Adam and Noah Howard of No Joke Upholstery, LLC.

HRIA thanks Adam and Noah Howard with No Joke Upholstery, LLC for their continuous support. No Joke Upholstery is a true "cut n' sew" automotive upholstery shop. Services include but are not limited to: full custom interiors, custom motorcycle seats, leather upgrades, OEM repairs, convertible and sim-con tops and mobile electronics.

As brothers, Adam and Noah have always been intrigued by cool cars. While growing up, they basically lived at a local drag strip slot car track, which was where their roots were planted in the custom automotive world. After they graduated high school, Adam and Noah decided to start their own custom car shop. They basically asked themselves, "How hard can it be if these guys are still in business?" Well, truth be told now, it isn't easy by any means. They still feel like there is lots to learn and this motivation has helped them grow. The Howard brothers started off just selling aftermarket car parts but quickly realized that to make an impact, they would have to discover a unique niche, so they found that niche in the upholstery/trim part of the industry. The upholstery segment fit well with their mix of detail-oriented and creative personality traits.

In just nine years, Adam and Noah have received a Platinum and two Gold placings in Upholstery Journal Magazine's 2010 Design & Craftsmanship Awards. They are members of SEMA; the PRO, HRIA and YEN councils; the Mobile Electronics Retailers Association (MERA); and Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI).

This year’s project car is a ’27 Ford Roadster, which was displayed at the 2011 SEMA Show in true charitable fashion. “When we think of hot rods, this is what first comes to mind—the original raw and rough salt flat racers," Adam said. "This vehicle was actually our 2011 HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge entry. We will eventually build a full-size hot rod, but at this time, we are way too busy keeping up with all the customer projects to even think about our own.”

	Adam and Noah Howard of No Joke Upholstery, LLC.

HRIA thanks Adam and Noah Howard with No Joke Upholstery, LLC for their continuous support. No Joke Upholstery is a true "cut n' sew" automotive upholstery shop. Services include but are not limited to: full custom interiors, custom motorcycle seats, leather upgrades, OEM repairs, convertible and sim-con tops and mobile electronics.

As brothers, Adam and Noah have always been intrigued by cool cars. While growing up, they basically lived at a local drag strip slot car track, which was where their roots were planted in the custom automotive world. After they graduated high school, Adam and Noah decided to start their own custom car shop. They basically asked themselves, "How hard can it be if these guys are still in business?" Well, truth be told now, it isn't easy by any means. They still feel like there is lots to learn and this motivation has helped them grow. The Howard brothers started off just selling aftermarket car parts but quickly realized that to make an impact, they would have to discover a unique niche, so they found that niche in the upholstery/trim part of the industry. The upholstery segment fit well with their mix of detail-oriented and creative personality traits.

In just nine years, Adam and Noah have received a Platinum and two Gold placings in Upholstery Journal Magazine's 2010 Design & Craftsmanship Awards. They are members of SEMA; the PRO, HRIA and YEN councils; the Mobile Electronics Retailers Association (MERA); and Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI).

This year’s project car is a ’27 Ford Roadster, which was displayed at the 2011 SEMA Show in true charitable fashion. “When we think of hot rods, this is what first comes to mind—the original raw and rough salt flat racers," Adam said. "This vehicle was actually our 2011 HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge entry. We will eventually build a full-size hot rod, but at this time, we are way too busy keeping up with all the customer projects to even think about our own.”

	Forty educational sessions will be offered at the 2012 HRIA Education Day in Indianapolis.

1. Lucas Oil Stadium—home to the Indianapolis Colts and host to Super Bowl XLVI.
2. 40 industry leading manufacturers.
3. One location.
4. Free world-class education.
5. 2012 HRIA Education Day.

Check them all off your list at the same time. The Hot Rod Industry Alliance will once again hold their annual Education & Training Day in conjunction with the 14th Annual Hotrod and Restoration Show in Indianapolis, March 22, 2012.

This is truly an event you must experience for yourself. Manufacturer seminars start at 8:00 a.m. and run through 6:30 p.m. The 40 sessions offer something for everyone and are designed to help your business grow. Beyond the actual educational seminars, you will find an environment full of networking opportunities fueled by enthusiasts, not just sales guys. Take a look the line-up of participating manufacturers and you will understand why you need to be there:

• Advanced Clutch Technology
• American Autowire
• Art Morrison Enterprises
• Borgeson Universal Co. Inc.
• Bowler Performance Transmissions
• Classic Instruments
• COMP Cams
• CON2R
• Crane Cams
• Custom Autosound Manufacturing Inc.
• Dakota Digital
• Detroit Speed Inc.
• Dynamat
• Eaton Detroit Springs
• Eaton Performance Products
• Edelbrock LLC
• FAST (Fuel Air Spark Technology)
• Fatman Fabrications
• Flaming River Industries
• Hedman Performance Group
• HushMat
• Ididit Inc.
• Inland Empire Driveline Service Inc.
• Lokar
• Meguiar’s
• Painless Performance
• Planet Color
• Powermaster Performance
• Powertrain Control Solutions
• RideTech
• Ron Francis Wiring
• Royal Purple
• Schwartz Performance
• SEMA Business Technology Committee
• Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.
• Steele Rubber Products
• Street & Performance
• TCI Automotive
• Vintage Air Inc.
• Wilwood Disc Brakes

To learn more, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org, visit 2012 HRIA Education Day or call 800-576-8788. See you in Indy.

	Forty educational sessions will be offered at the 2012 HRIA Education Day in Indianapolis.

1. Lucas Oil Stadium—home to the Indianapolis Colts and host to Super Bowl XLVI.
2. 40 industry leading manufacturers.
3. One location.
4. Free world-class education.
5. 2012 HRIA Education Day.

Check them all off your list at the same time. The Hot Rod Industry Alliance will once again hold their annual Education & Training Day in conjunction with the 14th Annual Hotrod and Restoration Show in Indianapolis, March 22, 2012.

This is truly an event you must experience for yourself. Manufacturer seminars start at 8:00 a.m. and run through 6:30 p.m. The 40 sessions offer something for everyone and are designed to help your business grow. Beyond the actual educational seminars, you will find an environment full of networking opportunities fueled by enthusiasts, not just sales guys. Take a look the line-up of participating manufacturers and you will understand why you need to be there:

• Advanced Clutch Technology
• American Autowire
• Art Morrison Enterprises
• Borgeson Universal Co. Inc.
• Bowler Performance Transmissions
• Classic Instruments
• COMP Cams
• CON2R
• Crane Cams
• Custom Autosound Manufacturing Inc.
• Dakota Digital
• Detroit Speed Inc.
• Dynamat
• Eaton Detroit Springs
• Eaton Performance Products
• Edelbrock LLC
• FAST (Fuel Air Spark Technology)
• Fatman Fabrications
• Flaming River Industries
• Hedman Performance Group
• HushMat
• Ididit Inc.
• Inland Empire Driveline Service Inc.
• Lokar
• Meguiar’s
• Painless Performance
• Planet Color
• Powermaster Performance
• Powertrain Control Solutions
• RideTech
• Ron Francis Wiring
• Royal Purple
• Schwartz Performance
• SEMA Business Technology Committee
• Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.
• Steele Rubber Products
• Street & Performance
• TCI Automotive
• Vintage Air Inc.
• Wilwood Disc Brakes

To learn more, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org, visit 2012 HRIA Education Day or call 800-576-8788. See you in Indy.

NEWS NUGGETS

FULL THROTTLE TOP FUEL WORLD CHAMPION

	Del Worsham, Al-Anabi Racing Dragster

Round Win/Loss Record: 53–14
No. 1 Qualifiers: 7
2011 Race Wins: 8
2011 Runner-up Finishes: 3

Season Summary: After competing 20 years in the Funny Car class, Worsham began his first full season in Top Fuel competition by racing to the win at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals and the points lead. From there, Worsham held the points lead throughout the regular season and entered the Countdown to the Championship at the top of the Top Fuel class. Back-to-back second-round losses in Charlotte and Dallas—the first two races of the Countdown—bumped Worsham down to third in the standings. But with a runner-up finish in Reading and a win in Las Vegas, Worsham clinched his first NHRA world championship with his semifinal round win over Spencer Massey at the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona. Worsham would go on to win the event—his eighth of the season.

Championship Quote: “When you race for Alan Johnson, I knew we had a real chance to win this thing. We weren’t in it from the start of the season but we are now and that’s all that matters. It’s always good to have him in your corner and I know I’m glad I do. I was always hoping to win a Funny Car championship after 20 years of racing, but the Top Fuel one feels just as sweet.”

FULL THROTTLE FUNNY CAR WORLD CHAMPION

	Matt Hagan, DieHard Dodge Charger

Round Win/Loss Record: 33–20
No. 1 Qualifiers: 3
2011 Race Wins: 2
2011 Runner-up Finishes: 2

Season Summary: After losing the 2010 world championship to John Force, Hagan came out in 2011 and raced to back-to-back final rounds in Pomona and Gainesville to start the season. After a fifth-place point finish in the regular season, Hagan raced to his first win of the year at the Countdown opening O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals in Charlotte, North Carolina, took the No. 1 qualifier for the event and made NHRA history when he set the national record and became the first Funny Car driver to break the three-second barrier with his run of 3.995 seconds. Hagan entered the season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona with the points lead and after a semifinal round win over Cruz Pedregon, clinched his first world championship. He then went on to win the race—his second of the year.

Championship Quote: “It really is truly amazing this weekend to win the championship and the race. We had some phenomenal things happen this year and to win this is amazing. It’s really a testimony to my crew and Tommy DeLago and what these guys have done with this car. I hate the phrase, ‘you’ve got to lose one to win one,’ but that really happened here. These Wallys in Funny Car are really hard to come by so this means so much to get the win and the world championship.”

FULL THROTTLE PRO STOCK WORLD CHAMPION

	Jason Line, Summit Racing Pontiac GXP

Round Win/Loss Record: 47–16
No. 1 Qualifiers: 7
2011 Race Wins: 6
2011 Runner-up Finishes: 2

Season Summary: After finishing fifth in the point standings in 2010, Line came out on a mission in 2011, powering his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP to back-to-back wins to start the season in Pomona and Gainesville. His impressive start kept him at the top of the point standings for most of the regular season, but a second-round loss in Brainerd bumped him down to second place and Line entered the Countdown to the Championship second in the point standings. He then raced his way to two wins in three consecutive final-round appearances and three No. 1 qualifiers to start the Countdown and went on to become the first driver to clinch his world championship when he drove to a semifinal round appearance at the penultimate race of the season in Las Vegas.

Championship Quote: “It feels unbelievable to win my second championship. Timing is everything in our sport, and we got hot at the right time. The second championship definitely means more to me because as I’ve gotten older I’ve learned to appreciate it and realized how hard these things really are to get.”

FULL THROTTLE PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE WORLD CHAMPION

	Eddie Krawiec, Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson

Round Win/Loss Record: 35–12
No. 1 Qualifiers: 3
2011 Race Wins: 4
2011 Runner-up Finishes: 2

Season Summary: After finishing second and third in 2009 and 2010, Krawiec came out in 2011 and won the season opening Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals. Throughout the 2011 season, Krawiec and his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson never dropped below third place in the points standings. Krawiec finished the regular season with the points lead, then went on to win two races in three final-round appearances in the Countdown to the Championship en route to his second career world championship.

Championship Quote: “This has been my championship year all year. I didn’t win any races in my first championship but this year I won four races in six finals so this one really validated it all for me. Especially to have Willie G. here and all of Harley-Davidson, it’s awesome. For Andrew (Hines, teammate) and I to go to the last two races and be winner and runner-up at both is amazing. Plus, to have the opportunity to race with such great competitors, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, February 9–12, 2012: The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series kicks everything off in Southern California. Defending event winners are Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATIX.com. For media credentials, contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

NOT THE ‘NEW KID’ ANYMORE: Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Jr. after winning the 2011 Auto Club Road to the Future Award, which recognizes the top-performing rookie of the season: “This has been the most amazing year of my life. This was my goal, my dream coming into this year. Everything was the rookie of the year award.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

GREATEST MOMENT IN NHRA HISTORY AND GRANDSTAND NAMING: After his 2010 world championship-winning moment was voted the best in NHRA history by fans, Funny Car driver John Force received the ultimate honor when NHRA president Tom Compton announced that the Top Eliminator Club Grandstand at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona would be forever named the John Force Grandstand.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

1, 2: This was the first world championship for Top Fuel pilot Del Worsham and Funny Car driver Matt Hagan and the second world championship for Pro Stock driver Jason Line and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Eddie Krawiec.

DID YOU KNOW

…that after competing more than 30 years in NHRA Drag Racing as a driver and team owner, Kenny Bernstein has announced his retirement from NHRA Drag Racing. “We salute the late great NHRA founder Wally Parks, who was a dear friend and gave us an arena in which to live our dreams. We are fortunate to have had a job that we loved and without Wally’s vision, it’s hard to say where our life’s path would have led. For a youngster that grew up in Texas dreaming about cars and reading Hot Rod magazine, we were able to live the dream. Thanks again to all those who have touched our lives. We are walking away with a treasure chest full of memories.”

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

NEWS NUGGETS

FULL THROTTLE TOP FUEL WORLD CHAMPION

	Del Worsham, Al-Anabi Racing Dragster

Round Win/Loss Record: 53–14
No. 1 Qualifiers: 7
2011 Race Wins: 8
2011 Runner-up Finishes: 3

Season Summary: After competing 20 years in the Funny Car class, Worsham began his first full season in Top Fuel competition by racing to the win at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals and the points lead. From there, Worsham held the points lead throughout the regular season and entered the Countdown to the Championship at the top of the Top Fuel class. Back-to-back second-round losses in Charlotte and Dallas—the first two races of the Countdown—bumped Worsham down to third in the standings. But with a runner-up finish in Reading and a win in Las Vegas, Worsham clinched his first NHRA world championship with his semifinal round win over Spencer Massey at the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona. Worsham would go on to win the event—his eighth of the season.

Championship Quote: “When you race for Alan Johnson, I knew we had a real chance to win this thing. We weren’t in it from the start of the season but we are now and that’s all that matters. It’s always good to have him in your corner and I know I’m glad I do. I was always hoping to win a Funny Car championship after 20 years of racing, but the Top Fuel one feels just as sweet.”

FULL THROTTLE FUNNY CAR WORLD CHAMPION

	Matt Hagan, DieHard Dodge Charger

Round Win/Loss Record: 33–20
No. 1 Qualifiers: 3
2011 Race Wins: 2
2011 Runner-up Finishes: 2

Season Summary: After losing the 2010 world championship to John Force, Hagan came out in 2011 and raced to back-to-back final rounds in Pomona and Gainesville to start the season. After a fifth-place point finish in the regular season, Hagan raced to his first win of the year at the Countdown opening O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals in Charlotte, North Carolina, took the No. 1 qualifier for the event and made NHRA history when he set the national record and became the first Funny Car driver to break the three-second barrier with his run of 3.995 seconds. Hagan entered the season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona with the points lead and after a semifinal round win over Cruz Pedregon, clinched his first world championship. He then went on to win the race—his second of the year.

Championship Quote: “It really is truly amazing this weekend to win the championship and the race. We had some phenomenal things happen this year and to win this is amazing. It’s really a testimony to my crew and Tommy DeLago and what these guys have done with this car. I hate the phrase, ‘you’ve got to lose one to win one,’ but that really happened here. These Wallys in Funny Car are really hard to come by so this means so much to get the win and the world championship.”

FULL THROTTLE PRO STOCK WORLD CHAMPION

	Jason Line, Summit Racing Pontiac GXP

Round Win/Loss Record: 47–16
No. 1 Qualifiers: 7
2011 Race Wins: 6
2011 Runner-up Finishes: 2

Season Summary: After finishing fifth in the point standings in 2010, Line came out on a mission in 2011, powering his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP to back-to-back wins to start the season in Pomona and Gainesville. His impressive start kept him at the top of the point standings for most of the regular season, but a second-round loss in Brainerd bumped him down to second place and Line entered the Countdown to the Championship second in the point standings. He then raced his way to two wins in three consecutive final-round appearances and three No. 1 qualifiers to start the Countdown and went on to become the first driver to clinch his world championship when he drove to a semifinal round appearance at the penultimate race of the season in Las Vegas.

Championship Quote: “It feels unbelievable to win my second championship. Timing is everything in our sport, and we got hot at the right time. The second championship definitely means more to me because as I’ve gotten older I’ve learned to appreciate it and realized how hard these things really are to get.”

FULL THROTTLE PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE WORLD CHAMPION

	Eddie Krawiec, Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson

Round Win/Loss Record: 35–12
No. 1 Qualifiers: 3
2011 Race Wins: 4
2011 Runner-up Finishes: 2

Season Summary: After finishing second and third in 2009 and 2010, Krawiec came out in 2011 and won the season opening Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals. Throughout the 2011 season, Krawiec and his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson never dropped below third place in the points standings. Krawiec finished the regular season with the points lead, then went on to win two races in three final-round appearances in the Countdown to the Championship en route to his second career world championship.

Championship Quote: “This has been my championship year all year. I didn’t win any races in my first championship but this year I won four races in six finals so this one really validated it all for me. Especially to have Willie G. here and all of Harley-Davidson, it’s awesome. For Andrew (Hines, teammate) and I to go to the last two races and be winner and runner-up at both is amazing. Plus, to have the opportunity to race with such great competitors, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, February 9–12, 2012: The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series kicks everything off in Southern California. Defending event winners are Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATIX.com. For media credentials, contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

NOT THE ‘NEW KID’ ANYMORE: Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Jr. after winning the 2011 Auto Club Road to the Future Award, which recognizes the top-performing rookie of the season: “This has been the most amazing year of my life. This was my goal, my dream coming into this year. Everything was the rookie of the year award.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

GREATEST MOMENT IN NHRA HISTORY AND GRANDSTAND NAMING: After his 2010 world championship-winning moment was voted the best in NHRA history by fans, Funny Car driver John Force received the ultimate honor when NHRA president Tom Compton announced that the Top Eliminator Club Grandstand at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona would be forever named the John Force Grandstand.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

1, 2: This was the first world championship for Top Fuel pilot Del Worsham and Funny Car driver Matt Hagan and the second world championship for Pro Stock driver Jason Line and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Eddie Krawiec.

DID YOU KNOW

…that after competing more than 30 years in NHRA Drag Racing as a driver and team owner, Kenny Bernstein has announced his retirement from NHRA Drag Racing. “We salute the late great NHRA founder Wally Parks, who was a dear friend and gave us an arena in which to live our dreams. We are fortunate to have had a job that we loved and without Wally’s vision, it’s hard to say where our life’s path would have led. For a youngster that grew up in Texas dreaming about cars and reading Hot Rod magazine, we were able to live the dream. Thanks again to all those who have touched our lives. We are walking away with a treasure chest full of memories.”

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

NEWS NUGGETS

FULL THROTTLE TOP FUEL WORLD CHAMPION

	Del Worsham, Al-Anabi Racing Dragster

Round Win/Loss Record: 53–14
No. 1 Qualifiers: 7
2011 Race Wins: 8
2011 Runner-up Finishes: 3

Season Summary: After competing 20 years in the Funny Car class, Worsham began his first full season in Top Fuel competition by racing to the win at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals and the points lead. From there, Worsham held the points lead throughout the regular season and entered the Countdown to the Championship at the top of the Top Fuel class. Back-to-back second-round losses in Charlotte and Dallas—the first two races of the Countdown—bumped Worsham down to third in the standings. But with a runner-up finish in Reading and a win in Las Vegas, Worsham clinched his first NHRA world championship with his semifinal round win over Spencer Massey at the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona. Worsham would go on to win the event—his eighth of the season.

Championship Quote: “When you race for Alan Johnson, I knew we had a real chance to win this thing. We weren’t in it from the start of the season but we are now and that’s all that matters. It’s always good to have him in your corner and I know I’m glad I do. I was always hoping to win a Funny Car championship after 20 years of racing, but the Top Fuel one feels just as sweet.”

FULL THROTTLE FUNNY CAR WORLD CHAMPION

	Matt Hagan, DieHard Dodge Charger

Round Win/Loss Record: 33–20
No. 1 Qualifiers: 3
2011 Race Wins: 2
2011 Runner-up Finishes: 2

Season Summary: After losing the 2010 world championship to John Force, Hagan came out in 2011 and raced to back-to-back final rounds in Pomona and Gainesville to start the season. After a fifth-place point finish in the regular season, Hagan raced to his first win of the year at the Countdown opening O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals in Charlotte, North Carolina, took the No. 1 qualifier for the event and made NHRA history when he set the national record and became the first Funny Car driver to break the three-second barrier with his run of 3.995 seconds. Hagan entered the season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona with the points lead and after a semifinal round win over Cruz Pedregon, clinched his first world championship. He then went on to win the race—his second of the year.

Championship Quote: “It really is truly amazing this weekend to win the championship and the race. We had some phenomenal things happen this year and to win this is amazing. It’s really a testimony to my crew and Tommy DeLago and what these guys have done with this car. I hate the phrase, ‘you’ve got to lose one to win one,’ but that really happened here. These Wallys in Funny Car are really hard to come by so this means so much to get the win and the world championship.”

FULL THROTTLE PRO STOCK WORLD CHAMPION

	Jason Line, Summit Racing Pontiac GXP

Round Win/Loss Record: 47–16
No. 1 Qualifiers: 7
2011 Race Wins: 6
2011 Runner-up Finishes: 2

Season Summary: After finishing fifth in the point standings in 2010, Line came out on a mission in 2011, powering his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP to back-to-back wins to start the season in Pomona and Gainesville. His impressive start kept him at the top of the point standings for most of the regular season, but a second-round loss in Brainerd bumped him down to second place and Line entered the Countdown to the Championship second in the point standings. He then raced his way to two wins in three consecutive final-round appearances and three No. 1 qualifiers to start the Countdown and went on to become the first driver to clinch his world championship when he drove to a semifinal round appearance at the penultimate race of the season in Las Vegas.

Championship Quote: “It feels unbelievable to win my second championship. Timing is everything in our sport, and we got hot at the right time. The second championship definitely means more to me because as I’ve gotten older I’ve learned to appreciate it and realized how hard these things really are to get.”

FULL THROTTLE PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE WORLD CHAMPION

	Eddie Krawiec, Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson

Round Win/Loss Record: 35–12
No. 1 Qualifiers: 3
2011 Race Wins: 4
2011 Runner-up Finishes: 2

Season Summary: After finishing second and third in 2009 and 2010, Krawiec came out in 2011 and won the season opening Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals. Throughout the 2011 season, Krawiec and his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson never dropped below third place in the points standings. Krawiec finished the regular season with the points lead, then went on to win two races in three final-round appearances in the Countdown to the Championship en route to his second career world championship.

Championship Quote: “This has been my championship year all year. I didn’t win any races in my first championship but this year I won four races in six finals so this one really validated it all for me. Especially to have Willie G. here and all of Harley-Davidson, it’s awesome. For Andrew (Hines, teammate) and I to go to the last two races and be winner and runner-up at both is amazing. Plus, to have the opportunity to race with such great competitors, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, February 9–12, 2012: The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series kicks everything off in Southern California. Defending event winners are Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATIX.com. For media credentials, contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

NOT THE ‘NEW KID’ ANYMORE: Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Jr. after winning the 2011 Auto Club Road to the Future Award, which recognizes the top-performing rookie of the season: “This has been the most amazing year of my life. This was my goal, my dream coming into this year. Everything was the rookie of the year award.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

GREATEST MOMENT IN NHRA HISTORY AND GRANDSTAND NAMING: After his 2010 world championship-winning moment was voted the best in NHRA history by fans, Funny Car driver John Force received the ultimate honor when NHRA president Tom Compton announced that the Top Eliminator Club Grandstand at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona would be forever named the John Force Grandstand.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

1, 2: This was the first world championship for Top Fuel pilot Del Worsham and Funny Car driver Matt Hagan and the second world championship for Pro Stock driver Jason Line and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Eddie Krawiec.

DID YOU KNOW

…that after competing more than 30 years in NHRA Drag Racing as a driver and team owner, Kenny Bernstein has announced his retirement from NHRA Drag Racing. “We salute the late great NHRA founder Wally Parks, who was a dear friend and gave us an arena in which to live our dreams. We are fortunate to have had a job that we loved and without Wally’s vision, it’s hard to say where our life’s path would have led. For a youngster that grew up in Texas dreaming about cars and reading Hot Rod magazine, we were able to live the dream. Thanks again to all those who have touched our lives. We are walking away with a treasure chest full of memories.”

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

The team at Brenda Priddy & Co. recently delivered these shots of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 sporting a new grille. According to the spy shooters, this ZL1 is exactly how it was presented to dealers in Toronto several weeks back.

One, in Rally Yellow (not shown), and the other in red, were sporting the new grille. Priddy says that the grille, which matches the lower fascia, will likely be unique to the ZL1 package.

Photo: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Co.

The team at Brenda Priddy & Co. recently delivered these shots of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 sporting a new grille. According to the spy shooters, this ZL1 is exactly how it was presented to dealers in Toronto several weeks back.

One, in Rally Yellow (not shown), and the other in red, were sporting the new grille. Priddy says that the grille, which matches the lower fascia, will likely be unique to the ZL1 package.

Photo: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Co.

 

	SUVs and pickups have a strong following in the Middle East, with enthusiasts in the UAE and surrounding countries eager for U.S. light-truck performance and accessory products.

Secure one of the limited spots for the upcoming SEMA trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Meet with pre-vetted buyers from throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar in a day-long series of one-on-one meetings and networking events, April 17–20. All popular niches will be represented, including products for pickups, SUVs, sport compacts and luxury vehicles. Explore opportunities for your company and, for a limited time, take advantage of a $1,000 grant from the U.S. government to defray the costs of participating for all qualifying companies.

Register online. For more information, visit www.sema.org/middleeast or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.