NEWS NUGGETS

NHRA DRIVERS ARE PRIMED AND READY FOR GRUELING THREE-RACE WESTERN SWING: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads west for the Western Swing—back-to-back-to-back races that start in Denver, head to Sonoma, California, then finish in Seattle. The 33rd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals kicks off the Western Swing at Bandimere Speedway, followed by the 25th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals and the 25th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries. Without breaks between these three races, teams have to work hard to make sure they are ready and have enough parts and willpower. Ron Capps sits second in the Funny Car championship points battle, and he is ready to battle.

“You have to pace yourself for sure. It's really hard on the crew chiefs to go from Denver down to sea level at Sonoma. As a driver, you've just got to pace yourself and try to be in the best shape you can because Denver will test every bit of what you've got. Then, of course, Seattle is just some of the best air. With all the trees around, people forget oxygen, and it's close to sea level, and it can have records set there. I think probably one thing if I had to answer would be pace yourself.”

For more information and tickets, log on to www.NHRA.com.

MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS SET TO KICK OFF THE SWING: The traditional three-week NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Western Swing kicks off at scenic Bandimere Speedway with the 33rd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, July 20–22. The 13th of 23 events in the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series marks the middle of the season and the deal breaker to qualify for the Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA’s playoffs. Drivers in all four categories—Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle—will race to the top of the mountain.

The Full Throttle teams travel high and deep into the Rocky Mountains to more than 5,800 ft., where the altitude affects everything from engine tune-ups to aerodynamics, to begin the Western Swing. Crews must make changes to established power-making combinations and battle lack of downforce to tackle the environs. The event is a testament to the skill and adaptability of the racers. In addition to the racing action, a host of activities will be held in celebration of the 33rd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals. On Thursday, July 19, fans are invited to attend the lively Mopar Block Party in downtown Golden, Colorado, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., featuring a live band, car displays and a driver autograph session. On Saturday before racing, the Go Red for Women Track Walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. to bring awareness to heart disease (www.goredforwomen.org). This experience gives fans the chance to walk the same track where NHRA drivers compete at speeds of 300 mph and be joined by NHRA racers. The event is free for all Saturday ticket holders. For tickets, call 800-664-UWIN (8946) or log on to Bandimere.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS, BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY, July 20–22: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 13th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-664-UWIN (8946) or log on to Bandimere.com.

NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS, SONOMA, July 27–29: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 14th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season in the San Francisco Bay area of Northern California, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-870-RACE (7223) or log on to RaceSonoma.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS, PACIFIC RACEWAYS, Aug. 3–5: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 15th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season in the Northwest, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

TORRENCE PROUD AS CAN BE OF NEW TEAM’S SUCCESS: After starting his own team in the middle of 2011, Steve Torrence is in awe of its success in such a short time. With two wins in four final-round appearances and two No. 1 qualifying positions, earning him fourth place in the points battle, the Texas native is proud that his single-car team can beat the powerhouse multi-car teams and have a fighting chance at the Full Throttle world championship.

“I'm very proud; I'm proud of every one of the guys who have had any part to do with it. The team that I have right now has performed flawlessly. Richard Hogan has a very good tune-up for the hot-weather setup, and it shows. We were low of every session this weekend (in Norwalk, Ohio) on a racetrack that's 140 degrees. It's very gratifying to be able to go out and (compete with what) I call Schumacher Racing, that's the racing factory. They produce top-notch drivers, top-notch crew chiefs, top-notch crew guys. Everything over there is built about being the best. To be able to come out and race with those guys and being fourth in the points right behind all three of those cars, that's huge. I couldn't be more proud of my guys and what we've put together here.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

7: ONLY SEVEN DRIVERS HAVE SWEPT THE WESTERN SWING: The NHRA embarks on the Western Swing starting in Denver July 20–22, then moves to Sonoma, California, July 27–29 and finishes up in Seattle, August 3–5. Since the beginning of the Western Swing, only seven drivers have won all three races in a row: Joe Amato (1991), John Force (1994), Cory McClenathan (1997), Larry Dixon (2003), Greg Anderson (2004), Tony Schumacher (2008) and Antron Brown (2009).


DID YOU KNOW…

CAR AND DRIVER TV TEAMS WITH KALITTA MOTORSPORTS TO EXPLAIN HOW A TOP FUEL DRAGSTER WORKS: Earlier this year, the producers for Car and Driver TV—Car and Driver magazine’s new YouTube channel—asked Kalitta Motorsports to participate in a segment titled “How’d They Do That?” for the Popular Mechanics section of the channel about how an NHRA Top Fuel dragster works and what it takes to cover the track in less than 3.9 seconds at more than 320 mph.

At the 43rd annual Toyota NHRA SuperNationals in June, an eight-person video-production crew filmed Team Kalitta driver David Grubnic and the Optima Batteries Top Fuel dragster team putting their dragster through its paces both on and off the racetrack at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. The video crew spent all day Saturday, June 2, filming in the Team Kalitta pit area during qualifying for the event. The video breaks down a Top Fuel run and all of the critical components of the Optima Batteries Top Fueler used to make it happen. Grubnic not only drives the Optima Batteries hot rod, but he is also very much hands-on with all of its mechanical workings and advises team owner, crew chief and drag-racing legend Connie Kalitta on his race car’s tune-up. It’s Grubnic’s multifaceted nitro knowledge that helps him give in-depth analysis of all of the Optima Batteries dragster’s systems throughout the video. Visit www.NHRA.com for the video.

NEWS NUGGETS

NHRA DRIVERS ARE PRIMED AND READY FOR GRUELING THREE-RACE WESTERN SWING: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads west for the Western Swing—back-to-back-to-back races that start in Denver, head to Sonoma, California, then finish in Seattle. The 33rd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals kicks off the Western Swing at Bandimere Speedway, followed by the 25th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals and the 25th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries. Without breaks between these three races, teams have to work hard to make sure they are ready and have enough parts and willpower. Ron Capps sits second in the Funny Car championship points battle, and he is ready to battle.

“You have to pace yourself for sure. It's really hard on the crew chiefs to go from Denver down to sea level at Sonoma. As a driver, you've just got to pace yourself and try to be in the best shape you can because Denver will test every bit of what you've got. Then, of course, Seattle is just some of the best air. With all the trees around, people forget oxygen, and it's close to sea level, and it can have records set there. I think probably one thing if I had to answer would be pace yourself.”

For more information and tickets, log on to www.NHRA.com.

MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS SET TO KICK OFF THE SWING: The traditional three-week NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Western Swing kicks off at scenic Bandimere Speedway with the 33rd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, July 20–22. The 13th of 23 events in the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series marks the middle of the season and the deal breaker to qualify for the Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA’s playoffs. Drivers in all four categories—Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle—will race to the top of the mountain.

The Full Throttle teams travel high and deep into the Rocky Mountains to more than 5,800 ft., where the altitude affects everything from engine tune-ups to aerodynamics, to begin the Western Swing. Crews must make changes to established power-making combinations and battle lack of downforce to tackle the environs. The event is a testament to the skill and adaptability of the racers. In addition to the racing action, a host of activities will be held in celebration of the 33rd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals. On Thursday, July 19, fans are invited to attend the lively Mopar Block Party in downtown Golden, Colorado, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., featuring a live band, car displays and a driver autograph session. On Saturday before racing, the Go Red for Women Track Walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. to bring awareness to heart disease (www.goredforwomen.org). This experience gives fans the chance to walk the same track where NHRA drivers compete at speeds of 300 mph and be joined by NHRA racers. The event is free for all Saturday ticket holders. For tickets, call 800-664-UWIN (8946) or log on to Bandimere.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS, BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY, July 20–22: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 13th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-664-UWIN (8946) or log on to Bandimere.com.

NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS, SONOMA, July 27–29: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 14th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season in the San Francisco Bay area of Northern California, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-870-RACE (7223) or log on to RaceSonoma.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS, PACIFIC RACEWAYS, Aug. 3–5: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 15th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season in the Northwest, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

TORRENCE PROUD AS CAN BE OF NEW TEAM’S SUCCESS: After starting his own team in the middle of 2011, Steve Torrence is in awe of its success in such a short time. With two wins in four final-round appearances and two No. 1 qualifying positions, earning him fourth place in the points battle, the Texas native is proud that his single-car team can beat the powerhouse multi-car teams and have a fighting chance at the Full Throttle world championship.

“I'm very proud; I'm proud of every one of the guys who have had any part to do with it. The team that I have right now has performed flawlessly. Richard Hogan has a very good tune-up for the hot-weather setup, and it shows. We were low of every session this weekend (in Norwalk, Ohio) on a racetrack that's 140 degrees. It's very gratifying to be able to go out and (compete with what) I call Schumacher Racing, that's the racing factory. They produce top-notch drivers, top-notch crew chiefs, top-notch crew guys. Everything over there is built about being the best. To be able to come out and race with those guys and being fourth in the points right behind all three of those cars, that's huge. I couldn't be more proud of my guys and what we've put together here.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

7: ONLY SEVEN DRIVERS HAVE SWEPT THE WESTERN SWING: The NHRA embarks on the Western Swing starting in Denver July 20–22, then moves to Sonoma, California, July 27–29 and finishes up in Seattle, August 3–5. Since the beginning of the Western Swing, only seven drivers have won all three races in a row: Joe Amato (1991), John Force (1994), Cory McClenathan (1997), Larry Dixon (2003), Greg Anderson (2004), Tony Schumacher (2008) and Antron Brown (2009).


DID YOU KNOW…

CAR AND DRIVER TV TEAMS WITH KALITTA MOTORSPORTS TO EXPLAIN HOW A TOP FUEL DRAGSTER WORKS: Earlier this year, the producers for Car and Driver TV—Car and Driver magazine’s new YouTube channel—asked Kalitta Motorsports to participate in a segment titled “How’d They Do That?” for the Popular Mechanics section of the channel about how an NHRA Top Fuel dragster works and what it takes to cover the track in less than 3.9 seconds at more than 320 mph.

At the 43rd annual Toyota NHRA SuperNationals in June, an eight-person video-production crew filmed Team Kalitta driver David Grubnic and the Optima Batteries Top Fuel dragster team putting their dragster through its paces both on and off the racetrack at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. The video crew spent all day Saturday, June 2, filming in the Team Kalitta pit area during qualifying for the event. The video breaks down a Top Fuel run and all of the critical components of the Optima Batteries Top Fueler used to make it happen. Grubnic not only drives the Optima Batteries hot rod, but he is also very much hands-on with all of its mechanical workings and advises team owner, crew chief and drag-racing legend Connie Kalitta on his race car’s tune-up. It’s Grubnic’s multifaceted nitro knowledge that helps him give in-depth analysis of all of the Optima Batteries dragster’s systems throughout the video. Visit www.NHRA.com for the video.

NEWS NUGGETS

NHRA DRIVERS ARE PRIMED AND READY FOR GRUELING THREE-RACE WESTERN SWING: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads west for the Western Swing—back-to-back-to-back races that start in Denver, head to Sonoma, California, then finish in Seattle. The 33rd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals kicks off the Western Swing at Bandimere Speedway, followed by the 25th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals and the 25th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries. Without breaks between these three races, teams have to work hard to make sure they are ready and have enough parts and willpower. Ron Capps sits second in the Funny Car championship points battle, and he is ready to battle.

“You have to pace yourself for sure. It's really hard on the crew chiefs to go from Denver down to sea level at Sonoma. As a driver, you've just got to pace yourself and try to be in the best shape you can because Denver will test every bit of what you've got. Then, of course, Seattle is just some of the best air. With all the trees around, people forget oxygen, and it's close to sea level, and it can have records set there. I think probably one thing if I had to answer would be pace yourself.”

For more information and tickets, log on to www.NHRA.com.

MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS SET TO KICK OFF THE SWING: The traditional three-week NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Western Swing kicks off at scenic Bandimere Speedway with the 33rd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, July 20–22. The 13th of 23 events in the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series marks the middle of the season and the deal breaker to qualify for the Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA’s playoffs. Drivers in all four categories—Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle—will race to the top of the mountain.

The Full Throttle teams travel high and deep into the Rocky Mountains to more than 5,800 ft., where the altitude affects everything from engine tune-ups to aerodynamics, to begin the Western Swing. Crews must make changes to established power-making combinations and battle lack of downforce to tackle the environs. The event is a testament to the skill and adaptability of the racers. In addition to the racing action, a host of activities will be held in celebration of the 33rd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals. On Thursday, July 19, fans are invited to attend the lively Mopar Block Party in downtown Golden, Colorado, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., featuring a live band, car displays and a driver autograph session. On Saturday before racing, the Go Red for Women Track Walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. to bring awareness to heart disease (www.goredforwomen.org). This experience gives fans the chance to walk the same track where NHRA drivers compete at speeds of 300 mph and be joined by NHRA racers. The event is free for all Saturday ticket holders. For tickets, call 800-664-UWIN (8946) or log on to Bandimere.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS, BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY, July 20–22: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 13th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-664-UWIN (8946) or log on to Bandimere.com.

NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS, SONOMA, July 27–29: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 14th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season in the San Francisco Bay area of Northern California, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-870-RACE (7223) or log on to RaceSonoma.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS, PACIFIC RACEWAYS, Aug. 3–5: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 15th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season in the Northwest, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

TORRENCE PROUD AS CAN BE OF NEW TEAM’S SUCCESS: After starting his own team in the middle of 2011, Steve Torrence is in awe of its success in such a short time. With two wins in four final-round appearances and two No. 1 qualifying positions, earning him fourth place in the points battle, the Texas native is proud that his single-car team can beat the powerhouse multi-car teams and have a fighting chance at the Full Throttle world championship.

“I'm very proud; I'm proud of every one of the guys who have had any part to do with it. The team that I have right now has performed flawlessly. Richard Hogan has a very good tune-up for the hot-weather setup, and it shows. We were low of every session this weekend (in Norwalk, Ohio) on a racetrack that's 140 degrees. It's very gratifying to be able to go out and (compete with what) I call Schumacher Racing, that's the racing factory. They produce top-notch drivers, top-notch crew chiefs, top-notch crew guys. Everything over there is built about being the best. To be able to come out and race with those guys and being fourth in the points right behind all three of those cars, that's huge. I couldn't be more proud of my guys and what we've put together here.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

7: ONLY SEVEN DRIVERS HAVE SWEPT THE WESTERN SWING: The NHRA embarks on the Western Swing starting in Denver July 20–22, then moves to Sonoma, California, July 27–29 and finishes up in Seattle, August 3–5. Since the beginning of the Western Swing, only seven drivers have won all three races in a row: Joe Amato (1991), John Force (1994), Cory McClenathan (1997), Larry Dixon (2003), Greg Anderson (2004), Tony Schumacher (2008) and Antron Brown (2009).


DID YOU KNOW…

CAR AND DRIVER TV TEAMS WITH KALITTA MOTORSPORTS TO EXPLAIN HOW A TOP FUEL DRAGSTER WORKS: Earlier this year, the producers for Car and Driver TV—Car and Driver magazine’s new YouTube channel—asked Kalitta Motorsports to participate in a segment titled “How’d They Do That?” for the Popular Mechanics section of the channel about how an NHRA Top Fuel dragster works and what it takes to cover the track in less than 3.9 seconds at more than 320 mph.

At the 43rd annual Toyota NHRA SuperNationals in June, an eight-person video-production crew filmed Team Kalitta driver David Grubnic and the Optima Batteries Top Fuel dragster team putting their dragster through its paces both on and off the racetrack at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. The video crew spent all day Saturday, June 2, filming in the Team Kalitta pit area during qualifying for the event. The video breaks down a Top Fuel run and all of the critical components of the Optima Batteries Top Fueler used to make it happen. Grubnic not only drives the Optima Batteries hot rod, but he is also very much hands-on with all of its mechanical workings and advises team owner, crew chief and drag-racing legend Connie Kalitta on his race car’s tune-up. It’s Grubnic’s multifaceted nitro knowledge that helps him give in-depth analysis of all of the Optima Batteries dragster’s systems throughout the video. Visit www.NHRA.com for the video.

During the Installation Banquet's sit-down dinner, the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame members are introduced and the newly elected SEMA Board of Directors are sworn in.

Time is running out to reserve your seat for the industry networking event of the year! Join the hundreds of leaders and professionals from the specialty-equipment industry to honor noteworthy icons and volunteers during the 2012 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27. The event will be held at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California, located just down the road from the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.



The hotel's brand-new, state-of-the-art conference center opened in January 2012 with an additional 30,000-sq.-ft. of meeting space, allowing SEMA to accommodate more guests than in previous years.

The annual event serves as the industry's premier celebration where newly elected Board of Directors are sworn in and SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced for the first time. The newest industry icons to be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame are Nick Arias Jr., Bill France Sr., Mark Heffington and Bob Larivee Sr.

"While the products and customizing trends take center stage at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the SEMA Installation Banquet is a time to shine the light on the people and volunteers who make this industry a success," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "This is truly a unique event where we honor and thank our industry’s leaders.”

Order banquet tickets now!



The event begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will have time to mix and mingle with industry icons and celebrities and see the final rounds of the Pinewood Drag Races. Be sure to enter or sponsor a car as part of the event's fundraising activities. During the sit-down dinner that follows, the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame members are introduced, and the newly elected SEMA Board of Directors are sworn in.

 This year, in addition to the Hall of Fame inductees and SEMA Board members, there will be a special guest introduced. 

Enter or sponsor a Pinewood Drag Race Car now!



Proceeds from ticket sales benefit two children's charities: Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. 



Rooms are still available at the hotel in the SEMA block. For more information, visit www.sema.org/gala
 or contact Michelle Harris at michelleh@sema.org or 909-978-6684.

During the Installation Banquet's sit-down dinner, the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame members are introduced and the newly elected SEMA Board of Directors are sworn in.

Time is running out to reserve your seat for the industry networking event of the year! Join the hundreds of leaders and professionals from the specialty-equipment industry to honor noteworthy icons and volunteers during the 2012 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27. The event will be held at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California, located just down the road from the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.



The hotel's brand-new, state-of-the-art conference center opened in January 2012 with an additional 30,000-sq.-ft. of meeting space, allowing SEMA to accommodate more guests than in previous years.

The annual event serves as the industry's premier celebration where newly elected Board of Directors are sworn in and SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced for the first time. The newest industry icons to be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame are Nick Arias Jr., Bill France Sr., Mark Heffington and Bob Larivee Sr.

"While the products and customizing trends take center stage at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the SEMA Installation Banquet is a time to shine the light on the people and volunteers who make this industry a success," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "This is truly a unique event where we honor and thank our industry’s leaders.”

Order banquet tickets now!



The event begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will have time to mix and mingle with industry icons and celebrities and see the final rounds of the Pinewood Drag Races. Be sure to enter or sponsor a car as part of the event's fundraising activities. During the sit-down dinner that follows, the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame members are introduced, and the newly elected SEMA Board of Directors are sworn in.

 This year, in addition to the Hall of Fame inductees and SEMA Board members, there will be a special guest introduced. 

Enter or sponsor a Pinewood Drag Race Car now!



Proceeds from ticket sales benefit two children's charities: Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. 



Rooms are still available at the hotel in the SEMA block. For more information, visit www.sema.org/gala
 or contact Michelle Harris at michelleh@sema.org or 909-978-6684.

During the Installation Banquet's sit-down dinner, the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame members are introduced and the newly elected SEMA Board of Directors are sworn in.

Time is running out to reserve your seat for the industry networking event of the year! Join the hundreds of leaders and professionals from the specialty-equipment industry to honor noteworthy icons and volunteers during the 2012 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27. The event will be held at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California, located just down the road from the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.



The hotel's brand-new, state-of-the-art conference center opened in January 2012 with an additional 30,000-sq.-ft. of meeting space, allowing SEMA to accommodate more guests than in previous years.

The annual event serves as the industry's premier celebration where newly elected Board of Directors are sworn in and SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced for the first time. The newest industry icons to be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame are Nick Arias Jr., Bill France Sr., Mark Heffington and Bob Larivee Sr.

"While the products and customizing trends take center stage at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the SEMA Installation Banquet is a time to shine the light on the people and volunteers who make this industry a success," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "This is truly a unique event where we honor and thank our industry’s leaders.”

Order banquet tickets now!



The event begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will have time to mix and mingle with industry icons and celebrities and see the final rounds of the Pinewood Drag Races. Be sure to enter or sponsor a car as part of the event's fundraising activities. During the sit-down dinner that follows, the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame members are introduced, and the newly elected SEMA Board of Directors are sworn in.

 This year, in addition to the Hall of Fame inductees and SEMA Board members, there will be a special guest introduced. 

Enter or sponsor a Pinewood Drag Race Car now!



Proceeds from ticket sales benefit two children's charities: Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. 



Rooms are still available at the hotel in the SEMA block. For more information, visit www.sema.org/gala
 or contact Michelle Harris at michelleh@sema.org or 909-978-6684.

During the Installation Banquet's sit-down dinner, the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame members are introduced and the newly elected SEMA Board of Directors are sworn in.

Time is running out to reserve your seat for the industry networking event of the year! Join the hundreds of leaders and professionals from the specialty-equipment industry to honor noteworthy icons and volunteers during the 2012 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27. The event will be held at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California, located just down the road from the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.



The hotel's brand-new, state-of-the-art conference center opened in January 2012 with an additional 30,000-sq.-ft. of meeting space, allowing SEMA to accommodate more guests than in previous years.

The annual event serves as the industry's premier celebration where newly elected Board of Directors are sworn in and SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced for the first time. The newest industry icons to be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame are Nick Arias Jr., Bill France Sr., Mark Heffington and Bob Larivee Sr.

"While the products and customizing trends take center stage at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the SEMA Installation Banquet is a time to shine the light on the people and volunteers who make this industry a success," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "This is truly a unique event where we honor and thank our industry’s leaders.”

Order banquet tickets now!



The event begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will have time to mix and mingle with industry icons and celebrities and see the final rounds of the Pinewood Drag Races. Be sure to enter or sponsor a car as part of the event's fundraising activities. During the sit-down dinner that follows, the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame members are introduced, and the newly elected SEMA Board of Directors are sworn in.

 This year, in addition to the Hall of Fame inductees and SEMA Board members, there will be a special guest introduced. 

Enter or sponsor a Pinewood Drag Race Car now!



Proceeds from ticket sales benefit two children's charities: Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. 



Rooms are still available at the hotel in the SEMA block. For more information, visit www.sema.org/gala
 or contact Michelle Harris at michelleh@sema.org or 909-978-6684.

	Theresa Contreras of L&G Enterprises will lead the paint/body team during each phase of the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women.

The all-female build team is now finalized for the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. Starting in July at Source Interlink Media’s Southern California headquarters, the team of technicians, enthusiasts and industry personnel will work together to customize the ’13 Ford Mustang GT donated by Ford Motor Co.—the title sponsor of the project.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) assembled more than 30 women for the team to install 50-state-legal, street-legal aftermarket parts provided by SEMA-member manufacturers and suppliers on the Mustang GT. The team will transform the vehicle into the winning black-chrome, satin luxury Mustang concept known as “High Gear,” which was designed by Jennifer Seely of Ford and chosen by Source Interlink magazine readers and fans in June. The completed vehicle will be auctioned off on eBay Motors with proceeds being donated to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Kellie Colf, SBN assembly coordinator and president of Colf Creative Resources, said, "I am thrilled to be working with such a talented team of women. There are SBN members coming in from all corners of the industry, with all levels of expertise and it’s amazing to witness. The best part is that I get to work with other like-minded female gearheads, build an amazing car and help fund scholarships for future industry leaders all at the same time!"

The following women from the SBN will lead their respective teams during each phase of the build in El Segundo, California. For more information about the women behind the project and the manufacturers supporting them, visit www.sema.org/SEMAMustangBuild and follow the build at www.youtube.com/MotorTrend and www.hotrod.com starting July 9, 2012.

Powertrain Team: JoAnn Bortles, Crazy Horse Custom Paint, Waxhaw, North Carolina

The SEMA Mustang Build was the brainchild of JoAnn Bortles after she participated in a successful all-female motorcycle build. Bortles has more than 30 years of experience as an award-winning custom painter, airbrush artist, welder/fabricator, photojournalist and is the author of six books. In addition to having owned a Mustang repair shop in the early ’80s, she is one of the first women to own and operate a custom paint shop in the United States.

Paint/Body Team: Theresa Contreras, L&G Enterprises, San Dimas, California

With a background in graphic design, Theresa Contreras’ vast experience includes vehicle design concepts and renderings, with a specialty in custom painting. She’s been featured numerous times in paint tech articles and recently participated in an episode of “Car Warriors,” where she was the first female team leader. During the competition, Contreras led her team to victory with their ’70 Chevrolet C-10.

Undercarriage Team: Mollie Lewis, All in the Wrist Auto and Diesel Repair, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Mollie Lewis has been in the automotive/diesel service and repair industry for 25 years. Her certifications include: EPA Certification Refrigerant and Reclamation and Handling, MOOG Alignment Certification and No Code Diagnostic Strategies. As an ASE-certified technician, Lewis is well equipped to lead the team of women who will install the aftermarket exhaust, suspension, wheels and tires.

Interior & Stereo Team: Kristin Cline, Cie Studios, Long Beach, California

Kristin Cline’s automotive experience began when she acquired her first classic car more than six years ago. Cline is comfortable working on various years/makes/models of vehicles and maintains her own blog about the automotive hobby at greasegirl.com. She is also a founding member of the Gasoline Girls car club where she shares her knowledge and encourages other women to get their hands dirty in the garage.

Quality Inspection Team: Jennifer LaFever, RoushYates Racing Engines, Mooresville, North Carolina

Jennifer LaFever has been in the automotive industry for several years and has earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and attended Universal Technical Institute for automotive technology and motorsports. LaFever’s expertise is in component inspections, mathematical calculations and diagnostics with a strong understanding of electronics.

The SBN Vehicle Build Task Force is comprised of Task Force Chair Rose Kawasaki (Exports International), Project Vehicle Coordinator Sherry Kollien (Ford Motor Co.), Assembly Coordinator Kellie Colf (Colf Creative Resources), PR/Media Coordinator Camee Edelbrock (Schiefer Media Inc.) and Product Coordinator Susan Carpenter (JR Products). Advisors include Mike Spagnola (Street Scene Equipment), Joel Ayres (Bedslide/Takit) and Marla Moore (Hypertech).

	Theresa Contreras of L&G Enterprises will lead the paint/body team during each phase of the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women.

The all-female build team is now finalized for the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. Starting in July at Source Interlink Media’s Southern California headquarters, the team of technicians, enthusiasts and industry personnel will work together to customize the ’13 Ford Mustang GT donated by Ford Motor Co.—the title sponsor of the project.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) assembled more than 30 women for the team to install 50-state-legal, street-legal aftermarket parts provided by SEMA-member manufacturers and suppliers on the Mustang GT. The team will transform the vehicle into the winning black-chrome, satin luxury Mustang concept known as “High Gear,” which was designed by Jennifer Seely of Ford and chosen by Source Interlink magazine readers and fans in June. The completed vehicle will be auctioned off on eBay Motors with proceeds being donated to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Kellie Colf, SBN assembly coordinator and president of Colf Creative Resources, said, "I am thrilled to be working with such a talented team of women. There are SBN members coming in from all corners of the industry, with all levels of expertise and it’s amazing to witness. The best part is that I get to work with other like-minded female gearheads, build an amazing car and help fund scholarships for future industry leaders all at the same time!"

The following women from the SBN will lead their respective teams during each phase of the build in El Segundo, California. For more information about the women behind the project and the manufacturers supporting them, visit www.sema.org/SEMAMustangBuild and follow the build at www.youtube.com/MotorTrend and www.hotrod.com starting July 9, 2012.

Powertrain Team: JoAnn Bortles, Crazy Horse Custom Paint, Waxhaw, North Carolina

The SEMA Mustang Build was the brainchild of JoAnn Bortles after she participated in a successful all-female motorcycle build. Bortles has more than 30 years of experience as an award-winning custom painter, airbrush artist, welder/fabricator, photojournalist and is the author of six books. In addition to having owned a Mustang repair shop in the early ’80s, she is one of the first women to own and operate a custom paint shop in the United States.

Paint/Body Team: Theresa Contreras, L&G Enterprises, San Dimas, California

With a background in graphic design, Theresa Contreras’ vast experience includes vehicle design concepts and renderings, with a specialty in custom painting. She’s been featured numerous times in paint tech articles and recently participated in an episode of “Car Warriors,” where she was the first female team leader. During the competition, Contreras led her team to victory with their ’70 Chevrolet C-10.

Undercarriage Team: Mollie Lewis, All in the Wrist Auto and Diesel Repair, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Mollie Lewis has been in the automotive/diesel service and repair industry for 25 years. Her certifications include: EPA Certification Refrigerant and Reclamation and Handling, MOOG Alignment Certification and No Code Diagnostic Strategies. As an ASE-certified technician, Lewis is well equipped to lead the team of women who will install the aftermarket exhaust, suspension, wheels and tires.

Interior & Stereo Team: Kristin Cline, Cie Studios, Long Beach, California

Kristin Cline’s automotive experience began when she acquired her first classic car more than six years ago. Cline is comfortable working on various years/makes/models of vehicles and maintains her own blog about the automotive hobby at greasegirl.com. She is also a founding member of the Gasoline Girls car club where she shares her knowledge and encourages other women to get their hands dirty in the garage.

Quality Inspection Team: Jennifer LaFever, RoushYates Racing Engines, Mooresville, North Carolina

Jennifer LaFever has been in the automotive industry for several years and has earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and attended Universal Technical Institute for automotive technology and motorsports. LaFever’s expertise is in component inspections, mathematical calculations and diagnostics with a strong understanding of electronics.

The SBN Vehicle Build Task Force is comprised of Task Force Chair Rose Kawasaki (Exports International), Project Vehicle Coordinator Sherry Kollien (Ford Motor Co.), Assembly Coordinator Kellie Colf (Colf Creative Resources), PR/Media Coordinator Camee Edelbrock (Schiefer Media Inc.) and Product Coordinator Susan Carpenter (JR Products). Advisors include Mike Spagnola (Street Scene Equipment), Joel Ayres (Bedslide/Takit) and Marla Moore (Hypertech).

	Theresa Contreras of L&G Enterprises will lead the paint/body team during each phase of the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women.

The all-female build team is now finalized for the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. Starting in July at Source Interlink Media’s Southern California headquarters, the team of technicians, enthusiasts and industry personnel will work together to customize the ’13 Ford Mustang GT donated by Ford Motor Co.—the title sponsor of the project.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) assembled more than 30 women for the team to install 50-state-legal, street-legal aftermarket parts provided by SEMA-member manufacturers and suppliers on the Mustang GT. The team will transform the vehicle into the winning black-chrome, satin luxury Mustang concept known as “High Gear,” which was designed by Jennifer Seely of Ford and chosen by Source Interlink magazine readers and fans in June. The completed vehicle will be auctioned off on eBay Motors with proceeds being donated to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Kellie Colf, SBN assembly coordinator and president of Colf Creative Resources, said, "I am thrilled to be working with such a talented team of women. There are SBN members coming in from all corners of the industry, with all levels of expertise and it’s amazing to witness. The best part is that I get to work with other like-minded female gearheads, build an amazing car and help fund scholarships for future industry leaders all at the same time!"

The following women from the SBN will lead their respective teams during each phase of the build in El Segundo, California. For more information about the women behind the project and the manufacturers supporting them, visit www.sema.org/SEMAMustangBuild and follow the build at www.youtube.com/MotorTrend and www.hotrod.com starting July 9, 2012.

Powertrain Team: JoAnn Bortles, Crazy Horse Custom Paint, Waxhaw, North Carolina

The SEMA Mustang Build was the brainchild of JoAnn Bortles after she participated in a successful all-female motorcycle build. Bortles has more than 30 years of experience as an award-winning custom painter, airbrush artist, welder/fabricator, photojournalist and is the author of six books. In addition to having owned a Mustang repair shop in the early ’80s, she is one of the first women to own and operate a custom paint shop in the United States.

Paint/Body Team: Theresa Contreras, L&G Enterprises, San Dimas, California

With a background in graphic design, Theresa Contreras’ vast experience includes vehicle design concepts and renderings, with a specialty in custom painting. She’s been featured numerous times in paint tech articles and recently participated in an episode of “Car Warriors,” where she was the first female team leader. During the competition, Contreras led her team to victory with their ’70 Chevrolet C-10.

Undercarriage Team: Mollie Lewis, All in the Wrist Auto and Diesel Repair, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Mollie Lewis has been in the automotive/diesel service and repair industry for 25 years. Her certifications include: EPA Certification Refrigerant and Reclamation and Handling, MOOG Alignment Certification and No Code Diagnostic Strategies. As an ASE-certified technician, Lewis is well equipped to lead the team of women who will install the aftermarket exhaust, suspension, wheels and tires.

Interior & Stereo Team: Kristin Cline, Cie Studios, Long Beach, California

Kristin Cline’s automotive experience began when she acquired her first classic car more than six years ago. Cline is comfortable working on various years/makes/models of vehicles and maintains her own blog about the automotive hobby at greasegirl.com. She is also a founding member of the Gasoline Girls car club where she shares her knowledge and encourages other women to get their hands dirty in the garage.

Quality Inspection Team: Jennifer LaFever, RoushYates Racing Engines, Mooresville, North Carolina

Jennifer LaFever has been in the automotive industry for several years and has earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and attended Universal Technical Institute for automotive technology and motorsports. LaFever’s expertise is in component inspections, mathematical calculations and diagnostics with a strong understanding of electronics.

The SBN Vehicle Build Task Force is comprised of Task Force Chair Rose Kawasaki (Exports International), Project Vehicle Coordinator Sherry Kollien (Ford Motor Co.), Assembly Coordinator Kellie Colf (Colf Creative Resources), PR/Media Coordinator Camee Edelbrock (Schiefer Media Inc.) and Product Coordinator Susan Carpenter (JR Products). Advisors include Mike Spagnola (Street Scene Equipment), Joel Ayres (Bedslide/Takit) and Marla Moore (Hypertech).