By SEMA Editors

Tom Gattuso	Zane Clark

SEMA Trade Show Director Tom Gattuso and Director of Education Zane Clark will present an exclusive, free exhibitor webinar on Thursday, September 25, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), entitled “Preparing Yourself for a Successful SEMA Show—On and Off the Floor.”

Show preparations are in the final stages and exhibitor planning is at a frenzied state. With so much to do and less than two months until the SEMA Show, it is inevitable that something will get lost in the shuffle. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to walk through an exhibitor checklist that will ensure your success. You will also learn about special events and education programs that will enrich your Show experience and improve your business network even after the Show has ended. Whether you are a first-timer or seasoned veteran, this timely webinar will have you walking away feeling much more confident about your Show strategy and on-site execution.

This webinar will provide member companies with the information they need, and you don’t even have to leave your desk or office to participate! Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient.

Register now!

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

COUNTDOWN PROMISES TO GET INTENSE WITH DOUBLEHEADER AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX: It’s been said that everything is bigger in Texas. To confirm that notion, NHRA is serving up Texas Motorplex fans a double portion of the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Texas race fans will get to enjoy a rare doubleheader of action as the stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series rumble into the Texas Motorplex, September 18–21, for the continuation of eliminations from round one of the Countdown playoffs, the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals, and Countdown round two, the 29th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals. The Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals was postponed due to weather last weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina. Elimination rounds for that event will be run simultaneously during AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals qualifying. Top Fuel and Funny Car have three rounds of Charlotte racing to complete, and while Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle need to complete all four rounds of the Carolina Nationals.

TORRENCE HOPEFUL FOR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON IN DALLAS: It might have been an excruciating defeat at the time, but Steve Torrence also knows that his runner-up finish in Top Fuel at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals is a surefire sign that the Texas native is ready to compete for an NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championship. Torrence fell in the Top Fuel final to rookie Richie Crampton in Indy, but he takes plenty of positives into the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship.

“The car has definitely picked up,” Torrence said. "The performance was better, and it was more consistent, and I’m very happy with that. The consistency was definitely there and so was the performance, and that’s a big confidence-booster this time of year. Going into the Countdown, that gives our team the type of momentum we need. I feel like we put our best foot forward going into the Countdown."

MIKE DUNN POWER RANKINGS: Tony Schumacher, John Force, Erica Enders-Stevens and Eddie Krawiec top ESPN analyst Mike Dunn's Power Rankings heading into the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex, September 18–21. They will be among the top drivers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series competing at the event this weeknd in the Lone Star state.

He Said, She Said

"I was definitely nervous the first run, but I kept getting more comfortable each run. My life is in order with a great family, and I have been missing my racing family. The fans were so good to me when I was at Houston earlier this year, and to be honest, I still have that burning desire to win. It is an honor to be back with George and Jackie (Bryce). They took a chance with a rookie in 1996, and we had some great years together. The time is right to come back and bring back our Star power. I am truly blessed for my life and this amazing opportunity. We have a few things we are working on for marketing partners that are very exciting. I can’t wait to spend time with my fans at the races and help bring Star Racing back to the winner’s circle."

—Angelle Sampey-Drago, on returning to competition full-time in 2015 and this weekend in Dallas, with George and Jackie Bryce on the Star Racing Buell. Sampey-Drago has 41 career wins and will be looking to eclipse Dave Schultz’s record of 45 wins—the most in Pro Stock Motorcycle history.

Inside the Numbers

0: Number of multiple Pro Stock Motorcycle winners at the Texas Motorplex in the 11 times the category has been run there. The 2013 winner, Eddie Krawiec, will attempt to be the first to repeat, and teammate Andrew Hines pictured will be looking for his first win at the facility.

"Last year, everything seemed to work fine for Eddie. He went out and got the cowboy hat," said Hines of the unique keepsake given to the event winner. "This year, we're just hoping for more of the same. We've got more power. We've run decent at that track in the past. It's just a matter of going back there again, seeing what kind of weather we've got, and work on it from there. But one thing that's high on my list is running out there at Texas Motorplex and getting a cowboy hat at the end of the day. I've been in two final rounds there and come up short both times. It's been tough; I lost to a 20-year-old, and I lost to a girl one time, so it's pretty rough."

Did You Know

HARTFORD CONNECTS WITH THE HOSE CONNECTION: Matt Hartford’s Pro Stock Avenger will sport a special wrap for the upcoming AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, September 18–21. Instead of the familiar Total Seal Pistons Rings logo, the Dodge Avenger will be wrapped in The Hose Connection colors.

Larry Webb, president of Texas-based The Hose Connection, stated, “We are dedicated to drag racing, and we are a racing family. We wanted to step up and support Matt Hartford for the Dallas race. This is our home race, and it’s a great opportunity to invite our family, friends and customers to come by the pits and say hello." Added Hartford, "Our Pro Stock program has had The Hose Connection involved since the beginning. Larry and Regan have been great supporters of our team. I am so excited to have them on the starting line with us in Ennis. We could not be racing without people like them and all our sponsors.”

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

COUNTDOWN PROMISES TO GET INTENSE WITH DOUBLEHEADER AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX: It’s been said that everything is bigger in Texas. To confirm that notion, NHRA is serving up Texas Motorplex fans a double portion of the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Texas race fans will get to enjoy a rare doubleheader of action as the stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series rumble into the Texas Motorplex, September 18–21, for the continuation of eliminations from round one of the Countdown playoffs, the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals, and Countdown round two, the 29th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals. The Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals was postponed due to weather last weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina. Elimination rounds for that event will be run simultaneously during AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals qualifying. Top Fuel and Funny Car have three rounds of Charlotte racing to complete, and while Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle need to complete all four rounds of the Carolina Nationals.

TORRENCE HOPEFUL FOR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON IN DALLAS: It might have been an excruciating defeat at the time, but Steve Torrence also knows that his runner-up finish in Top Fuel at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals is a surefire sign that the Texas native is ready to compete for an NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championship. Torrence fell in the Top Fuel final to rookie Richie Crampton in Indy, but he takes plenty of positives into the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship.

“The car has definitely picked up,” Torrence said. "The performance was better, and it was more consistent, and I’m very happy with that. The consistency was definitely there and so was the performance, and that’s a big confidence-booster this time of year. Going into the Countdown, that gives our team the type of momentum we need. I feel like we put our best foot forward going into the Countdown."

MIKE DUNN POWER RANKINGS: Tony Schumacher, John Force, Erica Enders-Stevens and Eddie Krawiec top ESPN analyst Mike Dunn's Power Rankings heading into the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex, September 18–21. They will be among the top drivers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series competing at the event this weeknd in the Lone Star state.

He Said, She Said

"I was definitely nervous the first run, but I kept getting more comfortable each run. My life is in order with a great family, and I have been missing my racing family. The fans were so good to me when I was at Houston earlier this year, and to be honest, I still have that burning desire to win. It is an honor to be back with George and Jackie (Bryce). They took a chance with a rookie in 1996, and we had some great years together. The time is right to come back and bring back our Star power. I am truly blessed for my life and this amazing opportunity. We have a few things we are working on for marketing partners that are very exciting. I can’t wait to spend time with my fans at the races and help bring Star Racing back to the winner’s circle."

—Angelle Sampey-Drago, on returning to competition full-time in 2015 and this weekend in Dallas, with George and Jackie Bryce on the Star Racing Buell. Sampey-Drago has 41 career wins and will be looking to eclipse Dave Schultz’s record of 45 wins—the most in Pro Stock Motorcycle history.

Inside the Numbers

0: Number of multiple Pro Stock Motorcycle winners at the Texas Motorplex in the 11 times the category has been run there. The 2013 winner, Eddie Krawiec, will attempt to be the first to repeat, and teammate Andrew Hines pictured will be looking for his first win at the facility.

"Last year, everything seemed to work fine for Eddie. He went out and got the cowboy hat," said Hines of the unique keepsake given to the event winner. "This year, we're just hoping for more of the same. We've got more power. We've run decent at that track in the past. It's just a matter of going back there again, seeing what kind of weather we've got, and work on it from there. But one thing that's high on my list is running out there at Texas Motorplex and getting a cowboy hat at the end of the day. I've been in two final rounds there and come up short both times. It's been tough; I lost to a 20-year-old, and I lost to a girl one time, so it's pretty rough."

Did You Know

HARTFORD CONNECTS WITH THE HOSE CONNECTION: Matt Hartford’s Pro Stock Avenger will sport a special wrap for the upcoming AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, September 18–21. Instead of the familiar Total Seal Pistons Rings logo, the Dodge Avenger will be wrapped in The Hose Connection colors.

Larry Webb, president of Texas-based The Hose Connection, stated, “We are dedicated to drag racing, and we are a racing family. We wanted to step up and support Matt Hartford for the Dallas race. This is our home race, and it’s a great opportunity to invite our family, friends and customers to come by the pits and say hello." Added Hartford, "Our Pro Stock program has had The Hose Connection involved since the beginning. Larry and Regan have been great supporters of our team. I am so excited to have them on the starting line with us in Ennis. We could not be racing without people like them and all our sponsors.”

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

COUNTDOWN PROMISES TO GET INTENSE WITH DOUBLEHEADER AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX: It’s been said that everything is bigger in Texas. To confirm that notion, NHRA is serving up Texas Motorplex fans a double portion of the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Texas race fans will get to enjoy a rare doubleheader of action as the stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series rumble into the Texas Motorplex, September 18–21, for the continuation of eliminations from round one of the Countdown playoffs, the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals, and Countdown round two, the 29th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals. The Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals was postponed due to weather last weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina. Elimination rounds for that event will be run simultaneously during AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals qualifying. Top Fuel and Funny Car have three rounds of Charlotte racing to complete, and while Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle need to complete all four rounds of the Carolina Nationals.

TORRENCE HOPEFUL FOR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON IN DALLAS: It might have been an excruciating defeat at the time, but Steve Torrence also knows that his runner-up finish in Top Fuel at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals is a surefire sign that the Texas native is ready to compete for an NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championship. Torrence fell in the Top Fuel final to rookie Richie Crampton in Indy, but he takes plenty of positives into the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship.

“The car has definitely picked up,” Torrence said. "The performance was better, and it was more consistent, and I’m very happy with that. The consistency was definitely there and so was the performance, and that’s a big confidence-booster this time of year. Going into the Countdown, that gives our team the type of momentum we need. I feel like we put our best foot forward going into the Countdown."

MIKE DUNN POWER RANKINGS: Tony Schumacher, John Force, Erica Enders-Stevens and Eddie Krawiec top ESPN analyst Mike Dunn's Power Rankings heading into the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex, September 18–21. They will be among the top drivers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series competing at the event this weeknd in the Lone Star state.

He Said, She Said

"I was definitely nervous the first run, but I kept getting more comfortable each run. My life is in order with a great family, and I have been missing my racing family. The fans were so good to me when I was at Houston earlier this year, and to be honest, I still have that burning desire to win. It is an honor to be back with George and Jackie (Bryce). They took a chance with a rookie in 1996, and we had some great years together. The time is right to come back and bring back our Star power. I am truly blessed for my life and this amazing opportunity. We have a few things we are working on for marketing partners that are very exciting. I can’t wait to spend time with my fans at the races and help bring Star Racing back to the winner’s circle."

—Angelle Sampey-Drago, on returning to competition full-time in 2015 and this weekend in Dallas, with George and Jackie Bryce on the Star Racing Buell. Sampey-Drago has 41 career wins and will be looking to eclipse Dave Schultz’s record of 45 wins—the most in Pro Stock Motorcycle history.

Inside the Numbers

0: Number of multiple Pro Stock Motorcycle winners at the Texas Motorplex in the 11 times the category has been run there. The 2013 winner, Eddie Krawiec, will attempt to be the first to repeat, and teammate Andrew Hines pictured will be looking for his first win at the facility.

"Last year, everything seemed to work fine for Eddie. He went out and got the cowboy hat," said Hines of the unique keepsake given to the event winner. "This year, we're just hoping for more of the same. We've got more power. We've run decent at that track in the past. It's just a matter of going back there again, seeing what kind of weather we've got, and work on it from there. But one thing that's high on my list is running out there at Texas Motorplex and getting a cowboy hat at the end of the day. I've been in two final rounds there and come up short both times. It's been tough; I lost to a 20-year-old, and I lost to a girl one time, so it's pretty rough."

Did You Know

HARTFORD CONNECTS WITH THE HOSE CONNECTION: Matt Hartford’s Pro Stock Avenger will sport a special wrap for the upcoming AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, September 18–21. Instead of the familiar Total Seal Pistons Rings logo, the Dodge Avenger will be wrapped in The Hose Connection colors.

Larry Webb, president of Texas-based The Hose Connection, stated, “We are dedicated to drag racing, and we are a racing family. We wanted to step up and support Matt Hartford for the Dallas race. This is our home race, and it’s a great opportunity to invite our family, friends and customers to come by the pits and say hello." Added Hartford, "Our Pro Stock program has had The Hose Connection involved since the beginning. Larry and Regan have been great supporters of our team. I am so excited to have them on the starting line with us in Ennis. We could not be racing without people like them and all our sponsors.”

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors can get a free vehicle daily wipe-down, sponsored by Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners. This service is limited to the first 200 applicants. The deadline to sign up is October 3, and only one vehicle per exhibitor is eligible. For more information or to apply, visit the SEMA Show website, go to the "Exhibitor Manual," then navigate to "Vehicles/Car Display – Opportunities" and look for the "Vehicle Wipedown Application."

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors can get a free vehicle daily wipe-down, sponsored by Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners. This service is limited to the first 200 applicants. The deadline to sign up is October 3, and only one vehicle per exhibitor is eligible. For more information or to apply, visit the SEMA Show website, go to the "Exhibitor Manual," then navigate to "Vehicles/Car Display – Opportunities" and look for the "Vehicle Wipedown Application."

By SEMA Editors

	The deadline for SEMA Show exhibitors to register one or more of their booth or feature vehicles for Battle of the Builders at SEMA Ignited is this Friday, September 19.

The deadline for SEMA Show exhibitors to register one or more of their booth or feature vehicles for Battle of the Builders at SEMA Ignited is this Friday, September 19. As one of the attractions at the first-ever post-Show after party, Battle of the Builders will highlight 10 deserving crafters and their vehicles on the center stage at SEMA Ignited, as well as through a nationally televised special sponsored by SEMA. The top vehicle and its builder will also be awarded the SEMA Battle of the Builders trophy.

Register for the SEMA Battle of the Builders.

Exhibitors, attendees and media are invited to SEMA Ignited, the new post-Show after-party open to the public, Friday, November 7 (4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.). The new event offers exhibitors and industry partners the opportunity for additional media exposure and reaching an expanded audience to highlight the impressive vehicles, products and personalities gathered in Las Vegas for the SEMA Show.

Industry members can also join a special VIP After-Party experience to check out SEMA Ignited first-hand. The event will take place adjacent to one of Las Vegas’s newest landmarks: the High Roller observation wheel at The LINQ entertainment district.

Participation is free of charge to SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees.

In addition to Battle of the Builders, there are other ways to participate in SEMA Ignited.

• The easiest way to be part of the experience is to join the industry VIP reception at SEMA ignited. Register to Attend SEMA Ignited.

• Exhibitors are invited to roll one or more of their feature or booth vehicles over to SEMA Ignited for display after the close of the 2014 SEMA Show.

By connecting with the industry and showcasing the latest vehicle builds in a dynamic Vegas setting, SEMA Ignited is a strong new added value for SEMA Show exhibitors offering additional media and consumer exposure.

By SEMA Editors

	The deadline for SEMA Show exhibitors to register one or more of their booth or feature vehicles for Battle of the Builders at SEMA Ignited is this Friday, September 19.

The deadline for SEMA Show exhibitors to register one or more of their booth or feature vehicles for Battle of the Builders at SEMA Ignited is this Friday, September 19. As one of the attractions at the first-ever post-Show after party, Battle of the Builders will highlight 10 deserving crafters and their vehicles on the center stage at SEMA Ignited, as well as through a nationally televised special sponsored by SEMA. The top vehicle and its builder will also be awarded the SEMA Battle of the Builders trophy.

Register for the SEMA Battle of the Builders.

Exhibitors, attendees and media are invited to SEMA Ignited, the new post-Show after-party open to the public, Friday, November 7 (4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.). The new event offers exhibitors and industry partners the opportunity for additional media exposure and reaching an expanded audience to highlight the impressive vehicles, products and personalities gathered in Las Vegas for the SEMA Show.

Industry members can also join a special VIP After-Party experience to check out SEMA Ignited first-hand. The event will take place adjacent to one of Las Vegas’s newest landmarks: the High Roller observation wheel at The LINQ entertainment district.

Participation is free of charge to SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees.

In addition to Battle of the Builders, there are other ways to participate in SEMA Ignited.

• The easiest way to be part of the experience is to join the industry VIP reception at SEMA ignited. Register to Attend SEMA Ignited.

• Exhibitors are invited to roll one or more of their feature or booth vehicles over to SEMA Ignited for display after the close of the 2014 SEMA Show.

By connecting with the industry and showcasing the latest vehicle builds in a dynamic Vegas setting, SEMA Ignited is a strong new added value for SEMA Show exhibitors offering additional media and consumer exposure.

By SEMA Editors

	The deadline for SEMA Show exhibitors to register one or more of their booth or feature vehicles for Battle of the Builders at SEMA Ignited is this Friday, September 19.

The deadline for SEMA Show exhibitors to register one or more of their booth or feature vehicles for Battle of the Builders at SEMA Ignited is this Friday, September 19. As one of the attractions at the first-ever post-Show after party, Battle of the Builders will highlight 10 deserving crafters and their vehicles on the center stage at SEMA Ignited, as well as through a nationally televised special sponsored by SEMA. The top vehicle and its builder will also be awarded the SEMA Battle of the Builders trophy.

Register for the SEMA Battle of the Builders.

Exhibitors, attendees and media are invited to SEMA Ignited, the new post-Show after-party open to the public, Friday, November 7 (4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.). The new event offers exhibitors and industry partners the opportunity for additional media exposure and reaching an expanded audience to highlight the impressive vehicles, products and personalities gathered in Las Vegas for the SEMA Show.

Industry members can also join a special VIP After-Party experience to check out SEMA Ignited first-hand. The event will take place adjacent to one of Las Vegas’s newest landmarks: the High Roller observation wheel at The LINQ entertainment district.

Participation is free of charge to SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees.

In addition to Battle of the Builders, there are other ways to participate in SEMA Ignited.

• The easiest way to be part of the experience is to join the industry VIP reception at SEMA ignited. Register to Attend SEMA Ignited.

• Exhibitors are invited to roll one or more of their feature or booth vehicles over to SEMA Ignited for display after the close of the 2014 SEMA Show.

By connecting with the industry and showcasing the latest vehicle builds in a dynamic Vegas setting, SEMA Ignited is a strong new added value for SEMA Show exhibitors offering additional media and consumer exposure.

By SEMA Editors

	The deadline for SEMA Show exhibitors to register one or more of their booth or feature vehicles for Battle of the Builders at SEMA Ignited is this Friday, September 19.

The deadline for SEMA Show exhibitors to register one or more of their booth or feature vehicles for Battle of the Builders at SEMA Ignited is this Friday, September 19. As one of the attractions at the first-ever post-Show after party, Battle of the Builders will highlight 10 deserving crafters and their vehicles on the center stage at SEMA Ignited, as well as through a nationally televised special sponsored by SEMA. The top vehicle and its builder will also be awarded the SEMA Battle of the Builders trophy.

Register for the SEMA Battle of the Builders.

Exhibitors, attendees and media are invited to SEMA Ignited, the new post-Show after-party open to the public, Friday, November 7 (4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.). The new event offers exhibitors and industry partners the opportunity for additional media exposure and reaching an expanded audience to highlight the impressive vehicles, products and personalities gathered in Las Vegas for the SEMA Show.

Industry members can also join a special VIP After-Party experience to check out SEMA Ignited first-hand. The event will take place adjacent to one of Las Vegas’s newest landmarks: the High Roller observation wheel at The LINQ entertainment district.

Participation is free of charge to SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees.

In addition to Battle of the Builders, there are other ways to participate in SEMA Ignited.

• The easiest way to be part of the experience is to join the industry VIP reception at SEMA ignited. Register to Attend SEMA Ignited.

• Exhibitors are invited to roll one or more of their feature or booth vehicles over to SEMA Ignited for display after the close of the 2014 SEMA Show.

By connecting with the industry and showcasing the latest vehicle builds in a dynamic Vegas setting, SEMA Ignited is a strong new added value for SEMA Show exhibitors offering additional media and consumer exposure.