SEMA council leadership represents groups of SEMA members that share a common business purpose or market segment. The group identifies common business goals, issues and challenges that require a special focus by the association.

On Monday, May 17, balloting opens for the SEMA Select Committee elections. The elections represent your opportunity to guide the direction of your SEMA councils and committees. Each SEMA council member company will receive one e-mail with instructions and links for completing an electronic Select Committee ballot. Only one ballot per company is e-mailed, and only one ballot per company will be recorded.

The e-mail ballot will be addressed to the person listed as your company’s primary council contact in the SEMA membership database. Balloting will remain open through Friday, May 28. If you think that you are the primary council contact and do not receive an e-mail on Monday, May 17, contact your SEMA staff liaison immediately.

Each Select Committee is comprised of a maximum 17 members, elected by the general membership of the respective council. Each Select Committee member may serve a two-year term and, at the discretion of the general membership, may be re-elected every two years until a three-term limit is reached. Those elected onto the Select Committee must understand and accept the responsibilities the seat holds.

Responsibilities of a Select Committee Member

1. Attend a minimum of 75% (usually two to four) face-to-face Select Committee meetings each year.
2. Participate in conference calls as requested by the council chairman or the SEMA staff liaison (one teleconference per month unless notified otherwise).
3. Accept meeting attendance as a non-reimbursable expense (travel and lodging).
4. Serve on at least one subcommittee/task force of the council.
5. Represent an industry perspective throughout any decision-making process rather than his/her specific company perspective.

Follow the links below to access the candidates’ bios for each of the councils and committees.

• ARMO Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• HRIA Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• TORA Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• MPMC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• MRC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• PRO Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• SPC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• WTC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• YEN Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• SBN Select Committee Nominees and Bios

	SEMA council leadership represents groups of SEMA members that share a common business purpose or market segment. The group identifies common business goals, issues and challenges that require a special focus by the association.

On Monday, May 17, balloting opens for the SEMA Select Committee elections. The elections represent your opportunity to guide the direction of your SEMA councils and committees. Each SEMA council member company will receive one e-mail with instructions and links for completing an electronic Select Committee ballot. Only one ballot per company is e-mailed, and only one ballot per company will be recorded.

The e-mail ballot will be addressed to the person listed as your company’s primary council contact in the SEMA membership database. Balloting will remain open through Friday, May 28. If you think that you are the primary council contact and do not receive an e-mail on Monday, May 17, contact your SEMA staff liaison immediately.

Each Select Committee is comprised of a maximum 17 members, elected by the general membership of the respective council. Each Select Committee member may serve a two-year term and, at the discretion of the general membership, may be re-elected every two years until a three-term limit is reached. Those elected onto the Select Committee must understand and accept the responsibilities the seat holds.

Responsibilities of a Select Committee Member

1. Attend a minimum of 75% (usually two to four) face-to-face Select Committee meetings each year.
2. Participate in conference calls as requested by the council chairman or the SEMA staff liaison (one teleconference per month unless notified otherwise).
3. Accept meeting attendance as a non-reimbursable expense (travel and lodging).
4. Serve on at least one subcommittee/task force of the council.
5. Represent an industry perspective throughout any decision-making process rather than his/her specific company perspective.

Follow the links below to access the candidates’ bios for each of the councils and committees.

• ARMO Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• HRIA Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• TORA Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• MPMC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• MRC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• PRO Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• SPC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• WTC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• YEN Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• SBN Select Committee Nominees and Bios

	SEMA council leadership represents groups of SEMA members that share a common business purpose or market segment. The group identifies common business goals, issues and challenges that require a special focus by the association.

On Monday, May 17, balloting opens for the SEMA Select Committee elections. The elections represent your opportunity to guide the direction of your SEMA councils and committees. Each SEMA council member company will receive one e-mail with instructions and links for completing an electronic Select Committee ballot. Only one ballot per company is e-mailed, and only one ballot per company will be recorded.

The e-mail ballot will be addressed to the person listed as your company’s primary council contact in the SEMA membership database. Balloting will remain open through Friday, May 28. If you think that you are the primary council contact and do not receive an e-mail on Monday, May 17, contact your SEMA staff liaison immediately.

Each Select Committee is comprised of a maximum 17 members, elected by the general membership of the respective council. Each Select Committee member may serve a two-year term and, at the discretion of the general membership, may be re-elected every two years until a three-term limit is reached. Those elected onto the Select Committee must understand and accept the responsibilities the seat holds.

Responsibilities of a Select Committee Member

1. Attend a minimum of 75% (usually two to four) face-to-face Select Committee meetings each year.
2. Participate in conference calls as requested by the council chairman or the SEMA staff liaison (one teleconference per month unless notified otherwise).
3. Accept meeting attendance as a non-reimbursable expense (travel and lodging).
4. Serve on at least one subcommittee/task force of the council.
5. Represent an industry perspective throughout any decision-making process rather than his/her specific company perspective.

Follow the links below to access the candidates’ bios for each of the councils and committees.

• ARMO Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• HRIA Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• TORA Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• MPMC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• MRC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• PRO Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• SPC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• WTC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• YEN Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• SBN Select Committee Nominees and Bios

	SEMA council leadership represents groups of SEMA members that share a common business purpose or market segment. The group identifies common business goals, issues and challenges that require a special focus by the association.

On Monday, May 17, balloting opens for the SEMA Select Committee elections. The elections represent your opportunity to guide the direction of your SEMA councils and committees. Each SEMA council member company will receive one e-mail with instructions and links for completing an electronic Select Committee ballot. Only one ballot per company is e-mailed, and only one ballot per company will be recorded.

The e-mail ballot will be addressed to the person listed as your company’s primary council contact in the SEMA membership database. Balloting will remain open through Friday, May 28. If you think that you are the primary council contact and do not receive an e-mail on Monday, May 17, contact your SEMA staff liaison immediately.

Each Select Committee is comprised of a maximum 17 members, elected by the general membership of the respective council. Each Select Committee member may serve a two-year term and, at the discretion of the general membership, may be re-elected every two years until a three-term limit is reached. Those elected onto the Select Committee must understand and accept the responsibilities the seat holds.

Responsibilities of a Select Committee Member

1. Attend a minimum of 75% (usually two to four) face-to-face Select Committee meetings each year.
2. Participate in conference calls as requested by the council chairman or the SEMA staff liaison (one teleconference per month unless notified otherwise).
3. Accept meeting attendance as a non-reimbursable expense (travel and lodging).
4. Serve on at least one subcommittee/task force of the council.
5. Represent an industry perspective throughout any decision-making process rather than his/her specific company perspective.

Follow the links below to access the candidates’ bios for each of the councils and committees.

• ARMO Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• HRIA Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• TORA Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• MPMC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• MRC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• PRO Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• SPC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• WTC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• YEN Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• SBN Select Committee Nominees and Bios

	SEMA council leadership represents groups of SEMA members that share a common business purpose or market segment. The group identifies common business goals, issues and challenges that require a special focus by the association.

On Monday, May 17, balloting opens for the SEMA Select Committee elections. The elections represent your opportunity to guide the direction of your SEMA councils and committees. Each SEMA council member company will receive one e-mail with instructions and links for completing an electronic Select Committee ballot. Only one ballot per company is e-mailed, and only one ballot per company will be recorded.

The e-mail ballot will be addressed to the person listed as your company’s primary council contact in the SEMA membership database. Balloting will remain open through Friday, May 28. If you think that you are the primary council contact and do not receive an e-mail on Monday, May 17, contact your SEMA staff liaison immediately.

Each Select Committee is comprised of a maximum 17 members, elected by the general membership of the respective council. Each Select Committee member may serve a two-year term and, at the discretion of the general membership, may be re-elected every two years until a three-term limit is reached. Those elected onto the Select Committee must understand and accept the responsibilities the seat holds.

Responsibilities of a Select Committee Member

1. Attend a minimum of 75% (usually two to four) face-to-face Select Committee meetings each year.
2. Participate in conference calls as requested by the council chairman or the SEMA staff liaison (one teleconference per month unless notified otherwise).
3. Accept meeting attendance as a non-reimbursable expense (travel and lodging).
4. Serve on at least one subcommittee/task force of the council.
5. Represent an industry perspective throughout any decision-making process rather than his/her specific company perspective.

Follow the links below to access the candidates’ bios for each of the councils and committees.

• ARMO Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• HRIA Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• TORA Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• MPMC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• MRC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• PRO Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• SPC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• WTC Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• YEN Select Committee Nominees and Bios
• SBN Select Committee Nominees and Bios

On Monday, May 17, balloting opens for the SEMA Select Committee elections. The elections represent your opportunity to guide the direction of your SEMA councils and committees. Each SEMA council member company will receive one e-mail with instructions and links for completing an electronic Select Committee ballot. Only one ballot per company is e-mailed, and only one ballot per company will be recorded.

The e-mail ballot will be addressed to the person listed as your company’s primary council contact in the SEMA membership database. Balloting will remain open through Friday, May 28. If you think that you are the primary council contact and do not receive an e-mail on Monday, May 17, contact your SEMA staff liaison immediately.

TORA Select Committee Nominees and Bios:

Tom Brooks – Truckin Thunder Inc., INCUMBENT
I accept the nomination. My experience is summarized as follows:
• More than 30 years in the industry as a truck accessory retailer.
• Served on the Board of Directors for the TORA.
• Served a term on the SEMA Board
• Active in SEMA Cares Charity efforts while on the TORA Council

Thanks for the consideration.

Bill Cole – Yankee Customs Inc., INCUMBENT
I started Yankee Custom Inc. as an aluminum cap manufacturer in 1969. As fiberglass truck caps became more popular, I distributed them as well as the aluminum caps that I continued to manufacture. As the industry continued to grow, we became aware that we would all benefit if we developed an association. I served on the board of directors of the association for three years. As our industry developed I saw a demand for accessories other than truck caps so I stopped manufacturing aluminum truck caps and turned my attention to the retail and wholesale of truck caps and truck and suv accessories. Yankee Custom currently operates five facilities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine as well as a warehouse in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. We focus on the sale and installation of light-duty truck and SUV accessories both at the retail and wholesale level. The next few years will be the most challenging our industry has ever faced, I welcome the opportunity to serve on the TORA Select Committee to help our industry meet these challenges.

David Crockett – RBP/Rolling Big Power
During my time on the TORA Select Committee, I want to focus on issues that improve the return on investment for TORA members attending the SEMA Show, as well as what SEMA can do to help improve the light truck accessory market and the challenges it is currently facing. I also believe we as an organization need try to find ways we can assist members in getting more customers in the stores, which, ultimately, helps everyone in our industry in the long run. My SEMA and council activities include: SEMA member since 1990; YEN member since 2000; TORA member since 2004; YEN Select Committee member 2003-2006, Chair of the Rep of the Year Committee 2003; Chair of the WD of the Year Committee 2004; SEMA Young Executive of the Year 2004; and Silent Auction Task Force Chair 2005.

Fred Snow, US Aftermarket, INCUMBENT
I am currently a member of the TORA Select Committee, with the responsibility of being chair of the Education Sub Committee, and I have served on the YEN Select Committee as well. I have been awarded the YEN of the Year award as well as the AIA Young Executive of the Year award. I have been a life-long enthusiast and this passion has lead me to my current role as vice president of U.S. Aftermarket for Hella. I want to assist this industry which I love and feel that participation in TORA is one way to do this. I feel that TORA needs to launch programs that benefit all members. My current goal within TORA is to help bring educational opportunities to TORA members that are easy to use and bring value.

Melanie White - Hellwig Products Company Inc., INCUMBENT
I am the marketing manager and national sales representative with Hellwig Products, helping the company with diversified suspension products for the automotive aftermarket. TORA is a niche in this industry that I'm very passionate about. I have served on the TORA Select Committee for the last two years, and I'm so excited about the new projects our committee is currently working on. Please vote for me so I have the opportunity to continue to help with these exciting new projects. Some of my SEMA and council credentials are: chair of TORA Communication task force; served on TORA membership and suspension task forces; TORA long range planning participant for five years; YEN member with committee involvement; served on PRO council communications task force; SBN member since 2006; participant in SEMA mentor/mentee program for five years and nominee for Young Executive of the Year in 2008.

Jesse Rohr – MBRP Performance Exhaust
I am looking for nothing more than to give back to an industry that has giving me so much, an industry that has provided me a way to express my passion for vehicles, an industry that provides me with the tools to support my family. I’ve had the privilege of working in this industry in four distinct positions that have helped me become a well rounded and understanding person in my position. These positions include: store manager of one of America’s largest automotive retail stores; vice president of sales and marketing of a large internet retailer; manufacturer’s representative to more than 35 factories; and eastern North American sales director for a manufacturer. I believe this experience will allow me to bring new insight and understanding to the needs of an ever-changing market. I am willing to fully commit to the challenges and requirements that this committee demands and in doing so, will always put forth the effort needed to complete said items to the best of my abilities. Thank you for your consideration, and please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Isaac Ronquillo – Big Country/Go Rhino! Products
I believe that supporting SEMA’s councils is important to the success and growth of our industry. It is through these councils that vitally important work is being done to address issues specific to the various niches that our association encompasses. Over the past 15 years, I have had experience as a retailer and buyer as well as my current duties as a manufacturer calling on customers ranging from small jobbers to large distributors. Due to the multi-faceted nature of my experience, I feel well qualified to bring a broad prospective that will benefit the council. As an automotive enthusiast, it would be an honor and a privilege to serve this council as well as this industry that has provided so many opportunities for us all.

Steve McEnany – Midwest Wheel Company
It is an honor to have been nominated for the WTC Select Committee. I am currently the vice president of marketing and technology for Midwest Wheel Companies, an Iowa-based heavy-duty truck parts and light-truck accessory distribution company.

I have served on the Council of Fleet Specialists (CVSN) technical task force to develop an affordable EDI solution for the heavy-duty aftermarket. Midwest Wheel is in a leading role in the implementation of EDI and vendor managed inventory with our suppliers. Midwest Wheel also earned the Manufacturer & Distributor Technology Partner of the Year award during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) in 2009.

With my background in the light-truck and heavy-duty aftermarket, I can bring a rich sense of perspective to the council and ask that you support my candidacy.

Tim Stewart – K&N Engineering
Thirty years in the automotive aftermarket, including OE dealership, mail-order and manufacturer. Currently the director of merchandising for K&N Engineering. Also working closely with high-profile Internet/mail-order customers across the country.

Trace Walls – Jim Wrobleski & Co. Inc.
Trace Walls has been in the automotive aftermarket industry for 24 years and for the past nine years he has been working as a manufacturer's sales representative for Jim Wrobleski & Company. He would like the opportunity to join this committee and bring his experience and knowledge of the industry to help promote ideas and insight between the manufacturer and the distributor. Walls has achieved numerous recognitions, which include the SEMA Manufacturers Rep Group of the Year Award in 2001; the Magnaflow Exhaust Products Rep Group of the Year Award in 2005, 2007, and 2009; the EGR Rep Group of the Year award in 2005; Extang Corporation’s Presidential Award for Rep Group of the Year in 2007; and personally achieved the PUTCO Industries Rep of the Year award in 2004. In October, 2008 Walls completed the Manufacturers Representatives Educational Research Foundation program becoming an accredited Certified Sales Professional (CSP).

On Monday, May 17, balloting opens for the SEMA Select Committee elections. The elections represent your opportunity to guide the direction of your SEMA councils and committees. Each SEMA council member company will receive one e-mail with instructions and links for completing an electronic Select Committee ballot. Only one ballot per company is e-mailed, and only one ballot per company will be recorded.

The e-mail ballot will be addressed to the person listed as your company’s primary council contact in the SEMA membership database. Balloting will remain open through Friday, May 28. If you think that you are the primary council contact and do not receive an e-mail on Monday, May 17, contact your SEMA staff liaison immediately.

TORA Select Committee Nominees and Bios:

Tom Brooks – Truckin Thunder Inc., INCUMBENT
I accept the nomination. My experience is summarized as follows:
• More than 30 years in the industry as a truck accessory retailer.
• Served on the Board of Directors for the TORA.
• Served a term on the SEMA Board
• Active in SEMA Cares Charity efforts while on the TORA Council

Thanks for the consideration.

Bill Cole – Yankee Customs Inc., INCUMBENT
I started Yankee Custom Inc. as an aluminum cap manufacturer in 1969. As fiberglass truck caps became more popular, I distributed them as well as the aluminum caps that I continued to manufacture. As the industry continued to grow, we became aware that we would all benefit if we developed an association. I served on the board of directors of the association for three years. As our industry developed I saw a demand for accessories other than truck caps so I stopped manufacturing aluminum truck caps and turned my attention to the retail and wholesale of truck caps and truck and suv accessories. Yankee Custom currently operates five facilities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine as well as a warehouse in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. We focus on the sale and installation of light-duty truck and SUV accessories both at the retail and wholesale level. The next few years will be the most challenging our industry has ever faced, I welcome the opportunity to serve on the TORA Select Committee to help our industry meet these challenges.

David Crockett – RBP/Rolling Big Power
During my time on the TORA Select Committee, I want to focus on issues that improve the return on investment for TORA members attending the SEMA Show, as well as what SEMA can do to help improve the light truck accessory market and the challenges it is currently facing. I also believe we as an organization need try to find ways we can assist members in getting more customers in the stores, which, ultimately, helps everyone in our industry in the long run. My SEMA and council activities include: SEMA member since 1990; YEN member since 2000; TORA member since 2004; YEN Select Committee member 2003-2006, Chair of the Rep of the Year Committee 2003; Chair of the WD of the Year Committee 2004; SEMA Young Executive of the Year 2004; and Silent Auction Task Force Chair 2005.

Fred Snow, US Aftermarket, INCUMBENT
I am currently a member of the TORA Select Committee, with the responsibility of being chair of the Education Sub Committee, and I have served on the YEN Select Committee as well. I have been awarded the YEN of the Year award as well as the AIA Young Executive of the Year award. I have been a life-long enthusiast and this passion has lead me to my current role as vice president of U.S. Aftermarket for Hella. I want to assist this industry which I love and feel that participation in TORA is one way to do this. I feel that TORA needs to launch programs that benefit all members. My current goal within TORA is to help bring educational opportunities to TORA members that are easy to use and bring value.

Melanie White - Hellwig Products Company Inc., INCUMBENT
I am the marketing manager and national sales representative with Hellwig Products, helping the company with diversified suspension products for the automotive aftermarket. TORA is a niche in this industry that I'm very passionate about. I have served on the TORA Select Committee for the last two years, and I'm so excited about the new projects our committee is currently working on. Please vote for me so I have the opportunity to continue to help with these exciting new projects. Some of my SEMA and council credentials are: chair of TORA Communication task force; served on TORA membership and suspension task forces; TORA long range planning participant for five years; YEN member with committee involvement; served on PRO council communications task force; SBN member since 2006; participant in SEMA mentor/mentee program for five years and nominee for Young Executive of the Year in 2008.

Jesse Rohr – MBRP Performance Exhaust
I am looking for nothing more than to give back to an industry that has giving me so much, an industry that has provided me a way to express my passion for vehicles, an industry that provides me with the tools to support my family. I’ve had the privilege of working in this industry in four distinct positions that have helped me become a well rounded and understanding person in my position. These positions include: store manager of one of America’s largest automotive retail stores; vice president of sales and marketing of a large internet retailer; manufacturer’s representative to more than 35 factories; and eastern North American sales director for a manufacturer. I believe this experience will allow me to bring new insight and understanding to the needs of an ever-changing market. I am willing to fully commit to the challenges and requirements that this committee demands and in doing so, will always put forth the effort needed to complete said items to the best of my abilities. Thank you for your consideration, and please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Isaac Ronquillo – Big Country/Go Rhino! Products
I believe that supporting SEMA’s councils is important to the success and growth of our industry. It is through these councils that vitally important work is being done to address issues specific to the various niches that our association encompasses. Over the past 15 years, I have had experience as a retailer and buyer as well as my current duties as a manufacturer calling on customers ranging from small jobbers to large distributors. Due to the multi-faceted nature of my experience, I feel well qualified to bring a broad prospective that will benefit the council. As an automotive enthusiast, it would be an honor and a privilege to serve this council as well as this industry that has provided so many opportunities for us all.

Steve McEnany – Midwest Wheel Company
It is an honor to have been nominated for the WTC Select Committee. I am currently the vice president of marketing and technology for Midwest Wheel Companies, an Iowa-based heavy-duty truck parts and light-truck accessory distribution company.

I have served on the Council of Fleet Specialists (CVSN) technical task force to develop an affordable EDI solution for the heavy-duty aftermarket. Midwest Wheel is in a leading role in the implementation of EDI and vendor managed inventory with our suppliers. Midwest Wheel also earned the Manufacturer & Distributor Technology Partner of the Year award during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) in 2009.

With my background in the light-truck and heavy-duty aftermarket, I can bring a rich sense of perspective to the council and ask that you support my candidacy.

Tim Stewart – K&N Engineering
Thirty years in the automotive aftermarket, including OE dealership, mail-order and manufacturer. Currently the director of merchandising for K&N Engineering. Also working closely with high-profile Internet/mail-order customers across the country.

Trace Walls – Jim Wrobleski & Co. Inc.
Trace Walls has been in the automotive aftermarket industry for 24 years and for the past nine years he has been working as a manufacturer's sales representative for Jim Wrobleski & Company. He would like the opportunity to join this committee and bring his experience and knowledge of the industry to help promote ideas and insight between the manufacturer and the distributor. Walls has achieved numerous recognitions, which include the SEMA Manufacturers Rep Group of the Year Award in 2001; the Magnaflow Exhaust Products Rep Group of the Year Award in 2005, 2007, and 2009; the EGR Rep Group of the Year award in 2005; Extang Corporation’s Presidential Award for Rep Group of the Year in 2007; and personally achieved the PUTCO Industries Rep of the Year award in 2004. In October, 2008 Walls completed the Manufacturers Representatives Educational Research Foundation program becoming an accredited Certified Sales Professional (CSP).

NEWS NUGGETS

ATLANTA TYPICAL SPOT FOR NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES DRIVERS TO GRAB VALUABLE CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS: One year ago, Funny Car Driver “Fast Jack” Beckman entered the small town of Commerce, Georgia, just a short drive north of Atlanta, seventh in the point standings with just one final-round appearance (Houston) for the season. By the end of the weekend Beckman found himself in the winner’s circle hoisting his first Wally of the season. Even more impressive, the win catapulted Beckman from the seventh spot all the way up to the second-place spot in the point standings. The win in Atlanta gave Beckman a boost in the points that kept the Funny Car driver at the top end of the point standings for the remainder of the 17-race regular season, with Beckman never falling below the sixth spot in the point standings during that time. But what a change a year can bring.

Last year’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway was the sixth stop on the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing schedule. This weekend, as the drivers of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series head back to Commerce, they will be making their eighth stop on the season tour; two races ahead of what they would have been at last year entering Atlanta Dragway, which means every point earned at this year's Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals means more, and many of the drivers know it.

Top Fuel pilot Brandon Bernstein is one of those drivers. Bernstein’s Copart/Lucas Oil dragster team had a rough start to the season, but thanks to back-to-back semifinal appearances in Las Vegas and St. Louis, Bernstein has moved from ninth to sixth in the point standings entering Commerce, Georgia. A win at Atlanta Dragway, where he won in 2007, would give Bernstein a strong push up the championship points ladder.

“That consistency (in Las Vegas and St. Louis) helped us gain positions in the point standings,” said Bernstein. “We are now sixth, and we have energy that we would like to continue to capitalize upon.”

Another driver who could get the push he needs in the point standings is Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson. After grabbing an early season win in Gainesville, Wilkerson has struggled to get out of the second round the past three races. Currently eighth in the point standings, Wilkerson could move within the top five in the point standings with an Atlanta win.

“In the end, if you finish (the regular season) with your round record in positive territory, you’ve had a good year, and with the Countdown (to the Championship) in place, you’d have a legitimate shot at the championship,” said Wilkerson. “But, you’d have to break out of it a little during the Countdown, because going 6-6 then isn’t going to cut it.”

The stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series head to Commerce, Georgia, this weekend for the 30th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals.

NHRA UNLEASHED ENTERS INTO AGREEMENT WITH OUTLAW RACING STREET CAR ASSOCIATION: NHRA has entered into an agreement with the Outlaw Racing Street Car Association (ORSCA) to assist NHRA with racing operations at the upcoming NHRA Unleashed events. Along with Disrupt/ive Studios, which will work on the broadcast elements of the event, NHRA has created a formidable team designed to celebrate the American musclecar and the passionate world of NHRA grassroots racing.

ORSCA, which was founded in 2004, will promote the NHRA Unleashed events through its network of racers and assist NHRA in facilitating the outlaw race classes designated to compete at NHRA Unleashed events. The outlaw classes scheduled to be run at the four NHRA Unleashed events are Outlaw 10.5, Limited Street, EZ Street and Modified Street.

The NHRA Unleashed events are scheduled at Atlanta Dragway (June 11–13), O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis (August 6–8), National Trail Raceway near Columbus, Ohio (September 10–12), and Gainesville Raceway (November 5–7).

For more information about NHRA Unleashed events, visit www.NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS, ATLANTA DRAGWAY, May 14–16: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the Atlanta metro area for the eighth stop on the 2010 schedule. Defending event winners include Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS, HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA, May 21–23: Drivers of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series head to the Heartland of America for the ninth event of the season. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Ron Capps (Funny Car); and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock).

UNITED ASSOCIATION ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, June 3–6: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to the Windy City in the Chicago Metro area for the 10th event on the 2010 schedule. Defending event winners include Spencer Massey (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Matt Guidera (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

	Allen Johnson

HE SAID, SHE SAID

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME TRACK: Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson on racing this weekend in Atlanta Dragway, just a three-and-a-half-hour drive from his home in Greeneville, Tennessee:

“It’s neat to be close to our second home track (the home track being Bristol Dragway). The guys get an extra day at the shop. Everything just sort of plays into our hands heading into that race.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

9: The number of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing events in the next 11 weeks. The drivers of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, starting this weekend in Atlanta and ending July 25 in Denver, will go “Full Throttle,” with nine events in just 11 weeks.

After the cross-country marathon, the series will have just two weeks off before the final race of the regular season, the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, before the start of the Countdown to 1 playoffs.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the In-N-Out Burger Dodge Charger Funny Car driven by Melanie Troxel will be racing at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals.

R2B2 Racing owner Roger Burgess has entered the car as a reward for the progress the team has made and as a birthday present to In-N-Out Burger Chief Lynsi Martinez.

NEWS NUGGETS

ATLANTA TYPICAL SPOT FOR NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES DRIVERS TO GRAB VALUABLE CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS: One year ago, Funny Car Driver “Fast Jack” Beckman entered the small town of Commerce, Georgia, just a short drive north of Atlanta, seventh in the point standings with just one final-round appearance (Houston) for the season. By the end of the weekend Beckman found himself in the winner’s circle hoisting his first Wally of the season. Even more impressive, the win catapulted Beckman from the seventh spot all the way up to the second-place spot in the point standings. The win in Atlanta gave Beckman a boost in the points that kept the Funny Car driver at the top end of the point standings for the remainder of the 17-race regular season, with Beckman never falling below the sixth spot in the point standings during that time. But what a change a year can bring.

Last year’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway was the sixth stop on the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing schedule. This weekend, as the drivers of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series head back to Commerce, they will be making their eighth stop on the season tour; two races ahead of what they would have been at last year entering Atlanta Dragway, which means every point earned at this year's Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals means more, and many of the drivers know it.

Top Fuel pilot Brandon Bernstein is one of those drivers. Bernstein’s Copart/Lucas Oil dragster team had a rough start to the season, but thanks to back-to-back semifinal appearances in Las Vegas and St. Louis, Bernstein has moved from ninth to sixth in the point standings entering Commerce, Georgia. A win at Atlanta Dragway, where he won in 2007, would give Bernstein a strong push up the championship points ladder.

“That consistency (in Las Vegas and St. Louis) helped us gain positions in the point standings,” said Bernstein. “We are now sixth, and we have energy that we would like to continue to capitalize upon.”

Another driver who could get the push he needs in the point standings is Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson. After grabbing an early season win in Gainesville, Wilkerson has struggled to get out of the second round the past three races. Currently eighth in the point standings, Wilkerson could move within the top five in the point standings with an Atlanta win.

“In the end, if you finish (the regular season) with your round record in positive territory, you’ve had a good year, and with the Countdown (to the Championship) in place, you’d have a legitimate shot at the championship,” said Wilkerson. “But, you’d have to break out of it a little during the Countdown, because going 6-6 then isn’t going to cut it.”

The stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series head to Commerce, Georgia, this weekend for the 30th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals.

NHRA UNLEASHED ENTERS INTO AGREEMENT WITH OUTLAW RACING STREET CAR ASSOCIATION: NHRA has entered into an agreement with the Outlaw Racing Street Car Association (ORSCA) to assist NHRA with racing operations at the upcoming NHRA Unleashed events. Along with Disrupt/ive Studios, which will work on the broadcast elements of the event, NHRA has created a formidable team designed to celebrate the American musclecar and the passionate world of NHRA grassroots racing.

ORSCA, which was founded in 2004, will promote the NHRA Unleashed events through its network of racers and assist NHRA in facilitating the outlaw race classes designated to compete at NHRA Unleashed events. The outlaw classes scheduled to be run at the four NHRA Unleashed events are Outlaw 10.5, Limited Street, EZ Street and Modified Street.

The NHRA Unleashed events are scheduled at Atlanta Dragway (June 11–13), O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis (August 6–8), National Trail Raceway near Columbus, Ohio (September 10–12), and Gainesville Raceway (November 5–7).

For more information about NHRA Unleashed events, visit www.NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS, ATLANTA DRAGWAY, May 14–16: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the Atlanta metro area for the eighth stop on the 2010 schedule. Defending event winners include Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS, HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA, May 21–23: Drivers of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series head to the Heartland of America for the ninth event of the season. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Ron Capps (Funny Car); and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock).

UNITED ASSOCIATION ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, June 3–6: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to the Windy City in the Chicago Metro area for the 10th event on the 2010 schedule. Defending event winners include Spencer Massey (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Matt Guidera (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

	Allen Johnson

HE SAID, SHE SAID

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME TRACK: Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson on racing this weekend in Atlanta Dragway, just a three-and-a-half-hour drive from his home in Greeneville, Tennessee:

“It’s neat to be close to our second home track (the home track being Bristol Dragway). The guys get an extra day at the shop. Everything just sort of plays into our hands heading into that race.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

9: The number of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing events in the next 11 weeks. The drivers of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, starting this weekend in Atlanta and ending July 25 in Denver, will go “Full Throttle,” with nine events in just 11 weeks.

After the cross-country marathon, the series will have just two weeks off before the final race of the regular season, the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, before the start of the Countdown to 1 playoffs.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the In-N-Out Burger Dodge Charger Funny Car driven by Melanie Troxel will be racing at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals.

R2B2 Racing owner Roger Burgess has entered the car as a reward for the progress the team has made and as a birthday present to In-N-Out Burger Chief Lynsi Martinez.

NEWS NUGGETS

ATLANTA TYPICAL SPOT FOR NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES DRIVERS TO GRAB VALUABLE CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS: One year ago, Funny Car Driver “Fast Jack” Beckman entered the small town of Commerce, Georgia, just a short drive north of Atlanta, seventh in the point standings with just one final-round appearance (Houston) for the season. By the end of the weekend Beckman found himself in the winner’s circle hoisting his first Wally of the season. Even more impressive, the win catapulted Beckman from the seventh spot all the way up to the second-place spot in the point standings. The win in Atlanta gave Beckman a boost in the points that kept the Funny Car driver at the top end of the point standings for the remainder of the 17-race regular season, with Beckman never falling below the sixth spot in the point standings during that time. But what a change a year can bring.

Last year’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway was the sixth stop on the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing schedule. This weekend, as the drivers of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series head back to Commerce, they will be making their eighth stop on the season tour; two races ahead of what they would have been at last year entering Atlanta Dragway, which means every point earned at this year's Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals means more, and many of the drivers know it.

Top Fuel pilot Brandon Bernstein is one of those drivers. Bernstein’s Copart/Lucas Oil dragster team had a rough start to the season, but thanks to back-to-back semifinal appearances in Las Vegas and St. Louis, Bernstein has moved from ninth to sixth in the point standings entering Commerce, Georgia. A win at Atlanta Dragway, where he won in 2007, would give Bernstein a strong push up the championship points ladder.

“That consistency (in Las Vegas and St. Louis) helped us gain positions in the point standings,” said Bernstein. “We are now sixth, and we have energy that we would like to continue to capitalize upon.”

Another driver who could get the push he needs in the point standings is Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson. After grabbing an early season win in Gainesville, Wilkerson has struggled to get out of the second round the past three races. Currently eighth in the point standings, Wilkerson could move within the top five in the point standings with an Atlanta win.

“In the end, if you finish (the regular season) with your round record in positive territory, you’ve had a good year, and with the Countdown (to the Championship) in place, you’d have a legitimate shot at the championship,” said Wilkerson. “But, you’d have to break out of it a little during the Countdown, because going 6-6 then isn’t going to cut it.”

The stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series head to Commerce, Georgia, this weekend for the 30th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals.

NHRA UNLEASHED ENTERS INTO AGREEMENT WITH OUTLAW RACING STREET CAR ASSOCIATION: NHRA has entered into an agreement with the Outlaw Racing Street Car Association (ORSCA) to assist NHRA with racing operations at the upcoming NHRA Unleashed events. Along with Disrupt/ive Studios, which will work on the broadcast elements of the event, NHRA has created a formidable team designed to celebrate the American musclecar and the passionate world of NHRA grassroots racing.

ORSCA, which was founded in 2004, will promote the NHRA Unleashed events through its network of racers and assist NHRA in facilitating the outlaw race classes designated to compete at NHRA Unleashed events. The outlaw classes scheduled to be run at the four NHRA Unleashed events are Outlaw 10.5, Limited Street, EZ Street and Modified Street.

The NHRA Unleashed events are scheduled at Atlanta Dragway (June 11–13), O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis (August 6–8), National Trail Raceway near Columbus, Ohio (September 10–12), and Gainesville Raceway (November 5–7).

For more information about NHRA Unleashed events, visit www.NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS, ATLANTA DRAGWAY, May 14–16: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the Atlanta metro area for the eighth stop on the 2010 schedule. Defending event winners include Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS, HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA, May 21–23: Drivers of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series head to the Heartland of America for the ninth event of the season. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Ron Capps (Funny Car); and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock).

UNITED ASSOCIATION ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, June 3–6: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to the Windy City in the Chicago Metro area for the 10th event on the 2010 schedule. Defending event winners include Spencer Massey (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Matt Guidera (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

	Allen Johnson

HE SAID, SHE SAID

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME TRACK: Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson on racing this weekend in Atlanta Dragway, just a three-and-a-half-hour drive from his home in Greeneville, Tennessee:

“It’s neat to be close to our second home track (the home track being Bristol Dragway). The guys get an extra day at the shop. Everything just sort of plays into our hands heading into that race.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

9: The number of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing events in the next 11 weeks. The drivers of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, starting this weekend in Atlanta and ending July 25 in Denver, will go “Full Throttle,” with nine events in just 11 weeks.

After the cross-country marathon, the series will have just two weeks off before the final race of the regular season, the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, before the start of the Countdown to 1 playoffs.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the In-N-Out Burger Dodge Charger Funny Car driven by Melanie Troxel will be racing at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals.

R2B2 Racing owner Roger Burgess has entered the car as a reward for the progress the team has made and as a birthday present to In-N-Out Burger Chief Lynsi Martinez.