By Becca Butler

As 2015 SEMA Show exhibitors plan and prepare for the upcoming Show, taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas, designated account reps are available to help exhibitors navigate the SEMA Show process. Each exhibitor has one account rep dedicated to helping companies with their SEMA Show needs.

Brian Paik is a SEMA Show representative assigned to assist exhibitors in the Global Tire Expo section, as well as Tools & Equipment and Business Services. 

Show Section: Global Tire Expo; Tools & Equipment; Business Services

Brian Paik

Account Rep: Brian Paik

Years in the industry: 13

Year of first SEMA Show: 2000—Was only there for one day and remember seeing the sheer number of project cars under one roof.

Contact: brianp@sema.org or 909-978-6677.

Biggest opportunity: One of the biggest opportunities for exhibitors is to enter your product(s) in the New Products Showcase.

Advice for exhibitors: Have a plan to promote your products and booth before the Show, during the Show and following up with potential customers after the Show.

Most common mistake: Purchasing a booth and expecting buyers to come find you.

One thing for exhibitors to know: The Exhibitor Services Manual will answer 99% of your questions. I will also be available to help answer all of your questions—even the tough ones!

About SEMA’s Account Representatives

As part of SEMA’s initiative to enhance customer service and raise awareness of member benefits, each exhibiting company has a designated account representative. Assigned based on business categories, these in-house reps are available to assist with things such as booth space, sponsorships, magazine ads, Show registration, as well as non-Show programs, such as Measuring Sessions, Tech Transfer, research, education and more. Your rep will bring you the expertise and insight needed to accomplish your goals and receive the greatest return on your SEMA Show investment. Connect with your account rep as soon as possible so they can assist in creating the best SEMA Show strategy for your business.

Don’t know who your account rep is? Find your Show section below, and get to know them! For questions, e-mail sales@sema.org or call 909-396-0289.

Show Section: Racing & Performance

Jeff Swoboda

Account Rep: Jeff Swoboda

Years in the industry: 15

Year of first SEMA Show: 2003—I remember thinking how fantastic it was to see the sheer scale and breadth of products all in one place!

Contact: jeffs@performaneracing.com or 949-373-9212

Advice for exhibitors: Put as much emphasis on pre-Show marketing as possible. On-site, you are competing with more than 2,000 companies for the attention of buyers on the floor. It’s important to set a clear plan going into the Show regarding who you want to reach while you’re there and how you can communicate with them before they arrive.

Biggest misconception: Securing and setting up a booth guarantees success. There are more than one-dozen factors that go into your success at the Show, including your pre-Show marketing, budget control, booth staff, follow-up system, products and more.

One thing for exhibitors to know: Exhibiting at the SEMA Show is incredibly valuable in relation to what it would take to reach that many buyers through other means. Exhibiting at the Show is expensive and is a lot of work, but compared to shows in other industries, what SEMA provides in terms of value per dollar is second to none.

Advice for the 2015 SEMA Show: Plan as far ahead as possible, while still building flexibility into your plan.

Reed Morales

Account Rep: Reed Morales

Years in the industry: 15

Year of first SEMA Show: 2002—I thought I could do the Show in two days, but ended up staying the whole week and had to go buy clothes for the final days.

Contact: reedm@performanceracing.com or 949-373-9210

Advice for exhibitors: Don’t keep your participation in the Show a secret. Reach out to your current and prospective customers to let them know you will be exhibiting at the SEMA Show, and invite them to see your latest product offerings. You have to make some noise before the Show; there’s more than 2,000 exhibitors competing for your customers’ attention.

Biggest misconception: It’s not worth the cost. Imagine how much it would cost to personally visit all of the people that you connect with at the SEMA Show.

Favorite thing about the SEMA Show: Seeing exhibitors conducting business and being successful.

Andrea Brake

Account Rep: Andrea Brake

Years in the industry: 4

Year of first SEMA Show: 2011—I couldn’t believe how huge it was!

Contact: andreab@performanceracing.com or 949-373-9222.

Most common mistake: Exhibitors who do not market or promote their booth in any way. Leads will not just fall into your lap.

One thing for exhibitors to know: If you want to exhibit at the SEMA Show and you don’t get your “ideal” booth space, it’s still important for you to be there. There are things you can do to draw exposure to your booth, such as sponsorships or getting a remote booth outside. The SEMA Show is the best place for exhibitors to come and do business with serious buyers in the industry.

Biggest misconception: You will get lost in the shuffle because it’s so big. Exhibitors can avoid that by taking advantage of the opportunities to draw extra attention to their brand.

Francisque Savinien

Account Rep: Francisque Savinien

Years in the industry: 20

Year of first SEMA Show: 2000

Contact: FrancisqueS@performanceracing.com or 949-373-9247

Biggest opportunity for exhibitors: The SEMA Show is a concentration of opportunities. The halls are filled with tens of thousands of industry professionals with business needs. Some people are there to buy, some are there to sell and all are there to network.

Opportunities are everywhere, and you’ll notice that conversations continue beyond the Show floor. Be present and make every effort to engage with attendees.

Most common mistake: Sitting in the back of your booth. Try to engage with buyers and other exhibitors. Business happens everywhere.

One thing for exhibitors to know: The SEMA Show only happens once per year, which means you’ve got to be prepared. The next Show is in 12 months, so take full advantage of all opportunities while you are there.

Judy Kean

Account Rep: Judy Kean

Years in the industry: 17

Year of first SEMA Show: 1999

Contact: judyk@performaneracing.com or 949-373-9214

Advice for Exhibitors: Don’t expect potential buyers to just walk by your booth. You need to have a plan to target potential buyers through pre-Show marketing. Know who you’re going after and how you’re going to get their attention.

How exhibitors can be successful: SEMA offers a number of opportunities to help exhibitors get their company message out to the industry. Take advantage of all that SEMA has to offer!

Most Common mistake: Not marketing new products and product lines prior to the Show.

Eric Jurado

Account Rep: Eric Jurado

Years in the industry: 12

Year of first SEMA Show: 2005

Contact: ericj@performanceracing.com or 949-373-9220

Biggest opportunity the SEMA Show provides: Exhibitors can develop new leads, service existing customers, develop brand recognition and gain valuable market share.
 
One thing for exhibitors to know: SEMA remains a uniquely powerful link between racing and performance product manufacturers and the volume of buyers in this business. Make sure you follow up with your leads after the Show. I’ve heard countless times that attendees are still waiting for exhibitors to contact them!
 
Most common mistake: Not pre-marketing your presence at the Show. Most buyers already have a plan mapped out of who they will be visiting at the Show, and most of them base that off of the marketing materials they’ve received.

Show Section: Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; and Restoration Marketplace

Alan Josse

Account Rep: Alan Josse

Years in the industry: 20

Year of first SEMA Show: 1994

Favorite event at the Show: SEMA Cruise

Contact: alanj@sema.org or 909-978-6666

Advice for exhibitors: Pre-market your presence and location at the SEMA Show to maximize your ROI. Update your website, e-mail your customer list, advertise in industry publications and post your pre-Show activities on social media because everything you do exponentially increases your chances for success at the Show.

Most common mistake: Checking out. Not literally, but figuratively. At some point during the week, everyone feels the fatigue of staying mentally focused and being on their feet for so long. Try not to sink back into your booth, where unintentionally, you seem unapproachable.

Advice for the 2015 SEMA Show: Major components of the SEMA Show can change locations in the convention center from year to year. Familiarize yourself with the online facility layout prior to arriving at the Show.

Show Section: Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Collision Repair & Refinish; Hot Rod Alley

Monica Terlouw

Account Rep: Monica Terlouw

Years in the industry: More than 20

Year of first SEMA Show: 1986—I remember thinking I will never bring a suitcase of “cute high-heel” shoes again!

Contact: monicat@sema.org or 909-978-6695

Biggest Opportunity: The free promotions available to exhibitors. I have three freebies that are a must. First is the free product submission in the New/Featured Products Showcase. Second is to post a press release on the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Third is for exhibitors to submit their Show specials and incentives to SEMA for free promotion.

Advice for exhibitors: Take advantage of the exhibitor education available to help you be profitable and successful at the Show. Videos are recorded at the yearly Exhibitor Summit that are available online at www.SEMAShow.com. Become familiar with the Exhibitor Services Manual—there is priceless information in there, including a printable “Budget” and “Deadline” checklist.

Biggest misconception: That you need a large booth to be successful. By being strategic and taking advantage of all the resources and savings the Show offers. A 10x10 can have as much success as a larger booth.

Advice for the 2015 SEMA Show: SEMA Ignited will be an amazing experience in 2015 and should not be missed.

Show Sections: OEM, Wheels & Accessories; Mobile Electronics & Technology

Warren Kosikov

Account Rep: Warren Kosikov

Years in the industry: 20

Year of first SEMA Show: 1996—I remember being overwhelmed by the “acreage” of the Show. I had never been to a trade show as large as the SEMA Show.

Contact: warrenk@sema.org or 909-978-6665

Biggest opportunity at the Show: One of the best and biggest opportunities for exhibitors is the potential media coverage of their products. Coverage from the SEMA Show continues for many months, keeping your new-product launch fresh and providing you with ROI from the SEMA Show long after the doors have closed.

Advice for exhibitors: Don’t be overly concerned about booth location. The look of your exhibit, the products that are being displayed, pre-Show marketing efforts and the demeanor of your booth staff can all play a significant role in the success of your Show, more than the physical location of your booth.

One thing for exhibitors to know: Although the SEMA Show is the most visible thing we as an organization do, we work year-round to help our members’ businesses succeed. Benefits such as the SEMA Garage, Tech Transfer program and SEMA Data Co-op are all tools and resources available to SEMA members. I work with exhibitors throughout the year helping them take advantage of these programs and continue their success beyond the Show floor.

Advice for the 2015 SEMA Show: Wear sensible shoes.

For more information, contact sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

BROWN, WILKERSON, LINE AND ARANA COLLECT ATLANTA VICTORIES: Antron Brown raced to his second win of the season in Atlanta to become the first driver to win multiple races this season in Top Fuel. Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Sr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners at the seventh of 24 events in the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Brown pushed his Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster to a final-round performance of 3.887 at 310.48 mph to defeat Leah Pritchett’s 4.202 at 260.41 in her Dote Racing/Gumout dragster. Brown has 49 career wins and four at Atlanta Dragway, tying Larry Dixon for most in the category.

"It wasn’t just a good day but a good weekend," Brown said. "We’ve been aiming to start off with a good qualifying run. The first run out of the box on Sunday set the tone for the whole weekend. We started getting data in hot, cool and middle track temperatures when we tested in Indy. You have to make some swings with the combination we run now. (Crew chiefs) Brian Corradi, Mark Oswald and all the Matco boys have been putting the work in together. It definitely showed this weekend."

TOP FUEL'S MASSEY WELCOMES BUSY STRETCH CONTINUING WITH NHRA KANSAS NATIONALS: With the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series regular season just starting a seven-race stretch over the next nine weeks, things are about to hit a frenetic pace for all of the NHRA stars. That is most definitely a good thing in the eyes of Top Fuel standout Spencer Massey. Taking on the mindset of the more racing the better, that approach has often brought out the best in Massey and his 10,000hp Red Fuel dragster. Currently third in points, Massey is eager for the first back-to-back race stretch of 2015 at this weekend’s 27th annual NHRA Kansas Nationals. Massey won’t be able to claim consecutive victories in Atlanta and Topeka like he did a year ago, but his team does have plenty of confidence heading back to Topeka as the defending event winner.

"Last year when we won Atlanta, we blew up the car in the final round, and the guys had to drive straight back to the shop and totally rebuild the car," Massey said. "We’ve been there, and we know what to expect, and that makes it that much sweeter when you can pull it off. To do that and then win Topeka, that was awesome. It tells me we can conquer any situation, and that gives your team a lot of confidence."

Courtney Force (Funny Car) and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) were also last year’s winners of the event that will be televised nationally on ESPN2. It is the eighth of 24 races in 2015, and with a third of the season in the books, things will start to move considerably faster as far as the regular season is concerned.

LINE WINS WIRE TO WIRE IN ATLANTA: Jason Line had a near perfect weekend at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, where he secured his 37th Pro Stock victory when he defeated his teammate Greg Anderson in the final—their 24th such meeting. It marked the sixth time that Line won from the No. 1 qualifying position; the last time was in 2011 in Reading. With the win, his second at Atlanta Dragway, he took over the points lead from Erica Enders.

"Today was a great day for Summit Racing, and it was also a great day for KB Racing," said Line. "It's the way you picture it, the way you dream of it happening. It usually doesn't end up that way, but today it did. It was a phenomenal day. There have been plenty of times when I've done a really good job and had a great car but lost, and today was different—I got a little bit lucky. I was fast in qualifying, but today I wasn't fast. Today I had some good fortune. Greg was really fast and had the car to beat, and he was driving better than anyone else out here. He should have won, but this time I was the lucky guy."

He Said, She Said

"It was an incredible run through the Top Fuel field today [Sunday]. I even got my husband, Gary [a crew member on Steve Torrence’s Top Fuel team], to help me before the final round. Gary helped me pack the parachute and mix the fuel today. Everything worked well for the Dote Racing team and the Gumout dragster. We tried to stay with [Antron Brown] but we hazed the rear tires at the 330-ft. mark. Overall, it was a great showing with a little one-car team against the big squads. It was a tricky track with the final round having a 126-degree track temperature. But everything worked well up until that point of the day. You needed a hot-track setup here, and you might in Topeka next week, too. I’m anxious to get the Gumout dragster back at the track after this weekend."

—Top Fuel racer Leah Pritchett on advancing to her first Top Fuel final in Atlanta. Pritchett qualified third going into eliminations, a career best. She defeated Chris Karamesines, J.R. Todd and Larry Dixon en route to facing Brown in the championship round. Brown bested Pritchett with a run of 3.887 seconds at 310.48 mph to the trailing run of 4.202 at 260.41.

Inside the Numbers

86: Number of races since the last victory by Atlanta Funny Car winner, Tim Wilkerson, dating back to the Seattle event of 2011. It was also his first final round since the Bristol, Tennessee, event in 2014. With the win, Wilkerson became the fifth Funny Car racer to qualify for the NHRA Traxxas Nitro Shootout held at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis. In Atlanta, Wilkerson defeated Del Worsham, Jack Beckman, John Force and Ron Capps for the victory. This was the first win for the team since Richard Hartman began assisting with the tuning duties.

"He’s a really laid-back guy who doesn’t step on my toes or ask me what I do, ever," said Wilkerson. "We’re just trying to get a good rapport together. He’s just terrific. He’s a terrific asset and does whatever I ask. It takes a lot of pressure off me with him working with the young guys on the crew. I never knew that Richard had never won a national event before today. He gave me a big hug at the other end and said, ‘Man, I love you. I never thought I was going to win one of these races.’ I told him he’s a big part of it. There were tears running down both our cheeks. It was a cool day."

Did You Know

TOPEKA HAS HISTORIC TIES TO C. FORCE: Courtney Force has already achieved a great deal in her young Funny Car career and seems headed on an impressive track that will include plenty of noteworthy accomplishments. But the popular Funny Car star may have a tough time topping what happened a year ago at Heartland Park Topeka. Force picked up her biggest victory in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series in Topeka last season when she won the 100th race by a female driver. The thrilling moment was one of many highlights during Force’s strong 2014 season and one that will certainly be on her mind when she returns to Heartland Park Topeka in her Traxxas Chevrolet Camaro on Memorial Day weekend.

"It's exciting the memories I will always have when looking back at the 2014 Topeka race," Force said. "It was a special weekend because my sister Brittany and I were No. 1 qualifiers in each of our fields, and I went on to get my fourth career win. Not only was it special for us, but also it was a big weekend for the women in our sport. Getting that win marked the 100th win for women in the NHRA [Mello Yello Series] and that Wally [trophy] will always be special to me. I loved all the excitement it brought to the fans and drivers. It was a monumental win for the women, and it really shows how far our sport has come and how competitive these women really are."

View the complete 2015 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

BROWN, WILKERSON, LINE AND ARANA COLLECT ATLANTA VICTORIES: Antron Brown raced to his second win of the season in Atlanta to become the first driver to win multiple races this season in Top Fuel. Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Sr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners at the seventh of 24 events in the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Brown pushed his Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster to a final-round performance of 3.887 at 310.48 mph to defeat Leah Pritchett’s 4.202 at 260.41 in her Dote Racing/Gumout dragster. Brown has 49 career wins and four at Atlanta Dragway, tying Larry Dixon for most in the category.

"It wasn’t just a good day but a good weekend," Brown said. "We’ve been aiming to start off with a good qualifying run. The first run out of the box on Sunday set the tone for the whole weekend. We started getting data in hot, cool and middle track temperatures when we tested in Indy. You have to make some swings with the combination we run now. (Crew chiefs) Brian Corradi, Mark Oswald and all the Matco boys have been putting the work in together. It definitely showed this weekend."

TOP FUEL'S MASSEY WELCOMES BUSY STRETCH CONTINUING WITH NHRA KANSAS NATIONALS: With the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series regular season just starting a seven-race stretch over the next nine weeks, things are about to hit a frenetic pace for all of the NHRA stars. That is most definitely a good thing in the eyes of Top Fuel standout Spencer Massey. Taking on the mindset of the more racing the better, that approach has often brought out the best in Massey and his 10,000hp Red Fuel dragster. Currently third in points, Massey is eager for the first back-to-back race stretch of 2015 at this weekend’s 27th annual NHRA Kansas Nationals. Massey won’t be able to claim consecutive victories in Atlanta and Topeka like he did a year ago, but his team does have plenty of confidence heading back to Topeka as the defending event winner.

"Last year when we won Atlanta, we blew up the car in the final round, and the guys had to drive straight back to the shop and totally rebuild the car," Massey said. "We’ve been there, and we know what to expect, and that makes it that much sweeter when you can pull it off. To do that and then win Topeka, that was awesome. It tells me we can conquer any situation, and that gives your team a lot of confidence."

Courtney Force (Funny Car) and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) were also last year’s winners of the event that will be televised nationally on ESPN2. It is the eighth of 24 races in 2015, and with a third of the season in the books, things will start to move considerably faster as far as the regular season is concerned.

LINE WINS WIRE TO WIRE IN ATLANTA: Jason Line had a near perfect weekend at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, where he secured his 37th Pro Stock victory when he defeated his teammate Greg Anderson in the final—their 24th such meeting. It marked the sixth time that Line won from the No. 1 qualifying position; the last time was in 2011 in Reading. With the win, his second at Atlanta Dragway, he took over the points lead from Erica Enders.

"Today was a great day for Summit Racing, and it was also a great day for KB Racing," said Line. "It's the way you picture it, the way you dream of it happening. It usually doesn't end up that way, but today it did. It was a phenomenal day. There have been plenty of times when I've done a really good job and had a great car but lost, and today was different—I got a little bit lucky. I was fast in qualifying, but today I wasn't fast. Today I had some good fortune. Greg was really fast and had the car to beat, and he was driving better than anyone else out here. He should have won, but this time I was the lucky guy."

He Said, She Said

"It was an incredible run through the Top Fuel field today [Sunday]. I even got my husband, Gary [a crew member on Steve Torrence’s Top Fuel team], to help me before the final round. Gary helped me pack the parachute and mix the fuel today. Everything worked well for the Dote Racing team and the Gumout dragster. We tried to stay with [Antron Brown] but we hazed the rear tires at the 330-ft. mark. Overall, it was a great showing with a little one-car team against the big squads. It was a tricky track with the final round having a 126-degree track temperature. But everything worked well up until that point of the day. You needed a hot-track setup here, and you might in Topeka next week, too. I’m anxious to get the Gumout dragster back at the track after this weekend."

—Top Fuel racer Leah Pritchett on advancing to her first Top Fuel final in Atlanta. Pritchett qualified third going into eliminations, a career best. She defeated Chris Karamesines, J.R. Todd and Larry Dixon en route to facing Brown in the championship round. Brown bested Pritchett with a run of 3.887 seconds at 310.48 mph to the trailing run of 4.202 at 260.41.

Inside the Numbers

86: Number of races since the last victory by Atlanta Funny Car winner, Tim Wilkerson, dating back to the Seattle event of 2011. It was also his first final round since the Bristol, Tennessee, event in 2014. With the win, Wilkerson became the fifth Funny Car racer to qualify for the NHRA Traxxas Nitro Shootout held at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis. In Atlanta, Wilkerson defeated Del Worsham, Jack Beckman, John Force and Ron Capps for the victory. This was the first win for the team since Richard Hartman began assisting with the tuning duties.

"He’s a really laid-back guy who doesn’t step on my toes or ask me what I do, ever," said Wilkerson. "We’re just trying to get a good rapport together. He’s just terrific. He’s a terrific asset and does whatever I ask. It takes a lot of pressure off me with him working with the young guys on the crew. I never knew that Richard had never won a national event before today. He gave me a big hug at the other end and said, ‘Man, I love you. I never thought I was going to win one of these races.’ I told him he’s a big part of it. There were tears running down both our cheeks. It was a cool day."

Did You Know

TOPEKA HAS HISTORIC TIES TO C. FORCE: Courtney Force has already achieved a great deal in her young Funny Car career and seems headed on an impressive track that will include plenty of noteworthy accomplishments. But the popular Funny Car star may have a tough time topping what happened a year ago at Heartland Park Topeka. Force picked up her biggest victory in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series in Topeka last season when she won the 100th race by a female driver. The thrilling moment was one of many highlights during Force’s strong 2014 season and one that will certainly be on her mind when she returns to Heartland Park Topeka in her Traxxas Chevrolet Camaro on Memorial Day weekend.

"It's exciting the memories I will always have when looking back at the 2014 Topeka race," Force said. "It was a special weekend because my sister Brittany and I were No. 1 qualifiers in each of our fields, and I went on to get my fourth career win. Not only was it special for us, but also it was a big weekend for the women in our sport. Getting that win marked the 100th win for women in the NHRA [Mello Yello Series] and that Wally [trophy] will always be special to me. I loved all the excitement it brought to the fans and drivers. It was a monumental win for the women, and it really shows how far our sport has come and how competitive these women really are."

View the complete 2015 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

BROWN, WILKERSON, LINE AND ARANA COLLECT ATLANTA VICTORIES: Antron Brown raced to his second win of the season in Atlanta to become the first driver to win multiple races this season in Top Fuel. Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Sr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners at the seventh of 24 events in the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Brown pushed his Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster to a final-round performance of 3.887 at 310.48 mph to defeat Leah Pritchett’s 4.202 at 260.41 in her Dote Racing/Gumout dragster. Brown has 49 career wins and four at Atlanta Dragway, tying Larry Dixon for most in the category.

"It wasn’t just a good day but a good weekend," Brown said. "We’ve been aiming to start off with a good qualifying run. The first run out of the box on Sunday set the tone for the whole weekend. We started getting data in hot, cool and middle track temperatures when we tested in Indy. You have to make some swings with the combination we run now. (Crew chiefs) Brian Corradi, Mark Oswald and all the Matco boys have been putting the work in together. It definitely showed this weekend."

TOP FUEL'S MASSEY WELCOMES BUSY STRETCH CONTINUING WITH NHRA KANSAS NATIONALS: With the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series regular season just starting a seven-race stretch over the next nine weeks, things are about to hit a frenetic pace for all of the NHRA stars. That is most definitely a good thing in the eyes of Top Fuel standout Spencer Massey. Taking on the mindset of the more racing the better, that approach has often brought out the best in Massey and his 10,000hp Red Fuel dragster. Currently third in points, Massey is eager for the first back-to-back race stretch of 2015 at this weekend’s 27th annual NHRA Kansas Nationals. Massey won’t be able to claim consecutive victories in Atlanta and Topeka like he did a year ago, but his team does have plenty of confidence heading back to Topeka as the defending event winner.

"Last year when we won Atlanta, we blew up the car in the final round, and the guys had to drive straight back to the shop and totally rebuild the car," Massey said. "We’ve been there, and we know what to expect, and that makes it that much sweeter when you can pull it off. To do that and then win Topeka, that was awesome. It tells me we can conquer any situation, and that gives your team a lot of confidence."

Courtney Force (Funny Car) and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) were also last year’s winners of the event that will be televised nationally on ESPN2. It is the eighth of 24 races in 2015, and with a third of the season in the books, things will start to move considerably faster as far as the regular season is concerned.

LINE WINS WIRE TO WIRE IN ATLANTA: Jason Line had a near perfect weekend at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, where he secured his 37th Pro Stock victory when he defeated his teammate Greg Anderson in the final—their 24th such meeting. It marked the sixth time that Line won from the No. 1 qualifying position; the last time was in 2011 in Reading. With the win, his second at Atlanta Dragway, he took over the points lead from Erica Enders.

"Today was a great day for Summit Racing, and it was also a great day for KB Racing," said Line. "It's the way you picture it, the way you dream of it happening. It usually doesn't end up that way, but today it did. It was a phenomenal day. There have been plenty of times when I've done a really good job and had a great car but lost, and today was different—I got a little bit lucky. I was fast in qualifying, but today I wasn't fast. Today I had some good fortune. Greg was really fast and had the car to beat, and he was driving better than anyone else out here. He should have won, but this time I was the lucky guy."

He Said, She Said

"It was an incredible run through the Top Fuel field today [Sunday]. I even got my husband, Gary [a crew member on Steve Torrence’s Top Fuel team], to help me before the final round. Gary helped me pack the parachute and mix the fuel today. Everything worked well for the Dote Racing team and the Gumout dragster. We tried to stay with [Antron Brown] but we hazed the rear tires at the 330-ft. mark. Overall, it was a great showing with a little one-car team against the big squads. It was a tricky track with the final round having a 126-degree track temperature. But everything worked well up until that point of the day. You needed a hot-track setup here, and you might in Topeka next week, too. I’m anxious to get the Gumout dragster back at the track after this weekend."

—Top Fuel racer Leah Pritchett on advancing to her first Top Fuel final in Atlanta. Pritchett qualified third going into eliminations, a career best. She defeated Chris Karamesines, J.R. Todd and Larry Dixon en route to facing Brown in the championship round. Brown bested Pritchett with a run of 3.887 seconds at 310.48 mph to the trailing run of 4.202 at 260.41.

Inside the Numbers

86: Number of races since the last victory by Atlanta Funny Car winner, Tim Wilkerson, dating back to the Seattle event of 2011. It was also his first final round since the Bristol, Tennessee, event in 2014. With the win, Wilkerson became the fifth Funny Car racer to qualify for the NHRA Traxxas Nitro Shootout held at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis. In Atlanta, Wilkerson defeated Del Worsham, Jack Beckman, John Force and Ron Capps for the victory. This was the first win for the team since Richard Hartman began assisting with the tuning duties.

"He’s a really laid-back guy who doesn’t step on my toes or ask me what I do, ever," said Wilkerson. "We’re just trying to get a good rapport together. He’s just terrific. He’s a terrific asset and does whatever I ask. It takes a lot of pressure off me with him working with the young guys on the crew. I never knew that Richard had never won a national event before today. He gave me a big hug at the other end and said, ‘Man, I love you. I never thought I was going to win one of these races.’ I told him he’s a big part of it. There were tears running down both our cheeks. It was a cool day."

Did You Know

TOPEKA HAS HISTORIC TIES TO C. FORCE: Courtney Force has already achieved a great deal in her young Funny Car career and seems headed on an impressive track that will include plenty of noteworthy accomplishments. But the popular Funny Car star may have a tough time topping what happened a year ago at Heartland Park Topeka. Force picked up her biggest victory in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series in Topeka last season when she won the 100th race by a female driver. The thrilling moment was one of many highlights during Force’s strong 2014 season and one that will certainly be on her mind when she returns to Heartland Park Topeka in her Traxxas Chevrolet Camaro on Memorial Day weekend.

"It's exciting the memories I will always have when looking back at the 2014 Topeka race," Force said. "It was a special weekend because my sister Brittany and I were No. 1 qualifiers in each of our fields, and I went on to get my fourth career win. Not only was it special for us, but also it was a big weekend for the women in our sport. Getting that win marked the 100th win for women in the NHRA [Mello Yello Series] and that Wally [trophy] will always be special to me. I loved all the excitement it brought to the fans and drivers. It was a monumental win for the women, and it really shows how far our sport has come and how competitive these women really are."

View the complete 2015 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-supported legislation directing the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct a study on requirements for recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) proposed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was passed by the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and awaits a vote before the full Senate. A U.S. House subcommittee also reviewed the bill and is expected to pass it in the coming weeks. ROVs generally accommodate a side-by-side driver/passenger in a compartment equipped with roll bars and can attain speeds greater than 30 mph.

The legislation would postpone further action on the CPSC’s proposed rule pending the study. SEMA submitted a letter in support of the legislation and has joined with other companies and organizations to support an alternative industry ROV standard that would not stifle future design innovations and potentially limit use. The industry standard recognizes that there are a wide variety of uses and terrains for which ROVs are constructed, from utility to recreation. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website. For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-supported legislation directing the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct a study on requirements for recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) proposed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was passed by the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and awaits a vote before the full Senate. A U.S. House subcommittee also reviewed the bill and is expected to pass it in the coming weeks. ROVs generally accommodate a side-by-side driver/passenger in a compartment equipped with roll bars and can attain speeds greater than 30 mph.

The legislation would postpone further action on the CPSC’s proposed rule pending the study. SEMA submitted a letter in support of the legislation and has joined with other companies and organizations to support an alternative industry ROV standard that would not stifle future design innovations and potentially limit use. The industry standard recognizes that there are a wide variety of uses and terrains for which ROVs are constructed, from utility to recreation. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website. For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.