Mark Stek (left) with celebrity client Rampage Jackson.

At age 35, Mark Stek, an Oskaloosa, Iowa, native, and Iowa State graduate, currently holds the position of marketing director for Kelderman Manufacturing. Also known to SEMA members as Kelderman Air Suspension Systems, Kelderman is a diverse and unique SEMA-member company that manufactures and fabricates everything from agricultural parts to air suspension systems for a customer base that is as diverse as their products.

A 12-year veteran with Kelderman, Stek grew up around the automotive industry as the son of a hot rodder. He now applies a synergy of his sports marketing/management degree emphasis with his hot-rodding roots to foster relationships with celebrities and bring added value to both his company and his customers. We sat down with Stek to discuss his experiences working with VIP customers and how they may benefit other young executives in our industry.

How did you get started with celebrity/VIP builds?

The UFC's Rampage Jackson approached us a few years ago at the SEMA Show. He already had a lifted truck, but really wanted our suspension on it. Once the logistics were worked out, his truck came to our shop in Iowa and we totally transformed it. We created a video for YouTube that showed the build from beginning to end and that has really increased our exposure. Our celebrity clients, so far, all have reached out to us to receive our product.

What’s the best part about developing this type of business?

The best part about working with celebrity customers is that it is really a neat experience for all of our employees. When they visit our facility, everyone is eager to meet them and maybe get a picture and/or autograph. The guys we have worked with have been more than accommodating, which makes it a lot of fun.

What do you find to be most difficult when working with this type of clientele?

The most difficult part about working with celebrity customers is that their scheduling is very complex. Celebrities are often short on time on a fairly consistent basis. In Rampage’s case, he was training in the U.K. while we were working on his truck. He was coming back to the States for a couple of weeks to visit family, so we had a very small window of time in which the truck needed to be complete and he could visit our facility for the “reveal.” In other instances, you might be dealing with working around the end of a baseball season as was the case with Wes Helms. Being able to meet their schedule and their expectations is very challenging.

How do you find and cultivate these types of contacts?

We want the process to be as “organic” as possible. We know there are celebrities out there who like what we can offer, but maybe haven’t heard about us. Informing them about us is important so they can make a decision based on what they want rather than forcing it. We are confident that we have a great product and the satisfaction of our customers really speaks to that. We work closely with our outside PR agency (Martin & Co.) that, when necessary, can use their more appropriate contacts in order to help us develop a relationship between Kelderman and a particular celebrity.

How do you utilize those relationships and builds in a positive way to impact customer interaction with your brand or products?

We try to utilize the celebrity status of our customer in as many ways as possible to help promote our company. We had Rampage sign autographs at our SEMA Show booth in 2010. We have also included our celebrity customers in some of our promotional material, ads, website, Facebook, etc., in order to help people associate that celebrity with our brand.

What benefit does Kelderman receive from working with celebrities?

The benefit that our company receives from being associated with celebrities is that it increases credibility. When you consider the fact that they are able to have the best of the best and they choose your company, it says a lot. It also allows our products more exposure and the potential customers to associate a product they may be unfamiliar with to someone that they may already be familiar with.

What advice would you offer to other YENsters looking to reach out to build these types of relationships either on their own or on behalf of their company?

When doing anything to help grow a company, you must use every resource that is available to you to your fullest advantage. Developing relationships and trust will take time, so be patient.

Are there any specific advantages that you feel the younger people in our industry may have when working with celebrity/VIP customers? Any disadvantages?

A younger generation in the industry will have more experience with a younger, up-and-coming crowd of celebrities, so that will allow for a better understanding of the market to which that celebrity will appeal to. There is a good chance that a celebrity will be similar in age, so conversations about personal interests, family, etc., will even be easier.

	Mark Stek (left) with celebrity client Rampage Jackson.

At age 35, Mark Stek, an Oskaloosa, Iowa, native, and Iowa State graduate, currently holds the position of marketing director for Kelderman Manufacturing. Also known to SEMA members as Kelderman Air Suspension Systems, Kelderman is a diverse and unique SEMA-member company that manufactures and fabricates everything from agricultural parts to air suspension systems for a customer base that is as diverse as their products.

A 12-year veteran with Kelderman, Stek grew up around the automotive industry as the son of a hot rodder. He now applies a synergy of his sports marketing/management degree emphasis with his hot-rodding roots to foster relationships with celebrities and bring added value to both his company and his customers. We sat down with Stek to discuss his experiences working with VIP customers and how they may benefit other young executives in our industry.

How did you get started with celebrity/VIP builds?

The UFC's Rampage Jackson approached us a few years ago at the SEMA Show. He already had a lifted truck, but really wanted our suspension on it. Once the logistics were worked out, his truck came to our shop in Iowa and we totally transformed it. We created a video for YouTube that showed the build from beginning to end and that has really increased our exposure. Our celebrity clients, so far, all have reached out to us to receive our product.

What’s the best part about developing this type of business?

The best part about working with celebrity customers is that it is really a neat experience for all of our employees. When they visit our facility, everyone is eager to meet them and maybe get a picture and/or autograph. The guys we have worked with have been more than accommodating, which makes it a lot of fun.

What do you find to be most difficult when working with this type of clientele?

The most difficult part about working with celebrity customers is that their scheduling is very complex. Celebrities are often short on time on a fairly consistent basis. In Rampage’s case, he was training in the U.K. while we were working on his truck. He was coming back to the States for a couple of weeks to visit family, so we had a very small window of time in which the truck needed to be complete and he could visit our facility for the “reveal.” In other instances, you might be dealing with working around the end of a baseball season as was the case with Wes Helms. Being able to meet their schedule and their expectations is very challenging.

How do you find and cultivate these types of contacts?

We want the process to be as “organic” as possible. We know there are celebrities out there who like what we can offer, but maybe haven’t heard about us. Informing them about us is important so they can make a decision based on what they want rather than forcing it. We are confident that we have a great product and the satisfaction of our customers really speaks to that. We work closely with our outside PR agency (Martin & Co.) that, when necessary, can use their more appropriate contacts in order to help us develop a relationship between Kelderman and a particular celebrity.

How do you utilize those relationships and builds in a positive way to impact customer interaction with your brand or products?

We try to utilize the celebrity status of our customer in as many ways as possible to help promote our company. We had Rampage sign autographs at our SEMA Show booth in 2010. We have also included our celebrity customers in some of our promotional material, ads, website, Facebook, etc., in order to help people associate that celebrity with our brand.

What benefit does Kelderman receive from working with celebrities?

The benefit that our company receives from being associated with celebrities is that it increases credibility. When you consider the fact that they are able to have the best of the best and they choose your company, it says a lot. It also allows our products more exposure and the potential customers to associate a product they may be unfamiliar with to someone that they may already be familiar with.

What advice would you offer to other YENsters looking to reach out to build these types of relationships either on their own or on behalf of their company?

When doing anything to help grow a company, you must use every resource that is available to you to your fullest advantage. Developing relationships and trust will take time, so be patient.

Are there any specific advantages that you feel the younger people in our industry may have when working with celebrity/VIP customers? Any disadvantages?

A younger generation in the industry will have more experience with a younger, up-and-coming crowd of celebrities, so that will allow for a better understanding of the market to which that celebrity will appeal to. There is a good chance that a celebrity will be similar in age, so conversations about personal interests, family, etc., will even be easier.

 

	Select Committee nominations are now open for SEMA Council leadership positions.

Select Committee nominations are now open. Serving a term on a Council Select Committee is one of the best ways to get involved, share your unique perspective and create benefits for the industry. Nominations are accepted electronically. When submitting your nomination, please take the time to review the criteria and responsibilities required of Select Committee members. Nominations will remain open until March 23, 2012.

Find out who is currently involved in SEMA's councils and committees. Follow the link to the council and committee of your interest.

Council Select Committee nominations are open to all SEMA members from March 1–23, 2012. Criteria for Select Committee seats are listed on the nominations page. If you have any questions, please contact Arlene Wood at 909-978-6689 or Arlenew@sema.org.

 

	Select Committee nominations are now open for SEMA Council leadership positions.

Select Committee nominations are now open. Serving a term on a Council Select Committee is one of the best ways to get involved, share your unique perspective and create benefits for the industry. Nominations are accepted electronically. When submitting your nomination, please take the time to review the criteria and responsibilities required of Select Committee members. Nominations will remain open until March 23, 2012.

Find out who is currently involved in SEMA's councils and committees. Follow the link to the council and committee of your interest.

Council Select Committee nominations are open to all SEMA members from March 1–23, 2012. Criteria for Select Committee seats are listed on the nominations page. If you have any questions, please contact Arlene Wood at 909-978-6689 or Arlenew@sema.org.

The SEMA Show gathers the most unique custom project and display vehicles from around the world. All of the photos from the Show are available at www.semaphotos.com. A new selection of vehicle is highlighted in SEMA eNews each week. This week's photo collection features a wide array of Nissan project vehicles. 

The next SEMA Measuring Session, featuring the ’13 Scion FR-S Sports Car, will be held March 16, 2012, from 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at Toyota/Scion headquarters in Torrance, California.

The next SEMA Measuring Session, featuring the ’13 Scion FR-S Sports Car, will be held March 16, 2012, from 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at Toyota/Scion headquarters in Torrance, California.

NEWS NUGGETS

Lagana	Will	Zizzo	Kalivoda
	Alexander	Karamesines	Creasy Jr.

NEW AND OLD FACES TO MAKE 2012 DEBUTS AT TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS PRESENTED BY NAPAFILTERS.COM: The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season started at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries for most Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock drivers, but a few will be starting their seasons at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com. Hillary Will, who hasn’t been behind the wheel of a Top Fuel car in a few years, will make her 2012 debut in the Dote Family Racing dragster. Brady Kalivoda also took a break from racing and is coming back in the Warrior Racing Top Fueler for the Dakin family. Rookie Blake Alexander will start his season in Funny Car this weekend as well. Some fan favorites, including T.J. Zizzo, Dom Lagana, Chris “The Greek” Karamesines and Dale Creasy Jr., will also make their first appearances of the season at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, Florida. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

KICK OFF PARTY TO BEGIN RACING FESTIVITIES AT GAINESVILLE ALE HOUSE: Drivers Johnny and Shane Gray, Dom Lagana, Ron Capps and Jack Beckman and special guest IndyCar driver Graham Rahal will make an appearance at the Gainesville Ale House, Thursday, March 8, from 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. to help kick off the racing festivities for the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com. Team Full Throttle will host the party with giveaways, games, autograph sessions and Q&A sessions throughout the evening. At the end of the night, NHRA fans will get a sneak peek of the weekend when the Tire Kingdom Top Fuel team fires up the nitro-burning dragster driven by Lagana.

CAPPS TO RUN SPECIAL NAPAFILTERS.COM DODGE CHARGER BODY AT TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS PRESENTED BY NAPAFILTERS.COM: Ron Capps' 300-mph Funny Car will have a new look for the March 8–11 Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com. The Don Schumacher Racing Dodge Charger R/T will help NAPA Auto Parts celebrate its March All You Need to Know NAPA Filters Big Event specials by sporting a special color scheme for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event in Gainesville. NAPA Filters is saluting race fans this month with its March NAPA Auto Parts store promotions. A $19.99 oil change for do-it-yourselfers that includes a Silver NAPA Filters oil filter and five quarts of Valvoline conventional oil is only $12.99 at NAPA Auto Parts stores after a mail-in $7 rebate.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS PRESENTED BY NAPAFILTERS.COM, AUTO-PLUS RACEWAY AT GAINESVILLE, March 8–11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to historic Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville for the third stop of the series and season-opening race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com. For media credentials, contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, March 30–April 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Sin City for the fourth race of the season. Defending event winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-644-4444 or log on to LVMS.com. For media credentials, contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, April 13–15: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the only four-wide national event. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or log on to charlottemotorspeedway.com. For media credentials, contact Media Relations Manager Alex Baca at abaca@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID		INSIDE THE NUMBERS
ENDING THE DROUGHT IN THE SWAMP: Tony Schumacher, driver of the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster, on the chances of winning his first race since 2010 and passing “Big Daddy” Don Garlits on the win list at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville: “Believe me, it will be an amazing sight to see my guys up in the winner’s circle when they pull it off, and we’ll be getting it done soon. Gainesville would be the perfect place to do it. It’s cool to be tied with Garlits for the most wins at one of the biggest races of the year and to have a shot at passing him.”		200: Pro Stock Motorcycle riders have been trying to break the 200-mph barrier for years. Reigning world champ Eddie Krawiec unofficially accomplished that feat during preseason testing this week in Valdosta, Georgia, by posting the unofficial fastest pass in class history. There is a very good chance that the 200-mph barrier could be officially broken this weekend at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, where last year the 10 quickest and five fastest passes were recorded, including Krawiec’s national record-setting run of 199.26 mph.

DID YOU KNOW

… that one of the most memorable moments in NHRA history happened 20 years ago at historic Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, the first 300-mph run in Top Fuel by the “King of Speed” himself, Kenny Bernstein. The original Budweiser car will be on display all weekend at the Darrell Gwynn booth on the midway. A special ceremony to honor Bernstein and his team will be held Saturday morning before the first nitro qualifying session followed by an autograph session at the Gwynn booth.

NEWS NUGGETS

Lagana	Will	Zizzo	Kalivoda
	Alexander	Karamesines	Creasy Jr.

NEW AND OLD FACES TO MAKE 2012 DEBUTS AT TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS PRESENTED BY NAPAFILTERS.COM: The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season started at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries for most Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock drivers, but a few will be starting their seasons at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com. Hillary Will, who hasn’t been behind the wheel of a Top Fuel car in a few years, will make her 2012 debut in the Dote Family Racing dragster. Brady Kalivoda also took a break from racing and is coming back in the Warrior Racing Top Fueler for the Dakin family. Rookie Blake Alexander will start his season in Funny Car this weekend as well. Some fan favorites, including T.J. Zizzo, Dom Lagana, Chris “The Greek” Karamesines and Dale Creasy Jr., will also make their first appearances of the season at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, Florida. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

KICK OFF PARTY TO BEGIN RACING FESTIVITIES AT GAINESVILLE ALE HOUSE: Drivers Johnny and Shane Gray, Dom Lagana, Ron Capps and Jack Beckman and special guest IndyCar driver Graham Rahal will make an appearance at the Gainesville Ale House, Thursday, March 8, from 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. to help kick off the racing festivities for the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com. Team Full Throttle will host the party with giveaways, games, autograph sessions and Q&A sessions throughout the evening. At the end of the night, NHRA fans will get a sneak peek of the weekend when the Tire Kingdom Top Fuel team fires up the nitro-burning dragster driven by Lagana.

CAPPS TO RUN SPECIAL NAPAFILTERS.COM DODGE CHARGER BODY AT TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS PRESENTED BY NAPAFILTERS.COM: Ron Capps' 300-mph Funny Car will have a new look for the March 8–11 Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com. The Don Schumacher Racing Dodge Charger R/T will help NAPA Auto Parts celebrate its March All You Need to Know NAPA Filters Big Event specials by sporting a special color scheme for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event in Gainesville. NAPA Filters is saluting race fans this month with its March NAPA Auto Parts store promotions. A $19.99 oil change for do-it-yourselfers that includes a Silver NAPA Filters oil filter and five quarts of Valvoline conventional oil is only $12.99 at NAPA Auto Parts stores after a mail-in $7 rebate.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS PRESENTED BY NAPAFILTERS.COM, AUTO-PLUS RACEWAY AT GAINESVILLE, March 8–11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to historic Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville for the third stop of the series and season-opening race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com. For media credentials, contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, March 30–April 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Sin City for the fourth race of the season. Defending event winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-644-4444 or log on to LVMS.com. For media credentials, contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, April 13–15: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the only four-wide national event. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or log on to charlottemotorspeedway.com. For media credentials, contact Media Relations Manager Alex Baca at abaca@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID		INSIDE THE NUMBERS
ENDING THE DROUGHT IN THE SWAMP: Tony Schumacher, driver of the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster, on the chances of winning his first race since 2010 and passing “Big Daddy” Don Garlits on the win list at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville: “Believe me, it will be an amazing sight to see my guys up in the winner’s circle when they pull it off, and we’ll be getting it done soon. Gainesville would be the perfect place to do it. It’s cool to be tied with Garlits for the most wins at one of the biggest races of the year and to have a shot at passing him.”		200: Pro Stock Motorcycle riders have been trying to break the 200-mph barrier for years. Reigning world champ Eddie Krawiec unofficially accomplished that feat during preseason testing this week in Valdosta, Georgia, by posting the unofficial fastest pass in class history. There is a very good chance that the 200-mph barrier could be officially broken this weekend at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, where last year the 10 quickest and five fastest passes were recorded, including Krawiec’s national record-setting run of 199.26 mph.

DID YOU KNOW

… that one of the most memorable moments in NHRA history happened 20 years ago at historic Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, the first 300-mph run in Top Fuel by the “King of Speed” himself, Kenny Bernstein. The original Budweiser car will be on display all weekend at the Darrell Gwynn booth on the midway. A special ceremony to honor Bernstein and his team will be held Saturday morning before the first nitro qualifying session followed by an autograph session at the Gwynn booth.

NEWS NUGGETS

Lagana	Will	Zizzo	Kalivoda
	Alexander	Karamesines	Creasy Jr.

NEW AND OLD FACES TO MAKE 2012 DEBUTS AT TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS PRESENTED BY NAPAFILTERS.COM: The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season started at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries for most Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock drivers, but a few will be starting their seasons at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com. Hillary Will, who hasn’t been behind the wheel of a Top Fuel car in a few years, will make her 2012 debut in the Dote Family Racing dragster. Brady Kalivoda also took a break from racing and is coming back in the Warrior Racing Top Fueler for the Dakin family. Rookie Blake Alexander will start his season in Funny Car this weekend as well. Some fan favorites, including T.J. Zizzo, Dom Lagana, Chris “The Greek” Karamesines and Dale Creasy Jr., will also make their first appearances of the season at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, Florida. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

KICK OFF PARTY TO BEGIN RACING FESTIVITIES AT GAINESVILLE ALE HOUSE: Drivers Johnny and Shane Gray, Dom Lagana, Ron Capps and Jack Beckman and special guest IndyCar driver Graham Rahal will make an appearance at the Gainesville Ale House, Thursday, March 8, from 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. to help kick off the racing festivities for the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com. Team Full Throttle will host the party with giveaways, games, autograph sessions and Q&A sessions throughout the evening. At the end of the night, NHRA fans will get a sneak peek of the weekend when the Tire Kingdom Top Fuel team fires up the nitro-burning dragster driven by Lagana.

CAPPS TO RUN SPECIAL NAPAFILTERS.COM DODGE CHARGER BODY AT TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS PRESENTED BY NAPAFILTERS.COM: Ron Capps' 300-mph Funny Car will have a new look for the March 8–11 Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com. The Don Schumacher Racing Dodge Charger R/T will help NAPA Auto Parts celebrate its March All You Need to Know NAPA Filters Big Event specials by sporting a special color scheme for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event in Gainesville. NAPA Filters is saluting race fans this month with its March NAPA Auto Parts store promotions. A $19.99 oil change for do-it-yourselfers that includes a Silver NAPA Filters oil filter and five quarts of Valvoline conventional oil is only $12.99 at NAPA Auto Parts stores after a mail-in $7 rebate.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS PRESENTED BY NAPAFILTERS.COM, AUTO-PLUS RACEWAY AT GAINESVILLE, March 8–11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to historic Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville for the third stop of the series and season-opening race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com. For media credentials, contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, March 30–April 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Sin City for the fourth race of the season. Defending event winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-644-4444 or log on to LVMS.com. For media credentials, contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, April 13–15: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the only four-wide national event. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or log on to charlottemotorspeedway.com. For media credentials, contact Media Relations Manager Alex Baca at abaca@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID		INSIDE THE NUMBERS
ENDING THE DROUGHT IN THE SWAMP: Tony Schumacher, driver of the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster, on the chances of winning his first race since 2010 and passing “Big Daddy” Don Garlits on the win list at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville: “Believe me, it will be an amazing sight to see my guys up in the winner’s circle when they pull it off, and we’ll be getting it done soon. Gainesville would be the perfect place to do it. It’s cool to be tied with Garlits for the most wins at one of the biggest races of the year and to have a shot at passing him.”		200: Pro Stock Motorcycle riders have been trying to break the 200-mph barrier for years. Reigning world champ Eddie Krawiec unofficially accomplished that feat during preseason testing this week in Valdosta, Georgia, by posting the unofficial fastest pass in class history. There is a very good chance that the 200-mph barrier could be officially broken this weekend at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, where last year the 10 quickest and five fastest passes were recorded, including Krawiec’s national record-setting run of 199.26 mph.

DID YOU KNOW

… that one of the most memorable moments in NHRA history happened 20 years ago at historic Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, the first 300-mph run in Top Fuel by the “King of Speed” himself, Kenny Bernstein. The original Budweiser car will be on display all weekend at the Darrell Gwynn booth on the midway. A special ceremony to honor Bernstein and his team will be held Saturday morning before the first nitro qualifying session followed by an autograph session at the Gwynn booth.