob Kern
SEMA Relations Manager
2382 Browning Dr., Ste. 100
Orion, MI 48360

OR

E-mail: rob_eagle22@yahoo.com
Phone: 313-667-6126
Cell: 313/300-9471 (best access)
Fax: 313/667-5001

Please note that quantities will be limited. Vehicle availability is currently planned in early July. Proposals should be received no later than June 1, 2011. Approved projects will be required to be completed no later than October 15, 2011. Build photos may be requested.

NEWS NUGGETS

MID-PACK DRIVERS LOOKING FOR FIRST WINS OF SEASON AT ATLANTA: After nearly a year-and-a-half since his last career win, Funny Car driver Jeff Arend powered his DHL Funny Car past Mike Neff two weeks ago in Houston to secure his first win of the season. The win catapulted Arend into the top 10 point standings in Funny Car, moving him up to the fifth spot in the standings. As the NHRA heads to Georgia for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals this weekend, the sixth stop of the year, many drivers hanging in the mid-pack position in the point standings hope to follow in Arend’s footsteps and get their first wins of the season.

One of those drivers, believe it or not, is seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher. After a runner-up finish to Del Worsham at the Tire Kingdom Gatornationals, the second race of the season, Schumacher has made it past the second round of eliminations just once in the past three races. He currently sits fourth in the point standings, a whopping 152 points behind first-place Worsham.

Right on his tail in the fifth spot is Schumacher’s teammate, Spencer Massey, who after winning the Auto Club Road to the Future Rookie of the Year award in 2009, found himself without a ride in 2010. A new start with Don Schumacher Racing in 2011 has produced two semifinal finishes in the past five races, but Massey is looking for more with a win in Atlanta.

In the Funny Car category, two-time world champion Cruz Pedregon is fourth in the point standings, surrounded by powerhouse team drivers for Don Schumacher Racing and John Force Racing on both sides. A No. 1 qualifier to start the season in Pomona and a runner-up finish at the next event in Gainesville gave Pedregon the launch to the season he was hoping for, but back-to-back first-round losses in the past two races have slowed the momentum of the Snap-on Tools team.

It’s a similar slump that 2010 Funny Car runner-up finisher Matt Hagan has also felt. Hagan started the 2011 season strong with a runner-up finish in Pomona and the No. 1 qualifier in Gainesville. But since then, Hagan has been unable to get his DieHard Dodge Charger past the second round and back into a final-round match-up for the season. Hagan sits two spots behind Pedregon in the sixth spot. Is Atlanta another spot for a first-time season winner, or will the Wally be hoisted in the Winner’s Circle on Sunday by someone who has already tasted victory this season? Tickets are still available for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. To purchase tickets, call 800/884-NHRA (6472) or go online at NHRATIX.com.

NHRA, RED CROSS JOIN FORCES IN ATLANTA TO PROVIDE RELIEF FOR TORNADO-STRICKEN SOUTHEAST: The NHRA and the Red Cross have joined forces to provide Atlanta race fans the opportunity to give back to those affected by the tornado disasters that have struck the Southeast region of the country. Fans attending this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway will have the opportunity to make donations to the Red Cross at a booth set up in the midway in the pit area. The donations collected throughout the weekend will go directly to a tornado relief fund for the Southeast region of the country impacted by tornados and severe storms that ripped through the region. Fans will also have the opportunity Saturday following the second round of qualifying to not only donate, but also to get their favorite drivers’ autographs at a special autograph session with some of the biggest names in NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing, including Larry Dixon, Del Worsham, Bob Tasca, Spencer Massey, Allen Johnson, Steve Johnson, Dave Grubnic, Cruz Pedregon, Jeff Arend and LE Tonglet next to the Red Cross booth. For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS, ATLANTA DRAGWAY, May 13–15: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the Atlanta area for its sixth stop of 2011. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/884-NHRA (6472) or go online at NHRATIX.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock, at zelcock@nhra.com.

NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS, HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA, May 20–22: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its seventh stop of the season during the start of the summer months. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock).

NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, June 2–5: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its eighth stop of the season at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Bob Tasca (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

THE PEDAL DANCE: Pro Stock points leader Jason Line on how competitive this year’s Pro Stock class really is: “There really is no set way to win one of these races as the circumstances are constantly changing. Sometimes you have to win with your right foot using all the power at your disposal; other times you have to win with your left foot, leaving the starting line first; while on occasion it just comes down to luck.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

2001, COCA-COLA JOINS NHRA WITH TITLE SPONSORSHIP: In 2001, NHRA’s 50th anniversary year, Coca-Cola, an Atlanta-based company, and its POWERade brand became title sponsor of the NHRA Championship Drag Racing Series. Since then, Coca-Cola’s Full Throttle Energy Drink brand has taken over as the title sponsor of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

3: Only three drivers have ever won at Atlanta Dragway in more than one Full Throttle Drag Racing Series category: Kenny Bernstein (2 TF, 2 FC), Mike Dunn (1 TF, 1 FC) and Antron Brown (1 TF, 2 PSM). Del Worsham (won in Funny Car, 1991) hopes to be the fourth member added to that list with a win in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster this weekend.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the very popular “Track Walk with a Legend” program that is part of the 60th anniversary celebration of the NHRA will be open to all Sunday ticket holders at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals? If you have a Sunday ticket for the Atlanta Dragway event, you can have an opportunity to walk down the historic dragstrip with NHRA Legend and Pro Stock sensation Warren Johnson.

NEWS NUGGETS

MID-PACK DRIVERS LOOKING FOR FIRST WINS OF SEASON AT ATLANTA: After nearly a year-and-a-half since his last career win, Funny Car driver Jeff Arend powered his DHL Funny Car past Mike Neff two weeks ago in Houston to secure his first win of the season. The win catapulted Arend into the top 10 point standings in Funny Car, moving him up to the fifth spot in the standings. As the NHRA heads to Georgia for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals this weekend, the sixth stop of the year, many drivers hanging in the mid-pack position in the point standings hope to follow in Arend’s footsteps and get their first wins of the season.

One of those drivers, believe it or not, is seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher. After a runner-up finish to Del Worsham at the Tire Kingdom Gatornationals, the second race of the season, Schumacher has made it past the second round of eliminations just once in the past three races. He currently sits fourth in the point standings, a whopping 152 points behind first-place Worsham.

Right on his tail in the fifth spot is Schumacher’s teammate, Spencer Massey, who after winning the Auto Club Road to the Future Rookie of the Year award in 2009, found himself without a ride in 2010. A new start with Don Schumacher Racing in 2011 has produced two semifinal finishes in the past five races, but Massey is looking for more with a win in Atlanta.

In the Funny Car category, two-time world champion Cruz Pedregon is fourth in the point standings, surrounded by powerhouse team drivers for Don Schumacher Racing and John Force Racing on both sides. A No. 1 qualifier to start the season in Pomona and a runner-up finish at the next event in Gainesville gave Pedregon the launch to the season he was hoping for, but back-to-back first-round losses in the past two races have slowed the momentum of the Snap-on Tools team.

It’s a similar slump that 2010 Funny Car runner-up finisher Matt Hagan has also felt. Hagan started the 2011 season strong with a runner-up finish in Pomona and the No. 1 qualifier in Gainesville. But since then, Hagan has been unable to get his DieHard Dodge Charger past the second round and back into a final-round match-up for the season. Hagan sits two spots behind Pedregon in the sixth spot. Is Atlanta another spot for a first-time season winner, or will the Wally be hoisted in the Winner’s Circle on Sunday by someone who has already tasted victory this season? Tickets are still available for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. To purchase tickets, call 800/884-NHRA (6472) or go online at NHRATIX.com.

NHRA, RED CROSS JOIN FORCES IN ATLANTA TO PROVIDE RELIEF FOR TORNADO-STRICKEN SOUTHEAST: The NHRA and the Red Cross have joined forces to provide Atlanta race fans the opportunity to give back to those affected by the tornado disasters that have struck the Southeast region of the country. Fans attending this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway will have the opportunity to make donations to the Red Cross at a booth set up in the midway in the pit area. The donations collected throughout the weekend will go directly to a tornado relief fund for the Southeast region of the country impacted by tornados and severe storms that ripped through the region. Fans will also have the opportunity Saturday following the second round of qualifying to not only donate, but also to get their favorite drivers’ autographs at a special autograph session with some of the biggest names in NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing, including Larry Dixon, Del Worsham, Bob Tasca, Spencer Massey, Allen Johnson, Steve Johnson, Dave Grubnic, Cruz Pedregon, Jeff Arend and LE Tonglet next to the Red Cross booth. For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS, ATLANTA DRAGWAY, May 13–15: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the Atlanta area for its sixth stop of 2011. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/884-NHRA (6472) or go online at NHRATIX.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock, at zelcock@nhra.com.

NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS, HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA, May 20–22: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its seventh stop of the season during the start of the summer months. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock).

NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, June 2–5: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its eighth stop of the season at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Bob Tasca (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

THE PEDAL DANCE: Pro Stock points leader Jason Line on how competitive this year’s Pro Stock class really is: “There really is no set way to win one of these races as the circumstances are constantly changing. Sometimes you have to win with your right foot using all the power at your disposal; other times you have to win with your left foot, leaving the starting line first; while on occasion it just comes down to luck.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

2001, COCA-COLA JOINS NHRA WITH TITLE SPONSORSHIP: In 2001, NHRA’s 50th anniversary year, Coca-Cola, an Atlanta-based company, and its POWERade brand became title sponsor of the NHRA Championship Drag Racing Series. Since then, Coca-Cola’s Full Throttle Energy Drink brand has taken over as the title sponsor of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

3: Only three drivers have ever won at Atlanta Dragway in more than one Full Throttle Drag Racing Series category: Kenny Bernstein (2 TF, 2 FC), Mike Dunn (1 TF, 1 FC) and Antron Brown (1 TF, 2 PSM). Del Worsham (won in Funny Car, 1991) hopes to be the fourth member added to that list with a win in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster this weekend.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the very popular “Track Walk with a Legend” program that is part of the 60th anniversary celebration of the NHRA will be open to all Sunday ticket holders at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals? If you have a Sunday ticket for the Atlanta Dragway event, you can have an opportunity to walk down the historic dragstrip with NHRA Legend and Pro Stock sensation Warren Johnson.

NEWS NUGGETS

MID-PACK DRIVERS LOOKING FOR FIRST WINS OF SEASON AT ATLANTA: After nearly a year-and-a-half since his last career win, Funny Car driver Jeff Arend powered his DHL Funny Car past Mike Neff two weeks ago in Houston to secure his first win of the season. The win catapulted Arend into the top 10 point standings in Funny Car, moving him up to the fifth spot in the standings. As the NHRA heads to Georgia for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals this weekend, the sixth stop of the year, many drivers hanging in the mid-pack position in the point standings hope to follow in Arend’s footsteps and get their first wins of the season.

One of those drivers, believe it or not, is seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher. After a runner-up finish to Del Worsham at the Tire Kingdom Gatornationals, the second race of the season, Schumacher has made it past the second round of eliminations just once in the past three races. He currently sits fourth in the point standings, a whopping 152 points behind first-place Worsham.

Right on his tail in the fifth spot is Schumacher’s teammate, Spencer Massey, who after winning the Auto Club Road to the Future Rookie of the Year award in 2009, found himself without a ride in 2010. A new start with Don Schumacher Racing in 2011 has produced two semifinal finishes in the past five races, but Massey is looking for more with a win in Atlanta.

In the Funny Car category, two-time world champion Cruz Pedregon is fourth in the point standings, surrounded by powerhouse team drivers for Don Schumacher Racing and John Force Racing on both sides. A No. 1 qualifier to start the season in Pomona and a runner-up finish at the next event in Gainesville gave Pedregon the launch to the season he was hoping for, but back-to-back first-round losses in the past two races have slowed the momentum of the Snap-on Tools team.

It’s a similar slump that 2010 Funny Car runner-up finisher Matt Hagan has also felt. Hagan started the 2011 season strong with a runner-up finish in Pomona and the No. 1 qualifier in Gainesville. But since then, Hagan has been unable to get his DieHard Dodge Charger past the second round and back into a final-round match-up for the season. Hagan sits two spots behind Pedregon in the sixth spot. Is Atlanta another spot for a first-time season winner, or will the Wally be hoisted in the Winner’s Circle on Sunday by someone who has already tasted victory this season? Tickets are still available for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. To purchase tickets, call 800/884-NHRA (6472) or go online at NHRATIX.com.

NHRA, RED CROSS JOIN FORCES IN ATLANTA TO PROVIDE RELIEF FOR TORNADO-STRICKEN SOUTHEAST: The NHRA and the Red Cross have joined forces to provide Atlanta race fans the opportunity to give back to those affected by the tornado disasters that have struck the Southeast region of the country. Fans attending this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway will have the opportunity to make donations to the Red Cross at a booth set up in the midway in the pit area. The donations collected throughout the weekend will go directly to a tornado relief fund for the Southeast region of the country impacted by tornados and severe storms that ripped through the region. Fans will also have the opportunity Saturday following the second round of qualifying to not only donate, but also to get their favorite drivers’ autographs at a special autograph session with some of the biggest names in NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing, including Larry Dixon, Del Worsham, Bob Tasca, Spencer Massey, Allen Johnson, Steve Johnson, Dave Grubnic, Cruz Pedregon, Jeff Arend and LE Tonglet next to the Red Cross booth. For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS, ATLANTA DRAGWAY, May 13–15: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the Atlanta area for its sixth stop of 2011. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/884-NHRA (6472) or go online at NHRATIX.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock, at zelcock@nhra.com.

NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS, HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA, May 20–22: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its seventh stop of the season during the start of the summer months. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock).

NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, June 2–5: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its eighth stop of the season at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Bob Tasca (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

THE PEDAL DANCE: Pro Stock points leader Jason Line on how competitive this year’s Pro Stock class really is: “There really is no set way to win one of these races as the circumstances are constantly changing. Sometimes you have to win with your right foot using all the power at your disposal; other times you have to win with your left foot, leaving the starting line first; while on occasion it just comes down to luck.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

2001, COCA-COLA JOINS NHRA WITH TITLE SPONSORSHIP: In 2001, NHRA’s 50th anniversary year, Coca-Cola, an Atlanta-based company, and its POWERade brand became title sponsor of the NHRA Championship Drag Racing Series. Since then, Coca-Cola’s Full Throttle Energy Drink brand has taken over as the title sponsor of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

3: Only three drivers have ever won at Atlanta Dragway in more than one Full Throttle Drag Racing Series category: Kenny Bernstein (2 TF, 2 FC), Mike Dunn (1 TF, 1 FC) and Antron Brown (1 TF, 2 PSM). Del Worsham (won in Funny Car, 1991) hopes to be the fourth member added to that list with a win in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster this weekend.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the very popular “Track Walk with a Legend” program that is part of the 60th anniversary celebration of the NHRA will be open to all Sunday ticket holders at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals? If you have a Sunday ticket for the Atlanta Dragway event, you can have an opportunity to walk down the historic dragstrip with NHRA Legend and Pro Stock sensation Warren Johnson.

Legislation to allow municipalities to issue permits for sanctioned motor-vehicle racing events on public streets and highways within its geographical jurisdiction has been signed into law by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. Introduced as the “Municipal Motor Vehicle Racing Act,” the new law promotes legal racing in Oklahoma, boosts the state’s tourism sector and streamlines the process for race promoters to obtain a racing event permit. An exemption from regulations governing “public or private nuisances,” including noise limits, is also provided for in the new law. To obtain a permit, the racing event must be sanctioned by a nationally or internationally recognized racing organization.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Legislation to allow municipalities to issue permits for sanctioned motor-vehicle racing events on public streets and highways within its geographical jurisdiction has been signed into law by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. Introduced as the “Municipal Motor Vehicle Racing Act,” the new law promotes legal racing in Oklahoma, boosts the state’s tourism sector and streamlines the process for race promoters to obtain a racing event permit. An exemption from regulations governing “public or private nuisances,” including noise limits, is also provided for in the new law. To obtain a permit, the racing event must be sanctioned by a nationally or internationally recognized racing organization.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

 

	So far, 17 hot-rod builders have signed on to participate in the 2011 HRIA Builder's Challenge benefitting the children of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

The 2011 HRIA Builder's Challenge is beginning to take shape with an incredible class of hot-rod builders. These builders will create and race one-of-a-kind pinewood cars at the annual SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, on July 29, at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California. All of these pinewood cars will be on display at the HRIA booth during the 2011 SEMA Show from November 1–4 in Las Vegas before being placed on eBay for public auction. All of the proceeds from the auction will go to the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp children’s charities.

Participants include:

• Art Morrison
• College for Creative Studies
• Cotati Speed Shop
• Fatman Fabrications
• Fesler Concepts
• Gene Winfield
• Hollywood Hot Rods
• Hopperstad Customs
• Johnny’s Auto Trim
• Kaucher Kustoms
• Legens Rod Shop
• Lokar Performance
• No Joke Upholstery
• Rich Evans Designs
• Spankys Hot Rods
• Spitzer Concepts
• Street Vizions

SEMA members in the Southeastern United States are invited to attend the pinewood car build at Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, North Carolina, on Thursday, June 23, from 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Volunteers will work with special-needs campers to paint and build one-of-a-kind pinewood racecars for the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races. If you would like to attend this event, contact Eric Saltrick with Steele Rubber Products at esaltrick@steelerubber.com or 704/483-9343.

SEMA members in the Western United States can help the children of Childhelp sand, paint and assemble the cars for the annual races. Each child will build two cars: one to keep and one reserved for sponsorship by a caring SEMA-member company or individual. The build day will take place at Childhelp Village West in Beaumont, California, Saturday, June 4. Members interested in participating are invited to contact derby@sema.org or visit the Pinewood Drag Races and SEMA Cares Facebook pages.

No experience in car building is necessary; only the willingness to help and share your time with a child. In addition to Saltrick, Luanne Brown (SEMA Cares chair), Dave Williams (Pinewood Drag Races subcommittee chair) and several big-hearted Board members and SEMA members have been volunteering their time and resources to show a large measure of love and compassion for these children.

The cars will be raced at the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races before the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach on July 29. Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp charities.

Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction Gang Camps provide the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp.

Any contribution you can make, either by helping the kids build and decorate the pinewood cars or by sponsoring a car, would be most welcome and most appreciated. Click here for more information on the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races. For direct access to the registration page, click here.

A set of cars designed last year by some of the industry's top builders, including Rich Evans, Art Morrison and class winners Street Vizions (car bottom row, second from right).	In 2010, Erick Saltrick of Steele Rubber Products presented the Builder's Race trophy to Street Vizions.

 

Justin Hoffend readies to drop the gates on a Stock class run.	Nicolas Hoffend took second place in the Stock class, making it a sweep for the family who placed in the top three in the Stock, Modified and Unlimited classes.