The California State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program will provide $1,000 grants to qualified California-based companies participating in the 2012 SEMA China Business Development Tour.

The California State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program organizers have just announced the provision of $1,000 grants to qualified California-based companies participating in the September 2–7, 2012, SEMA China Business Development Tour to Shanghai and Beijing. These newly announced grants are in addition to $1,000 grants being provided to participants by the U.S. government.

To register, visit www.californiastep.org/home and click on the "register" tab at the top right-hand side of the page. Check the "SEMA Conference, China" box when asked if you are interested in registering for trade fairs/trade missions.

Scroll about halfway down the California STEP page to find the 2012 SEMA China Business Development Tour listing.

Not based in California? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org for STEP contacts in other states who may provide funding to trip participants on a case-by-case basis.

	Omix-ADA hired Sue Otten as chief marketing officer.

Sue Otten Joins Omix-ADA as Chief Marketing Officer
Omix-ADA named Sue Otten as its new chief marketing officer (CMO). According to the company, Otten has proven communications, branding, sales and marketing leadership in a variety of manufacturing, technology and services industries. “Sue is a proven B2B2C communicator, marketing strategist and brand builder with a keen focus on customer engagement and channel development,” said Omix-ADA President and founder Al Azadi. “Her experience and strengths will be key in helping Omix-ADA evolve and grow our business while continuing to deliver quality products that fulfill consumers’ wants and needs in the exciting off-road lifestyle and truck vehicle markets.” Prior to joining Omix as its CMO, Otten, a certified Accredited Business Communicator (ABC), also worked for Apple Inc. and later founded her own consulting business; helping other companies with their sales and marketing strategies to build brand awareness and drive growth.

Ken Palmman Assumes Role of CTEK General Manager North America Operations
CTEK announced that Ken Palmman has assumed the new duties of general manager of North America operations. Palmman, who has been the CFO of CTEK since 2005, comes to CTEK from Hornell Inc. where he served as vice president. “Much of my focus will be to build the organization and to drive the growth of CTEK Power.  We have very ambitious growth goals going forward,” stated Palmman. The company also reported that along with Palmman’s change of duties, numerous additional positions are being filled to meet the demands of CTEK’s already increasing growth in North America.

Promotion for Gloria Medina at The Marx Group
The Marx Group has promoted Gloria Medina to client project manager. According to a company release, Medina will manage client marketing initiatives, oversee digital projects, including websites, social media and online videos and ensure all projects support client marketing goals. Since Medina joined The Marx Group as marketing coordinator in 2006, she has earned a master's degree in advertising with a focus in account planning from the Academy of Art in San Francisco, California. In 2010, Medina became marketing director, handling all of The Marx Group’s internal marketing initiatives. Medina will continue in her role as marketing director while taking on these additional duties as client project manager.

R & R Marketing hired Katy Hosenfeld to serve as lead generation specialist, a newly generated position for the company.

Katy Hosenfeld Fills Newly Created Position at R&R Marketing
R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. hired Katy Hosenfeld to fill the newly created position of lead generation specialist. According to R&R, Hosenfeld will work closely with the sales team to identify and qualify new jobber sales leads for manufacturers, direct them to their respective WDs when appropriate, and assist the sales team with keeping WDs and jobbers current on the latest products and introduce value-added products to further enhance sales. "[Hosenfeld's]  previous work with major WDs in the Kansas City area allows her to bring our company her valuable knowledge and experience from working with accounts, such as, Reliable, Arrow Speed, and Keystone Automotive," stated  R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. President Michael Rao.

GoPro Provides Cameras for "Motorz"
"Motorz" announced that GoPro is now providing its HD HERO2 cameras to help produce footage to the automotive how-to TV series. Chris Duke, host and executive producer of "Motorz" stated, “GoPro’s support means we’re able to capture video in places we couldn’t before, and add footage outside the studio that was impossible with our existing equipment.” "Motorz" airs on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. (PDT) on DirecTV or DISH Network. Log on to www.motorz.tv to download and watch past episodes for free.

	Last year’s SEMA Show featured 70 manufacturers with either a booth or a kiosk in the Powersports & Utility area.

The powersports industry will again converge at the world-famous SEMA Show taking place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, 2012, in Las Vegas. In addition to meeting with leading manufacturers in a dedicated Powersports & Utility Vehicles section, buyers in this market will be able to quickly identify products in the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase’s Powersports category and discover new business strategies through educational sessions that target powersports professionals.

“Powersports has existed at the SEMA Show in a big way for years now,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The formal creation of a floor section simply solidifies the market’s presence and makes it easy for manufacturers and buyers in the market to connect with one another.”

Last year’s SEMA Show featured 70 manufacturers with either a booth or a kiosk in the Powersports & Utility area. Another 300-plus manufacturers representing crossover markets exhibited in other areas, including the Trucks & SUV, Racing & Performance and Wheels and Tires sections. As the powersports market’s largest trade gathering west of the Mississippi, the SEMA Show attracted more than 15,000 registered buyers interested in powersports products in 2011.

“As a natural extension of the automotive specialty-equipment market, professionals in the powersports business are turning to the SEMA Show to expand their businesses,” said MacGillivray. “It’s exciting to see this market develop a bigger and stronger presence at the SEMA Show each year. We anticipate 2012 will be the biggest yet.”

To learn more about or to register for the annual trade-only event, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	Last year’s SEMA Show featured 70 manufacturers with either a booth or a kiosk in the Powersports & Utility area.

The powersports industry will again converge at the world-famous SEMA Show taking place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, 2012, in Las Vegas. In addition to meeting with leading manufacturers in a dedicated Powersports & Utility Vehicles section, buyers in this market will be able to quickly identify products in the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase’s Powersports category and discover new business strategies through educational sessions that target powersports professionals.

“Powersports has existed at the SEMA Show in a big way for years now,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The formal creation of a floor section simply solidifies the market’s presence and makes it easy for manufacturers and buyers in the market to connect with one another.”

Last year’s SEMA Show featured 70 manufacturers with either a booth or a kiosk in the Powersports & Utility area. Another 300-plus manufacturers representing crossover markets exhibited in other areas, including the Trucks & SUV, Racing & Performance and Wheels and Tires sections. As the powersports market’s largest trade gathering west of the Mississippi, the SEMA Show attracted more than 15,000 registered buyers interested in powersports products in 2011.

“As a natural extension of the automotive specialty-equipment market, professionals in the powersports business are turning to the SEMA Show to expand their businesses,” said MacGillivray. “It’s exciting to see this market develop a bigger and stronger presence at the SEMA Show each year. We anticipate 2012 will be the biggest yet.”

To learn more about or to register for the annual trade-only event, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	Last year’s SEMA Show featured 70 manufacturers with either a booth or a kiosk in the Powersports & Utility area.

The powersports industry will again converge at the world-famous SEMA Show taking place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, 2012, in Las Vegas. In addition to meeting with leading manufacturers in a dedicated Powersports & Utility Vehicles section, buyers in this market will be able to quickly identify products in the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase’s Powersports category and discover new business strategies through educational sessions that target powersports professionals.

“Powersports has existed at the SEMA Show in a big way for years now,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The formal creation of a floor section simply solidifies the market’s presence and makes it easy for manufacturers and buyers in the market to connect with one another.”

Last year’s SEMA Show featured 70 manufacturers with either a booth or a kiosk in the Powersports & Utility area. Another 300-plus manufacturers representing crossover markets exhibited in other areas, including the Trucks & SUV, Racing & Performance and Wheels and Tires sections. As the powersports market’s largest trade gathering west of the Mississippi, the SEMA Show attracted more than 15,000 registered buyers interested in powersports products in 2011.

“As a natural extension of the automotive specialty-equipment market, professionals in the powersports business are turning to the SEMA Show to expand their businesses,” said MacGillivray. “It’s exciting to see this market develop a bigger and stronger presence at the SEMA Show each year. We anticipate 2012 will be the biggest yet.”

To learn more about or to register for the annual trade-only event, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	California Congresswoman Grace Napolitano addressed the 175 attendees who gathered at Hotchkis Performance last week for this year's final SEMA Town Hall Meeting.

SEMA members gathered Wednesday, June 13, at Hotchkis Performance in Santa Fe Springs, California, for the recent SEMA Town Hall meeting. With 175 attendees, the Southern California Town Hall was by far the largest meeting to date.

In attendance were several SEMA Board, SEMA Hall of Fame and SEMA members and non-members from manufacturing, retail, distribution, education and service providers.

The panelists addressed questions on topics, such as key legislation, challenges for retail “brick-and-mortar” businesses and benefits of joining a SEMA council to promote your company.

The meeting was kicked off by special guest, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. She represents the 38th District of California in the U.S. House of Representatives, which includes southeast Los Angeles County and the cities of Norwalk, Pomona and Santa Fe Springs. Napolitano is a strong advocate for America’s industrial base, having created a “Manufacturing Task Force” in her home district to identify strategies that will foster more manufacturing jobs and create a positive climate for manufacturing retention and growth.

SEMA’s President and CEO Chris Kersting was the evening’s emcee and moderator for a panel discussion about the specialty-equipment industry. The panel was comprised of industry leaders Scooter Brothers, SEMA Board of Directors chairman and the COO and director of R&D for COMP Performance Group; Nate Shelton, SEMA Board of Directors chair-elect and chief marketing officer of B&M Automotive Group; John Hotchkis, SEMA Board member and president of Hotchkis Performance; and Tracie Nuñez, Street Performance Council Select Committee member and the CEO of Advanced Clutch Technology.

Visit the SEMA Facebook page to view a photo gallery from the latest Town Hall meeting at Hotchkis Performance. 

The 2013 SEMA Town Hall meeting schedule will be announced in early 2013. Visit www.SEMA.org/townhall for meeting information and updates.

	California Congresswoman Grace Napolitano addressed the 175 attendees who gathered at Hotchkis Performance last week for this year's final SEMA Town Hall Meeting.

SEMA members gathered Wednesday, June 13, at Hotchkis Performance in Santa Fe Springs, California, for the recent SEMA Town Hall meeting. With 175 attendees, the Southern California Town Hall was by far the largest meeting to date.

In attendance were several SEMA Board, SEMA Hall of Fame and SEMA members and non-members from manufacturing, retail, distribution, education and service providers.

The panelists addressed questions on topics, such as key legislation, challenges for retail “brick-and-mortar” businesses and benefits of joining a SEMA council to promote your company.

The meeting was kicked off by special guest, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. She represents the 38th District of California in the U.S. House of Representatives, which includes southeast Los Angeles County and the cities of Norwalk, Pomona and Santa Fe Springs. Napolitano is a strong advocate for America’s industrial base, having created a “Manufacturing Task Force” in her home district to identify strategies that will foster more manufacturing jobs and create a positive climate for manufacturing retention and growth.

SEMA’s President and CEO Chris Kersting was the evening’s emcee and moderator for a panel discussion about the specialty-equipment industry. The panel was comprised of industry leaders Scooter Brothers, SEMA Board of Directors chairman and the COO and director of R&D for COMP Performance Group; Nate Shelton, SEMA Board of Directors chair-elect and chief marketing officer of B&M Automotive Group; John Hotchkis, SEMA Board member and president of Hotchkis Performance; and Tracie Nuñez, Street Performance Council Select Committee member and the CEO of Advanced Clutch Technology.

Visit the SEMA Facebook page to view a photo gallery from the latest Town Hall meeting at Hotchkis Performance. 

The 2013 SEMA Town Hall meeting schedule will be announced in early 2013. Visit www.SEMA.org/townhall for meeting information and updates.

SEMA Show Exhibitors: Get your parts on more vehicles at the 2012 SEMA Show by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list is a simple way to connect manufacturers looking for additional product exposure at the SEMA Show with the builders who design and create the vehicles that grab the attention of media and buyers from around the world.

Product-placement opportunities such as these are so beneficial that manufacturers often offer products for free or at a greatly reduced rate. To participate in the list, access the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders form.

The latest addition to the list will be included each week in SEMA eNews, when available. The list is open to exhibitors of the 2012 SEMA Show only and is intended to build awareness for SEMA Show exhibitors and their products.

For questions or additional information, contact Jason Catullo at jasonc@sema.org 909-978-6713.

---

Latest Products Offered

Engine/Underhood Components

Advanced Clutch Technology Inc. (ACT): Clutches and flywheels. Contact: Daniel Starksen, 661-940-7555, daniels@advancedclutch.com. Website: www.advancedclutch.com.

AEM Induction Systems: Full line of high-performance air intake systems and air filters for sport compact, modern-day musclecars and trucks and SUVs, including gas and diesel applications. Contact: Lucio Tapia, 800-992-3000, luciot@aemintakes.com.

AIRAID Filter Company: Cold air intake systems. Contact: Brian Paravicini, 602-652-9724, brian@airaid.com. Website: www.airaid.com.

American Truck Technology: Exotic "Big Mouth" stainless steel exhaust tips for light-duty trucks with non-traditional profiles featuring triangles, tear drops and ovals. Contact: Jeff Liu, 855-288-8782, jeff.liu@americantrucktechnology.com. Website: www.americantrucktechnology.com.

DeatschWerks: Flow matched fuel injector sets (up to 2200cc). Contact: Greg Brungardt, 405-217-0718, Greg@DeatschWerks.com.
Website: www.DeatschWerks.com.

DevilsOwn Injection: Progressive water methanol injection kit. Contact: Chance McClurkin, 405-470-4356, chance@alcohol-injection.com. Website: www.alcohol-injection.com.

Granatelli Motor Sports Inc.: Late-model Ford, Chevy and Dodge ignition coils, cold air intake systems, mass airflow sensors. Contact: J.R. Granatelli, 805-486-6644, jrgranatelli@granatellimotorsports.com. Website: www.granatellimotorsports.com.

K&N Engineering Inc.: High-flow intake systems, OE replacement air filters high-performance oil filters for most vehicles and powersports applications. Contact: Lucio Tapia, 951-826-4000, ext. 4350, luciot@knfilters.com. Website: www.knfilters.com.

ProCharger: Intercooled ProCharger supercharger systems. Cary Pangrac, 913-338-2886, cary.pangrac@procharger.com. Website: www.procharger.com.

Quick Time Performance: AR3 stainless steel mufflers. Contact: Barry Adler, 973-513-9955, sales@quicktimeperformance.com.

ExteriorComponents/Accessories

American Truck Technology: Exotic chrome accessories for large 22.5" wheels and dramatic "Big Mouth" stainless steel exhaust tips with non-traditional profiles, featuring triangles, tear drops and ovals. Contact: Jeff Liu, 855-288-8782, jeff.liu@americantrucktechnology.com. Website: www.americantrucktechnology.com.

APS Auto Parts Specialist Inc.: Aluminum billet grille, stainless steel wire mesh grille, CNC perimeter grille, EZ wire mesh grille. Contact: Paul Chen, 866-837-1277 ext. 204, paul@apsautoparts.com. Website: www.apsautoparts.com.

Raptor Series: Three-inch stainless round nerf bars, four-, five- and six-inch stainless/black cab length oval step tubes, four-, five- and six-inch stainless/black wheel-to-wheel oval step tubes, seven-inch stainless steel running boards, stainless truck bedrails. Contact: Mike McGinnis, 877-769-3765, ext. 303, mike@raptorseries.com. Website: www.raptorseries.com.

Retrax Truck Bed Covers: The complete line of Retrax retractable pickup bed covers are available. Contact: Andy Nephew, 701-746-5596, anephew@retrax.com. Website: www.retrax.com.

RK Sport Inc.: Fiberglass and carbon fiber: hoods, trunk spoilers and miscellaneous body parts. Urethane ground effects kit, body kits, bumpers, spoiler and small miscellaneous accessories. Contact: Sean Tito, 951-894-7883, sean@rksprot.com. Website: www.rksport.com.

StreetGlow Inc.: LED lighting. Contact: Jack Panzarella, 973-709-9000, ext. 103, jackp@streetglow.com. Website: www.streetglow.com.

UASG: Professional application by 3M Certified Graphic Installation Companies for self adhesive vinyl decals, specialty films and wraps on vehicles. Contact: Julie Martin, 888-579-9793, Feedback@uasg.org. Website: www.uasg.org.

Weld Racing LLC: Weld Racing is featuring 17- and 20-in. wheels for trucks up to 14 in. wide, 17- and 19.5-in. wheels for dually trucks, and 15-, 17-, 18- and 20-in. wheels for high-performance cars up to 17.5 in. wide. Also featured are 16x6 forged trailer wheels that match the truck designs. All are forged aluminum and all are made in the USA. Contact: Gregory Smith, 816-423-5712, gsmith@weldracing.com. Website: www.weldracing.com.

Interior Components/Accessories

Intellitronix Corp.: Digital LED gauges and tachometers. Contact: Joe Young, 440-413-5003, joe.young@intellitronix.com. Website: www.intellitronix.com.  

StreetGlow Inc.: LED lighting. Contact: Jack Panzarella, 973-709-9000, ext. 103, jackp@streetglow.com. Website: www.streetglow.com.

Quiet Ride Solutions: AcoustiShield thermal acoustic auto insulation (pre-cut, ready-to-install kits) and firewall insulation panels for 1,200 popular cars and trucks. Contact: Timothy Cox, 209-942-4777, timcox@quietride.com. Website: www.quietride.com.

VDO Instrumentation & Accessories: VDO gauges and accessories. Contact: AnnaMaria Blose, 610-289-0488, annamaria.blose@continental-corporation.com. Website: www.vd-gauges.com.

Suspension/Brake Components

Granatelli Motor Sports Inc.: ’10–’13 Camaro suspension and brake upgrades; '79–'12 Mustang suspension and brake upgrades. Contact: J.R. Granatelli, 805-486-6644, jrgranatelli@granatellimotorsports.com. Website: www.granatellimotorsports.com.

MGP Caliper Covers: MGP Caliper Covers. Custom logo engravings and custom paint also available for approved candidates. Contact: Ben Wong, 877-995-0003, ben.wong@calipercovers.com. Website: www.calipercovers.com.

Other Products & Services

DeatschWerks: Fuel pumps. Contact: Greg Brungardt, 405-217-0718, Greg@DeatschWerks.com. Website: www.DeatschWerks.com.

StreetGlow Inc.: LED lighting. Contact: Jack Panzarella, 973-709-9000, ext. 103, jackp@streetglow.com. Website: www.streetglow.com.

SEMA Show Exhibitors: Get your parts on more vehicles at the 2012 SEMA Show by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list is a simple way to connect manufacturers looking for additional product exposure at the SEMA Show with the builders who design and create the vehicles that grab the attention of media and buyers from around the world.

Product-placement opportunities such as these are so beneficial that manufacturers often offer products for free or at a greatly reduced rate. To participate in the list, access the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders form.

The latest addition to the list will be included each week in SEMA eNews, when available. The list is open to exhibitors of the 2012 SEMA Show only and is intended to build awareness for SEMA Show exhibitors and their products.

For questions or additional information, contact Jason Catullo at jasonc@sema.org 909-978-6713.

---

Latest Products Offered

Engine/Underhood Components

Advanced Clutch Technology Inc. (ACT): Clutches and flywheels. Contact: Daniel Starksen, 661-940-7555, daniels@advancedclutch.com. Website: www.advancedclutch.com.

AEM Induction Systems: Full line of high-performance air intake systems and air filters for sport compact, modern-day musclecars and trucks and SUVs, including gas and diesel applications. Contact: Lucio Tapia, 800-992-3000, luciot@aemintakes.com.

AIRAID Filter Company: Cold air intake systems. Contact: Brian Paravicini, 602-652-9724, brian@airaid.com. Website: www.airaid.com.

American Truck Technology: Exotic "Big Mouth" stainless steel exhaust tips for light-duty trucks with non-traditional profiles featuring triangles, tear drops and ovals. Contact: Jeff Liu, 855-288-8782, jeff.liu@americantrucktechnology.com. Website: www.americantrucktechnology.com.

DeatschWerks: Flow matched fuel injector sets (up to 2200cc). Contact: Greg Brungardt, 405-217-0718, Greg@DeatschWerks.com.
Website: www.DeatschWerks.com.

DevilsOwn Injection: Progressive water methanol injection kit. Contact: Chance McClurkin, 405-470-4356, chance@alcohol-injection.com. Website: www.alcohol-injection.com.

Granatelli Motor Sports Inc.: Late-model Ford, Chevy and Dodge ignition coils, cold air intake systems, mass airflow sensors. Contact: J.R. Granatelli, 805-486-6644, jrgranatelli@granatellimotorsports.com. Website: www.granatellimotorsports.com.

K&N Engineering Inc.: High-flow intake systems, OE replacement air filters high-performance oil filters for most vehicles and powersports applications. Contact: Lucio Tapia, 951-826-4000, ext. 4350, luciot@knfilters.com. Website: www.knfilters.com.

ProCharger: Intercooled ProCharger supercharger systems. Cary Pangrac, 913-338-2886, cary.pangrac@procharger.com. Website: www.procharger.com.

Quick Time Performance: AR3 stainless steel mufflers. Contact: Barry Adler, 973-513-9955, sales@quicktimeperformance.com.

ExteriorComponents/Accessories

American Truck Technology: Exotic chrome accessories for large 22.5" wheels and dramatic "Big Mouth" stainless steel exhaust tips with non-traditional profiles, featuring triangles, tear drops and ovals. Contact: Jeff Liu, 855-288-8782, jeff.liu@americantrucktechnology.com. Website: www.americantrucktechnology.com.

APS Auto Parts Specialist Inc.: Aluminum billet grille, stainless steel wire mesh grille, CNC perimeter grille, EZ wire mesh grille. Contact: Paul Chen, 866-837-1277 ext. 204, paul@apsautoparts.com. Website: www.apsautoparts.com.

Raptor Series: Three-inch stainless round nerf bars, four-, five- and six-inch stainless/black cab length oval step tubes, four-, five- and six-inch stainless/black wheel-to-wheel oval step tubes, seven-inch stainless steel running boards, stainless truck bedrails. Contact: Mike McGinnis, 877-769-3765, ext. 303, mike@raptorseries.com. Website: www.raptorseries.com.

Retrax Truck Bed Covers: The complete line of Retrax retractable pickup bed covers are available. Contact: Andy Nephew, 701-746-5596, anephew@retrax.com. Website: www.retrax.com.

RK Sport Inc.: Fiberglass and carbon fiber: hoods, trunk spoilers and miscellaneous body parts. Urethane ground effects kit, body kits, bumpers, spoiler and small miscellaneous accessories. Contact: Sean Tito, 951-894-7883, sean@rksprot.com. Website: www.rksport.com.

StreetGlow Inc.: LED lighting. Contact: Jack Panzarella, 973-709-9000, ext. 103, jackp@streetglow.com. Website: www.streetglow.com.

UASG: Professional application by 3M Certified Graphic Installation Companies for self adhesive vinyl decals, specialty films and wraps on vehicles. Contact: Julie Martin, 888-579-9793, Feedback@uasg.org. Website: www.uasg.org.

Weld Racing LLC: Weld Racing is featuring 17- and 20-in. wheels for trucks up to 14 in. wide, 17- and 19.5-in. wheels for dually trucks, and 15-, 17-, 18- and 20-in. wheels for high-performance cars up to 17.5 in. wide. Also featured are 16x6 forged trailer wheels that match the truck designs. All are forged aluminum and all are made in the USA. Contact: Gregory Smith, 816-423-5712, gsmith@weldracing.com. Website: www.weldracing.com.

Interior Components/Accessories

Intellitronix Corp.: Digital LED gauges and tachometers. Contact: Joe Young, 440-413-5003, joe.young@intellitronix.com. Website: www.intellitronix.com.  

StreetGlow Inc.: LED lighting. Contact: Jack Panzarella, 973-709-9000, ext. 103, jackp@streetglow.com. Website: www.streetglow.com.

Quiet Ride Solutions: AcoustiShield thermal acoustic auto insulation (pre-cut, ready-to-install kits) and firewall insulation panels for 1,200 popular cars and trucks. Contact: Timothy Cox, 209-942-4777, timcox@quietride.com. Website: www.quietride.com.

VDO Instrumentation & Accessories: VDO gauges and accessories. Contact: AnnaMaria Blose, 610-289-0488, annamaria.blose@continental-corporation.com. Website: www.vd-gauges.com.

Suspension/Brake Components

Granatelli Motor Sports Inc.: ’10–’13 Camaro suspension and brake upgrades; '79–'12 Mustang suspension and brake upgrades. Contact: J.R. Granatelli, 805-486-6644, jrgranatelli@granatellimotorsports.com. Website: www.granatellimotorsports.com.

MGP Caliper Covers: MGP Caliper Covers. Custom logo engravings and custom paint also available for approved candidates. Contact: Ben Wong, 877-995-0003, ben.wong@calipercovers.com. Website: www.calipercovers.com.

Other Products & Services

DeatschWerks: Fuel pumps. Contact: Greg Brungardt, 405-217-0718, Greg@DeatschWerks.com. Website: www.DeatschWerks.com.

StreetGlow Inc.: LED lighting. Contact: Jack Panzarella, 973-709-9000, ext. 103, jackp@streetglow.com. Website: www.streetglow.com.

NEWS NUGGETS

SCHUMACHER LOOKING TO GO FROM WINLESS STREAK TO WINNING STREAK AT HOME TRACK, ROUTE 66: Seven-time NHRA Top Fuel world champ Tony Schumacher broke a 32-race winless streak at the most recent event at Bristol Dragway when he beat longtime on-track rival Doug Kalitta in the final round. As the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Chicago, where Schumacher resides, “The Sarge” looks to continue the success he had at Bristol Dragway. A win at Route 66 Raceway wouldn’t be his first; he has won three times at his home track. For tickets, call 888-629-RACE (7223) or log on to Route66Raceway.com.

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR THE O’REILLY AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS: The 15th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries, June 28–July 1 at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago, will mark the 11th stop of 23 races in the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season. As always, ticket holders are granted exclusive pit access and treated to spectacular sights, including jet cars on Friday, Saturday’s JEGS Allstars bonus race for Sportsman competitors and Sunday’s Nitro Generation track walk. Also, Chicago’s world-famous Chi Town Hustler and Stardust Funny Cars will be taking fans back in time on Saturday night as they race down Route 66 Raceway. For tickets, call 888-629-RACE (7223) or log on to Route66Raceway.com.

AUTO PLUS BECOMES PRESENTING SPONSOR OF MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS: Uni-Select, USA’s Auto Plus brand, has been named the presenting sponsor of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto Plus, August 29–September 3, at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis. Uni-Select’s support of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals marks yet another expansion of involvement for Uni-Select USA in NHRA and its network of automotive stores and services, including Auto Plus retailers and Auto Service Plus centers. In addition to becoming the presenting sponsor of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Auto Plus is title sponsor of the 28th annual Auto Plus NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania, October 4–7. Auto Plus also secured naming rights of the NHRA-owned racing facility in Gainesville, Florida, earlier this season, now known as Auto Plus Raceway at Gainesville. The company is the official auto-parts store for both Atlanta Dragway and Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS: The sixth annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, July 5–8 at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, will mark the 12th of 23 races in the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season. As always, ticket holders are granted exclusive pit access and treated to spectacular sights, including jet cars and Fireworks on Friday night, the K&N Horsepower Challenge on Saturday and a pre-race concert on Sunday. For tickets, call 419-668-5555 or log on to SummitMotorsportsPark.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, June 28–July 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 11th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season in Chicago, 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), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 888-629-RACE (7223) or log on to Route66Raceway.com.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, July 5–8: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 12th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season in Norwalk, Ohio, 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), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 419-668-5555 or log on to SummitMotorsportsPark.com.

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.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

LIVING THE DREAM: Funny Car rookie Alexis DeJoria earned her first final-round appearance at the most recent NHRA Full Throttle event at Bristol Dragway. The young team, with reigning Top Fuel world champ Del Worsham behind the knobs as the crew chief, stunned everyone by making it to the final round at just the 10th race of the season, and DeJoria couldn’t be happier about her team’s accomplishment.

“I’m speechless. We qualified just barely, so to make it all the way to the finals has been so incredible. We were in the left lane all day long, and Del’s big thing was just trying to get me down there. I did the best I could on my lights and, thankfully, I just kept knocking them off one by one. We didn’t win, but I’m proud of how far we came from the No. 15 spot. Every person I went up against was very tough. I admire, respect and look up to every one of those guys. They’re my heroes. Just to be up there with them is incredible. We would’ve been super happy just to make it past the first round. This was a dream come true.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

66: PERCENTAGE OF FAN VOTE COUGHLIN EARNED TO RECEIVE NO. 8 SPOT IN K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE: NHRA fans have spoken, voting in Jeg Coughlin, driver of the JEGS.com Mopar Dodge Avenger, to the eighth and final spot in the 28th annual K&N Horsepower Challenge, which will be held as part of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, Saturday, July 7, at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. Coughlin won the fan vote by a landslide, receiving 66% of the total votes cast by NHRA fans since voting began in April. The K&N Horsepower Challenge is a race within a race, showcasing the top drivers in NHRA Pro Stock, for which the winner receives $50,000. The runner-up will receive $10,000, the two semifinalists will each receive $3,000 and the four first-round finishers will each receive $2,500. As part of the program, a $3,000 bonus is awarded to the No. 1 qualifier at each NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event. For tickets, call 419-668-5555 or log on to SummitMotorsportsPark.com.

DID YOU KNOW…

NHRA FACTORY STOCK SHOWDOWN ADDED TO MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS LINEUP: The NHRA has announced the formation of the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown at the 2012 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, August 29–September 3. The NHRA Factory Stock Showdown is a competition designed to showcase the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, Dodge Mopar Challenger Drag Pak and Chevrolet COPO Camaro. The program will feature ’08 and newer models. Competition will be run heads-up as a class within NHRA Stock eliminations. Early rounds of eliminations in the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown will take place Thursday, August 30. The final four cars in competition will run Friday, August 31, in conjunction with the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series qualifying sessions. An NHRA Wally will be awarded to the winner of the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown. All participants in the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown will still be able to run in the national event eliminator.