SEMA News—July 2011

Restyling & Car Care Accessories New Products

As with other market segments, restyling customers have increasingly turned to the Internet to research available products and the companies that provide installation services. This surge in electronic communications provides unprecedented opportunities, so restylers have joined other specialty-equipment businesses in educating themselves about website design and tracking, social media, smartphone technology and other emergent marketing channels.

In the pages that follow, we present a comprehensive sampling of the car care and restyling products that were introduced at the 2010 SEMA Show. The breadth of these innovative offerings showcases the strength of the industry.

We’ve also included comments about where the market has been and where it is going from some of the leading voices in the restyling segment. While they touch on myriad industry trends and opportunities, the thread that unites them is their passion for commerce and their optimism about what lies ahead.

View More than 100 Restyling & Care Care New Products and Expert Comments from the 2010 SEMA Show on PDF.

AAC Car Cover Inc. 3D Covers 877/258-2975 www.aaccarcover.com Our protective custom car covers are for any type of vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, RVs, buses, boats and small aircraft. We also offer custom car cover designs that display a fun variety of animal shapes or other distinctive features and 3-D accessories.		ACS Composite-Advanced Composite Specialties ACS SS9 Camaro Hood 514/828-1000 www.acscomposite.com PN: 33-4-003 The ACS SS9 modular hood, manufactured in ACS’s validated RTM process, features a domed cowl higher than the original and available with a choice of three interchangeable hood inserts to change the look of your SS9 hood in minutes. Includes a window, an extractor and a carbon insert.
3M 3M Accuspray System 877/666-2277 www.3m.com/automotive PN: 16570 The 3M Accuspray system combines a high-performance TTVLP primer spray gun with an innovative replaceable atomizing head. It delivers a flatter, smoother finish; reduces overspray; cuts masking, sanding and cleaning time; improves productivity; and lowers primer and solvent consumption		Stainless Showworks Inc. ’05–’09 Mustang V6, GT and Shelby Full-Piece Hood-Prop Rod Elimination 541/621-8411 www.mustangstainless.com PN: 2005-9 BFG This kit is a brushed stainless dress up kit that will eliminate the use of the hood prop rod and will include a gas shock hood lift kit for holding the hood up in place.
3M 3M Perfect-It Denibbing System 877/666-2277 www.3m.com/denib PN: 7653 Removes dirt nibs faster and easier, reducing the denibbing time and improving your productivity. The micro-sanding technology allows users to work where the car is.		Auto Tecknic Mercedes Benz W204 C Class Grille 626/275-4155 www.autotecknic.com PN: MB-0168 AutoTecknic matte black grille. Aggressive design and precise fitment for the Mercedes-Benz W204 C Class.

The restyling industry is facing a rapidly changing marketplace due to powerful factors: globalization, eCommerce, rising fuel costs, inflation and general unpredictability in today’s world. The new economic paradigm requires that business owners adapt quickly to change and be open to opportunities. Function over fashion is the most significant trend in the restyling segment. Products with true functionality have vastly outpaced counterparts that are only visual in nature. Quite simply, consumer discretionary income is tighter than ever, and products that combine function and fashion are doing best. Consumers are looking for items that provide comfort, safety and performance along with style. Products with these key attributes coupled with continual innovation and improvement will drive increased demand. That being said, the cost of fuel is the throttle on the entire economy and affects everything from tomatoes to tonneau covers. Price any item in the local grocery, and you’ll see the uptick; the increases are small but will be painful over time. Without a real focus on U.S. energy policy, fuel costs will have a major impact on the entire economy. Our industry will be no exception. —Jason Braun Executive Vice President, Meyer Distributing Inc.

ACS Composite-Advanced Composite Specialties T2 T3 2010 Camaro Bumper 514/828-1000 www.acscomposite.com PN: 33-4-037 ACS’s T3 Bumper is a replacement front fascia for ’10–’11 Camaros. It features dual cooling ports and a functional splitter. Individual components can also be purchased individually to be installed on any SS fascia.		ACS Composite-Advanced Composite Specialties Specter GTZ Camaro Hood 248/583-9559 www.spectergtr.com PN: SWS10501001 Specter’s GTZ Camaro Hood is a replacement heat extractor hood that not only has an aggressive look, but also releases high-pressure air and heat from the engine bay while negating front-end lift.
Stainless Showworks Inc. ’05–’09 Mustang V6, GT and Shelby Hood Prop Rod Elimination Dress-Up Kit 541/621-8411 www.mustangstainless.com PN: 05 RADCVR-GT PSN This mirrored polished dress-up kit requires the radiator cover extensions and requires the gas shock hood lift.		Autoglym Leather Cleaner 305/266-3887 www.autoglym.com PN: LC500US A premium formulation with specialized cleaning and deodorizing agents that safely cleans and freshens automotive leather upholstery and prepares the hide for nourishing preservative treatments.

View More than 100 Restyling & Care Care New Products and Expert Comments from the 2010 SEMA Show on PDF.

Altec Products Inc. C6 Corvette Leather Door Sill Enhancer 800/797-9035 www.altecproducts.com PN: 626 C6 Leather Door Sill Enhancer is constructed of quality genuine leather. Official GM licensed embroidered logo. Installation with 3M VHB tape. Accents leather interior.		Autoglym Interior Shampoo 305/266-3887 www.autoglym.com PN: CIS500US Contains a complex blend of surface-active ingredients to quickly and safely deep clean synthetic fabric seat upholstery, trim, carpets and roof linings.
Lethal Threat Designs Fully Embroidered Work Shirt 914/207-0343 www.lethalthreat.com PN: FE50101 Fully embroidered back design. Embroidered Lethal Threat Motor Gear pocket logo. Lethal Threat sticker hang tag. Made in the U.S.A. We can customize it.		Autoglym Autoglym Bumper Care 305/266-3887 www.autoglym.com PN: BC500US Cleanses and revives unpainted molded bumpers, fenders, grilles, mirror casings, door handles, tire walls and mud flaps. It will completely restore the blackest of blacks.
Coast to Coast International CCI Grille Overlay 800/999-8987 www.coast2coastinternational.com PN: IWCGI/90 The IWCGI/90 is a brand-new CCI Grille Overlay for the ’11 GMC Sierra HD. CCI Grille Overlays are known for their quick-fit installation and quality finish. All CCI Grille Overlays come with a limited lifetime warranty.		Auto Mats Accessories Inc. Collegiate Logo All Weather Mat 800/570-0704 automatsandaccessories.com PN: 5400 Licensed collegiate logos on universal all-weather mat made from recycled products. Manufactured in the U.S.A. Other logo art available. Artwork on driver’s and passenger’s sides.

Our world is becoming more complicated, and emerging technologies are playing an increasing role. Restylers should embrace technology. What you’ve been doing for the past 25 years won’t guarantee you a future, so be willing to learn technology integration. When the banks did their correction to lending policies in 2008–2009, it left consumers hungry for amenities, such as electronics and leather. After the realignment, some car buyers couldn’t get approved for higher-priced vehicles. Nicer amenities became a natural addition for these types of buyers. Leather continues to be at the top of the most-requested products for interiors. Consumers hunger for color selections other than what the factory offers. They’re also interested in navigation, backup-assist products and hands-free management systems. The most significant products for our company continue to be sunroofs, but we’ve also added graphics and a clear bra product to our lines. Retro-looking cars lend themselves to racing stripes more now than ever before. The vehicle mix has also changed. In past years, dealerships sold five new cars for every one used car; now the ratio has changed to one used for every one new. For that reason, restylers selling to car dealerships should target the pre-owned lots. —Diana Braschler Owner, Dealer Source Ltd.

Braille Battery Braille INTENSITY 480R 10-lb. Group 48 Lithium Carbon Fiber OEM Performance Replacement Battery 941/312-5047 www.braillebattery.com PN: 480R Braille INTENSITY 480R Lithium Carbon Fiber 10-lb. Group 48 Performance Battery. SealedSafe race-winning technology. Saves up to 50 lbs. from the vehicle. Made in the U.S.A.		Au-tomotive Gold Inc. Alabama License Plate Frame 800/358-7843 www.autogold.com PN:LFWC.ALA.RED Alabama metal license plate frame. More than 400 different colleges are available in college colors.
Au-tomotive Gold Inc. Skull Trailer Hitch Cover 800/358-7843 www.autogold.com PN: T-SKL-C Skull Trailer Hitch Cover. Stainless steel with a lifetime warranty.		Avery’s Floor Mats Select Touring StainResist Carpeted Floor Mats 800/541-7397 www.averysfloormats.com PN: 4pc car set Select touring floor mats treated with StainResist Technology; 28-oz. densely-woven nylon yarn. Action Back natural rubber backing. Eight colors with serged binding. Made in the U.S.A.

SEMA News—July 2011

Restyling & Car Care Accessories New Products

As with other market segments, restyling customers have increasingly turned to the Internet to research available products and the companies that provide installation services. This surge in electronic communications provides unprecedented opportunities, so restylers have joined other specialty-equipment businesses in educating themselves about website design and tracking, social media, smartphone technology and other emergent marketing channels.

In the pages that follow, we present a comprehensive sampling of the car care and restyling products that were introduced at the 2010 SEMA Show. The breadth of these innovative offerings showcases the strength of the industry.

We’ve also included comments about where the market has been and where it is going from some of the leading voices in the restyling segment. While they touch on myriad industry trends and opportunities, the thread that unites them is their passion for commerce and their optimism about what lies ahead.

View More than 100 Restyling & Care Care New Products and Expert Comments from the 2010 SEMA Show on PDF.

AAC Car Cover Inc. 3D Covers 877/258-2975 www.aaccarcover.com Our protective custom car covers are for any type of vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, RVs, buses, boats and small aircraft. We also offer custom car cover designs that display a fun variety of animal shapes or other distinctive features and 3-D accessories.		ACS Composite-Advanced Composite Specialties ACS SS9 Camaro Hood 514/828-1000 www.acscomposite.com PN: 33-4-003 The ACS SS9 modular hood, manufactured in ACS’s validated RTM process, features a domed cowl higher than the original and available with a choice of three interchangeable hood inserts to change the look of your SS9 hood in minutes. Includes a window, an extractor and a carbon insert.
3M 3M Accuspray System 877/666-2277 www.3m.com/automotive PN: 16570 The 3M Accuspray system combines a high-performance TTVLP primer spray gun with an innovative replaceable atomizing head. It delivers a flatter, smoother finish; reduces overspray; cuts masking, sanding and cleaning time; improves productivity; and lowers primer and solvent consumption		Stainless Showworks Inc. ’05–’09 Mustang V6, GT and Shelby Full-Piece Hood-Prop Rod Elimination 541/621-8411 www.mustangstainless.com PN: 2005-9 BFG This kit is a brushed stainless dress up kit that will eliminate the use of the hood prop rod and will include a gas shock hood lift kit for holding the hood up in place.
3M 3M Perfect-It Denibbing System 877/666-2277 www.3m.com/denib PN: 7653 Removes dirt nibs faster and easier, reducing the denibbing time and improving your productivity. The micro-sanding technology allows users to work where the car is.		Auto Tecknic Mercedes Benz W204 C Class Grille 626/275-4155 www.autotecknic.com PN: MB-0168 AutoTecknic matte black grille. Aggressive design and precise fitment for the Mercedes-Benz W204 C Class.

The restyling industry is facing a rapidly changing marketplace due to powerful factors: globalization, eCommerce, rising fuel costs, inflation and general unpredictability in today’s world. The new economic paradigm requires that business owners adapt quickly to change and be open to opportunities. Function over fashion is the most significant trend in the restyling segment. Products with true functionality have vastly outpaced counterparts that are only visual in nature. Quite simply, consumer discretionary income is tighter than ever, and products that combine function and fashion are doing best. Consumers are looking for items that provide comfort, safety and performance along with style. Products with these key attributes coupled with continual innovation and improvement will drive increased demand. That being said, the cost of fuel is the throttle on the entire economy and affects everything from tomatoes to tonneau covers. Price any item in the local grocery, and you’ll see the uptick; the increases are small but will be painful over time. Without a real focus on U.S. energy policy, fuel costs will have a major impact on the entire economy. Our industry will be no exception. —Jason Braun Executive Vice President, Meyer Distributing Inc.

ACS Composite-Advanced Composite Specialties T2 T3 2010 Camaro Bumper 514/828-1000 www.acscomposite.com PN: 33-4-037 ACS’s T3 Bumper is a replacement front fascia for ’10–’11 Camaros. It features dual cooling ports and a functional splitter. Individual components can also be purchased individually to be installed on any SS fascia.		ACS Composite-Advanced Composite Specialties Specter GTZ Camaro Hood 248/583-9559 www.spectergtr.com PN: SWS10501001 Specter’s GTZ Camaro Hood is a replacement heat extractor hood that not only has an aggressive look, but also releases high-pressure air and heat from the engine bay while negating front-end lift.
Stainless Showworks Inc. ’05–’09 Mustang V6, GT and Shelby Hood Prop Rod Elimination Dress-Up Kit 541/621-8411 www.mustangstainless.com PN: 05 RADCVR-GT PSN This mirrored polished dress-up kit requires the radiator cover extensions and requires the gas shock hood lift.		Autoglym Leather Cleaner 305/266-3887 www.autoglym.com PN: LC500US A premium formulation with specialized cleaning and deodorizing agents that safely cleans and freshens automotive leather upholstery and prepares the hide for nourishing preservative treatments.

View More than 100 Restyling & Care Care New Products and Expert Comments from the 2010 SEMA Show on PDF.

Altec Products Inc. C6 Corvette Leather Door Sill Enhancer 800/797-9035 www.altecproducts.com PN: 626 C6 Leather Door Sill Enhancer is constructed of quality genuine leather. Official GM licensed embroidered logo. Installation with 3M VHB tape. Accents leather interior.		Autoglym Interior Shampoo 305/266-3887 www.autoglym.com PN: CIS500US Contains a complex blend of surface-active ingredients to quickly and safely deep clean synthetic fabric seat upholstery, trim, carpets and roof linings.
Lethal Threat Designs Fully Embroidered Work Shirt 914/207-0343 www.lethalthreat.com PN: FE50101 Fully embroidered back design. Embroidered Lethal Threat Motor Gear pocket logo. Lethal Threat sticker hang tag. Made in the U.S.A. We can customize it.		Autoglym Autoglym Bumper Care 305/266-3887 www.autoglym.com PN: BC500US Cleanses and revives unpainted molded bumpers, fenders, grilles, mirror casings, door handles, tire walls and mud flaps. It will completely restore the blackest of blacks.
Coast to Coast International CCI Grille Overlay 800/999-8987 www.coast2coastinternational.com PN: IWCGI/90 The IWCGI/90 is a brand-new CCI Grille Overlay for the ’11 GMC Sierra HD. CCI Grille Overlays are known for their quick-fit installation and quality finish. All CCI Grille Overlays come with a limited lifetime warranty.		Auto Mats Accessories Inc. Collegiate Logo All Weather Mat 800/570-0704 automatsandaccessories.com PN: 5400 Licensed collegiate logos on universal all-weather mat made from recycled products. Manufactured in the U.S.A. Other logo art available. Artwork on driver’s and passenger’s sides.

Our world is becoming more complicated, and emerging technologies are playing an increasing role. Restylers should embrace technology. What you’ve been doing for the past 25 years won’t guarantee you a future, so be willing to learn technology integration. When the banks did their correction to lending policies in 2008–2009, it left consumers hungry for amenities, such as electronics and leather. After the realignment, some car buyers couldn’t get approved for higher-priced vehicles. Nicer amenities became a natural addition for these types of buyers. Leather continues to be at the top of the most-requested products for interiors. Consumers hunger for color selections other than what the factory offers. They’re also interested in navigation, backup-assist products and hands-free management systems. The most significant products for our company continue to be sunroofs, but we’ve also added graphics and a clear bra product to our lines. Retro-looking cars lend themselves to racing stripes more now than ever before. The vehicle mix has also changed. In past years, dealerships sold five new cars for every one used car; now the ratio has changed to one used for every one new. For that reason, restylers selling to car dealerships should target the pre-owned lots. —Diana Braschler Owner, Dealer Source Ltd.

Braille Battery Braille INTENSITY 480R 10-lb. Group 48 Lithium Carbon Fiber OEM Performance Replacement Battery 941/312-5047 www.braillebattery.com PN: 480R Braille INTENSITY 480R Lithium Carbon Fiber 10-lb. Group 48 Performance Battery. SealedSafe race-winning technology. Saves up to 50 lbs. from the vehicle. Made in the U.S.A.		Au-tomotive Gold Inc. Alabama License Plate Frame 800/358-7843 www.autogold.com PN:LFWC.ALA.RED Alabama metal license plate frame. More than 400 different colleges are available in college colors.
Au-tomotive Gold Inc. Skull Trailer Hitch Cover 800/358-7843 www.autogold.com PN: T-SKL-C Skull Trailer Hitch Cover. Stainless steel with a lifetime warranty.		Avery’s Floor Mats Select Touring StainResist Carpeted Floor Mats 800/541-7397 www.averysfloormats.com PN: 4pc car set Select touring floor mats treated with StainResist Technology; 28-oz. densely-woven nylon yarn. Action Back natural rubber backing. Eight colors with serged binding. Made in the U.S.A.

The 2011 SEMA Show is only a few months away, and both exhibitors and attendees are making plans for the big event. While some hotels have already sold out, there are still great options and rates for anyone planning their trip to Vegas.

Early-bird rates are still in effect for many of the official hotels if you book through the SEMA block, but they all expire in the coming weeks, some as early as next week. You will need to act fast to obtain these great rates. For your reference, below is a list of hotels still offering early-bird rates and when they expire.

If you have any questions regarding housing, please don’t hesitate to contact Travel Planners at 800/221-3531 or 212/532-1660.

Please note: Travel Planners is the only official housing bureau associated with the 2011 SEMA Show. Only the official housing bureau has the seal you see on this page. No other travel company is endorsed or affiliated by SEMA and, in fact, many have created unscrupulous tactics that will cost you money in the long run. Entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences and they will not be around when you arrive in Las Vegas for the Show.

The 2011 SEMA Show is only a few months away, and both exhibitors and attendees are making plans for the big event. While some hotels have already sold out, there are still great options and rates for anyone planning their trip to Vegas.

Early-bird rates are still in effect for many of the official hotels if you book through the SEMA block, but they all expire in the coming weeks, some as early as next week. You will need to act fast to obtain these great rates. For your reference, below is a list of hotels still offering early-bird rates and when they expire.

If you have any questions regarding housing, please don’t hesitate to contact Travel Planners at 800/221-3531 or 212/532-1660.

Please note: Travel Planners is the only official housing bureau associated with the 2011 SEMA Show. Only the official housing bureau has the seal you see on this page. No other travel company is endorsed or affiliated by SEMA and, in fact, many have created unscrupulous tactics that will cost you money in the long run. Entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences and they will not be around when you arrive in Las Vegas for the Show.

The 2011 SEMA Show is only a few months away, and both exhibitors and attendees are making plans for the big event. While some hotels have already sold out, there are still great options and rates for anyone planning their trip to Vegas.

Early-bird rates are still in effect for many of the official hotels if you book through the SEMA block, but they all expire in the coming weeks, some as early as next week. You will need to act fast to obtain these great rates. For your reference, below is a list of hotels still offering early-bird rates and when they expire.

If you have any questions regarding housing, please don’t hesitate to contact Travel Planners at 800/221-3531 or 212/532-1660.

Please note: Travel Planners is the only official housing bureau associated with the 2011 SEMA Show. Only the official housing bureau has the seal you see on this page. No other travel company is endorsed or affiliated by SEMA and, in fact, many have created unscrupulous tactics that will cost you money in the long run. Entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences and they will not be around when you arrive in Las Vegas for the Show.

NEWS NUGGETS

FIRST SEASON WINS FOR BIG NAMES COULD BE START OF ‘SWING’ SWEEP: The surprise in the winner’s circle Sunday as the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals came to a close might not have been who was there, but how long it had taken them to get there.

Top Fuel and Pro Stock event winners Spencer Massey and Mike Edwards were making their third winner’s circle appearance in 2011. But it was the presence of 15-time and defending Funny Car Full Throttle world champion John Force, joined by Pro Stock Motorcycle winner Karen Stoffer that may have had the biggest headlines of the day.For Force, it was his first win of the season after all but dominating the series in 2010 en route to his 15th world title, while for Stoffer, it was her first win in four years, dating back to Atlanta 2007, and assumed the points lead heading into the second race of the grueling Western Swing.

But while both drivers are relishing their first victories of the season, the all-too-familiar question lingers for all four Denver winners: Can they keep on that performance high and do what few have done—sweep the Western Swing? While Stoffer is unable to accomplish this task, since the Pro Stock Motorcycle category does not compete in Seattle, the opportunity is definitely there for the other three winners.

“Just like the military, it is all about teamwork,” Force said. “We have great guys. [Co-crew chiefs] Dean Antonelli and Ron Douglas have been struggling but they have all the same stuff that [crew chiefs] Jimmy Prock and Mike Neff have. Everybody was helping.”

Force knows that it’s that same teamwork and consistency that he’ll need to become the first driver ever to sweep the Western Swing twice. He first swept it in 1994.

“We got the double whammy here by taking home the Wally and also getting in front of the points,” said Stoffer. “We’re now in control of our own destiny.”

Stoffer, Force, Massey and Edwards would agree that their wins Sunday in Denver have put them in control of their own destiny as the NHRA Full Throttle Series heads to Infineon Raceway this weekend. And for Force, Edwards and Massey, it is up to them to either be a part of history and have their names added to the list of those who have swept the Western Swing, or become another statistic of drivers who were unable to complete this impressive task. For tickets to this weekend’s FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals, call 800/870-RACE (6223) or log on to infineonraceway.com.

STAR-STUDDED LINEUP OF NHRA LEGENDS SET FOR SONOMA: With three of NHRA’s most famous legends—“Big Daddy” Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme—scheduled to be on hand to celebrate NHRA’s 60th anniversary season visit to Infineon Raceway, the 2011 FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals promises to be a can’t-miss event for fans in the heart of Wine Country. Garlits and Muldowney will be available throughout the weekend for meet-and-greets and autograph sessions with fans, and they will participate in the increasingly popular Track Walk with a Legend on Sunday morning. Infineon Raceway will also host other special events throughout the weekend, including the Nostalgia Get-Together, the Kickoff to the Countdown Party and a special screening of Heart Like a Wheel. Infineon has also teamed with Don Schumacher Racing to provide fans with an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at NHRA Drag Racing. For more information on some of these special events happening this weekend, log on to NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FRAM/AUTOLITE NHRA NATIONALS, INFINEON RACEWAY, July 29–31: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Sonoma and the second of three stops in the famed Western Swing. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/870-RACE (6223) or log on to infineonraceway.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS, PACIFIC RACEWAYS, August 5–7: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series visits the Great Northwest and the Seattle area to finish the three-race Western Swing. Defending event winners are Cory McClenathan (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 253/639-5927 or log on to extremetix.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS, BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, August 18–21: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series visits the land of a thousand lakes on its second-to-last stop before the Countdown to the Championship. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Bob Bode (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 218/824-7223 or log on to ticketreturn.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

FULL STEAM AHEAD!: Top Fuel driver Spencer Massey after collecting his third win of the season Sunday at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals: “I’m just ecstatic. I wanted to do well at this race, especially with our sponsor’s race in Sonoma being next week. Now, we get to go there with a full head of steam.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1975, SNAKE RECORDS FIRST FIVE-SECOND FUNNY CAR RUN: At the 1975 Winston World Finals in Ontario, California, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme made NHRA history when he became the first Funny Car driver to make a five-second run, posting a 5.98-second run. Will this weekend’s FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals see a Funny Car driver reach the 3-second mark?

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

15: After competing this past weekend at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Denver at 5,860 ft. above sea level, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will head to Sonoma this weekend for the FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals and compete at Infineon Raceway, which sits just 15 ft. above sea level. That’s a difference of 5,845 ft.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that defending Pro Stock Motorcycle rider LE Tonglet will run a special FRAM/Autolite paint scheme on his Suzuki this weekend at the FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or log on to the NHRA Media Center.

NEWS NUGGETS

FIRST SEASON WINS FOR BIG NAMES COULD BE START OF ‘SWING’ SWEEP: The surprise in the winner’s circle Sunday as the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals came to a close might not have been who was there, but how long it had taken them to get there.

Top Fuel and Pro Stock event winners Spencer Massey and Mike Edwards were making their third winner’s circle appearance in 2011. But it was the presence of 15-time and defending Funny Car Full Throttle world champion John Force, joined by Pro Stock Motorcycle winner Karen Stoffer that may have had the biggest headlines of the day.For Force, it was his first win of the season after all but dominating the series in 2010 en route to his 15th world title, while for Stoffer, it was her first win in four years, dating back to Atlanta 2007, and assumed the points lead heading into the second race of the grueling Western Swing.

But while both drivers are relishing their first victories of the season, the all-too-familiar question lingers for all four Denver winners: Can they keep on that performance high and do what few have done—sweep the Western Swing? While Stoffer is unable to accomplish this task, since the Pro Stock Motorcycle category does not compete in Seattle, the opportunity is definitely there for the other three winners.

“Just like the military, it is all about teamwork,” Force said. “We have great guys. [Co-crew chiefs] Dean Antonelli and Ron Douglas have been struggling but they have all the same stuff that [crew chiefs] Jimmy Prock and Mike Neff have. Everybody was helping.”

Force knows that it’s that same teamwork and consistency that he’ll need to become the first driver ever to sweep the Western Swing twice. He first swept it in 1994.

“We got the double whammy here by taking home the Wally and also getting in front of the points,” said Stoffer. “We’re now in control of our own destiny.”

Stoffer, Force, Massey and Edwards would agree that their wins Sunday in Denver have put them in control of their own destiny as the NHRA Full Throttle Series heads to Infineon Raceway this weekend. And for Force, Edwards and Massey, it is up to them to either be a part of history and have their names added to the list of those who have swept the Western Swing, or become another statistic of drivers who were unable to complete this impressive task. For tickets to this weekend’s FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals, call 800/870-RACE (6223) or log on to infineonraceway.com.

STAR-STUDDED LINEUP OF NHRA LEGENDS SET FOR SONOMA: With three of NHRA’s most famous legends—“Big Daddy” Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme—scheduled to be on hand to celebrate NHRA’s 60th anniversary season visit to Infineon Raceway, the 2011 FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals promises to be a can’t-miss event for fans in the heart of Wine Country. Garlits and Muldowney will be available throughout the weekend for meet-and-greets and autograph sessions with fans, and they will participate in the increasingly popular Track Walk with a Legend on Sunday morning. Infineon Raceway will also host other special events throughout the weekend, including the Nostalgia Get-Together, the Kickoff to the Countdown Party and a special screening of Heart Like a Wheel. Infineon has also teamed with Don Schumacher Racing to provide fans with an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at NHRA Drag Racing. For more information on some of these special events happening this weekend, log on to NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FRAM/AUTOLITE NHRA NATIONALS, INFINEON RACEWAY, July 29–31: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Sonoma and the second of three stops in the famed Western Swing. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/870-RACE (6223) or log on to infineonraceway.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS, PACIFIC RACEWAYS, August 5–7: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series visits the Great Northwest and the Seattle area to finish the three-race Western Swing. Defending event winners are Cory McClenathan (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 253/639-5927 or log on to extremetix.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS, BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, August 18–21: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series visits the land of a thousand lakes on its second-to-last stop before the Countdown to the Championship. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Bob Bode (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 218/824-7223 or log on to ticketreturn.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

FULL STEAM AHEAD!: Top Fuel driver Spencer Massey after collecting his third win of the season Sunday at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals: “I’m just ecstatic. I wanted to do well at this race, especially with our sponsor’s race in Sonoma being next week. Now, we get to go there with a full head of steam.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1975, SNAKE RECORDS FIRST FIVE-SECOND FUNNY CAR RUN: At the 1975 Winston World Finals in Ontario, California, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme made NHRA history when he became the first Funny Car driver to make a five-second run, posting a 5.98-second run. Will this weekend’s FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals see a Funny Car driver reach the 3-second mark?

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

15: After competing this past weekend at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Denver at 5,860 ft. above sea level, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will head to Sonoma this weekend for the FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals and compete at Infineon Raceway, which sits just 15 ft. above sea level. That’s a difference of 5,845 ft.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that defending Pro Stock Motorcycle rider LE Tonglet will run a special FRAM/Autolite paint scheme on his Suzuki this weekend at the FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or log on to the NHRA Media Center.

NEWS NUGGETS

FIRST SEASON WINS FOR BIG NAMES COULD BE START OF ‘SWING’ SWEEP: The surprise in the winner’s circle Sunday as the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals came to a close might not have been who was there, but how long it had taken them to get there.

Top Fuel and Pro Stock event winners Spencer Massey and Mike Edwards were making their third winner’s circle appearance in 2011. But it was the presence of 15-time and defending Funny Car Full Throttle world champion John Force, joined by Pro Stock Motorcycle winner Karen Stoffer that may have had the biggest headlines of the day.For Force, it was his first win of the season after all but dominating the series in 2010 en route to his 15th world title, while for Stoffer, it was her first win in four years, dating back to Atlanta 2007, and assumed the points lead heading into the second race of the grueling Western Swing.

But while both drivers are relishing their first victories of the season, the all-too-familiar question lingers for all four Denver winners: Can they keep on that performance high and do what few have done—sweep the Western Swing? While Stoffer is unable to accomplish this task, since the Pro Stock Motorcycle category does not compete in Seattle, the opportunity is definitely there for the other three winners.

“Just like the military, it is all about teamwork,” Force said. “We have great guys. [Co-crew chiefs] Dean Antonelli and Ron Douglas have been struggling but they have all the same stuff that [crew chiefs] Jimmy Prock and Mike Neff have. Everybody was helping.”

Force knows that it’s that same teamwork and consistency that he’ll need to become the first driver ever to sweep the Western Swing twice. He first swept it in 1994.

“We got the double whammy here by taking home the Wally and also getting in front of the points,” said Stoffer. “We’re now in control of our own destiny.”

Stoffer, Force, Massey and Edwards would agree that their wins Sunday in Denver have put them in control of their own destiny as the NHRA Full Throttle Series heads to Infineon Raceway this weekend. And for Force, Edwards and Massey, it is up to them to either be a part of history and have their names added to the list of those who have swept the Western Swing, or become another statistic of drivers who were unable to complete this impressive task. For tickets to this weekend’s FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals, call 800/870-RACE (6223) or log on to infineonraceway.com.

STAR-STUDDED LINEUP OF NHRA LEGENDS SET FOR SONOMA: With three of NHRA’s most famous legends—“Big Daddy” Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme—scheduled to be on hand to celebrate NHRA’s 60th anniversary season visit to Infineon Raceway, the 2011 FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals promises to be a can’t-miss event for fans in the heart of Wine Country. Garlits and Muldowney will be available throughout the weekend for meet-and-greets and autograph sessions with fans, and they will participate in the increasingly popular Track Walk with a Legend on Sunday morning. Infineon Raceway will also host other special events throughout the weekend, including the Nostalgia Get-Together, the Kickoff to the Countdown Party and a special screening of Heart Like a Wheel. Infineon has also teamed with Don Schumacher Racing to provide fans with an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at NHRA Drag Racing. For more information on some of these special events happening this weekend, log on to NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FRAM/AUTOLITE NHRA NATIONALS, INFINEON RACEWAY, July 29–31: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Sonoma and the second of three stops in the famed Western Swing. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/870-RACE (6223) or log on to infineonraceway.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS, PACIFIC RACEWAYS, August 5–7: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series visits the Great Northwest and the Seattle area to finish the three-race Western Swing. Defending event winners are Cory McClenathan (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 253/639-5927 or log on to extremetix.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS, BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, August 18–21: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series visits the land of a thousand lakes on its second-to-last stop before the Countdown to the Championship. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Bob Bode (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 218/824-7223 or log on to ticketreturn.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

FULL STEAM AHEAD!: Top Fuel driver Spencer Massey after collecting his third win of the season Sunday at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals: “I’m just ecstatic. I wanted to do well at this race, especially with our sponsor’s race in Sonoma being next week. Now, we get to go there with a full head of steam.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1975, SNAKE RECORDS FIRST FIVE-SECOND FUNNY CAR RUN: At the 1975 Winston World Finals in Ontario, California, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme made NHRA history when he became the first Funny Car driver to make a five-second run, posting a 5.98-second run. Will this weekend’s FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals see a Funny Car driver reach the 3-second mark?

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

15: After competing this past weekend at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Denver at 5,860 ft. above sea level, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will head to Sonoma this weekend for the FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals and compete at Infineon Raceway, which sits just 15 ft. above sea level. That’s a difference of 5,845 ft.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that defending Pro Stock Motorcycle rider LE Tonglet will run a special FRAM/Autolite paint scheme on his Suzuki this weekend at the FRAM/Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or log on to the NHRA Media Center.

SEMA-opposed legislation in Iowa to change labeling requirements on gas pumps across the state to only require labeling for unblended gasoline and E85 was successfully defeated this year. Current law in Iowa requires labeling when gasoline is blended with any amount of ethanol. If the bill had been enacted into law, it would have removed labeling requirements for ethanol-blended gasoline containing 15% or less ethanol, thereby increasing the risk of misfueling and potential engine damage. Unblended gas is required to be labeled, but no guarantee was made that unblended gas would be available. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been urged to create national labeling requirements for ethanol-blended gasoline that are placed as close as possible to the pump’s product-selection mechanism, but since such requirements are not currently in place, vehicle owners must rely on state labeling requirements for information about the gasoline they use in their vehicles. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA-opposed legislation in Iowa to change labeling requirements on gas pumps across the state to only require labeling for unblended gasoline and E85 was successfully defeated this year. Current law in Iowa requires labeling when gasoline is blended with any amount of ethanol. If the bill had been enacted into law, it would have removed labeling requirements for ethanol-blended gasoline containing 15% or less ethanol, thereby increasing the risk of misfueling and potential engine damage. Unblended gas is required to be labeled, but no guarantee was made that unblended gas would be available. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been urged to create national labeling requirements for ethanol-blended gasoline that are placed as close as possible to the pump’s product-selection mechanism, but since such requirements are not currently in place, vehicle owners must rely on state labeling requirements for information about the gasoline they use in their vehicles. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.