The concept.
	The build.
	Ready to race.

Some of the nation’s best custom-car and hot-rod builders recently took part in the third-annual Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Pinewood Builders Challenge. Fifteen well-known builders created one-of-a-kind miniature hot rods in the style of Pinewood derby cars. The cars were raced at the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races in Pomona, California, with the car built by Derek White of Street Vizions winning the race. All of these cars will be on display at the annual SEMA Show and then placed on eBay for auction from October 30–November 8. All proceeds from the auction will go to support SEMA Cares and its two children’s charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

Describe the inspirations behind the design of your pinewood car.

This year, I used one of the bodies from my new resin model car line—the ’69 Camaro Sport Wagon. The original design was something I had been playing around with one afternoon and ended up contributing the artwork to Camaro Performers magazine for use in their "Camaro Concepts" section. The concept was so well received that when I started my resin model company, it was the first car put into production and has been a great seller. The car's design is something that Chevrolet should've done. Who knows a how many more Camaros would've been sold had they offered the Camaro as a wagon?

Describe some of the materials and resources you used to build your car.

The chassis is the original piece of pinewood that SEMA provided me with. The wheels, just as last year’s car, are drawer knobs, and the body is cast resin.

Why is it important for you to participate in the Pinewood Challenge?

For me, it's exposure, the love of competition and the fact that the sale of the car helps kids and maybe inspires them to get involved in hot rodding as a hobbyist or a professional later in life. 

	The concept.
	The build.
	Ready to race.

Some of the nation’s best custom-car and hot-rod builders recently took part in the third-annual Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Pinewood Builders Challenge. Fifteen well-known builders created one-of-a-kind miniature hot rods in the style of Pinewood derby cars. The cars were raced at the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races in Pomona, California, with the car built by Derek White of Street Vizions winning the race. All of these cars will be on display at the annual SEMA Show and then placed on eBay for auction from October 30–November 8. All proceeds from the auction will go to support SEMA Cares and its two children’s charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

Describe the inspirations behind the design of your pinewood car.

This year, I used one of the bodies from my new resin model car line—the ’69 Camaro Sport Wagon. The original design was something I had been playing around with one afternoon and ended up contributing the artwork to Camaro Performers magazine for use in their "Camaro Concepts" section. The concept was so well received that when I started my resin model company, it was the first car put into production and has been a great seller. The car's design is something that Chevrolet should've done. Who knows a how many more Camaros would've been sold had they offered the Camaro as a wagon?

Describe some of the materials and resources you used to build your car.

The chassis is the original piece of pinewood that SEMA provided me with. The wheels, just as last year’s car, are drawer knobs, and the body is cast resin.

Why is it important for you to participate in the Pinewood Challenge?

For me, it's exposure, the love of competition and the fact that the sale of the car helps kids and maybe inspires them to get involved in hot rodding as a hobbyist or a professional later in life. 

Petersen Museum to Honor Adam Corolla, John Lasseter
The Petersen Automotive Museum will honor John Lasseter and Adam Corolla at its "Comedy and Cars Gala" on Thursday, October 4. John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and principle creative advisor for Walt Disney Imagineering, will be awarded the Petersen Automotive Museum 2012 Automotive Visionary Award. The award salutes Lasseter’s lifelong passion for the automobile and honors the laughter he has brought millions around the world by celebrating the many ways the automobile provides freedom, personal expression and adventure. Adam Carolla, comedian, best-selling author, radio, TV and podcast host will receive the Petersen Automotive Museum 2012 Automotive Enthusiast Award in recognition of his many contributions to the promotion of the car as entertainment through building, personalization and collecting. 

Tire Group International Appoints Bill Hirst VP of Program Sales
Tire Group International appointed Bill Hirst as the company's new vice president of program sales for its domestic division. According to the company, Hirst, a 33-year industry veteran and brings a vast amount of experience in the passenger, light-truck, truck, industrial, agricultural and OTR tire segments. Previously, Hirst spent eight years at TBC Corp. as executive vice president of sales for key brands, such as Sumitomo.

Pareto Point Industries Named Semifinalist National CleanTech Open Competition
Pareto Point Industries was selected as a semifinalist in the 2012 National CleanTech Open (CTO) Competition for the company's Parallel-Flow Oil Bypass Filtration System. Pareto is now eligible for regional and national awards totaling $1,000,000 in cash, products, services and international media recognition. "Being recognized by CleanTech Open, the world’s largest sustainable business accelerator, is a great honor," stated Pareto Point Industries Chief Executive Officer Dr. Bob Hammer. "The competition is helping us develop more effective ways to be even more responsive to our customers’ needs.  Through CTO we have been exposed to potential partners, funders, customers and mentors. We look forward to the future rounds."   

Chris Duke

Chris Duke to Host New eHow Auto Center Series
Chris Duke, host and executive producer of Motorz was selected to host a new 25-episode series in cooperation with eHow.com called the eHow Auto Center. The first four episodes are now live online at www.motorz.tv/autocenter. The eHow Center provides how-to tips and instructions for auto repair and maintenance. “Chris was a natural pick for the eHow Auto Center series because he has a great presentation style and he shares our passion for do-it-yourself automotive care using common tools and proven techniques,” stated William Deloney, producer and director, eHow Auto Center. “He has a great way of explaining how to complete each project with confidence, covering the tools and safety rules, while also making sure he identifies the projects that are better left to the professionals.” 

Behr Hella Service Adds 120 Part Numbers
Behr Hella Service—a join venture between Behr and Hella—announced that there are more than 120 part numbers in its heavy-duty truck thermal-management parts program, including new replacement listings for Dodge, Ford, Freightliner, International, Mack, Sterling and Volvo trucks. The program additions include blowers, blower regulators, condensers, evaporators, expansion valves, heater cores, HVAC actuators, radiators and resistors. More information is available in the Heavy Duty Range Supplement available in a print version and online at www.hellausa.com.

LeMay Museum Extends Hours
LeMay—America's Car Museum (ACM) will continue to operate 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., everyday, year-round. The museum opened a four-level, 165,000 sq.-ft. facility in early June and reports that change in operation hours is in reaction to increasing demand. “Demand for our museum continues unabated, and we welcome the opportunity to meet popular demand,” said Paul Miller, ACM chief operations officer.  “This change of plan is a reflection of the growing interest in our museum locally as well as outside the Pacific Northwest.” More information about the museum is available at www.lemaymuseum.org.

	From October 30 through November 2, "Car Crazy TV" will broadcast live to more than 100,000 SEMA attendees on screens throughout the SEMA Show.

For the ninth consecutive year, Barry Meguiar, president and host of "Car Crazy Television," will talk with some of the biggest names and personalities in the automotive industry during the week of the 2012 SEMA Show.

From October 30 through November 2, "Car Crazy TV" will broadcast live to more than 100,000 SEMA attendees on screens throughout the SEMA Show. In addition, the interviews will also be aired as "Car Crazy" episodes during the 2013 season.

View clips of the notable industry personalities and professionals from last year's "Car Crazy" stage at the 2011 SEMA Show.

The "Car Crazy" Stage hours are:

• Tuesday, October 30, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 31, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, November 1, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Send your interview request and other inquires to JMPR Public Relations at 818-992-4353, or e-mail carcrazy@jmprpublicrelations.com.

	From October 30 through November 2, "Car Crazy TV" will broadcast live to more than 100,000 SEMA attendees on screens throughout the SEMA Show.

For the ninth consecutive year, Barry Meguiar, president and host of "Car Crazy Television," will talk with some of the biggest names and personalities in the automotive industry during the week of the 2012 SEMA Show.

From October 30 through November 2, "Car Crazy TV" will broadcast live to more than 100,000 SEMA attendees on screens throughout the SEMA Show. In addition, the interviews will also be aired as "Car Crazy" episodes during the 2013 season.

View clips of the notable industry personalities and professionals from last year's "Car Crazy" stage at the 2011 SEMA Show.

The "Car Crazy" Stage hours are:

• Tuesday, October 30, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 31, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, November 1, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Send your interview request and other inquires to JMPR Public Relations at 818-992-4353, or e-mail carcrazy@jmprpublicrelations.com.

The Canadian Tire Combustion Chamber is offering automotive specialty-parts industry professionals a chance to pitch their latest, most innovative products and programs geared towards automotive enthusiasts to Canada’s automotive authority. Selected companies will have an opportunity to get their products in the hands of Canadian consumers across the country at Canadian Tire's 570 national retail outlets (Canadian Tire, Gas+ and PartSource) during the 2013 gifting seasons. They will also be given the opportunity to have their products showcased in the Canadian Tire flyer and on CanadianTire.ca.

Selected candidates will receive an invitation the week of October 1, 2012, to pitch their ideas before a live panel Sunday, October 28, 2012, or Monday, October 29, in Las Vegas. A product sample is required.

Register by September 19, 2012. If you have any questions about the program, send your questions to  CombustionChamber@cantire.com.

Below is a list of categories that are currently sourced; however, new categories that are not listed may be considered:

	WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will build a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup to benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities. The truck will be introduced at the 2012 SEMA Show.

WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will partner again—this time with Source Interlink Media—to build two trucks—a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup and ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty—that will benefit a good cause. The companies also will create new, limited-edition WD-40 Smart Straw cans that feature some of Chip Foose’s classic vehicle designs.

“This year, we’re upping the ante and building two vehicles—one that pays tribute to WD-40 Co.’s history, and one that celebrates some of its newer specialty products that help auto pros like me get the job done right,” said Foose. “With the help of some great aftermarket partners and a lot of WD-40 brand products, we’ll be able to build two vehicles that honor those who work hard everyday.”

The first Foose-inspired project vehicle is a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup that commemorates the 60th anniversary of WD-40 Multi-Use Product, and looks similar to the truck used to deliver the first case of the product in the early ’50s, when the company was called "Rocket Chemical Co." 

With an updated drivetrain, suspension, wheels, tires and paint, the finished WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose ’53 Ford F-100 will be introduced at the 2012 SEMA Show and make stops at key West Coast auto shows and events before being auctioned for charity at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Proceeds from the auctioned vehicle will benefit two SEMA Cares charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

“After raising a combined $400,000 for SEMA Cares with our last three project vehicle builds, we expect these trucks to turn a lot of heads and continue to help a great cause,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Co. “Working with Chip, who’s an expert in his trade and has been using our products his whole life, is a great fit and we look forward to showcasing more of his designs on some limited-edition cans this fall.”

The partnership with Foose is part of an integrated marketing campaign designed to educate automotive professionals and enthusiasts about how to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product and the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. Build partners include L&R Engine, K&N, LMC Truck, McGard, Painless Performance, Quiet Ride Solutions, Pirelli and BASF.

WD-40 Co. also is collaborating with Source Interlink Media to help get the word out about the charity truck builds. Stay tuned to next week's SEMA eNews for more information about the ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty build.

For more information on the trucks and the collectible cans, visit WD40.com/Foose.

	WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will build a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup to benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities. The truck will be introduced at the 2012 SEMA Show.

WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will partner again—this time with Source Interlink Media—to build two trucks—a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup and ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty—that will benefit a good cause. The companies also will create new, limited-edition WD-40 Smart Straw cans that feature some of Chip Foose’s classic vehicle designs.

“This year, we’re upping the ante and building two vehicles—one that pays tribute to WD-40 Co.’s history, and one that celebrates some of its newer specialty products that help auto pros like me get the job done right,” said Foose. “With the help of some great aftermarket partners and a lot of WD-40 brand products, we’ll be able to build two vehicles that honor those who work hard everyday.”

The first Foose-inspired project vehicle is a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup that commemorates the 60th anniversary of WD-40 Multi-Use Product, and looks similar to the truck used to deliver the first case of the product in the early ’50s, when the company was called "Rocket Chemical Co." 

With an updated drivetrain, suspension, wheels, tires and paint, the finished WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose ’53 Ford F-100 will be introduced at the 2012 SEMA Show and make stops at key West Coast auto shows and events before being auctioned for charity at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Proceeds from the auctioned vehicle will benefit two SEMA Cares charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

“After raising a combined $400,000 for SEMA Cares with our last three project vehicle builds, we expect these trucks to turn a lot of heads and continue to help a great cause,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Co. “Working with Chip, who’s an expert in his trade and has been using our products his whole life, is a great fit and we look forward to showcasing more of his designs on some limited-edition cans this fall.”

The partnership with Foose is part of an integrated marketing campaign designed to educate automotive professionals and enthusiasts about how to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product and the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. Build partners include L&R Engine, K&N, LMC Truck, McGard, Painless Performance, Quiet Ride Solutions, Pirelli and BASF.

WD-40 Co. also is collaborating with Source Interlink Media to help get the word out about the charity truck builds. Stay tuned to next week's SEMA eNews for more information about the ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty build.

For more information on the trucks and the collectible cans, visit WD40.com/Foose.

	WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will build a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup to benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities. The truck will be introduced at the 2012 SEMA Show.

WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will partner again—this time with Source Interlink Media—to build two trucks—a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup and ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty—that will benefit a good cause. The companies also will create new, limited-edition WD-40 Smart Straw cans that feature some of Chip Foose’s classic vehicle designs.

“This year, we’re upping the ante and building two vehicles—one that pays tribute to WD-40 Co.’s history, and one that celebrates some of its newer specialty products that help auto pros like me get the job done right,” said Foose. “With the help of some great aftermarket partners and a lot of WD-40 brand products, we’ll be able to build two vehicles that honor those who work hard everyday.”

The first Foose-inspired project vehicle is a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup that commemorates the 60th anniversary of WD-40 Multi-Use Product, and looks similar to the truck used to deliver the first case of the product in the early ’50s, when the company was called "Rocket Chemical Co." 

With an updated drivetrain, suspension, wheels, tires and paint, the finished WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose ’53 Ford F-100 will be introduced at the 2012 SEMA Show and make stops at key West Coast auto shows and events before being auctioned for charity at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Proceeds from the auctioned vehicle will benefit two SEMA Cares charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

“After raising a combined $400,000 for SEMA Cares with our last three project vehicle builds, we expect these trucks to turn a lot of heads and continue to help a great cause,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Co. “Working with Chip, who’s an expert in his trade and has been using our products his whole life, is a great fit and we look forward to showcasing more of his designs on some limited-edition cans this fall.”

The partnership with Foose is part of an integrated marketing campaign designed to educate automotive professionals and enthusiasts about how to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product and the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. Build partners include L&R Engine, K&N, LMC Truck, McGard, Painless Performance, Quiet Ride Solutions, Pirelli and BASF.

WD-40 Co. also is collaborating with Source Interlink Media to help get the word out about the charity truck builds. Stay tuned to next week's SEMA eNews for more information about the ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty build.

For more information on the trucks and the collectible cans, visit WD40.com/Foose.

NEWS NUGGETS

WILKERSON RALLIES AT INDY TO EARN COUNTDOWN PLAYOFF BERTH; VANDERGRIFF, COUGHLIN ALSO TAKE SPOTS: Veteran Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson added to the drama and excitement of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus by making a tremendous move in Indy to earn the 10th and final Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship playoff spot in Funny Car. After starting the race in 12th in the points standings, Wilkerson defeated Bob Tasca and Jeff Arend before advancing to the final round and outlasting defending world champ Matt Hagan for the final position. A 10-point oil-violation penalty following his final-round loss to eventual race winner Mike Neff made the final tally even more dramatic as Wilkerson edged Hagan by only seven points. Wilkerson had been outside the top 10 since the second race of the season. Now he will have the opportunity to compete against nine others in the 8,000hp category for a chance at winning the Full Throttle world championship. In Top Fuel, Bob Vandergriff Jr. outlasted Clay Millican and Khalid alBalooshi for the 10th spot. In Pro Stock, Ron Krisher, V. Gaines, Larry Morgan and Jeg Coughlin earned the four remaining berths. Michael Ray, Shawn Gann and Matt Smith claimed the final three spots in Pro Stock Motorcycle. The six-race NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship opens September 14–16 at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, North Carolina, with the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries. For tickets, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office, 800-455-FANS (3267). For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

NHRA TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT FOR FUNNY CAR MOVED TO DALLAS EVENT: The NHRA Traxxas Nitro Shootout for Funny Car, scheduled for last Saturday’s rain-delayed completion of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus, has been moved to the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex, September 22. Heavy overnight rains in the Indianapolis area forced NHRA officials to delay the start of racing and didn’t allow enough time to run the $100,000 specialty race. The race within a race will feature eight world-class Funny Car racers battling for the $100,000 winner’s share. Ron Capps, Robert Hight, Jack Beckman, Johnny Gray, Mike Neff, John Force, Jeff Arend and Courtney Force are the qualified drivers for the inaugural event.

“We are disappointed for the fans at Lucas Oil Raceway that they aren’t able to take part in the NHRA Traxxas Nitro Shootout for Funny Car,” said Graham Light, NHRA senior vice president of racing operations. “We are excited that the Texas Motorplex can host the event, which will now take place in the shadow of the Traxxas company headquarters and in front of the many Traxxas employees in the area.” Traxxas is based in Plano, Texas, just north of Dallas. Traxxas Nitro Shootout first-round pairings are Capps vs. C. Force, Hight vs. Arend, Beckman vs. J. Force and Gray vs. Neff. For tickets to the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, call 800-MOTORPLEX (668-6775) or visit TexasMotorplex.com.

DIXON TO DRIVE DOTE RACING TOP FUELER BEGINNING IN CHARLOTTE: Three-time Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon will pilot the Dote Racing Top Fuel dragster at three of the remaining NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events this season, beginning with this weekend's fifth-annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at zMAX Dragway. Dixon, whose 62 Top Fuel victories rank second on the all-time list, has also signed on to compete with the part-time team in St. Louis and Reading.

"We are thrilled to partner with a driver of Larry's caliber for the remainder of our scheduled races," said Connie Dote, co-owner of Dote Racing. "Larry is one of the best drivers of all time, and we couldn't be more excited to combine his talents with our car's improving performance."

Since parting ways with Al-Anabi Racing in the last off-season, Dixon has been working on securing funding to put together his own team—a project that will continue as he fills in at Dote Racing.

"I'm really happy the Dotes offered me this chance to drive their car," Dixon said. "It'll be fun to get out there and duke it out with everyone again. I've been working hard at putting my own team together, and I know the Dotes are looking at what their next move will be in 2013. In the meantime, I'm happy to sub in for them. I feel like a free-agent quarterback who just got the call to come start the next game. I've known Doug (Kuch, crew chief) for 25 years, and it will be fun to work with him. Hopefully, they'll get as much out of me driving for them as I will taking their car through these three races."

The Dote team, with tuner Kuch, has turned heads this season by consistently posting competitive elapsed times on the scoreboard. The team has qualified at all seven races it has contested so far and reached the semifinals in Chicago—its best finish to date.

"We've gone rounds at the last two races, and with the car's increasing performance, I'm interested to hear what kind of feedback Larry can give us," Kuch said. "We are all looking forward to having him behind the wheel as we return to Charlotte."

For tickets, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office, 800-455-FANS (3267). For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, zMAX Dragway, September 14–16: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 18th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season for the first event of the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. The top 10 drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the Countdown—the NHRA’s playoffs. For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or visit zMAXDragway.com.

AAA TEXAS NHRA FALL NATIONALS, Texas Motorplex, September 20–23: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 19th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season for the second race of the Countdown. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points toward the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Bob Vandergriff Jr. (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-668-6775 or visit TexasMotorplex.com.

AAA INSURANCE NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS, Gateway Motorsports Park, September 28–30: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to St. Louis, and this time, it is for round three of the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA’s playoffs. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or visit NHRATix.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

HOT START AT ZMAX DRAGWAY CRITICAL FOR COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP SUCCESS: As the first race of the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship, the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries has always played a key role in deciding season champions. In the past three seasons, eight of the 12 winners of the Countdown opener at zMAX Dragway have gone on to win championships. Robert Hight currently sits second in the Funny Car standings. In 2009, he won both the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals and the Funny Car championship. He stresses the importance of gaining momentum to start the playoffs.

“It’s huge because I believe that racetrack is good, the conditions should be good and that’s exactly what this Auto Club Ford likes,” said Hight. “We hope to be good under all conditions—when it’s hot, when it’s cool—but I believe our strong point is when it’s cool. We have to get the momentum started at zMAX because you go to Dallas, and it’s hot, that racetrack’s tricky, so it’s nice to get the momentum going, and it’s the start of four races in a row. That is huge if you can carry that momentum right into the next week.”

Tickets and camping are still available for the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, September 14–16 at zMAX Dragway, by calling the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office, 800-455-FANS (3267).

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

9: SCHUMACHER PASSES GARLITS, TIES GLIDDEN WITH INDY VICTORY: Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher passed legendary “Big Daddy” Don Garlits on the all-time Top Fuel wins list at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus and tied Pro Stock great Bob Glidden for most pro wins at the drag race by claiming his ninth victory at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis last Sunday. It was Schumacher’s 11th final-round appearance at the Big Go.

“It may be sweeter [than the first Indy win],” said Schumacher of his second victory of the season and 69th of his career. “Anymore, it’s more difficult to win a race, by far, than it has probably ever been. There was a time where we were a tenth ahead of everybody and just needed to not make any mistakes, but the top seven cars are all so close that it’s pretty gratifying.” Schumacher beat Hillary Will, Morgan Lucas and top qualifier Shawn Langdon in early rounds before outrunning Spencer Massey in the final.

“To have a chance to win a ninth against my teammate who was running as good if not better and had lane choice made it a perfect moment,” Schumacher said. “I didn’t feel like I was stellar on the lights, but I left on everybody, Mike Green [crew chief] made the car run fast, and we got the trophy.”

Other Indy winners were Mike Neff (Funny Car), Dave Connolly (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For more news and results about the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, visit NHRA.com. 



DID YOU KNOW…


FULL THROTTLE AWARDS CEREMONY RETURNS TO HOLLYWOOD & HIGHLAND CENTER: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony is returning to the Grand Ballroom at the Hollywood & Highland Center in the heart of Hollywood, California. The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Awards Ceremony will take place Monday, November 12, and will be broadcast on the Web at NHRA.com and via NHRA’s YouTube home page beginning Wednesday, November 14. This marks the fourth year the awards ceremony will be available to NHRA fans in its entirety. The Hard Rock Cafe, also at the Hollywood & Highland Center, will play host to the after-party. The Hard Rock Cafe sits beside the world-famous Dolby Theater, home of the Academy Awards, and just steps from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and Hollywood’s starry Walk of Fame. The 20,000-sq.-ft. Hard Rock Cafe includes spacious seating, a live music area and a vibrant bar. The property also will play host to the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony, scheduled earlier in the day. The invitation-only black-tie event, where the NHRA will crown its 2012 Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world champions, will feature a pre-event cocktail reception, a formal sit-down banquet and the after-party. This year’s NHRA Full Throttle Awards Ceremony will be hosted by Dave Rieff—a veteran member of the NHRA broadcast team on ESPN. For more about this story, visit NHRA.com.