By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation has been introduced in the Missouri Senate to require the issuance of only a single license plate for motor vehicles. The bill, favored by state hobbyists, also applies to personalized plates. If enacted into law, the measure would allow vehicle owners to obtain a second plate under limited circumstances (for example, certain property-carrying commercial motor-vehicle applicants can request two plates). Among other things, the measure would save money, conserve resources and bring Missouri in line with other states that have moved to a single plate requirement. 

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

Legislation has been introduced in the Colorado State Legislature to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles that have not yet reached their 10th model year. Current law only exempts vehicles that are four model years old or newer. The bill would also exempt previously registered motor vehicles that have never failed an emissions control inspection and create a senior citizen hardship exemption whereby a senior citizen may register one motor vehicle without obtaining an emissions inspection. 

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

Legislation has been introduced in the Colorado State Legislature to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles that have not yet reached their 10th model year. Current law only exempts vehicles that are four model years old or newer. The bill would also exempt previously registered motor vehicles that have never failed an emissions control inspection and create a senior citizen hardship exemption whereby a senior citizen may register one motor vehicle without obtaining an emissions inspection. 

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

Legislation has been introduced in the Colorado State Legislature to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles that have not yet reached their 10th model year. Current law only exempts vehicles that are four model years old or newer. The bill would also exempt previously registered motor vehicles that have never failed an emissions control inspection and create a senior citizen hardship exemption whereby a senior citizen may register one motor vehicle without obtaining an emissions inspection. 

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

Legislation in the Maine State Senate to remove a provision in the law that requires that the overall diameter of motor vehicle tires be within 2 in. of the sizes recommended by the vehicle manufacturer will be considered by the Joint Transportation Committee, Wednesday, February 6, 2013. If you have not yet contacted committee members to voice your support, now is the time to do so.

The Maine Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual already requires that a vehicle fail inspection if a tire contacts any part of the body of the vehicle. This bill also provides that a vehicle must still comply with applicable frame height requirements, which vary according to gross vehicle weight rating. 

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

Legislation in the Maine State Senate to remove a provision in the law that requires that the overall diameter of motor vehicle tires be within 2 in. of the sizes recommended by the vehicle manufacturer will be considered by the Joint Transportation Committee, Wednesday, February 6, 2013. If you have not yet contacted committee members to voice your support, now is the time to do so.

The Maine Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual already requires that a vehicle fail inspection if a tire contacts any part of the body of the vehicle. This bill also provides that a vehicle must still comply with applicable frame height requirements, which vary according to gross vehicle weight rating. 

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

Legislation in the Maine State Senate to remove a provision in the law that requires that the overall diameter of motor vehicle tires be within 2 in. of the sizes recommended by the vehicle manufacturer will be considered by the Joint Transportation Committee, Wednesday, February 6, 2013. If you have not yet contacted committee members to voice your support, now is the time to do so.

The Maine Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual already requires that a vehicle fail inspection if a tire contacts any part of the body of the vehicle. This bill also provides that a vehicle must still comply with applicable frame height requirements, which vary according to gross vehicle weight rating. 

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

By SEMA Staff

Here is a brief look at some of the recent news and updates happening in the specialty-equipment industry. Know someone who is moving on or moving up? 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.

	Jody DeVere, founder and CEO of AskPatty.com, will receive the Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI) Distinguished Service Award February 9.

Jody DeVere to Receive Distinguished Service Award From Women’s Automotive Association International
Jody DeVere, founder and CEO of AskPatty.com, will receive the Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI) Distinguished Service Award during the 14th Annual WAAI Spirit of Leadership Awards Reception, Saturday, February 9, at The Peabody in Orlando, Florida.

DeVere founded AskPatty.com in 1999 as a social media site to provide expert advice to women on automotive-related topics and to teach strategies to enhance women’s experiences in dealing with automotive-related businesses through the AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly program. Currently, more than 7,000 individuals employed in auto dealerships as well as tire, collision and repair centers, hold AskPatty certification credentials. A long-time member of the WAAI Board of Directors who previously served as chairman, DeVere currently holds the position of vice chairman and treasurer. She is also a member of the Car Care Council’s Women’s Board, California State Advisory Board for SkillsUSA and SEMA Businesswomen’s Network.

WAAI will also present Spirit of Leadership awards to four prominent industry women: Joy Libert-Gelb, president of Yonkers Motors; Barbara Pilarski, vice president of business development for Chrysler Group; Margery Krevsky, founder and CEO of Productions Plus-The Talent Shop; and Andra Rush, CEO of Rush Trucking.

Mishimoto Automotive Receives State Grant for Employment Growth
Mishimoto Automotive recently received a grant from the state of Delaware for employment growth. According to an article published on delawareonline.com, the  Delaware Economic Development Office awarded the company money to help offset the costs of hiring five employees in marketing, accounting, engineering and support staff, as well as additional money for capital expenses. Mishimoto President Mike Sullivan said that the grant was developed for employers who are growing and building a long-term home in Delaware, and that process was fairly painless, requiring a proposal with growth estimates, etc. Read the complete article, "Auto performance parts maker expanding with state assist."

Trick Flow and Summit Racing Equipment Partnership
Trick Flow Specialties has been named the official cylinder head company of the Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, starting with the 2013 racing season. Characterizing the partnership as an opportunity to reach a broader range of racers and fans, Trick Flow will display its products at many of the track's major events. The company will also return as the sponsor of Fright Night at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park's Halloween Classic in October.

Holley Provides NOS Installation and Tuning YouTube Videos
Holley Performance Products has a full list of NOS Nitrous Oxide Systems installation and tuning videos available on the company's YouTube channel, www.YouTube.com/HolleyPerformance. There are a total of 18 videos covering how nitrous oxide works, complete kit overviews, installation details, system operation, tuning and more. The videos include animations and step-by-step, underhood video footage.

	Catherine Bach of "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "The Young and the Restless" will be available for autographs and photos during the 44th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Rod & Custom Car Show, February 23–24.

Catherine Bach, TV's Daisy Duke, Joins 44th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Rod & Custom Car Show
Catherine Bach of "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "The Young and the Restless" will be available for autographs and photos during the 44th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Rod & Custom Car Show, February 23–24. Visitors will see some of the hottest street rods, custom cars, street machines, race cars, pickups and motorcycles. The event will be held at the Monticello Berndes Center, 766 North Maple Street in Monticello, Iowa, about 35 miles from Cedar Rapids or Dubuque on U.S. Highway 151. More information is available at www.rodandcustomcarshow.com. 

Advanced Clutch Technology Launches New Website
With the goal of streamlining its interface to help users find content quickly, Advanced Clutch Technology launched a new website, www.advancedclutch.com. The company reports that the new online destination is modernized, with a clean format that is easy to navigate. Among the enhancements to the website is a new account management system, which makes it easier for customers to track recent orders, rate products purchased and save shopping carts for future purchases.

Royal Purple VP of Sales Transitions to Consultant Role
Royal Purple Vice President of Sales and Marketing Mark McFann has elected to transition from the day-to-day management of the company’s marketing and consumer sales to a role as a contracted consultant for the company. “It’s been a blessing to steward Royal Purple from a start-up brand sold at 300 locations to one that is now sold in more than 30,000 locations across the United States and other countries,” said McFann.

In addition to his new role with Royal Purple, McFann has joined marketing consulting company Cast a Long Shadow. He is also a principle for the company Xecu Group, whose EZ Waiver product provides cloud-based complete electronic waiver and risk-management application.

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.

Edited By SEMA Staff

NEWS NUGGETS

COUNTDOWN IS ON TO NHRA MELLO YELLO SERIES 2013 OPENER: The 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series returns to Southern California and historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona for the 53rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries, February 14–17. With kids 12 and younger allowed into general admission seating for free with a paying adult, this family-friendly event is one of the gems at the venerable Los Angeles County Fairplex. The season-opening event of what promises to be an action-packed 24-race schedule will be the perfect opportunity for dedicated NHRA fans to reconnect with their favorite drivers and continue to make memories they will carry with them for a lifetime. Many drivers will be sporting new sponsors, paint schemes and new crewmembers, and this event will allow fans to see the new combinations early in the competitive season. Fans will also be treated to a sensory-overload environment with the sights and sounds of the tradition-rich event as drivers rocket down the track at speeds of more than 320 mph in an attempt to join the list of O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals winners.

Defending Top Fuel world champion Antron Brown returns to the site where he clinched his first historic championship last November. His focus is set on a second championship at the controls of his Matco Tools dragster, but Tony Schumacher, Morgan Lucas, Doug Kalitta, Brandon Bernstein and Shawn Langdon will all be looking to unseat him from his throne during the season. The Top Fuel class will grow this season as rookie Brittany Force, daughter of drag-racing legend John Force, makes her historic debut in the class behind the wheel of the Castrol Edge dragster.

Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

CAPPS THE MICROPHONE TECH IS SUPER BOWL BOUND: Ron Capps is a lifelong San Francisco 49ers fan and will be at Sunday's big game, but not in a grandstand seat or a luxury suite. The only ones at the game with a better view of the action will be players and game officials. The driver of Don Schumacher Racing's NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car will be working on the sidelines handling a satellite-dish-looking parabolic microphone for San Francisco radio station KNBR—the flagship station for the 49ers and San Francisco Giants. Capps' chances to be part of the working media resulted from a friendship he has with Mike Hohler of the station.

"First of all, just the Niners being in the Super Bowl is huge," Capps said. "To go to my first Super Bowl and be able to work on the sideline is going to be unbelievable. I've been watching Super Bowl coverage this week and highlights from other Super Bowls show how the sidelines are packed with media, movie stars and athletes. It will be fun working at the game and being that close to the action. It can't get any better than this."

It will be the second time the winner of five NHRA Funny Car races last season will have his ears glued to the action. The day after he won the Funny Car title at Las Vegas last October he debuted as a microphone holder when the 49ers beat Arizona 24–3 near Phoenix in a Monday Night Football game. Other than the best place to watch a game, he said handling a parabolic microphone requires you to wear headphones.

"That was so cool to hear all the chatter and smack talk going on with the players,” he said. “It's pretty wild. It will be a dream come true as a 49er fan."

If you think it's dangerous driving a Funny Car at 320 mph, Capps said working the sidelines at an NFL game might be riskier and you don't wear a helmet.

"When players would go out of bounds you could see me [on TV] holding the microphone, and I'd start getting into it. When guys would come toward me trying to make a tackle I found myself running to get closer to the action, almost risking myself at times, just to get that good sound. I really got into the job and tried to be the best microphone holder they ever had. After the game I started to wonder what I was doing."

He promises that when the 49ers score or if they win the Super Bowl, he will remain a committed, professional microphone technician.

"If the Niners win, I promise I won't throw it,” Capps said. “Mike and the guys at KNBR put a lot of trust in me, and I take this very seriously. But I might have to pay for a new one if I get too caught up in celebrating."

PRO STOCK ACE STANFIELD JOINS LUCAS OIL RACING FAMILY: Veteran NHRA Pro Stock driver Greg Stanfield will join the Lucas Oil racing family beginning at next month's O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals when he unveils the MavTV/Lucas Oil Chevy Camaro.

"We're excited," Stanfield said. "We're going to go out and run the first eight races of the year and see where we stand and where we are performance-wise at that point. The plan right now is to run a minimum of 15 or 16 races."

Stanfield, who finished runner up in the Pro Stock standings in 2009 and has three career wins in the class, said the backing from MavTV and Lucas Oil came at just the right time.

"J.D. and Teresa Coffman are putting some money into this effort too," Stanfield said. "But we're thankful that Tom Bogner and Forrest Lucas jumped on board. I think it's a good fit since J.D. owns a trucking company that uses Lucas Oil. Hopefully with the help we're getting we can turn the corner. We had a lot of engine failures last year, which set us back. We're starting to put it together and it feels like we're getting things back to where they need to be to make the MavTV Camaro run fast."

Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

COMING ATTRACTIONS



O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 14–17: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series returns to Auto Club Raceway at Pomona for the start of the 2013 season with new colors. After a dramatic ending to the 2012 season, drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock are looking to pick up where they left off and bring more heat to the track for the season-opener. The 2012 winners of the event were Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS, Firebird International Raceway, February 22–24: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series makes its second stop of the 2013 season just south of downtown Phoenix. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will earn points towards the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series regular season points standings. The 2012 winners of the event were Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 602-268-0200 or visit firebird.ticketforce.com.

AMALIE OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS, Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, March 14–17: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series makes its third of 24 stops of the 2013 season in the sunshine state of Florida. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points towards the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2012 winners of the event were Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-6472or log on to NHRATix.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

ON THE HEELS OF A BREAKTHROUGH YEAR, TORRENCE IS READY FOR MORE: Steve Torrence has accumulated well-rounded experience in NHRA Drag Racing and a fair amount of success in the Sportsman ranks, but last season, he broke through as a competitor who could pack a punch as a pro. Notably, the second-generation driver earned the status in his first full season holding the reins of his own operation and driving the Capco/Torrence Racing Top Fuel dragster. Based in Kilgore, Texas, Torrence first demanded attention on the racetrack in 2005, his debut year as a Top Alcohol Dragster competitor, and won nine times in 11 final rounds en route to the national championship. The following year, he made his Top Fuel debut, and in 2011, Torrence and his family formed their own team with the support of Capco and began steady preparation for a full charge in 2012. Preparation paid off as the fledgling group upset the class with three victories in five final rounds and a pair of No. 1 qualifier awards to score a coveted position in the Countdown to the Championship. But was Torrence's quick rise to the status of title contender in his first season at the helm of his own enterprise really a surprise for a driver who had already proved magnetic to success?

"It was definitely beyond what I expected," said Torrence, who turns 30 in April. "I felt like we had everything to succeed; the parts and pieces were there and in place, but we just set out wanting to get our feet wet and establish ourselves, to see what being a Top Fuel owner as a family was about. We had goals that we wanted to achieve, but I think that we've by far surpassed anyone's expectations, including our own, with what we accomplished.”

For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

2: WALLY PARKS NHRA MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM ELECTS TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS: The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California has announced the election of two new members to its board of directors. The museum welcomed newly elected board members Linda Louie, vice president and general counsel for the NHRA, and Glen Cromwell, vice president of national event marketing for the NHRA.

“The museum board is pleased to have the ongoing support of NHRA executives in helping to preserve the rich history of racing and its future success,” said Thomas McKernan, chairman of the NHRA Motorsports Museum Board. Louie joined NHRA in 1999. She received her bachelor’s degree from University of California, Los Angeles and her J.D. from the University of Southern California. Prior to NHRA, Louie was a business litigator in private law firms. She has been a lawyer for more than 20 years.

For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

DID YOU KNOW…

NHRA WELCOMES THREE NEW FACILITIES TO NHRA MEMBER TRACK NETWORK: The NHRA has announced the addition of three new facilities to the NHRA Member Track network: Northland Dodge Motorsports Park in Prince George, British Columbia; Central Alberta Raceways in Rimbey, Alberta; and Rocky Mountain Raceways in West Valley City, Utah.

“It is a pleasure to have these three facilities come onboard as part of the NHRA Member Track network,” said Josh Peterson, NHRA vice president-racing administration. “It’s great to have Rocky Mountain Raceways back onboard as part of the Pacific Division, and the addition of the two tracks in Canada helps to expand NHRA’s presence in the Northwest Division.”

As NHRA member tracks, the three facilities will be eligible to offer racers a variety of NHRA racing opportunities, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA. Additionally, the tracks have the opportunity to host the NHRA’s specialty events, including the National Dragster Challenge, Summit Racing NHRA King of the Track and NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Challenge. Northland Dodge Motorsports Park (www.northlandmotorsportspark.com) is under new ownership with a variety of racing activities, including a quarter-mile dragstrip and a 2.7-kilometer (1.67-mile) road course. Central Alberta Raceways (www.caraceways.ca) is a new 80-acre multipurpose motorsports facility; the quarter-mile dragstrip is expected to open this summer. Rocky Mountain Raceways (www.rmrracing.com) is a multi-use facility and will host a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series as well as the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series.

For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

Edited By SEMA Staff

NEWS NUGGETS

COUNTDOWN IS ON TO NHRA MELLO YELLO SERIES 2013 OPENER: The 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series returns to Southern California and historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona for the 53rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries, February 14–17. With kids 12 and younger allowed into general admission seating for free with a paying adult, this family-friendly event is one of the gems at the venerable Los Angeles County Fairplex. The season-opening event of what promises to be an action-packed 24-race schedule will be the perfect opportunity for dedicated NHRA fans to reconnect with their favorite drivers and continue to make memories they will carry with them for a lifetime. Many drivers will be sporting new sponsors, paint schemes and new crewmembers, and this event will allow fans to see the new combinations early in the competitive season. Fans will also be treated to a sensory-overload environment with the sights and sounds of the tradition-rich event as drivers rocket down the track at speeds of more than 320 mph in an attempt to join the list of O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals winners.

Defending Top Fuel world champion Antron Brown returns to the site where he clinched his first historic championship last November. His focus is set on a second championship at the controls of his Matco Tools dragster, but Tony Schumacher, Morgan Lucas, Doug Kalitta, Brandon Bernstein and Shawn Langdon will all be looking to unseat him from his throne during the season. The Top Fuel class will grow this season as rookie Brittany Force, daughter of drag-racing legend John Force, makes her historic debut in the class behind the wheel of the Castrol Edge dragster.

Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

CAPPS THE MICROPHONE TECH IS SUPER BOWL BOUND: Ron Capps is a lifelong San Francisco 49ers fan and will be at Sunday's big game, but not in a grandstand seat or a luxury suite. The only ones at the game with a better view of the action will be players and game officials. The driver of Don Schumacher Racing's NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car will be working on the sidelines handling a satellite-dish-looking parabolic microphone for San Francisco radio station KNBR—the flagship station for the 49ers and San Francisco Giants. Capps' chances to be part of the working media resulted from a friendship he has with Mike Hohler of the station.

"First of all, just the Niners being in the Super Bowl is huge," Capps said. "To go to my first Super Bowl and be able to work on the sideline is going to be unbelievable. I've been watching Super Bowl coverage this week and highlights from other Super Bowls show how the sidelines are packed with media, movie stars and athletes. It will be fun working at the game and being that close to the action. It can't get any better than this."

It will be the second time the winner of five NHRA Funny Car races last season will have his ears glued to the action. The day after he won the Funny Car title at Las Vegas last October he debuted as a microphone holder when the 49ers beat Arizona 24–3 near Phoenix in a Monday Night Football game. Other than the best place to watch a game, he said handling a parabolic microphone requires you to wear headphones.

"That was so cool to hear all the chatter and smack talk going on with the players,” he said. “It's pretty wild. It will be a dream come true as a 49er fan."

If you think it's dangerous driving a Funny Car at 320 mph, Capps said working the sidelines at an NFL game might be riskier and you don't wear a helmet.

"When players would go out of bounds you could see me [on TV] holding the microphone, and I'd start getting into it. When guys would come toward me trying to make a tackle I found myself running to get closer to the action, almost risking myself at times, just to get that good sound. I really got into the job and tried to be the best microphone holder they ever had. After the game I started to wonder what I was doing."

He promises that when the 49ers score or if they win the Super Bowl, he will remain a committed, professional microphone technician.

"If the Niners win, I promise I won't throw it,” Capps said. “Mike and the guys at KNBR put a lot of trust in me, and I take this very seriously. But I might have to pay for a new one if I get too caught up in celebrating."

PRO STOCK ACE STANFIELD JOINS LUCAS OIL RACING FAMILY: Veteran NHRA Pro Stock driver Greg Stanfield will join the Lucas Oil racing family beginning at next month's O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals when he unveils the MavTV/Lucas Oil Chevy Camaro.

"We're excited," Stanfield said. "We're going to go out and run the first eight races of the year and see where we stand and where we are performance-wise at that point. The plan right now is to run a minimum of 15 or 16 races."

Stanfield, who finished runner up in the Pro Stock standings in 2009 and has three career wins in the class, said the backing from MavTV and Lucas Oil came at just the right time.

"J.D. and Teresa Coffman are putting some money into this effort too," Stanfield said. "But we're thankful that Tom Bogner and Forrest Lucas jumped on board. I think it's a good fit since J.D. owns a trucking company that uses Lucas Oil. Hopefully with the help we're getting we can turn the corner. We had a lot of engine failures last year, which set us back. We're starting to put it together and it feels like we're getting things back to where they need to be to make the MavTV Camaro run fast."

Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

COMING ATTRACTIONS



O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 14–17: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series returns to Auto Club Raceway at Pomona for the start of the 2013 season with new colors. After a dramatic ending to the 2012 season, drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock are looking to pick up where they left off and bring more heat to the track for the season-opener. The 2012 winners of the event were Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS, Firebird International Raceway, February 22–24: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series makes its second stop of the 2013 season just south of downtown Phoenix. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will earn points towards the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series regular season points standings. The 2012 winners of the event were Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 602-268-0200 or visit firebird.ticketforce.com.

AMALIE OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS, Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, March 14–17: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series makes its third of 24 stops of the 2013 season in the sunshine state of Florida. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points towards the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2012 winners of the event were Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-6472or log on to NHRATix.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

ON THE HEELS OF A BREAKTHROUGH YEAR, TORRENCE IS READY FOR MORE: Steve Torrence has accumulated well-rounded experience in NHRA Drag Racing and a fair amount of success in the Sportsman ranks, but last season, he broke through as a competitor who could pack a punch as a pro. Notably, the second-generation driver earned the status in his first full season holding the reins of his own operation and driving the Capco/Torrence Racing Top Fuel dragster. Based in Kilgore, Texas, Torrence first demanded attention on the racetrack in 2005, his debut year as a Top Alcohol Dragster competitor, and won nine times in 11 final rounds en route to the national championship. The following year, he made his Top Fuel debut, and in 2011, Torrence and his family formed their own team with the support of Capco and began steady preparation for a full charge in 2012. Preparation paid off as the fledgling group upset the class with three victories in five final rounds and a pair of No. 1 qualifier awards to score a coveted position in the Countdown to the Championship. But was Torrence's quick rise to the status of title contender in his first season at the helm of his own enterprise really a surprise for a driver who had already proved magnetic to success?

"It was definitely beyond what I expected," said Torrence, who turns 30 in April. "I felt like we had everything to succeed; the parts and pieces were there and in place, but we just set out wanting to get our feet wet and establish ourselves, to see what being a Top Fuel owner as a family was about. We had goals that we wanted to achieve, but I think that we've by far surpassed anyone's expectations, including our own, with what we accomplished.”

For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

2: WALLY PARKS NHRA MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM ELECTS TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS: The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California has announced the election of two new members to its board of directors. The museum welcomed newly elected board members Linda Louie, vice president and general counsel for the NHRA, and Glen Cromwell, vice president of national event marketing for the NHRA.

“The museum board is pleased to have the ongoing support of NHRA executives in helping to preserve the rich history of racing and its future success,” said Thomas McKernan, chairman of the NHRA Motorsports Museum Board. Louie joined NHRA in 1999. She received her bachelor’s degree from University of California, Los Angeles and her J.D. from the University of Southern California. Prior to NHRA, Louie was a business litigator in private law firms. She has been a lawyer for more than 20 years.

For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

DID YOU KNOW…

NHRA WELCOMES THREE NEW FACILITIES TO NHRA MEMBER TRACK NETWORK: The NHRA has announced the addition of three new facilities to the NHRA Member Track network: Northland Dodge Motorsports Park in Prince George, British Columbia; Central Alberta Raceways in Rimbey, Alberta; and Rocky Mountain Raceways in West Valley City, Utah.

“It is a pleasure to have these three facilities come onboard as part of the NHRA Member Track network,” said Josh Peterson, NHRA vice president-racing administration. “It’s great to have Rocky Mountain Raceways back onboard as part of the Pacific Division, and the addition of the two tracks in Canada helps to expand NHRA’s presence in the Northwest Division.”

As NHRA member tracks, the three facilities will be eligible to offer racers a variety of NHRA racing opportunities, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA. Additionally, the tracks have the opportunity to host the NHRA’s specialty events, including the National Dragster Challenge, Summit Racing NHRA King of the Track and NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Challenge. Northland Dodge Motorsports Park (www.northlandmotorsportspark.com) is under new ownership with a variety of racing activities, including a quarter-mile dragstrip and a 2.7-kilometer (1.67-mile) road course. Central Alberta Raceways (www.caraceways.ca) is a new 80-acre multipurpose motorsports facility; the quarter-mile dragstrip is expected to open this summer. Rocky Mountain Raceways (www.rmrracing.com) is a multi-use facility and will host a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series as well as the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series.

For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.