ROOKIE DRAG RACER: Kurt Busch, driver of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, will be making his NHRA Full Throttle Series debut at the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals March 11–13 at Gainesville Raceway.

SITTING OUT: Two-time U.S. Nationals Funny Car champion Ashley Force Hood will sit out the coming NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season because she and her husband Danny are expecting their first child. Mike Neff returns to the driver’s seat to fill out the three-car John Force Racing stable.

BIO OIL: G-OIL, manufactured by Earth Technologies Inc. will serve as the primary sponsor for the No. 16 Dyson Racing Mazda Lola in the American Le Mans Series this season.

SANDWICH MAN: Jimmy John’s will sponsor Kevin Harvick and the Richard Childress Racing No. 29 in six NASCAR Sprint Cup races this season.

TRYING AGAIN: Two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip will race in this year’s Great American Race, driving his own Toyota No. 15 with sponsorship from NAPA Auto Parts.

PRO STOCKING: Erica Enders will return to the NHRA Pro Stock division driving for Cagnazzi Racing this season.

TROUBLE DOWN UNDER: Organizers of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix say the event may not be able to continue past this season unless something is done to control the cost of staging the event.

INDY’S 33: The Greatest 33 fan interaction platform will give fans around the globe the opportunity to pick their dream all-time starting lineup of 33 drivers for the Indianapolis 500 online at thegreatest33.com from mid-March until early May.

FAST TESTERS: Team Penske teammates Kurt Busch and Brad Keselowski turned the two quickest laps during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series testing last weekend at Daytona International Speedway.

STAYING PUT: The Sports Car Club of America National Championship Runoffs will remain at Wisonsin’s Road America road course at least through the 2014 season.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News, visit www.nationalspeedsportnews.com.

ROOKIE DRAG RACER: Kurt Busch, driver of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, will be making his NHRA Full Throttle Series debut at the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals March 11–13 at Gainesville Raceway.

SITTING OUT: Two-time U.S. Nationals Funny Car champion Ashley Force Hood will sit out the coming NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season because she and her husband Danny are expecting their first child. Mike Neff returns to the driver’s seat to fill out the three-car John Force Racing stable.

BIO OIL: G-OIL, manufactured by Earth Technologies Inc. will serve as the primary sponsor for the No. 16 Dyson Racing Mazda Lola in the American Le Mans Series this season.

SANDWICH MAN: Jimmy John’s will sponsor Kevin Harvick and the Richard Childress Racing No. 29 in six NASCAR Sprint Cup races this season.

TRYING AGAIN: Two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip will race in this year’s Great American Race, driving his own Toyota No. 15 with sponsorship from NAPA Auto Parts.

PRO STOCKING: Erica Enders will return to the NHRA Pro Stock division driving for Cagnazzi Racing this season.

TROUBLE DOWN UNDER: Organizers of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix say the event may not be able to continue past this season unless something is done to control the cost of staging the event.

INDY’S 33: The Greatest 33 fan interaction platform will give fans around the globe the opportunity to pick their dream all-time starting lineup of 33 drivers for the Indianapolis 500 online at thegreatest33.com from mid-March until early May.

FAST TESTERS: Team Penske teammates Kurt Busch and Brad Keselowski turned the two quickest laps during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series testing last weekend at Daytona International Speedway.

STAYING PUT: The Sports Car Club of America National Championship Runoffs will remain at Wisonsin’s Road America road course at least through the 2014 season.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News, visit www.nationalspeedsportnews.com.

ROOKIE DRAG RACER: Kurt Busch, driver of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, will be making his NHRA Full Throttle Series debut at the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals March 11–13 at Gainesville Raceway.

SITTING OUT: Two-time U.S. Nationals Funny Car champion Ashley Force Hood will sit out the coming NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season because she and her husband Danny are expecting their first child. Mike Neff returns to the driver’s seat to fill out the three-car John Force Racing stable.

BIO OIL: G-OIL, manufactured by Earth Technologies Inc. will serve as the primary sponsor for the No. 16 Dyson Racing Mazda Lola in the American Le Mans Series this season.

SANDWICH MAN: Jimmy John’s will sponsor Kevin Harvick and the Richard Childress Racing No. 29 in six NASCAR Sprint Cup races this season.

TRYING AGAIN: Two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip will race in this year’s Great American Race, driving his own Toyota No. 15 with sponsorship from NAPA Auto Parts.

PRO STOCKING: Erica Enders will return to the NHRA Pro Stock division driving for Cagnazzi Racing this season.

TROUBLE DOWN UNDER: Organizers of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix say the event may not be able to continue past this season unless something is done to control the cost of staging the event.

INDY’S 33: The Greatest 33 fan interaction platform will give fans around the globe the opportunity to pick their dream all-time starting lineup of 33 drivers for the Indianapolis 500 online at thegreatest33.com from mid-March until early May.

FAST TESTERS: Team Penske teammates Kurt Busch and Brad Keselowski turned the two quickest laps during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series testing last weekend at Daytona International Speedway.

STAYING PUT: The Sports Car Club of America National Championship Runoffs will remain at Wisonsin’s Road America road course at least through the 2014 season.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News, visit www.nationalspeedsportnews.com.

In his 2011 State of the Union Address, President Obama called for repeal of the 1099 reporting requirement included in last year’s health care legislation. SEMA has steadfastly opposed the burdensome rule that will require businesses to issue 1099 reporting forms to all vendors from whom they buy more than $600 of goods or services in any year, beginning in 2012. Last year, SEMA joined with a number of other business groups in an effort to repeal the measure. However, lawmakers were unable to agree on how to fund the lost revenues.

SEMA President Chris Kersting said, “SEMA is pleased that President Obama has responded to one of many critical issues facing small businesses by supporting the repeal of the 1099 reporting requirement. By acknowledging the need to remove this unnecessary burden on small businesses, the President has cleared the way for swift legislative action. SEMA urges Congress to act on the President’s request without delay.”

The “Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act” has been introduced in the new Congress to remove the burdensome rule. Many members of Congress have signed on as co-sponsors. SEMA will once again work toward its enactment. For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski, Congressional Affairs Manager at dans@sema.org.

In his 2011 State of the Union Address, President Obama called for repeal of the 1099 reporting requirement included in last year’s health care legislation. SEMA has steadfastly opposed the burdensome rule that will require businesses to issue 1099 reporting forms to all vendors from whom they buy more than $600 of goods or services in any year, beginning in 2012. Last year, SEMA joined with a number of other business groups in an effort to repeal the measure. However, lawmakers were unable to agree on how to fund the lost revenues.

SEMA President Chris Kersting said, “SEMA is pleased that President Obama has responded to one of many critical issues facing small businesses by supporting the repeal of the 1099 reporting requirement. By acknowledging the need to remove this unnecessary burden on small businesses, the President has cleared the way for swift legislative action. SEMA urges Congress to act on the President’s request without delay.”

The “Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act” has been introduced in the new Congress to remove the burdensome rule. Many members of Congress have signed on as co-sponsors. SEMA will once again work toward its enactment. For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski, Congressional Affairs Manager at dans@sema.org.

	A Teco 28TI/UPH/BPS/PO tire changer—donated by Robert Donato, president of SICE USA, Ltd.—raised $5,000 at auction for the SEMA Cares charity foundation.

"We had never donated in the past; I guess we’re picking up where someone else left off," said Robert Donato, president of SICE USA Ltd. Recently, Donato's company made an incredibly generous donation to the SEMA Cares foundation, contributing a Teco 28TI/UPH/BPS/PO tire changer valued at more than $10,500 for an eBay auction. Shipped direct from Italy and prominently displayed at the 2010 SEMA Show, the machine included a pneumatic bead assistant to handle tough tire/wheel combinations, including low-profile and run-flat applications.

The project actually started as a response to a deeply moving speech by "Overhaulin'" host and specialty-equipment celebrity Chip Foose, concerning the tragic loss of his youngest sister due to Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. After hearing the presentation, Donato handed his business card to Foose and asked how to go about making a donation to a charity dedicated to children.

Donato was ultimately introduced to the SEMA Cares charity foundation, a special committee within SEMA that donates 100% of its proceeds to support Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp is a non-profit dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect. Victory Junction Gang Camp is a facility dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences. For Donato, this was exactly where he was looking to make a contribution.

"We thought the charities involved were worthwhile," explained Donato. "Chip’s sister was a child when she died, and this went to children’s charities." Small businesses, such as Donato's SICE USA, often don't have the resources to privately vet charities to ensure their legitimacy. In this case, however, SEMA Cares has done the research to ensure that 100% of all donations will be used to directly benefit children in need.

"The charities are going to have some good results from our participation, and I feel good about it," said Donato. "And that’s important. If somebody else wants to feel good like I do, here’s the way."

Driving home that point, Donato's auction raised $5,000 for SEMA Cares and Donato couldn't be happier about the funds raised or the exposure generated by the auction. For specialty-equipment industry businesses such as SICE USA, partnering with SEMA Cares helped turn their desire to donate into a substantial check going out to help children that desperately need assistance.

For any specialty-equipment business in a position to help SEMA Cares with its campaign to raise money for Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp, Donato offers the following call to action, "Any of us that are out here with the ability to help, ought to be doing it. If you can pick up some of that slack, now’s a good time."

To learn more about SEMA Cares and the annual fundraising activities the committee sponsors, send an e-mail to members@sema.org.

	A Teco 28TI/UPH/BPS/PO tire changer—donated by Robert Donato, president of SICE USA, Ltd.—raised $5,000 at auction for the SEMA Cares charity foundation.

"We had never donated in the past; I guess we’re picking up where someone else left off," said Robert Donato, president of SICE USA Ltd. Recently, Donato's company made an incredibly generous donation to the SEMA Cares foundation, contributing a Teco 28TI/UPH/BPS/PO tire changer valued at more than $10,500 for an eBay auction. Shipped direct from Italy and prominently displayed at the 2010 SEMA Show, the machine included a pneumatic bead assistant to handle tough tire/wheel combinations, including low-profile and run-flat applications.

The project actually started as a response to a deeply moving speech by "Overhaulin'" host and specialty-equipment celebrity Chip Foose, concerning the tragic loss of his youngest sister due to Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. After hearing the presentation, Donato handed his business card to Foose and asked how to go about making a donation to a charity dedicated to children.

Donato was ultimately introduced to the SEMA Cares charity foundation, a special committee within SEMA that donates 100% of its proceeds to support Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp is a non-profit dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect. Victory Junction Gang Camp is a facility dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences. For Donato, this was exactly where he was looking to make a contribution.

"We thought the charities involved were worthwhile," explained Donato. "Chip’s sister was a child when she died, and this went to children’s charities." Small businesses, such as Donato's SICE USA, often don't have the resources to privately vet charities to ensure their legitimacy. In this case, however, SEMA Cares has done the research to ensure that 100% of all donations will be used to directly benefit children in need.

"The charities are going to have some good results from our participation, and I feel good about it," said Donato. "And that’s important. If somebody else wants to feel good like I do, here’s the way."

Driving home that point, Donato's auction raised $5,000 for SEMA Cares and Donato couldn't be happier about the funds raised or the exposure generated by the auction. For specialty-equipment industry businesses such as SICE USA, partnering with SEMA Cares helped turn their desire to donate into a substantial check going out to help children that desperately need assistance.

For any specialty-equipment business in a position to help SEMA Cares with its campaign to raise money for Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp, Donato offers the following call to action, "Any of us that are out here with the ability to help, ought to be doing it. If you can pick up some of that slack, now’s a good time."

To learn more about SEMA Cares and the annual fundraising activities the committee sponsors, send an e-mail to members@sema.org.

The shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. delivered pictures of the two-door ’11 Ford Ranger T6 global pickup a month ago with some heavy camo. Here is the Ranger showing off its metal and bigger size.

According to Ford, the global Ranger is about 90% of the size of today's F-150 half-ton. Priddy reports that while it's difficult to judge those dimensions in the four-door configuration, the single-cab Ranger is generously sized. Priddy estimates that the cargo box is about 6.5- to 7-ft. long.

Ford says the T6 Ranger is the most capable small pickup it has ever built. It will go on sale next year in 188 countries but not the United States and Canada.

Three engines will be available, including a 2.2L inline four-cylinder with up to 276 lb.-ft. of torque and a 3.2L inline five-cylinder with 346 lb.-ft. of torque. Priddy reports that Ford plans to use its new 2.5L Duratec four-cylinder gas engine in the global Ranger, which the automaker says has more power than its major competitors and is flex-fuel capable.

The T6 Ranger will achieve a significantly increased payload capacity of up to 3,306 lbs. on selected models, according to Ford. While the truck’s top towing capacity has not been announced, Ford has said the towing will be “exceptional.”

Photo: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company

The shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. delivered pictures of the two-door ’11 Ford Ranger T6 global pickup a month ago with some heavy camo. Here is the Ranger showing off its metal and bigger size.

According to Ford, the global Ranger is about 90% of the size of today's F-150 half-ton. Priddy reports that while it's difficult to judge those dimensions in the four-door configuration, the single-cab Ranger is generously sized. Priddy estimates that the cargo box is about 6.5- to 7-ft. long.

Ford says the T6 Ranger is the most capable small pickup it has ever built. It will go on sale next year in 188 countries but not the United States and Canada.

Three engines will be available, including a 2.2L inline four-cylinder with up to 276 lb.-ft. of torque and a 3.2L inline five-cylinder with 346 lb.-ft. of torque. Priddy reports that Ford plans to use its new 2.5L Duratec four-cylinder gas engine in the global Ranger, which the automaker says has more power than its major competitors and is flex-fuel capable.

The T6 Ranger will achieve a significantly increased payload capacity of up to 3,306 lbs. on selected models, according to Ford. While the truck’s top towing capacity has not been announced, Ford has said the towing will be “exceptional.”

Photo: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company

Scooter Brothers supports NHRA's creation of a program for Super Stock and Stock class eliminations.

After reviewing feedback from the Performance Aftermarket Advisory Council (PAAC) and a majority of NHRA contingency sponsors, NHRA officials announced the creation of a program for Super Stock and Stock class eliminations, which will be introduced at select NHRA national events during the 2011 NHRA Lucas Oil Series season.

The new program will feature a 12-race class-eliminations schedule for Super Stock and Stock that will offer double contingency payouts at four of those events. A new bonus-points program will be instituted for the eight non-paying class-eliminations events, and season-ending contingency payouts will be awarded to two National Class Performers (stick and automatic divisions) in each category. Finally, to enhance competition in class eliminations, new stick and automatic combo classes will be created in Super Stock and Stock to group those classes that are represented by only one car.

“Comp Cams has been a strong supporter of Sportsman racing since the early ’70s,” said Scooter Brothers, chairman-elect, SEMA Board of Directors and president of Comp Cams. “Class racing was very different than it is today, and contingency support of class racing was on track to diminish to the point of extinction. For at least a year, the NHRA has worked closely with a group of manufacturers to find a way to save the financial support of class racing. Everyone agreed that the new program would help class racing as we know it survive and even flourish. It should put the pride and competitiveness back into being the class winner as well as create a program that works for the manufacturers, the NHRA and especially the racers.”

A more complete review of the new program follows:

• Class eliminations for Super Stock and Stock will be contested at 12 events: nine NHRA national events and three JEGS NHRA SPORTSnationals events. Trophies will be awarded to each class winner at all 12 events. Contingency payouts will be awarded at four events only: the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil in Indianapolis and the three JEGS NHRA SPORTSnationals events. The payouts at those four events will be a minimum of $100 per posting, double the minimum postings in 2010.

• Bonus points will be awarded during the eight class-eliminations events that do not offer NHRA contingency money. National Class Performer Awards will be presented following the eight-race class-eliminations series to the drivers who earn the most points in one of four class groupings: Super Stock-Stick, Super Stock-Automatic, Stock-Stick and Stock-Automatic. All Super Stock and Stock class-eliminations participants will be eligible for the National Class Performer Awards in one of the four groupings. Participants will earn points (10 for each class round-win and an additional five for winning the class-eliminations title) toward the season title by claiming their best three results from their first five starts in the eight-race non-contingency-paying class-eliminations series. Each of the four National Class Performer Award winners will earn a special Wally trophy and a minimum of $500 per posting from each contingency sponsor represented on his or her car.

• One significant change to increase the level of competition in class eliminations is the creation of combo classes in Super Stock and Stock for those classes that are represented by a single car. The four combo classes will be Super Stock Combo-Stick, Super Stock Combo-Automatic, Stock Combo-Stick and Stock Combo-Automatic. Eliminations for the combo classes will utilize a handicap start with no breakout. The car that crosses the finish line first in each combo class-eliminations run will be declared the winner. Only one Wally trophy (and contingency payout at the four eligible events) will be presented to the winner of each of the four combo classes during the 12 class-eliminations events. Those classes in Super Stock and Stock that include two or more cars will continue to have class eliminations conducted as in the past.

For more information, log on to NHRA.com.