The SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast is the quickest and easiest way to meet new people, connect with business leaders and expand your contacts network to give your business a boost.

The SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)—to be held Thursday, November 1, 2012, from 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m. in Ballroom A of the Las Vegas Hotel & Casino— is the quickest and easiest way to meet new people, connect with business leaders and expand your contacts network to give your business a boost. Plus, you'll enjoy a delicious breakfast and help the SBN recognize several leaders in the automotive aftermarket during the annual award presentation.

In a survey of 2011 attendees, 83% reported that they’d recommend this event to others and 62% said that they planned on attending again this year.

This event is open to all SEMA Show attendees; the cost is $35 for SEMA members and $49 for non-members. Bring lots of business cards and join us for one the best networking opportunities at the SEMA Show! With seating limited to 250 participants, the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast has sold out every year, so register today before you miss out!

For questions about the event, please call Senior Manager of Councils Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6694 or email BryanH@sema.org.

	An upcoming Orange County Business Council International Forum focusing on "Doing Business in China" will be held Tuesday, September 25, at The Center Club in Costa Mesa, California.

UPS is co-sponsoring an upcoming Orange County Business Council International Forum focusing on "Doing Business in China," Tuesday, September 25, at The Center Club in Costa Mesa, California. UPS Vice President Mark Sobolewski, along with other speakers and panelists, will discuss the complexities of doing business in China, including trade compliance and intellectual property. This event is a great opportunity for SEMA members in Orange County to learn more about China and address specific questions with experts in this field. UPS will provide complimentary registration for the first 15 SEMA members. 

Contact Stacy Butler for complimentary registration at slbutler@ups.com. Additional information on the event can also be found on the Orange County Business Council's website.

NEWS NUGGETS

LUCAS, CAPPS, ENDERS, KRAWIEC COLLECT BRAINERD VICTORIES: Ron Capps raced to the Funny Car victory last Sunday at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals and moved into the Full Throttle Series points lead for the first time this season with one race remaining before the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners at the penultimate regular season event in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Capps powered away from 15-time world champ John Force in the Funny Car final round to take his third win of the season, third at Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) and 36th of his career.

In Top Fuel, Lucas edged Antron Brown at the finish line for his third victory of the season and his third win at this event, which is sponsored by his family’s oil company. Enders continues to make Pro Stock history; she raced to her third victory of the season and second in a row. Enders is the first female to win at BIR since Shirley Muldowney won a Top Fuel title there in 1982. Screamin’ Eagle Vance and Hines Harley-Davidson rider Krawiec remained undefeated in Pro Stock Motorcycle, claiming his sixth victory of the season in as many finals and increasing his series points lead by defeating final-round opponent Hector Arana Jr., who fouled at the start on his Lucas Oil Buell.

EIGHT DRIVERS CLINCH COUNTDOWN PLAYOFF BERTHS IN BRAINERD: Top Fuel racers Morgan Lucas and Shawn Langdon and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Karen Stoffer clinched berths in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship as a result of last Sunday’s racing at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. As the result of their qualifying efforts, Brandon Bernstein and David Grubnic also clinched spots in Top Fuel. Earlier in the event, Top Fuel racer Doug Kalitta earned his spot by qualifying for the field, and Funny Car racers Mike Neff and Johnny Gray clinched berths by making their first qualifying passes. Nine of 10 spots are filled in Top Fuel, six in Pro Stock, and five each in Funny Car and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Only the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus remains before the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series regular season concludes Labor Day weekend. A six-race playoff series will lead to the crowning of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series champs.

COUNTDOWN FIELDS TO DATE

Top Fuel		Funny Car		Pro Stock		Pro Stock Motorcycle
1. Spencer Massey		1. Robert Hight		1. Greg Anderson		1. Eddie Krawiec
2. Antron Brown		2. Ron Capps		2. Jason Line		2. Andrew Hines
3. Tony Schumacher		3. Jack Beckman		3. Allen Johnson		3. Hector Arana Jr.
4. Steve Torrence		4. Mike Neff		4. Mike Edwards		4. Hector Arana Sr.
5. Doug Kalitta		5. Johnny Gray		5. Vincent Nobile		5. Karen Stoffer
6. Morgan Lucas				6. Erica Enders
7. Shawn Langdon
8. David Grubnic
9. Brandon Bernstein

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS ONCE AGAIN A HIGH-PERFORMANCE SHOWCASE: More than 950 competitors in 12 racing categories will perform at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus in front of the standing-room-only crowd during the Labor Day weekend classic. The event takes place at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, August 29–September 3. It is the 17th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series for 2012 and the final of 17 regular-season races. Following this event, the top 10 drivers in each Pro category will be locked in for the six-race Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA’s postseason playoffs.

The 58th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus will be showcased nationwide on ESPN2 and ESPN2HD during more than 10 hours of coverage. Each year at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus, fans are offered a glimpse into the past with several attractions, and the 2012 edition of this event is no exception: Many additional events and special attractions will continue the celebration of the NHRA’s yearlong Nitro Generation theme. Throughout the weekend, an assortment of vintage hot rods will be on display in a special Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Car Corral. Several autograph sessions featuring many of the legends of the sport also will be featured throughout the weekend. A special Nitro Generation Track Walk also will be held prior to Monday’s pre-race ceremony, and many of the sport’s biggest stars will walk alongside fans down the historic dragstrip.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS PRESENTED BY AUTO-PLUS, Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, August 29–September 3: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 17th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points at the last race in the regular season for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners were Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

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 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, NHRA’s playoffs. The 2011 winners were Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or log on to zMAXDragway.com.

AAA TEXAS NHRA FALL NATIONALS, Texas Motorplex, September 21–23: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 19th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and the second race of the Countdown. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points towards the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners were Bob Vandergriff (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-668-6775 or log on to TexasMotorplex.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

RON CAPPS BEATS THE BEST OF THE BEST, REFLECTS ON BRAINERD: After getting his third win of the season at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Ron Capps took the Funny Car points lead for the first time this season in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. However, it wasn’t an easy battle. He had to beat the best of the best: 15-time NHRA world Funny Car champion John Force. “Force is cagey. He’s good here. He could be having the worst year ever and still come here and win. I was doubtful that we were going to get a win. He’s been eking it out all day and getting on a roll. He knows how to take it to the next level.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

7: NUMBER OF DAYS LEFT TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE DRIVER TO COMPETE IN THE TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT IN INDIANAPOLIS:

Top Fuel drivers eligible for the eighth position:


• Khalid alBalooshi
• Brandon Bernstein
• Shawn Langdon
• Terry McMillen
• Clay Millican
• Bob Vandergriff Jr.

Funny Car drivers eligible for the eighth position:


• Alexis DeJoria
• Courtney Force
• Matt Hagan
• Todd Lesenko
• Cruz Pedregon
• Tony Pedregon
• Bob Tasca III
• Tim Wilkerson

Traxxas Nitro Shootout first-round pairings:

TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT (TOP FUEL)		TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT (FUNNY CAR)
1. Antron Brown vs. No. 8 fan vote/lottery		1. Ron Capps vs. No. 8 fan vote/lottery
2. Spencer Massey vs. No. 7 David Grubnic		2. Robert Hight vs. No. 7 Jeff Arend
3. Tony Schumacher vs. No. 6 Morgan Lucas		3. Jack Beckman vs. No. 6 John Force
4. Steve Torrence vs. No. 5 Doug Kalitta		4. Johnny Gray vs. No. 5 Mike

DID YOU KNOW…

FISHER NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NHRA MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM: Larry Fisher has been named executive director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by Automobile Club of Southern California at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. In his new position, Fisher will be responsible for administrative operations and fundraising efforts for the museum, which is on the grounds of the Los Angeles County Fairplex complex, also home to historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. He will also be responsible for the overall management of the museum’s two biggest fundraising events: the Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and the California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield. For more information about this story, visit www.NHRA.com.

NEWS NUGGETS

LUCAS, CAPPS, ENDERS, KRAWIEC COLLECT BRAINERD VICTORIES: Ron Capps raced to the Funny Car victory last Sunday at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals and moved into the Full Throttle Series points lead for the first time this season with one race remaining before the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners at the penultimate regular season event in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Capps powered away from 15-time world champ John Force in the Funny Car final round to take his third win of the season, third at Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) and 36th of his career.

In Top Fuel, Lucas edged Antron Brown at the finish line for his third victory of the season and his third win at this event, which is sponsored by his family’s oil company. Enders continues to make Pro Stock history; she raced to her third victory of the season and second in a row. Enders is the first female to win at BIR since Shirley Muldowney won a Top Fuel title there in 1982. Screamin’ Eagle Vance and Hines Harley-Davidson rider Krawiec remained undefeated in Pro Stock Motorcycle, claiming his sixth victory of the season in as many finals and increasing his series points lead by defeating final-round opponent Hector Arana Jr., who fouled at the start on his Lucas Oil Buell.

EIGHT DRIVERS CLINCH COUNTDOWN PLAYOFF BERTHS IN BRAINERD: Top Fuel racers Morgan Lucas and Shawn Langdon and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Karen Stoffer clinched berths in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship as a result of last Sunday’s racing at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. As the result of their qualifying efforts, Brandon Bernstein and David Grubnic also clinched spots in Top Fuel. Earlier in the event, Top Fuel racer Doug Kalitta earned his spot by qualifying for the field, and Funny Car racers Mike Neff and Johnny Gray clinched berths by making their first qualifying passes. Nine of 10 spots are filled in Top Fuel, six in Pro Stock, and five each in Funny Car and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Only the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus remains before the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series regular season concludes Labor Day weekend. A six-race playoff series will lead to the crowning of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series champs.

COUNTDOWN FIELDS TO DATE

Top Fuel		Funny Car		Pro Stock		Pro Stock Motorcycle
1. Spencer Massey		1. Robert Hight		1. Greg Anderson		1. Eddie Krawiec
2. Antron Brown		2. Ron Capps		2. Jason Line		2. Andrew Hines
3. Tony Schumacher		3. Jack Beckman		3. Allen Johnson		3. Hector Arana Jr.
4. Steve Torrence		4. Mike Neff		4. Mike Edwards		4. Hector Arana Sr.
5. Doug Kalitta		5. Johnny Gray		5. Vincent Nobile		5. Karen Stoffer
6. Morgan Lucas				6. Erica Enders
7. Shawn Langdon
8. David Grubnic
9. Brandon Bernstein

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS ONCE AGAIN A HIGH-PERFORMANCE SHOWCASE: More than 950 competitors in 12 racing categories will perform at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus in front of the standing-room-only crowd during the Labor Day weekend classic. The event takes place at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, August 29–September 3. It is the 17th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series for 2012 and the final of 17 regular-season races. Following this event, the top 10 drivers in each Pro category will be locked in for the six-race Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA’s postseason playoffs.

The 58th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus will be showcased nationwide on ESPN2 and ESPN2HD during more than 10 hours of coverage. Each year at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus, fans are offered a glimpse into the past with several attractions, and the 2012 edition of this event is no exception: Many additional events and special attractions will continue the celebration of the NHRA’s yearlong Nitro Generation theme. Throughout the weekend, an assortment of vintage hot rods will be on display in a special Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Car Corral. Several autograph sessions featuring many of the legends of the sport also will be featured throughout the weekend. A special Nitro Generation Track Walk also will be held prior to Monday’s pre-race ceremony, and many of the sport’s biggest stars will walk alongside fans down the historic dragstrip.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS PRESENTED BY AUTO-PLUS, Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, August 29–September 3: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 17th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points at the last race in the regular season for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners were Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

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 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, NHRA’s playoffs. The 2011 winners were Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or log on to zMAXDragway.com.

AAA TEXAS NHRA FALL NATIONALS, Texas Motorplex, September 21–23: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 19th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and the second race of the Countdown. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points towards the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners were Bob Vandergriff (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-668-6775 or log on to TexasMotorplex.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

RON CAPPS BEATS THE BEST OF THE BEST, REFLECTS ON BRAINERD: After getting his third win of the season at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Ron Capps took the Funny Car points lead for the first time this season in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. However, it wasn’t an easy battle. He had to beat the best of the best: 15-time NHRA world Funny Car champion John Force. “Force is cagey. He’s good here. He could be having the worst year ever and still come here and win. I was doubtful that we were going to get a win. He’s been eking it out all day and getting on a roll. He knows how to take it to the next level.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

7: NUMBER OF DAYS LEFT TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE DRIVER TO COMPETE IN THE TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT IN INDIANAPOLIS:

Top Fuel drivers eligible for the eighth position:


• Khalid alBalooshi
• Brandon Bernstein
• Shawn Langdon
• Terry McMillen
• Clay Millican
• Bob Vandergriff Jr.

Funny Car drivers eligible for the eighth position:


• Alexis DeJoria
• Courtney Force
• Matt Hagan
• Todd Lesenko
• Cruz Pedregon
• Tony Pedregon
• Bob Tasca III
• Tim Wilkerson

Traxxas Nitro Shootout first-round pairings:

TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT (TOP FUEL)		TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT (FUNNY CAR)
1. Antron Brown vs. No. 8 fan vote/lottery		1. Ron Capps vs. No. 8 fan vote/lottery
2. Spencer Massey vs. No. 7 David Grubnic		2. Robert Hight vs. No. 7 Jeff Arend
3. Tony Schumacher vs. No. 6 Morgan Lucas		3. Jack Beckman vs. No. 6 John Force
4. Steve Torrence vs. No. 5 Doug Kalitta		4. Johnny Gray vs. No. 5 Mike

DID YOU KNOW…

FISHER NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NHRA MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM: Larry Fisher has been named executive director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by Automobile Club of Southern California at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. In his new position, Fisher will be responsible for administrative operations and fundraising efforts for the museum, which is on the grounds of the Los Angeles County Fairplex complex, also home to historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. He will also be responsible for the overall management of the museum’s two biggest fundraising events: the Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and the California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield. For more information about this story, visit www.NHRA.com.

NEWS NUGGETS

LUCAS, CAPPS, ENDERS, KRAWIEC COLLECT BRAINERD VICTORIES: Ron Capps raced to the Funny Car victory last Sunday at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals and moved into the Full Throttle Series points lead for the first time this season with one race remaining before the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners at the penultimate regular season event in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Capps powered away from 15-time world champ John Force in the Funny Car final round to take his third win of the season, third at Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) and 36th of his career.

In Top Fuel, Lucas edged Antron Brown at the finish line for his third victory of the season and his third win at this event, which is sponsored by his family’s oil company. Enders continues to make Pro Stock history; she raced to her third victory of the season and second in a row. Enders is the first female to win at BIR since Shirley Muldowney won a Top Fuel title there in 1982. Screamin’ Eagle Vance and Hines Harley-Davidson rider Krawiec remained undefeated in Pro Stock Motorcycle, claiming his sixth victory of the season in as many finals and increasing his series points lead by defeating final-round opponent Hector Arana Jr., who fouled at the start on his Lucas Oil Buell.

EIGHT DRIVERS CLINCH COUNTDOWN PLAYOFF BERTHS IN BRAINERD: Top Fuel racers Morgan Lucas and Shawn Langdon and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Karen Stoffer clinched berths in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship as a result of last Sunday’s racing at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. As the result of their qualifying efforts, Brandon Bernstein and David Grubnic also clinched spots in Top Fuel. Earlier in the event, Top Fuel racer Doug Kalitta earned his spot by qualifying for the field, and Funny Car racers Mike Neff and Johnny Gray clinched berths by making their first qualifying passes. Nine of 10 spots are filled in Top Fuel, six in Pro Stock, and five each in Funny Car and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Only the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus remains before the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series regular season concludes Labor Day weekend. A six-race playoff series will lead to the crowning of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series champs.

COUNTDOWN FIELDS TO DATE

Top Fuel		Funny Car		Pro Stock		Pro Stock Motorcycle
1. Spencer Massey		1. Robert Hight		1. Greg Anderson		1. Eddie Krawiec
2. Antron Brown		2. Ron Capps		2. Jason Line		2. Andrew Hines
3. Tony Schumacher		3. Jack Beckman		3. Allen Johnson		3. Hector Arana Jr.
4. Steve Torrence		4. Mike Neff		4. Mike Edwards		4. Hector Arana Sr.
5. Doug Kalitta		5. Johnny Gray		5. Vincent Nobile		5. Karen Stoffer
6. Morgan Lucas				6. Erica Enders
7. Shawn Langdon
8. David Grubnic
9. Brandon Bernstein

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS ONCE AGAIN A HIGH-PERFORMANCE SHOWCASE: More than 950 competitors in 12 racing categories will perform at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus in front of the standing-room-only crowd during the Labor Day weekend classic. The event takes place at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, August 29–September 3. It is the 17th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series for 2012 and the final of 17 regular-season races. Following this event, the top 10 drivers in each Pro category will be locked in for the six-race Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA’s postseason playoffs.

The 58th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus will be showcased nationwide on ESPN2 and ESPN2HD during more than 10 hours of coverage. Each year at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus, fans are offered a glimpse into the past with several attractions, and the 2012 edition of this event is no exception: Many additional events and special attractions will continue the celebration of the NHRA’s yearlong Nitro Generation theme. Throughout the weekend, an assortment of vintage hot rods will be on display in a special Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Car Corral. Several autograph sessions featuring many of the legends of the sport also will be featured throughout the weekend. A special Nitro Generation Track Walk also will be held prior to Monday’s pre-race ceremony, and many of the sport’s biggest stars will walk alongside fans down the historic dragstrip.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS PRESENTED BY AUTO-PLUS, Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, August 29–September 3: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 17th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points at the last race in the regular season for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners were Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

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 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, NHRA’s playoffs. The 2011 winners were Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or log on to zMAXDragway.com.

AAA TEXAS NHRA FALL NATIONALS, Texas Motorplex, September 21–23: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 19th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and the second race of the Countdown. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points towards the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners were Bob Vandergriff (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-668-6775 or log on to TexasMotorplex.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

RON CAPPS BEATS THE BEST OF THE BEST, REFLECTS ON BRAINERD: After getting his third win of the season at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Ron Capps took the Funny Car points lead for the first time this season in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. However, it wasn’t an easy battle. He had to beat the best of the best: 15-time NHRA world Funny Car champion John Force. “Force is cagey. He’s good here. He could be having the worst year ever and still come here and win. I was doubtful that we were going to get a win. He’s been eking it out all day and getting on a roll. He knows how to take it to the next level.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

7: NUMBER OF DAYS LEFT TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE DRIVER TO COMPETE IN THE TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT IN INDIANAPOLIS:

Top Fuel drivers eligible for the eighth position:


• Khalid alBalooshi
• Brandon Bernstein
• Shawn Langdon
• Terry McMillen
• Clay Millican
• Bob Vandergriff Jr.

Funny Car drivers eligible for the eighth position:


• Alexis DeJoria
• Courtney Force
• Matt Hagan
• Todd Lesenko
• Cruz Pedregon
• Tony Pedregon
• Bob Tasca III
• Tim Wilkerson

Traxxas Nitro Shootout first-round pairings:

TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT (TOP FUEL)		TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT (FUNNY CAR)
1. Antron Brown vs. No. 8 fan vote/lottery		1. Ron Capps vs. No. 8 fan vote/lottery
2. Spencer Massey vs. No. 7 David Grubnic		2. Robert Hight vs. No. 7 Jeff Arend
3. Tony Schumacher vs. No. 6 Morgan Lucas		3. Jack Beckman vs. No. 6 John Force
4. Steve Torrence vs. No. 5 Doug Kalitta		4. Johnny Gray vs. No. 5 Mike

DID YOU KNOW…

FISHER NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NHRA MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM: Larry Fisher has been named executive director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by Automobile Club of Southern California at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. In his new position, Fisher will be responsible for administrative operations and fundraising efforts for the museum, which is on the grounds of the Los Angeles County Fairplex complex, also home to historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. He will also be responsible for the overall management of the museum’s two biggest fundraising events: the Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and the California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield. For more information about this story, visit www.NHRA.com.

	The application deadline for SEMA Show press conferences is August 31.

SEMA Show exhibitors making newsworthy announcements during the Show are invited to submit an application to host a press conference. With nearly 2,000 exhibiting companies at the SEMA Show, press conference topics must be newsworthy, and a schedule is created in advance to avoid conflicts.

To be considered for an official SEMA Show press conference, submit an online application before the August 31 deadline. An automatic message will be e-mailed to confirm the application was submitted properly. Approved exhibitors will receive an assigned date/time by September 17.

For questions regarding SEMA Show press conferences, please contact dellad@sema.org.

	The application deadline for SEMA Show press conferences is August 31.

SEMA Show exhibitors making newsworthy announcements during the Show are invited to submit an application to host a press conference. With nearly 2,000 exhibiting companies at the SEMA Show, press conference topics must be newsworthy, and a schedule is created in advance to avoid conflicts.

To be considered for an official SEMA Show press conference, submit an online application before the August 31 deadline. An automatic message will be e-mailed to confirm the application was submitted properly. Approved exhibitors will receive an assigned date/time by September 17.

For questions regarding SEMA Show press conferences, please contact dellad@sema.org.

The SEMA Show is coming to town, and Las Vegas is rolling out the red carpet to ensure everyone not only has a great time, but also is treated like a high-roller. Over the next several weeks, SEMA will introduce discounts negotiated with numerous venues across town just by letting them know you are in Las Vegas for the SEMA Show. For many offers, it will be as simple as showing them your badge.

While many of the discounts will be available in the numerous restaurants and lounges across Las Vegas, there is a great opportunity to be entertained for a little less money this year, thanks to many of the shows in town. Below is a sample of the shows that will provide a discount to SEMA Show attendees this year:

Show	Hotel	Dates	Discount & How to Redeem
Guns N’ Roses: Appetite for Democracy	Hard Rock	All shows	10% off (Use code GNRSEMA through Ticketmaster or at the hotel’s box office; offer valid starting August 24)
Absinthe	Caesars Palace	All shows	$20 off (use code CON20 online)
Gordie Brown	Golden Nugget	All shows	2 for 1 tickets
Auto Collection	Imperial Palace	All days	20% off
Criss Angel Believe	Luxor	All shows	35% off (call 800-557-7428 and mention SEMA)
Kà	MGM Grand	All shows	30% off (call 866-740-7711 and mention SEMA)
The Beatles Love	Mirage	All shows	30% off (call 800-963-9634) or at the box office
Terry Fator	Mirage	All shows	30% off (call 800-963-9634) or at the box office
“O”	Bellagio	10:00 p.m. show (Thursday–Saturday)	15% off (call 888-488-7111 and mention SEMA)
Jersey Boys	Paris	All shows	$40 off orchestra (use code 40DISC online)
Peepshow	Planet Hollywood	All shows	$40 off orchestra (use code 40DISC online)
Crazy Girls	Riviera	All shows	25% off (call 800-634-3420)
Comedy Club	Riviera	All shows	25% off (call 800-634-3420)
Illusions	Riviera	All shows	25% off (call 800-634-3420)
BITE	Stratosphere	All shows	$10 off (call 702-380-7777 and use code SEMAP1)
Frank Moreno	Stratosphere	All shows	Free VIP upgrade (call 702-380-7777 and use code SEMAP2)
Mystère	TI	October 28–31	35% off (call 800-392-1999 and use code DE35 or Delegate35)

More discounts will be announced soon in future issues of SEMA eNews and SEMA News magazine.

The SEMA Show is coming to town, and Las Vegas is rolling out the red carpet to ensure everyone not only has a great time, but also is treated like a high-roller. Over the next several weeks, SEMA will introduce discounts negotiated with numerous venues across town just by letting them know you are in Las Vegas for the SEMA Show. For many offers, it will be as simple as showing them your badge.

While many of the discounts will be available in the numerous restaurants and lounges across Las Vegas, there is a great opportunity to be entertained for a little less money this year, thanks to many of the shows in town. Below is a sample of the shows that will provide a discount to SEMA Show attendees this year:

Show	Hotel	Dates	Discount & How to Redeem
Guns N’ Roses: Appetite for Democracy	Hard Rock	All shows	10% off (Use code GNRSEMA through Ticketmaster or at the hotel’s box office; offer valid starting August 24)
Absinthe	Caesars Palace	All shows	$20 off (use code CON20 online)
Gordie Brown	Golden Nugget	All shows	2 for 1 tickets
Auto Collection	Imperial Palace	All days	20% off
Criss Angel Believe	Luxor	All shows	35% off (call 800-557-7428 and mention SEMA)
Kà	MGM Grand	All shows	30% off (call 866-740-7711 and mention SEMA)
The Beatles Love	Mirage	All shows	30% off (call 800-963-9634) or at the box office
Terry Fator	Mirage	All shows	30% off (call 800-963-9634) or at the box office
“O”	Bellagio	10:00 p.m. show (Thursday–Saturday)	15% off (call 888-488-7111 and mention SEMA)
Jersey Boys	Paris	All shows	$40 off orchestra (use code 40DISC online)
Peepshow	Planet Hollywood	All shows	$40 off orchestra (use code 40DISC online)
Crazy Girls	Riviera	All shows	25% off (call 800-634-3420)
Comedy Club	Riviera	All shows	25% off (call 800-634-3420)
Illusions	Riviera	All shows	25% off (call 800-634-3420)
BITE	Stratosphere	All shows	$10 off (call 702-380-7777 and use code SEMAP1)
Frank Moreno	Stratosphere	All shows	Free VIP upgrade (call 702-380-7777 and use code SEMAP2)
Mystère	TI	October 28–31	35% off (call 800-392-1999 and use code DE35 or Delegate35)

More discounts will be announced soon in future issues of SEMA eNews and SEMA News magazine.

SEMA Show Exhibitors are eligible for a free listing in the widely distributed International Buyers’ Guide.

The final deadline to register for a free listing in the 2012 SEMA International Buyers' Guide—a resource for international buyers seeking new suppliers—is September 8. Exhibitors registering by the deadline can also include the appropriate international staff at your firm, further assisting international buyers in finding your booth at the Show and year round. Reserve a complimentary listing now!