NEWS NUGGETS

MILLICAN AND TUTTLE PARTNER FOR 2014 SEASON: Clay Millican received the holiday gift he was hoping for when he finalized a multiyear partnership with Parts Plus on Christmas Eve. The start of the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season will mark a new era in Millican’s career as he will collaborate with Dexter Tuttle and Tuttle Motorsports. The Parts Plus sponsorship will provide funding for Millican and the team for several years, giving Tuttle the security that comes with a multiyear contract.

"This really is a great fit all the way around," Millican said. "Once the Parts Plus folks met Dexter, we all knew this was the right direction for all of us to go. I can't tell you how excited I am to see what comes next.”

Visit www.NHRA.com for more information.

CIRCLE K TO SPONSOR NHRA WINTERNATIONALS: Circle K, one of the nation’s premier convenience retailers, has been named the title sponsor for the 2014 NHRA Winternationals. The tradition-rich season-opening event for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, scheduled for February 6–9 at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California, is always a fan-favorite event where NHRA race teams unveil their new cars, sponsors and paint schemes and begin their quest to win NHRA world championship titles. Visit www.NHRA.com for more information.

FULL FIELDS PREPARE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLES IN 2014: With less than a month to go before the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season launches with the Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, race teams across the country already are either deep into preparations for or already engaged in preseason testing for what is promising to be another hotly contested series of championships. Vehicle counts remain strong across all four of the classes in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, with fields expected to remain at the same strength as last season despite a still-tough economy. Visit www.NHRA.com for more information.


COMING ATTRACTIONS

CIRCLE K NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 6–9: The Circle K NHRA Winternationals starts the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series at one of the most historic facilities on the NHRA circuit—Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Courtney Force (Funny Car) and Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) will attempt to defend their 2013 wins and start the season on a positive note.

CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, February 21–23: For the 30th season, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series races into the Valley of the Sun for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals. The venerable facility south of Phoenix has hosted many historic performances throughout the years. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) recorded wins at the track in 2013 and will again be among the favorites to claim early-season victories. 


HE SAID, SHE SAID

“A lot of people are amazed that I was chosen to drive one of the best Top Fuel cars around, and I understand that thought as I’m still pinching myself. It's the most awesome thing to ever happen to me in my professional life. I know there have been some great people before me to transition from crew member to driver, and I can only hope to follow in their footsteps.”

—Richie Crampton, who takes over driving duties in 2014 for Morgan Lucas in the GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster, and is the newest NHRA.com blogger.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

6: Number of Top Fuel wins that Don Garlits and Tony Schumacher have at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona—the most at the track. Garlits has five victories at the season-opening event, and Schumacher has won the first race twice. Schumacher will attempt to add to his total with Mike Green and his U.S. Army team when the season starts February 6–9.

DID YOU KNOW…

FORCE SISTERS FEATURED ON "THE QUEEN LATIFAH SHOW:" The three racing Force daughters were guests on "The Queen Latifah Show" that aired Wednesday, January 8. Ashley Force Hood and Brittany and Courtney Force sat down with the versatile Queen Latifah, the talk show host/actress/singer, to talk about racing as well as being role models for women around the country. After the in-studio segment, the four women took it to the “track” for a fun racing segment that included actor James Van Der Beek.

“Those Krazy Karts were so much fun. It was awesome to race James Van Der Beek and Queen Latifah. James got the win, but I was spinning in circles, and he got around me at the last second,” said Courtney. “It was an honor to be on her show, and we are looking forward to having her come out to the Winternationals in Pomona. It is fun to do a show with someone who is that enthusiastic about girl power, fast cars and racing.”

NEWS NUGGETS

MILLICAN AND TUTTLE PARTNER FOR 2014 SEASON: Clay Millican received the holiday gift he was hoping for when he finalized a multiyear partnership with Parts Plus on Christmas Eve. The start of the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season will mark a new era in Millican’s career as he will collaborate with Dexter Tuttle and Tuttle Motorsports. The Parts Plus sponsorship will provide funding for Millican and the team for several years, giving Tuttle the security that comes with a multiyear contract.

"This really is a great fit all the way around," Millican said. "Once the Parts Plus folks met Dexter, we all knew this was the right direction for all of us to go. I can't tell you how excited I am to see what comes next.”

Visit www.NHRA.com for more information.

CIRCLE K TO SPONSOR NHRA WINTERNATIONALS: Circle K, one of the nation’s premier convenience retailers, has been named the title sponsor for the 2014 NHRA Winternationals. The tradition-rich season-opening event for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, scheduled for February 6–9 at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California, is always a fan-favorite event where NHRA race teams unveil their new cars, sponsors and paint schemes and begin their quest to win NHRA world championship titles. Visit www.NHRA.com for more information.

FULL FIELDS PREPARE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLES IN 2014: With less than a month to go before the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season launches with the Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, race teams across the country already are either deep into preparations for or already engaged in preseason testing for what is promising to be another hotly contested series of championships. Vehicle counts remain strong across all four of the classes in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, with fields expected to remain at the same strength as last season despite a still-tough economy. Visit www.NHRA.com for more information.


COMING ATTRACTIONS

CIRCLE K NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 6–9: The Circle K NHRA Winternationals starts the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series at one of the most historic facilities on the NHRA circuit—Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Courtney Force (Funny Car) and Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) will attempt to defend their 2013 wins and start the season on a positive note.

CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, February 21–23: For the 30th season, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series races into the Valley of the Sun for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals. The venerable facility south of Phoenix has hosted many historic performances throughout the years. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) recorded wins at the track in 2013 and will again be among the favorites to claim early-season victories. 


HE SAID, SHE SAID

“A lot of people are amazed that I was chosen to drive one of the best Top Fuel cars around, and I understand that thought as I’m still pinching myself. It's the most awesome thing to ever happen to me in my professional life. I know there have been some great people before me to transition from crew member to driver, and I can only hope to follow in their footsteps.”

—Richie Crampton, who takes over driving duties in 2014 for Morgan Lucas in the GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster, and is the newest NHRA.com blogger.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

6: Number of Top Fuel wins that Don Garlits and Tony Schumacher have at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona—the most at the track. Garlits has five victories at the season-opening event, and Schumacher has won the first race twice. Schumacher will attempt to add to his total with Mike Green and his U.S. Army team when the season starts February 6–9.

DID YOU KNOW…

FORCE SISTERS FEATURED ON "THE QUEEN LATIFAH SHOW:" The three racing Force daughters were guests on "The Queen Latifah Show" that aired Wednesday, January 8. Ashley Force Hood and Brittany and Courtney Force sat down with the versatile Queen Latifah, the talk show host/actress/singer, to talk about racing as well as being role models for women around the country. After the in-studio segment, the four women took it to the “track” for a fun racing segment that included actor James Van Der Beek.

“Those Krazy Karts were so much fun. It was awesome to race James Van Der Beek and Queen Latifah. James got the win, but I was spinning in circles, and he got around me at the last second,” said Courtney. “It was an honor to be on her show, and we are looking forward to having her come out to the Winternationals in Pomona. It is fun to do a show with someone who is that enthusiastic about girl power, fast cars and racing.”

NEWS NUGGETS

MILLICAN AND TUTTLE PARTNER FOR 2014 SEASON: Clay Millican received the holiday gift he was hoping for when he finalized a multiyear partnership with Parts Plus on Christmas Eve. The start of the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season will mark a new era in Millican’s career as he will collaborate with Dexter Tuttle and Tuttle Motorsports. The Parts Plus sponsorship will provide funding for Millican and the team for several years, giving Tuttle the security that comes with a multiyear contract.

"This really is a great fit all the way around," Millican said. "Once the Parts Plus folks met Dexter, we all knew this was the right direction for all of us to go. I can't tell you how excited I am to see what comes next.”

Visit www.NHRA.com for more information.

CIRCLE K TO SPONSOR NHRA WINTERNATIONALS: Circle K, one of the nation’s premier convenience retailers, has been named the title sponsor for the 2014 NHRA Winternationals. The tradition-rich season-opening event for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, scheduled for February 6–9 at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California, is always a fan-favorite event where NHRA race teams unveil their new cars, sponsors and paint schemes and begin their quest to win NHRA world championship titles. Visit www.NHRA.com for more information.

FULL FIELDS PREPARE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLES IN 2014: With less than a month to go before the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season launches with the Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, race teams across the country already are either deep into preparations for or already engaged in preseason testing for what is promising to be another hotly contested series of championships. Vehicle counts remain strong across all four of the classes in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, with fields expected to remain at the same strength as last season despite a still-tough economy. Visit www.NHRA.com for more information.


COMING ATTRACTIONS

CIRCLE K NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 6–9: The Circle K NHRA Winternationals starts the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series at one of the most historic facilities on the NHRA circuit—Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Courtney Force (Funny Car) and Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) will attempt to defend their 2013 wins and start the season on a positive note.

CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, February 21–23: For the 30th season, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series races into the Valley of the Sun for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals. The venerable facility south of Phoenix has hosted many historic performances throughout the years. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) recorded wins at the track in 2013 and will again be among the favorites to claim early-season victories. 


HE SAID, SHE SAID

“A lot of people are amazed that I was chosen to drive one of the best Top Fuel cars around, and I understand that thought as I’m still pinching myself. It's the most awesome thing to ever happen to me in my professional life. I know there have been some great people before me to transition from crew member to driver, and I can only hope to follow in their footsteps.”

—Richie Crampton, who takes over driving duties in 2014 for Morgan Lucas in the GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster, and is the newest NHRA.com blogger.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

6: Number of Top Fuel wins that Don Garlits and Tony Schumacher have at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona—the most at the track. Garlits has five victories at the season-opening event, and Schumacher has won the first race twice. Schumacher will attempt to add to his total with Mike Green and his U.S. Army team when the season starts February 6–9.

DID YOU KNOW…

FORCE SISTERS FEATURED ON "THE QUEEN LATIFAH SHOW:" The three racing Force daughters were guests on "The Queen Latifah Show" that aired Wednesday, January 8. Ashley Force Hood and Brittany and Courtney Force sat down with the versatile Queen Latifah, the talk show host/actress/singer, to talk about racing as well as being role models for women around the country. After the in-studio segment, the four women took it to the “track” for a fun racing segment that included actor James Van Der Beek.

“Those Krazy Karts were so much fun. It was awesome to race James Van Der Beek and Queen Latifah. James got the win, but I was spinning in circles, and he got around me at the last second,” said Courtney. “It was an honor to be on her show, and we are looking forward to having her come out to the Winternationals in Pomona. It is fun to do a show with someone who is that enthusiastic about girl power, fast cars and racing.”

	The SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference will provide members the opportunity to explore the market in the UAE and meet with buyers from throughout the region.

More than 160 pre-vetted buyers from nine countries met with 41 SEMA-member exhibitors at the 2013 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference. Ninety-five percent of the world’s customers are located beyond United States borders. By diversifying, SEMA members can better position themselves for future economic downturns.

“The Middle East has tremendous upside for the performance market,” said Rick Trudo, CEO of Florida-based SCT Performance. “We have seen eight-to-one growth over our two years working with SEMA at this event. It plays a big part in our international growth strategy, as do China and Brazil. It helps take the potential inconsistency out of the U.S. market and gives us a strong offshoot to sell into.”

Motorsports and vehicle personalization have a strong and growing base throughout the region, and a quick drive around Dubai or Abu Dhabi would surprise any gearhead with the wide variety of customized vehicles traveling the roads. Off-roading is also extremely popular throughout the region with SUVs and pickup owners heading into the desert.

“Automotive styling in the Middle East is a confluence of influences from around the globe,” said David Borla, sales and marketing manager for Borla Performance. “Whether it’s musclecars, high-end exotics, Jeeps, pickups, SUVs, luxury sedans or sport compacts, you will find a cross section of the world’s finest automotive offerings. But it doesn’t stop there. Personalization is just as important as the platforms themselves, and there is a pervasive culture of tailoring vehicles to meet individual specifications, needs or preferences.

“The conditions in the Middle East have created a ‘perfect storm’ that promotes the growth and prosperity of the automotive aftermarket. Beyond the affluence and brand consciousness you see on the surface, there is a growing infrastructure of distribution and service that makes it easy for enthusiasts to buy, install and maintain aftermarket parts. Combine that with great roads and what seems like infinite sand dunes, and you have a giant playground for people who love to play with cars."

U.S. Department of Commerce $1,000 grants are available to help qualified companies defray participation costs.

The exploratory and sales trip to the UAE will include a tour of local shops and an opportunity to meet with buyers from throughout the region. Last year's event included buyers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA.org/MiddleEast. Read the SEMA News article covering the 2013 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference.

Don't wait, register today. Questions? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

	The SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference will provide members the opportunity to explore the market in the UAE and meet with buyers from throughout the region.

More than 160 pre-vetted buyers from nine countries met with 41 SEMA-member exhibitors at the 2013 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference. Ninety-five percent of the world’s customers are located beyond United States borders. By diversifying, SEMA members can better position themselves for future economic downturns.

“The Middle East has tremendous upside for the performance market,” said Rick Trudo, CEO of Florida-based SCT Performance. “We have seen eight-to-one growth over our two years working with SEMA at this event. It plays a big part in our international growth strategy, as do China and Brazil. It helps take the potential inconsistency out of the U.S. market and gives us a strong offshoot to sell into.”

Motorsports and vehicle personalization have a strong and growing base throughout the region, and a quick drive around Dubai or Abu Dhabi would surprise any gearhead with the wide variety of customized vehicles traveling the roads. Off-roading is also extremely popular throughout the region with SUVs and pickup owners heading into the desert.

“Automotive styling in the Middle East is a confluence of influences from around the globe,” said David Borla, sales and marketing manager for Borla Performance. “Whether it’s musclecars, high-end exotics, Jeeps, pickups, SUVs, luxury sedans or sport compacts, you will find a cross section of the world’s finest automotive offerings. But it doesn’t stop there. Personalization is just as important as the platforms themselves, and there is a pervasive culture of tailoring vehicles to meet individual specifications, needs or preferences.

“The conditions in the Middle East have created a ‘perfect storm’ that promotes the growth and prosperity of the automotive aftermarket. Beyond the affluence and brand consciousness you see on the surface, there is a growing infrastructure of distribution and service that makes it easy for enthusiasts to buy, install and maintain aftermarket parts. Combine that with great roads and what seems like infinite sand dunes, and you have a giant playground for people who love to play with cars."

U.S. Department of Commerce $1,000 grants are available to help qualified companies defray participation costs.

The exploratory and sales trip to the UAE will include a tour of local shops and an opportunity to meet with buyers from throughout the region. Last year's event included buyers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA.org/MiddleEast. Read the SEMA News article covering the 2013 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference.

Don't wait, register today. Questions? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

Ambassador Bruno de Rísios Bath, Counsulate-General of Brazil in Los Angeles.

A day-long seminar on the "Ins and Outs of Exporting to Brazil" is being held February 19, in Coto de Caza, California. The event, sponsored by Escrow.com, FedEx, US Commercial Service and District Export Council of Southern California, features Ambassador Bruno de Rísios Bath, Counsulate-General of Brazil in Los Angeles. More information is available by contacting Lisa Kelley at 425-793-4385.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Under a bill being introduced in New Hampshire, eligibility to use original year-of-manufacture license plates on antique motor vehicles would be expanded to include all ’75 and earlier model years.

Legislation to expand the range of model-year vehicles eligible to use original year-of-manufacture license plates on antique motor vehicles was introduced in New Hampshire. Currently, only ’60 and earlier model-year antique vehicles are eligible to use these plates. Under the bill, eligibility would be expanded to include all ’75 and earlier model years.

In New Hampshire, an antique motor vehicle or motorcycle is “any motor vehicle more than 25 years old that is maintained for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades and other functions of public interest.”

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Under a bill being introduced in New Hampshire, eligibility to use original year-of-manufacture license plates on antique motor vehicles would be expanded to include all ’75 and earlier model years.

Legislation to expand the range of model-year vehicles eligible to use original year-of-manufacture license plates on antique motor vehicles was introduced in New Hampshire. Currently, only ’60 and earlier model-year antique vehicles are eligible to use these plates. Under the bill, eligibility would be expanded to include all ’75 and earlier model years.

In New Hampshire, an antique motor vehicle or motorcycle is “any motor vehicle more than 25 years old that is maintained for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades and other functions of public interest.”

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.