NEWS NUGGETS

SILLY SEASON BEGINS! MASSEY JOINS DSR FOR 2011 SEASON: Just three weeks after the season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, the moving and shifting within the teams of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series has begun, as Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) announced that Top Fuel pilot Spencer Massey will drive the Prestone/Fram dragster under the DSR banner in 2011. According to Schumacher, the addition of Massey gives his Top Fuel program three legitimate candidates for a championship in the coming season. Massey joins a stellar Top Fuel program that includes seven-time world champion and driver of the U.S. Army dragster, Tony Schumacher, and Matco Tools dragster pilot Antron Brown, who finished in the top five in point standings in 2010. This will be Massey’s second full season racing in the NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel category. In his first in 2009, Massey won two national events (Chicago, Las Vegas 2) and went on to finish sixth in the points standings and earn the 2009 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award, which recognizes the top performing rookie of the season.

“Spencer is one of the most talented Top Fuel drivers and a perfect addition to DSR,” said Schumacher. “We expect him to battle Tony and Antron for the 2011 championship from the first race and to be a great representative for the Honeywell team of Fram, Prestone and Autolite.”

“This is a great opportunity,” said Massey. “I am driving for a drag-racing legend in Don Schumacher on a team with an incredible list of accomplishments. I know I can learn a lot from teammates like Tony and Antron, and just being around them will make me better.” To keep up with all the changes and moves this off-season, visit NHRA.com.

TICKETS FOR SEASON-OPENING KRAGEN O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS ON SALE NOW: General-admission and reserved-seat tickets and Top Eliminator Club Tickets are now available for the 51st annual Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, February 24–27, at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The first event of the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series and NHRA’s 60th anniversary season also kicks off with a unique tribute to drag-racing legend Don “The Snake” Prudhomme. Highlighting the tribute will be the Snake Pit, a display of race cars from Prudhomme’s racing career. Also included in the display will be cars from the legendary Road Kings Car Club. Prudhomme will also be at the race throughout the weekend. New for the season, NHRA has partnered with the ticket system ExtremeTix and is providing many new options for ticket buyers. Fans purchasing tickets online at www.NHRAtix.com have the opportunity to select their actual seats. Fans may also print their tickets at home and e-mail tickets to friends attending the race at no cost. Tickets are also available by phone at 800/884-NHRA (6472). Full-event advance-purchase adult ticket prices start at only $130; single-day advance-purchase tickets start at $25. For more information or to purchase advance tickets for the Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, visit NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

KRAGEN O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, February 24–27, 2011: The 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and 60th anniversary season of NHRA kicks off at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona at the 51st running of this event. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800/844-NHRA or online at NHRATIX.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Public Relations Michael Padian at mpadian@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

HUGE HONOR FROM FAMED AUTOMAKER: John Force on receiving the Spirit of Ford Award from Edsel Ford II after winning his 15th NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car world championship: “To be presented with this honor by Edsel Ford and to see the list of previous winners, this is a tremendous honor. Ford Motor Company has been a great partner, and I will cherish this award. I want to thank Ford for giving me this honor, and I am not going to say much more because I am getting emotional. Thank you very much.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

15: That’s how many consecutive seasons Funny Car driver Tony Pedregon has finished in the top 10 point standings, including this season. In fact, since he made the move from Top Fuel to Funny Car in 1995, Pedregon has only had one season (the first in 1995) that he hasn’t finished in the top 10 standings. Where did he finish that year? 15th.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, usually the third race of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season and first race of the season for the Pro Stock Motorcycle class, will now be the second stop in the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series schedule? The last time the prestigious race was the second stop on the tour was 1988. For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.

NEWS NUGGETS

SILLY SEASON BEGINS! MASSEY JOINS DSR FOR 2011 SEASON: Just three weeks after the season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, the moving and shifting within the teams of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series has begun, as Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) announced that Top Fuel pilot Spencer Massey will drive the Prestone/Fram dragster under the DSR banner in 2011. According to Schumacher, the addition of Massey gives his Top Fuel program three legitimate candidates for a championship in the coming season. Massey joins a stellar Top Fuel program that includes seven-time world champion and driver of the U.S. Army dragster, Tony Schumacher, and Matco Tools dragster pilot Antron Brown, who finished in the top five in point standings in 2010. This will be Massey’s second full season racing in the NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel category. In his first in 2009, Massey won two national events (Chicago, Las Vegas 2) and went on to finish sixth in the points standings and earn the 2009 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award, which recognizes the top performing rookie of the season.

“Spencer is one of the most talented Top Fuel drivers and a perfect addition to DSR,” said Schumacher. “We expect him to battle Tony and Antron for the 2011 championship from the first race and to be a great representative for the Honeywell team of Fram, Prestone and Autolite.”

“This is a great opportunity,” said Massey. “I am driving for a drag-racing legend in Don Schumacher on a team with an incredible list of accomplishments. I know I can learn a lot from teammates like Tony and Antron, and just being around them will make me better.” To keep up with all the changes and moves this off-season, visit NHRA.com.

TICKETS FOR SEASON-OPENING KRAGEN O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS ON SALE NOW: General-admission and reserved-seat tickets and Top Eliminator Club Tickets are now available for the 51st annual Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, February 24–27, at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The first event of the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series and NHRA’s 60th anniversary season also kicks off with a unique tribute to drag-racing legend Don “The Snake” Prudhomme. Highlighting the tribute will be the Snake Pit, a display of race cars from Prudhomme’s racing career. Also included in the display will be cars from the legendary Road Kings Car Club. Prudhomme will also be at the race throughout the weekend. New for the season, NHRA has partnered with the ticket system ExtremeTix and is providing many new options for ticket buyers. Fans purchasing tickets online at www.NHRAtix.com have the opportunity to select their actual seats. Fans may also print their tickets at home and e-mail tickets to friends attending the race at no cost. Tickets are also available by phone at 800/884-NHRA (6472). Full-event advance-purchase adult ticket prices start at only $130; single-day advance-purchase tickets start at $25. For more information or to purchase advance tickets for the Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, visit NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

KRAGEN O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, February 24–27, 2011: The 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and 60th anniversary season of NHRA kicks off at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona at the 51st running of this event. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800/844-NHRA or online at NHRATIX.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Public Relations Michael Padian at mpadian@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

HUGE HONOR FROM FAMED AUTOMAKER: John Force on receiving the Spirit of Ford Award from Edsel Ford II after winning his 15th NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car world championship: “To be presented with this honor by Edsel Ford and to see the list of previous winners, this is a tremendous honor. Ford Motor Company has been a great partner, and I will cherish this award. I want to thank Ford for giving me this honor, and I am not going to say much more because I am getting emotional. Thank you very much.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

15: That’s how many consecutive seasons Funny Car driver Tony Pedregon has finished in the top 10 point standings, including this season. In fact, since he made the move from Top Fuel to Funny Car in 1995, Pedregon has only had one season (the first in 1995) that he hasn’t finished in the top 10 standings. Where did he finish that year? 15th.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, usually the third race of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season and first race of the season for the Pro Stock Motorcycle class, will now be the second stop in the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series schedule? The last time the prestigious race was the second stop on the tour was 1988. For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.

	Nominations for the 2011 SEMA Chairman-Elect and Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 6, 2011.

Dear SEMA Member:

As a member of the Association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the committee that is responsible for selecting the final candidates.

This year, the SEMA elections have the additional importance in selecting our future Chairman of the Board. Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for the Chairman-Elect position, and/or for a Board member position. Please include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the qualifications of the nominees, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

Nominations for the 2011 SEMA Chairman-Elect and Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 6, 2011. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

Your Association is vitally important to the industry and your company. Your participation in helping to ensure strong leadership for the SEMA Board of Directors is essential.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President & CEO

	Nominations for the 2011 SEMA Chairman-Elect and Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 6, 2011.

Dear SEMA Member:

As a member of the Association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the committee that is responsible for selecting the final candidates.

This year, the SEMA elections have the additional importance in selecting our future Chairman of the Board. Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for the Chairman-Elect position, and/or for a Board member position. Please include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the qualifications of the nominees, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

Nominations for the 2011 SEMA Chairman-Elect and Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 6, 2011. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

Your Association is vitally important to the industry and your company. Your participation in helping to ensure strong leadership for the SEMA Board of Directors is essential.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President & CEO

DISSOLVED: Andretti Autosport and AFS Racing have ended their successful three-year partnership, but both teams plan to field entries in the Firestone Indy Lights Series next season.

TURKEY TROT: Bryan Clauson won the 70th running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix for the USAC Mopar National Midget Series Saturday at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California. He also clinched the USAC Midget and National Driver’s championships with the triumph.

BACK IN CHARGE: Andrew Murstein [Medallion Financial] and Doublas C. Bergeron [DGB Investments] have joined with Richard Petty in the reformation of Richard Petty Motorsports for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. The team plans to run the full Sprint Cup schedule with drivers Marcos Ambrose and A.J. Allmendinger.

GOBBLED UP: Jimmy Blewett topped Matt Hirschman to win the 35th annual Turkey Derby for modifieds Saturday at Wall Stadium in Wall Township, New Jersey.

COST CUTTING: The Badger Midget Auto Racing Association has implemented RPM limitations next year with the goal of reducing the cost of engines and increasing time between maintenance cycles.

HOOSIER RUBBER: DIRTcar Racing will continue its relationship with Hoosier Racing Tire in the DIRTcar late-model ranks for the next three years.

NOW IN CHARGE: Steve O’Neal has been named race director at Pennsylvania’s Port Royal Speedway for the 2011 racing season.

STILL A MUST SEE: Must See Racing will continue to sanction the Pay Less Little 500 asphalt sprint-car race, which is scheduled May 28 at Anderson (Indiana) Speedway.

SOUTHBOUND: The American-Canadian Tour for late models will travel to Florida for the first time in February to take part in the annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing February 13–14, 2011.

WELCOME BACK: Spencer Massey has been named the driver of the Fram/Prestone NHRA Top Fuel Dragster out of the Don Schumacher Racing stable for the 2011 season.

STEPPING ASIDE: Sarah Fisher has retired from driving, handing over the wheel of her No. 67 Dollar General Dallara Honda in the IZOD IndyCar Series to Ed Carpenter for at least nine races next season.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News for a special industry rate, visit www.nationalspeedsportnews.com.

DISSOLVED: Andretti Autosport and AFS Racing have ended their successful three-year partnership, but both teams plan to field entries in the Firestone Indy Lights Series next season.

TURKEY TROT: Bryan Clauson won the 70th running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix for the USAC Mopar National Midget Series Saturday at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California. He also clinched the USAC Midget and National Driver’s championships with the triumph.

BACK IN CHARGE: Andrew Murstein [Medallion Financial] and Doublas C. Bergeron [DGB Investments] have joined with Richard Petty in the reformation of Richard Petty Motorsports for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. The team plans to run the full Sprint Cup schedule with drivers Marcos Ambrose and A.J. Allmendinger.

GOBBLED UP: Jimmy Blewett topped Matt Hirschman to win the 35th annual Turkey Derby for modifieds Saturday at Wall Stadium in Wall Township, New Jersey.

COST CUTTING: The Badger Midget Auto Racing Association has implemented RPM limitations next year with the goal of reducing the cost of engines and increasing time between maintenance cycles.

HOOSIER RUBBER: DIRTcar Racing will continue its relationship with Hoosier Racing Tire in the DIRTcar late-model ranks for the next three years.

NOW IN CHARGE: Steve O’Neal has been named race director at Pennsylvania’s Port Royal Speedway for the 2011 racing season.

STILL A MUST SEE: Must See Racing will continue to sanction the Pay Less Little 500 asphalt sprint-car race, which is scheduled May 28 at Anderson (Indiana) Speedway.

SOUTHBOUND: The American-Canadian Tour for late models will travel to Florida for the first time in February to take part in the annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing February 13–14, 2011.

WELCOME BACK: Spencer Massey has been named the driver of the Fram/Prestone NHRA Top Fuel Dragster out of the Don Schumacher Racing stable for the 2011 season.

STEPPING ASIDE: Sarah Fisher has retired from driving, handing over the wheel of her No. 67 Dollar General Dallara Honda in the IZOD IndyCar Series to Ed Carpenter for at least nine races next season.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News for a special industry rate, visit www.nationalspeedsportnews.com.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) intend to expand the amount of fuel-economy information contained on the vehicle window sticker. Among other changes, the information will now include the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the vehicle. SEMA submitted comments in favor of incorporating graphics, increasing type size and using other visual tools to help focus consumer attention, a position taken by the automakers.

SEMA opposed an alternative approach of using an A–D letter-grading system as too simplistic. SEMA noted that most new-car buyers will be comparison shopping within a specific vehicle segment. Using 25 versus 28 mpg as an example, under the grading system, both cars would receive the same grade (B). SEMA contends that the consumer can easily distinguish the data (25 versus 28 mpg) and that there would be a better chance of achieving the intended goal of making the vehicle’s mileage rating a factor when selecting a car.

Click here to read SEMA’s comments. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) intend to expand the amount of fuel-economy information contained on the vehicle window sticker. Among other changes, the information will now include the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the vehicle. SEMA submitted comments in favor of incorporating graphics, increasing type size and using other visual tools to help focus consumer attention, a position taken by the automakers.

SEMA opposed an alternative approach of using an A–D letter-grading system as too simplistic. SEMA noted that most new-car buyers will be comparison shopping within a specific vehicle segment. Using 25 versus 28 mpg as an example, under the grading system, both cars would receive the same grade (B). SEMA contends that the consumer can easily distinguish the data (25 versus 28 mpg) and that there would be a better chance of achieving the intended goal of making the vehicle’s mileage rating a factor when selecting a car.

Click here to read SEMA’s comments. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

In yet another missed opportunity, the United States Senate failed to remove the 1099 reporting requirement, which was included as a revenue-raising provision within the health care law. The rule will require businesses to issue 1099 reporting forms to all vendors from whom they buy more than $600 of goods or services in any year, beginning in 2012. There was majority support to repeal the rule during a series of votes earlier this week, but senators could not agree on how to fund the lost revenues. (The repeal vote required a super-majority of 67 votes for passage.)

SEMA will continue to pursue a full repeal of the 1099 reporting provision. There should be another opportunity to resolve the funding dispute, which is holding up the 1099 repeal when lawmakers take action on the tax-extenders package in December. SEMA has worked with several small-business coalitions, including the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), to remove the provision.

Please contact your United States Senators (click here to find your senators) in support of this repeal to ensure that small businesses can continue to remain focused on recovery and growth. For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski, congressional affairs manager, at dans@sema.org.

In yet another missed opportunity, the United States Senate failed to remove the 1099 reporting requirement, which was included as a revenue-raising provision within the health care law. The rule will require businesses to issue 1099 reporting forms to all vendors from whom they buy more than $600 of goods or services in any year, beginning in 2012. There was majority support to repeal the rule during a series of votes earlier this week, but senators could not agree on how to fund the lost revenues. (The repeal vote required a super-majority of 67 votes for passage.)

SEMA will continue to pursue a full repeal of the 1099 reporting provision. There should be another opportunity to resolve the funding dispute, which is holding up the 1099 repeal when lawmakers take action on the tax-extenders package in December. SEMA has worked with several small-business coalitions, including the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), to remove the provision.

Please contact your United States Senators (click here to find your senators) in support of this repeal to ensure that small businesses can continue to remain focused on recovery and growth. For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski, congressional affairs manager, at dans@sema.org.