Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

FORCE EARNS 100TH FEMALE VICTORY IN NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES: Funny Car driver Courtney Force earned the 100th victory for female pro drivers in NHRA history Sunday at Heartland Park Topeka (Kansas) during the NHRA Kansas Nationals. It was her first win of the season and fourth of her career. She was the event's No. 1 qualifier and defeated Dale Creasy Jr., Jeff Arend and Tommy Johnson Jr. in the first three rounds before outrunning two-time world champ Cruz Pedregon in the final round to take the win.

"It’s huge. You can see the emotions on my face after the loss in the final round last weekend. It’s a big deal," said Force. "It’s a milestone for women, and every girl out here wanted to get it. Every girl put their heart out into it. I was crushed last weekend, because I thought that opportunity would never come around again. I’m still trying to soak it all in right now."

For more on the story visit www.NHRA.com.

MASSEY, A. JOHNSON, AND C. FORCE SECURE WINS IN TOPEKA: Joining Courtney Force in the winner's circle at the NHRA Kansas Nationals were Top Fuel racer Spencer Massey and Pro Stock competitor Allen Johnson. Massey earned his second Top Fuel victory in a row and second win at Topeka, defeating defending world champion Shawn Langdon in the final round. In Pro Stock, Johnson scored his third victory of the season and third at Topeka by outrunning teammate Jeg Coughlin Jr. in the final round. Massey sped to a performance of 3.871 at 314.02 in his Schumacher Electric dragster to claim his 16th career win while Langdon’s Al-Anabi Racing dragster slowed to a 4.278 at 233.68.

"It was a struggle that started with running (teammate) Tony Schumacher and every round after that," said Massey. "We kept trying to get the car to perform. Like everybody else, we were trying to run a .70, but the car just wouldn't do it. We'd give it more clutch, then more clutch again, then more motor. It kept running a .86 and then an .87, but it was enough."

For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

DEJORIA ENJOYING BREAKOUT CAMPAIGN HEADING TO ENGLISHTOWN: When Alexis DeJoria arrives at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, fans will see a driver and a team that have made tremendous strides since 2013. DeJoria has become a legitimate Funny Car championship contender and a breakout star in 2014, making remarkable improvements in her 10,000-hp Patron XO Cafe Toyota Camry. As for what has clicked and what has led to the first two victories of her Funny Car career, DeJoria deflected the credit to a hardworking Kalitta Motorsports team that has meshed from the outset of the season.

"This has been our turnaround year," DeJoria said. "We've had some great consistent runs, and I'm just hoping we can keep on going. I thank [my team] very much from the bottom of my heart. I love those guys. That team, we work really hard, like everybody does, but I think as a team we've really connected, and it's been a great year."

For more on the story visit www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

"I would certainly love to win at such a historic track. I really enjoy going there and all of the history involved with it. That track means a lot to the fans there. Seeing that really keeps you charged up and keeps your energy level up. The opportunity to race a nitro car at that place is really a cool thing for me. The race surface there is unbelievable. It’s just a great racetrack and facility. It may not show it on the time slip yet, but I feel like we’re getting closer to having a good race car. It’s a steep learning curve with all the brand-new people and new pieces. It’s made things a little tougher, and it’s been a learning process for us. We’ve had a few races under our belts, and it’s getting better. It’s just now a matter of getting the car happier. But it’s been a fun process."

—Clay Millican who enters into the Toyota NHRA Summernationals looking for his first career Top Fuel win.

Inside the Numbers

255: Number of consecutive Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events Tony Schumacher has qualified for, which dates back to the 2003 event at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Among active drivers, this streak is only second to Greg Anderson who has qualified for 260 consecutive events and fourth in the list of longest career qualifying streaks in the NHRA. John Force leads the career list with 395 starts, which dated from the 1988 Pomona 1 event to the 2007 Las Vegas 1 race.

Did You Know

"FIRE BREATHING MONSTERS" IS ONE HOT DOCUMENTARY: “Fire Breathing Monsters” is an aggressive and noisy—yet surprisingly intimate—tribute to the cars that run in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Commissioned by Jim Jannard, founder of RED Digital Cinema, on behalf of the NHRA, this seven-minute documentary spotlights the uniquely American passion for speed and can now be found on NHRA’s YouTube channel. NHRA drag racing was on display at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California, and can only be described as a raw demonstration of massive horsepower where, from a standing start, race cars can reach speeds of 330 mph and travel 1,000 ft. in less than four seconds. The nitromethane-burning engines produce 10,000 hp. For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

FORCE EARNS 100TH FEMALE VICTORY IN NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES: Funny Car driver Courtney Force earned the 100th victory for female pro drivers in NHRA history Sunday at Heartland Park Topeka (Kansas) during the NHRA Kansas Nationals. It was her first win of the season and fourth of her career. She was the event's No. 1 qualifier and defeated Dale Creasy Jr., Jeff Arend and Tommy Johnson Jr. in the first three rounds before outrunning two-time world champ Cruz Pedregon in the final round to take the win.

"It’s huge. You can see the emotions on my face after the loss in the final round last weekend. It’s a big deal," said Force. "It’s a milestone for women, and every girl out here wanted to get it. Every girl put their heart out into it. I was crushed last weekend, because I thought that opportunity would never come around again. I’m still trying to soak it all in right now."

For more on the story visit www.NHRA.com.

MASSEY, A. JOHNSON, AND C. FORCE SECURE WINS IN TOPEKA: Joining Courtney Force in the winner's circle at the NHRA Kansas Nationals were Top Fuel racer Spencer Massey and Pro Stock competitor Allen Johnson. Massey earned his second Top Fuel victory in a row and second win at Topeka, defeating defending world champion Shawn Langdon in the final round. In Pro Stock, Johnson scored his third victory of the season and third at Topeka by outrunning teammate Jeg Coughlin Jr. in the final round. Massey sped to a performance of 3.871 at 314.02 in his Schumacher Electric dragster to claim his 16th career win while Langdon’s Al-Anabi Racing dragster slowed to a 4.278 at 233.68.

"It was a struggle that started with running (teammate) Tony Schumacher and every round after that," said Massey. "We kept trying to get the car to perform. Like everybody else, we were trying to run a .70, but the car just wouldn't do it. We'd give it more clutch, then more clutch again, then more motor. It kept running a .86 and then an .87, but it was enough."

For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

DEJORIA ENJOYING BREAKOUT CAMPAIGN HEADING TO ENGLISHTOWN: When Alexis DeJoria arrives at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, fans will see a driver and a team that have made tremendous strides since 2013. DeJoria has become a legitimate Funny Car championship contender and a breakout star in 2014, making remarkable improvements in her 10,000-hp Patron XO Cafe Toyota Camry. As for what has clicked and what has led to the first two victories of her Funny Car career, DeJoria deflected the credit to a hardworking Kalitta Motorsports team that has meshed from the outset of the season.

"This has been our turnaround year," DeJoria said. "We've had some great consistent runs, and I'm just hoping we can keep on going. I thank [my team] very much from the bottom of my heart. I love those guys. That team, we work really hard, like everybody does, but I think as a team we've really connected, and it's been a great year."

For more on the story visit www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

"I would certainly love to win at such a historic track. I really enjoy going there and all of the history involved with it. That track means a lot to the fans there. Seeing that really keeps you charged up and keeps your energy level up. The opportunity to race a nitro car at that place is really a cool thing for me. The race surface there is unbelievable. It’s just a great racetrack and facility. It may not show it on the time slip yet, but I feel like we’re getting closer to having a good race car. It’s a steep learning curve with all the brand-new people and new pieces. It’s made things a little tougher, and it’s been a learning process for us. We’ve had a few races under our belts, and it’s getting better. It’s just now a matter of getting the car happier. But it’s been a fun process."

—Clay Millican who enters into the Toyota NHRA Summernationals looking for his first career Top Fuel win.

Inside the Numbers

255: Number of consecutive Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events Tony Schumacher has qualified for, which dates back to the 2003 event at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Among active drivers, this streak is only second to Greg Anderson who has qualified for 260 consecutive events and fourth in the list of longest career qualifying streaks in the NHRA. John Force leads the career list with 395 starts, which dated from the 1988 Pomona 1 event to the 2007 Las Vegas 1 race.

Did You Know

"FIRE BREATHING MONSTERS" IS ONE HOT DOCUMENTARY: “Fire Breathing Monsters” is an aggressive and noisy—yet surprisingly intimate—tribute to the cars that run in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Commissioned by Jim Jannard, founder of RED Digital Cinema, on behalf of the NHRA, this seven-minute documentary spotlights the uniquely American passion for speed and can now be found on NHRA’s YouTube channel. NHRA drag racing was on display at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California, and can only be described as a raw demonstration of massive horsepower where, from a standing start, race cars can reach speeds of 330 mph and travel 1,000 ft. in less than four seconds. The nitromethane-burning engines produce 10,000 hp. For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

By SEMA Editors

	Honda is offering the ’15 Fit for project vehicle builds culminating in a display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Honda is offering the ’15 Fit for project car builds culminating in a display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Approved projects will maintain at least the original engine (no engine swaps, but other power-adding options are open), maintain the original five-door configuration and honor Honda logo usage restrictions. Themes that support some or all of the stock ’15 Fit’s strengths are encouraged, with uniqueness, style and ambition earning extra consideration.

The all-new ’15 Honda Fit is a premium small car that offers a class-leading combination of fuel-efficiency, passenger and cargo space, standard feature content and innovative connectivity technology, according to the manufacturer. It's powered by a 130hp 1.5L DOHC 16-valve direct-injected i-VTEC engine and an available six-speed manual transmission. The Fit has the ability to both comfortably seat five passengers and haul a cargo despite its small size.

Proposal Submission Deadline: June 2, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: by June 16, 2014
Vehicle Delivery: Late June/Early July 2014

Project Car Offer and Benefits

• Giveaway of a ’15 Honda Fit EX with a six-speed manual transmission (black exterior and black interior) to create and promote accessories and/or vendor capabilities. Value of the giveaway vehicle will be less than $22,000.

• Promotion of the project vehicle build process via a Honda-branded website and social media channels.

• Display of the modified Fit in the official Honda display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

• Potential display of the modified Fit at major auto shows around the country and at Honda promotional events.

• Potential media coverage of the modified Fit and therefore the vendor name from the SEMA Show and through other media outreach.

Requirements:

Honda requests that interested parties submit their detailed project proposals to hondaevents@hna.honda.com before June 1, 2014. Include details in the categories listed below:

• Vehicle Theme: Describe very clearly your overall build theme, target audience, etc.

• Proposed vehicle modifications.

• New products potentially being developed for the Fit through the project.

• Promotional, media and social media outreach plan prior to and beyond the SEMA Show (i.e. tour of events, specific magazine feature articles, online promotion, etc.). Having your own Tumblr page is preferred for integration with Honda's promotional plans.

• Examples of previous project vehicles and promotional activities by the applicant.

• Detailed renderings of the proposed vehicle in .jpg format.

For Customizers:

Aftermarket companies requesting vehicles should have the following capabilities:

• Be financially and technically capable of building a one-off show car without financial or parts support from American Honda Motor Co. Inc.

• Be willing to partner with other non-competing aftermarket companies or enthusiast publications to enhance the vehicle project.

• A history of active promotion of vehicle projects with an established marketing plan.

For Project Vehicle Recipients:

• Commit to creating weekly progress reports during the vehicle build process, including photos, video and commentary. (Likely to be featured on a Tumblr page created by and for each participant.)

• Grant Honda the right to use content from the weekly progress reports and assist Honda in acquiring usage rights from any sponsors or individuals whose logos or images might appear in that content.

• Commit to make the vehicle available to Honda or its dealers, if requested, for additional shows and exhibits for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.

• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Honda and model logos intact and visible.

• Commit to provide regular reports to Honda Public Relations regarding media coverage and event activity for the project vehicle for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.

• Commit to have the completed vehicle available for photography in Torrance, California, by Monday, October 27, 2014.

• Pay applicable federal and state gift taxes on the value of the giveaway vehicle. Value of vehicle will not exceed $22,000.

To obtain digital images of the vehicle for your rendering, submit a request to hondaevents@hna.honda.com. These images or renderings based upon them may not be used for any outside promotion. Full details about and viewable photos of the ’15 Honda Fit are available at www.hondanews.com.

By SEMA Editors

	Honda is offering the ’15 Fit for project vehicle builds culminating in a display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Honda is offering the ’15 Fit for project car builds culminating in a display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Approved projects will maintain at least the original engine (no engine swaps, but other power-adding options are open), maintain the original five-door configuration and honor Honda logo usage restrictions. Themes that support some or all of the stock ’15 Fit’s strengths are encouraged, with uniqueness, style and ambition earning extra consideration.

The all-new ’15 Honda Fit is a premium small car that offers a class-leading combination of fuel-efficiency, passenger and cargo space, standard feature content and innovative connectivity technology, according to the manufacturer. It's powered by a 130hp 1.5L DOHC 16-valve direct-injected i-VTEC engine and an available six-speed manual transmission. The Fit has the ability to both comfortably seat five passengers and haul a cargo despite its small size.

Proposal Submission Deadline: June 2, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: by June 16, 2014
Vehicle Delivery: Late June/Early July 2014

Project Car Offer and Benefits

• Giveaway of a ’15 Honda Fit EX with a six-speed manual transmission (black exterior and black interior) to create and promote accessories and/or vendor capabilities. Value of the giveaway vehicle will be less than $22,000.

• Promotion of the project vehicle build process via a Honda-branded website and social media channels.

• Display of the modified Fit in the official Honda display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

• Potential display of the modified Fit at major auto shows around the country and at Honda promotional events.

• Potential media coverage of the modified Fit and therefore the vendor name from the SEMA Show and through other media outreach.

Requirements:

Honda requests that interested parties submit their detailed project proposals to hondaevents@hna.honda.com before June 1, 2014. Include details in the categories listed below:

• Vehicle Theme: Describe very clearly your overall build theme, target audience, etc.

• Proposed vehicle modifications.

• New products potentially being developed for the Fit through the project.

• Promotional, media and social media outreach plan prior to and beyond the SEMA Show (i.e. tour of events, specific magazine feature articles, online promotion, etc.). Having your own Tumblr page is preferred for integration with Honda's promotional plans.

• Examples of previous project vehicles and promotional activities by the applicant.

• Detailed renderings of the proposed vehicle in .jpg format.

For Customizers:

Aftermarket companies requesting vehicles should have the following capabilities:

• Be financially and technically capable of building a one-off show car without financial or parts support from American Honda Motor Co. Inc.

• Be willing to partner with other non-competing aftermarket companies or enthusiast publications to enhance the vehicle project.

• A history of active promotion of vehicle projects with an established marketing plan.

For Project Vehicle Recipients:

• Commit to creating weekly progress reports during the vehicle build process, including photos, video and commentary. (Likely to be featured on a Tumblr page created by and for each participant.)

• Grant Honda the right to use content from the weekly progress reports and assist Honda in acquiring usage rights from any sponsors or individuals whose logos or images might appear in that content.

• Commit to make the vehicle available to Honda or its dealers, if requested, for additional shows and exhibits for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.

• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Honda and model logos intact and visible.

• Commit to provide regular reports to Honda Public Relations regarding media coverage and event activity for the project vehicle for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.

• Commit to have the completed vehicle available for photography in Torrance, California, by Monday, October 27, 2014.

• Pay applicable federal and state gift taxes on the value of the giveaway vehicle. Value of vehicle will not exceed $22,000.

To obtain digital images of the vehicle for your rendering, submit a request to hondaevents@hna.honda.com. These images or renderings based upon them may not be used for any outside promotion. Full details about and viewable photos of the ’15 Honda Fit are available at www.hondanews.com.

By AJ Carney

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, where members and prospective members will gather at Weld Racing LLC, Wednesday, June 4, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff, including members of the SEMA Data Co-op team.

Panelists will include:

• Kyle Fickler – Weld Racing LLC
• Nate Shelton – Driven Performance Brands
• Steve Matusek – Aeromotive Inc.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

Register now, or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697. For more information about the SEMA Data Co-op, visit www.semadatacoop.org.

By AJ Carney

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, where members and prospective members will gather at Weld Racing LLC, Wednesday, June 4, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff, including members of the SEMA Data Co-op team.

Panelists will include:

• Kyle Fickler – Weld Racing LLC
• Nate Shelton – Driven Performance Brands
• Steve Matusek – Aeromotive Inc.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

Register now, or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697. For more information about the SEMA Data Co-op, visit www.semadatacoop.org.

By AJ Carney

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, where members and prospective members will gather at Weld Racing LLC, Wednesday, June 4, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff, including members of the SEMA Data Co-op team.

Panelists will include:

• Kyle Fickler – Weld Racing LLC
• Nate Shelton – Driven Performance Brands
• Steve Matusek – Aeromotive Inc.

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members' business operations to better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

Register now, or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697. For more information about the SEMA Data Co-op, visit www.semadatacoop.org.