Several of the features included in the wheel-and-tire themed February issue of SEMA News were developed with the expert opinions and insight of SEMA's own Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) members.

Each month SEMA News focuses on a different product category in the specialty-equipment industry. The categories also correspond to the floorplan at the annual SEMA Show.

In the February 2013 issue, the featured segment will be wheels and tires. In fact, SEMA's own Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) members contributed their expert opinions to author Steve Campbell's story entitled, "Wheel and Tire Trends Update, A Look at the Marketplace With Industry Pros and Media."

More than 100 new products from both the Global Tire Expo and Wheels & Accessories section of the 2012 SEMA Show will also appear in the February issue of SEMA News.

Also, SEMA's own Executive Editor Mike Imlay looks at the Tire Industry Association's presence at the 2012 SEMA Show and incoming President Randy Groh's plans for the year ahead.

The February issue will be live on www.sema.org in just two weeks, so stay tuned. In addition, to connect with the most active members in the wheel and tire industry, visit the WTC homepage.

NEWS NUGGETS

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR 2013 O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS AT AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA: Tickets for the 53rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries, February 14–17—the season-opening event of the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series—are going fast. NHRA’s season-opening event will be contested at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona and will be every NHRA fan’s first opportunity to see all of the new cars and paint schemes and meet all of the drivers who will be racing at speeds of more than 320 mph in an attempt to become O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals champions. A win at this event can mean great momentum as drivers chase NHRA Mello Yello world championship glory during the 24-event season that crisscrosses the United States. All of the stars in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will be competing at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, including defending Top Fuel world champion Antron Brown, Tony Schumacher and Brandon Bernstein; Funny Car fan favorites “Fast Jack” Beckman, Ron Capps, Courtney Force and 15-time champ John Force; and defending Pro Stock world champ Allen Johnson, four-time champ Greg Anderson and four-time 2012 winner Erica Enders. To purchase general-admission, reserved-seat or Top Eliminator Club tickets for the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries, log on to NHRATix.com or call the NHRA Ticket Sales Center, 800-884-NHRA (6472). Tickets for children 12 and younger are free in general admission with any paid adult ticket.

RAPISARDA TEAMS WITH DIXON, BEARD FOR 2013: Rapisarda Autosport International has announced the signing of two legendary drag-racing figures—Larry Dixon and Lee Beard—for its 2013 Top Fuel dragster organization with campaigns set in the 2013 National Hot Rod Association Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the ANDRA Australia Drag Racing Series. The Rapisarda Autosport International operation, led by Australia crane mogul Santo Rapisarda and his sons Santo Jr. and Santino (Tino), will have Dixon—the three-time Top Fuel NHRA world champion—behind the wheel of the Rapisarda Top Fuel dragster for a limited 2013 schedule, which will include races in North America and Australia. Dixon, 46, is the second-winningest Top Fuel driver in NHRA history with 62 national event victories and three series titles (2002, 2003 and 2010). Santo Jr. and Tino are co-crew chiefs for the Rapisarda dragster. Beard, a three-time NHRA world champion crew chief and team manager in the fuel ranks, will serve as the Director of Operations for Rapisarda Autosport International. Beard, one of the most respected fuel tuners in Top Fuel and Funny Car competition, brings a wealth of experience to the Rapisarda effort in 2013. Beard is the only NHRA crew chief to have won national events with eleven different drivers. The Colorado native scored world titles in 1989, 1992 and 2009.

“We are extremely pleased to have the talents of Larry Dixon and Lee Beard joining Rapisarda Autosport International for 2013,” said Santo Rapisarda, team owner. “Both Larry and Lee have some of the greatest resumes in NHRA drag-racing history. Although they have never teamed up together before, we believe their leadership and competitiveness will lead us to victory lane this year. I’m extremely excited to have this pair as part of our organization.”

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

NHRA CONTINUES HARD CARD PROGRAM FOR PAST NATIONAL EVENT WINNERS: NHRA will continue the hard-card program in 2013 for all past national-event-winning drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle, Pro Stock Truck and Top Eliminator dating back to 1955. The program, which was first implemented during NHRA’s 60th anniversary celebration, is for non-active participants in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. The permanent credential provides admission to the 24 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events in 2013 with access to the racer section of the grandstand and the sponsor-viewing area typically located near the starting line of the racetrack. Eligible drivers can apply for the NHRA National Event Winners Hard Card by sending an e-mail to Laura Sarmiento at lsarmiento@nhra.com. Eligible drivers who want to pick up their hard cards at will call during the 53rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries February 14–17, at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona must submit their request no later than January 28, 2013.

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 are 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 toward 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.

NHRA GATORNATIONALS, Gainesville Raceway, 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 toward 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

FORCE, NEFF REUNITE AND LOOKING FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS AS DRIVER AND CREW CHIEF DUO: After two successful seasons pulling double duty as both driver and crew chief at John Force Racing, Mike Neff has decided to hang up his driving gloves so he can focus on being a full-time crew chief for 15-time world champion John Force. In 2010, Neff tuned the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang which led Force to his 15th NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championship. It wasn’t an easy decision, but one that Neff felt had to be made.

“Force was really good about it,” Neff said. “When I first brought it up [in the middle of last season], he wanted me to really think about it. He didn’t want me to make any quick decisions. He basically said I could drive as long as I wanted to. He left it up to me, [and] I just felt that it was time.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

28 DAYS UNTIL THE START OF THE 2013 NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES SEASON: In less than four weeks, the first of 24 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events begins February 14–17, with the tradition-rich O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California. For ticket information, visit NHRATix.com.

DID YOU KNOW…

ADVERTISING EDGE EXTENDS AGREEMENT WITH NHRA: Advertising Edge has extended its agreement as the Official Uniform of NHRA. The relationship between NHRA and Advertising Edge began in 2010, and as part of the multiyear extension, Advertising Edge will continue to provide NHRA with hats, staff uniforms, shirts, event winner jackets and other special apparel items.

“We at Advertising Edge are looking forward to another four years of partnership with the NHRA,” said Don Roe, president of Advertising Edge, “working together to help build a strong relationship and grow our business with our American-made products.”

Also in the agreement, NHRA will provide Advertising Edge with recognition in National DRAGSTER and NHRA.com, track signage at all NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events, and video spots on the event big screen. Since entering into its partnership with NHRA, Advertising Edge has gone on to secure exclusive relationships with many race teams within the NHRA community, including Don Schumacher Racing, Kenny Koretsky and Nitro Fish Racing, Roy Hill Drag Racing School, Performance by Fisher Racing, many Top Alcohol teams and Super Comp teams. Advertising Edge specializes in customized promotional products, providing turn-key solutions for customers to find products that meet their objectives.

NEWS NUGGETS

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR 2013 O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS AT AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA: Tickets for the 53rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries, February 14–17—the season-opening event of the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series—are going fast. NHRA’s season-opening event will be contested at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona and will be every NHRA fan’s first opportunity to see all of the new cars and paint schemes and meet all of the drivers who will be racing at speeds of more than 320 mph in an attempt to become O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals champions. A win at this event can mean great momentum as drivers chase NHRA Mello Yello world championship glory during the 24-event season that crisscrosses the United States. All of the stars in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will be competing at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, including defending Top Fuel world champion Antron Brown, Tony Schumacher and Brandon Bernstein; Funny Car fan favorites “Fast Jack” Beckman, Ron Capps, Courtney Force and 15-time champ John Force; and defending Pro Stock world champ Allen Johnson, four-time champ Greg Anderson and four-time 2012 winner Erica Enders. To purchase general-admission, reserved-seat or Top Eliminator Club tickets for the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries, log on to NHRATix.com or call the NHRA Ticket Sales Center, 800-884-NHRA (6472). Tickets for children 12 and younger are free in general admission with any paid adult ticket.

RAPISARDA TEAMS WITH DIXON, BEARD FOR 2013: Rapisarda Autosport International has announced the signing of two legendary drag-racing figures—Larry Dixon and Lee Beard—for its 2013 Top Fuel dragster organization with campaigns set in the 2013 National Hot Rod Association Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the ANDRA Australia Drag Racing Series. The Rapisarda Autosport International operation, led by Australia crane mogul Santo Rapisarda and his sons Santo Jr. and Santino (Tino), will have Dixon—the three-time Top Fuel NHRA world champion—behind the wheel of the Rapisarda Top Fuel dragster for a limited 2013 schedule, which will include races in North America and Australia. Dixon, 46, is the second-winningest Top Fuel driver in NHRA history with 62 national event victories and three series titles (2002, 2003 and 2010). Santo Jr. and Tino are co-crew chiefs for the Rapisarda dragster. Beard, a three-time NHRA world champion crew chief and team manager in the fuel ranks, will serve as the Director of Operations for Rapisarda Autosport International. Beard, one of the most respected fuel tuners in Top Fuel and Funny Car competition, brings a wealth of experience to the Rapisarda effort in 2013. Beard is the only NHRA crew chief to have won national events with eleven different drivers. The Colorado native scored world titles in 1989, 1992 and 2009.

“We are extremely pleased to have the talents of Larry Dixon and Lee Beard joining Rapisarda Autosport International for 2013,” said Santo Rapisarda, team owner. “Both Larry and Lee have some of the greatest resumes in NHRA drag-racing history. Although they have never teamed up together before, we believe their leadership and competitiveness will lead us to victory lane this year. I’m extremely excited to have this pair as part of our organization.”

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

NHRA CONTINUES HARD CARD PROGRAM FOR PAST NATIONAL EVENT WINNERS: NHRA will continue the hard-card program in 2013 for all past national-event-winning drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle, Pro Stock Truck and Top Eliminator dating back to 1955. The program, which was first implemented during NHRA’s 60th anniversary celebration, is for non-active participants in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. The permanent credential provides admission to the 24 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events in 2013 with access to the racer section of the grandstand and the sponsor-viewing area typically located near the starting line of the racetrack. Eligible drivers can apply for the NHRA National Event Winners Hard Card by sending an e-mail to Laura Sarmiento at lsarmiento@nhra.com. Eligible drivers who want to pick up their hard cards at will call during the 53rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries February 14–17, at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona must submit their request no later than January 28, 2013.

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 are 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 toward 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.

NHRA GATORNATIONALS, Gainesville Raceway, 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 toward 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

FORCE, NEFF REUNITE AND LOOKING FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS AS DRIVER AND CREW CHIEF DUO: After two successful seasons pulling double duty as both driver and crew chief at John Force Racing, Mike Neff has decided to hang up his driving gloves so he can focus on being a full-time crew chief for 15-time world champion John Force. In 2010, Neff tuned the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang which led Force to his 15th NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championship. It wasn’t an easy decision, but one that Neff felt had to be made.

“Force was really good about it,” Neff said. “When I first brought it up [in the middle of last season], he wanted me to really think about it. He didn’t want me to make any quick decisions. He basically said I could drive as long as I wanted to. He left it up to me, [and] I just felt that it was time.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

28 DAYS UNTIL THE START OF THE 2013 NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES SEASON: In less than four weeks, the first of 24 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events begins February 14–17, with the tradition-rich O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California. For ticket information, visit NHRATix.com.

DID YOU KNOW…

ADVERTISING EDGE EXTENDS AGREEMENT WITH NHRA: Advertising Edge has extended its agreement as the Official Uniform of NHRA. The relationship between NHRA and Advertising Edge began in 2010, and as part of the multiyear extension, Advertising Edge will continue to provide NHRA with hats, staff uniforms, shirts, event winner jackets and other special apparel items.

“We at Advertising Edge are looking forward to another four years of partnership with the NHRA,” said Don Roe, president of Advertising Edge, “working together to help build a strong relationship and grow our business with our American-made products.”

Also in the agreement, NHRA will provide Advertising Edge with recognition in National DRAGSTER and NHRA.com, track signage at all NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events, and video spots on the event big screen. Since entering into its partnership with NHRA, Advertising Edge has gone on to secure exclusive relationships with many race teams within the NHRA community, including Don Schumacher Racing, Kenny Koretsky and Nitro Fish Racing, Roy Hill Drag Racing School, Performance by Fisher Racing, many Top Alcohol teams and Super Comp teams. Advertising Edge specializes in customized promotional products, providing turn-key solutions for customers to find products that meet their objectives.

NEWS NUGGETS

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR 2013 O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS AT AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA: Tickets for the 53rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries, February 14–17—the season-opening event of the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series—are going fast. NHRA’s season-opening event will be contested at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona and will be every NHRA fan’s first opportunity to see all of the new cars and paint schemes and meet all of the drivers who will be racing at speeds of more than 320 mph in an attempt to become O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals champions. A win at this event can mean great momentum as drivers chase NHRA Mello Yello world championship glory during the 24-event season that crisscrosses the United States. All of the stars in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will be competing at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, including defending Top Fuel world champion Antron Brown, Tony Schumacher and Brandon Bernstein; Funny Car fan favorites “Fast Jack” Beckman, Ron Capps, Courtney Force and 15-time champ John Force; and defending Pro Stock world champ Allen Johnson, four-time champ Greg Anderson and four-time 2012 winner Erica Enders. To purchase general-admission, reserved-seat or Top Eliminator Club tickets for the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries, log on to NHRATix.com or call the NHRA Ticket Sales Center, 800-884-NHRA (6472). Tickets for children 12 and younger are free in general admission with any paid adult ticket.

RAPISARDA TEAMS WITH DIXON, BEARD FOR 2013: Rapisarda Autosport International has announced the signing of two legendary drag-racing figures—Larry Dixon and Lee Beard—for its 2013 Top Fuel dragster organization with campaigns set in the 2013 National Hot Rod Association Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the ANDRA Australia Drag Racing Series. The Rapisarda Autosport International operation, led by Australia crane mogul Santo Rapisarda and his sons Santo Jr. and Santino (Tino), will have Dixon—the three-time Top Fuel NHRA world champion—behind the wheel of the Rapisarda Top Fuel dragster for a limited 2013 schedule, which will include races in North America and Australia. Dixon, 46, is the second-winningest Top Fuel driver in NHRA history with 62 national event victories and three series titles (2002, 2003 and 2010). Santo Jr. and Tino are co-crew chiefs for the Rapisarda dragster. Beard, a three-time NHRA world champion crew chief and team manager in the fuel ranks, will serve as the Director of Operations for Rapisarda Autosport International. Beard, one of the most respected fuel tuners in Top Fuel and Funny Car competition, brings a wealth of experience to the Rapisarda effort in 2013. Beard is the only NHRA crew chief to have won national events with eleven different drivers. The Colorado native scored world titles in 1989, 1992 and 2009.

“We are extremely pleased to have the talents of Larry Dixon and Lee Beard joining Rapisarda Autosport International for 2013,” said Santo Rapisarda, team owner. “Both Larry and Lee have some of the greatest resumes in NHRA drag-racing history. Although they have never teamed up together before, we believe their leadership and competitiveness will lead us to victory lane this year. I’m extremely excited to have this pair as part of our organization.”

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

NHRA CONTINUES HARD CARD PROGRAM FOR PAST NATIONAL EVENT WINNERS: NHRA will continue the hard-card program in 2013 for all past national-event-winning drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle, Pro Stock Truck and Top Eliminator dating back to 1955. The program, which was first implemented during NHRA’s 60th anniversary celebration, is for non-active participants in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. The permanent credential provides admission to the 24 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events in 2013 with access to the racer section of the grandstand and the sponsor-viewing area typically located near the starting line of the racetrack. Eligible drivers can apply for the NHRA National Event Winners Hard Card by sending an e-mail to Laura Sarmiento at lsarmiento@nhra.com. Eligible drivers who want to pick up their hard cards at will call during the 53rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries February 14–17, at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona must submit their request no later than January 28, 2013.

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 are 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 toward 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.

NHRA GATORNATIONALS, Gainesville Raceway, 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 toward 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

FORCE, NEFF REUNITE AND LOOKING FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS AS DRIVER AND CREW CHIEF DUO: After two successful seasons pulling double duty as both driver and crew chief at John Force Racing, Mike Neff has decided to hang up his driving gloves so he can focus on being a full-time crew chief for 15-time world champion John Force. In 2010, Neff tuned the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang which led Force to his 15th NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championship. It wasn’t an easy decision, but one that Neff felt had to be made.

“Force was really good about it,” Neff said. “When I first brought it up [in the middle of last season], he wanted me to really think about it. He didn’t want me to make any quick decisions. He basically said I could drive as long as I wanted to. He left it up to me, [and] I just felt that it was time.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

28 DAYS UNTIL THE START OF THE 2013 NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES SEASON: In less than four weeks, the first of 24 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events begins February 14–17, with the tradition-rich O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California. For ticket information, visit NHRATix.com.

DID YOU KNOW…

ADVERTISING EDGE EXTENDS AGREEMENT WITH NHRA: Advertising Edge has extended its agreement as the Official Uniform of NHRA. The relationship between NHRA and Advertising Edge began in 2010, and as part of the multiyear extension, Advertising Edge will continue to provide NHRA with hats, staff uniforms, shirts, event winner jackets and other special apparel items.

“We at Advertising Edge are looking forward to another four years of partnership with the NHRA,” said Don Roe, president of Advertising Edge, “working together to help build a strong relationship and grow our business with our American-made products.”

Also in the agreement, NHRA will provide Advertising Edge with recognition in National DRAGSTER and NHRA.com, track signage at all NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events, and video spots on the event big screen. Since entering into its partnership with NHRA, Advertising Edge has gone on to secure exclusive relationships with many race teams within the NHRA community, including Don Schumacher Racing, Kenny Koretsky and Nitro Fish Racing, Roy Hill Drag Racing School, Performance by Fisher Racing, many Top Alcohol teams and Super Comp teams. Advertising Edge specializes in customized promotional products, providing turn-key solutions for customers to find products that meet their objectives.

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. 

	Custom fabricator, certified welder and renowned custom painter JoAnn Bortles was named the national automotive spokesperson for Hypertherm.

Custom Fabricator and Painter JoAnn Bortles Named Hypertherm Spokesperson
Hypertherm announced that JoAnn Bortles was named the company's national automotive spokesperson. Bortles will help Hypertherm educate people about the benefits of using Powermax plasma systems and make public appearances at a variety of automotive conferences and shows, including the SEMA Show and the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show. Bortles, who participates in a variety of speaking opportunities across the country, will also byline articles for automotive, trade and national media outlets.

“We are pleased to welcome JoAnn Bortles to the Hypertherm team and look forward to reaching an expanded automotive audience with JoAnn’s extensive background and knowledge,” said Reese Madden, director of North American Marketing. “She brings to our team a multitude of skills and understands the need for plasma cutting in the hot-rod and auto restoration segment.”  

Shelby Foundation Donates $25,000 to Children's Organ Transplant Association
The Carroll Shelby Foundation donated $25,000 to the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) in honor of the late Carroll Shelby. The foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides medical support for children at home and around the world, as well as educational opportunities for young adults who want to advance their automotive trade skills.

“We wanted to do something special for what would have been Carroll’s 90th birthday this year,” said Jenni Shreeves, executive director of the Carroll Shelby Foundation. “What better present to give than the gift of life. The Children’s Organ Transplant Association is a wonderful organization that continues to help thousands of children and young adults receive another chance at a happy and healthy life. We’re proud to share the same mission and values of such a highly respected team of philanthropists.”

	From left to right: Bruce Meyer, Peter Mullin and David Sydorick.

Peter Mullin Elected Petersen Museum's Chairman
World-renowned collector and businessman Peter Mullin was elected chairman of the board of directors at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Joining him as vice chair are Bruce Meyer, one of the museum's most ardent supporters, and David Sydorick, a long-time board member. According to the museum, Mullin will lead sweeping changes in preparation for the museum's 20th anniversary. His task is to raise awareness about the museum on a national and international platform and to educate tomorrow's automotive and design enthusiasts.  

“Peter Mullin is admired worldwide as a businessman, car collector and community leader—his unique ability to merge these three worlds will be a tremendous asset to the museum and we're thrilled about this announcement,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry Karges. “This is a 'dream team' whose vision will help us become one of the world's most exciting automotive destinations.”

Goodguys Launches No-Cost Junior Membership Program
Goodguys Rod & Custom Association announced the all-new, no-cost, Goodguys Junior Membership Program. To sign up, interested juniors can log on to www.good-guys.com, click on the "Read The Latest Gazette" link, create a user name and password, and they're ready to go. Goodguys Junior members receive free access to the monthly Goodguys Goodtimes Gazette digital magazine at Good-Guys.com, or on iPhones, Android-based smartphones or tablets; a Goodguys Exclusive Sticker Pack; and additional special offers and promotional notifications. Junior Members must enroll for their membership at www.good-guys.com/new-digital-gazette. Note: Sign-up requires a one-time e-mail and address sign-up for access.

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.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation has been introduced in the Wyoming legislature to increase annual vehicle registration fees by $10 for passenger vehicles and double registration fees based on unladen vehicle weight for non-commercial trucks. For example, the registration fee for a vehicle weighing 6,001 lbs. or more would rise from $60 to $120. Under Wyoming law, "passenger car" means a motor vehicle designed to carry 10 persons or less and be primarily used to transport persons, including ambulances and hearses, but excluding motorcycles, motor homes, multipurpose vehicles, trucks and school buses. Non-commercial trucks subject to the doubled registration fees include personal pickups. 

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 Wyoming legislature to increase annual vehicle registration fees by $10 for passenger vehicles and double registration fees based on unladen vehicle weight for non-commercial trucks. For example, the registration fee for a vehicle weighing 6,001 lbs. or more would rise from $60 to $120. Under Wyoming law, "passenger car" means a motor vehicle designed to carry 10 persons or less and be primarily used to transport persons, including ambulances and hearses, but excluding motorcycles, motor homes, multipurpose vehicles, trucks and school buses. Non-commercial trucks subject to the doubled registration fees include personal pickups. 

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 Wyoming legislature to increase annual vehicle registration fees by $10 for passenger vehicles and double registration fees based on unladen vehicle weight for non-commercial trucks. For example, the registration fee for a vehicle weighing 6,001 lbs. or more would rise from $60 to $120. Under Wyoming law, "passenger car" means a motor vehicle designed to carry 10 persons or less and be primarily used to transport persons, including ambulances and hearses, but excluding motorcycles, motor homes, multipurpose vehicles, trucks and school buses. Non-commercial trucks subject to the doubled registration fees include personal pickups. 

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

SEMA-supported legislation has been reintroduced in the New York Senate to provide that historical vehicle owners only pay a one-time registration fee of $100 upon initial registration. The bill was approved by the full Senate last session, but died in the Assembly when the legislature adjourned for the year. Under New York law, a historical motor vehicle is either a vehicle manufactured more than 25 years ago or one which has unique characteristics and which is determined to be of historical, classic or exhibition value. 

The reduced registration fee would be available to owners of historical vehicles owned and operated as an exhibition piece or collector’s item and used for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, occasional transportation and similar uses. The $100 one-time fee would replace the current annual fee of $28.75. 

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

SEMA-supported legislation has been reintroduced in the New York Senate to provide that historical vehicle owners only pay a one-time registration fee of $100 upon initial registration. The bill was approved by the full Senate last session, but died in the Assembly when the legislature adjourned for the year. Under New York law, a historical motor vehicle is either a vehicle manufactured more than 25 years ago or one which has unique characteristics and which is determined to be of historical, classic or exhibition value. 

The reduced registration fee would be available to owners of historical vehicles owned and operated as an exhibition piece or collector’s item and used for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, occasional transportation and similar uses. The $100 one-time fee would replace the current annual fee of $28.75. 

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