By Jason Catullo

Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra

The Online Media Center has recently received several project-vehicle reveal announcements taking place during the 2016 SEMA Show. The Online Media Center is a free resource for exhibitors to post their SEMA Show news and press releases. Attendees and media access the digital news resource to learn about exhibitor products, Show demonstrations, special appearances, vehicle displays and more.

Latest SEMA Show Vehicle Reveal News

Transamerican Auto Parts, Bass Pro Shops - Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra

• Transamerican Auto Parts, in conjunction with Bass Pro Shops, will perform an on-site build of “The Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra.” The “live” build will be featured at booth #62112 within the SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience Area (located outside of the South Hall, in the Silver Lot).

Addictive Desert Designs - Springfield Armory Legacy 2017 Ford Raptor

• Springfield Armory and Addictive Desert Designs have joined forces to build the ultimate tactical vehicle package. Using the all-new ’17 Ford Raptor platform, the custom accessories will emphasize the firearm enthusiast and embody several Springfield Armory products in the build. The unveiling will take place at the Addictive Desert Designs SEMA booth #34237, Tuesday, November 1, at 1:00 p.m.

"Rat Trap"

Quarter Mile Foundation, Rat Trap Racing - “Rat Trap”

• The Quarter Mile Foundation teamed up with Rat Trap Racing to display “Rat Trap,” a classic fuel-altered car based on the Austin Bantam roadster body shell, mated to the Watson chassis. The car will be a part of the Foundation’s booth (#11000) in the Grand Lobby area of the Central Hall.

Valor Automotive - “Sweet” Custom Rides

• The Valspar Automotive booth (#10851, North Hall) will feature a ’50 Studebaker Dragster in Matrix Automotive Finishes by Tony Lanesky of Anton’s Hot Rod Shop of Cleveland, Ohio; a ’78 Pontiac Trans Am in Prospray Finishes by John Wargo of The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois; and a custom trike in Matrix colors from Count’s Kustoms and History’s “Counting Cars.”

ITW Global Brands, Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) – “Thin Blue Line” Mustang

• ITW Global Brands will feature the Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) “Thin Blue Line” Mustang in its booth (#15119) in the Westgate Hall. For $20 or more SEMA Show attendees can sign the hood of the Mustang. All proceeds raised will be presented to DRAGG to support its mission of police officers and the automotive industry mentoring youth in their home community of Oxnard, California. The DRAGG “Thin Blue Line” Mustang was customized and built by the students of DRAGG in Oxnard. Ford partnered with DRAGG and donated the Mustang Fastback used to create the “Thin Blue Line.”

For the latest news and press releases from 2016 SEMA Show exhibitors, visit the Online Media Center.

By Jason Catullo

Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra

The Online Media Center has recently received several project-vehicle reveal announcements taking place during the 2016 SEMA Show. The Online Media Center is a free resource for exhibitors to post their SEMA Show news and press releases. Attendees and media access the digital news resource to learn about exhibitor products, Show demonstrations, special appearances, vehicle displays and more.

Latest SEMA Show Vehicle Reveal News

Transamerican Auto Parts, Bass Pro Shops - Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra

• Transamerican Auto Parts, in conjunction with Bass Pro Shops, will perform an on-site build of “The Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra.” The “live” build will be featured at booth #62112 within the SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience Area (located outside of the South Hall, in the Silver Lot).

Addictive Desert Designs - Springfield Armory Legacy 2017 Ford Raptor

• Springfield Armory and Addictive Desert Designs have joined forces to build the ultimate tactical vehicle package. Using the all-new ’17 Ford Raptor platform, the custom accessories will emphasize the firearm enthusiast and embody several Springfield Armory products in the build. The unveiling will take place at the Addictive Desert Designs SEMA booth #34237, Tuesday, November 1, at 1:00 p.m.

"Rat Trap"

Quarter Mile Foundation, Rat Trap Racing - “Rat Trap”

• The Quarter Mile Foundation teamed up with Rat Trap Racing to display “Rat Trap,” a classic fuel-altered car based on the Austin Bantam roadster body shell, mated to the Watson chassis. The car will be a part of the Foundation’s booth (#11000) in the Grand Lobby area of the Central Hall.

Valor Automotive - “Sweet” Custom Rides

• The Valspar Automotive booth (#10851, North Hall) will feature a ’50 Studebaker Dragster in Matrix Automotive Finishes by Tony Lanesky of Anton’s Hot Rod Shop of Cleveland, Ohio; a ’78 Pontiac Trans Am in Prospray Finishes by John Wargo of The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois; and a custom trike in Matrix colors from Count’s Kustoms and History’s “Counting Cars.”

ITW Global Brands, Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) – “Thin Blue Line” Mustang

• ITW Global Brands will feature the Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) “Thin Blue Line” Mustang in its booth (#15119) in the Westgate Hall. For $20 or more SEMA Show attendees can sign the hood of the Mustang. All proceeds raised will be presented to DRAGG to support its mission of police officers and the automotive industry mentoring youth in their home community of Oxnard, California. The DRAGG “Thin Blue Line” Mustang was customized and built by the students of DRAGG in Oxnard. Ford partnered with DRAGG and donated the Mustang Fastback used to create the “Thin Blue Line.”

For the latest news and press releases from 2016 SEMA Show exhibitors, visit the Online Media Center.

By Jason Catullo

Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra

The Online Media Center has recently received several project-vehicle reveal announcements taking place during the 2016 SEMA Show. The Online Media Center is a free resource for exhibitors to post their SEMA Show news and press releases. Attendees and media access the digital news resource to learn about exhibitor products, Show demonstrations, special appearances, vehicle displays and more.

Latest SEMA Show Vehicle Reveal News

Transamerican Auto Parts, Bass Pro Shops - Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra

• Transamerican Auto Parts, in conjunction with Bass Pro Shops, will perform an on-site build of “The Ultimate Sportsman Toyota Tundra.” The “live” build will be featured at booth #62112 within the SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience Area (located outside of the South Hall, in the Silver Lot).

Addictive Desert Designs - Springfield Armory Legacy 2017 Ford Raptor

• Springfield Armory and Addictive Desert Designs have joined forces to build the ultimate tactical vehicle package. Using the all-new ’17 Ford Raptor platform, the custom accessories will emphasize the firearm enthusiast and embody several Springfield Armory products in the build. The unveiling will take place at the Addictive Desert Designs SEMA booth #34237, Tuesday, November 1, at 1:00 p.m.

"Rat Trap"

Quarter Mile Foundation, Rat Trap Racing - “Rat Trap”

• The Quarter Mile Foundation teamed up with Rat Trap Racing to display “Rat Trap,” a classic fuel-altered car based on the Austin Bantam roadster body shell, mated to the Watson chassis. The car will be a part of the Foundation’s booth (#11000) in the Grand Lobby area of the Central Hall.

Valor Automotive - “Sweet” Custom Rides

• The Valspar Automotive booth (#10851, North Hall) will feature a ’50 Studebaker Dragster in Matrix Automotive Finishes by Tony Lanesky of Anton’s Hot Rod Shop of Cleveland, Ohio; a ’78 Pontiac Trans Am in Prospray Finishes by John Wargo of The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois; and a custom trike in Matrix colors from Count’s Kustoms and History’s “Counting Cars.”

ITW Global Brands, Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) – “Thin Blue Line” Mustang

• ITW Global Brands will feature the Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) “Thin Blue Line” Mustang in its booth (#15119) in the Westgate Hall. For $20 or more SEMA Show attendees can sign the hood of the Mustang. All proceeds raised will be presented to DRAGG to support its mission of police officers and the automotive industry mentoring youth in their home community of Oxnard, California. The DRAGG “Thin Blue Line” Mustang was customized and built by the students of DRAGG in Oxnard. Ford partnered with DRAGG and donated the Mustang Fastback used to create the “Thin Blue Line.”

For the latest news and press releases from 2016 SEMA Show exhibitors, visit the Online Media Center.

By SEMA Editors

All proceeds raised during the 2016 SEMA Show will be presented to DRAGG to support its mission of police officers and the automotive industry mentoring youth in their home community of Oxnard, California.

ITW Global Brands (booth #15119) will feature the Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) “Thin Blue Line” Mustang at the 2016 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show attendees can sign the hood of DRAGG’s “Thin Blue Line” Ford Mustang for $20 or more. All proceeds raised during the 2016 SEMA Show will be presented to DRAGG to support its mission of police officers and the automotive industry mentoring youth in their home community of Oxnard, California. The display is located in the Westgate Hall, directly across from the Ford Customer Service booth.

“We are honored and excited to be supporting DRAGG at SEMA this year,” said Patrick Mallon, ITW Marketing Director. “It is important for us to give back to our community and DRAGG’s mentoring efforts are a great way to get involved and offer at-risk youth a future and a hope for a better life.”

Some of the “Thin Blue Line” 2015 Ford Mustang Fastback features include:

• 2.3L EcoBoost engine
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Vortech Engineering Intercooler
• Borla “Attack” cat-back exhaust
• American Muscle Airlift performance suspension
• Custom paint and lights

Visit booth #15119 to see the complete list of customized features during SEMA 2016.

The DRAGG “Thin Blue Line” Mustang was customized and built by the students of DRAGG in Oxnard, California. Ford partnered with DRAGG and donated the Mustang Fastback used to create the “Thin Blue Line”. The “Thin Blue Line” was displayed at SEMA 2015 and has appeared at Barrett Jackson 2016 in Phoenix, and other tour stops.

“DRAGG is honored to be partnered with ITW Global Brands at SEMA this year. Working with great companies like ITW is what helps our program grow,” said Sergeant Charles Woodruff, Personnel and Training Unit, DRAGG Director, Oxnard Police Department. “It shows our students the fundamentals of working in the industry from the build of our projects to the final showcase. It keeps them engaged in the process and hopefully a mentorship to continue in the industry.”

By SEMA Editors

All proceeds raised during the 2016 SEMA Show will be presented to DRAGG to support its mission of police officers and the automotive industry mentoring youth in their home community of Oxnard, California.

ITW Global Brands (booth #15119) will feature the Drag Racers Against Gangs and Graffiti (DRAGG) “Thin Blue Line” Mustang at the 2016 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show attendees can sign the hood of DRAGG’s “Thin Blue Line” Ford Mustang for $20 or more. All proceeds raised during the 2016 SEMA Show will be presented to DRAGG to support its mission of police officers and the automotive industry mentoring youth in their home community of Oxnard, California. The display is located in the Westgate Hall, directly across from the Ford Customer Service booth.

“We are honored and excited to be supporting DRAGG at SEMA this year,” said Patrick Mallon, ITW Marketing Director. “It is important for us to give back to our community and DRAGG’s mentoring efforts are a great way to get involved and offer at-risk youth a future and a hope for a better life.”

Some of the “Thin Blue Line” 2015 Ford Mustang Fastback features include:

• 2.3L EcoBoost engine
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Vortech Engineering Intercooler
• Borla “Attack” cat-back exhaust
• American Muscle Airlift performance suspension
• Custom paint and lights

Visit booth #15119 to see the complete list of customized features during SEMA 2016.

The DRAGG “Thin Blue Line” Mustang was customized and built by the students of DRAGG in Oxnard, California. Ford partnered with DRAGG and donated the Mustang Fastback used to create the “Thin Blue Line”. The “Thin Blue Line” was displayed at SEMA 2015 and has appeared at Barrett Jackson 2016 in Phoenix, and other tour stops.

“DRAGG is honored to be partnered with ITW Global Brands at SEMA this year. Working with great companies like ITW is what helps our program grow,” said Sergeant Charles Woodruff, Personnel and Training Unit, DRAGG Director, Oxnard Police Department. “It shows our students the fundamentals of working in the industry from the build of our projects to the final showcase. It keeps them engaged in the process and hopefully a mentorship to continue in the industry.”

SEMA Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso shares valuable information for 2016 SEMA Show exhibitors and buyers.

With the 2016 SEMA Show just around the corner and plans already in the works for 2018, Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso is always three steps ahead of the game when it comes to coordinating America’s largest annual gathering of small businesses. He has produced automotive events for 22 years—five of them with SEMA. He recently took some time to talk about what to expect and how to plan for the 2016 SEMA Show.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2016/10/a-conversation-with-tom-gattuso

SEMA Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso shares valuable information for 2016 SEMA Show exhibitors and buyers.

With the 2016 SEMA Show just around the corner and plans already in the works for 2018, Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso is always three steps ahead of the game when it comes to coordinating America’s largest annual gathering of small businesses. He has produced automotive events for 22 years—five of them with SEMA. He recently took some time to talk about what to expect and how to plan for the 2016 SEMA Show.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2016/10/a-conversation-with-tom-gattuso

SEMA Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso shares valuable information for 2016 SEMA Show exhibitors and buyers.

With the 2016 SEMA Show just around the corner and plans already in the works for 2018, Trade Shows Director Tom Gattuso is always three steps ahead of the game when it comes to coordinating America’s largest annual gathering of small businesses. He has produced automotive events for 22 years—five of them with SEMA. He recently took some time to talk about what to expect and how to plan for the 2016 SEMA Show.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2016/10/a-conversation-with-tom-gattuso

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

BROWN TAKES COMMANDING POINTS LEAD WITH TOP FUEL WIN; HAGAN, SKILLMAN, KRAWIEC ALSO SHINE IN DALLAS: Antron Brown furthered his points lead in Top Fuel last Sunday by racing to victory at the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals. Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Drew Skillman (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners at the 22nd event of 24 on the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. The AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals is the fourth race of the six-race NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship. Brown, the No. 1 qualifier, sprinted to a 3.744-second pass at 321.12 mph in his Matco Tools dragster to defeat Steve Torrence’s 3.750 at 323.12 in his Capco Contractors dragster. This is Brown’s 61st career win, seventh of the season and third at Texas Motorplex. He extended his lead over second-place Doug Kalitta by 150 points with the victory.

“We had a great drag race out there,” said two-time and reigning world champion Brown. “It could’ve went either way. We were both close on the Tree, but we snuck one out there. Nobody is blowing people out anymore. The only way you win is by inches. To win that final was monumental for our team. We needed to do that. We’re still not done working yet.”

DRIVERS WILLING TO RISK IT ALL IN LAS VEGAS: The high rollers of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series know what’s at stake at the 16th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, October 27–30. As the second-to-last race of the 2016 season, the opportunity to win a world championship becomes slimmer and slimmer, and folding is not an option for drivers and teams. Every pass, every point and every round is more crucial than ever at the event, which is the fifth of six races in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. The first four races of the Countdown—the NHRA Carolina Nationals, AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals, Dodge NHRA Nationals and AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals—will have set the tone for the penultimate race of the season, but anything can happen in the world of 330-mph, 10,000-hp NHRA Drag Racing.

SEALMASTER, KALITTA MOTORSPORTS ANNOUNCE CONTRACT EXTENSION: SealMaster and Kalitta Motorsports have announced a contract extension for the 2017 season. SealMaster will continue as the primary sponsor on J.R. Todd’s Top Fuel dragster for the entire 24-race 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Season schedule. SealMaster will also be an associate backer on the Top Fuel dragsters driven by Doug Kalitta and Troy Coughlin Jr., and the Toyota Camry Funny Cars of Alexis DeJoria and Del Worsham.

He Said, She Said

“We have struggled so badly with this race car. We were lost, and going into the Countdown, that’s the worst time of the year to be lost. We had some luck on our side this weekend. I drove decent, and the car at least went. We’re going the right direction, I think. We need to test again. We’re going to get back out there. We’re going to hit these last two races hard, so that’s where we’re going to go."

—Drew Skillman, who raced to his second win of the season and third career victory at the AAA Insurance NHRA FallNationals. Skillman and his Ray Skillman Auto Group Chevy Camaro recently tested at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis to find performance gains in his Pro Stock car. Skillman is sixth in points and 45 behind Bo Butner in fifth.

Inside the Numbers

19: Number of points that seperates Brittany Force, who is fourth in points, and Shawn Langdon in third. A year after winning just one round over the final three events, Force has had a banner 2016, winning three events and advancing to five final rounds. She wants to move up the standings in the remaining events, including a stop at The Strip as Las Vegas Motor Speedway, October 27–30, for the 16th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals.

“I think doing well in Las Vegas will be a big factor for the championship,” Force said. “Our goal is to have a chance to win the championship when we get to the Auto Club Finals in Pomona. We are going to do everything we can to be in a position where we can win. We go into every race thinking we can win, and it starts with the first round of qualifying. This has been an amazing season and these last couple of races will be even more exciting with the championship on the line."

Did You Know

CALIFORNIA HOT ROD REUNION WILL GIVE DRAG RACING FANS A BLAST FROM THE PAST: The California hot-rod culture will be on full display at the tradition-rich California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California, October 21–23. The three-day event, produced by and benefitting the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, will feature nonstop entertainment as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Historic cars, quarter-mile nitro nostalgia Top Fuel and Funny Cars, racing legends and heroes of the sport will all be on site for the extravaganza.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

BROWN TAKES COMMANDING POINTS LEAD WITH TOP FUEL WIN; HAGAN, SKILLMAN, KRAWIEC ALSO SHINE IN DALLAS: Antron Brown furthered his points lead in Top Fuel last Sunday by racing to victory at the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals. Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Drew Skillman (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners at the 22nd event of 24 on the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. The AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals is the fourth race of the six-race NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship. Brown, the No. 1 qualifier, sprinted to a 3.744-second pass at 321.12 mph in his Matco Tools dragster to defeat Steve Torrence’s 3.750 at 323.12 in his Capco Contractors dragster. This is Brown’s 61st career win, seventh of the season and third at Texas Motorplex. He extended his lead over second-place Doug Kalitta by 150 points with the victory.

“We had a great drag race out there,” said two-time and reigning world champion Brown. “It could’ve went either way. We were both close on the Tree, but we snuck one out there. Nobody is blowing people out anymore. The only way you win is by inches. To win that final was monumental for our team. We needed to do that. We’re still not done working yet.”

DRIVERS WILLING TO RISK IT ALL IN LAS VEGAS: The high rollers of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series know what’s at stake at the 16th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, October 27–30. As the second-to-last race of the 2016 season, the opportunity to win a world championship becomes slimmer and slimmer, and folding is not an option for drivers and teams. Every pass, every point and every round is more crucial than ever at the event, which is the fifth of six races in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. The first four races of the Countdown—the NHRA Carolina Nationals, AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals, Dodge NHRA Nationals and AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals—will have set the tone for the penultimate race of the season, but anything can happen in the world of 330-mph, 10,000-hp NHRA Drag Racing.

SEALMASTER, KALITTA MOTORSPORTS ANNOUNCE CONTRACT EXTENSION: SealMaster and Kalitta Motorsports have announced a contract extension for the 2017 season. SealMaster will continue as the primary sponsor on J.R. Todd’s Top Fuel dragster for the entire 24-race 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Season schedule. SealMaster will also be an associate backer on the Top Fuel dragsters driven by Doug Kalitta and Troy Coughlin Jr., and the Toyota Camry Funny Cars of Alexis DeJoria and Del Worsham.

He Said, She Said

“We have struggled so badly with this race car. We were lost, and going into the Countdown, that’s the worst time of the year to be lost. We had some luck on our side this weekend. I drove decent, and the car at least went. We’re going the right direction, I think. We need to test again. We’re going to get back out there. We’re going to hit these last two races hard, so that’s where we’re going to go."

—Drew Skillman, who raced to his second win of the season and third career victory at the AAA Insurance NHRA FallNationals. Skillman and his Ray Skillman Auto Group Chevy Camaro recently tested at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis to find performance gains in his Pro Stock car. Skillman is sixth in points and 45 behind Bo Butner in fifth.

Inside the Numbers

19: Number of points that seperates Brittany Force, who is fourth in points, and Shawn Langdon in third. A year after winning just one round over the final three events, Force has had a banner 2016, winning three events and advancing to five final rounds. She wants to move up the standings in the remaining events, including a stop at The Strip as Las Vegas Motor Speedway, October 27–30, for the 16th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals.

“I think doing well in Las Vegas will be a big factor for the championship,” Force said. “Our goal is to have a chance to win the championship when we get to the Auto Club Finals in Pomona. We are going to do everything we can to be in a position where we can win. We go into every race thinking we can win, and it starts with the first round of qualifying. This has been an amazing season and these last couple of races will be even more exciting with the championship on the line."

Did You Know

CALIFORNIA HOT ROD REUNION WILL GIVE DRAG RACING FANS A BLAST FROM THE PAST: The California hot-rod culture will be on full display at the tradition-rich California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California, October 21–23. The three-day event, produced by and benefitting the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, will feature nonstop entertainment as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Historic cars, quarter-mile nitro nostalgia Top Fuel and Funny Cars, racing legends and heroes of the sport will all be on site for the extravaganza.