From October 30 through November 2, "Car Crazy TV" will broadcast live to more than 100,000 SEMA attendees on screens throughout the SEMA Show.

For the ninth consecutive year, Barry Meguiar, president and host of "Car Crazy Television," will talk with some of the biggest names and personalities in the automotive industry during the week of the 2012 SEMA Show.

From October 30 through November 2, "Car Crazy TV" will broadcast live to more than 100,000 SEMA attendees on screens throughout the SEMA Show. In addition, the interviews will also be aired as "Car Crazy" episodes during the 2013 season.

View clips of the notable industry personalities and professionals from last year's "Car Crazy" stage at the 2011 SEMA Show.

The "Car Crazy" Stage hours are:

• Tuesday, October 30, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 31, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, November 1, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Send your interview request and other inquires to JMPR Public Relations at 818-992-4353, or e-mail carcrazy@jmprpublicrelations.com.

	From October 30 through November 2, "Car Crazy TV" will broadcast live to more than 100,000 SEMA attendees on screens throughout the SEMA Show.

For the ninth consecutive year, Barry Meguiar, president and host of "Car Crazy Television," will talk with some of the biggest names and personalities in the automotive industry during the week of the 2012 SEMA Show.

From October 30 through November 2, "Car Crazy TV" will broadcast live to more than 100,000 SEMA attendees on screens throughout the SEMA Show. In addition, the interviews will also be aired as "Car Crazy" episodes during the 2013 season.

View clips of the notable industry personalities and professionals from last year's "Car Crazy" stage at the 2011 SEMA Show.

The "Car Crazy" Stage hours are:

• Tuesday, October 30, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 31, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, November 1, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Send your interview request and other inquires to JMPR Public Relations at 818-992-4353, or e-mail carcrazy@jmprpublicrelations.com.

The Canadian Tire Combustion Chamber is offering automotive specialty-parts industry professionals a chance to pitch their latest, most innovative products and programs geared towards automotive enthusiasts to Canada’s automotive authority. Selected companies will have an opportunity to get their products in the hands of Canadian consumers across the country at Canadian Tire's 570 national retail outlets (Canadian Tire, Gas+ and PartSource) during the 2013 gifting seasons. They will also be given the opportunity to have their products showcased in the Canadian Tire flyer and on CanadianTire.ca.

Selected candidates will receive an invitation the week of October 1, 2012, to pitch their ideas before a live panel Sunday, October 28, 2012, or Monday, October 29, in Las Vegas. A product sample is required.

Register by September 19, 2012. If you have any questions about the program, send your questions to  CombustionChamber@cantire.com.

Below is a list of categories that are currently sourced; however, new categories that are not listed may be considered:

All Season Tires		Car Communications		CV Shaft and Components		Motorcycle Parts/Maintenance
Touring Tires		In Car Video		Transmission Components		Powersport Helmets
Auto 12V and Accessories		Invertors		Distributor Caps and Rotors		Powersports Special Order
Auto Exterior Accessories		Navigation		Ignition Wires		Snowmobile Accessories
Auto Interior Accessories		Satellite Radio		Performance Parts		Snowmobile Parts/Maintenance
Auto Memorabilia		Starters and Alarms		Sparkplugs		Pressure Washer Accessories
Auto Mirrors		Air Filters		Emissions Control		Pressure Washers
Automotive Mats		Oil Filters		Exhaust Pipes		Chainsaw Oil/Lube
Car Organization		Other Filters		Exhaust Repair		Grease and Lubricants
Car Safety and Security		Auto Maintenance Repair Adhesives		Mufflers		Marine Oil/Lube
Automotive Batteries		Auto Parts Cleaners and Degreasers		Engine Repair		Powersports Oil and Lubricants
Other-Motive Batteries		Brake Fluid & Cleaners		Fuel Systems		Transmission and Application Specific Oil
Battery Charging and Boosting		Coolant and Accessories		Ignition		Alternator and Starter Parts
Battery Maintenance and Repair		Engine Oil Treatments		Pigtails, Sockets and Switches		Alternators
Auto Body Repair and Fillers		Hand Cleaning		Auto Electrical Repair		Starters
Auto Paint		Multi-Purpose Lube and Penetrants		Auto Mirror Replacement		Entry Chassis
Auto Protectant		Power Steering Fluids and Winter Chemicals		Auto Repair		Power Steering
Auto Surface Prep		Speciality Chemicals		General Auto Repair		Premium Chassis
Auto Tools and Accessories		Windshield Washer Fluid		Light Truck Tires		Shocks and Struts
Auto Weather Stripping		Cabin Temperature Control		Commercial Bulk Oil		Shocks and Struts Accessories
Auto Interior and Exterior Detailing		Drive Belts		Conventional Oil		Tarps and Cords
Auto Wash and Dry		Engine Cooling		Diesel Oil and Lubricants		Truck Accessories
Auto Wax and Polish		Auto Coverings and Winter Accessories		High Mileage Oil		Automotive OEM Wheels
Wheel and Tire Care		Portable Garages		Oil Change Accessories		Automotive Tire Service Needs
Auto Child Safety and Accessories		General Auto Repair, Tire Tools and Access		Synthetic Oil		Wheel Accessories
Car Air Fresheners		Auto Carriers And Accessories		Performance Tires		Winter Tires
Car Heating		General Towing Accessories		Powersport Vehicles		Accessory Lighting
Comfortable Car		Brake Fiction		ATV Accessories		Halogen Capsules
Seat Covers		Brake Friction (Ps)		ATV Parts/Maintenance		Mini Bulbs
Auto Safety Electronics		Brake Repair		Auto Recreational Vehicle Products		Wiper Blades and Accessories
Car Audio		Brake Rotors and Drums		Motorcycle Accessories

	WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will build a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup to benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities. The truck will be introduced at the 2012 SEMA Show.

WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will partner again—this time with Source Interlink Media—to build two trucks—a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup and ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty—that will benefit a good cause. The companies also will create new, limited-edition WD-40 Smart Straw cans that feature some of Chip Foose’s classic vehicle designs.

“This year, we’re upping the ante and building two vehicles—one that pays tribute to WD-40 Co.’s history, and one that celebrates some of its newer specialty products that help auto pros like me get the job done right,” said Foose. “With the help of some great aftermarket partners and a lot of WD-40 brand products, we’ll be able to build two vehicles that honor those who work hard everyday.”

The first Foose-inspired project vehicle is a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup that commemorates the 60th anniversary of WD-40 Multi-Use Product, and looks similar to the truck used to deliver the first case of the product in the early ’50s, when the company was called "Rocket Chemical Co." 

With an updated drivetrain, suspension, wheels, tires and paint, the finished WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose ’53 Ford F-100 will be introduced at the 2012 SEMA Show and make stops at key West Coast auto shows and events before being auctioned for charity at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Proceeds from the auctioned vehicle will benefit two SEMA Cares charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

“After raising a combined $400,000 for SEMA Cares with our last three project vehicle builds, we expect these trucks to turn a lot of heads and continue to help a great cause,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Co. “Working with Chip, who’s an expert in his trade and has been using our products his whole life, is a great fit and we look forward to showcasing more of his designs on some limited-edition cans this fall.”

The partnership with Foose is part of an integrated marketing campaign designed to educate automotive professionals and enthusiasts about how to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product and the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. Build partners include L&R Engine, K&N, LMC Truck, McGard, Painless Performance, Quiet Ride Solutions, Pirelli and BASF.

WD-40 Co. also is collaborating with Source Interlink Media to help get the word out about the charity truck builds. Stay tuned to next week's SEMA eNews for more information about the ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty build.

For more information on the trucks and the collectible cans, visit WD40.com/Foose.

	WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will build a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup to benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities. The truck will be introduced at the 2012 SEMA Show.

WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will partner again—this time with Source Interlink Media—to build two trucks—a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup and ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty—that will benefit a good cause. The companies also will create new, limited-edition WD-40 Smart Straw cans that feature some of Chip Foose’s classic vehicle designs.

“This year, we’re upping the ante and building two vehicles—one that pays tribute to WD-40 Co.’s history, and one that celebrates some of its newer specialty products that help auto pros like me get the job done right,” said Foose. “With the help of some great aftermarket partners and a lot of WD-40 brand products, we’ll be able to build two vehicles that honor those who work hard everyday.”

The first Foose-inspired project vehicle is a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup that commemorates the 60th anniversary of WD-40 Multi-Use Product, and looks similar to the truck used to deliver the first case of the product in the early ’50s, when the company was called "Rocket Chemical Co." 

With an updated drivetrain, suspension, wheels, tires and paint, the finished WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose ’53 Ford F-100 will be introduced at the 2012 SEMA Show and make stops at key West Coast auto shows and events before being auctioned for charity at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Proceeds from the auctioned vehicle will benefit two SEMA Cares charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

“After raising a combined $400,000 for SEMA Cares with our last three project vehicle builds, we expect these trucks to turn a lot of heads and continue to help a great cause,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Co. “Working with Chip, who’s an expert in his trade and has been using our products his whole life, is a great fit and we look forward to showcasing more of his designs on some limited-edition cans this fall.”

The partnership with Foose is part of an integrated marketing campaign designed to educate automotive professionals and enthusiasts about how to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product and the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. Build partners include L&R Engine, K&N, LMC Truck, McGard, Painless Performance, Quiet Ride Solutions, Pirelli and BASF.

WD-40 Co. also is collaborating with Source Interlink Media to help get the word out about the charity truck builds. Stay tuned to next week's SEMA eNews for more information about the ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty build.

For more information on the trucks and the collectible cans, visit WD40.com/Foose.

	WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will build a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup to benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities. The truck will be introduced at the 2012 SEMA Show.

WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will partner again—this time with Source Interlink Media—to build two trucks—a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup and ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty—that will benefit a good cause. The companies also will create new, limited-edition WD-40 Smart Straw cans that feature some of Chip Foose’s classic vehicle designs.

“This year, we’re upping the ante and building two vehicles—one that pays tribute to WD-40 Co.’s history, and one that celebrates some of its newer specialty products that help auto pros like me get the job done right,” said Foose. “With the help of some great aftermarket partners and a lot of WD-40 brand products, we’ll be able to build two vehicles that honor those who work hard everyday.”

The first Foose-inspired project vehicle is a ’53 Ford F-100 pickup that commemorates the 60th anniversary of WD-40 Multi-Use Product, and looks similar to the truck used to deliver the first case of the product in the early ’50s, when the company was called "Rocket Chemical Co." 

With an updated drivetrain, suspension, wheels, tires and paint, the finished WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose ’53 Ford F-100 will be introduced at the 2012 SEMA Show and make stops at key West Coast auto shows and events before being auctioned for charity at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Proceeds from the auctioned vehicle will benefit two SEMA Cares charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

“After raising a combined $400,000 for SEMA Cares with our last three project vehicle builds, we expect these trucks to turn a lot of heads and continue to help a great cause,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Co. “Working with Chip, who’s an expert in his trade and has been using our products his whole life, is a great fit and we look forward to showcasing more of his designs on some limited-edition cans this fall.”

The partnership with Foose is part of an integrated marketing campaign designed to educate automotive professionals and enthusiasts about how to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product and the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. Build partners include L&R Engine, K&N, LMC Truck, McGard, Painless Performance, Quiet Ride Solutions, Pirelli and BASF.

WD-40 Co. also is collaborating with Source Interlink Media to help get the word out about the charity truck builds. Stay tuned to next week's SEMA eNews for more information about the ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty build.

For more information on the trucks and the collectible cans, visit WD40.com/Foose.

NEWS NUGGETS

WILKERSON RALLIES AT INDY TO EARN COUNTDOWN PLAYOFF BERTH; VANDERGRIFF, COUGHLIN ALSO TAKE SPOTS: Veteran Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson added to the drama and excitement of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus by making a tremendous move in Indy to earn the 10th and final Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship playoff spot in Funny Car. After starting the race in 12th in the points standings, Wilkerson defeated Bob Tasca and Jeff Arend before advancing to the final round and outlasting defending world champ Matt Hagan for the final position. A 10-point oil-violation penalty following his final-round loss to eventual race winner Mike Neff made the final tally even more dramatic as Wilkerson edged Hagan by only seven points. Wilkerson had been outside the top 10 since the second race of the season. Now he will have the opportunity to compete against nine others in the 8,000hp category for a chance at winning the Full Throttle world championship. In Top Fuel, Bob Vandergriff Jr. outlasted Clay Millican and Khalid alBalooshi for the 10th spot. In Pro Stock, Ron Krisher, V. Gaines, Larry Morgan and Jeg Coughlin earned the four remaining berths. Michael Ray, Shawn Gann and Matt Smith claimed the final three spots in Pro Stock Motorcycle. The six-race NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship opens September 14–16 at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, North Carolina, with the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries. For tickets, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office, 800-455-FANS (3267). For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

NHRA TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT FOR FUNNY CAR MOVED TO DALLAS EVENT: The NHRA Traxxas Nitro Shootout for Funny Car, scheduled for last Saturday’s rain-delayed completion of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus, has been moved to the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex, September 22. Heavy overnight rains in the Indianapolis area forced NHRA officials to delay the start of racing and didn’t allow enough time to run the $100,000 specialty race. The race within a race will feature eight world-class Funny Car racers battling for the $100,000 winner’s share. Ron Capps, Robert Hight, Jack Beckman, Johnny Gray, Mike Neff, John Force, Jeff Arend and Courtney Force are the qualified drivers for the inaugural event.

“We are disappointed for the fans at Lucas Oil Raceway that they aren’t able to take part in the NHRA Traxxas Nitro Shootout for Funny Car,” said Graham Light, NHRA senior vice president of racing operations. “We are excited that the Texas Motorplex can host the event, which will now take place in the shadow of the Traxxas company headquarters and in front of the many Traxxas employees in the area.” Traxxas is based in Plano, Texas, just north of Dallas. Traxxas Nitro Shootout first-round pairings are Capps vs. C. Force, Hight vs. Arend, Beckman vs. J. Force and Gray vs. Neff. For tickets to the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, call 800-MOTORPLEX (668-6775) or visit TexasMotorplex.com.

DIXON TO DRIVE DOTE RACING TOP FUELER BEGINNING IN CHARLOTTE: Three-time Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon will pilot the Dote Racing Top Fuel dragster at three of the remaining NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events this season, beginning with this weekend's fifth-annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at zMAX Dragway. Dixon, whose 62 Top Fuel victories rank second on the all-time list, has also signed on to compete with the part-time team in St. Louis and Reading.

"We are thrilled to partner with a driver of Larry's caliber for the remainder of our scheduled races," said Connie Dote, co-owner of Dote Racing. "Larry is one of the best drivers of all time, and we couldn't be more excited to combine his talents with our car's improving performance."

Since parting ways with Al-Anabi Racing in the last off-season, Dixon has been working on securing funding to put together his own team—a project that will continue as he fills in at Dote Racing.

"I'm really happy the Dotes offered me this chance to drive their car," Dixon said. "It'll be fun to get out there and duke it out with everyone again. I've been working hard at putting my own team together, and I know the Dotes are looking at what their next move will be in 2013. In the meantime, I'm happy to sub in for them. I feel like a free-agent quarterback who just got the call to come start the next game. I've known Doug (Kuch, crew chief) for 25 years, and it will be fun to work with him. Hopefully, they'll get as much out of me driving for them as I will taking their car through these three races."

The Dote team, with tuner Kuch, has turned heads this season by consistently posting competitive elapsed times on the scoreboard. The team has qualified at all seven races it has contested so far and reached the semifinals in Chicago—its best finish to date.

"We've gone rounds at the last two races, and with the car's increasing performance, I'm interested to hear what kind of feedback Larry can give us," Kuch said. "We are all looking forward to having him behind the wheel as we return to Charlotte."

For tickets, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office, 800-455-FANS (3267). For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, zMAX Dragway, September 14–16: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 18th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season for the first event of the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. The top 10 drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the Countdown—the NHRA’s playoffs. For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or visit zMAXDragway.com.

AAA TEXAS NHRA FALL NATIONALS, Texas Motorplex, September 20–23: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 19th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season for the second race of the Countdown. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points toward the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Bob Vandergriff Jr. (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-668-6775 or visit TexasMotorplex.com.

AAA INSURANCE NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS, Gateway Motorsports Park, September 28–30: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to St. Louis, and this time, it is for round three of the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA’s playoffs. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or visit NHRATix.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

HOT START AT ZMAX DRAGWAY CRITICAL FOR COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP SUCCESS: As the first race of the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship, the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries has always played a key role in deciding season champions. In the past three seasons, eight of the 12 winners of the Countdown opener at zMAX Dragway have gone on to win championships. Robert Hight currently sits second in the Funny Car standings. In 2009, he won both the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals and the Funny Car championship. He stresses the importance of gaining momentum to start the playoffs.

“It’s huge because I believe that racetrack is good, the conditions should be good and that’s exactly what this Auto Club Ford likes,” said Hight. “We hope to be good under all conditions—when it’s hot, when it’s cool—but I believe our strong point is when it’s cool. We have to get the momentum started at zMAX because you go to Dallas, and it’s hot, that racetrack’s tricky, so it’s nice to get the momentum going, and it’s the start of four races in a row. That is huge if you can carry that momentum right into the next week.”

Tickets and camping are still available for the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, September 14–16 at zMAX Dragway, by calling the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office, 800-455-FANS (3267).

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

9: SCHUMACHER PASSES GARLITS, TIES GLIDDEN WITH INDY VICTORY: Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher passed legendary “Big Daddy” Don Garlits on the all-time Top Fuel wins list at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus and tied Pro Stock great Bob Glidden for most pro wins at the drag race by claiming his ninth victory at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis last Sunday. It was Schumacher’s 11th final-round appearance at the Big Go.

“It may be sweeter [than the first Indy win],” said Schumacher of his second victory of the season and 69th of his career. “Anymore, it’s more difficult to win a race, by far, than it has probably ever been. There was a time where we were a tenth ahead of everybody and just needed to not make any mistakes, but the top seven cars are all so close that it’s pretty gratifying.” Schumacher beat Hillary Will, Morgan Lucas and top qualifier Shawn Langdon in early rounds before outrunning Spencer Massey in the final.

“To have a chance to win a ninth against my teammate who was running as good if not better and had lane choice made it a perfect moment,” Schumacher said. “I didn’t feel like I was stellar on the lights, but I left on everybody, Mike Green [crew chief] made the car run fast, and we got the trophy.”

Other Indy winners were Mike Neff (Funny Car), Dave Connolly (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For more news and results about the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, visit NHRA.com. 



DID YOU KNOW…


FULL THROTTLE AWARDS CEREMONY RETURNS TO HOLLYWOOD & HIGHLAND CENTER: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony is returning to the Grand Ballroom at the Hollywood & Highland Center in the heart of Hollywood, California. The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Awards Ceremony will take place Monday, November 12, and will be broadcast on the Web at NHRA.com and via NHRA’s YouTube home page beginning Wednesday, November 14. This marks the fourth year the awards ceremony will be available to NHRA fans in its entirety. The Hard Rock Cafe, also at the Hollywood & Highland Center, will play host to the after-party. The Hard Rock Cafe sits beside the world-famous Dolby Theater, home of the Academy Awards, and just steps from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and Hollywood’s starry Walk of Fame. The 20,000-sq.-ft. Hard Rock Cafe includes spacious seating, a live music area and a vibrant bar. The property also will play host to the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony, scheduled earlier in the day. The invitation-only black-tie event, where the NHRA will crown its 2012 Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world champions, will feature a pre-event cocktail reception, a formal sit-down banquet and the after-party. This year’s NHRA Full Throttle Awards Ceremony will be hosted by Dave Rieff—a veteran member of the NHRA broadcast team on ESPN. For more about this story, visit NHRA.com.

NEWS NUGGETS

WILKERSON RALLIES AT INDY TO EARN COUNTDOWN PLAYOFF BERTH; VANDERGRIFF, COUGHLIN ALSO TAKE SPOTS: Veteran Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson added to the drama and excitement of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus by making a tremendous move in Indy to earn the 10th and final Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship playoff spot in Funny Car. After starting the race in 12th in the points standings, Wilkerson defeated Bob Tasca and Jeff Arend before advancing to the final round and outlasting defending world champ Matt Hagan for the final position. A 10-point oil-violation penalty following his final-round loss to eventual race winner Mike Neff made the final tally even more dramatic as Wilkerson edged Hagan by only seven points. Wilkerson had been outside the top 10 since the second race of the season. Now he will have the opportunity to compete against nine others in the 8,000hp category for a chance at winning the Full Throttle world championship. In Top Fuel, Bob Vandergriff Jr. outlasted Clay Millican and Khalid alBalooshi for the 10th spot. In Pro Stock, Ron Krisher, V. Gaines, Larry Morgan and Jeg Coughlin earned the four remaining berths. Michael Ray, Shawn Gann and Matt Smith claimed the final three spots in Pro Stock Motorcycle. The six-race NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship opens September 14–16 at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, North Carolina, with the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries. For tickets, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office, 800-455-FANS (3267). For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

NHRA TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT FOR FUNNY CAR MOVED TO DALLAS EVENT: The NHRA Traxxas Nitro Shootout for Funny Car, scheduled for last Saturday’s rain-delayed completion of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus, has been moved to the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex, September 22. Heavy overnight rains in the Indianapolis area forced NHRA officials to delay the start of racing and didn’t allow enough time to run the $100,000 specialty race. The race within a race will feature eight world-class Funny Car racers battling for the $100,000 winner’s share. Ron Capps, Robert Hight, Jack Beckman, Johnny Gray, Mike Neff, John Force, Jeff Arend and Courtney Force are the qualified drivers for the inaugural event.

“We are disappointed for the fans at Lucas Oil Raceway that they aren’t able to take part in the NHRA Traxxas Nitro Shootout for Funny Car,” said Graham Light, NHRA senior vice president of racing operations. “We are excited that the Texas Motorplex can host the event, which will now take place in the shadow of the Traxxas company headquarters and in front of the many Traxxas employees in the area.” Traxxas is based in Plano, Texas, just north of Dallas. Traxxas Nitro Shootout first-round pairings are Capps vs. C. Force, Hight vs. Arend, Beckman vs. J. Force and Gray vs. Neff. For tickets to the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, call 800-MOTORPLEX (668-6775) or visit TexasMotorplex.com.

DIXON TO DRIVE DOTE RACING TOP FUELER BEGINNING IN CHARLOTTE: Three-time Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon will pilot the Dote Racing Top Fuel dragster at three of the remaining NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events this season, beginning with this weekend's fifth-annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at zMAX Dragway. Dixon, whose 62 Top Fuel victories rank second on the all-time list, has also signed on to compete with the part-time team in St. Louis and Reading.

"We are thrilled to partner with a driver of Larry's caliber for the remainder of our scheduled races," said Connie Dote, co-owner of Dote Racing. "Larry is one of the best drivers of all time, and we couldn't be more excited to combine his talents with our car's improving performance."

Since parting ways with Al-Anabi Racing in the last off-season, Dixon has been working on securing funding to put together his own team—a project that will continue as he fills in at Dote Racing.

"I'm really happy the Dotes offered me this chance to drive their car," Dixon said. "It'll be fun to get out there and duke it out with everyone again. I've been working hard at putting my own team together, and I know the Dotes are looking at what their next move will be in 2013. In the meantime, I'm happy to sub in for them. I feel like a free-agent quarterback who just got the call to come start the next game. I've known Doug (Kuch, crew chief) for 25 years, and it will be fun to work with him. Hopefully, they'll get as much out of me driving for them as I will taking their car through these three races."

The Dote team, with tuner Kuch, has turned heads this season by consistently posting competitive elapsed times on the scoreboard. The team has qualified at all seven races it has contested so far and reached the semifinals in Chicago—its best finish to date.

"We've gone rounds at the last two races, and with the car's increasing performance, I'm interested to hear what kind of feedback Larry can give us," Kuch said. "We are all looking forward to having him behind the wheel as we return to Charlotte."

For tickets, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office, 800-455-FANS (3267). For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, zMAX Dragway, September 14–16: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 18th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season for the first event of the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. The top 10 drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the Countdown—the NHRA’s playoffs. For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or visit zMAXDragway.com.

AAA TEXAS NHRA FALL NATIONALS, Texas Motorplex, September 20–23: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 19th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season for the second race of the Countdown. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points toward the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Bob Vandergriff Jr. (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-668-6775 or visit TexasMotorplex.com.

AAA INSURANCE NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS, Gateway Motorsports Park, September 28–30: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to St. Louis, and this time, it is for round three of the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA’s playoffs. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or visit NHRATix.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

HOT START AT ZMAX DRAGWAY CRITICAL FOR COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP SUCCESS: As the first race of the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship, the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries has always played a key role in deciding season champions. In the past three seasons, eight of the 12 winners of the Countdown opener at zMAX Dragway have gone on to win championships. Robert Hight currently sits second in the Funny Car standings. In 2009, he won both the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals and the Funny Car championship. He stresses the importance of gaining momentum to start the playoffs.

“It’s huge because I believe that racetrack is good, the conditions should be good and that’s exactly what this Auto Club Ford likes,” said Hight. “We hope to be good under all conditions—when it’s hot, when it’s cool—but I believe our strong point is when it’s cool. We have to get the momentum started at zMAX because you go to Dallas, and it’s hot, that racetrack’s tricky, so it’s nice to get the momentum going, and it’s the start of four races in a row. That is huge if you can carry that momentum right into the next week.”

Tickets and camping are still available for the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, September 14–16 at zMAX Dragway, by calling the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office, 800-455-FANS (3267).

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

9: SCHUMACHER PASSES GARLITS, TIES GLIDDEN WITH INDY VICTORY: Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher passed legendary “Big Daddy” Don Garlits on the all-time Top Fuel wins list at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus and tied Pro Stock great Bob Glidden for most pro wins at the drag race by claiming his ninth victory at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis last Sunday. It was Schumacher’s 11th final-round appearance at the Big Go.

“It may be sweeter [than the first Indy win],” said Schumacher of his second victory of the season and 69th of his career. “Anymore, it’s more difficult to win a race, by far, than it has probably ever been. There was a time where we were a tenth ahead of everybody and just needed to not make any mistakes, but the top seven cars are all so close that it’s pretty gratifying.” Schumacher beat Hillary Will, Morgan Lucas and top qualifier Shawn Langdon in early rounds before outrunning Spencer Massey in the final.

“To have a chance to win a ninth against my teammate who was running as good if not better and had lane choice made it a perfect moment,” Schumacher said. “I didn’t feel like I was stellar on the lights, but I left on everybody, Mike Green [crew chief] made the car run fast, and we got the trophy.”

Other Indy winners were Mike Neff (Funny Car), Dave Connolly (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For more news and results about the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, visit NHRA.com. 



DID YOU KNOW…


FULL THROTTLE AWARDS CEREMONY RETURNS TO HOLLYWOOD & HIGHLAND CENTER: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony is returning to the Grand Ballroom at the Hollywood & Highland Center in the heart of Hollywood, California. The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Awards Ceremony will take place Monday, November 12, and will be broadcast on the Web at NHRA.com and via NHRA’s YouTube home page beginning Wednesday, November 14. This marks the fourth year the awards ceremony will be available to NHRA fans in its entirety. The Hard Rock Cafe, also at the Hollywood & Highland Center, will play host to the after-party. The Hard Rock Cafe sits beside the world-famous Dolby Theater, home of the Academy Awards, and just steps from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and Hollywood’s starry Walk of Fame. The 20,000-sq.-ft. Hard Rock Cafe includes spacious seating, a live music area and a vibrant bar. The property also will play host to the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony, scheduled earlier in the day. The invitation-only black-tie event, where the NHRA will crown its 2012 Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world champions, will feature a pre-event cocktail reception, a formal sit-down banquet and the after-party. This year’s NHRA Full Throttle Awards Ceremony will be hosted by Dave Rieff—a veteran member of the NHRA broadcast team on ESPN. For more about this story, visit NHRA.com.

NEWS NUGGETS

WILKERSON RALLIES AT INDY TO EARN COUNTDOWN PLAYOFF BERTH; VANDERGRIFF, COUGHLIN ALSO TAKE SPOTS: Veteran Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson added to the drama and excitement of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus by making a tremendous move in Indy to earn the 10th and final Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship playoff spot in Funny Car. After starting the race in 12th in the points standings, Wilkerson defeated Bob Tasca and Jeff Arend before advancing to the final round and outlasting defending world champ Matt Hagan for the final position. A 10-point oil-violation penalty following his final-round loss to eventual race winner Mike Neff made the final tally even more dramatic as Wilkerson edged Hagan by only seven points. Wilkerson had been outside the top 10 since the second race of the season. Now he will have the opportunity to compete against nine others in the 8,000hp category for a chance at winning the Full Throttle world championship. In Top Fuel, Bob Vandergriff Jr. outlasted Clay Millican and Khalid alBalooshi for the 10th spot. In Pro Stock, Ron Krisher, V. Gaines, Larry Morgan and Jeg Coughlin earned the four remaining berths. Michael Ray, Shawn Gann and Matt Smith claimed the final three spots in Pro Stock Motorcycle. The six-race NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship opens September 14–16 at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, North Carolina, with the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries. For tickets, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office, 800-455-FANS (3267). For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

NHRA TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT FOR FUNNY CAR MOVED TO DALLAS EVENT: The NHRA Traxxas Nitro Shootout for Funny Car, scheduled for last Saturday’s rain-delayed completion of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus, has been moved to the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex, September 22. Heavy overnight rains in the Indianapolis area forced NHRA officials to delay the start of racing and didn’t allow enough time to run the $100,000 specialty race. The race within a race will feature eight world-class Funny Car racers battling for the $100,000 winner’s share. Ron Capps, Robert Hight, Jack Beckman, Johnny Gray, Mike Neff, John Force, Jeff Arend and Courtney Force are the qualified drivers for the inaugural event.

“We are disappointed for the fans at Lucas Oil Raceway that they aren’t able to take part in the NHRA Traxxas Nitro Shootout for Funny Car,” said Graham Light, NHRA senior vice president of racing operations. “We are excited that the Texas Motorplex can host the event, which will now take place in the shadow of the Traxxas company headquarters and in front of the many Traxxas employees in the area.” Traxxas is based in Plano, Texas, just north of Dallas. Traxxas Nitro Shootout first-round pairings are Capps vs. C. Force, Hight vs. Arend, Beckman vs. J. Force and Gray vs. Neff. For tickets to the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, call 800-MOTORPLEX (668-6775) or visit TexasMotorplex.com.

DIXON TO DRIVE DOTE RACING TOP FUELER BEGINNING IN CHARLOTTE: Three-time Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon will pilot the Dote Racing Top Fuel dragster at three of the remaining NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events this season, beginning with this weekend's fifth-annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at zMAX Dragway. Dixon, whose 62 Top Fuel victories rank second on the all-time list, has also signed on to compete with the part-time team in St. Louis and Reading.

"We are thrilled to partner with a driver of Larry's caliber for the remainder of our scheduled races," said Connie Dote, co-owner of Dote Racing. "Larry is one of the best drivers of all time, and we couldn't be more excited to combine his talents with our car's improving performance."

Since parting ways with Al-Anabi Racing in the last off-season, Dixon has been working on securing funding to put together his own team—a project that will continue as he fills in at Dote Racing.

"I'm really happy the Dotes offered me this chance to drive their car," Dixon said. "It'll be fun to get out there and duke it out with everyone again. I've been working hard at putting my own team together, and I know the Dotes are looking at what their next move will be in 2013. In the meantime, I'm happy to sub in for them. I feel like a free-agent quarterback who just got the call to come start the next game. I've known Doug (Kuch, crew chief) for 25 years, and it will be fun to work with him. Hopefully, they'll get as much out of me driving for them as I will taking their car through these three races."

The Dote team, with tuner Kuch, has turned heads this season by consistently posting competitive elapsed times on the scoreboard. The team has qualified at all seven races it has contested so far and reached the semifinals in Chicago—its best finish to date.

"We've gone rounds at the last two races, and with the car's increasing performance, I'm interested to hear what kind of feedback Larry can give us," Kuch said. "We are all looking forward to having him behind the wheel as we return to Charlotte."

For tickets, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office, 800-455-FANS (3267). For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, zMAX Dragway, September 14–16: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 18th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season for the first event of the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. The top 10 drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the Countdown—the NHRA’s playoffs. For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or visit zMAXDragway.com.

AAA TEXAS NHRA FALL NATIONALS, Texas Motorplex, September 20–23: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 19th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season for the second race of the Countdown. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points toward the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Bob Vandergriff Jr. (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-668-6775 or visit TexasMotorplex.com.

AAA INSURANCE NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS, Gateway Motorsports Park, September 28–30: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to St. Louis, and this time, it is for round three of the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA’s playoffs. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or visit NHRATix.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

HOT START AT ZMAX DRAGWAY CRITICAL FOR COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP SUCCESS: As the first race of the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship, the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries has always played a key role in deciding season champions. In the past three seasons, eight of the 12 winners of the Countdown opener at zMAX Dragway have gone on to win championships. Robert Hight currently sits second in the Funny Car standings. In 2009, he won both the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals and the Funny Car championship. He stresses the importance of gaining momentum to start the playoffs.

“It’s huge because I believe that racetrack is good, the conditions should be good and that’s exactly what this Auto Club Ford likes,” said Hight. “We hope to be good under all conditions—when it’s hot, when it’s cool—but I believe our strong point is when it’s cool. We have to get the momentum started at zMAX because you go to Dallas, and it’s hot, that racetrack’s tricky, so it’s nice to get the momentum going, and it’s the start of four races in a row. That is huge if you can carry that momentum right into the next week.”

Tickets and camping are still available for the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, September 14–16 at zMAX Dragway, by calling the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office, 800-455-FANS (3267).

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

9: SCHUMACHER PASSES GARLITS, TIES GLIDDEN WITH INDY VICTORY: Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher passed legendary “Big Daddy” Don Garlits on the all-time Top Fuel wins list at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus and tied Pro Stock great Bob Glidden for most pro wins at the drag race by claiming his ninth victory at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis last Sunday. It was Schumacher’s 11th final-round appearance at the Big Go.

“It may be sweeter [than the first Indy win],” said Schumacher of his second victory of the season and 69th of his career. “Anymore, it’s more difficult to win a race, by far, than it has probably ever been. There was a time where we were a tenth ahead of everybody and just needed to not make any mistakes, but the top seven cars are all so close that it’s pretty gratifying.” Schumacher beat Hillary Will, Morgan Lucas and top qualifier Shawn Langdon in early rounds before outrunning Spencer Massey in the final.

“To have a chance to win a ninth against my teammate who was running as good if not better and had lane choice made it a perfect moment,” Schumacher said. “I didn’t feel like I was stellar on the lights, but I left on everybody, Mike Green [crew chief] made the car run fast, and we got the trophy.”

Other Indy winners were Mike Neff (Funny Car), Dave Connolly (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For more news and results about the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, visit NHRA.com. 



DID YOU KNOW…


FULL THROTTLE AWARDS CEREMONY RETURNS TO HOLLYWOOD & HIGHLAND CENTER: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony is returning to the Grand Ballroom at the Hollywood & Highland Center in the heart of Hollywood, California. The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Awards Ceremony will take place Monday, November 12, and will be broadcast on the Web at NHRA.com and via NHRA’s YouTube home page beginning Wednesday, November 14. This marks the fourth year the awards ceremony will be available to NHRA fans in its entirety. The Hard Rock Cafe, also at the Hollywood & Highland Center, will play host to the after-party. The Hard Rock Cafe sits beside the world-famous Dolby Theater, home of the Academy Awards, and just steps from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and Hollywood’s starry Walk of Fame. The 20,000-sq.-ft. Hard Rock Cafe includes spacious seating, a live music area and a vibrant bar. The property also will play host to the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony, scheduled earlier in the day. The invitation-only black-tie event, where the NHRA will crown its 2012 Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world champions, will feature a pre-event cocktail reception, a formal sit-down banquet and the after-party. This year’s NHRA Full Throttle Awards Ceremony will be hosted by Dave Rieff—a veteran member of the NHRA broadcast team on ESPN. For more about this story, visit NHRA.com.

	The growth in the use of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, is fueled by the need for users to obtain information when they want it.

Mobile marketing has become a significant tool to engage customers. According to information delivered in a recent SEMA webinar conducted by John McPhee of Formic Media, by 2014, the mobile Internet is projected to take over desktop Internet usage.

To help your company prepare for the evolution of digital communication and the Internet Revolution, McPhee recently provided tips and guidance to help companies effectively integrate mobile marketing into their overall marketing programs through the SEMA Webinar, "Effective Mobile Marketing."

The growth in the use of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, is fueled by the need for users to obtain information when they want it. From virtually anywhere a customer happens to be, they can get the information or answers they desire in a very short period of time compared to a PC or laptop. It is very important for companies to ensure that the mobile experience they are providing is meeting the basics of what customers expect when trying to gather information on the go.

One of the first things that McPhee advises is to determine if your website should be mobile friendly, mobile optimized or if a mobile app should be created.  He also says that when creating a destination for mobile devices, design is extremely important.

"Always test your mobile website across various platforms and devices," says McPhee. "This helps to make sure that regardless of browser, device or carrier, the site loads and functions with the speed intended." Your design should be focused on delivering information quickly and limit load times. Design your site to load fast and make the text easy to read. Compress images to make them small for faster loading and use bullet points instead of large blocks of text to deliver a message.

"Always pay attention to analytics and monitor what mobile users are doing online," explained McPhee. "Understanding and monitoring what users are doing and what they have come to expect from a mobile experience will help you to design your website with efficiency in mind."

Some of the tips that McPhee suggests when it comes to simplifying the navigation of your company's mobile site are:

• Minimize scrolling and keep it vertical only
• Use a clear hierarchy in menus and avoid rollovers
• Help users navigate between levels with clear back and home buttons
• Use seven links or fewer per page of navigation
• Have a search box prominently available on complex sites

Conversion
McPhee also says your site should be easy to navigate and make it easy for customers to buy something or contact you. He suggests that when designing your company's site, focus on information that will convert a browser to a buyer, such as product details. The number of steps used to complete a transaction should be minimal, forms should be as short as possible, scroll menus and lists should be used to make data entry easier, and a click-to-call functionality should be made available for all phone numbers.

Make It Local
Always make sure to have your address or store locator on your mobile website or landing page. People are looking to talk or connect with somebody, or looking to find your store's physical location. Include maps and directions; you can use GPS if you have the ability to do so. It is also a good idea to allow users to check stock at nearby stores. This is a good way to provide the customer a way to determine if they need to buy now or can plan a later purchase.

Be Thumb-Friendly
Fingers are used to operate mobile devices, so design your site in a manner that people can access and easily click links, regardless of the size of their fingers. "It's a good practice to leave enough space around the area of clickable links that will help users avoid accidental clicks. It's also a good idea to pad check boxes by making the text clickable as well.

Make It Seamless
People use multiple screens throughout the day, and it's a good idea to convert as much of the functionality of your desktop site to mobile to create a seamless experience. "If there are some areas of your website that are highly clicked, you need to make sure that as much of those areas are converted and featured on your mobile platform. Always look at analytics to ensure that your desktop website experience is as similar as possible to the mobile site."

Make It Accessible
McPhee stated that companies need to keep in mind that the ideal goal of providing a quality mobile experience for your customers is to ensure that your site works across all mobile devices and all handset orientations. Some devices, such as the iPhone, don't use Flash. "Find alternatives for Flash; Google doesn't like Flash either," McPhee informed the audience. "A good alternative is to use HTML5 for interactivity and animation." McPhee also suggests adapting your mobile site for both vertical and horizontal orientations.

Hear the complete webinar by accessing the entire "Effective Mobile Marketing" session. For more information on SEMA webinars and the Association's eLearning courses, contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org.