By SEMA Editors

Legendary musicians Jimmie Vaughan, Billy F Gibbons, Jeff Beck and Michael Anthony will be the featured entertainment at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 2, 2017, in Las Vegas. Tickets to the banquet are available exclusively to SEMA Showgoers.

The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is the automotive specialty-equipment market’s premier awards ceremony where industry excellence and achievements are celebrated. Held annually on Thursday evening during the week of the SEMA Show, the event is the industry’s single largest gala attended by nearly 3,000 automotive icons, professionals and celebrities.

“This is an extremely exciting opportunity to see four legendary musicians who are all ‘car guys’ play together at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet,” said Chris Kersting, president and CEO. “It’s a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity available only to Show attendees.”

The four musicians will be backed by Vaughan’s Tilt-A-Whirl band. While each is respected for his individual notable music contributions, they are also well known as hot-rod enthusiasts, and each has an enviable stable of rods and customs.

Tickets are available to SEMA Showgoers, and include a formal sit-down dinner. The program also features the announcement of the SEMA Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, WD of the Year, Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year and tributes to this year’s SEMA Hall of Fame inductees: GiGi Carleton, Doug Evans and Barry Meguiar.

All SEMA Show exhibitors qualify to obtain a limited number of free tickets to the banquet, while tickets can also be purchased by any Showgoer.

Billy F Gibbons	Jeff Beck
Jimmie Vaughan	Michael Anthony

By SEMA Editors

Legendary musicians Jimmie Vaughan, Billy F Gibbons, Jeff Beck and Michael Anthony will be the featured entertainment at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 2, 2017, in Las Vegas. Tickets to the banquet are available exclusively to SEMA Showgoers.

The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is the automotive specialty-equipment market’s premier awards ceremony where industry excellence and achievements are celebrated. Held annually on Thursday evening during the week of the SEMA Show, the event is the industry’s single largest gala attended by nearly 3,000 automotive icons, professionals and celebrities.

“This is an extremely exciting opportunity to see four legendary musicians who are all ‘car guys’ play together at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet,” said Chris Kersting, president and CEO. “It’s a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity available only to Show attendees.”

The four musicians will be backed by Vaughan’s Tilt-A-Whirl band. While each is respected for his individual notable music contributions, they are also well known as hot-rod enthusiasts, and each has an enviable stable of rods and customs.

Tickets are available to SEMA Showgoers, and include a formal sit-down dinner. The program also features the announcement of the SEMA Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, WD of the Year, Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year and tributes to this year’s SEMA Hall of Fame inductees: GiGi Carleton, Doug Evans and Barry Meguiar.

All SEMA Show exhibitors qualify to obtain a limited number of free tickets to the banquet, while tickets can also be purchased by any Showgoer.

Billy F Gibbons	Jeff Beck
Jimmie Vaughan	Michael Anthony

By Amelia Zwecher

Robert McFarland

SEMA’s Career Center is an online employment resource designed to facilitate a talent pipeline for entering the automotive aftermarket. Employers are able to search résumés, set up résumé alerts and receive valuable reporting information with enhanced tools. Similarly, job seekers can post résumés, and receive alerts when potential new openings are posted.

This week, the SEMA Career Center is featuring an interview with Robert McFarland—a job seeker and an aftermarket enthusiast—regarding his career aspirations. This profile displays his extensive experience, successes and drive to work in the automotive aftermarket industry.

Below is the recent interview with McFarland:

SEMA Career Center: Are you seeking part-time or full-time work? What kind of company are you in search of?

Robert McFarland: Full-time. I’ve worked for both small and large companies. I am eager to work for a company of any size open to change, driven by logical and concise decisions. I currently live in the city of Mira Loma, California, which is within Riverside County. I prefer to not relocate.

SCC: Why do you want to work in the automotive industry?

RM: I was raised in my dad’s garage working on such restoration projects as our ’69 Chevelle Super Sport and ’67 El Camino. These projects sparked my curiosity as to what efforts were put into making these vehicles a reality. That experience is why I pursued a degree in mechanical engineering with an emphasis on manufacturing and automotive design. The passion I have for the industry is something that cannot be taught in a classroom.

SCC: What kind of opportunity are you specifically seeking?

RM: I’ve been successful in every position that I have faced, from a design engineer at an aerospace company to managing a 30-plus team in the food manufacturing industry. I am open to many opportunities; however, recently I’ve narrowed my desire to research and development to make good parts better. I believe R&D would be a good fit due to my hands-on approach and attention to details. I’d like to be just as much a part of the design process as the testing process.

SCC: How well do you write, review or maintain engineering documentation? Share an example.

RM: At my previous job as a design engineer, I was tasked with conducting and submitting failure analysis reports on returned units. The process began with documenting the returned condition of the unit followed by breakdown of the component and utilizing various test fixtures to determine failure mode of the unit. Once all data was collected, an in-depth report was written, including the finding of the analysis and how we would address those issues.

SCC: How often do you read current literature, attend meetings or conferences and talk with colleagues to stay abreast of new technology and competitive products?

RM: I am a huge fan of car shows and expos. I attend the Los Angeles and Anaheim Auto Shows as often as I can. Last year, I attended the Aerospace and Defense (AeroDef) expo in Los Angeles, as well as the Design and Manufacturing convention. Nothing beats experiencing in person the latest and greatest of what the most innovative companies should offer.

SCC: What kind of experience do you have providing technical direction to other engineers or engineering support personnel? How well was your help received?

RM: When working with fellow engineering students on the SAE Baja project, one of the biggest challenges was understanding everyone’s level of knowledge and comprehension. I held weekly and sometimes daily one-on-ones with fellow students to brainstorm and critique their designs. Most times, the feedback went well and the vehicles came together nicely.

SCC: Share an example of when you designed or analyzed automobile systems in areas such as aerodynamics, alternate fuels, ergonomics, hybrid power, brakes, transmissions, steering, calibration, safety, or diagnostics.

RM: For the SAE Baja vehicle, I took on the task of designing the suspension geometry. Research was conducted on competitor vehicles, full-scale class 1 buggies, as well as looking at the system logically for improved stability and adjustability. Manufacturing began once it was designed in Solid Works.

SCC: Describe a situation when you had to plan or organize something.

RM: As SAE president during my senior year, one of my jobs was to coordinate the attendance and delivery of our Formula and Baja teams to the Los Angeles Auto Show. Vehicle delivery and booth setup was the easy part. Challenges came about when getting nearly 100 college students to the event to represent CSUF SAE. I paired the die-hard students with the less-experienced students to encourage a learning atmosphere. I discouraged large numbers of friends going at once to minimize the risk of horseplay. Attendance for all members was necessary, and by the end of the show, we had coverage across all days, making it a success in my book.

SCC: When given an important assignment, how do you approach it?

RM: With an important assignment, I believe it is necessary to fully submerge yourself into the material. Before any major decisions are made, do as much research as possible. Gaps can easily be identified if the right questions are asked: What is the current protocol? What was done in the past? What is the goal for the future? The road of this assignment should pave itself at that point.

SCC: What do you believe are your key strengths?

RM: I’ve always been a visual learner, and through that I can pass on to others an idea often with a simple diagram. I'm also good at building relationships with people. I believe that we tend to be more productive if we feel connected to the people around us. This starts with building trust through relationships. I strive to understand things to the fullest whether it be concepts, equipment or designs.

For more information, email Amelia Zwecher and view Robert’s résumé. 

By Amelia Zwecher

Robert McFarland

SEMA’s Career Center is an online employment resource designed to facilitate a talent pipeline for entering the automotive aftermarket. Employers are able to search résumés, set up résumé alerts and receive valuable reporting information with enhanced tools. Similarly, job seekers can post résumés, and receive alerts when potential new openings are posted.

This week, the SEMA Career Center is featuring an interview with Robert McFarland—a job seeker and an aftermarket enthusiast—regarding his career aspirations. This profile displays his extensive experience, successes and drive to work in the automotive aftermarket industry.

Below is the recent interview with McFarland:

SEMA Career Center: Are you seeking part-time or full-time work? What kind of company are you in search of?

Robert McFarland: Full-time. I’ve worked for both small and large companies. I am eager to work for a company of any size open to change, driven by logical and concise decisions. I currently live in the city of Mira Loma, California, which is within Riverside County. I prefer to not relocate.

SCC: Why do you want to work in the automotive industry?

RM: I was raised in my dad’s garage working on such restoration projects as our ’69 Chevelle Super Sport and ’67 El Camino. These projects sparked my curiosity as to what efforts were put into making these vehicles a reality. That experience is why I pursued a degree in mechanical engineering with an emphasis on manufacturing and automotive design. The passion I have for the industry is something that cannot be taught in a classroom.

SCC: What kind of opportunity are you specifically seeking?

RM: I’ve been successful in every position that I have faced, from a design engineer at an aerospace company to managing a 30-plus team in the food manufacturing industry. I am open to many opportunities; however, recently I’ve narrowed my desire to research and development to make good parts better. I believe R&D would be a good fit due to my hands-on approach and attention to details. I’d like to be just as much a part of the design process as the testing process.

SCC: How well do you write, review or maintain engineering documentation? Share an example.

RM: At my previous job as a design engineer, I was tasked with conducting and submitting failure analysis reports on returned units. The process began with documenting the returned condition of the unit followed by breakdown of the component and utilizing various test fixtures to determine failure mode of the unit. Once all data was collected, an in-depth report was written, including the finding of the analysis and how we would address those issues.

SCC: How often do you read current literature, attend meetings or conferences and talk with colleagues to stay abreast of new technology and competitive products?

RM: I am a huge fan of car shows and expos. I attend the Los Angeles and Anaheim Auto Shows as often as I can. Last year, I attended the Aerospace and Defense (AeroDef) expo in Los Angeles, as well as the Design and Manufacturing convention. Nothing beats experiencing in person the latest and greatest of what the most innovative companies should offer.

SCC: What kind of experience do you have providing technical direction to other engineers or engineering support personnel? How well was your help received?

RM: When working with fellow engineering students on the SAE Baja project, one of the biggest challenges was understanding everyone’s level of knowledge and comprehension. I held weekly and sometimes daily one-on-ones with fellow students to brainstorm and critique their designs. Most times, the feedback went well and the vehicles came together nicely.

SCC: Share an example of when you designed or analyzed automobile systems in areas such as aerodynamics, alternate fuels, ergonomics, hybrid power, brakes, transmissions, steering, calibration, safety, or diagnostics.

RM: For the SAE Baja vehicle, I took on the task of designing the suspension geometry. Research was conducted on competitor vehicles, full-scale class 1 buggies, as well as looking at the system logically for improved stability and adjustability. Manufacturing began once it was designed in Solid Works.

SCC: Describe a situation when you had to plan or organize something.

RM: As SAE president during my senior year, one of my jobs was to coordinate the attendance and delivery of our Formula and Baja teams to the Los Angeles Auto Show. Vehicle delivery and booth setup was the easy part. Challenges came about when getting nearly 100 college students to the event to represent CSUF SAE. I paired the die-hard students with the less-experienced students to encourage a learning atmosphere. I discouraged large numbers of friends going at once to minimize the risk of horseplay. Attendance for all members was necessary, and by the end of the show, we had coverage across all days, making it a success in my book.

SCC: When given an important assignment, how do you approach it?

RM: With an important assignment, I believe it is necessary to fully submerge yourself into the material. Before any major decisions are made, do as much research as possible. Gaps can easily be identified if the right questions are asked: What is the current protocol? What was done in the past? What is the goal for the future? The road of this assignment should pave itself at that point.

SCC: What do you believe are your key strengths?

RM: I’ve always been a visual learner, and through that I can pass on to others an idea often with a simple diagram. I'm also good at building relationships with people. I believe that we tend to be more productive if we feel connected to the people around us. This starts with building trust through relationships. I strive to understand things to the fullest whether it be concepts, equipment or designs.

For more information, email Amelia Zwecher and view Robert’s résumé. 

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Team NMRA prevailed over Team NMCA with a final score of 9 to 5 in the 12th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing.

Team NMRA Gets the Win at the 12th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing

After Team NMCA took home the Super Bowl win in 2016, Team NMRA was back and ready to fight it out at the 12th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing, presented by Precision Turbo at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois, July 28–30, 2017. Once all of the standard NMRA classes were run to completion, the winners of each category combined forces to represent NMRA in the Super Bowl battle where they ran against the winners of each NMCA category. When the smoke cleared and the scores were tallied, it was Team NMRA that prevailed with a final score of 9 to 5. Manny Buginga’s shootout win clinched the Super Bowl victory, and Charlie Booze Jr. captured the final pairing against Chevrolet Performance Stock. Team NMRA drivers will receive their own fitted Nitto Tire Diamond Tree championship ring to commemorate the victory. Next up on the NMRA Drag Racing Series schedule is the season finale—the 19th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals—September 28–October 1, 2017, at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Manny Buginga and his ’03 Mustang took the winning pass over Rob Goss with a 4.504 at 167.41 mph.

Edelbrock Renegade: Alton Clements in his Vortech supercharged ’89 Mustang went up against Tony Hobson in the finals, where Clements drove around Hobson and turned the win lights on in his lane.

ProCharger Coyote Modified: Tommy Annunziata in his Whipple-supercharged Peoples Bank ’14 Cobra Jet defeated Haley James-Schneider in the finals with a winning 7.818 at 175.39 mph hit.

G-Force Racing Transmissions Coyote Stock: Charlie Booze Jr. driving Justin Fogelsonger’s “Gold Dust” Mustang defeated Drew Lyons with a 10.249 at 129.68-mph blast.

Richmond Gear Factory Stock: Matt Amrine in his BES Racing Engines-powered ’98 Mustang GT defeated Dan Ryntz when he ran 10.853 at 113.47 mph.

Detroit Locker Truck and Lightning: Bob Dill pushed his ’01 Lightning through to the finals where he met up with Vinnie Telesco. Dill scored a big hole-shot advantage, and his 9.456 at 133.57-mph pass on his 9.28 dial secured him the victory.

Exedy Racing Clutch Modular Muscle: Susan McClenaghan in her ’10 Mustang ran a 9.519 at 134.67 quarter-mile pass on her 9.53 dial-in, while Lloyd Mikeska broke out and handed the win to McClenaghan.

Roush Performance Super Stang: Marvin Knack and his ’11 Mustang GT turned his 12.062 at 113.10 mph pass on his 11.92 dial-in into a winning one over Shelby Wendel.

Aerospace Components Open Comp: Dennis Corn in his ’88 Ford Thunderbird was the winning entry for the class, coaxing the car to a 9.666 at 139.72-mph run on a 9.65 dial-in during the final round of eliminations to mark Gordon Harlow as the runner up.

Race Pages Ford Muscle: Bryan Parker staged against JC Cascio, who had an 11.00 dial-in. Paired with a solid 0.031-second reaction time, Parker’s 12.063 at 106.24-mph trip earned him a visit to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

QA1 True Street: Cal Hayward reset the record when he ran an elapsed time of 7.374 seconds in his Bullseye Power turbocharged Mustang and took the overall win for the category. Jason Struckman took the 10-second category win with a 10.232-second average while Jack Caldwell averaged 11.024 seconds to earn the win in the 11-second group and Lee Goetz’s 12.022-second average sealed the deal for the 12-second title. The 13-second win went to Doug Johnson, the 14-second win went to Chris Parisi and Dave Urbanski rounded it out with the 15-second win.

Next up on the NMRA Drag Racing Series schedule is the season finale, the 19th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals, September 28–October 1, 2017, at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

J.R. Todd powered to his first career Funny Car victory last Sunday at the 30th annual Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway.

Todd, Torrence, T. Gray and Tonglet Take Home Victories at the 30th Annual Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals

J.R. Todd powered to his first career Funny Car victory last Sunday at the 30th annual Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway. Steve Torrence (Top Fuel) Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also victorious in their respective categories at the 15th of 24 events on the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Todd clinched the victory with a 4.049-second pass at 323.27 mph in his DHL Toyota Camry against Tim Wilkerson, who went up in smoke in his Levi, Ray & Shoup Ford Shelby Mustang during the final round. Todd sits ninths in the standings, while Ron Capps stays in first despite his first-round exit. Matt Hagan and Jack Beckman round out the top three, respectively, in the points standings. Torrence piloted his Capco Contractor/Torrence Racing dragster past Antron Brown’s Matco Tools dragster in the finals, with a pass of 3.784 at 329.42. In Pro Stock, rookie Gray drove to victory with a 6.572 run at 210.05 in his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro to defeat points leader Bo Butner in the final. Gray remains third in the standings, while Butner stays in first following his runner-up showing. Tonglet finished atop the Pro Stock Motorcycle field with a 6.783 pass at 197.02 on his Nitro Fish Racing Suzuki to narrowly defeat Matt Smith in the final round. Tonglet remains the points leader, while Eddie Krawiec continues to hold on to the second position. The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues this weekend with the NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways, August 4–6.

Jarett Andretti, the 2014 USAC National Sprint Car Rookie of the Year and son of legendary racer John Andretti, will run Greg Weld’s famous blue paint scheme in honor of the company’s late founder, who won the 1967 USAC Sprint Car Series champion.

WELD Racing and Andretti Autosport Short Track Forge Heritage Partnership

WELD Racing and Andretti Autosport Short Track have announced a heritage partnership that celebrates the company’s 50th anniversary in the design and manufacturing of race wheels. Jarett Andretti, the 2014 USAC National Sprint Car Rookie of the Year and son of legendary racer John Andretti, will run Greg Weld’s famous blue paint scheme in honor of the company’s late founder, who won the 1967 USAC Sprint Car Series. Jarett Andretti and his WELD Racing No. 1 USAC Sprint Car will compete at Lakeside Speedway, Kansas City, Kansas; Randolph County Speedway, Moberly, Missouri; and Kokomo Speedway, Kokomo, Indiana.

Million-Dollar Race Welcomes VP Racing Fuels as Official Fuel

Promoter Randy Folk has introduced VP Racing Fuels as the Official Fuel of the Million Dollar Drag Race, scheduled October 19–22, at Montgomery Raceway Park in Montgomery, Alabama. As part of its sponsorship, VP will provide trackside fuel service throughout the event. Celebrating its 22nd consecutive year, The Million offers racers across the country an opportunity to compete for more than $300,000. The race now features more than 300 entries in the main Million event, and more than 600 racers competing in the three companion races, which pay $25,000 as the top prize each day.

NMCA All-American Nationals Thursday Test and Tune Announced

For the first time, NMCA will offer a full Thursday Test and Tune, August 24, open to All-American Nationals competitors. One of the largest street-car drag-racing events of the year, the 16th Annual Honeywell Garrett NMCA All-American Nationals takes place at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, the weekend of August 24–27, 2017. This is one of three events that also features the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series and the best in LSX drag racing. The NMCA All-American Nationals, by E3 Spark Plugs, features Xtreme Pro Mods, Radial Wars, Factory Super Cars, Street Outlaws, Nostalgia Super Stockers and more. The All-American Nationals also features a large manufacturers midway, a musclecar and hot-rod car show on Saturday and Sunday, and special race classes, including the F.A.S.T. group, a Top Sportsman Challenge and the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series. Meet “Street Outlaws” TV stars Derek, BoostedGT and Kayla Morton on Saturday as they sign autographs, take pictures, and make wheels-up passes down the track. For more information visit www.NMCAdigital.com/OH.

Richie Morris Racing operates a two-rider program with Shayna Texter and GNC1 Rookie of the Year Jarod Vanderkooi.

E3 Sponsors Richie Morris Racing to Compliment Official Spark Plug Status With American Flat Track Racing

Earlier this year, E3 Spark Plugs partnered with American Flat Track Racing to become the series’ official spark plug. American Flat Track Racing features customized dirt-track motorcycles capable of reaching speeds up to 140 mph. Comprised of two classes, AFT Twins and Singles, and sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, E3 is the designated official spark plug for both classes for 2017. In addition to the company’s partnership of American Flat Track Racing, E3 recently inked a sponsorship program with Richie Morris Racing (RMR) in 2017. RMR operates a two-rider program with Shayna Texter, riding in Singles and fresh off a win at Rolling Wheels, and GNC1 Rookie of the Year Jarod Vanderkooi, who recently moved to flat track from road racing and is riding twins.

Total Truck Centers Is Off to the Truck Races at Bristol

The AAM Group has announced that its Total Truck Centers marketing program will sponsor Wendell Chavous’ #49 Chevrolet Silverado at the UNOH 200 NASCAR Camping World Series race to be held August 16 at Bristol Motor Speedway. In addition to putting the Total Truck Centers logo on the hood, back and sides of Chavous’ Premium Motorsports truck, the program plans to include the driver’s image on many of its promotional marketing materials throughout the coming year. This partnership will put the Total Truck Centers brand on display during a nationally televised NASCAR event at one of the sport’s premier venues. To generate additional exposure for the race, Total Truck Centers has challenged the inside and outside sales teams of its affiliated warehouses to promote the event using the #Totaltruck49 hashtag on their social media platforms.

Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Welcomes Tom White

Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) Chairman Mark McMillin has welcomed Early Years of Motocross Museum founder Tom White to the ORMHOF Board of Directors. White raced on to the Orange County, California, motorcycle scene in the ’70s. He co-founded White Brothers Cycle Specialties in 1975, building the company to one of the largest motorcycle parts distribution companies in the United States. His career as a racer, business owner and collector was recognized in 2014, when he was inducted into the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Hall of Fame.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Team NMRA prevailed over Team NMCA with a final score of 9 to 5 in the 12th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing.

Team NMRA Gets the Win at the 12th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing

After Team NMCA took home the Super Bowl win in 2016, Team NMRA was back and ready to fight it out at the 12th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing, presented by Precision Turbo at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois, July 28–30, 2017. Once all of the standard NMRA classes were run to completion, the winners of each category combined forces to represent NMRA in the Super Bowl battle where they ran against the winners of each NMCA category. When the smoke cleared and the scores were tallied, it was Team NMRA that prevailed with a final score of 9 to 5. Manny Buginga’s shootout win clinched the Super Bowl victory, and Charlie Booze Jr. captured the final pairing against Chevrolet Performance Stock. Team NMRA drivers will receive their own fitted Nitto Tire Diamond Tree championship ring to commemorate the victory. Next up on the NMRA Drag Racing Series schedule is the season finale—the 19th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals—September 28–October 1, 2017, at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Manny Buginga and his ’03 Mustang took the winning pass over Rob Goss with a 4.504 at 167.41 mph.

Edelbrock Renegade: Alton Clements in his Vortech supercharged ’89 Mustang went up against Tony Hobson in the finals, where Clements drove around Hobson and turned the win lights on in his lane.

ProCharger Coyote Modified: Tommy Annunziata in his Whipple-supercharged Peoples Bank ’14 Cobra Jet defeated Haley James-Schneider in the finals with a winning 7.818 at 175.39 mph hit.

G-Force Racing Transmissions Coyote Stock: Charlie Booze Jr. driving Justin Fogelsonger’s “Gold Dust” Mustang defeated Drew Lyons with a 10.249 at 129.68-mph blast.

Richmond Gear Factory Stock: Matt Amrine in his BES Racing Engines-powered ’98 Mustang GT defeated Dan Ryntz when he ran 10.853 at 113.47 mph.

Detroit Locker Truck and Lightning: Bob Dill pushed his ’01 Lightning through to the finals where he met up with Vinnie Telesco. Dill scored a big hole-shot advantage, and his 9.456 at 133.57-mph pass on his 9.28 dial secured him the victory.

Exedy Racing Clutch Modular Muscle: Susan McClenaghan in her ’10 Mustang ran a 9.519 at 134.67 quarter-mile pass on her 9.53 dial-in, while Lloyd Mikeska broke out and handed the win to McClenaghan.

Roush Performance Super Stang: Marvin Knack and his ’11 Mustang GT turned his 12.062 at 113.10 mph pass on his 11.92 dial-in into a winning one over Shelby Wendel.

Aerospace Components Open Comp: Dennis Corn in his ’88 Ford Thunderbird was the winning entry for the class, coaxing the car to a 9.666 at 139.72-mph run on a 9.65 dial-in during the final round of eliminations to mark Gordon Harlow as the runner up.

Race Pages Ford Muscle: Bryan Parker staged against JC Cascio, who had an 11.00 dial-in. Paired with a solid 0.031-second reaction time, Parker’s 12.063 at 106.24-mph trip earned him a visit to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle.

QA1 True Street: Cal Hayward reset the record when he ran an elapsed time of 7.374 seconds in his Bullseye Power turbocharged Mustang and took the overall win for the category. Jason Struckman took the 10-second category win with a 10.232-second average while Jack Caldwell averaged 11.024 seconds to earn the win in the 11-second group and Lee Goetz’s 12.022-second average sealed the deal for the 12-second title. The 13-second win went to Doug Johnson, the 14-second win went to Chris Parisi and Dave Urbanski rounded it out with the 15-second win.

Next up on the NMRA Drag Racing Series schedule is the season finale, the 19th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals, September 28–October 1, 2017, at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

J.R. Todd powered to his first career Funny Car victory last Sunday at the 30th annual Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway.

Todd, Torrence, T. Gray and Tonglet Take Home Victories at the 30th Annual Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals

J.R. Todd powered to his first career Funny Car victory last Sunday at the 30th annual Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway. Steve Torrence (Top Fuel) Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also victorious in their respective categories at the 15th of 24 events on the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Todd clinched the victory with a 4.049-second pass at 323.27 mph in his DHL Toyota Camry against Tim Wilkerson, who went up in smoke in his Levi, Ray & Shoup Ford Shelby Mustang during the final round. Todd sits ninths in the standings, while Ron Capps stays in first despite his first-round exit. Matt Hagan and Jack Beckman round out the top three, respectively, in the points standings. Torrence piloted his Capco Contractor/Torrence Racing dragster past Antron Brown’s Matco Tools dragster in the finals, with a pass of 3.784 at 329.42. In Pro Stock, rookie Gray drove to victory with a 6.572 run at 210.05 in his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro to defeat points leader Bo Butner in the final. Gray remains third in the standings, while Butner stays in first following his runner-up showing. Tonglet finished atop the Pro Stock Motorcycle field with a 6.783 pass at 197.02 on his Nitro Fish Racing Suzuki to narrowly defeat Matt Smith in the final round. Tonglet remains the points leader, while Eddie Krawiec continues to hold on to the second position. The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues this weekend with the NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways, August 4–6.

Jarett Andretti, the 2014 USAC National Sprint Car Rookie of the Year and son of legendary racer John Andretti, will run Greg Weld’s famous blue paint scheme in honor of the company’s late founder, who won the 1967 USAC Sprint Car Series champion.

WELD Racing and Andretti Autosport Short Track Forge Heritage Partnership

WELD Racing and Andretti Autosport Short Track have announced a heritage partnership that celebrates the company’s 50th anniversary in the design and manufacturing of race wheels. Jarett Andretti, the 2014 USAC National Sprint Car Rookie of the Year and son of legendary racer John Andretti, will run Greg Weld’s famous blue paint scheme in honor of the company’s late founder, who won the 1967 USAC Sprint Car Series. Jarett Andretti and his WELD Racing No. 1 USAC Sprint Car will compete at Lakeside Speedway, Kansas City, Kansas; Randolph County Speedway, Moberly, Missouri; and Kokomo Speedway, Kokomo, Indiana.

Million-Dollar Race Welcomes VP Racing Fuels as Official Fuel

Promoter Randy Folk has introduced VP Racing Fuels as the Official Fuel of the Million Dollar Drag Race, scheduled October 19–22, at Montgomery Raceway Park in Montgomery, Alabama. As part of its sponsorship, VP will provide trackside fuel service throughout the event. Celebrating its 22nd consecutive year, The Million offers racers across the country an opportunity to compete for more than $300,000. The race now features more than 300 entries in the main Million event, and more than 600 racers competing in the three companion races, which pay $25,000 as the top prize each day.

NMCA All-American Nationals Thursday Test and Tune Announced

For the first time, NMCA will offer a full Thursday Test and Tune, August 24, open to All-American Nationals competitors. One of the largest street-car drag-racing events of the year, the 16th Annual Honeywell Garrett NMCA All-American Nationals takes place at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, the weekend of August 24–27, 2017. This is one of three events that also features the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series and the best in LSX drag racing. The NMCA All-American Nationals, by E3 Spark Plugs, features Xtreme Pro Mods, Radial Wars, Factory Super Cars, Street Outlaws, Nostalgia Super Stockers and more. The All-American Nationals also features a large manufacturers midway, a musclecar and hot-rod car show on Saturday and Sunday, and special race classes, including the F.A.S.T. group, a Top Sportsman Challenge and the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series. Meet “Street Outlaws” TV stars Derek, BoostedGT and Kayla Morton on Saturday as they sign autographs, take pictures, and make wheels-up passes down the track. For more information visit www.NMCAdigital.com/OH.

Richie Morris Racing operates a two-rider program with Shayna Texter and GNC1 Rookie of the Year Jarod Vanderkooi.

E3 Sponsors Richie Morris Racing to Compliment Official Spark Plug Status With American Flat Track Racing

Earlier this year, E3 Spark Plugs partnered with American Flat Track Racing to become the series’ official spark plug. American Flat Track Racing features customized dirt-track motorcycles capable of reaching speeds up to 140 mph. Comprised of two classes, AFT Twins and Singles, and sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, E3 is the designated official spark plug for both classes for 2017. In addition to the company’s partnership of American Flat Track Racing, E3 recently inked a sponsorship program with Richie Morris Racing (RMR) in 2017. RMR operates a two-rider program with Shayna Texter, riding in Singles and fresh off a win at Rolling Wheels, and GNC1 Rookie of the Year Jarod Vanderkooi, who recently moved to flat track from road racing and is riding twins.

Total Truck Centers Is Off to the Truck Races at Bristol

The AAM Group has announced that its Total Truck Centers marketing program will sponsor Wendell Chavous’ #49 Chevrolet Silverado at the UNOH 200 NASCAR Camping World Series race to be held August 16 at Bristol Motor Speedway. In addition to putting the Total Truck Centers logo on the hood, back and sides of Chavous’ Premium Motorsports truck, the program plans to include the driver’s image on many of its promotional marketing materials throughout the coming year. This partnership will put the Total Truck Centers brand on display during a nationally televised NASCAR event at one of the sport’s premier venues. To generate additional exposure for the race, Total Truck Centers has challenged the inside and outside sales teams of its affiliated warehouses to promote the event using the #Totaltruck49 hashtag on their social media platforms.

Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Welcomes Tom White

Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) Chairman Mark McMillin has welcomed Early Years of Motocross Museum founder Tom White to the ORMHOF Board of Directors. White raced on to the Orange County, California, motorcycle scene in the ’70s. He co-founded White Brothers Cycle Specialties in 1975, building the company to one of the largest motorcycle parts distribution companies in the United States. His career as a racer, business owner and collector was recognized in 2014, when he was inducted into the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Hall of Fame.

SEMA Heritage: Robert E. Petersen, Vic Edelbrock Jr. Open ’74 SEMA Show

It’s November 1974 in Anaheim, California, and Robert E. Petersen and Vic Edelbrock Jr. are cutting the ceremonial ribbon to mark the opening of the eighth SEMA Show.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/08/open-for-business

By SEMA Editors

Stay up to date on the latest 2017 SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center.

Stay up to date on the latest 2017 SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center. Sort by type of announcement and/or market segment to find the most relevant news quickly and efficiently.

Below are some of the latest announcements you will find in the Online Media Center:

• ATV/UTV Replacement Radiators
• Introducing the SATA trueSun the Daylight Solution
• As the Custom Wheel Market Flatlines Corleone Forged Transcends the Market to All New Heights
• Redhorse Performance New PTFE Hose Line and Fitting
• Dan-Am Air Advanced Aluminum Air Pipe System

Exhibitor Press releases can be found at www.semashow.com/press.

All SEMA Show exhibitors are welcome to upload releases free of charge.

The 2017 SEMA Show will take place October 31–November 3 in Las Vegas. Register now!

By SEMA Editors

Stay up to date on the latest 2017 SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center.

Stay up to date on the latest 2017 SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center. Sort by type of announcement and/or market segment to find the most relevant news quickly and efficiently.

Below are some of the latest announcements you will find in the Online Media Center:

• ATV/UTV Replacement Radiators
• Introducing the SATA trueSun the Daylight Solution
• As the Custom Wheel Market Flatlines Corleone Forged Transcends the Market to All New Heights
• Redhorse Performance New PTFE Hose Line and Fitting
• Dan-Am Air Advanced Aluminum Air Pipe System

Exhibitor Press releases can be found at www.semashow.com/press.

All SEMA Show exhibitors are welcome to upload releases free of charge.

The 2017 SEMA Show will take place October 31–November 3 in Las Vegas. Register now!

By SEMA Editors

Stay up to date on the latest 2017 SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center.

Stay up to date on the latest 2017 SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center. Sort by type of announcement and/or market segment to find the most relevant news quickly and efficiently.

Below are some of the latest announcements you will find in the Online Media Center:

• ATV/UTV Replacement Radiators
• Introducing the SATA trueSun the Daylight Solution
• As the Custom Wheel Market Flatlines Corleone Forged Transcends the Market to All New Heights
• Redhorse Performance New PTFE Hose Line and Fitting
• Dan-Am Air Advanced Aluminum Air Pipe System

Exhibitor Press releases can be found at www.semashow.com/press.

All SEMA Show exhibitors are welcome to upload releases free of charge.

The 2017 SEMA Show will take place October 31–November 3 in Las Vegas. Register now!