The latest shots of BMW's X5, delivered by the crew at Brenda Priddy & Co., reveal a detailed look at the SUV, which appears will grow significantly in length and feature a longer roof. The size increase is necessary, according to Priddy, to distance the new X5 from the smaller X3, which itself had to grow a bit to make room for the still-new X1. While the X5 is longer, it has also lost a little weight, about 225 lbs.

The additional space also means that BMW now has the option to offer a third row of seats, making the future X5 a seven-seater, a popular feature in the U.S. market.

The prototype pictured was powered by a V8 engine (the exhaust tips were a big clue), but a hybrid will also be offered. With the camo coming off and good camera angles, the “Air Breather Design Element” (first seen on the 4 Series Coupe Concept) can clearly be seen in most of these photos, and the headlamp shape, front and rear facia and M-like air intakes upfront are clearly visible.

If all goes according to plans, Priddy says to watch for an official introduction in January at the North American International Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brenda Priddy & Co.

The latest shots of BMW's X5, delivered by the crew at Brenda Priddy & Co., reveal a detailed look at the SUV, which appears will grow significantly in length and feature a longer roof. The size increase is necessary, according to Priddy, to distance the new X5 from the smaller X3, which itself had to grow a bit to make room for the still-new X1. While the X5 is longer, it has also lost a little weight, about 225 lbs.

The additional space also means that BMW now has the option to offer a third row of seats, making the future X5 a seven-seater, a popular feature in the U.S. market.

The prototype pictured was powered by a V8 engine (the exhaust tips were a big clue), but a hybrid will also be offered. With the camo coming off and good camera angles, the “Air Breather Design Element” (first seen on the 4 Series Coupe Concept) can clearly be seen in most of these photos, and the headlamp shape, front and rear facia and M-like air intakes upfront are clearly visible.

If all goes according to plans, Priddy says to watch for an official introduction in January at the North American International Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brenda Priddy & Co.

	The ’13 Ram 1500 was named Motor Trend's Truck of the Year.

Source Interlink Media LLC (SIM) has announced that Motor Trend has selected the Ram 1500 as its 2013 Truck of the Year.

The announcement, made via a comprehensive feature on MotorTrend.com and a special presentation on the Motor Trend YouTube channel, comes after contenders were put through Motor Trend’s extensive battery of testing, designed to evaluate virtually every aspect of each vehicle. In addition to the ’13 Ram 1500, the judges examined the other all-new or significantly updated trucks the industry produced this year: the Nissan NV passenger van and Ford F-150.

To determine which truck deserved top honors, the Motor Trend judges drove the trio of contenders to Chrysler Automotive Proving Grounds in Kingman, Arizona, while evaluating ride, comfort, amenities and fuel economy. Onsite, the Motor Trend judges tested each truck’s perfor­mance with the following exercises:

• Standard testing (without load): 0–60 mph and 1/4-mile acceleration, 60–0 mph braking, and maximum lateral grip.
• Limit handling (without load): closed-course cornering, cruising and light off-roading maneuvers.
• Tow testing: Acceleration tests repeated with trailers attached, each loaded to 75% of each truck’s maximum tow rating (as equipped).
• Road looping: Highway and real-world driving.

After testing at the proving grounds, the team took the three trucks and their load-equalized trailers up the Davis Dam route on nearby Highway 68. This incline is the site of an industry standard (SAE standard J2807) for evaluating towing on a grade. The grade begins at an elevation of about 500 ft. at Bullhead City, rising to 3,563 ft. during its 12-mile climb to the summit at Union Pass.

For Motor Trend’s purposes, the focus was on an 8.5-mile section offering a particularly relentless five-degree grade. The trucks and trailers ran up the hill at 55 mph, simultaneously engaging the throttle eight separate times, while the team recorded observations and measurements regarding transmission and engine performance.

Once the testing was completed, the judges reconvened to determine which truck would be crowned Truck of the Year. The winner is not chosen from a direct comparison against the other contenders, but rather as a result of how each contender measures up against the award’s six criteria: design advancement, engineering excellence, efficiency, safety, value, and performance of intended function.

After the judging, Ram 1500 emerged as Motor Trend’s 2013 Truck of the Year. The judges were particularly impressed with Ram 1500’s V6 and V8 engine performance, especially when paired with the new eight-speed transmission. Ram’s optional air suspension system also scored high marks in engineering excellence, as it delivered a smooth ride and excellent handling no matter the terrain. On the design front, Ram 1500 impressed with improvements to its style, packaging and interior ergonomics. The breadth of the lineup was another compelling factor; whether outfitted as a basic work truck or optioned out to a near-luxury vehicle, Ram 1500 provides all of the capability needed in a truck.

“We had a small but solid field of contenders for Motor Trend's Truck of the Year," said Edward Loh, editor-in-chief of Motor Trend. "But in the end, the choice was clear; Ram 1500 not only withstood our rigorous testing, it impressed at every step along the way. Our judges were won over by the performance of Ram 1500’s broad array of standard and optional equipment. It’s a truck that can be tailored to meet most anyone’s needs. For these reasons and more, we're excited to name the Ram 1500 the Motor Trend 2013 Truck of the Year.”

Truck of the Year is one of several honors Motor Trend bestows on automakers, including Best Driver’s Car, Sport/Utility of the Year and Car of the Year.

NEWS NUGGETS

TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2013 O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS: 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 now available for purchase. The NHRA’s season-opening event will be contested at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona and will be every NHRA fan’s first opportunity to see all of the new cars and paint schemes as well as 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.

NHRA, ENDERS HONORED AT THE WOMEN IN THE WINNER’S CIRCLE FOUNDATION AWARDS IN INDIANAPOLIS: Lyn St. James’ Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation honored NHRA and Pro Stock racer Erica Enders and her Victor Cagnazzi-owned team at its 10th annual Women in the Winner’s Circle Awards dinner on Friday, December 7. The dinner was held in conjunction with the International Motorsports Industry Show held in Indianapolis. At the annual celebration, St. James presented the Leadership Award to NHRA President Tom Compton. This award recognizes individuals or corporations that have undertaken extraordinary measures and show outstanding initiative in promoting diversity with the racing industry.

“The credit goes to our founder and my mentor Wally Parks, who created this organization 62 years ago. He did it to find places for people to enjoy this great sport and his hobby,” Compton said. “We have racers at every level across the country, and it has always been that way. It is the most accessible major form of motorsports in the world, and we are very proud of that, and this award means a lot to the NHRA.”

Enders received the Outstanding Achievement Award after her history-making season by becoming the first woman to win in the Pro Stock class at the race at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago. She scored two No. 1 qualifying spots and won four races to finish fourth in the 2012 points standings. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

ALBALOOSHI NOMINATED FOR ESPN THE MAGAZINE’S NEXT GREAT MOTORSPORTS STAR: Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel driver Khalid alBalooshi is in the running to be named the Next Great Motorsports Star by ESPN The Magazine. alBalooshi completed his rookie season in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series last month.

According to ESPN.com, “Every year since 1998, ESPN The Magazine has recognized an elite group of emerging athletes to watch in the year ahead—athletes we call "NEXT." They are competitors not only on the cusp of stardom, but on the verge of transcending their sports. NEXT is what happens when the hype is real.”

alBalooshi is one of five drivers nominated in the Motorsports category. A native of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, alBalooshi made the very difficult transition from driving Pro Mod cars to piloting a Top Fuel dragster. He became the first Middle Eastern driver and just the third driver from outside North America to win a race in the NHRA’s premier series when he won the Auto-Plus NHRA Nationals in Reading, October 8. He finished 11th in the final season points standings. Prior to 2012, alBalooshi won the 2011 NHRA Pro Mod championship and Qatar’s Arabian Drag Racing League Pro Mod championship in 2010 and 2011. In addition, he won the American Drag Racing League Pro Mod championship in 2010. He has 159 race wins. Voting for the Next Great Motorsports Star continues until 5:00 p.m. (EST), Friday, December 14. Vote now.

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 are 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 towards the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2012 winners of the event are Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-6472 or log on to NHRATix.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

SCREAMIN’ EAGLE HARLEY-DAVIDSON RIDER ANDREW HINES REFLECTS ON OVERSEAS TOUR: At the conclusion of the 2012 season, Summit Racing Equipment sponsored the third annual holiday visit to troops in Germany, Bosnia and Kosovo. The tour consisted of autograph signings and meet-and-greets featuring Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Andrew Hines, Eddie Krawiec, Pro Stock drivers Jason Line and Greg Anderson as well as Summit Racing/Bigfoot monster truck driver Dan Runte. At the conclusion of the tour, Hines discovered a new understanding for our men and women in uniform.

“I’m going home with a newfound respect for everything our military does. I’ve been fairly quiet this trip, just kind of soaking it all in. It’s more than I ever thought. These guys go through a tremendous amount of emotional pain, and they have a ton of pride in what they do, which is great to see.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

190 PRO STOCK WORLD CHAMP JOHNSON EARNED A TON OF QUALIFYING BONUS POINTS IN 2012: NHRA Pro Stock world champion Allen Johnson led every driver in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series in collecting the all-important qualifying bonus points during the 2012 season. Johnson scored 190 of the 3-2-1 points that are awarded to the top three quickest drivers in each category following each qualifying session. So dominant in qualifying was Johnson that the Tennessee driver didn’t qualify lower than sixth and only qualified outside the top five two times. His 10 No. 1 qualifying positions led all Full Throttle Series categories.

"We set out on a plan personally, and we set out on a plan team-wise that if we're going to win this thing, we've got to outperform everyone," Johnson said. "We knew we had to be No. 1 down the track every single time and get a lot of those 'little' points. I think the total count was 180 or 190 'little' points we got, and that's two full race wins."

Pro Stock rival Jason Line was second overall in qualifying bonus points earned with 143. Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher was third with 111, Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Eddie Krawiec was fourth with 99 and Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana Jr. rounded out the top five with 89. Johnson is the third Pro Stock driver to earn the most qualifying bonus points in a season since the process was created prior to the Countdown in 2009. He also has earned the most in a season. In 2010 Mike Edwards led all drivers with 165 and last year Pro Stock champ Jason Line earned the most at 124.

DID YOU KNOW…

GRIME BOSS NAMED OFFICIAL HEAVY DUTY HAND CLEANING WIPE OF NHRA: Nice-Pak Products Inc., and its Grime Boss hand wipes brand have signed an agreement to become the “Official Heavy Duty Hand Cleaning Wipe of NHRA.” The multi-year relationship with the sanctioning body for drag racing in the United States begins with the start of the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and also includes designation as the “Official Heavy Duty Hand Cleaning Wipe of the NHRA Safety Safari presented by AAA.”

The multi-tiered sponsorship has been developed to provide Grime Boss with sampling opportunities to NHRA’s racing community, NHRA members and NHRA track owners and operators. Grime Boss will also have stations strategically located in the professional pits, Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway for NHRA fans to be able to sample and use Grime Boss wipe products. Other rights granted to Grime Boss include display space at all NHRA national events, bannering rights, PA announcements, video spots and signage rights on the big screen display and logo placement on NHRA Safety Safari presented by AAA vehicles.

NEWS NUGGETS

TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2013 O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS: 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 now available for purchase. The NHRA’s season-opening event will be contested at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona and will be every NHRA fan’s first opportunity to see all of the new cars and paint schemes as well as 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.

NHRA, ENDERS HONORED AT THE WOMEN IN THE WINNER’S CIRCLE FOUNDATION AWARDS IN INDIANAPOLIS: Lyn St. James’ Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation honored NHRA and Pro Stock racer Erica Enders and her Victor Cagnazzi-owned team at its 10th annual Women in the Winner’s Circle Awards dinner on Friday, December 7. The dinner was held in conjunction with the International Motorsports Industry Show held in Indianapolis. At the annual celebration, St. James presented the Leadership Award to NHRA President Tom Compton. This award recognizes individuals or corporations that have undertaken extraordinary measures and show outstanding initiative in promoting diversity with the racing industry.

“The credit goes to our founder and my mentor Wally Parks, who created this organization 62 years ago. He did it to find places for people to enjoy this great sport and his hobby,” Compton said. “We have racers at every level across the country, and it has always been that way. It is the most accessible major form of motorsports in the world, and we are very proud of that, and this award means a lot to the NHRA.”

Enders received the Outstanding Achievement Award after her history-making season by becoming the first woman to win in the Pro Stock class at the race at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago. She scored two No. 1 qualifying spots and won four races to finish fourth in the 2012 points standings. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

ALBALOOSHI NOMINATED FOR ESPN THE MAGAZINE’S NEXT GREAT MOTORSPORTS STAR: Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel driver Khalid alBalooshi is in the running to be named the Next Great Motorsports Star by ESPN The Magazine. alBalooshi completed his rookie season in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series last month.

According to ESPN.com, “Every year since 1998, ESPN The Magazine has recognized an elite group of emerging athletes to watch in the year ahead—athletes we call "NEXT." They are competitors not only on the cusp of stardom, but on the verge of transcending their sports. NEXT is what happens when the hype is real.”

alBalooshi is one of five drivers nominated in the Motorsports category. A native of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, alBalooshi made the very difficult transition from driving Pro Mod cars to piloting a Top Fuel dragster. He became the first Middle Eastern driver and just the third driver from outside North America to win a race in the NHRA’s premier series when he won the Auto-Plus NHRA Nationals in Reading, October 8. He finished 11th in the final season points standings. Prior to 2012, alBalooshi won the 2011 NHRA Pro Mod championship and Qatar’s Arabian Drag Racing League Pro Mod championship in 2010 and 2011. In addition, he won the American Drag Racing League Pro Mod championship in 2010. He has 159 race wins. Voting for the Next Great Motorsports Star continues until 5:00 p.m. (EST), Friday, December 14. Vote now.

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 are 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 towards the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2012 winners of the event are Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-6472 or log on to NHRATix.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

SCREAMIN’ EAGLE HARLEY-DAVIDSON RIDER ANDREW HINES REFLECTS ON OVERSEAS TOUR: At the conclusion of the 2012 season, Summit Racing Equipment sponsored the third annual holiday visit to troops in Germany, Bosnia and Kosovo. The tour consisted of autograph signings and meet-and-greets featuring Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Andrew Hines, Eddie Krawiec, Pro Stock drivers Jason Line and Greg Anderson as well as Summit Racing/Bigfoot monster truck driver Dan Runte. At the conclusion of the tour, Hines discovered a new understanding for our men and women in uniform.

“I’m going home with a newfound respect for everything our military does. I’ve been fairly quiet this trip, just kind of soaking it all in. It’s more than I ever thought. These guys go through a tremendous amount of emotional pain, and they have a ton of pride in what they do, which is great to see.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

190 PRO STOCK WORLD CHAMP JOHNSON EARNED A TON OF QUALIFYING BONUS POINTS IN 2012: NHRA Pro Stock world champion Allen Johnson led every driver in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series in collecting the all-important qualifying bonus points during the 2012 season. Johnson scored 190 of the 3-2-1 points that are awarded to the top three quickest drivers in each category following each qualifying session. So dominant in qualifying was Johnson that the Tennessee driver didn’t qualify lower than sixth and only qualified outside the top five two times. His 10 No. 1 qualifying positions led all Full Throttle Series categories.

"We set out on a plan personally, and we set out on a plan team-wise that if we're going to win this thing, we've got to outperform everyone," Johnson said. "We knew we had to be No. 1 down the track every single time and get a lot of those 'little' points. I think the total count was 180 or 190 'little' points we got, and that's two full race wins."

Pro Stock rival Jason Line was second overall in qualifying bonus points earned with 143. Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher was third with 111, Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Eddie Krawiec was fourth with 99 and Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana Jr. rounded out the top five with 89. Johnson is the third Pro Stock driver to earn the most qualifying bonus points in a season since the process was created prior to the Countdown in 2009. He also has earned the most in a season. In 2010 Mike Edwards led all drivers with 165 and last year Pro Stock champ Jason Line earned the most at 124.

DID YOU KNOW…

GRIME BOSS NAMED OFFICIAL HEAVY DUTY HAND CLEANING WIPE OF NHRA: Nice-Pak Products Inc., and its Grime Boss hand wipes brand have signed an agreement to become the “Official Heavy Duty Hand Cleaning Wipe of NHRA.” The multi-year relationship with the sanctioning body for drag racing in the United States begins with the start of the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and also includes designation as the “Official Heavy Duty Hand Cleaning Wipe of the NHRA Safety Safari presented by AAA.”

The multi-tiered sponsorship has been developed to provide Grime Boss with sampling opportunities to NHRA’s racing community, NHRA members and NHRA track owners and operators. Grime Boss will also have stations strategically located in the professional pits, Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway for NHRA fans to be able to sample and use Grime Boss wipe products. Other rights granted to Grime Boss include display space at all NHRA national events, bannering rights, PA announcements, video spots and signage rights on the big screen display and logo placement on NHRA Safety Safari presented by AAA vehicles.

NEWS NUGGETS

TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2013 O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS: 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 now available for purchase. The NHRA’s season-opening event will be contested at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona and will be every NHRA fan’s first opportunity to see all of the new cars and paint schemes as well as 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.

NHRA, ENDERS HONORED AT THE WOMEN IN THE WINNER’S CIRCLE FOUNDATION AWARDS IN INDIANAPOLIS: Lyn St. James’ Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation honored NHRA and Pro Stock racer Erica Enders and her Victor Cagnazzi-owned team at its 10th annual Women in the Winner’s Circle Awards dinner on Friday, December 7. The dinner was held in conjunction with the International Motorsports Industry Show held in Indianapolis. At the annual celebration, St. James presented the Leadership Award to NHRA President Tom Compton. This award recognizes individuals or corporations that have undertaken extraordinary measures and show outstanding initiative in promoting diversity with the racing industry.

“The credit goes to our founder and my mentor Wally Parks, who created this organization 62 years ago. He did it to find places for people to enjoy this great sport and his hobby,” Compton said. “We have racers at every level across the country, and it has always been that way. It is the most accessible major form of motorsports in the world, and we are very proud of that, and this award means a lot to the NHRA.”

Enders received the Outstanding Achievement Award after her history-making season by becoming the first woman to win in the Pro Stock class at the race at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago. She scored two No. 1 qualifying spots and won four races to finish fourth in the 2012 points standings. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

ALBALOOSHI NOMINATED FOR ESPN THE MAGAZINE’S NEXT GREAT MOTORSPORTS STAR: Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel driver Khalid alBalooshi is in the running to be named the Next Great Motorsports Star by ESPN The Magazine. alBalooshi completed his rookie season in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series last month.

According to ESPN.com, “Every year since 1998, ESPN The Magazine has recognized an elite group of emerging athletes to watch in the year ahead—athletes we call "NEXT." They are competitors not only on the cusp of stardom, but on the verge of transcending their sports. NEXT is what happens when the hype is real.”

alBalooshi is one of five drivers nominated in the Motorsports category. A native of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, alBalooshi made the very difficult transition from driving Pro Mod cars to piloting a Top Fuel dragster. He became the first Middle Eastern driver and just the third driver from outside North America to win a race in the NHRA’s premier series when he won the Auto-Plus NHRA Nationals in Reading, October 8. He finished 11th in the final season points standings. Prior to 2012, alBalooshi won the 2011 NHRA Pro Mod championship and Qatar’s Arabian Drag Racing League Pro Mod championship in 2010 and 2011. In addition, he won the American Drag Racing League Pro Mod championship in 2010. He has 159 race wins. Voting for the Next Great Motorsports Star continues until 5:00 p.m. (EST), Friday, December 14. Vote now.

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 are 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 towards the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2012 winners of the event are Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-6472 or log on to NHRATix.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

SCREAMIN’ EAGLE HARLEY-DAVIDSON RIDER ANDREW HINES REFLECTS ON OVERSEAS TOUR: At the conclusion of the 2012 season, Summit Racing Equipment sponsored the third annual holiday visit to troops in Germany, Bosnia and Kosovo. The tour consisted of autograph signings and meet-and-greets featuring Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Andrew Hines, Eddie Krawiec, Pro Stock drivers Jason Line and Greg Anderson as well as Summit Racing/Bigfoot monster truck driver Dan Runte. At the conclusion of the tour, Hines discovered a new understanding for our men and women in uniform.

“I’m going home with a newfound respect for everything our military does. I’ve been fairly quiet this trip, just kind of soaking it all in. It’s more than I ever thought. These guys go through a tremendous amount of emotional pain, and they have a ton of pride in what they do, which is great to see.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

190 PRO STOCK WORLD CHAMP JOHNSON EARNED A TON OF QUALIFYING BONUS POINTS IN 2012: NHRA Pro Stock world champion Allen Johnson led every driver in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series in collecting the all-important qualifying bonus points during the 2012 season. Johnson scored 190 of the 3-2-1 points that are awarded to the top three quickest drivers in each category following each qualifying session. So dominant in qualifying was Johnson that the Tennessee driver didn’t qualify lower than sixth and only qualified outside the top five two times. His 10 No. 1 qualifying positions led all Full Throttle Series categories.

"We set out on a plan personally, and we set out on a plan team-wise that if we're going to win this thing, we've got to outperform everyone," Johnson said. "We knew we had to be No. 1 down the track every single time and get a lot of those 'little' points. I think the total count was 180 or 190 'little' points we got, and that's two full race wins."

Pro Stock rival Jason Line was second overall in qualifying bonus points earned with 143. Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher was third with 111, Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Eddie Krawiec was fourth with 99 and Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana Jr. rounded out the top five with 89. Johnson is the third Pro Stock driver to earn the most qualifying bonus points in a season since the process was created prior to the Countdown in 2009. He also has earned the most in a season. In 2010 Mike Edwards led all drivers with 165 and last year Pro Stock champ Jason Line earned the most at 124.

DID YOU KNOW…

GRIME BOSS NAMED OFFICIAL HEAVY DUTY HAND CLEANING WIPE OF NHRA: Nice-Pak Products Inc., and its Grime Boss hand wipes brand have signed an agreement to become the “Official Heavy Duty Hand Cleaning Wipe of NHRA.” The multi-year relationship with the sanctioning body for drag racing in the United States begins with the start of the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and also includes designation as the “Official Heavy Duty Hand Cleaning Wipe of the NHRA Safety Safari presented by AAA.”

The multi-tiered sponsorship has been developed to provide Grime Boss with sampling opportunities to NHRA’s racing community, NHRA members and NHRA track owners and operators. Grime Boss will also have stations strategically located in the professional pits, Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway for NHRA fans to be able to sample and use Grime Boss wipe products. Other rights granted to Grime Boss include display space at all NHRA national events, bannering rights, PA announcements, video spots and signage rights on the big screen display and logo placement on NHRA Safety Safari presented by AAA vehicles.

SEMA News—December 2012

BUSINESS
By Steve Campbell

Linking to the Distribution Chain

“Power Buyers” Reveal How They Find Products

Developing a great product is only the first step in creating a successful business. The next is to get that product into the hands of consumers. To do that, manufacturers need to forge links in the distribution chain, moving their products to the warehouse distributors, jobbers and retail outlets that eventually place the parts in the hands of end users.

SEMA News interviewed three buyers from different sectors of the industry at a recent conference, to find out what gets their attention. SEMA Show Director Tom Gattuso moderated the discussion and was joined by Donnie Eatherly of P&E Distributors, Ray Ott of Auto Trim of Cleveland and Hank Feldman of Performance Plus Tire.

Our panel of “power buyers” talked about their expectations in business relationships with manufacturers, and how they acquire new product lines.

Eatherly is a member of the SEMA Board of Directors. P&E Distributors is family-owned wholesale distributorship based in Nashville, Tennessee, and has been in business for 50 years and services mainly the Southeast with its own fleet of delivery trucks. Eatherly is also a past chairman of the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA).

Ott’s restyling business services the market in Cleveland, Ohio. It provides the installation of auto and truck accessories and sales of sunroofs, spoilers, moldings, running boards and alarms. Ott is a member of the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Select Committee and has been in business for 25 years.

Feldman’s company specializes in custom wheels, specialty tires and automotive accessories. It is also a traditional tire dealer with eCommerce and retail facilities, and Feldman has served as a judge at the SEMA Show’s New Product Awards for the past several years.

The Trade Show Opportunity and How to Follow Up

Not surprisingly, trade shows like the SEMA Show, where many new products are launched, are a focus for distributors. Using the SEMA Show as an example, all three said that their preparation begins weeks or even months before the Show opens. Eatherly said that he and his staff are constantly talking about what P&E’s customers are buying or asking for, and they go through consumer and trade publications to study what vendors are offering that may apply to their product lines. Feldman said that he and his partner watch for incoming e-mail and written correspondence pertaining to the Show—particularly from vendors that are more difficult to connect with on a regular basis due to geography or timing. All three buyers pointed out that post-Show follow-up is a crucial but very inconsistent practice among exhibitors.

“I find that it is a situation where you have to be more proactive,” Feldman said. “You have different levels of people who work in the booths. Sometimes the follow-up is good, and sometimes it is not.”

Gattuso said that some of the more frustrating comments SEMA receives after the Show are from buyers who say that they were interested in a product, the exhibitor scanned their badges, but there was no further contact. The panelists were unanimous in suggesting that follow-up be a priority for every exhibitor at the Show.

“You just need to follow through,” Ott said. “Don’t get discouraged. It will be exhausting, but it will be rewarding––especially when you get the order that will take you over the top.”

While all three mentioned direct mail campaigns as a way of learning about new products, they also said that e-mail is the most efficient means of communication between distributors and manufacturers who want to make contact. E-mails can be easily organized and saved, and the buyers are able to respond to queries or invitations when it is convenient.

“One of the resources that you have as SEMA members and exhibitors is that you can call SEMA, explain that you are exhibiting and want to do a mailing or e-mailing to certain types of industry participants or potential customers, and you can order contact information for an appropriate list of buyers,” Eatherly advised. “You can narrow your focus to just what you’re selling.”

The panelists also said that they don’t pre-schedule many appointments at the Show, instead cruising the aisles for new products and vendors they haven’t met before.

“I don’t really set many appointments,” Ott said. “I already have relationships with certain vendors, and I will stop and visit those. I also like to see if there’s something new that gets the creative juices flowing, stuff that you think could be a possible expansion of what you’re doing now, or something that’s different that people aren’t seeing in your area. Different regions have different business. What flies in one region might not in another. That’s why I’m here at the SEMA Show all four days and then some.”

Feldman said that he tries to focus on new opportunities rather than existing relationships, knowing that he can touch base after the fact with current vendors.

“I have the luxury of having a lot of the wheel suppliers in my backyard in Southern California, so it’s not as big of an issue,” he said. “But I do try to touch base with the tire companies, because most of them are in other parts of the country. I also find that it’s sometimes better to meet with vendors away from the Show. It’s sometimes a better strategy if I can get them one on one on my turf.”

Attracting Buyers to Your Booth

The three panelists offered some advice about what they like to see in individual booths.

Read the complete article available in the December 2012 issue of SEMA News.

SEMA News—December 2012

BUSINESS
By Steve Campbell

Linking to the Distribution Chain

“Power Buyers” Reveal How They Find Products

Developing a great product is only the first step in creating a successful business. The next is to get that product into the hands of consumers. To do that, manufacturers need to forge links in the distribution chain, moving their products to the warehouse distributors, jobbers and retail outlets that eventually place the parts in the hands of end users.

SEMA News interviewed three buyers from different sectors of the industry at a recent conference, to find out what gets their attention. SEMA Show Director Tom Gattuso moderated the discussion and was joined by Donnie Eatherly of P&E Distributors, Ray Ott of Auto Trim of Cleveland and Hank Feldman of Performance Plus Tire.

Our panel of “power buyers” talked about their expectations in business relationships with manufacturers, and how they acquire new product lines.

Eatherly is a member of the SEMA Board of Directors. P&E Distributors is family-owned wholesale distributorship based in Nashville, Tennessee, and has been in business for 50 years and services mainly the Southeast with its own fleet of delivery trucks. Eatherly is also a past chairman of the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA).

Ott’s restyling business services the market in Cleveland, Ohio. It provides the installation of auto and truck accessories and sales of sunroofs, spoilers, moldings, running boards and alarms. Ott is a member of the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Select Committee and has been in business for 25 years.

Feldman’s company specializes in custom wheels, specialty tires and automotive accessories. It is also a traditional tire dealer with eCommerce and retail facilities, and Feldman has served as a judge at the SEMA Show’s New Product Awards for the past several years.

The Trade Show Opportunity and How to Follow Up

Not surprisingly, trade shows like the SEMA Show, where many new products are launched, are a focus for distributors. Using the SEMA Show as an example, all three said that their preparation begins weeks or even months before the Show opens. Eatherly said that he and his staff are constantly talking about what P&E’s customers are buying or asking for, and they go through consumer and trade publications to study what vendors are offering that may apply to their product lines. Feldman said that he and his partner watch for incoming e-mail and written correspondence pertaining to the Show—particularly from vendors that are more difficult to connect with on a regular basis due to geography or timing. All three buyers pointed out that post-Show follow-up is a crucial but very inconsistent practice among exhibitors.

“I find that it is a situation where you have to be more proactive,” Feldman said. “You have different levels of people who work in the booths. Sometimes the follow-up is good, and sometimes it is not.”

Gattuso said that some of the more frustrating comments SEMA receives after the Show are from buyers who say that they were interested in a product, the exhibitor scanned their badges, but there was no further contact. The panelists were unanimous in suggesting that follow-up be a priority for every exhibitor at the Show.

“You just need to follow through,” Ott said. “Don’t get discouraged. It will be exhausting, but it will be rewarding––especially when you get the order that will take you over the top.”

While all three mentioned direct mail campaigns as a way of learning about new products, they also said that e-mail is the most efficient means of communication between distributors and manufacturers who want to make contact. E-mails can be easily organized and saved, and the buyers are able to respond to queries or invitations when it is convenient.

“One of the resources that you have as SEMA members and exhibitors is that you can call SEMA, explain that you are exhibiting and want to do a mailing or e-mailing to certain types of industry participants or potential customers, and you can order contact information for an appropriate list of buyers,” Eatherly advised. “You can narrow your focus to just what you’re selling.”

The panelists also said that they don’t pre-schedule many appointments at the Show, instead cruising the aisles for new products and vendors they haven’t met before.

“I don’t really set many appointments,” Ott said. “I already have relationships with certain vendors, and I will stop and visit those. I also like to see if there’s something new that gets the creative juices flowing, stuff that you think could be a possible expansion of what you’re doing now, or something that’s different that people aren’t seeing in your area. Different regions have different business. What flies in one region might not in another. That’s why I’m here at the SEMA Show all four days and then some.”

Feldman said that he tries to focus on new opportunities rather than existing relationships, knowing that he can touch base after the fact with current vendors.

“I have the luxury of having a lot of the wheel suppliers in my backyard in Southern California, so it’s not as big of an issue,” he said. “But I do try to touch base with the tire companies, because most of them are in other parts of the country. I also find that it’s sometimes better to meet with vendors away from the Show. It’s sometimes a better strategy if I can get them one on one on my turf.”

Attracting Buyers to Your Booth

The three panelists offered some advice about what they like to see in individual booths.

Read the complete article available in the December 2012 issue of SEMA News.

SEMA's Young Executives Network (YEN) and the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) will hold their annual industry networking mixer in conjunction with the MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 24, 2013, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the bar in the Embassy Suites Santa Ana – Orange County Airport North.

This event is a great opportunity to meet and network with fellow emerging industry professionals, young executives and auto businesswomen in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to SEMA Senior Manager of Councils Bryan Harrison at BryanH@sema.org or 909-978-6691. You don't have to attend the MPMC Media Trade Conference to attend the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

SEMA's Young Executives Network (YEN) and the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) will hold their annual industry networking mixer in conjunction with the MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 24, 2013, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the bar in the Embassy Suites Santa Ana – Orange County Airport North.

This event is a great opportunity to meet and network with fellow emerging industry professionals, young executives and auto businesswomen in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to SEMA Senior Manager of Councils Bryan Harrison at BryanH@sema.org or 909-978-6691. You don't have to attend the MPMC Media Trade Conference to attend the event. We look forward to seeing you there!