The ’14 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Measuring Session will be held March 3–21, 2014, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.
Thu, 02/20/2014 - 14:13
Thu, 02/20/2014 - 14:13
The ’14 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Measuring Session will be held March 3–21, 2014, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.
Thu, 02/20/2014 - 14:05
Compiled by SEMA Editors
NHRA News
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WILD HORSE READY TO RIDE: The last time the Pros of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series hit the throttle on their Top Fuel Dragsters, Funny Cars and Pro Stock race cars in the state of Arizona was last February at the former Firebird International Raceway. The series returns to the jewel in the desert February 21–23, for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals to a facility that has undergone numerous improvements from the ownership group. More on this article and the return to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park can be found on www.ArizonaAutoScene.com.
VOTING OPEN FOR K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE PEOPLE'S CHOICE: NHRA fans will be able to vote their favorite Pro Stock driver into the 2014 NHRA K&N Horsepower Challenge, a special bonus event for the category. The K&N Horsepower Challenge will be held Saturday, March 29, during the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals weekend at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. More on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.
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HEAD RACING ACQUIRES WSM AUCTIONEERS AS SPONSOR FOR PHOENIX: Head Racing and Western Sales Management Auctioneers are joining forces with a sponsorship for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park February 21–23. “Obviously, we’re very excited to partner with WSM Auctioneers, and they’re a family business, and so are we, and I think it’s a great fit for us,” said Funny Car driver Chad Head. “This is the first step of acquiring funding of this race team, and with WSM Auctioneers onboard, hopefully we can attract future sponsors so we can campaign the entire NHRA season.”
More on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.
He Said, She Said
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"It's amazing, We're trying to build our sport and run good for all of the fans, and it's hard sometimes. (Crew chief) Jimmy Prock and that whole brain trust have done a great job. Everything's just going right. I don't get it. I ain't that good of a guy. I'm just excited. There’s a lot going on (with sponsors), and man, what a good time to flex your muscles."
—John Force, who since the end of the 2013 season has raced to six consecutive final-round appearances with four victories. He looks to keep the streak alive when he returns to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park where he has eight career wins (’05, ’01, ’00, ’99, ’97, ’96, ’95, ’94).
Inside the Numbers
4: Number of career wins, including his win last year, Tony Schumacher has at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in his career (’13, ’05, ’02, ’00). Schumacher is the winningest Top Fuel driver at the facility with teammate Antron Brown trailing Schumacher with two wins as active drivers with the most wins at the facility.
Did You Know
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FACTORY SHOWDOWN DATES SET FOR 2014: The 2014 NHRA Factory Stock Showdown will include stops in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series in Gainesville, Indianapolis, Reading and Las Vegas. The program, in its third year, will feature three new stops, beginning with the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, March 13–16, and ending with the NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, October 30–November 2. More on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.
View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Schedule.
Thu, 02/20/2014 - 14:05
Compiled by SEMA Editors
NHRA News
| |
WILD HORSE READY TO RIDE: The last time the Pros of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series hit the throttle on their Top Fuel Dragsters, Funny Cars and Pro Stock race cars in the state of Arizona was last February at the former Firebird International Raceway. The series returns to the jewel in the desert February 21–23, for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals to a facility that has undergone numerous improvements from the ownership group. More on this article and the return to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park can be found on www.ArizonaAutoScene.com.
VOTING OPEN FOR K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE PEOPLE'S CHOICE: NHRA fans will be able to vote their favorite Pro Stock driver into the 2014 NHRA K&N Horsepower Challenge, a special bonus event for the category. The K&N Horsepower Challenge will be held Saturday, March 29, during the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals weekend at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. More on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.
| |
HEAD RACING ACQUIRES WSM AUCTIONEERS AS SPONSOR FOR PHOENIX: Head Racing and Western Sales Management Auctioneers are joining forces with a sponsorship for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park February 21–23. “Obviously, we’re very excited to partner with WSM Auctioneers, and they’re a family business, and so are we, and I think it’s a great fit for us,” said Funny Car driver Chad Head. “This is the first step of acquiring funding of this race team, and with WSM Auctioneers onboard, hopefully we can attract future sponsors so we can campaign the entire NHRA season.”
More on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.
He Said, She Said
| |
"It's amazing, We're trying to build our sport and run good for all of the fans, and it's hard sometimes. (Crew chief) Jimmy Prock and that whole brain trust have done a great job. Everything's just going right. I don't get it. I ain't that good of a guy. I'm just excited. There’s a lot going on (with sponsors), and man, what a good time to flex your muscles."
—John Force, who since the end of the 2013 season has raced to six consecutive final-round appearances with four victories. He looks to keep the streak alive when he returns to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park where he has eight career wins (’05, ’01, ’00, ’99, ’97, ’96, ’95, ’94).
Inside the Numbers
4: Number of career wins, including his win last year, Tony Schumacher has at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in his career (’13, ’05, ’02, ’00). Schumacher is the winningest Top Fuel driver at the facility with teammate Antron Brown trailing Schumacher with two wins as active drivers with the most wins at the facility.
Did You Know
| |
FACTORY SHOWDOWN DATES SET FOR 2014: The 2014 NHRA Factory Stock Showdown will include stops in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series in Gainesville, Indianapolis, Reading and Las Vegas. The program, in its third year, will feature three new stops, beginning with the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, March 13–16, and ending with the NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, October 30–November 2. More on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.
View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Schedule.
Thu, 02/20/2014 - 14:05
Compiled by SEMA Editors
NHRA News
| |
WILD HORSE READY TO RIDE: The last time the Pros of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series hit the throttle on their Top Fuel Dragsters, Funny Cars and Pro Stock race cars in the state of Arizona was last February at the former Firebird International Raceway. The series returns to the jewel in the desert February 21–23, for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals to a facility that has undergone numerous improvements from the ownership group. More on this article and the return to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park can be found on www.ArizonaAutoScene.com.
VOTING OPEN FOR K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE PEOPLE'S CHOICE: NHRA fans will be able to vote their favorite Pro Stock driver into the 2014 NHRA K&N Horsepower Challenge, a special bonus event for the category. The K&N Horsepower Challenge will be held Saturday, March 29, during the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals weekend at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. More on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.
| |
HEAD RACING ACQUIRES WSM AUCTIONEERS AS SPONSOR FOR PHOENIX: Head Racing and Western Sales Management Auctioneers are joining forces with a sponsorship for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park February 21–23. “Obviously, we’re very excited to partner with WSM Auctioneers, and they’re a family business, and so are we, and I think it’s a great fit for us,” said Funny Car driver Chad Head. “This is the first step of acquiring funding of this race team, and with WSM Auctioneers onboard, hopefully we can attract future sponsors so we can campaign the entire NHRA season.”
More on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.
He Said, She Said
| |
"It's amazing, We're trying to build our sport and run good for all of the fans, and it's hard sometimes. (Crew chief) Jimmy Prock and that whole brain trust have done a great job. Everything's just going right. I don't get it. I ain't that good of a guy. I'm just excited. There’s a lot going on (with sponsors), and man, what a good time to flex your muscles."
—John Force, who since the end of the 2013 season has raced to six consecutive final-round appearances with four victories. He looks to keep the streak alive when he returns to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park where he has eight career wins (’05, ’01, ’00, ’99, ’97, ’96, ’95, ’94).
Inside the Numbers
4: Number of career wins, including his win last year, Tony Schumacher has at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in his career (’13, ’05, ’02, ’00). Schumacher is the winningest Top Fuel driver at the facility with teammate Antron Brown trailing Schumacher with two wins as active drivers with the most wins at the facility.
Did You Know
| |
FACTORY SHOWDOWN DATES SET FOR 2014: The 2014 NHRA Factory Stock Showdown will include stops in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series in Gainesville, Indianapolis, Reading and Las Vegas. The program, in its third year, will feature three new stops, beginning with the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, March 13–16, and ending with the NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, October 30–November 2. More on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.
View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Schedule.
Thu, 02/20/2014 - 13:57
The 2015 Audi A3 Measuring Session will be held March 10, 2014, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., at the Audi of America Inc. Ontario Learning Center in Ontario, California.
Thu, 02/20/2014 - 13:57
The 2015 Audi A3 Measuring Session will be held March 10, 2014, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., at the Audi of America Inc. Ontario Learning Center in Ontario, California.
Thu, 02/20/2014 - 13:15
Compiled by SEMA Editors
Kyle Dahlquist Named Design Engineer for Innovative Creations
Innovative Creations Inc. announced that Kyle Dahlquist joined the company in August 2013 as a design engineer. Dahlquist previously worked in sales at Desert Rat Off-Road Truck Centers. Prior to that, he worked for Pirelli Tires as a field engineer and has also worked in marketing for BFGoodrich and Michelin. From a young age, Dahlquist was driven to work in the automotive industry. “I’ve been building cars since I could buy them,” said Dahlquist. “Fabrication and design are what I like to do.”
Nick Tucci to Lead Avery Dennison Reflective Solutions
Avery Dennison has appointed Nick Tucci vice president and general manager of Reflective Solutions. In this role, Tucci will provide leadership and strategic vision for the global business, which develops and manufactures reflective material and technologies used worldwide. Tucci has more than 20 years of experience with Avery Dennison, including leadership positions in finance, product re-engineering and marketing. Most recently, Tucci served as vice president, procurement for the Americas.
David Crockett was promoted to vice president of aftermarket sales and operations for Rolling Big Power Inc., part of the Lexani Companies family of brands. Crockett joined the Lexani Companies in 2009 and has served in many roles while continuing to expand his sales and account base. The move was made to recognize Crockett's contributions to both Lexani and RBP during his tenure with the organization.
MagnaFlow's Behind-the-Scenes Video of the "Need for Speed" Movie
DreamWorks reached out to MagnaFlow to help produce intense, high-performance sound for its upcoming movie, "Need for Speed," which will hit movie theaters across the country, March 14. MagnaFlow created the ultimate car-lovers' soundtrack full of distinct sounds that complement the visual on-screen action. Check out Magnaflow's video on YouTube.
 Kyle Dahlquist joined Innovative Creations Inc. as a design engineer in August 2013. | |
Innovative Creations Inc. announced that Kyle Dahlquist joined the company in August 2013 as a design engineer. Dahlquist previously worked in sales at Desert Rat Off-Road Truck Centers. Prior to that, he worked for Pirelli Tires as a field engineer and has also worked in marketing for BFGoodrich and Michelin. From a young age, Dahlquist was driven to work in the automotive industry. “I’ve been building cars since I could buy them,” said Dahlquist. “Fabrication and design are what I like to do.”
 Nick Tucci will provide leadership and strategic vision for Avery Dennison's global business. | |
Avery Dennison has appointed Nick Tucci vice president and general manager of Reflective Solutions. In this role, Tucci will provide leadership and strategic vision for the global business, which develops and manufactures reflective material and technologies used worldwide. Tucci has more than 20 years of experience with Avery Dennison, including leadership positions in finance, product re-engineering and marketing. Most recently, Tucci served as vice president, procurement for the Americas.
“Nick brings a broad range of expertise and perspective to the Reflective Solutions team,” said Darrell Hughes, vice president and general manager of Avery Dennison Materials Group North America. “He has a keen understanding of the global materials industry, its financial drivers, its marketplace needs and what will help our customers deliver success into the future.”
David Crockett Named Vice President of Rolling Big Power Inc.David Crockett was promoted to vice president of aftermarket sales and operations for Rolling Big Power Inc., part of the Lexani Companies family of brands. Crockett joined the Lexani Companies in 2009 and has served in many roles while continuing to expand his sales and account base. The move was made to recognize Crockett's contributions to both Lexani and RBP during his tenure with the organization.
New 5W-30 Diesel Motor Oil Displayed at SEMA Show
Champion Brands' Karl Dedolph III highlights Champion's new lower viscosity SAE 5W-30 Blue Flame Performance Diesel Motor Oil. | |
Champion Brands announced results from real-world field trials showing that the company’s formulated and blended SAE 5W-30 Performance Diesel Motor Oil reduces engine wear and corrosion, while maintaining viscometric properties. According to Champion Brands spokesperson Karl Dedolph III, the trend for diesels is currently evolving toward 5W-30 synthetic as a recommended standard from OE Manufacturers. The company says test results indicate their new oil meets or exceeds the OEM diesel specifications for owners with Ford, International, Cummins, Dodge, Detroit Diesel, MACK, Caterpillar, Mercedes, Volvo, Chrysler, Daimler vehicles and others.
The newly developed Diesel oil is designed to deliver reduced start-up wear, reduced internal drag and significant improvements in fuel economy, with better wear protection than the current standard SAE 15W-40 motor oils. In mileage testing, Champion says their SAE 5W-30 was found to deliver up to 4.5% fuel economy improvement over a conventional SAE 15W-40 API CJ-4 lubricant tested at an independent testing facility using the SAE J1321 fuel test protocol.
After displaying at the 2013 SEMA Show, Champion Oil also featured the new 5W-30 diesel oil at the recent Media Trade Conference, hosted by SEMA's Motorsports Manufacturers Council. In an interview with the SEMA News editorial team, Karl Dedolph III, further elaborated on the latest trends in the diesel market.
Pro Builder's Pavilion Headlines O’Reilly Auto Parts Street Machine & Muscle Car Nationals
The Pro Builder’s Pavilion will headline the O’Reilly Auto Parts Street Machine & Muscle Car Nationals presented by Lucas Oil and feature a collection of hot magazine-feature cars from the country’s top builders. Set for Saturday and Sunday, March 22–23, at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, the Pro Builder’s Pavilion includes cars from Chip Foose, hot rods and street machines from the SO-CAL Speed Shop and customs from Alan Palmer (Palmer Customs), Adam Berg (Setting Trendz) and Troy Martin (Full Scale Hot Rods & Customs). More information about the event is available at www.StreetMachineAndMuscleCarNationals.com.
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.
Thu, 02/20/2014 - 13:12
Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Kenny Schrader will drive the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts car in 10 races. | |
Federated to Sponsor ARCA Races and Schrader Racing ARCA Car
Federated Auto Parts will serve as the title sponsor of three ARCA races this season, including two at the Salem (Indiana) Speedway, it was announced by J.R. Bishop, director of motorsports and event marketing for Federated. The Federated Auto Parts ARCA 200 will be held April 27, and the Federated Car Care ARCA Fall Classic will be held September 13 at Salem. In addition, Federated will be the title sponsor of the Federated Auto Parts 200 at the Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan, August 9. Federated Car Care will also be the presenting sponsor of three ARCA races in 2014—May 18 at the Toledo Speedway, June 21 at the Elko (Minnesota) Speedway and September 1 at the DuQuoin (Illinois) State Fairgrounds.
Besides its ARCA race sponsorships, Federated will be the primary sponsor of the Schrader Racing ARCA car this season. Longtime Federated spokesperson Kenny Schrader will share the driving duties with Matt Tifft and Clay Campbell. Schrader will drive the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts car in 10 races, while Tifft, a 17-year-old high school senior who has been racing since 2007, will be behind the wheel for eight events. Campbell, president of Martinsville Speedway, will drive the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts car in two ARCA races.
Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels Returns to Lucas Oil Regional Off-Road Racing Series
In addition to its sponsorship of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS), Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels returns to regional grassroots short-course racing as a Lucas Oil Regional Off Road Racing Series MiniStock class sponsor. According to Lucas Oil, this sponsorship translates to real-world support of racers who build and compete in small, production-based trucks. MiniStock class racers rely primarily on stock components with minor modifications, and these production trucks are converted into competition vehicles. Mickey Thompson’s sponsorship means support to racers who are passionate about the sport, but don’t have a huge budget.
 Warn Industries drivers had a strong showing at the 2014 King of the Hammers. | |
Warn Industries Sweeps Podiums at 2014 King of the Hammers
A total of $2,900 will be paid out to the winners of the recent Griffin King of the Hammers (KOH) race, the Smittybilt Every Man Challenge race and UTV race. Every Man Challenge race winners included WARN drivers Erik Miller, Stock class winner; John Currie, Mod class winner; Brad Lovell, Legends class winner and Jessi Combs, Spec class winner. In the KOH UTV race, Mitch Guthrie claimed his fifth King of the Hammers UTV class championship.
Tonka Joins Team Lucas for 2014
Toy maker Tonka has become a partner with Team Lucas for the 2014 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series and the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League. Tonka, manufactured and licensed by Funrise Toy Corp., under license from Hasbro, made its debut in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series last year, sponsoring Pro 2 driver Myan Spaccarelli of Simi Valley, California. Tonka will sponsor the Sullivan Racing Modified Tractor Team in the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League. Tonka will consider jumping into more events offered in the Team Lucas portfolio during the 2014 season.
MSD Named Official Ignition of USMTS and USRA Racing Series
MSD of El Paso, Texas, will be the Official Ignition for the 2014 United States Modified Touring Series and the United States Racing Association. As the Official Ignition of both series, MSD will post certificate awards and support for the top five racers in each of the four USRA Championship classes.
Traxxas Returns as Official Series Partner for TORC 2014 Season
TORC: The Off-Road Championship has announced that Traxxas is returning as an Official Series Partner for the 2014 TORC season. As an Official Series Partner, Traxxas will garner significant brand visibility through media exposure, including television, radio, print, digital and social media. The company will also take their commitment to the track once more as a sponsor of Jenkins Brothers Racing, including Traxxas CEO Mike Jenkins (Pro 4 and Pro 2) and his brother Mark (Pro 4). The brothers finished in fifth and sixth place in Pro 4 last season, with Mike also taking fifth in Pro 2.
Thu, 02/20/2014 - 13:12
Compiled by SEMA Editors
| Kenny Schrader will drive the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts car in 10 races. | |
Federated to Sponsor ARCA Races and Schrader Racing ARCA Car
Federated Auto Parts will serve as the title sponsor of three ARCA races this season, including two at the Salem (Indiana) Speedway, it was announced by J.R. Bishop, director of motorsports and event marketing for Federated. The Federated Auto Parts ARCA 200 will be held April 27, and the Federated Car Care ARCA Fall Classic will be held September 13 at Salem. In addition, Federated will be the title sponsor of the Federated Auto Parts 200 at the Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan, August 9. Federated Car Care will also be the presenting sponsor of three ARCA races in 2014—May 18 at the Toledo Speedway, June 21 at the Elko (Minnesota) Speedway and September 1 at the DuQuoin (Illinois) State Fairgrounds.
Besides its ARCA race sponsorships, Federated will be the primary sponsor of the Schrader Racing ARCA car this season. Longtime Federated spokesperson Kenny Schrader will share the driving duties with Matt Tifft and Clay Campbell. Schrader will drive the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts car in 10 races, while Tifft, a 17-year-old high school senior who has been racing since 2007, will be behind the wheel for eight events. Campbell, president of Martinsville Speedway, will drive the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts car in two ARCA races.
Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels Returns to Lucas Oil Regional Off-Road Racing Series
In addition to its sponsorship of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS), Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels returns to regional grassroots short-course racing as a Lucas Oil Regional Off Road Racing Series MiniStock class sponsor. According to Lucas Oil, this sponsorship translates to real-world support of racers who build and compete in small, production-based trucks. MiniStock class racers rely primarily on stock components with minor modifications, and these production trucks are converted into competition vehicles. Mickey Thompson’s sponsorship means support to racers who are passionate about the sport, but don’t have a huge budget.
| Warn Industries drivers had a strong showing at the 2014 King of the Hammers. | |
Warn Industries Sweeps Podiums at 2014 King of the Hammers
A total of $2,900 will be paid out to the winners of the recent Griffin King of the Hammers (KOH) race, the Smittybilt Every Man Challenge race and UTV race. Every Man Challenge race winners included WARN drivers Erik Miller, Stock class winner; John Currie, Mod class winner; Brad Lovell, Legends class winner and Jessi Combs, Spec class winner. In the KOH UTV race, Mitch Guthrie claimed his fifth King of the Hammers UTV class championship.
Tonka Joins Team Lucas for 2014
Toy maker Tonka has become a partner with Team Lucas for the 2014 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series and the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League. Tonka, manufactured and licensed by Funrise Toy Corp., under license from Hasbro, made its debut in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series last year, sponsoring Pro 2 driver Myan Spaccarelli of Simi Valley, California. Tonka will sponsor the Sullivan Racing Modified Tractor Team in the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League. Tonka will consider jumping into more events offered in the Team Lucas portfolio during the 2014 season.
MSD Named Official Ignition of USMTS and USRA Racing Series
MSD of El Paso, Texas, will be the Official Ignition for the 2014 United States Modified Touring Series and the United States Racing Association. As the Official Ignition of both series, MSD will post certificate awards and support for the top five racers in each of the four USRA Championship classes.
Traxxas Returns as Official Series Partner for TORC 2014 Season
TORC: The Off-Road Championship has announced that Traxxas is returning as an Official Series Partner for the 2014 TORC season. As an Official Series Partner, Traxxas will garner significant brand visibility through media exposure, including television, radio, print, digital and social media. The company will also take their commitment to the track once more as a sponsor of Jenkins Brothers Racing, including Traxxas CEO Mike Jenkins (Pro 4 and Pro 2) and his brother Mark (Pro 4). The brothers finished in fifth and sixth place in Pro 4 last season, with Mike also taking fifth in Pro 2.