Action Sports Icon Brian Deegan Partners With Ford: Action sports icon Brian Deegan parented with Ford Racing to compete in multiple action motorsports platforms. He will compete in short course Pro 2 in a Ford Raptor in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series, and he will drive the Ford Rockstar Metal Mulisha Fiesta in select Global RallyCross Championship events and at X Games. Deegan is considered a pioneer in action sports, is the founder of the Metal Mulisha, has participated in every Summer X Games to date and has 12 medals at the X Games.

Roush Performance Enters One Lap of America: Roush Performance will enter two production ’12 Roush vehicles in the Tire Rack One Lap of America Presented by Motor Trend. Additionally, Roush has announced a stellar driver lineup of Jack Roush Jr. and Billy Johnson. “ROUSH is excited about entering the One Lap to prove the upcoming 2012 vehicles. I consider the One Lap as being the perfect venue to showcase our new lineups’ ability to be driven to a track, put through the paces and driven back home. The One Lap’s format of “Race, Run and Re-do” is congruent with the Roush Performance philosophy. Billy and I are looking forward to personally proving the 2012 vehicles’ capabilities.” said Jack Roush Jr.

Bill Schenker Wins Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo Gumout Super Challenge: Bill Schenker, of Corona del Mar, California, earned his first career Gumout Super Challenge win at the Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo at the El Toro ProSolo, winning the C Street Prepared class and topping the bracket-style finale. Schenker drove his ’99 MiataRoadster/ChaseCam/OS Giken/Motul Mazda Miata to a 1.674-second win over Scott Fraser in a ’01 Ankeny Racing Enterprises Mazda Miata. The CSP class win left Schenker as the fourth seed in the 32-driver Gumout Super Challenge bracket.

Torchmate Racing Drivers' Recap: Torchmate Racing had drivers at every aspect of the country last weekend. In Texas, Brad Lovell made history taking the Overall Win at the BRT Blackwelll 250 Desert Race in an Ultra4 car. Rock crawler Jesse Haines took the Unlimited Class win at the Cal-Neva Extreme event in Reno, Nevada, successfully completing every bonus line. Read the full breakdown here.

ODYSSEY Batteries for the Hart and Huntington Off Road Team: ODYSSEY battery manufacturer EnerSys has partnered with Hart and Huntington Off Road's team of seven drivers in six different classes who compete in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series. EnerSys will supply batteries and technical support to all of the drivers. The team races in seven different divisions, ranging from the JR 2 Trophy Kart Division, driven by the team's rising stars, to the Pro 4, which features competitors in 4WD 950hp trucks.

Action Sports Icon Brian Deegan Partners With Ford: Action sports icon Brian Deegan parented with Ford Racing to compete in multiple action motorsports platforms. He will compete in short course Pro 2 in a Ford Raptor in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series, and he will drive the Ford Rockstar Metal Mulisha Fiesta in select Global RallyCross Championship events and at X Games. Deegan is considered a pioneer in action sports, is the founder of the Metal Mulisha, has participated in every Summer X Games to date and has 12 medals at the X Games.

Roush Performance Enters One Lap of America: Roush Performance will enter two production ’12 Roush vehicles in the Tire Rack One Lap of America Presented by Motor Trend. Additionally, Roush has announced a stellar driver lineup of Jack Roush Jr. and Billy Johnson. “ROUSH is excited about entering the One Lap to prove the upcoming 2012 vehicles. I consider the One Lap as being the perfect venue to showcase our new lineups’ ability to be driven to a track, put through the paces and driven back home. The One Lap’s format of “Race, Run and Re-do” is congruent with the Roush Performance philosophy. Billy and I are looking forward to personally proving the 2012 vehicles’ capabilities.” said Jack Roush Jr.

Bill Schenker Wins Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo Gumout Super Challenge: Bill Schenker, of Corona del Mar, California, earned his first career Gumout Super Challenge win at the Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo at the El Toro ProSolo, winning the C Street Prepared class and topping the bracket-style finale. Schenker drove his ’99 MiataRoadster/ChaseCam/OS Giken/Motul Mazda Miata to a 1.674-second win over Scott Fraser in a ’01 Ankeny Racing Enterprises Mazda Miata. The CSP class win left Schenker as the fourth seed in the 32-driver Gumout Super Challenge bracket.

Torchmate Racing Drivers' Recap: Torchmate Racing had drivers at every aspect of the country last weekend. In Texas, Brad Lovell made history taking the Overall Win at the BRT Blackwelll 250 Desert Race in an Ultra4 car. Rock crawler Jesse Haines took the Unlimited Class win at the Cal-Neva Extreme event in Reno, Nevada, successfully completing every bonus line. Read the full breakdown here.

ODYSSEY Batteries for the Hart and Huntington Off Road Team: ODYSSEY battery manufacturer EnerSys has partnered with Hart and Huntington Off Road's team of seven drivers in six different classes who compete in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series. EnerSys will supply batteries and technical support to all of the drivers. The team races in seven different divisions, ranging from the JR 2 Trophy Kart Division, driven by the team's rising stars, to the Pro 4, which features competitors in 4WD 950hp trucks.

Action Sports Icon Brian Deegan Partners With Ford: Action sports icon Brian Deegan parented with Ford Racing to compete in multiple action motorsports platforms. He will compete in short course Pro 2 in a Ford Raptor in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series, and he will drive the Ford Rockstar Metal Mulisha Fiesta in select Global RallyCross Championship events and at X Games. Deegan is considered a pioneer in action sports, is the founder of the Metal Mulisha, has participated in every Summer X Games to date and has 12 medals at the X Games.

Roush Performance Enters One Lap of America: Roush Performance will enter two production ’12 Roush vehicles in the Tire Rack One Lap of America Presented by Motor Trend. Additionally, Roush has announced a stellar driver lineup of Jack Roush Jr. and Billy Johnson. “ROUSH is excited about entering the One Lap to prove the upcoming 2012 vehicles. I consider the One Lap as being the perfect venue to showcase our new lineups’ ability to be driven to a track, put through the paces and driven back home. The One Lap’s format of “Race, Run and Re-do” is congruent with the Roush Performance philosophy. Billy and I are looking forward to personally proving the 2012 vehicles’ capabilities.” said Jack Roush Jr.

Bill Schenker Wins Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo Gumout Super Challenge: Bill Schenker, of Corona del Mar, California, earned his first career Gumout Super Challenge win at the Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo at the El Toro ProSolo, winning the C Street Prepared class and topping the bracket-style finale. Schenker drove his ’99 MiataRoadster/ChaseCam/OS Giken/Motul Mazda Miata to a 1.674-second win over Scott Fraser in a ’01 Ankeny Racing Enterprises Mazda Miata. The CSP class win left Schenker as the fourth seed in the 32-driver Gumout Super Challenge bracket.

Torchmate Racing Drivers' Recap: Torchmate Racing had drivers at every aspect of the country last weekend. In Texas, Brad Lovell made history taking the Overall Win at the BRT Blackwelll 250 Desert Race in an Ultra4 car. Rock crawler Jesse Haines took the Unlimited Class win at the Cal-Neva Extreme event in Reno, Nevada, successfully completing every bonus line. Read the full breakdown here.

ODYSSEY Batteries for the Hart and Huntington Off Road Team: ODYSSEY battery manufacturer EnerSys has partnered with Hart and Huntington Off Road's team of seven drivers in six different classes who compete in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series. EnerSys will supply batteries and technical support to all of the drivers. The team races in seven different divisions, ranging from the JR 2 Trophy Kart Division, driven by the team's rising stars, to the Pro 4, which features competitors in 4WD 950hp trucks.

The team at Brenda Priddy & Co. have spotted the ’12 Chrysler 300 SRT8 out for tests a few times this year. These recent shots, however, bring us Chrysler's high-powered luxury sedan with no camouflage and wearing what Priddy tells us is Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl paint.

The SRT-specific grille and a new lower fascia that features a larger air intake, new fog lights and a chin spoiler can be seen up front. While the regular 300 has chrome strips under the headlights, the strips on this SRT8 are body-colored. In back, there is a new lower fascia, two big chrome exhaust outlets and quite a sizable trunk lid spoiler. Priddy says that the chrome trim that appears on the rear of the regular 300 looks to have been swapped for body-colored trim on this SRT8.

The 20-in. SRT wheels carry Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires, size 245/40/20. Priddy says that the bright red, four-piston Brembo brakes and slotted rotors are also hard to miss. Under the hood will be the new 6.4L V8 Hemi, pushing 465hp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. It should be mated to a five-speed automatic.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

The team at Brenda Priddy & Co. have spotted the ’12 Chrysler 300 SRT8 out for tests a few times this year. These recent shots, however, bring us Chrysler's high-powered luxury sedan with no camouflage and wearing what Priddy tells us is Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl paint.

The SRT-specific grille and a new lower fascia that features a larger air intake, new fog lights and a chin spoiler can be seen up front. While the regular 300 has chrome strips under the headlights, the strips on this SRT8 are body-colored. In back, there is a new lower fascia, two big chrome exhaust outlets and quite a sizable trunk lid spoiler. Priddy says that the chrome trim that appears on the rear of the regular 300 looks to have been swapped for body-colored trim on this SRT8.

The 20-in. SRT wheels carry Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires, size 245/40/20. Priddy says that the bright red, four-piston Brembo brakes and slotted rotors are also hard to miss. Under the hood will be the new 6.4L V8 Hemi, pushing 465hp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. It should be mated to a five-speed automatic.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

The Tesla/Toyota RAV4 vehicle has the same amount of cargo space as a conventional RAV4, and aside from changes made to accommodate battery power, is essentially a standard Toyota SUV.	The electric RAV4 prototype will do 0–60 in 9.3 seconds or less and top out at just over 100 mph.

By John Stewart

Recently, Toyota offered SEMA News an opportunity to drive one of the Tesla/Toyota RAV4 prototypes, along with several other advanced powertrain cars that will be arriving in the next three years, at their Sustainable Mobility Seminar in La Jolla, California.

The Tesla/Toyota RAV4 vehicles are standard units that had been recently converted to all electric but were functional demonstration vehicles that illustrated the potential of battery power in a larger, heavier vehicle. The electric RAV4 has the same amount of cargo space as a conventional RAV4, and aside from changes made to accommodate battery power, is essentially a standard Toyota SUV.

The battery can be fully recharged in about 28 hours using a 110V household socket or about 12 hours if plugged into a standard 220V outlet.

The charging gear, including specialized plugs, cables and a charge management system, are supplied by Tesla.

The transmission is actuated through an electronic “drive-by-wire” pushbutton system mounted on the center console.

The lithium-ion battery packs are mounted under the vehicle, providing 37 kilowatt hours of usable power, enough to create a range of 80–120 miles under normal driving conditions. The battery pack has a temperature management system that helps maintain performance in a wide range of climate conditions, as lithium-ion batteries are notoriously susceptible to power losses in extreme heat or cold. With the charging system now in place, the battery can be fully recharged in about 28 hours using a 110V household socket or about 12 hours if plugged into a standard 220V outlet. A quicker charging system is among the advances envisioned by Toyota product planners. The charging gear, including specialized plugs, cables and a charge management system, are supplied by Tesla.

Driving the RAV4 EV prototype, we noticed sprightly acceleration, roughly equivalent to the V6 model, and handling was consistent with the standard suspension. According to specifications released by Toyota, the electric RAV4 prototype will do 0–60 in 9.3 seconds or less and top out at just over 100 mph.

The instrument cluster was modified to show gear state, speed, power consumption, relative battery temperature and state of charge. The transmission is actuated through an electronic “drive-by-wire” pushbutton system mounted on the center console. Deceleration can be accomplished often without touching the brakes, as an aggressive recharge system kicks in the moment the throttle lifts. (The EV RAV4 recharges the batteries on the coast cycle by lifting the throttle, not by pressure on the brake pedal like a hybrid.) The brake system itself is a standard four-wheel disc arrangement with a normal pedal feel like any other car.

Under the hood is the Tesla control box; not much else is visible. Cooling requirements are somewhat different than an internal combustion engine, allowing for a unique front-end design that channels airflow to the electronics and provides an original appearance for the vehicle. The demonstration cars have unique badges, LED lighting systems and a very abbreviated grille.

Toyota plans to produce some 31 RAV4 EV demonstration vehicles, using them to acquire data during the coming year before actual production vehicles go on sale toward the end of 2012.

It’s unclear what opportunities the arrival of new electric vehicles might create for the aftermarket. Spurred by federal funding, quite a few companies are already working to develop charging stations, both for public use and home charging. Among the dozens of companies involved are San Francisco-based ECOtality and SemaConnect, and retail giant Best Buy has been reportedly positioning itself as a source of charging equipment for consumers. Other obvious needs for electric-vehicle owners would include efficient HVAC systems that do not draw excessive power from the batteries.

Isaac Ronquillo Joins Truxxx Manufacturing
Isaac Ronquillo has joined the Truxxx lift and leveling kit sales team at Truxxx Manufacturing. He will work closely with Truxxx National Sales Manager Scott Gross to grow business internationally and throughout the United States. As a select committee member of SEMA's Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA) and volunteer for its Young Executive Network (YEN), Ronquillo believes that maintaining and helping the automotive aftermarket segment as a whole is crucial to the long-term survival of any automotive company and to the automotive enthusiasts and hobbyists that make the industry thrive.

	Ken Maynard

Design Engineering Names Ken Maynard Product Manager for SPA Turbo USA
Design Engineering Inc. named Ken Maynard the product manager for SPA Turbo USA. According to the company, Maynard is a seasoned race enthusiast, business owner and repair technician. He was hired in late 2010 to oversee the development and promotion of DEI’s SPA Turbo USA product line. Prior to joining DEI, Maynard worked as the director of engineering for MISCO Refractometer in Beachwood, Ohio, and was the former owner of Pressure Treated Technologies in Cleveland.

Reality TV Show to Auction '68 Shelby GT500KR
A new reality TV pilot will auction off a ’68 Shelby GT500KR to the highest bidder, with part of the proceeds to benefit the Carroll Shelby Foundation. The public can register to bid on the car and watch filming of the show, scheduled for Saturday, April 16, on The Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. The restored ’68 Shelby GT500KR convertible (Lot #3732) will be auctioned with only 31,000 original miles on the odometer. One of 318 total GT500KRs built in the Highland Green and black interior color combination, this Shelby features the original 428 Super Cobra Jet engine. In addition, the car comes with an automatic transmission, air conditioning, an oil cooler, a tilt wheel and an AM/FM radio. The Shelby is equipped with the period-correct smog equipment, including the air cleaner snorkel that is rare on this type of vehicle. The auction is scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m. (PDT). The TV pilot will be hosted by "Extreme Makeover Home Edition’s" Ty Pennington. Those interested in helping the Carroll Shelby Foundation by bidding on the ’68 Shelby during the show, should log on to www.HA.com/6065. Bidders can register to bid in person, online or by mail, fax or phone. For more information, contact Heritage Auctions at 214/528-3500 or visit www.HA.com.

David F. Byers Named CEO of CARSTAR
David F. Byers was named chief executive officer of CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts. Byers assumes the CEO role from Dick Cross, who is transitioning to a role on the CARSTAR board of directors. According to CARSTAR, Byers brings extensive franchise operations, finance and marketing expertise to the company. Byers will spend the next 60 days working closely with Cross and meeting the members of the CARSTAR team. Warren D. Feldberg, chairman of Champlain Capital Management, which owns CARSTAR, will assume the role of non-executive chairman of the board. Byers will report to Feldberg. Cross joined CARSTAR in 2004. In 2008, he orchestrated the sale of CARSTAR to Champlain Capital Partners and continued his leadership role with the new partnership.

Cie Games Partners With Regal Entertainment and Universal Pictures for Fast Five Promo
Cie Games' "Car Town" has partnered with Universal Pictures and Regal Entertainment for a social networking campaign in support of the movie Fast Five. The partnership includes in-game micro-transactions, in-game film integration, a Regal Cinemas ticket purchase promotion and a home entertainment retail component. In addition, players can engage in special missions that tie-in with Fast Five’s storyline and offerings of the fastest, most recognizable cars from the film franchise.

	Pep Boys celebrated the grand opening of its first 3M Car Care Center with a car show, car-care demonstrations, appearances by the Laker Girls and former Los Angeles Laker Mychal Thompson.

Pep Boys Celebrates Grand Opening of 3M Car Care Center
Pep Boys celebrated the grand opening of its first 3M Car Care Center in March at its Los Angeles Supercenter. The festivities included a car show featuring a variety of show vehicles and car-care demonstrations from both 3M and Meguiar’s. Visitors were also able to have their picture taken with company mascots Manny, Moe and Jack, and the Laker Girls and former Los Angeles Laker Mychal Thompson were on hand to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. The 3M Car Care Center is located at 1200 W. Washington Blvd. in Los Angeles. According to Pep Boys, additional 3M Car Care Centers will be opening across the country throughout the year.

DRIVEN Media Communications to Co-Produce Inland Empire Auto Show
DRIVEN Media Communications, parent company of DRIVEN Public Relations, has signed an ownership agreement with the Ontario Convention Center and On the Edge Productions to co-produce the Inland Empire Auto Show (IEAS). DRIVEN Public Relations has provided PR services in support of the IEAS for the past four years. This year's show is scheduled for August 19–21, 2011, at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, California. As part of DRIVEN’s new role, the IEAS website will be newly developed and a social media marketing campaign will work to drive more interest in the show. More information about the event is available at www.ieautoshow.com.

GAAS Early-Bird Registration Extended to Friday, April 15
The early-bird registration deadline for the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) was extended to Friday, April 15. Participants who take advantage of early-bird registration will save $200 off the regular registration fee. Set for May 18 and 19 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois, the theme for the 2011 GAAS is "Aftermarket Fast Forward: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead." Complete information on the GAAS is available at www.globalsymposium.org.

	Edward Koczan

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. Names Edward Koczan Regional Sales Manager
Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. (TTC) hired Edward Koczan as regional sales manager responsible for the sales region that includes Nevada, Northern California and Utah. According to a Toyo release, Koczan has a strong background in the UHP product segment, as well as customer service and account management. He previously worked for The Tire Rack and is a graduate of Trine University in South Bend, Indiana.

Roush Yates Hires Gene Jones for Performance Products Division
Roush Yates Engines announced that it hired Gene Jones to its Roush Yates Performance Products division—the company's sales outlet for all new parts to NASCAR teams as well as dirt and asphalt racing teams. Jones has more than 14 years of racing experience, and he most recently was the sales manager of CV Products. According to the release, Jones expanded short-track trackside support programs while at CV Products and will bring his extensive parts knowledge to Roush Yates. He has worked his way through all facets of the industry, from operation of a route truck to plumbing on race cars to developing new products for the motorsports industry.

Four Dallas-Area Charities Vie for $50,000 of Advertising
Four non-profit charities in the Dallas, Ft. Worth area—Big Thought, Heroes for Children, The Family Place and Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas—have an opportunity to earn $50,000 worth of advertising for their organization. The charities will compete in the Cadillac Cares Challenge, which runs on Facebook from now until May 7, 2011. Through the contest, sponsored by Metroplex Cadillac Dealers, each charity will have a description and voting button on the Metroplex Cadillac Dealers Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MetroplexCadillacDealers. Anyone who has "liked" the Metroplex Cadillac Dealers Facebook page can cast their votes for one charity once a day. The winner will be completely decided by the voters. The winner of the grand award will be the charity with the most votes at the end of the Challenge (May 7, 2011). The $50,000 grand award includes television advertising, radio advertising and print advertising. The other charities will receive $1,000 cash donations.

NEWS NUGGETS

NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES READY TO GO FOUR-WIDE IN CHARLOTTE: With just three races complete in the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season, drivers and crew chiefs prepare for one of the most exciting and challenging events they’ll face this season—the second annual VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at the impressive zMAX Dragway in North Carolina. An estimated 28,000 hp will hit the track this weekend at the only four-wide national event on the NHRA Full Throttle schedule, and many drivers are ready to rise above the competition and grab the pewter Wally. Here are a few quotes from drivers ready to hit the VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals:

Antron Brown, Top Fuel: “I’m really excited about this race. I like it; it’s like a slugfest, an all-star contest. I know this has been controversial, but it is good for our sport because it generates a lot of interest, a lot of excitement.”

Larry Dixon, Top Fuel: “Four-wide is back, and I’m excited to take another shot at it. Last year, only one team went out of there excited about it, and it wasn’t the Al-Anabi team. It really is a lot different than our normal style of racing, and it really makes you feel like a jockey on a horse getting lined up in a chute. They open the gates and let everybody go at the same time. It’s a lot different, but I’m ready for another crack at it.”

Jack Beckman, Funny Car: “I dig it. It forces you to think out of the box, which I like, especially with the debut of a new Christmas tree for this race.”

Robert Hight, Funny Car: “It’s like any other drag race to me; you have to get there first to win, no matter how many cars are lined up against you.”

NEW TREE IMPLEMENTED FOR VISITMYRTLEBEACH.COM NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS: Fans are counting down the days to the 28,000 hp and the second annual VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals this weekend at zMAX Dragway, and NHRA officials are adding to the excitement by implementing a new starting line Christmas tree. Because zMAX Dragway is essentially two tracks built side-by-side, with a center wall separating the two all the way to the top end, each track will have the new Christmas tree fitted with four specially designed LED pre-stage/stage unites, which will indicate the pre-stage/stage position of drivers in all four lanes (from left to right). Instead of the usual separate pre-staging and staging bulbs, the new tree will include one row of four LED lights to indicate the pre-staging and staging of the cars in all four lanes. During pre-staging, the top half of each LED light will light up, and during staging all four LED lights will light up entirely, indicating the position of the drivers from left to right in all four lanes.

“It’s something the drivers recommended,” said Funny Car driver Bob Tasca. “It’ll simplify the tree. I really didn’t have a problem with it last year. I truthfully feel your level of concentration to stage is going to be what it’s going to be. At the end of the day, I’ve said it all along—if the fans love it and the place is sold out, I’ll go eight-wide. I really don’t feel it’ll play a big role in who wins or loses the race.”

For more information and to see more photos of the new tree, visit NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

VISITMYRTLEBEACH.COM NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, April 14–17: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the “Bellagio of dragstrips” for the only four-wide national event on the calendar. Defending event winners include Cory McClenathan (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/455-FANS (3267) or go online at Ticketmaster.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Public Relations Michael Padian at mpadian@nhra.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS, ROYAL PURPLE RACEWAY, April 29–May 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops in the Lone Star State as it heads to Houston and Royal Purple Raceway. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Matt Hagan (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 281/383-RACE (7223) or go online at ExtremeTix.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS, ATLANTA DRAGWAY, May 13–15: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the South and 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 Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

ANY GIVEN SUNDAY: Seven-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher on the highly competitive class this season: “It’s early, but I’m not surprised at how close the points are right now. It’s unbelievable how many great drivers and teams there are in the Top Fuel class. You just never know who is going to rise up to win on a given Sunday.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1997, THE PROFESSOR BREAKS 200 MPH MARK: On April 25, 1997, during Friday night qualifying in Richmond, NHRA Pro Stock Legend Warren Johnson became the first Pro Stock driver to crack the 200-mph barrier, posting a run of 6.894 seconds at 200.13 mph. Johnson went on to eclipse that run on Sunday, powering his GM Performance Parts Pontiac Firebird to a 6.883 run at 200.53 mph.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

2: That’s the number of wins Pro Stock driver Mike Edwards has at zMAX Dragway, making him the only active driver to have multiple wins at the state-of-the-art facility. Edwards also enters the event fresh off his first win of the season in Las Vegas.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that though he didn’t race in last year’s VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, Funny Car driver Mike Neff is no stranger to winning a Four-Wide race at zMAX Dragway? Neff got his first taste of four-wide victory behind the wheel when he beat team owner John Force on a holeshot in the first Four-Wide exhibition Funny Car race at the 2009 O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at zMAX Dragway. He then went on to tune Force’s Castrol GTX High-Mileage Ford Mustang to the inaugural win at last year’s VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. Neff is one of the many drivers to watch this weekend at zMAX Dragway.

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.

NEWS NUGGETS

NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES READY TO GO FOUR-WIDE IN CHARLOTTE: With just three races complete in the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season, drivers and crew chiefs prepare for one of the most exciting and challenging events they’ll face this season—the second annual VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at the impressive zMAX Dragway in North Carolina. An estimated 28,000 hp will hit the track this weekend at the only four-wide national event on the NHRA Full Throttle schedule, and many drivers are ready to rise above the competition and grab the pewter Wally. Here are a few quotes from drivers ready to hit the VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals:

Antron Brown, Top Fuel: “I’m really excited about this race. I like it; it’s like a slugfest, an all-star contest. I know this has been controversial, but it is good for our sport because it generates a lot of interest, a lot of excitement.”

Larry Dixon, Top Fuel: “Four-wide is back, and I’m excited to take another shot at it. Last year, only one team went out of there excited about it, and it wasn’t the Al-Anabi team. It really is a lot different than our normal style of racing, and it really makes you feel like a jockey on a horse getting lined up in a chute. They open the gates and let everybody go at the same time. It’s a lot different, but I’m ready for another crack at it.”

Jack Beckman, Funny Car: “I dig it. It forces you to think out of the box, which I like, especially with the debut of a new Christmas tree for this race.”

Robert Hight, Funny Car: “It’s like any other drag race to me; you have to get there first to win, no matter how many cars are lined up against you.”

NEW TREE IMPLEMENTED FOR VISITMYRTLEBEACH.COM NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS: Fans are counting down the days to the 28,000 hp and the second annual VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals this weekend at zMAX Dragway, and NHRA officials are adding to the excitement by implementing a new starting line Christmas tree. Because zMAX Dragway is essentially two tracks built side-by-side, with a center wall separating the two all the way to the top end, each track will have the new Christmas tree fitted with four specially designed LED pre-stage/stage unites, which will indicate the pre-stage/stage position of drivers in all four lanes (from left to right). Instead of the usual separate pre-staging and staging bulbs, the new tree will include one row of four LED lights to indicate the pre-staging and staging of the cars in all four lanes. During pre-staging, the top half of each LED light will light up, and during staging all four LED lights will light up entirely, indicating the position of the drivers from left to right in all four lanes.

“It’s something the drivers recommended,” said Funny Car driver Bob Tasca. “It’ll simplify the tree. I really didn’t have a problem with it last year. I truthfully feel your level of concentration to stage is going to be what it’s going to be. At the end of the day, I’ve said it all along—if the fans love it and the place is sold out, I’ll go eight-wide. I really don’t feel it’ll play a big role in who wins or loses the race.”

For more information and to see more photos of the new tree, visit NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

VISITMYRTLEBEACH.COM NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, April 14–17: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the “Bellagio of dragstrips” for the only four-wide national event on the calendar. Defending event winners include Cory McClenathan (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/455-FANS (3267) or go online at Ticketmaster.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Public Relations Michael Padian at mpadian@nhra.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS, ROYAL PURPLE RACEWAY, April 29–May 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops in the Lone Star State as it heads to Houston and Royal Purple Raceway. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Matt Hagan (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 281/383-RACE (7223) or go online at ExtremeTix.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS, ATLANTA DRAGWAY, May 13–15: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the South and 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 Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

ANY GIVEN SUNDAY: Seven-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher on the highly competitive class this season: “It’s early, but I’m not surprised at how close the points are right now. It’s unbelievable how many great drivers and teams there are in the Top Fuel class. You just never know who is going to rise up to win on a given Sunday.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1997, THE PROFESSOR BREAKS 200 MPH MARK: On April 25, 1997, during Friday night qualifying in Richmond, NHRA Pro Stock Legend Warren Johnson became the first Pro Stock driver to crack the 200-mph barrier, posting a run of 6.894 seconds at 200.13 mph. Johnson went on to eclipse that run on Sunday, powering his GM Performance Parts Pontiac Firebird to a 6.883 run at 200.53 mph.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

2: That’s the number of wins Pro Stock driver Mike Edwards has at zMAX Dragway, making him the only active driver to have multiple wins at the state-of-the-art facility. Edwards also enters the event fresh off his first win of the season in Las Vegas.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that though he didn’t race in last year’s VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, Funny Car driver Mike Neff is no stranger to winning a Four-Wide race at zMAX Dragway? Neff got his first taste of four-wide victory behind the wheel when he beat team owner John Force on a holeshot in the first Four-Wide exhibition Funny Car race at the 2009 O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at zMAX Dragway. He then went on to tune Force’s Castrol GTX High-Mileage Ford Mustang to the inaugural win at last year’s VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. Neff is one of the many drivers to watch this weekend at zMAX Dragway.

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.

NEWS NUGGETS

NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES READY TO GO FOUR-WIDE IN CHARLOTTE: With just three races complete in the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season, drivers and crew chiefs prepare for one of the most exciting and challenging events they’ll face this season—the second annual VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at the impressive zMAX Dragway in North Carolina. An estimated 28,000 hp will hit the track this weekend at the only four-wide national event on the NHRA Full Throttle schedule, and many drivers are ready to rise above the competition and grab the pewter Wally. Here are a few quotes from drivers ready to hit the VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals:

Antron Brown, Top Fuel: “I’m really excited about this race. I like it; it’s like a slugfest, an all-star contest. I know this has been controversial, but it is good for our sport because it generates a lot of interest, a lot of excitement.”

Larry Dixon, Top Fuel: “Four-wide is back, and I’m excited to take another shot at it. Last year, only one team went out of there excited about it, and it wasn’t the Al-Anabi team. It really is a lot different than our normal style of racing, and it really makes you feel like a jockey on a horse getting lined up in a chute. They open the gates and let everybody go at the same time. It’s a lot different, but I’m ready for another crack at it.”

Jack Beckman, Funny Car: “I dig it. It forces you to think out of the box, which I like, especially with the debut of a new Christmas tree for this race.”

Robert Hight, Funny Car: “It’s like any other drag race to me; you have to get there first to win, no matter how many cars are lined up against you.”

NEW TREE IMPLEMENTED FOR VISITMYRTLEBEACH.COM NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS: Fans are counting down the days to the 28,000 hp and the second annual VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals this weekend at zMAX Dragway, and NHRA officials are adding to the excitement by implementing a new starting line Christmas tree. Because zMAX Dragway is essentially two tracks built side-by-side, with a center wall separating the two all the way to the top end, each track will have the new Christmas tree fitted with four specially designed LED pre-stage/stage unites, which will indicate the pre-stage/stage position of drivers in all four lanes (from left to right). Instead of the usual separate pre-staging and staging bulbs, the new tree will include one row of four LED lights to indicate the pre-staging and staging of the cars in all four lanes. During pre-staging, the top half of each LED light will light up, and during staging all four LED lights will light up entirely, indicating the position of the drivers from left to right in all four lanes.

“It’s something the drivers recommended,” said Funny Car driver Bob Tasca. “It’ll simplify the tree. I really didn’t have a problem with it last year. I truthfully feel your level of concentration to stage is going to be what it’s going to be. At the end of the day, I’ve said it all along—if the fans love it and the place is sold out, I’ll go eight-wide. I really don’t feel it’ll play a big role in who wins or loses the race.”

For more information and to see more photos of the new tree, visit NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

VISITMYRTLEBEACH.COM NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, April 14–17: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the “Bellagio of dragstrips” for the only four-wide national event on the calendar. Defending event winners include Cory McClenathan (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/455-FANS (3267) or go online at Ticketmaster.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Public Relations Michael Padian at mpadian@nhra.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS, ROYAL PURPLE RACEWAY, April 29–May 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops in the Lone Star State as it heads to Houston and Royal Purple Raceway. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Matt Hagan (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 281/383-RACE (7223) or go online at ExtremeTix.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS, ATLANTA DRAGWAY, May 13–15: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the South and 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 Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

ANY GIVEN SUNDAY: Seven-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher on the highly competitive class this season: “It’s early, but I’m not surprised at how close the points are right now. It’s unbelievable how many great drivers and teams there are in the Top Fuel class. You just never know who is going to rise up to win on a given Sunday.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1997, THE PROFESSOR BREAKS 200 MPH MARK: On April 25, 1997, during Friday night qualifying in Richmond, NHRA Pro Stock Legend Warren Johnson became the first Pro Stock driver to crack the 200-mph barrier, posting a run of 6.894 seconds at 200.13 mph. Johnson went on to eclipse that run on Sunday, powering his GM Performance Parts Pontiac Firebird to a 6.883 run at 200.53 mph.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

2: That’s the number of wins Pro Stock driver Mike Edwards has at zMAX Dragway, making him the only active driver to have multiple wins at the state-of-the-art facility. Edwards also enters the event fresh off his first win of the season in Las Vegas.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that though he didn’t race in last year’s VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, Funny Car driver Mike Neff is no stranger to winning a Four-Wide race at zMAX Dragway? Neff got his first taste of four-wide victory behind the wheel when he beat team owner John Force on a holeshot in the first Four-Wide exhibition Funny Car race at the 2009 O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at zMAX Dragway. He then went on to tune Force’s Castrol GTX High-Mileage Ford Mustang to the inaugural win at last year’s VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. Neff is one of the many drivers to watch this weekend at zMAX Dragway.

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.