By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

On July 11, 2014, SEMA members joined with SEMA staff and thousands of enthusiasts to celebrate the fifth annual Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). A wide range of official events were held in the United States, Canada and Australia to commemorate the day, designated by a SEMA-requested U.S. Senate Resolution 493 (S. Res. 493) sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) and Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK).

The U.S. Senate Resolution recognizes “that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.” Lawmakers in states, counties and local areas all over the country and Canada followed the Senate’s lead. The states of California, Louisiana and New Mexico, along with the Canadian Provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba and Nova Scotia, adopted their own resolution commemorating the day.

Intended to celebrate the classics of the past and the future, the nearly 150 official events included car club cruise-ins, open houses at SEMA-member companies, specialty shows at automobile museums and “drive your collector car to work” displays. Scores of other unofficial events included car shows, picnics and “holiday sales” in honor of the occasion.

CCAD is supported by SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils. Read a detailed summary of the events held across the nation.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is posting a recap of CCAD events worldwide in an online gallery found on the celebration's official homepage. To that end, please send us your event photos, including any that highlight the presentation of the U.S. Senate resolution. E-mail your pictures to SAN Director Colby Martin at san@sema.org with "2014 CCAD Event Photos" as the subject line. Include your event details (name, date, city, state and host) in your message as well.

Mick's U.S. Musclecars and Classics from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, celebrated CCAD, July 13, 2014, with an impressive array of vintage American vehicles.		Ben Chase of Keystone Automotive of Corona, California, drove his ’70 Chevelle to work in honor of CCAD, Friday, July 11, 2014.
On July 11, 2014, Smiley's Custom Headers celebrated CCAD in Upland, California, with a cruise at the Sizzlin' Restaurant on Route 66.		The Crazy Cruisers Car Club of Panama City, Florida, hosted their Fifth Annual National CCAD Show and Shine, Saturday, July 12, which included a visit from honorary member Russ Deane, SEMA’s general counsel.
ididit Inc. honored CCAD during the company’s Convoy To Columbus that began in Tecumseh, Michigan, and finished at the Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio.		Volkswagen Group of America (VWGOA) hosted a very diverse collection of vehicles for their Collector Car Cruise-in in Auburn Hills, Michigan, July 11, 2014.
The City of Las Vegas, Nevada, celebrated Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 2, 2014, with many enthusiasts driving their cars to city hall to be displayed. Art Kam, president of the Las Vegas Cruisin’ Association, received the city’s CCAD proclamation that was presented during the City Council meeting.		Marc and Gary Meadors of Goodguys joined HRIA Chair Rick Love of Vintage Air and incoming Chair John McLeod of Classic Instruments to salute CCAD, Friday, July 11. The Goodguys 17th PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, attracted more than 6,000 ’72-and-older hot rods, customs and classics to the Ohio Expo Center.
On Friday, July 11, West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell (left), chairman of the SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, spoke to the crowd at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals about his passion for the industry and the importance of the Collector Car Appreciation Day celebration.		Coker Tire celebrated CCAD with an employee cruise-in at their facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, July 11, 2014.
With help from COMP Performance Group and Martin & Company, the July 10 Concert Cruise-In at Fontanel included a vehicle display and tribute to the CCAD Senate Resolution live on stage in Nashville, Tennessee.		In addition to show cars, the CCAD Cruise-In hosted by Steele Rubber Products, July 11, in Denver, North Carolina, attracted Rep. Justin Saine from the North Carolina House of Representatives, President Ken Kindley from the Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director Cliff Brumfield from the Lincoln County Economic Development Association. Matt Agosta, president of Steele Rubber Products Inc. and an ARMO Select Committee member, addresses the crowd above.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

On July 11, 2014, SEMA members joined with SEMA staff and thousands of enthusiasts to celebrate the fifth annual Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). A wide range of official events were held in the United States, Canada and Australia to commemorate the day, designated by a SEMA-requested U.S. Senate Resolution 493 (S. Res. 493) sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) and Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK).

The U.S. Senate Resolution recognizes “that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.” Lawmakers in states, counties and local areas all over the country and Canada followed the Senate’s lead. The states of California, Louisiana and New Mexico, along with the Canadian Provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba and Nova Scotia, adopted their own resolution commemorating the day.

Intended to celebrate the classics of the past and the future, the nearly 150 official events included car club cruise-ins, open houses at SEMA-member companies, specialty shows at automobile museums and “drive your collector car to work” displays. Scores of other unofficial events included car shows, picnics and “holiday sales” in honor of the occasion.

CCAD is supported by SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils. Read a detailed summary of the events held across the nation.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is posting a recap of CCAD events worldwide in an online gallery found on the celebration's official homepage. To that end, please send us your event photos, including any that highlight the presentation of the U.S. Senate resolution. E-mail your pictures to SAN Director Colby Martin at san@sema.org with "2014 CCAD Event Photos" as the subject line. Include your event details (name, date, city, state and host) in your message as well.

Mick's U.S. Musclecars and Classics from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, celebrated CCAD, July 13, 2014, with an impressive array of vintage American vehicles.		Ben Chase of Keystone Automotive of Corona, California, drove his ’70 Chevelle to work in honor of CCAD, Friday, July 11, 2014.
On July 11, 2014, Smiley's Custom Headers celebrated CCAD in Upland, California, with a cruise at the Sizzlin' Restaurant on Route 66.		The Crazy Cruisers Car Club of Panama City, Florida, hosted their Fifth Annual National CCAD Show and Shine, Saturday, July 12, which included a visit from honorary member Russ Deane, SEMA’s general counsel.
ididit Inc. honored CCAD during the company’s Convoy To Columbus that began in Tecumseh, Michigan, and finished at the Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio.		Volkswagen Group of America (VWGOA) hosted a very diverse collection of vehicles for their Collector Car Cruise-in in Auburn Hills, Michigan, July 11, 2014.
The City of Las Vegas, Nevada, celebrated Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 2, 2014, with many enthusiasts driving their cars to city hall to be displayed. Art Kam, president of the Las Vegas Cruisin’ Association, received the city’s CCAD proclamation that was presented during the City Council meeting.		Marc and Gary Meadors of Goodguys joined HRIA Chair Rick Love of Vintage Air and incoming Chair John McLeod of Classic Instruments to salute CCAD, Friday, July 11. The Goodguys 17th PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, attracted more than 6,000 ’72-and-older hot rods, customs and classics to the Ohio Expo Center.
On Friday, July 11, West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell (left), chairman of the SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, spoke to the crowd at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals about his passion for the industry and the importance of the Collector Car Appreciation Day celebration.		Coker Tire celebrated CCAD with an employee cruise-in at their facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, July 11, 2014.
With help from COMP Performance Group and Martin & Company, the July 10 Concert Cruise-In at Fontanel included a vehicle display and tribute to the CCAD Senate Resolution live on stage in Nashville, Tennessee.		In addition to show cars, the CCAD Cruise-In hosted by Steele Rubber Products, July 11, in Denver, North Carolina, attracted Rep. Justin Saine from the North Carolina House of Representatives, President Ken Kindley from the Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director Cliff Brumfield from the Lincoln County Economic Development Association. Matt Agosta, president of Steele Rubber Products Inc. and an ARMO Select Committee member, addresses the crowd above.

Melanie Conran Promoted to Consumer Marketing Manager for Air Lift

	Melanie Conran

Air Lift Co. has promoted Melanie Conran to consumer marketing manager. Conran has been with Air Lift since 2006 in a number of creative, IT and graphic design positions. Prior to joining Air Lift, she was a graphic design and communications specialist for the Michigan Farm Bureau.

In her new position, Conran will be responsible for directing a comprehensive marketing communications program for the company’s load support division. Her duties include creative and content development for digital and print communications, PR management and implementation of strategic marketing initiatives.

Goodguys Give Away Tribute ’32 Ford Tudor

During a giveaway ceremony at the Goodguys 17th PPG Nationals Columbus, Eric Morgan of San Diego, California, drew the lucky key that started the bright yellow Goodguys Tribute ’32 Ford Tudor.

Eric Morgan of San Diego traveled to the Goodguys 17th PPG Nationals Columbus with high hopes last weekend. His father, Terry, a retired 67-year-old Goodguys member from Chula Vista, California, sent his son to Columbus to stand in for him during the giveaway ceremony for the Goodguys Tribute ’32 Ford Tudor.

Those high hopes turned into a dream come true when Eric Morgan drew the lucky key that started the bright-yellow ’32 Ford hi-boy style Tudor built in 2012 by Salt Lake City’s Kindig-It Design. The scene was electric with 33 of 34 finalists on hand (all wearing bright-yellow tee shirts) for the ceremony. Morgan was 24th in line to start the car and his key held the magic. When the V8 engine erupted to life, the place went berserk.

The Goodguys Tribute ’32 was built as a modern-day tribute to Goodguys Founder and Chairman Gary Meadors’ original yellow Deuce Tudor (the Goodguys logo car for over three decades). It features an all-steel body (donated by George Poteet) bathed in PPG “Goodguys Yellow,” a GM Performance Ramjet 350 featuring a custom intake from Arizona Speed & Marine, Hughes transmission, quick change rear end from Speedway Engineering, Wilwood disc brakes on all four corners and Billet Specialties “altered” front wheels (18×4.5-in.) and “fuelies” (18x10-in.) out back.

The interior features one-off custom Goodguys-edition gauges from Classic Instruments, Tea’s design “Posies” styled seats and a matching rear seat done in Tea’s light linen ultra-leather. The upholstery and trim work was handled by JS Custom Interior’s in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Trim Parts Acquires The Right Stuff Detailing

Trim Parts Holdings Corp. has acquired The Right Stuff Detailing and all of its assets, adding to Trim Parts’ family of top-tier restoration parts manufacturing companies.

“We like the business model of The Right Stuff because they have an unwavering commitment to high quality and great customer service that is very much aligned with our own business model.” said Mitch Williams, CEO of Trim Parts Holdings Corp. “The company is also very active in the resto-mod trend, where classic cars are being restored and modernized to make them more drivable and more enjoyable,” he continued.

The Right Stuff will continue in its location in Westerville, Ohio, and both customers and consumers should experience a seamless transition to the new ownership. The Right Stuff management team will continue in their current roles.

Betts Co. Launches New Corporate Website

	Betts Co. introduced its new corporate website, www.betts1868.com, which serves as the centerpiece of the company’s new branding initiative.

Betts Co. introduced its new corporate website, www.betts1868.com. The website serves as the centerpiece of the company’s new branding initiative to help introduce the six-generation, family owned and managed business to customers, prospects and the general public. The Betts Co. home page includes links to the websites for its three operating divisions, Betts Spring Manufacturing, BettsHD and Betts Truck Parts and Service. Visitors to the Betts Co. corporate website can download a copy of a new four-page corporate brochure, watch a company overview video, or sign up to receive the Betts Co. e-newsletter.

Kevin O’Brien, Rishi Raj Bhatnagar, Join Tire Group International

Tire Group International (TGI) announced that the company has hired Kevin O’Brien as vice president of strategic accounts for its domestic division and Rishi Raj Bhatnagar as a territory manager. O’Brien, who was previously vice president of sales for Ameriquest Transportation, has been in the tire industry for more 20 years and has a vast amount of experience in the trucking industry. Bhatnagar, who brings more than 25 years of experience in the retreading industry in the African market to the TGI, will work to continue developing and growing the African market.

Enerpulse Technologies Names Mathew Truster Aftermarket Business Unit Manager

Mathew Truster

Enerpulse Technologies has added Mathew Truster as the company’s new aftermarket business unit manager. Truster is responsible for leading the sales growth of Pulstar with PlasmaCore, the latest edition of the company’s line of Pulstar spark plugs. Truster will devise and implement the sales strategy, provide support to the company’s distribution channel partners and ensure product data information accuracy.

Truster joins Enerpulse with a diverse background in sales, including 15 years as a senior sales representative for Mantek, a division of NCH Corp.

Axalta Sponsors First State Robotics and Awards Scholarship

Axalta Coating Systems is sponsoring First State Robotics of Delaware and the Miracles of Engineering (MOE) First Tech Challenge team. Axalta awarded a scholarship to robotics team member, Noah Andrews, a recent high school graduate who is looking to start college in the fall as an information technology major, focusing on security. Andrews and some of his robotics team members provided a robotics demonstration at Axalta’s North American headquarters where he was presented with his scholarship.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

	The deadline for 2014 SEMA Show exhibitors to submit applications to conduct a press conference during the Show is August 1.

The deadline for 2014 SEMA Show exhibitors to submit applications to conduct a press conference during the Show is August 1.

Although they may not be ideal for all exhibitors, press conferences can be a powerful and effective tool in reaching a large number of media. Learn how to host a successful press conference and determine whether a press conference is right for you.

Upon submitting an application, an automatic message will be e-mailed to confirm the application was received. Exhibitors who do not receive a confirmation e-mail are advised to contact Monika Earle at monikae@sema.org, as there may have been technical problems.

For general information or questions about SEMA Show press conferences, contact monikae@sema.org.

	The deadline for 2014 SEMA Show exhibitors to submit applications to conduct a press conference during the Show is August 1.

The deadline for 2014 SEMA Show exhibitors to submit applications to conduct a press conference during the Show is August 1.

Although they may not be ideal for all exhibitors, press conferences can be a powerful and effective tool in reaching a large number of media. Learn how to host a successful press conference and determine whether a press conference is right for you.

Upon submitting an application, an automatic message will be e-mailed to confirm the application was received. Exhibitors who do not receive a confirmation e-mail are advised to contact Monika Earle at monikae@sema.org, as there may have been technical problems.

For general information or questions about SEMA Show press conferences, contact monikae@sema.org.

A prototype for Ford's SVT Mustang has been caught without its heavy camouflage while running on the Nürburgring. The latest shots provide a first look at the aggressive styling destined for what will be—for now at least—for the top-performing pony in the Mustang lineup.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

A prototype for Ford's SVT Mustang has been caught without its heavy camouflage while running on the Nürburgring. The latest shots provide a first look at the aggressive styling destined for what will be—for now at least—for the top-performing pony in the Mustang lineup.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

A prototype for Ford's SVT Mustang has been caught without its heavy camouflage while running on the Nürburgring. The latest shots provide a first look at the aggressive styling destined for what will be—for now at least—for the top-performing pony in the Mustang lineup.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

HAGAN HAS BIG GOALS HEADING INTO DENVER: Matt Hagan isn’t going to make any bold claims following his first win of the season. But heading into a crucial stretch of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season it was precisely the type of performance the Funny Car standout wanted to see. Hagan picked up a hard-earned victory in Chicago, giving the team a noticeable burst of energy. It also sets up Hagan and his 10,000-hp Mopar Express Lane/Rocky Boots Dodge Charger favorably for the three-week NHRA Western Swing that begins with the 35th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway. The pivotal three-race stretch is a major opportunity for drivers to make an impressive move in the points standings with the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship right around the corner.

"You definitely want to kick off Denver and the Western Swing in the right direction," Hagan said. "It’s huge to do well in this three-race swing. It’s a dream of mine to sweep the swing, but you have to take it one race at a time. You have to stay humble with these cars. You need consistency and a bunch of good runs, and then you can talk about a championship. You can’t get too excited from one win."

MASSEY READY TO TACKLE CHALLENGE OF MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS: The drivers on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series circuit will have to deal with racing at an elevation of more than 5,800 ft. this weekend at Bandimere Speedway. They will also have to deal with warm temperatures and the rising pressure of each race with the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship looming. In other words, it’s precisely what Top Fuel standout Spencer Massey lives for. Massey will look to make it two straight wins at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway. With a strong recent track record in Denver, along with a penchant for running well during the summer months, Massey is locked in heading into one of the most crucial stretches of the season.

"I like racing in the heat, and I don’t think we fall off much performance-wise,” Massey said. "I love the pressure, and I love when it gets close to the Countdown. I love these situations, and the more pressure the better. The entire team shines in those situations, and we can’t wait for Denver. I love racing there."

GAINES EAGER TO GET BACK HOME TO DENVER: After the kind of slump V Gaines has been in lately on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series circuit, heading home might be the best solution. That is what Gaines—a prominent businessman in the Denver area—is banking on as the Pro Stock standout starts the three-week NHRA Western Swing with the 35th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway. He has finished as the runner-up the past two years at his home track, losing both times to Allen Johnson. But that kind of success would serve as a major boost for Gaines and his Kendall Oil Dodge Avenger after a particularly rough five-race stretch. Gaines lost four straight first-round matchups and then didn’t qualify for the most recent race in Norwalk, adding even more salt to the wound.

"We’ve known for the past month what the problem is but we’ve just been unable to find the right solution," Gaines said. "We’ve been kind of chasing it until we were able to round up the right parts. We’ve been doing quite a bit of testing and I think we’ve got it working. So after testing we know it works up here in Denver. The question is if it will work the next week in Sonoma."

He Said, She Said

"It's as brutal a change or swing of conditions that you'll see. I don't know how these crew chiefs sleep at night to begin with, but to go up in the mountain like we have to go first and compete in those conditions and make power up there and do what we have to do, and come back down to really less than sea level almost in Sonoma and then go to Seattle where you've got all those trees producing the oxygen that you don't normally see. You've just got to have a good crew chief."

—Funny Car racer Ron Capps on the difficulty of sweeping all three races in the Western Swing. John Force is the only Funny Car racer to win all three races, which hasn’t been achieved since 1994.

Inside the Numbers

2009: The last year that a driver in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series swept the three races in the Western Swing was 2009. Antron Brown achieved that feat when he strung together three weekends and became the seventh driver to sweep the stretch of races. He also is just the fifth Top Fuel driver to win all three events. Joe Amato (1991), Cory McClenathan (1997), Larry Dixon (2003) and Tony Schumacher (2008) are the other Top Fuel racers to do the sweep. John Force in Funny Car (1994), and Greg Anderson in Pro Stock (2004) are the other drivers to dominate the Western Swing.

“The Western Swing is one of those grueling marathon of races,” said Brown. “You travel to the West Coast and each race is almost 1,000 miles between each other and the crews are going back-to-back-to back. From Denver at mile-high conditions, to Sonoma at sea level, to Seattle where the track can be tricky but good too. We are always glad to go on the Western Swing because it shows you what the great teams are made of.”

Did You Know

JENNA HADDOCK TO MAKE TOP FUEL DEBUT IN DENVER: Jenna Haddock, wife of well-known Funny Car driver Terry Haddock, has earned her Top Fuel competition license and has signed a multi-race agreement with Patriot Grading & Engineering. She will make her debut at the 35th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway, July 18–20. Haddock’s plans also include competing at the 27th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle, August 1–3, and the 50th Annual Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona, November 13–16.

"I am beyond ecstatic to get to do this. I have been going to the races since I was a little girl, and now getting to be part of the show is an honor. I want to thank Terry, my team and my sponsors for supporting me and believing in me enough to give me the opportunity to do this. They have worked so hard to make this happen for me. I know that we have our work cut out for us but I so badly want to make everyone proud."

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

HAGAN HAS BIG GOALS HEADING INTO DENVER: Matt Hagan isn’t going to make any bold claims following his first win of the season. But heading into a crucial stretch of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season it was precisely the type of performance the Funny Car standout wanted to see. Hagan picked up a hard-earned victory in Chicago, giving the team a noticeable burst of energy. It also sets up Hagan and his 10,000-hp Mopar Express Lane/Rocky Boots Dodge Charger favorably for the three-week NHRA Western Swing that begins with the 35th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway. The pivotal three-race stretch is a major opportunity for drivers to make an impressive move in the points standings with the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship right around the corner.

"You definitely want to kick off Denver and the Western Swing in the right direction," Hagan said. "It’s huge to do well in this three-race swing. It’s a dream of mine to sweep the swing, but you have to take it one race at a time. You have to stay humble with these cars. You need consistency and a bunch of good runs, and then you can talk about a championship. You can’t get too excited from one win."

MASSEY READY TO TACKLE CHALLENGE OF MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS: The drivers on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series circuit will have to deal with racing at an elevation of more than 5,800 ft. this weekend at Bandimere Speedway. They will also have to deal with warm temperatures and the rising pressure of each race with the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship looming. In other words, it’s precisely what Top Fuel standout Spencer Massey lives for. Massey will look to make it two straight wins at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway. With a strong recent track record in Denver, along with a penchant for running well during the summer months, Massey is locked in heading into one of the most crucial stretches of the season.

"I like racing in the heat, and I don’t think we fall off much performance-wise,” Massey said. "I love the pressure, and I love when it gets close to the Countdown. I love these situations, and the more pressure the better. The entire team shines in those situations, and we can’t wait for Denver. I love racing there."

GAINES EAGER TO GET BACK HOME TO DENVER: After the kind of slump V Gaines has been in lately on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series circuit, heading home might be the best solution. That is what Gaines—a prominent businessman in the Denver area—is banking on as the Pro Stock standout starts the three-week NHRA Western Swing with the 35th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway. He has finished as the runner-up the past two years at his home track, losing both times to Allen Johnson. But that kind of success would serve as a major boost for Gaines and his Kendall Oil Dodge Avenger after a particularly rough five-race stretch. Gaines lost four straight first-round matchups and then didn’t qualify for the most recent race in Norwalk, adding even more salt to the wound.

"We’ve known for the past month what the problem is but we’ve just been unable to find the right solution," Gaines said. "We’ve been kind of chasing it until we were able to round up the right parts. We’ve been doing quite a bit of testing and I think we’ve got it working. So after testing we know it works up here in Denver. The question is if it will work the next week in Sonoma."

He Said, She Said

"It's as brutal a change or swing of conditions that you'll see. I don't know how these crew chiefs sleep at night to begin with, but to go up in the mountain like we have to go first and compete in those conditions and make power up there and do what we have to do, and come back down to really less than sea level almost in Sonoma and then go to Seattle where you've got all those trees producing the oxygen that you don't normally see. You've just got to have a good crew chief."

—Funny Car racer Ron Capps on the difficulty of sweeping all three races in the Western Swing. John Force is the only Funny Car racer to win all three races, which hasn’t been achieved since 1994.

Inside the Numbers

2009: The last year that a driver in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series swept the three races in the Western Swing was 2009. Antron Brown achieved that feat when he strung together three weekends and became the seventh driver to sweep the stretch of races. He also is just the fifth Top Fuel driver to win all three events. Joe Amato (1991), Cory McClenathan (1997), Larry Dixon (2003) and Tony Schumacher (2008) are the other Top Fuel racers to do the sweep. John Force in Funny Car (1994), and Greg Anderson in Pro Stock (2004) are the other drivers to dominate the Western Swing.

“The Western Swing is one of those grueling marathon of races,” said Brown. “You travel to the West Coast and each race is almost 1,000 miles between each other and the crews are going back-to-back-to back. From Denver at mile-high conditions, to Sonoma at sea level, to Seattle where the track can be tricky but good too. We are always glad to go on the Western Swing because it shows you what the great teams are made of.”

Did You Know

JENNA HADDOCK TO MAKE TOP FUEL DEBUT IN DENVER: Jenna Haddock, wife of well-known Funny Car driver Terry Haddock, has earned her Top Fuel competition license and has signed a multi-race agreement with Patriot Grading & Engineering. She will make her debut at the 35th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway, July 18–20. Haddock’s plans also include competing at the 27th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle, August 1–3, and the 50th Annual Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona, November 13–16.

"I am beyond ecstatic to get to do this. I have been going to the races since I was a little girl, and now getting to be part of the show is an honor. I want to thank Terry, my team and my sponsors for supporting me and believing in me enough to give me the opportunity to do this. They have worked so hard to make this happen for me. I know that we have our work cut out for us but I so badly want to make everyone proud."

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.