The NHRA Breakfast brought together some of the most popular drivers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, including John Force (right), Antron Brown (left), Tony Schumacher (second left) and Gary Scelzi (second right). The panel was moderated by longtime NHRA announcer Bob Frey (center).

By SEMA Editors

The annual NHRA Breakfast held Wednesday morning continued the tradition of showcasing NHRA legendary drivers, team owners and other personalities within the sport. This year’s event, which drew a capacity audience, celebrated 50 years of the NHRA Finals.

This year the NHRA brought together some of the most popular drivers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, including John Force, Antron Brown, Tony Schumacher and Gary Scelzi. The panel was moderated by longtime NHRA announcer Bob Frey. The drivers discussed many of the iconic moments through 50 years of the NHRA Finals at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California. Following the NHRA Breakfast, all of the special panel guests adjourned to the NHRA Booth #22329 and signed autographs.

Force is an eight-time winner of the NHRA Finals in Funny Car, the most for a driver in any pro category. Perhaps his greatest triumph at the event came in 2010, when he rallied to overcome a 38-point deficit and steal the championship away in the season’s closing moments from rival Matt Hagan by winning the race in spectacular fashion.

Schumacher has won the race four times in Top Fuel at the controls of his U.S. Army dragster, and famously won the 2006 world championship title in the race’s final moments by winning the race and setting a national E.T. record in the final round. It is referred to as “The Run” by drag-racing historians and is one of the most iconic moments in the history of the sport. The next season Schumacher worked his magic at the event one more time, and denied Hot Rod Fuller a championship when Fuller lost early and Schumacher went on to win the race.

Brown has won the NHRA Finals in both Top Fuel and Pro Stock Motorcycle, and in 2012 he clinched his historic first Top Fuel world championship title at the event when Schumacher failed to deliver another one of his miracle comebacks.

Another driver who achieved success in multiple categories at the Finals, Scelzi, won the race in Top Fuel and has clinched world championships in both Top Fuel and Funny Car at the season-ending event. Scelzi put a bow on his 2000 world championship title in Top Fuel by winning the Finals that season, and then secured his 2005 Funny Car crown in memorable fashion at the famed race by holding off Force and Ron Capps during eliminations on the season’s final day.

	The NHRA Breakfast brought together some of the most popular drivers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, including John Force (right), Antron Brown (left), Tony Schumacher (second left) and Gary Scelzi (second right). The panel was moderated by longtime NHRA announcer Bob Frey (center).

By SEMA Editors

The annual NHRA Breakfast held Wednesday morning continued the tradition of showcasing NHRA legendary drivers, team owners and other personalities within the sport. This year’s event, which drew a capacity audience, celebrated 50 years of the NHRA Finals.

This year the NHRA brought together some of the most popular drivers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, including John Force, Antron Brown, Tony Schumacher and Gary Scelzi. The panel was moderated by longtime NHRA announcer Bob Frey. The drivers discussed many of the iconic moments through 50 years of the NHRA Finals at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California. Following the NHRA Breakfast, all of the special panel guests adjourned to the NHRA Booth #22329 and signed autographs.

Force is an eight-time winner of the NHRA Finals in Funny Car, the most for a driver in any pro category. Perhaps his greatest triumph at the event came in 2010, when he rallied to overcome a 38-point deficit and steal the championship away in the season’s closing moments from rival Matt Hagan by winning the race in spectacular fashion.

Schumacher has won the race four times in Top Fuel at the controls of his U.S. Army dragster, and famously won the 2006 world championship title in the race’s final moments by winning the race and setting a national E.T. record in the final round. It is referred to as “The Run” by drag-racing historians and is one of the most iconic moments in the history of the sport. The next season Schumacher worked his magic at the event one more time, and denied Hot Rod Fuller a championship when Fuller lost early and Schumacher went on to win the race.

Brown has won the NHRA Finals in both Top Fuel and Pro Stock Motorcycle, and in 2012 he clinched his historic first Top Fuel world championship title at the event when Schumacher failed to deliver another one of his miracle comebacks.

Another driver who achieved success in multiple categories at the Finals, Scelzi, won the race in Top Fuel and has clinched world championships in both Top Fuel and Funny Car at the season-ending event. Scelzi put a bow on his 2000 world championship title in Top Fuel by winning the Finals that season, and then secured his 2005 Funny Car crown in memorable fashion at the famed race by holding off Force and Ron Capps during eliminations on the season’s final day.

	Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO—MOPAR service, parts and customer care, presided over the unveiling of a MOPAR/NASCAR project Funny Car. It’s one of the many project vehicles on display at the MOPAR booth #43141.

By SEMA Editors

Always an annual SEMA Show hot-spot, MOPAR’s 15,345-sq.-ft. exhibit space presents a wide array of innovative Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brand Show vehicles, all reimagined with MOPAR products to demonstrate how enthusiasts can sprinkle their own rides with a little MOPAR magic by choosing from the brand’s vast portfolio of parts.

“Each creation we dream up for SEMA represents an original, unique interpretation of how customers can personalize and transform their vehicles with an assist from MOPAR products,” said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO—MOPAR service, parts and customer care. “Our modified SEMA rides prove that whether owners are seeking more power, performance and style for the street, extra capabilities to get the job done, or the freedom to go off-road and beyond, MOPAR has the products to help get them there.”

Visit MOPAR at the Chrysler Group booth #43141 in the lower South Hall.

	Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO—MOPAR service, parts and customer care, presided over the unveiling of a MOPAR/NASCAR project Funny Car. It’s one of the many project vehicles on display at the MOPAR booth #43141.

By SEMA Editors

Always an annual SEMA Show hot-spot, MOPAR’s 15,345-sq.-ft. exhibit space presents a wide array of innovative Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brand Show vehicles, all reimagined with MOPAR products to demonstrate how enthusiasts can sprinkle their own rides with a little MOPAR magic by choosing from the brand’s vast portfolio of parts.

“Each creation we dream up for SEMA represents an original, unique interpretation of how customers can personalize and transform their vehicles with an assist from MOPAR products,” said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO—MOPAR service, parts and customer care. “Our modified SEMA rides prove that whether owners are seeking more power, performance and style for the street, extra capabilities to get the job done, or the freedom to go off-road and beyond, MOPAR has the products to help get them there.”

Visit MOPAR at the Chrysler Group booth #43141 in the lower South Hall.

	The Showdown at SEMA has been held at the Show every year since 2009, with the exception of last year, when it moved to the PRI Show in Indianapolis. This year, 18 teams traveled to the SEMA Show, and 15 will go to the PRI Show for playoff competition. Pictured here is Team Accel from Rancho Alamitos High School.

By SEMA Editors

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) launched in 2008 at the Race & Performance Expo in St. Charles, Illinois, with five teams competing for the national championship. The organization first received funding in 2009—the same year the national championship, dubbed the “Showdown at SEMA,” moved to the SEMA Show. In 2014, nearly 50 specialty-equipment companies sponsored 110 teams from 65 high schools, and 33 teams qualified for the national championship.

The season started in February in Illinois with regional Engine Challenges held through June. Teams of five students were judged based on how quickly they could disassemble and reassemble a small-block Chevrolet engine with aftermarket components. This process is completed four times; the worst time is thrown out and the other three are averaged. Teams that average less than 35 minutes at regional events automatically qualify to compete for the championship.

Time-added penalties are assessed when participants commit errors such as dropping components, improper disassembly and poor sportsmanship. There are five judges, each following an individual student, and they score everything from the use of torque wrenches to proper assembly.

In 2009, Team Fel-Pro’s Joliet Central High School posted a time of 44:12 for the national championship. Last year’s national champion—Team Moroso’s Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center—was crowned at the PRI Show with an average time of 19:15. The record fastest time, set earlier this year in Atlanta, came by Team Derale from Forsythe High School at 19:10. Now teams are pushing the 16- and 17-minute threshold.

The Showdown at SEMA has been held at the Show every year since 2009, with the exception of last year, when it moved to the PRI Show in Indianapolis. This year, 18 teams traveled to the SEMA Show, and 15 will go to the PRI Show for playoff competition. A dual championship will feature the top two winners from the SEMA Show traveling to the PRI Show to take on the top two winners from PRI for the national championship.

“The SEMA Board wanted us to attend both events this year, so we worked out a plan and budget where we could take half the schools to the SEMA Show and the other half to PRI,” Jim Bingham said. “We wanted to have a final winner, so at the PRI Show on Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., we will reset the clock for the final-four competition between the top two teams from SEMA and the top two from PRI. Two more rounds will be held on Saturday, December 13. At the end of three rounds, we will have the final winner. SEMA has been very accommodating; the association realized the need for this type of program.”

	The Showdown at SEMA has been held at the Show every year since 2009, with the exception of last year, when it moved to the PRI Show in Indianapolis. This year, 18 teams traveled to the SEMA Show, and 15 will go to the PRI Show for playoff competition. Pictured here is Team Accel from Rancho Alamitos High School.

By SEMA Editors

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) launched in 2008 at the Race & Performance Expo in St. Charles, Illinois, with five teams competing for the national championship. The organization first received funding in 2009—the same year the national championship, dubbed the “Showdown at SEMA,” moved to the SEMA Show. In 2014, nearly 50 specialty-equipment companies sponsored 110 teams from 65 high schools, and 33 teams qualified for the national championship.

The season started in February in Illinois with regional Engine Challenges held through June. Teams of five students were judged based on how quickly they could disassemble and reassemble a small-block Chevrolet engine with aftermarket components. This process is completed four times; the worst time is thrown out and the other three are averaged. Teams that average less than 35 minutes at regional events automatically qualify to compete for the championship.

Time-added penalties are assessed when participants commit errors such as dropping components, improper disassembly and poor sportsmanship. There are five judges, each following an individual student, and they score everything from the use of torque wrenches to proper assembly.

In 2009, Team Fel-Pro’s Joliet Central High School posted a time of 44:12 for the national championship. Last year’s national champion—Team Moroso’s Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center—was crowned at the PRI Show with an average time of 19:15. The record fastest time, set earlier this year in Atlanta, came by Team Derale from Forsythe High School at 19:10. Now teams are pushing the 16- and 17-minute threshold.

The Showdown at SEMA has been held at the Show every year since 2009, with the exception of last year, when it moved to the PRI Show in Indianapolis. This year, 18 teams traveled to the SEMA Show, and 15 will go to the PRI Show for playoff competition. A dual championship will feature the top two winners from the SEMA Show traveling to the PRI Show to take on the top two winners from PRI for the national championship.

“The SEMA Board wanted us to attend both events this year, so we worked out a plan and budget where we could take half the schools to the SEMA Show and the other half to PRI,” Jim Bingham said. “We wanted to have a final winner, so at the PRI Show on Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., we will reset the clock for the final-four competition between the top two teams from SEMA and the top two from PRI. Two more rounds will be held on Saturday, December 13. At the end of three rounds, we will have the final winner. SEMA has been very accommodating; the association realized the need for this type of program.”

	The bare-metal ’23 Track T Roadster is located in the DEI booth (#20013). Built by Jerry Magnuson, founder of Magnuson Superchargers, the roadster demonstrates how DEI and Boom Mat products together control heat and sound.

By SEMA Editors

This eye-catching ’23 Track T Roadster built by Jerry Magnuson, founder of Magnuson Superchargers and past builder of Indy cars, demonstrates how DEI and Boom Mat products together control heat and sound.

The Track T styling harkens back to the day when T roadsters were racing on oval tracks. They used midget race-car-style noses with channeled Model T bodies. The TMP roadster follows the same theme with a hand-formed aluminum nose, three-piece hood and a hand-formed steel body. Space is at a premium as the driver literally sits down between the framerails next to the driveline tunnel, and with their feet almost against the firewall.

The chassis features hand-formed framerails tied together with a monocoque driveline tunnel. An aluminum coil/over, four-link rear suspension mounts a quick-change rearend directly to the monocoque structure. A hidden, composite transverse mono-leaf spring suspends an 8-lb. billet-aluminum front axle with huge Wilwood brakes tucked behind custom TMP knock-off wheels. A 480hp LS3 crate engine upgraded to 530hp with a Borla/Holley stack injector system sends power through a Legend SS700 five-speed. The TMP track roadster can outperform many supercars in acceleration, cornering and braking.

Visit Design Engineering Inc. at the 2014 SEMA Show (booth #20013) and see the ’23 Track T Roadster.

	The bare-metal ’23 Track T Roadster is located in the DEI booth (#20013). Built by Jerry Magnuson, founder of Magnuson Superchargers, the roadster demonstrates how DEI and Boom Mat products together control heat and sound.

By SEMA Editors

This eye-catching ’23 Track T Roadster built by Jerry Magnuson, founder of Magnuson Superchargers and past builder of Indy cars, demonstrates how DEI and Boom Mat products together control heat and sound.

The Track T styling harkens back to the day when T roadsters were racing on oval tracks. They used midget race-car-style noses with channeled Model T bodies. The TMP roadster follows the same theme with a hand-formed aluminum nose, three-piece hood and a hand-formed steel body. Space is at a premium as the driver literally sits down between the framerails next to the driveline tunnel, and with their feet almost against the firewall.

The chassis features hand-formed framerails tied together with a monocoque driveline tunnel. An aluminum coil/over, four-link rear suspension mounts a quick-change rearend directly to the monocoque structure. A hidden, composite transverse mono-leaf spring suspends an 8-lb. billet-aluminum front axle with huge Wilwood brakes tucked behind custom TMP knock-off wheels. A 480hp LS3 crate engine upgraded to 530hp with a Borla/Holley stack injector system sends power through a Legend SS700 five-speed. The TMP track roadster can outperform many supercars in acceleration, cornering and braking.

Visit Design Engineering Inc. at the 2014 SEMA Show (booth #20013) and see the ’23 Track T Roadster.

	The Sonic Performance hatchback concept features a Chevrolet Performance Stage Kit, cold-air induction and a high-flow exhaust system allowing the 1.4L turbo engine to produce more power and a track-tuned suspension system developed by Chevrolet Performance.

By SEMA Editors

Chevrolet’s SS Sport, Sonic, Impala and Cruze performance-oriented concepts debuted at the 2014 SEMA Show.

The SS Sport concept features Chevrolet Accessories, including a grille kit, fog lamp bezels, a rear spoiler and high-gloss black 20-in. wheels. 
Power comes from the LS3 V8, delivering an SAE-certified 415hp and 415 lb.-ft. of torque. For 2015, it is available with a new six-speed manual transmission, along with a six-speed, paddle-shift automatic. Additional features include standard Magnetic Ride Control and Brembo front and rear brakes.

The Sonic Performance hatchback concept features a Chevrolet Performance Stage Kit, cold-air induction and a high-flow exhaust system allowing the 1.4L turbo engine to produce more power and a track-tuned suspension system developed by Chevrolet Performance. The Sonic sits on 17-in. aluminum wheels and is equipped with an advanced safety package, including forward collision alert and lane-departure warning.

The Sonic Accessories concept highlights Chevrolet Accessories, including white headlamp rings and taillamp rings, black grille surround, mirror covers and a rear spoiler, black 17-in. aluminum wheels and a suspension kit. Under the hood is the Ecotec 1.4L turbo rated at 138hp and 148 lb.-ft. of torque.

Redesigned one year ago, the ’15 Impala Blackout concept features a Chevrolet Accessories black grille surround, rear spoiler, painted mirror caps and 19-in. aluminum wheels. The interior is all black with leather-trimmed features. The Impala’s available 3.6L V6 engine, rated at 305hp and 264 lb.-ft. of torque, powers the Blackout concept.

The Cruze RS Plus concept receives revised exterior styling, enhanced interior convenience and greater connectivity, including new text message alerts, Apple Siri integration and OnStar 4G LTE with an available built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS package includes a rear spoiler and fog lamps and an up-level instrument cluster. A Jet Black interior is complemented by a Chevrolet Accessories ambient lighting kit and illuminated doorsills. Under the hood, is a performance-enhancing stage kit from Chevrolet Performance and a fresh-air intake system for the 1.4L turbo engine.

	The Sonic Performance hatchback concept features a Chevrolet Performance Stage Kit, cold-air induction and a high-flow exhaust system allowing the 1.4L turbo engine to produce more power and a track-tuned suspension system developed by Chevrolet Performance.

By SEMA Editors

Chevrolet’s SS Sport, Sonic, Impala and Cruze performance-oriented concepts debuted at the 2014 SEMA Show.

The SS Sport concept features Chevrolet Accessories, including a grille kit, fog lamp bezels, a rear spoiler and high-gloss black 20-in. wheels. 
Power comes from the LS3 V8, delivering an SAE-certified 415hp and 415 lb.-ft. of torque. For 2015, it is available with a new six-speed manual transmission, along with a six-speed, paddle-shift automatic. Additional features include standard Magnetic Ride Control and Brembo front and rear brakes.

The Sonic Performance hatchback concept features a Chevrolet Performance Stage Kit, cold-air induction and a high-flow exhaust system allowing the 1.4L turbo engine to produce more power and a track-tuned suspension system developed by Chevrolet Performance. The Sonic sits on 17-in. aluminum wheels and is equipped with an advanced safety package, including forward collision alert and lane-departure warning.

The Sonic Accessories concept highlights Chevrolet Accessories, including white headlamp rings and taillamp rings, black grille surround, mirror covers and a rear spoiler, black 17-in. aluminum wheels and a suspension kit. Under the hood is the Ecotec 1.4L turbo rated at 138hp and 148 lb.-ft. of torque.

Redesigned one year ago, the ’15 Impala Blackout concept features a Chevrolet Accessories black grille surround, rear spoiler, painted mirror caps and 19-in. aluminum wheels. The interior is all black with leather-trimmed features. The Impala’s available 3.6L V6 engine, rated at 305hp and 264 lb.-ft. of torque, powers the Blackout concept.

The Cruze RS Plus concept receives revised exterior styling, enhanced interior convenience and greater connectivity, including new text message alerts, Apple Siri integration and OnStar 4G LTE with an available built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS package includes a rear spoiler and fog lamps and an up-level instrument cluster. A Jet Black interior is complemented by a Chevrolet Accessories ambient lighting kit and illuminated doorsills. Under the hood, is a performance-enhancing stage kit from Chevrolet Performance and a fresh-air intake system for the 1.4L turbo engine.