Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit ARMO's website.

Learn What SEMA Offers to Restoration Businesses

The Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) will host a general membership meeting at the SEMA Garage–Product Development Center in Diamond Bar, California, Wednesday, May 27, 2015. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m., with the meeting running from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. A networking lunch will follow the meeting.

General membership meetings provide the perfect opportunity to let the ARMO leadership know what kind of challenges you face in day-to-day business, and to meet in person with restoration industry peers.

In addition to presentations and discussions about various topics, including SEMA Market Research, the 2015 SEMA Show, the ARMO data initiative and other projects, attendees at this meeting will be treated to a tour of the SEMA Garage. The Garage offers many valuable services and resources to members at substantial savings, including FaroArm/CMM scanning, 3D printing, fully equipped photo coves and more.

Please RSVP, or contact Jim Skelly for more information.

Restoration Professionals Gather for Networking at the Hot Product Showcase

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Visit TORA's website.

Nissan and Cummins Representatives Answer Questions at Measuring Session

Members of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) have the opportunity to preview the Nissan TITAN XD Crew Cab 4x4, powered by the all-new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo diesel engine at a special measuring session. The two-day event will take place April 28–29, 2015, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. Both Nissan and Cummins will have technical personnel available at the measuring session to answer questions about the technology. Cummins will also bring a separate engine model for measuring.

The ’16 Nissan TITAN XD is the first of a family of all-new trucks. Due to the early-production status of this vehicle, photography will be allowed on a limited basis, for R&D purposes only, and with the approval of Nissan personnel. Selected areas of the truck may be limited access. Engineering-CAD data may not be immediately available.
 
Attendance is for SEMA-member manufacturers and is by reservation only, so register now to secure your participation. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Questions can be directed to Rachael Salazar.

Back to Top

Visit MPMC's website.

Motorsports Council Hosts Open Meeting at SEMA Garage

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) will host a general membership meeting at the SEMA Garage-Product Development Center in Diamond Bar, California, on Thursday, May 28, 2015. The meeting will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and lunch at 12:00 p.m.  General meetings provide the perfect opportunity to let the MPMC leadership know what kind of challenges you face in daily business operations and meet face-to-face with fellow motorsports parts manufacturers.

In addition to presentations and discussions about various MPMC initiatives, of particular interest to MPMC manufacturers will be a tour of the SEMA Garage and the various resources it offers manufacturers. Emissions testing, CMM scanning and 3D printing, along with fully-equipped photo coves are all offered at substantial savings. Compliance Center Manager Peter Treydte will make a special presentation on the SEMA emissions lab and the other ways he and the Garage staff can assist with E.O. certifications.

Please RSVP, or contact Jim Skelly if you have any questions.

Back to Top

Visit PRO's website.

Planning the Future of the Restyling and Accessory Industry

Back to Top

Visit YEN's website

	During last year's competition, Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, introduced a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers.

Let SEMA Help Launch Your Business

By Amanda Gubbins

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN. The competition, now entering its third year, gives automotive innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform for their budding businesses.

Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, was a contestant in the 2014 competition. He and his concept—a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers—made it all the way to the final stage of the competition, where he gave a live presentation to a panel of respected industry leaders during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“As I look at the experience overall, I have to say that as a very, very young company, it did a tremendous amount of good for us in the sense that we went from being a concept, an untested idea, and we were forced to mature to our best capacity,” Peterson reflected. “We were forced to ripen as best that we could. It taught us about ourselves, our will, our desire to see this through and it brought out the best in our team. It definitely brought out the best in me.”

Launch Pad applicants are evaluated based on their video submissions by a task force, which will select the top 10. The top five candidates are narrowed down via a Facebook voting campaign. These finalists will each pitch their business plan at the 2015 SEMA Show, where the judging panel will select the winner, who will receive a prize package designed to fuel the next steps of his or her business.

Peterson explained that each of the finalists gained a certain amount of validation, which made the experience valuable. For MG Research, the feedback and exposure was a catalyst for much of the growth the company has experienced over the past months.

“We no longer have to strain ourselves trying to make this vision visible to other people. It’s now plastered all over the SEMA website, and it’s represented well. It has taken us from being one of a million young companies trying to come out of the woodwork, to one of a few that actually has accomplished something. As we are moving along now to our funding activities, we are going to find out exactly what the strength of the SEMA Launch Pad experience is.”

The bottom line, according the Peterson?

“We were all winners in the sense that we all walked away with what we needed to go to the next stage [of business],” he said.

Applications are due July 3, 2015. Find out what Launch Pad can do for your business. For more information, and to fill out the application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, contact Bryan Harrison.

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit ARMO's website.

Learn What SEMA Offers to Restoration Businesses

The Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) will host a general membership meeting at the SEMA Garage–Product Development Center in Diamond Bar, California, Wednesday, May 27, 2015. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m., with the meeting running from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. A networking lunch will follow the meeting.

General membership meetings provide the perfect opportunity to let the ARMO leadership know what kind of challenges you face in day-to-day business, and to meet in person with restoration industry peers.

In addition to presentations and discussions about various topics, including SEMA Market Research, the 2015 SEMA Show, the ARMO data initiative and other projects, attendees at this meeting will be treated to a tour of the SEMA Garage. The Garage offers many valuable services and resources to members at substantial savings, including FaroArm/CMM scanning, 3D printing, fully equipped photo coves and more.

Please RSVP, or contact Jim Skelly for more information.

Restoration Professionals Gather for Networking at the Hot Product Showcase

Back to Top

Visit TORA's website.

Nissan and Cummins Representatives Answer Questions at Measuring Session

Members of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) have the opportunity to preview the Nissan TITAN XD Crew Cab 4x4, powered by the all-new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo diesel engine at a special measuring session. The two-day event will take place April 28–29, 2015, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. Both Nissan and Cummins will have technical personnel available at the measuring session to answer questions about the technology. Cummins will also bring a separate engine model for measuring.

The ’16 Nissan TITAN XD is the first of a family of all-new trucks. Due to the early-production status of this vehicle, photography will be allowed on a limited basis, for R&D purposes only, and with the approval of Nissan personnel. Selected areas of the truck may be limited access. Engineering-CAD data may not be immediately available.
 
Attendance is for SEMA-member manufacturers and is by reservation only, so register now to secure your participation. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Questions can be directed to Rachael Salazar.

Back to Top

Visit MPMC's website.

Motorsports Council Hosts Open Meeting at SEMA Garage

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) will host a general membership meeting at the SEMA Garage-Product Development Center in Diamond Bar, California, on Thursday, May 28, 2015. The meeting will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and lunch at 12:00 p.m.  General meetings provide the perfect opportunity to let the MPMC leadership know what kind of challenges you face in daily business operations and meet face-to-face with fellow motorsports parts manufacturers.

In addition to presentations and discussions about various MPMC initiatives, of particular interest to MPMC manufacturers will be a tour of the SEMA Garage and the various resources it offers manufacturers. Emissions testing, CMM scanning and 3D printing, along with fully-equipped photo coves are all offered at substantial savings. Compliance Center Manager Peter Treydte will make a special presentation on the SEMA emissions lab and the other ways he and the Garage staff can assist with E.O. certifications.

Please RSVP, or contact Jim Skelly if you have any questions.

Back to Top

Visit PRO's website.

Planning the Future of the Restyling and Accessory Industry

Back to Top

Visit YEN's website

	During last year's competition, Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, introduced a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers.

Let SEMA Help Launch Your Business

By Amanda Gubbins

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN. The competition, now entering its third year, gives automotive innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform for their budding businesses.

Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, was a contestant in the 2014 competition. He and his concept—a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers—made it all the way to the final stage of the competition, where he gave a live presentation to a panel of respected industry leaders during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“As I look at the experience overall, I have to say that as a very, very young company, it did a tremendous amount of good for us in the sense that we went from being a concept, an untested idea, and we were forced to mature to our best capacity,” Peterson reflected. “We were forced to ripen as best that we could. It taught us about ourselves, our will, our desire to see this through and it brought out the best in our team. It definitely brought out the best in me.”

Launch Pad applicants are evaluated based on their video submissions by a task force, which will select the top 10. The top five candidates are narrowed down via a Facebook voting campaign. These finalists will each pitch their business plan at the 2015 SEMA Show, where the judging panel will select the winner, who will receive a prize package designed to fuel the next steps of his or her business.

Peterson explained that each of the finalists gained a certain amount of validation, which made the experience valuable. For MG Research, the feedback and exposure was a catalyst for much of the growth the company has experienced over the past months.

“We no longer have to strain ourselves trying to make this vision visible to other people. It’s now plastered all over the SEMA website, and it’s represented well. It has taken us from being one of a million young companies trying to come out of the woodwork, to one of a few that actually has accomplished something. As we are moving along now to our funding activities, we are going to find out exactly what the strength of the SEMA Launch Pad experience is.”

The bottom line, according the Peterson?

“We were all winners in the sense that we all walked away with what we needed to go to the next stage [of business],” he said.

Applications are due July 3, 2015. Find out what Launch Pad can do for your business. For more information, and to fill out the application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, contact Bryan Harrison.

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit ARMO's website.

Learn What SEMA Offers to Restoration Businesses

The Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) will host a general membership meeting at the SEMA Garage–Product Development Center in Diamond Bar, California, Wednesday, May 27, 2015. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m., with the meeting running from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. A networking lunch will follow the meeting.

General membership meetings provide the perfect opportunity to let the ARMO leadership know what kind of challenges you face in day-to-day business, and to meet in person with restoration industry peers.

In addition to presentations and discussions about various topics, including SEMA Market Research, the 2015 SEMA Show, the ARMO data initiative and other projects, attendees at this meeting will be treated to a tour of the SEMA Garage. The Garage offers many valuable services and resources to members at substantial savings, including FaroArm/CMM scanning, 3D printing, fully equipped photo coves and more.

Please RSVP, or contact Jim Skelly for more information.

Restoration Professionals Gather for Networking at the Hot Product Showcase

Back to Top

Visit TORA's website.

Nissan and Cummins Representatives Answer Questions at Measuring Session

Members of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) have the opportunity to preview the Nissan TITAN XD Crew Cab 4x4, powered by the all-new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo diesel engine at a special measuring session. The two-day event will take place April 28–29, 2015, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. Both Nissan and Cummins will have technical personnel available at the measuring session to answer questions about the technology. Cummins will also bring a separate engine model for measuring.

The ’16 Nissan TITAN XD is the first of a family of all-new trucks. Due to the early-production status of this vehicle, photography will be allowed on a limited basis, for R&D purposes only, and with the approval of Nissan personnel. Selected areas of the truck may be limited access. Engineering-CAD data may not be immediately available.
 
Attendance is for SEMA-member manufacturers and is by reservation only, so register now to secure your participation. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Questions can be directed to Rachael Salazar.

Back to Top

Visit MPMC's website.

Motorsports Council Hosts Open Meeting at SEMA Garage

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) will host a general membership meeting at the SEMA Garage-Product Development Center in Diamond Bar, California, on Thursday, May 28, 2015. The meeting will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and lunch at 12:00 p.m.  General meetings provide the perfect opportunity to let the MPMC leadership know what kind of challenges you face in daily business operations and meet face-to-face with fellow motorsports parts manufacturers.

In addition to presentations and discussions about various MPMC initiatives, of particular interest to MPMC manufacturers will be a tour of the SEMA Garage and the various resources it offers manufacturers. Emissions testing, CMM scanning and 3D printing, along with fully-equipped photo coves are all offered at substantial savings. Compliance Center Manager Peter Treydte will make a special presentation on the SEMA emissions lab and the other ways he and the Garage staff can assist with E.O. certifications.

Please RSVP, or contact Jim Skelly if you have any questions.

Back to Top

Visit PRO's website.

Planning the Future of the Restyling and Accessory Industry

Back to Top

Visit YEN's website

	During last year's competition, Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, introduced a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers.

Let SEMA Help Launch Your Business

By Amanda Gubbins

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN. The competition, now entering its third year, gives automotive innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform for their budding businesses.

Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, was a contestant in the 2014 competition. He and his concept—a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers—made it all the way to the final stage of the competition, where he gave a live presentation to a panel of respected industry leaders during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“As I look at the experience overall, I have to say that as a very, very young company, it did a tremendous amount of good for us in the sense that we went from being a concept, an untested idea, and we were forced to mature to our best capacity,” Peterson reflected. “We were forced to ripen as best that we could. It taught us about ourselves, our will, our desire to see this through and it brought out the best in our team. It definitely brought out the best in me.”

Launch Pad applicants are evaluated based on their video submissions by a task force, which will select the top 10. The top five candidates are narrowed down via a Facebook voting campaign. These finalists will each pitch their business plan at the 2015 SEMA Show, where the judging panel will select the winner, who will receive a prize package designed to fuel the next steps of his or her business.

Peterson explained that each of the finalists gained a certain amount of validation, which made the experience valuable. For MG Research, the feedback and exposure was a catalyst for much of the growth the company has experienced over the past months.

“We no longer have to strain ourselves trying to make this vision visible to other people. It’s now plastered all over the SEMA website, and it’s represented well. It has taken us from being one of a million young companies trying to come out of the woodwork, to one of a few that actually has accomplished something. As we are moving along now to our funding activities, we are going to find out exactly what the strength of the SEMA Launch Pad experience is.”

The bottom line, according the Peterson?

“We were all winners in the sense that we all walked away with what we needed to go to the next stage [of business],” he said.

Applications are due July 3, 2015. Find out what Launch Pad can do for your business. For more information, and to fill out the application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, contact Bryan Harrison.

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Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities.

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

BROWN RACES IN TOYOTA GRAND PRIX OF LONG BEACH PRO/CELEBRITY RACE: NHRA Top Fuel racer and current points leader Antron Brown took part in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pro/Celebrity race on Saturday on the 1.97-mile street course in downtown Long Beach, California. Brown joined such celebrities as Alfonso Ribeiro, Dara Torres, Mark McGrath and Robert Patrick.

PEDREGON AIMS FOR ANOTHER STANDOUT TEXAS PERFORMANCE IN HOUSTON: The O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway always seems to come at an opportune time for Funny Car standout Cruz Pedregon. With the 28th annual edition of this event taking place April 24–26 just east of Houston, the timing once again seems to be right up for a possible breakout performance from Pedregon and his 10,000hp Snap-on Tools Toyota Camry.

"The Texas tracks have been good to me my entire career," said Pedregon, whose last victory in Houston came in 2013. "I’m not sure exactly where to put my finger on it, but it seems like after a few races, we seem to get it together, and that’s no different this year. We feel like we’re getting right at the right time." Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) were last year’s winners of the event that will be televised live on ESPN2.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR NHRA KANSAS NATIONALS: Tickets are now available for purchase for the 27th annual NHRA Kansas Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka, May 22–24. The race is the eighth of 24 events in the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, and the race will be televised on ESPN2. To purchase general-admission or reserved seats for the NHRA Kansas Nationals, log on to www.nhra.com/tickets or call the NHRA Ticket Sales Center, 800-884-NHRA (6472). General-admission tickets for children 12 and younger are free with any paid adult ticket. Students with valid ID can purchase tickets for 50% off at the event ticket office.

He Said, She Said

"I’m so excited to be back in Houston. I have always enjoyed racing at the Houston track, and with Gumout based in the Houston area, the entire week is a big one for me. The Gumout folks have been tremendous partners with Dote Racing, and our team wants to have a strong showing for them. Getting to tour the NASA facility on Thursday is going to be a thrill for me. Being into speed as a racing driver, I want to see the behind-the-scenes of the space program. It’s so interesting and compelling."

—Top Fuel racer Leah Pritchett on racing in Houston at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries. Pritchett, who recently signed off on her husband’s Top Fuel license, raced to a quarterfinal finish in Pomona, California, and qualified fifth for the Gainesville, Florida, race.

Inside the Numbers

3: Number of wins three-time Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon has at Royal Purple Raceway, which ties him with Kenny Bernstein for most career Top Fuel victories at the facility. Dixon won at the track at the discontinued fall race in 1999 and 2000 and scored his last win at the facility in 2010, when he defeated Antron Brown in the final. John Force has the most Funny Car victories (seven) at Royal Purple Raceway, which opened in 1998, and Warren Johnson leads the Pro Stock Category with six wins.

Did You Know

LUPE TORTILLA MEXICAN RESTAURANTS TO SPONSOR ENDERS-STEVENS IN HOUSTON: Lupe Tortilla, routinely voted the top Mexican restaurant in Texas, will assume title sponsorship of the record-setting Pro Stock race car of reigning NHRA Mello Yello world champion Erica Enders-Stevens at the upcoming O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway in Houston. Enders-Stevens is a Houston native who attended Spring-Cypress High School and Texas A&M University. She has been supported by Lupe Tortilla founder Stan Holt; his wife, Sheila; and their restaurants since she began her driving career at age 8.

"Stan has always been a part of racing and my personal life for as long as I can remember," Enders-Stevens said. "He has always been there for me, and I consider him and Sheila part of my family. Stan even performed the wedding ceremony when Richie and I got married."

View the complete 2015 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

BROWN RACES IN TOYOTA GRAND PRIX OF LONG BEACH PRO/CELEBRITY RACE: NHRA Top Fuel racer and current points leader Antron Brown took part in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pro/Celebrity race on Saturday on the 1.97-mile street course in downtown Long Beach, California. Brown joined such celebrities as Alfonso Ribeiro, Dara Torres, Mark McGrath and Robert Patrick.

PEDREGON AIMS FOR ANOTHER STANDOUT TEXAS PERFORMANCE IN HOUSTON: The O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway always seems to come at an opportune time for Funny Car standout Cruz Pedregon. With the 28th annual edition of this event taking place April 24–26 just east of Houston, the timing once again seems to be right up for a possible breakout performance from Pedregon and his 10,000hp Snap-on Tools Toyota Camry.

"The Texas tracks have been good to me my entire career," said Pedregon, whose last victory in Houston came in 2013. "I’m not sure exactly where to put my finger on it, but it seems like after a few races, we seem to get it together, and that’s no different this year. We feel like we’re getting right at the right time." Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) were last year’s winners of the event that will be televised live on ESPN2.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR NHRA KANSAS NATIONALS: Tickets are now available for purchase for the 27th annual NHRA Kansas Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka, May 22–24. The race is the eighth of 24 events in the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, and the race will be televised on ESPN2. To purchase general-admission or reserved seats for the NHRA Kansas Nationals, log on to www.nhra.com/tickets or call the NHRA Ticket Sales Center, 800-884-NHRA (6472). General-admission tickets for children 12 and younger are free with any paid adult ticket. Students with valid ID can purchase tickets for 50% off at the event ticket office.

He Said, She Said

"I’m so excited to be back in Houston. I have always enjoyed racing at the Houston track, and with Gumout based in the Houston area, the entire week is a big one for me. The Gumout folks have been tremendous partners with Dote Racing, and our team wants to have a strong showing for them. Getting to tour the NASA facility on Thursday is going to be a thrill for me. Being into speed as a racing driver, I want to see the behind-the-scenes of the space program. It’s so interesting and compelling."

—Top Fuel racer Leah Pritchett on racing in Houston at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries. Pritchett, who recently signed off on her husband’s Top Fuel license, raced to a quarterfinal finish in Pomona, California, and qualified fifth for the Gainesville, Florida, race.

Inside the Numbers

3: Number of wins three-time Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon has at Royal Purple Raceway, which ties him with Kenny Bernstein for most career Top Fuel victories at the facility. Dixon won at the track at the discontinued fall race in 1999 and 2000 and scored his last win at the facility in 2010, when he defeated Antron Brown in the final. John Force has the most Funny Car victories (seven) at Royal Purple Raceway, which opened in 1998, and Warren Johnson leads the Pro Stock Category with six wins.

Did You Know

LUPE TORTILLA MEXICAN RESTAURANTS TO SPONSOR ENDERS-STEVENS IN HOUSTON: Lupe Tortilla, routinely voted the top Mexican restaurant in Texas, will assume title sponsorship of the record-setting Pro Stock race car of reigning NHRA Mello Yello world champion Erica Enders-Stevens at the upcoming O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway in Houston. Enders-Stevens is a Houston native who attended Spring-Cypress High School and Texas A&M University. She has been supported by Lupe Tortilla founder Stan Holt; his wife, Sheila; and their restaurants since she began her driving career at age 8.

"Stan has always been a part of racing and my personal life for as long as I can remember," Enders-Stevens said. "He has always been there for me, and I consider him and Sheila part of my family. Stan even performed the wedding ceremony when Richie and I got married."

View the complete 2015 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

BROWN RACES IN TOYOTA GRAND PRIX OF LONG BEACH PRO/CELEBRITY RACE: NHRA Top Fuel racer and current points leader Antron Brown took part in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pro/Celebrity race on Saturday on the 1.97-mile street course in downtown Long Beach, California. Brown joined such celebrities as Alfonso Ribeiro, Dara Torres, Mark McGrath and Robert Patrick.

PEDREGON AIMS FOR ANOTHER STANDOUT TEXAS PERFORMANCE IN HOUSTON: The O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway always seems to come at an opportune time for Funny Car standout Cruz Pedregon. With the 28th annual edition of this event taking place April 24–26 just east of Houston, the timing once again seems to be right up for a possible breakout performance from Pedregon and his 10,000hp Snap-on Tools Toyota Camry.

"The Texas tracks have been good to me my entire career," said Pedregon, whose last victory in Houston came in 2013. "I’m not sure exactly where to put my finger on it, but it seems like after a few races, we seem to get it together, and that’s no different this year. We feel like we’re getting right at the right time." Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) were last year’s winners of the event that will be televised live on ESPN2.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR NHRA KANSAS NATIONALS: Tickets are now available for purchase for the 27th annual NHRA Kansas Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka, May 22–24. The race is the eighth of 24 events in the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, and the race will be televised on ESPN2. To purchase general-admission or reserved seats for the NHRA Kansas Nationals, log on to www.nhra.com/tickets or call the NHRA Ticket Sales Center, 800-884-NHRA (6472). General-admission tickets for children 12 and younger are free with any paid adult ticket. Students with valid ID can purchase tickets for 50% off at the event ticket office.

He Said, She Said

"I’m so excited to be back in Houston. I have always enjoyed racing at the Houston track, and with Gumout based in the Houston area, the entire week is a big one for me. The Gumout folks have been tremendous partners with Dote Racing, and our team wants to have a strong showing for them. Getting to tour the NASA facility on Thursday is going to be a thrill for me. Being into speed as a racing driver, I want to see the behind-the-scenes of the space program. It’s so interesting and compelling."

—Top Fuel racer Leah Pritchett on racing in Houston at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries. Pritchett, who recently signed off on her husband’s Top Fuel license, raced to a quarterfinal finish in Pomona, California, and qualified fifth for the Gainesville, Florida, race.

Inside the Numbers

3: Number of wins three-time Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon has at Royal Purple Raceway, which ties him with Kenny Bernstein for most career Top Fuel victories at the facility. Dixon won at the track at the discontinued fall race in 1999 and 2000 and scored his last win at the facility in 2010, when he defeated Antron Brown in the final. John Force has the most Funny Car victories (seven) at Royal Purple Raceway, which opened in 1998, and Warren Johnson leads the Pro Stock Category with six wins.

Did You Know

LUPE TORTILLA MEXICAN RESTAURANTS TO SPONSOR ENDERS-STEVENS IN HOUSTON: Lupe Tortilla, routinely voted the top Mexican restaurant in Texas, will assume title sponsorship of the record-setting Pro Stock race car of reigning NHRA Mello Yello world champion Erica Enders-Stevens at the upcoming O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway in Houston. Enders-Stevens is a Houston native who attended Spring-Cypress High School and Texas A&M University. She has been supported by Lupe Tortilla founder Stan Holt; his wife, Sheila; and their restaurants since she began her driving career at age 8.

"Stan has always been a part of racing and my personal life for as long as I can remember," Enders-Stevens said. "He has always been there for me, and I consider him and Sheila part of my family. Stan even performed the wedding ceremony when Richie and I got married."

View the complete 2015 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.