Compiled by SEMA Editors

NEWS NUGGETS

GIRL POWER ON DISPLAY AS NHRA MELLO YELLO SERIES HEADS TO FLORIDA: While much hype has been given to a certain female stock car racer for posting a top 10 finish at the Daytona 500, it has been business as usual in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Two female drag racers—Courtney Force and Erica Enders-Stevens—have posted back-to-back victories to open the 2013 season. It is the first time in NHRA history that two women have opened a season with consecutive victories. Force, 24, powered her 8,000hp Funny Car to break all of her male competitor’s hearts—including Matt Hagan, Bob Tasca and Ron Capps—and win at the season-opening Winternationals at Pomona, California, on Valentine’s Day weekend. Last weekend in Phoenix, Enders-Stevens, 29, rallied to take the Pro Stock victory over Mike Edwards in the final round. Enders-Stevens used a reaction-time advantage to beat event top-qualifier Edwards in the 200-mph factory hot-rod category.

“We’re not out here just to race against the boys,” Force has said. “We’re here to beat the boys.”

Perhaps it will be Leah Pruett, Alexis DeJoria, Brittany Force or Katie Sullivan who will win the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals and continue the early-season girl power theme, March 14–17 at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville. Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Edwards (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are the defending event winners at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event, which will be televised on ESPN2HD. Tickets are available online at www.nhratix.com or by calling the NHRA Ticket Sales Center at 800-884-NHRA (6472). For more information about the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, visit www.nhra.com.

INDIANA-BASED NHRA CHAMPIONS HONORED AT MOTORSPORTS DAY AT INDIANA LEGISLATURE: NHRA teams based in Indiana were honored during Motorsports Day at the Indiana Legislature, Tuesday, March 5, in Indianapolis. This celebration of racing included a tour of the Indiana State House and a private meeting with Indiana Governor Mike Pence. Motorsports Day at the Indiana Legislature recognized that in 2012 all major auto-racing championships, excluding stock car, were captured by teams headquartered in Indiana. Don Schumacher Racing driver Antron Brown (Top Fuel), who won his first championship in 2012, and three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Eddie Krawiec of Vance & Hines were in attendance and recognized for winning their respective championship titles in 2012.

“I feel very fortunate and blessed to be honored by our state. It’s a great, great honor. I’ve lived around Brownsburg and now in Pittsboro where Billie Jo and I are raising our kids,” Brown said. “I grew up in New Jersey, but Indiana has become my home. Brownsburg is the hub of NHRA professional drag racing and home for our Don Schumacher Racing organization. Being recognized by the Indiana Legislature for being the NHRA Top Fuel world champion is very special to me, my family and our Matco Tools team.”

Several NHRA executives were on hand during the event, including Glen Gray, NHRA vice president of technical operations, Wes Collier, general manager of Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis and Scott Smith, NHRA senior communications manager. NHRA owns and operates Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis and annually conducts the NHRA U.S. Nationals at the multi-purpose facility. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS IN LAS VEGAS: Eight racers in the Pro Stock category will take center stage during the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals as they take part in the K&N Horsepower Challenge. The specialty event will be held Saturday during the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS), April 5–7—the fourth of 24 events in the 2013 season. An NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event is a celebration of automotive performance and one of the most fan-friendly events in all of sports. When the series visits The Strip at LVMS, families can take advantage of a ticket special: Children 12 and younger will receive free admission with a paid adult. Every ticket purchased for the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals is a pit pass, which offers an unrivaled look behind the scenes in the world of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. This gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly skilled mechanics “twirl the iron” between rounds. Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock drivers will battle on the track all weekend for the Wally trophy. Robert Hight (Funny Car), Spencer Massey (Top Fuel) and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) are the defending winners of the event that will be televised on ESPN2HD. For tickets, call Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 800-644-4444, or log on to LVMS.com.

UNDERDAHLS LAND SPONSOR, PLAN FULL PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE SEASON: Jimmy Underdahl and his father, Greg, plan to compete at all 16 Pro Stock Motorcycle events with their Vance & Hines-powered Suzuki after signing a sponsorship agreement with E-Z Go Golf Carts and its subsidiary, Bad Boy Buggies. They join a sponsorship program that includes Suzuki Extended Protection. The 2013 Pro Stock Motorcycle season begins at the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals.

“We’ve been busy this winter,” said Greg. “Jimmy and I have completely rebuilt his bike. We stripped it down to the frame and rewired it and changed a lot of things. This is the first bike that he’s had that was built exactly for him. We built the bike not knowing if we’d be able to race in all the events this season, but with E-Z Go, Bad Boy Buggies and Suzuki Extended Protection, we are going to be able to make this work. We’re both really excited to get to Gainesville and see how we stack up against everyone else.”

For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.


COMING ATTRACTIONS

AMALIE OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS, Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, March 14–17: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series makes its third of 24 stops of the 2013 season in the sunshine state of Florida. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points toward the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2012 winners of the event were Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-6472 or log on to NHRATix.com.

SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, April 5–7: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series returns to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the fourth of 24 races on the circuit. Drivers in the Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock classes will earn points toward the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2012 winners of the event were Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-644-4444 or log on to LVMS.com.

DOLLAR GENERAL NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX Dragway, April 19–21: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series heads to the Bellagio of Dragstrips in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the fifth of 24 events. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will compete in a four-wide configuration and earn points toward the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series regular season points standings. The 2012 winners of the event were Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

DESPITE TOUGH START TO SEASON, ENDERS-STEVENS REBOUNDS WITH WIN IN PHOENIX: After claiming career victory No. 5 in her GK Motorsports Chevy Cobalt at Firebird International Raceway near Phoenix, Pro Stock driver Erica Enders-Stevens continues to run down the competition each and every week. Winning races is no easy task no matter what motorsports events drivers compete in, but she manages to do so with such grace and determination. Despite stock car driver Danica Patrick making headlines that weekend, Enders-Stevens and team made their own when they brought home the Wally. “I am really proud of how Danica did qualifying for the Daytona 500 and I knew that was going to be talked about for a really long time,” Enders-Stevens said. “For my guys and our team, GK Motorsports and KLR Group, I couldn’t be more proud. Coming off of a year like we had last year and starting the season like we did this year, it’s kind of a gut check in the sense like ‘Man, are we ever going to be able to get it done again?’ Granted we’re only two races in, but we worked our butts off all off-season, especially since my team didn’t test a lot. They proved that they can pick up right where we left off and I’m excited.”


INSIDE THE NUMBERS

3: CONSECUTIVE VICTORIES PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE RACER EDDIE KRAWIEC HAS EARNED AT AMALIE OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Vance & Hines Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson rider Eddie Krawiec has been on a hot streak when it comes to competing in the traditional season-opening race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. The defending world champion will be looking for his fourth consecutive victory when the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series heads to Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville for the 44th annual Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, March 14–17. For more information on this event, visit www.nhra.com.



DID YOU KNOW…

BEACON DRAGWAY JOINS NHRA MEMBER-TRACK ROSTER: Beacon Dragway in Paducah, Kentucky, is the newest addition to the NHRA member-track roster. The track is being reopened by Top Fuel driver Keith Murt, who operates Murtco Inc.—a mechanical and underground utility contractor in western Kentucky—and Dr. Blane Grow, both of whom are lifelong developers in the area. Major renovation to the property began last fall and will be completed before the spring opening. Test 'n' tune and fun and grudge racing is being scheduled on Thursday nights and the track’s points-racing series on Saturday nights, and a number of special events are planned throughout the season. New concrete starting-line pads have been installed, the racing surface has been repaved, a new tower has been erected and new track lighting, TSI computer timing system and scoreboards are being installed. The airpark office is being remodeled as a hospitality center, and one of the hangars is being renovated into an eat-in or carryout concession complex. Fans will enjoy viewing from pitside elevated grandstands, and extensive paving of additional pit parking is scheduled for completion as soon as weather permits. For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

	PRO leadership discusses ways to improve the industry during a meeting at the 2012 SEMA Show.

What tops the to-do list at your company? Are you looking for creative ways to win new customers and keep them happy? Hire, train and retain qualified employees? Gain a competitive edge in your marketplace? Expand and run a more streamlined and profitable accessory business? Every professional restyler and installer faces these and other challenges.

Inside the PRO Business Development Guidebook, you’ll find innovative, practical solutions and useful step-by-step guidelines and information to help you manage and run a more profitable and professional restyling business, be it start-up or an established restyling center.

Beginning with an overview of the importance of having a business plan—including tips on how to develop a business plan and the many purposes it can serve—the manual offers chapter-by-chapter strategies for creating, operating and maintaining a successful business. They include understanding the basics of business finance, the importance of quality and service and how to make them your business hallmarks, building knowledge and skills among your employees and branding your restyling business as a market leader.

Through the collective experience of accessory professionals, the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has developed this member-only resource (and many others) to help your business succeed and prosper. PRO represents the collective interests of all SEMA-member companies serving the restyling and accessory market—including manufacturers, warehouse distributors, manufacturer's reps, restylers and installers. As a member company, you can work with PRO to build solid, mutually beneficial relationships with OEMs and new- and used-vehicle dealers, participate in ongoing efforts to elevate the level of professionalism throughout all sectors of the industry, enhance customer satisfaction and have a voice on issues that impact the industry.

To learn more visit www.SEMA.org/PRO or contact Zane Clark at 909-978-6696.

	PRO leadership discusses ways to improve the industry during a meeting at the 2012 SEMA Show.

What tops the to-do list at your company? Are you looking for creative ways to win new customers and keep them happy? Hire, train and retain qualified employees? Gain a competitive edge in your marketplace? Expand and run a more streamlined and profitable accessory business? Every professional restyler and installer faces these and other challenges.

Inside the PRO Business Development Guidebook, you’ll find innovative, practical solutions and useful step-by-step guidelines and information to help you manage and run a more profitable and professional restyling business, be it start-up or an established restyling center.

Beginning with an overview of the importance of having a business plan—including tips on how to develop a business plan and the many purposes it can serve—the manual offers chapter-by-chapter strategies for creating, operating and maintaining a successful business. They include understanding the basics of business finance, the importance of quality and service and how to make them your business hallmarks, building knowledge and skills among your employees and branding your restyling business as a market leader.

Through the collective experience of accessory professionals, the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has developed this member-only resource (and many others) to help your business succeed and prosper. PRO represents the collective interests of all SEMA-member companies serving the restyling and accessory market—including manufacturers, warehouse distributors, manufacturer's reps, restylers and installers. As a member company, you can work with PRO to build solid, mutually beneficial relationships with OEMs and new- and used-vehicle dealers, participate in ongoing efforts to elevate the level of professionalism throughout all sectors of the industry, enhance customer satisfaction and have a voice on issues that impact the industry.

To learn more visit www.SEMA.org/PRO or contact Zane Clark at 909-978-6696.

By Della Domingo

"Raw"—makers of "Gold Rush" (Discovery) and "Locked Up Abroad" (National Geographic)—is looking for enthusiastic and quick-thinking mechanics for a new competitive television series involving teamwork, skill and ingenuity. Each show aims to test some of the most experienced individuals in the most challenging of environments. Individuals who think they have what it takes to be a real-life MacGyver and want to find out more should contact casting@raw.co.uk.

The new face of Ford—the Aston Martinesque mug that debuted on the ’13 Ford Fusion—is now being readied for the Focus and C-Max, as evidenced by these mules caught running the streets of Dearborn, Michigan.

The testing strategy caught on these Focus and C-Max test cars follows the exact strategy that was applied to early Ford Fiesta mules, as they readied their take on the Fusion's grille design. Over time, the grille work on these Focus and C-Max models will be further integrated into an entirely new front fascia, which will bring Ford's C-segment offerings in line with Ford's new family face.

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

The new face of Ford—the Aston Martinesque mug that debuted on the ’13 Ford Fusion—is now being readied for the Focus and C-Max, as evidenced by these mules caught running the streets of Dearborn, Michigan.

The testing strategy caught on these Focus and C-Max test cars follows the exact strategy that was applied to early Ford Fiesta mules, as they readied their take on the Fusion's grille design. Over time, the grille work on these Focus and C-Max models will be further integrated into an entirely new front fascia, which will bring Ford's C-segment offerings in line with Ford's new family face.

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

The new face of Ford—the Aston Martinesque mug that debuted on the ’13 Ford Fusion—is now being readied for the Focus and C-Max, as evidenced by these mules caught running the streets of Dearborn, Michigan.

The testing strategy caught on these Focus and C-Max test cars follows the exact strategy that was applied to early Ford Fiesta mules, as they readied their take on the Fusion's grille design. Over time, the grille work on these Focus and C-Max models will be further integrated into an entirely new front fascia, which will bring Ford's C-segment offerings in line with Ford's new family face.

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

By SEMA Staff

	Mike Spagnola

SEMA has hired industry veteran Mike Spagnola to fill the newly created position of vice president, OEM and product development programs, effective immediately. Spagnola brings with him 40 years of specialty auto parts experience, including more than 20 years of product development and project vehicle work. With a focus on heightening SEMA services to help members develop products quickly and efficiently, Spagnola will collaborate with the SEMA OEM and vehicle technology departments while serving as a resource and liaison for members and automakers.

“We’re excited to have Mike join SEMA in developing services that help members with product development and OEM initiatives,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “SEMA’s vehicle technology and OEM programs, led by John Waraniak and Bill Wolf, have proven to be extremely beneficial over the years. Mike will work with our existing team to enhance and add to the services SEMA makes available to our members.”

Spagnola’s experience includes retail, distribution and manufacturing. Most recently, he served as president for Street Scene Equipment where he managed the company’s day-to-day business for 16 years. His project vehicles have been featured on the covers of more than 50 enthusiast magazines, and honored with more than a dozen design awards from various OEMs. Spagnola has also completed six years of service on the SEMA Board of Directors, a position from which he resigned effective with his new role as a staff member.

“I’ve personally witnessed the industry, particularly the product-development process, change significantly over the years,” said Spagnola. “Through the use of new technology and partnerships, manufacturers can develop products faster, more accurately and less expensively than ever before. Programs such as SEMA’s Technology Transfer, Rapid Prototyping and vehicle Measuring Sessions can all be enhanced to help our member companies make and sell more products. I look forward to developing tools and services to add to these programs and to educating members about how they work.”

Spagnola will oversee the new SEMA Product Development Center located adjacent to the SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. The building has a history of serving as a vehicle technology center, giving SEMA the opportunity to offer these services without having to start at ground-zero. While based in Southern California, these programs and services will be available to SEMA members everywhere.

“The SEMA Product Development Center is going to be an amazing resource for SEMA members,” Spagnola said. “I’m excited to be a part of the expansion.”

To learn more about SEMA’s OEM programs and product development services, contact Spagnola at mikes@sema.org.

	If you are interested in being a session presenter or panelist at the 2013 SEMA Show, please complete the online speaker form by Friday, March 22.

Planning for the 2013 SEMA Show education program is well under way. This year's schedule will once again feature several "tracks," including Business Management, Customer Service and Sales, Marketing, Industry Trends, Online Marketing and more.

Are you interested in being a session presenter or panelist? We'd love to hear from you. Please complete our online speaker form by Friday, March 22.

To increase the likelihood of having your recommendation used, please be sure to include three or four bullet points on the topic, who the target audience will be and why the subject is of importance. Also, note that all sessions will be one hour in length.

These sessions are designed for general business topics (i.e., marketing, customer service, sales, etc.) and do not include product-specific topics. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to sign up for a separate program—Exhibitor Product Training sessions—in June.

Please submit suggestions on or before Friday, March 22, using the online speaker submission form or contact Jamie Eriksen at JamieE@sema.org.

	If you are interested in being a session presenter or panelist at the 2013 SEMA Show, please complete the online speaker form by Friday, March 22.

Planning for the 2013 SEMA Show education program is well under way. This year's schedule will once again feature several "tracks," including Business Management, Customer Service and Sales, Marketing, Industry Trends, Online Marketing and more.

Are you interested in being a session presenter or panelist? We'd love to hear from you. Please complete our online speaker form by Friday, March 22.

To increase the likelihood of having your recommendation used, please be sure to include three or four bullet points on the topic, who the target audience will be and why the subject is of importance. Also, note that all sessions will be one hour in length.

These sessions are designed for general business topics (i.e., marketing, customer service, sales, etc.) and do not include product-specific topics. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to sign up for a separate program—Exhibitor Product Training sessions—in June.

Please submit suggestions on or before Friday, March 22, using the online speaker submission form or contact Jamie Eriksen at JamieE@sema.org.