Edited By SEMA Staff

NEWS NUGGETS

AMALIE OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS SET FOR EXCITEMENT: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series returns to Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville March 14–17 for the 44th annual Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, the third of 24 races in the 2013 season. The history and rich traditions at the annual East Coast opener have long made this race a strong draw for fans across the country, and for many, the Gators is a spring-break destination. Kids 12 and younger are admitted free with a paid adult. The Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, which will be telecast on ESPN2 and ESPN2HD, will also feature the season-debut of the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Riders will be looking to knock defending series champion Eddie Krawiec off his title perch. Last year, Krawiec and his Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle teammate Andrew Hines dominated the two-wheel category by winning 15 of the 16 events contested during the season.

This event has long been one of the premier stops on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series circuit, and a win in the Sunshine State is a huge feather in the cap for any racer. The roster of past winners reads like a who’s who of drag racing: Joe Amato (Top Fuel), Warren Johnson (Pro Stock), John Force (Funny Car) and the late Dave Schultz (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead their categories in wins, and numerous national records have been set at the venerable facility. Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel, pictured above), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Krawiec added their names to the history book with event wins in 2012. To purchase tickets, call 800-884-NHRA or visit NHRATIX.com online. For more information about the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, visit www.nhra.com.

SCHUMACHER, CAPPS, ENDERS-STEVENS COLLECT PHOENIX WINS: Tony Schumacher won a wild tire-smoking final round against Morgan Lucas last Sunday to claim the Top Fuel victory at the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway (FIR). Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) also were winners at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event near Phoenix. Schumacher raced to his 70th victory and fourth at FIR when he was able to get his 8,000-hp U.S. Army dragster under control and finish just in front of Lucas’ charging GEICO/Lucas Oil dragster. Both dragsters lost traction early in the side-by-side race, and both drivers were on and off the throttle as they navigated the dragstrip. In Funny Car, Capps outran teammate Matt Hagan in a final round featuring DSR Dodge Chargers while Enders-Stevens defeated top qualifier Mike Edwards on a holeshot start in Pro Stock. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

UNI-SELECT, AUTO-PLUS TO BECOME TITLE-RIGHTS SPONSOR OF INAUGURAL NHRA EVENT AT NEW ENGLAND DRAGWAY: Uni-Select USA and its Auto-Plus network of automotive retail stores have acquired title-rights sponsorship of the inaugural event at New England Dragway in Epping. The Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals is scheduled for June 20–23, and represents the first event in the New England area for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.

“We are extremely pleased to announce the expansion of our partnership with NHRA,” said Brent Windom, Uni-Select senior vice president, sales and marketing. “Our growth in participation with the NHRA saw more than 5,500 customers attend our events last year. We are excited to be an integral part of bringing NHRA Drag Racing to the New England market.”

Uni-Select USA and its Auto-Plus brand also serves as title-rights sponsor of the 29th annual Auto-Plus NHRA Nationals, October 3–6, at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading. In addition, the company holds naming rights to historic Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville. Auto-Plus is also the official auto-parts store of Atlanta Dragway—an NHRA-owned and -operated facility—as well as Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk.

“We’re thrilled to bring the excitement and power of NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing to New England and to have a great partner like Auto-Plus on the inaugural event,” said Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Advance sales for the event continue to be extremely strong, and we look forward to working with Auto-Plus to create a memorable event for NHRA fans in the region.”

Tickets for the inaugural Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals are on sale now through NHRATix.com or by calling 800-884-NHRA (6472). For group tickets and camping, call 603-679-8001.

“Uni-Select and its Auto-Plus network is the industry’s gold standard,” said Joe Lombardo, New England Dragway general manager. “This partnership makes them an integral part of NHRA history in the New England marketplace.”

ELLIS TO RIDE SAVOIE’S WHITE ALLIGATOR RACING SUZUKI IN GAINESVILLE, CHARLOTTE: Veteran NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Chip Ellis will ride Jerry Savoie's White Alligator Racing Suzuki at the first two events of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series while Savoie continues to recover from minor surgery during the off-season. They also announced a partnership with Vance & Hines, which will provide power for the WAR Suzuki in 2013. Ellis will ride the WAR Suzuki as a stand-in for Savoie at the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville—the Pro Stock Motorcycle season opener—and again at the next race on the schedule, the Dollar General NHRA Four-Wide Nationals fueled by Full Throttle in Charlotte.

"I'm feeling fine, and I'm definitely on the road to recovery, but the doctors recommended that I don't jump right back on the motorcycle," said Savoie, who underwent surgery to eliminate bone spurs in his neck. "It's tough for me to sit still for too long, but I'm going to respect their wishes so that I can be 100% when it's time for me to get back on the bike. In the meantime, we feel that Chip was the right choice for us as a fill-in rider, and he's a friend of ours. I think he'll do a great job, and he has a lot of experience with the Vance & Hines product. We know he'll be an asset to our team, and we appreciate him coming onboard for Gainesville and Charlotte."

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 towards 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 www.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

SCHUMACHER SAYS HE PREFERS TO ‘WIN UGLY’: In taking his 70th career victory at Phoenix last Sunday, Tony Schumacher was forced to get on and off the throttle to guide his U.S. Army dragster to the finish line in front of final-round opponent Morgan Lucas. It was a thrilling tire-smoking battle that brought the NHRA Arizona Nationals crowd to its feet.

“When you can win ugly like that it is so much fun,” Schumacher said. “Both cars were set up to run really fast, and we both lost it and smoked the tires. It was lift, pedal, lift, pedal all the way down. I could hear Morgan beside me the whole time. As a driver, that kind of race is so much fun, and I enjoy winning like that more than a record run.”


INSIDE THE NUMBERS

75: NHRA LEGEND CONNIE KALITTA CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY IN PHOENIX: One of the pioneers of the sport of NHRA drag racing, Connie Kalitta, celebrated his 75th birthday on Sunday in Phoenix. Kalitta owns the Top Fuel dragsters driven by his nephew Doug Kalitta and David Grubnic and the Funny Car piloted by Del Worsham. The team also manages the Funny Car driven by Alexis DeJoria. During his career as a driver, Kalitta raced to 10 victories in Top Fuel. He has been heavily involved in the sport since the 1950s. 



DID YOU KNOW…

FORCE MENTORS ASPIRING FUNNY CAR DRIVER ON EPISODE OF NEW TV SERIES: Aspiring nitro Funny Car driver Brian Olatunji, who is part of a new SPEED channel reality series "Dreams To Champions," had a special mentor in 15-time NHRA Mello Yello champ John Force on Wednesday night’s episode, entitled "Perseverance Pays Off." In the episode, Olatunji, a mechanical engineer from Detroit with more than 15 years of racing experience, took viewers on a visit to the John Force Racing headquarters in Brownsburg, Indiana, where he seeks advice from one of drag racing's greatest icons.

"Advice from the champ is invaluable and has been an instrumental aspect of my development as a driver," said Olatunji, who has been chasing nitro dreams his entire life. His passion is closely tied to his family's involvement as management of the now defunct Detroit and Motor City Dragway beginning in 1971. His grandfather John Broaden was the first African-American manager of an NHRA-sanctioned facility. For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

Edited By SEMA Staff

NEWS NUGGETS

AMALIE OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS SET FOR EXCITEMENT: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series returns to Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville March 14–17 for the 44th annual Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, the third of 24 races in the 2013 season. The history and rich traditions at the annual East Coast opener have long made this race a strong draw for fans across the country, and for many, the Gators is a spring-break destination. Kids 12 and younger are admitted free with a paid adult. The Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, which will be telecast on ESPN2 and ESPN2HD, will also feature the season-debut of the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Riders will be looking to knock defending series champion Eddie Krawiec off his title perch. Last year, Krawiec and his Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle teammate Andrew Hines dominated the two-wheel category by winning 15 of the 16 events contested during the season.

This event has long been one of the premier stops on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series circuit, and a win in the Sunshine State is a huge feather in the cap for any racer. The roster of past winners reads like a who’s who of drag racing: Joe Amato (Top Fuel), Warren Johnson (Pro Stock), John Force (Funny Car) and the late Dave Schultz (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead their categories in wins, and numerous national records have been set at the venerable facility. Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel, pictured above), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Krawiec added their names to the history book with event wins in 2012. To purchase tickets, call 800-884-NHRA or visit NHRATIX.com online. For more information about the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, visit www.nhra.com.

SCHUMACHER, CAPPS, ENDERS-STEVENS COLLECT PHOENIX WINS: Tony Schumacher won a wild tire-smoking final round against Morgan Lucas last Sunday to claim the Top Fuel victory at the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway (FIR). Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) also were winners at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event near Phoenix. Schumacher raced to his 70th victory and fourth at FIR when he was able to get his 8,000-hp U.S. Army dragster under control and finish just in front of Lucas’ charging GEICO/Lucas Oil dragster. Both dragsters lost traction early in the side-by-side race, and both drivers were on and off the throttle as they navigated the dragstrip. In Funny Car, Capps outran teammate Matt Hagan in a final round featuring DSR Dodge Chargers while Enders-Stevens defeated top qualifier Mike Edwards on a holeshot start in Pro Stock. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

UNI-SELECT, AUTO-PLUS TO BECOME TITLE-RIGHTS SPONSOR OF INAUGURAL NHRA EVENT AT NEW ENGLAND DRAGWAY: Uni-Select USA and its Auto-Plus network of automotive retail stores have acquired title-rights sponsorship of the inaugural event at New England Dragway in Epping. The Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals is scheduled for June 20–23, and represents the first event in the New England area for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.

“We are extremely pleased to announce the expansion of our partnership with NHRA,” said Brent Windom, Uni-Select senior vice president, sales and marketing. “Our growth in participation with the NHRA saw more than 5,500 customers attend our events last year. We are excited to be an integral part of bringing NHRA Drag Racing to the New England market.”

Uni-Select USA and its Auto-Plus brand also serves as title-rights sponsor of the 29th annual Auto-Plus NHRA Nationals, October 3–6, at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading. In addition, the company holds naming rights to historic Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville. Auto-Plus is also the official auto-parts store of Atlanta Dragway—an NHRA-owned and -operated facility—as well as Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk.

“We’re thrilled to bring the excitement and power of NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing to New England and to have a great partner like Auto-Plus on the inaugural event,” said Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Advance sales for the event continue to be extremely strong, and we look forward to working with Auto-Plus to create a memorable event for NHRA fans in the region.”

Tickets for the inaugural Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals are on sale now through NHRATix.com or by calling 800-884-NHRA (6472). For group tickets and camping, call 603-679-8001.

“Uni-Select and its Auto-Plus network is the industry’s gold standard,” said Joe Lombardo, New England Dragway general manager. “This partnership makes them an integral part of NHRA history in the New England marketplace.”

ELLIS TO RIDE SAVOIE’S WHITE ALLIGATOR RACING SUZUKI IN GAINESVILLE, CHARLOTTE: Veteran NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Chip Ellis will ride Jerry Savoie's White Alligator Racing Suzuki at the first two events of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series while Savoie continues to recover from minor surgery during the off-season. They also announced a partnership with Vance & Hines, which will provide power for the WAR Suzuki in 2013. Ellis will ride the WAR Suzuki as a stand-in for Savoie at the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville—the Pro Stock Motorcycle season opener—and again at the next race on the schedule, the Dollar General NHRA Four-Wide Nationals fueled by Full Throttle in Charlotte.

"I'm feeling fine, and I'm definitely on the road to recovery, but the doctors recommended that I don't jump right back on the motorcycle," said Savoie, who underwent surgery to eliminate bone spurs in his neck. "It's tough for me to sit still for too long, but I'm going to respect their wishes so that I can be 100% when it's time for me to get back on the bike. In the meantime, we feel that Chip was the right choice for us as a fill-in rider, and he's a friend of ours. I think he'll do a great job, and he has a lot of experience with the Vance & Hines product. We know he'll be an asset to our team, and we appreciate him coming onboard for Gainesville and Charlotte."

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 towards 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 www.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

SCHUMACHER SAYS HE PREFERS TO ‘WIN UGLY’: In taking his 70th career victory at Phoenix last Sunday, Tony Schumacher was forced to get on and off the throttle to guide his U.S. Army dragster to the finish line in front of final-round opponent Morgan Lucas. It was a thrilling tire-smoking battle that brought the NHRA Arizona Nationals crowd to its feet.

“When you can win ugly like that it is so much fun,” Schumacher said. “Both cars were set up to run really fast, and we both lost it and smoked the tires. It was lift, pedal, lift, pedal all the way down. I could hear Morgan beside me the whole time. As a driver, that kind of race is so much fun, and I enjoy winning like that more than a record run.”


INSIDE THE NUMBERS

75: NHRA LEGEND CONNIE KALITTA CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY IN PHOENIX: One of the pioneers of the sport of NHRA drag racing, Connie Kalitta, celebrated his 75th birthday on Sunday in Phoenix. Kalitta owns the Top Fuel dragsters driven by his nephew Doug Kalitta and David Grubnic and the Funny Car piloted by Del Worsham. The team also manages the Funny Car driven by Alexis DeJoria. During his career as a driver, Kalitta raced to 10 victories in Top Fuel. He has been heavily involved in the sport since the 1950s. 



DID YOU KNOW…

FORCE MENTORS ASPIRING FUNNY CAR DRIVER ON EPISODE OF NEW TV SERIES: Aspiring nitro Funny Car driver Brian Olatunji, who is part of a new SPEED channel reality series "Dreams To Champions," had a special mentor in 15-time NHRA Mello Yello champ John Force on Wednesday night’s episode, entitled "Perseverance Pays Off." In the episode, Olatunji, a mechanical engineer from Detroit with more than 15 years of racing experience, took viewers on a visit to the John Force Racing headquarters in Brownsburg, Indiana, where he seeks advice from one of drag racing's greatest icons.

"Advice from the champ is invaluable and has been an instrumental aspect of my development as a driver," said Olatunji, who has been chasing nitro dreams his entire life. His passion is closely tied to his family's involvement as management of the now defunct Detroit and Motor City Dragway beginning in 1971. His grandfather John Broaden was the first African-American manager of an NHRA-sanctioned facility. For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

Edited By SEMA Staff

NEWS NUGGETS

AMALIE OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS SET FOR EXCITEMENT: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series returns to Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville March 14–17 for the 44th annual Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, the third of 24 races in the 2013 season. The history and rich traditions at the annual East Coast opener have long made this race a strong draw for fans across the country, and for many, the Gators is a spring-break destination. Kids 12 and younger are admitted free with a paid adult. The Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, which will be telecast on ESPN2 and ESPN2HD, will also feature the season-debut of the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Riders will be looking to knock defending series champion Eddie Krawiec off his title perch. Last year, Krawiec and his Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle teammate Andrew Hines dominated the two-wheel category by winning 15 of the 16 events contested during the season.

This event has long been one of the premier stops on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series circuit, and a win in the Sunshine State is a huge feather in the cap for any racer. The roster of past winners reads like a who’s who of drag racing: Joe Amato (Top Fuel), Warren Johnson (Pro Stock), John Force (Funny Car) and the late Dave Schultz (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead their categories in wins, and numerous national records have been set at the venerable facility. Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel, pictured above), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Krawiec added their names to the history book with event wins in 2012. To purchase tickets, call 800-884-NHRA or visit NHRATIX.com online. For more information about the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, visit www.nhra.com.

SCHUMACHER, CAPPS, ENDERS-STEVENS COLLECT PHOENIX WINS: Tony Schumacher won a wild tire-smoking final round against Morgan Lucas last Sunday to claim the Top Fuel victory at the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway (FIR). Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) also were winners at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event near Phoenix. Schumacher raced to his 70th victory and fourth at FIR when he was able to get his 8,000-hp U.S. Army dragster under control and finish just in front of Lucas’ charging GEICO/Lucas Oil dragster. Both dragsters lost traction early in the side-by-side race, and both drivers were on and off the throttle as they navigated the dragstrip. In Funny Car, Capps outran teammate Matt Hagan in a final round featuring DSR Dodge Chargers while Enders-Stevens defeated top qualifier Mike Edwards on a holeshot start in Pro Stock. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

UNI-SELECT, AUTO-PLUS TO BECOME TITLE-RIGHTS SPONSOR OF INAUGURAL NHRA EVENT AT NEW ENGLAND DRAGWAY: Uni-Select USA and its Auto-Plus network of automotive retail stores have acquired title-rights sponsorship of the inaugural event at New England Dragway in Epping. The Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals is scheduled for June 20–23, and represents the first event in the New England area for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.

“We are extremely pleased to announce the expansion of our partnership with NHRA,” said Brent Windom, Uni-Select senior vice president, sales and marketing. “Our growth in participation with the NHRA saw more than 5,500 customers attend our events last year. We are excited to be an integral part of bringing NHRA Drag Racing to the New England market.”

Uni-Select USA and its Auto-Plus brand also serves as title-rights sponsor of the 29th annual Auto-Plus NHRA Nationals, October 3–6, at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading. In addition, the company holds naming rights to historic Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville. Auto-Plus is also the official auto-parts store of Atlanta Dragway—an NHRA-owned and -operated facility—as well as Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk.

“We’re thrilled to bring the excitement and power of NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing to New England and to have a great partner like Auto-Plus on the inaugural event,” said Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Advance sales for the event continue to be extremely strong, and we look forward to working with Auto-Plus to create a memorable event for NHRA fans in the region.”

Tickets for the inaugural Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals are on sale now through NHRATix.com or by calling 800-884-NHRA (6472). For group tickets and camping, call 603-679-8001.

“Uni-Select and its Auto-Plus network is the industry’s gold standard,” said Joe Lombardo, New England Dragway general manager. “This partnership makes them an integral part of NHRA history in the New England marketplace.”

ELLIS TO RIDE SAVOIE’S WHITE ALLIGATOR RACING SUZUKI IN GAINESVILLE, CHARLOTTE: Veteran NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Chip Ellis will ride Jerry Savoie's White Alligator Racing Suzuki at the first two events of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series while Savoie continues to recover from minor surgery during the off-season. They also announced a partnership with Vance & Hines, which will provide power for the WAR Suzuki in 2013. Ellis will ride the WAR Suzuki as a stand-in for Savoie at the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville—the Pro Stock Motorcycle season opener—and again at the next race on the schedule, the Dollar General NHRA Four-Wide Nationals fueled by Full Throttle in Charlotte.

"I'm feeling fine, and I'm definitely on the road to recovery, but the doctors recommended that I don't jump right back on the motorcycle," said Savoie, who underwent surgery to eliminate bone spurs in his neck. "It's tough for me to sit still for too long, but I'm going to respect their wishes so that I can be 100% when it's time for me to get back on the bike. In the meantime, we feel that Chip was the right choice for us as a fill-in rider, and he's a friend of ours. I think he'll do a great job, and he has a lot of experience with the Vance & Hines product. We know he'll be an asset to our team, and we appreciate him coming onboard for Gainesville and Charlotte."

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 towards 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 www.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

SCHUMACHER SAYS HE PREFERS TO ‘WIN UGLY’: In taking his 70th career victory at Phoenix last Sunday, Tony Schumacher was forced to get on and off the throttle to guide his U.S. Army dragster to the finish line in front of final-round opponent Morgan Lucas. It was a thrilling tire-smoking battle that brought the NHRA Arizona Nationals crowd to its feet.

“When you can win ugly like that it is so much fun,” Schumacher said. “Both cars were set up to run really fast, and we both lost it and smoked the tires. It was lift, pedal, lift, pedal all the way down. I could hear Morgan beside me the whole time. As a driver, that kind of race is so much fun, and I enjoy winning like that more than a record run.”


INSIDE THE NUMBERS

75: NHRA LEGEND CONNIE KALITTA CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY IN PHOENIX: One of the pioneers of the sport of NHRA drag racing, Connie Kalitta, celebrated his 75th birthday on Sunday in Phoenix. Kalitta owns the Top Fuel dragsters driven by his nephew Doug Kalitta and David Grubnic and the Funny Car piloted by Del Worsham. The team also manages the Funny Car driven by Alexis DeJoria. During his career as a driver, Kalitta raced to 10 victories in Top Fuel. He has been heavily involved in the sport since the 1950s. 



DID YOU KNOW…

FORCE MENTORS ASPIRING FUNNY CAR DRIVER ON EPISODE OF NEW TV SERIES: Aspiring nitro Funny Car driver Brian Olatunji, who is part of a new SPEED channel reality series "Dreams To Champions," had a special mentor in 15-time NHRA Mello Yello champ John Force on Wednesday night’s episode, entitled "Perseverance Pays Off." In the episode, Olatunji, a mechanical engineer from Detroit with more than 15 years of racing experience, took viewers on a visit to the John Force Racing headquarters in Brownsburg, Indiana, where he seeks advice from one of drag racing's greatest icons.

"Advice from the champ is invaluable and has been an instrumental aspect of my development as a driver," said Olatunji, who has been chasing nitro dreams his entire life. His passion is closely tied to his family's involvement as management of the now defunct Detroit and Motor City Dragway beginning in 1971. His grandfather John Broaden was the first African-American manager of an NHRA-sanctioned facility. For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

For one week each year, the SEMA Show gathers the largest collection of outfitted, upgraded dirt shredders, people haulers and street machines that exist with the specialty-equipment industry. With the intent of turning heads, sparking ideas and igniting the imagination, these vehicles serve as mobile canvases for technicians and product engineers to realize their creative visions and provide a visual representation of what the industry and its companies are all about.

A new photo collection of the vehicles that helped make the 2012 SEMA Show a visual extravaganza are included each week in SEMA eNews. This week's collection features different models and styles of Cadillac.

For one week each year, the SEMA Show gathers the largest collection of outfitted, upgraded dirt shredders, people haulers and street machines that exist with the specialty-equipment industry. With the intent of turning heads, sparking ideas and igniting the imagination, these vehicles serve as mobile canvases for technicians and product engineers to realize their creative visions and provide a visual representation of what the industry and its companies are all about.

A new photo collection of the vehicles that helped make the 2012 SEMA Show a visual extravaganza are included each week in SEMA eNews. This week's collection features different models and styles of Cadillac.

	To help protect each company's investment, the SEMA Show only contracts with and endorses the Official Service Contractors listed in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual.

By SEMA Staff

The SEMA Show management team works year-round creating programs and refining proven strategies to provide more opportunities for exhibitors to maximize their Show investment. In addition to updated business-building attractions and new-product exposure, much of the preparation begins with SEMA Show exhibitors deciding how best to spend their trade show dollars.

Over the years exhibitors have been periodically contacted by non-official contractors to offer them "better deals" on items and services at the SEMA Show. To help protect each company's investment, the SEMA Show only contracts with and endorses the Official Service Contractors listed in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual.

SEMA does not sell the exhibitor lists or contact information to anyone, and non-official contractors often use public information available on the Internet to acquire an exhibitor's contact information.

While not endorsed or tolerated, SEMA recognizes that exhibitors may be solicited by non-official contractors for services such as carpet, AV/computer equipment, exhibit design and installation, booth cleaning, floral, freight shipping, photography, security, and vehicle detailing.

SEMA has also been contacted by exhibitors who were solicited by companies claiming to be the official housing company for the SEMA Show. SEMA has contracted ONLY with the Travel Planners to be the official company for the SEMA Show. There have also been recent reports that a company with a very similar name has been contacting Show exhibitors under the guise of the SEMA Show's official housing company.

The following companies are NOT affiliated with the SEMA Show:

• Book My Rooms LLC
• Convention Housing Management
• Convention Expo Travel
• Elite Corporate Planners
• Expo Housing
• Global Housing Management (GHM Travel)
• HDMC Group
• IEP Group
• International Events
• Le Company LLC
• TradeShow Housing
• Wholesale Travel Planners

SEMA urges exhibitors to be vigilant if contacted by other companies implying or claiming to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show, other than the Travel Planners. If you are solicited by the companies listed above or not sure if a business is affiliated with the SEMA Show, contact Marel Del Rio at mareld@sema.org.

In addition to potential scams for housing and Show services, exhibitors are also encouraged to be aware of directory guide scams. Different companies selling listings in their “Exhibitors Directory or Fair Guides” have been actively soliciting exhibitors that participate at numerous trade shows throughout the country, including the SEMA Show. These companies typically make it appear that there is a connection between their “Guide” and the SEMA Show.

The company may imply that your business has engaged with their “Guide” before saying “update your pre‐registered listing in our exhibitors’ directory...” or “Updating is Free of Charge.” However, in the agreement in very small type is a binding agreement that automatically renews every year (some up to a three-year commitment charging $1,500–$5,000 each year).

Examples of the companies to be aware of include:

• Fair Guide
• Expo-Guide Mexico
• World Business Guide – Madrid, Spain

For additional information on potential Show scams and what to be aware of, view the Solicitations Warning—Unauthorized Services section of the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual. For more information or to inform SEMA of interaction with a company that may be a potential scam, contact Marel Del Rio at mareld@sema.org.

	To help protect each company's investment, the SEMA Show only contracts with and endorses the Official Service Contractors listed in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual.

By SEMA Staff

The SEMA Show management team works year-round creating programs and refining proven strategies to provide more opportunities for exhibitors to maximize their Show investment. In addition to updated business-building attractions and new-product exposure, much of the preparation begins with SEMA Show exhibitors deciding how best to spend their trade show dollars.

Over the years exhibitors have been periodically contacted by non-official contractors to offer them "better deals" on items and services at the SEMA Show. To help protect each company's investment, the SEMA Show only contracts with and endorses the Official Service Contractors listed in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual.

SEMA does not sell the exhibitor lists or contact information to anyone, and non-official contractors often use public information available on the Internet to acquire an exhibitor's contact information.

While not endorsed or tolerated, SEMA recognizes that exhibitors may be solicited by non-official contractors for services such as carpet, AV/computer equipment, exhibit design and installation, booth cleaning, floral, freight shipping, photography, security, and vehicle detailing.

SEMA has also been contacted by exhibitors who were solicited by companies claiming to be the official housing company for the SEMA Show. SEMA has contracted ONLY with the Travel Planners to be the official company for the SEMA Show. There have also been recent reports that a company with a very similar name has been contacting Show exhibitors under the guise of the SEMA Show's official housing company.

The following companies are NOT affiliated with the SEMA Show:

• Book My Rooms LLC
• Convention Housing Management
• Convention Expo Travel
• Elite Corporate Planners
• Expo Housing
• Global Housing Management (GHM Travel)
• HDMC Group
• IEP Group
• International Events
• Le Company LLC
• TradeShow Housing
• Wholesale Travel Planners

SEMA urges exhibitors to be vigilant if contacted by other companies implying or claiming to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show, other than the Travel Planners. If you are solicited by the companies listed above or not sure if a business is affiliated with the SEMA Show, contact Marel Del Rio at mareld@sema.org.

In addition to potential scams for housing and Show services, exhibitors are also encouraged to be aware of directory guide scams. Different companies selling listings in their “Exhibitors Directory or Fair Guides” have been actively soliciting exhibitors that participate at numerous trade shows throughout the country, including the SEMA Show. These companies typically make it appear that there is a connection between their “Guide” and the SEMA Show.

The company may imply that your business has engaged with their “Guide” before saying “update your pre‐registered listing in our exhibitors’ directory...” or “Updating is Free of Charge.” However, in the agreement in very small type is a binding agreement that automatically renews every year (some up to a three-year commitment charging $1,500–$5,000 each year).

Examples of the companies to be aware of include:

• Fair Guide
• Expo-Guide Mexico
• World Business Guide – Madrid, Spain

For additional information on potential Show scams and what to be aware of, view the Solicitations Warning—Unauthorized Services section of the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual. For more information or to inform SEMA of interaction with a company that may be a potential scam, contact Marel Del Rio at mareld@sema.org.

Compiled and Edited by SEMA Staff

	The custom-made Ferrambo, donated to LeMay Museum by Mike Warn of Warn Industries, is part '60 Rambler and part Ferrari.

LeMay Receives ’64 Buick Wildcat Prototype and Ferrambo
LeMay — America's Car Museum recently announced to new donations: a ’64 Buick Wildcat prototype and the Ridler Award-winning hot-rod Ferrambo. Both vehicles now join the museum's collection of more than 300 cars, trucks and motorcycles.

The custom-made Ferrari Red Ferrambo, donated by Mike Warn of Pacific Northwest-based Warn Industries, is part ’60 Rambler and part Ferrari (hence the name Ferrambo). Warn said he wanted to create a car that combined American engineering and strength with European style and performance. In 2008, Warn’s brainchild, which took him more than two years to construct, captured the Ridler Award at Detroit’s Autorama, driving the car’s estimated value to $750,000.

The keys to the ’64 Buick Wildcat prototype were handed to ACM President and CEO David Madeira by museum member Paul Ianuario. General Motors designed the Wildcat to complement the Corvette, but the fiberglass-bodied performance car never went into production, making Ianuario’s prototype extremely rare. With a 401 Nailhead V8 hot-rod motor and only 3,893 miles, the Wildcat is also valued at $750,000. 

Strattec Redesigns Website, Adds Vehicle-Match Database  
Strattec Security Corp. has updated its website to include a new design, vehicle-match database and section for distributors. Available at www.boltlock.com, the website includes detailed descriptions of BOLT products, and a "How It Works" tutorial video demonstrating BOLT's One-Key Lock Technology. The site also features a vehicle-match database that allows users to see all of the different lock types that will fit their specific vehicle.

	Maradyne High Performance Fans' National Sales Manager Fred Garza will present the seminar, "Static Pressure and Why It's Important," during the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show.

Maradyne's Fred Garza to Present Seminar at Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show
Maradyne High Performance Fans' National Sales Manager Fred Garza will present the seminar, "Static Pressure and Why It's Important," during the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. Scheduled for Thursday, March 14, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Garza will offer an explanation of operating CFM through the use of static pressure charts and clarify how you can tell if a fan will really keep your hot rod cool. Garza has been employed by Maradyne High Performance Fans for nearly a decade, rising from field sales representative selling DC Motors, axial fans and radial blowers for the OEM mobile HVAC industry to national sales manager. 

B.R.A.K.E.S. 2013 Courses Begin This Weekend
B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) announced that it will conduct its first Teen Pro-Active Driving Course of 2013, Saturday and Sunday, February 23–24, at the zMax Dragway in Concord, North Carolina. The course teaches teenage motorists greater concentration, confidence and command behind the wheel through a program of five challenging exercises taught by a team of accomplished, professional instructors. 

“This year, we’re going to be pretty busy as our driving school schedule continues to expand,” said Doug Herbert, B.R.A.K.E.S. founder. “We enter each year with a feeling of excitement and anticipation, knowing how B.R.A.K.E.S. is helping to make teens better and safer drivers—and that translates into saving the lives of these kids by giving them the kind of skills they just can’t learn anywhere else.” Registration and information are available at www.PutOnTheBrakes.org.

Illumaware  and FMI Automotive Form Partnership
FMI Automotive has signed an agreement with Illumaware LLC through which Illumaware will maintain FMI Automotive aftermarket data in Evokat—a 100% online software tool. FMI aftermarket data will be presented electronically in a custom-branded catalog with year/make/model lookup and product information for its distribution, jobber and professional service technician customers to access.

“Our new partnership with Illumaware will make it easier and more efficient for our customers to access information about the FMI premium performance water pump line,” said Lee. “We selected Evokat because of its ease of use, increased speed to market capabilities, monthly validation to the latest AAIA standards and the productivity achieved through Evokat’s direct ACES to print capability.” 

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. 

Edited By SEMA Staff

NEWS NUGGETS

LANGDON, C. FORCE, NOBILE TAKE SEASON-OPENING WINS: Courtney Force raced to victory in Funny Car last Sunday at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel) and Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) also were winners at the first of 24 events in the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Force, 24, powered her Traxxas Ford Mustang past NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger driver Ron Capps with a pass of 4.025 seconds at 317.12 mph to earn her second career victory. In Top Fuel, Langdon, 30, drove his Al-Anabi Racing dragster to the win with his pass of 3.721 at 322.27, defeating seven-time champion Tony Schumacher and the U.S. Army team. In front of a hometown crowd, Langdon said his second victory is so much sweeter than the first. Nobile, 21, rounded out the youngest trio to ever share the podium at an NHRA national event by taking the Pro Stock title over Jeg Coughlin Jr. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

SCHUMACHER READY TO MOUNT ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP RUN: U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher had an incredible 2012 season that brought him to within seven points of earning another world championship trophy. During the brand-new 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season, the seven-time world champion is ready to go back to work with his U.S. Army team as they pursue another title. Riding the momentum from a runner-up finish at the season-opening event at Pomona, California, last weekend and three career victories at Firebird International Raceway, Schumacher is anxious to return to the NHRA Arizona Nationals, February 22–24. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) are the defending event champions at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event, which will be televised on ESPN2 HD.

“We ran 330 mph for the first time there (Phoenix), and we’ve won there a lot,” Schumacher said. “We perform good there for the U.S. Army. I really enjoy going there. For one reason, it’s early in the year and the weather is wonderful and better in February than where I live near Chicago, where it’s 10 degrees. The fans are phenomenal and the fans have always been really good to us in Phoenix.”

For tickets, call 602-268-0200 or go online to purchase at www.firebirdraceway.com. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

NHRA PARTNERS WITH TEN80 EDUCATION AND THE U.S. ARMY: The NHRA, the U.S. Army, and Ten80 Education are kicking off 2013 by immersing students, educators and administrators from across Southern California in the real-life applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts and careers. The Ten80 Student Racing Challenge is a STEM curriculum and optional competition league adopted by schools in 29 states. Students will be put to the test as they work in teams and compete to optimize performance of high-tech tools, such as a 1:10-scale radio-controlled (RC) race cars, fuel cells, robots and (new for summer 2013) flight vehicles, including helicopters. Students across the nation, supported by Ten80’s coalition of engineers and educators, collaborate and compete through challenges that directly parallel the arduous preparation of real racing, engineering and executive teams.

“I couldn’t think of a better partnership to advance NHRA’s youth initiative," said Brett Lyons, NHRA marketing and education manager. "Joining forces with Ten80 Education and applying these STEM concepts to drag racing will get these students on the fast track to their future in a fun and educational way.”

Five regional kickoff events will be hosted by the NHRA, at NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events in Pomona, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Atlanta and Dallas. Tony Schumacher, driver of the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster, and Antron Brown, driver of the Matco Tools dragster, will take part in these events as guest speakers.

DOLLAR GENERAL NAMED TITLE SPONSOR OF NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS: Dollar General, a small-box discount retailer, will become the title-rights sponsor of the first of two NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, North Carolina. The fourth annual Dollar General NHRA Four-Wide Nationals fueled by Full Throttle—the official energy drink of the NHRA—will be held at the track April 19–21, 2013. Considered by many as the greatest spectacle in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, the Dollar General NHRA Four-Wide Nationals fueled by Full Throttle is the only event on the annual 24-race schedule featuring the fastest-accelerating machines racing side by side in a four-wide configuration, including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle.

“Our partnership with Dollar General provides a great opportunity to reach and expose the NHRA brand to a broad audience,” said Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Dollar General has an excellent presence in the region and will be a strong activating partner in the marketplace.”

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

K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE PEOPLE’S CHOICE VOTING BEGINS: People’s Choice voting for the K&N Horsepower Challenge—a special bonus event for NHRA Pro Stock teams—opened Thursday, February 14—the first day of racing for the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. NHRA fans can register to vote for their favorite Pro Stock driver who is not already qualified for the event that will be contested Saturday, April 6, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals. The K&N Horsepower Challenge is a race within a race that pits the seven Pro Stock racers who have accumulated the most qualifying points since the last specialty event (July 2012) and one driver selected by fans in an online vote. The K&N Horsepower Challenge will feature three rounds of racing, and the winner will earn $50,000. In addition to voting for the eighth driver, fans can participate by entering the K&N Horsepower Challenge Sweepstakes. From the entries received, eight finalists will be chosen who will receive a trip for themselves and a companion to Las Vegas for the 14th annual SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals, April 5–7. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.


COMING ATTRACTIONS



NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS, Firebird International Raceway, February 22–24: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series makes its second stop of the 2013 season just south of downtown Phoenix. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will earn points toward the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series regular season points standings. The 2012 winners of the event were Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 602-268-0200 or visit firebird.ticketforce.com.

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 Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will earn points toward NHRA 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 www.lvms.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

NO BETTER WAY TO KICK OFF THE 2013 SEASON THAN WITH A VICTORY FOR SOPHOMORE SENSATION COURTNEY FORCE: It was a story-book ending for Funny Car driver Courtney Force as she took home the Wally at the season-opening O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winernationals to start her sophomore campaign. After a runner-up finish at the Auto Club NHRA Finals last year, Force was eager to start the 2013 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series off on a high note. It was a total team effort as she powered her Traxxas Ford Mustang to victory.

“It was kind of bittersweet finishing here [at the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in November] and not getting that win, then coming back and picking up where we left off and finishing our job. We got the win, and I’m just proud of my team.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

25: ANNIVERSARY OF NHRA’S YOUTH AND EDUCATION SERVICES PROGRAM: The NHRA’s Youth & Education Services (YES) program, presented by the U.S. Army, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2013 and continues to inspire and provide career guidance to thousands of high school and college students all across the United States. Created in 1989 as way to connect education and drag racing, the YES program is a one-day event held at 12 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events each season. The YES program demonstrates to young men and women the variety of career opportunities within motorsports, the U.S. Army and the automotive industry. The central themes of the YES program are the need for continued education; value of job-specific training; relevance of establishing clear, attainable goals; and awareness of the variety of career options surrounding motorsports. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story. 


DID YOU KNOW…

NHRA LAUNCHES 2013 NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES SWEEPSTAKES: The NHRA will again give its fans an opportunity to become winners during the season as it unveiled the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Sweepstakes. The Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Sweepstakes will allow one NHRA fan to win a brand-new retro-inspired Ford Mustang GT Premium—one of the most widely recognized, respected and desired musclecars in the automotive industry. The sweepstakes kicked off on February 14, during the start of the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season with the 53rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Fans can enter to win the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Sweepstakes by logging on to www.nhra.com or at kiosks that will be set up at every NHRA national event track during the 24-race season. Entries close at midnight (EST) December 6, with winners announced thereafter. Residents of the United States/Washington, D.C., who are at least 18 years old can enter the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Sweepstakes. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

Edited By SEMA Staff

NEWS NUGGETS

LANGDON, C. FORCE, NOBILE TAKE SEASON-OPENING WINS: Courtney Force raced to victory in Funny Car last Sunday at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel) and Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) also were winners at the first of 24 events in the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Force, 24, powered her Traxxas Ford Mustang past NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger driver Ron Capps with a pass of 4.025 seconds at 317.12 mph to earn her second career victory. In Top Fuel, Langdon, 30, drove his Al-Anabi Racing dragster to the win with his pass of 3.721 at 322.27, defeating seven-time champion Tony Schumacher and the U.S. Army team. In front of a hometown crowd, Langdon said his second victory is so much sweeter than the first. Nobile, 21, rounded out the youngest trio to ever share the podium at an NHRA national event by taking the Pro Stock title over Jeg Coughlin Jr. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

SCHUMACHER READY TO MOUNT ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP RUN: U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher had an incredible 2012 season that brought him to within seven points of earning another world championship trophy. During the brand-new 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season, the seven-time world champion is ready to go back to work with his U.S. Army team as they pursue another title. Riding the momentum from a runner-up finish at the season-opening event at Pomona, California, last weekend and three career victories at Firebird International Raceway, Schumacher is anxious to return to the NHRA Arizona Nationals, February 22–24. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) are the defending event champions at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event, which will be televised on ESPN2 HD.

“We ran 330 mph for the first time there (Phoenix), and we’ve won there a lot,” Schumacher said. “We perform good there for the U.S. Army. I really enjoy going there. For one reason, it’s early in the year and the weather is wonderful and better in February than where I live near Chicago, where it’s 10 degrees. The fans are phenomenal and the fans have always been really good to us in Phoenix.”

For tickets, call 602-268-0200 or go online to purchase at www.firebirdraceway.com. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

NHRA PARTNERS WITH TEN80 EDUCATION AND THE U.S. ARMY: The NHRA, the U.S. Army, and Ten80 Education are kicking off 2013 by immersing students, educators and administrators from across Southern California in the real-life applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts and careers. The Ten80 Student Racing Challenge is a STEM curriculum and optional competition league adopted by schools in 29 states. Students will be put to the test as they work in teams and compete to optimize performance of high-tech tools, such as a 1:10-scale radio-controlled (RC) race cars, fuel cells, robots and (new for summer 2013) flight vehicles, including helicopters. Students across the nation, supported by Ten80’s coalition of engineers and educators, collaborate and compete through challenges that directly parallel the arduous preparation of real racing, engineering and executive teams.

“I couldn’t think of a better partnership to advance NHRA’s youth initiative," said Brett Lyons, NHRA marketing and education manager. "Joining forces with Ten80 Education and applying these STEM concepts to drag racing will get these students on the fast track to their future in a fun and educational way.”

Five regional kickoff events will be hosted by the NHRA, at NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events in Pomona, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Atlanta and Dallas. Tony Schumacher, driver of the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster, and Antron Brown, driver of the Matco Tools dragster, will take part in these events as guest speakers.

DOLLAR GENERAL NAMED TITLE SPONSOR OF NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS: Dollar General, a small-box discount retailer, will become the title-rights sponsor of the first of two NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, North Carolina. The fourth annual Dollar General NHRA Four-Wide Nationals fueled by Full Throttle—the official energy drink of the NHRA—will be held at the track April 19–21, 2013. Considered by many as the greatest spectacle in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, the Dollar General NHRA Four-Wide Nationals fueled by Full Throttle is the only event on the annual 24-race schedule featuring the fastest-accelerating machines racing side by side in a four-wide configuration, including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle.

“Our partnership with Dollar General provides a great opportunity to reach and expose the NHRA brand to a broad audience,” said Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Dollar General has an excellent presence in the region and will be a strong activating partner in the marketplace.”

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

K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE PEOPLE’S CHOICE VOTING BEGINS: People’s Choice voting for the K&N Horsepower Challenge—a special bonus event for NHRA Pro Stock teams—opened Thursday, February 14—the first day of racing for the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. NHRA fans can register to vote for their favorite Pro Stock driver who is not already qualified for the event that will be contested Saturday, April 6, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals. The K&N Horsepower Challenge is a race within a race that pits the seven Pro Stock racers who have accumulated the most qualifying points since the last specialty event (July 2012) and one driver selected by fans in an online vote. The K&N Horsepower Challenge will feature three rounds of racing, and the winner will earn $50,000. In addition to voting for the eighth driver, fans can participate by entering the K&N Horsepower Challenge Sweepstakes. From the entries received, eight finalists will be chosen who will receive a trip for themselves and a companion to Las Vegas for the 14th annual SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals, April 5–7. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.


COMING ATTRACTIONS



NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS, Firebird International Raceway, February 22–24: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series makes its second stop of the 2013 season just south of downtown Phoenix. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will earn points toward the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series regular season points standings. The 2012 winners of the event were Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 602-268-0200 or visit firebird.ticketforce.com.

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 Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will earn points toward NHRA 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 www.lvms.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

NO BETTER WAY TO KICK OFF THE 2013 SEASON THAN WITH A VICTORY FOR SOPHOMORE SENSATION COURTNEY FORCE: It was a story-book ending for Funny Car driver Courtney Force as she took home the Wally at the season-opening O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winernationals to start her sophomore campaign. After a runner-up finish at the Auto Club NHRA Finals last year, Force was eager to start the 2013 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series off on a high note. It was a total team effort as she powered her Traxxas Ford Mustang to victory.

“It was kind of bittersweet finishing here [at the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in November] and not getting that win, then coming back and picking up where we left off and finishing our job. We got the win, and I’m just proud of my team.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

25: ANNIVERSARY OF NHRA’S YOUTH AND EDUCATION SERVICES PROGRAM: The NHRA’s Youth & Education Services (YES) program, presented by the U.S. Army, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2013 and continues to inspire and provide career guidance to thousands of high school and college students all across the United States. Created in 1989 as way to connect education and drag racing, the YES program is a one-day event held at 12 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events each season. The YES program demonstrates to young men and women the variety of career opportunities within motorsports, the U.S. Army and the automotive industry. The central themes of the YES program are the need for continued education; value of job-specific training; relevance of establishing clear, attainable goals; and awareness of the variety of career options surrounding motorsports. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story. 


DID YOU KNOW…

NHRA LAUNCHES 2013 NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES SWEEPSTAKES: The NHRA will again give its fans an opportunity to become winners during the season as it unveiled the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Sweepstakes. The Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Sweepstakes will allow one NHRA fan to win a brand-new retro-inspired Ford Mustang GT Premium—one of the most widely recognized, respected and desired musclecars in the automotive industry. The sweepstakes kicked off on February 14, during the start of the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season with the 53rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Fans can enter to win the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Sweepstakes by logging on to www.nhra.com or at kiosks that will be set up at every NHRA national event track during the 24-race season. Entries close at midnight (EST) December 6, with winners announced thereafter. Residents of the United States/Washington, D.C., who are at least 18 years old can enter the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Sweepstakes. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.