Mark Scheetz

New-product innovation is essential to the survival and competitiveness of your company. In a rapidly changing marketplace, getting new products to market quickly is crucial. Is your company using the latest tools and technology to keep R&D efficient and cost effective?

Join Mark Scheetz, GoEngineer, on Thursday, June 23, at 10:00 a.m (PDT), for a new SEMA Education Institute (SEI) webinar as he discusses 3-D CAD software applications for the automotive aftermarket. With more than 25 years of experience in all phases of design, development and implementation of computer applications, Scheetz will bring a wealth of knowledge to share with attendees. He will cover the following:

• Introduction of 3-D CAD design
• Using OEM-provided CAD files for efficiency and accuracy (with SEMA's OEM Technology Transfer Program)
• Referencing imported data for new designs
• Testing new designs before making prototypes and parts
• Reuse of 3-D data for tooling and manufacturing

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how a design concept can go from sketch to production using the latest in 3-D CAD software. Join Scheetz on Thursday, June 23, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember, SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Members: click here for more information and to register.

Non-members: click here for more information and to register.

 

Mark Scheetz

New-product innovation is essential to the survival and competitiveness of your company. In a rapidly changing marketplace, getting new products to market quickly is crucial. Is your company using the latest tools and technology to keep R&D efficient and cost effective?

Join Mark Scheetz, GoEngineer, on Thursday, June 23, at 10:00 a.m (PDT), for a new SEMA Education Institute (SEI) webinar as he discusses 3-D CAD software applications for the automotive aftermarket. With more than 25 years of experience in all phases of design, development and implementation of computer applications, Scheetz will bring a wealth of knowledge to share with attendees. He will cover the following:

• Introduction of 3-D CAD design
• Using OEM-provided CAD files for efficiency and accuracy (with SEMA's OEM Technology Transfer Program)
• Referencing imported data for new designs
• Testing new designs before making prototypes and parts
• Reuse of 3-D data for tooling and manufacturing

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how a design concept can go from sketch to production using the latest in 3-D CAD software. Join Scheetz on Thursday, June 23, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember, SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Members: click here for more information and to register.

Non-members: click here for more information and to register.

The vehicle photo gallery located at www.enjoythedrive.com features more than 2,000 vehicles on display at the 2010 SEMA Show. Here is a collection of the iconic Chevrolet Camaro, old and new, with the custom touches only the specialty-equipment market can provide.

The SEMA Show features thousands of project vehicles each year that represent the ingenuity and creativity of the specialty-equipment market. SEMA Show exhibitors can generate more product exposure by offering products to builders through the SEMA Show Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list is a simple way to connect exhibitors who want to get more eyes on their products at the Show with builders designing the vehicles that attract attention from thousands of buyers and members of the media.

Each week in SEMA eNews, the latest additions will be included in the list, and hundreds of builders will access the list to find the pieces they need to complete their builds. Product-placement opportunities such as this are so beneficial that exhibitors often offer products for free or at a greatly reduced rate. Note: The list is reserved for exhibitors of the 2011 SEMA Show.

To place your product on the list, send your company name, a brief product description, contact information and a website where the products can be viewed to eNews@sema.org and put “Product List” in the e-mail subject line. To complete the process online, visit www.SEMAShow.com/esm and click on the "Project Vehicle Builders" link to access the electronic form.

Remember, builders will contact you directly, so make sure your contact information is accurate. New submissions will be included each week, when available.

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

Here are the latest additions to the list:

Engine/Underhood Components

ProCharger (Booth #21354): Superchargers and intercooled supercharger systems. Contact: Cary Pangrac; 913/338-2886; 913-338-2879 (fax). Website: www.procharger.com.

ODYSSEY Battery by EnerSys (Booth #24943): ODYSSEY batteries and Ultimizer chargers. Contact: April Tomalis; 800/538-3627, ext. 1729; 610/372-8613 (fax). Website: www.odysseybattery.com.

Exterior Products/Accessories

Blue Ox (Booth #36083): Blue Ox Allure Towbar, Blue Ox SwayPro weight distribution hitch, Blue Ox gooseneck hitch. Contact: Destiny Thomas; 402/385-3051; 402/385-3360. Website: www.blueox.com.

EGR Inc. (Booth #30065): Full line of exterior plastic accessories, including (but not limited to) no-drill fender flares, no-drill hood protectors, side-window visors and side steps. Contact: Robert Wityczak; 909/923-7075. Website: www.egrusa.com.

Hi-Lift Jack Company (Booth #32005): Hi-Lift Jacks and accessories, Slide-N-Lock tie-down systems. Contact: Steve Dowden; 812/384-4441, ext. 16; 812/384-4592. Website: www.hi-lift.com.

Lazer Star Light Products (Booth #37075): HID and LED driving and off-road lights. Contact: Suzi; 805/226-8200; 805/226-8150 (fax). Website: www.lazerstar.net.

ORACLE Lighting Technologies (Booth #11443): ORACLE SMD headlight halo kits (all colors available). Contact: Jonathan or Justin; 800/407-5776; 800/407-2631. Website: www.ORACLElights.com.

Retro USA (Booth #13061): Retro-styled bumpers, trim and moldings for 2005–2009 Mustangs, 2010–2011 Camaros and 2008–2011 Challengers. Available in chrome, black chrome and carbon fiber finishes. Contact: Gary Green; 952/641-2334; 952/435-9891. Website: www.retrousa.net.

Rhino Linings Corp. (Booth #31055): Spray-in bedliner. Contact: Jenny Clifford; 858/410-6020; 858/450-5078 (fax).

T-Rex Grilles (Booth #35111): Multiple grille designs for most cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as numerous trim accessories. Grille styles include: traditional billet, stainless steel mesh X-Metal studded mesh grilles. All grilles and accessories are available in a polished or black finish and are in stock and ready to ship. Contact: Victor Casillas; 951/270-5388; 951/270-5391 (fax). Website: www.trexbillet.com.

Warrior Products (Booth #34091): Jeep exterior accessories, including tube doors, roof racks, fender flares, body armor, etc. Contact: Jason Roy. Website: www.warriorproducts.com.

Interior Products/Accessories

CargoGlide (Booth #31153): Cargo slides for trucks, vans and SUVs. CargoGlide offers several models to suit individual and company needs from 600 lb. to 2,500 lb. capacities. Easy to install. Contact: David McInturf; 239/340-9605.

LeBaron Bonney Co./EZ Boy Interiors (Booth #23083): Reproduction and custom interior kits, including seat and panel upholstery. Contact: Scott Holbrook. Website: www.lebaronbonney.com; www.ezboyinteriors.com.

QuietRIDE Solutions (Booth #24386): AcoustiShield thermal acoustic auto insulation. Contact: Timothy Cox; 209/942-4777; 209/942-4476 (fax). Website: www.quietride.com.

Suspension/Brakes

BDS Suspension (Booth #30170): American-made suspension lifts and shocks for trucks, SUVs and Jeeps. Contact: Carter Reed; 517/279-2384, ext. 250; 517/278-2316. Website: www.bds-suspension.com.

Hellwig Products (Booth #22521): Load and sway suspension for trucks, SUVs and vintage and modern musclecars. Contact: Melanie White; 559/734-7451. Website: www.hellwigproducts.com.

Wheels & Tires

Vossen Wheels (Booth #47099): Wheels. Contact: Jav; 305/463-7778; 305/256-1007 (fax). Website: www.vossenwheels.com.

Other Products/Services

QuietRIDE Solutions (Booth #24386): Firewall insulators and truck headliners. Contact: Timothy Cox; 209/942-4777; 209/942-4476 (fax). Website: www.quietride.com.

The SEMA Show features thousands of project vehicles each year that represent the ingenuity and creativity of the specialty-equipment market. SEMA Show exhibitors can generate more product exposure by offering products to builders through the SEMA Show Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list is a simple way to connect exhibitors who want to get more eyes on their products at the Show with builders designing the vehicles that attract attention from thousands of buyers and members of the media.

Each week in SEMA eNews, the latest additions will be included in the list, and hundreds of builders will access the list to find the pieces they need to complete their builds. Product-placement opportunities such as this are so beneficial that exhibitors often offer products for free or at a greatly reduced rate. Note: The list is reserved for exhibitors of the 2011 SEMA Show.

To place your product on the list, send your company name, a brief product description, contact information and a website where the products can be viewed to eNews@sema.org and put “Product List” in the e-mail subject line. To complete the process online, visit www.SEMAShow.com/esm and click on the "Project Vehicle Builders" link to access the electronic form.

Remember, builders will contact you directly, so make sure your contact information is accurate. New submissions will be included each week, when available.

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

Here are the latest additions to the list:

Engine/Underhood Components

ProCharger (Booth #21354): Superchargers and intercooled supercharger systems. Contact: Cary Pangrac; 913/338-2886; 913-338-2879 (fax). Website: www.procharger.com.

ODYSSEY Battery by EnerSys (Booth #24943): ODYSSEY batteries and Ultimizer chargers. Contact: April Tomalis; 800/538-3627, ext. 1729; 610/372-8613 (fax). Website: www.odysseybattery.com.

Exterior Products/Accessories

Blue Ox (Booth #36083): Blue Ox Allure Towbar, Blue Ox SwayPro weight distribution hitch, Blue Ox gooseneck hitch. Contact: Destiny Thomas; 402/385-3051; 402/385-3360. Website: www.blueox.com.

EGR Inc. (Booth #30065): Full line of exterior plastic accessories, including (but not limited to) no-drill fender flares, no-drill hood protectors, side-window visors and side steps. Contact: Robert Wityczak; 909/923-7075. Website: www.egrusa.com.

Hi-Lift Jack Company (Booth #32005): Hi-Lift Jacks and accessories, Slide-N-Lock tie-down systems. Contact: Steve Dowden; 812/384-4441, ext. 16; 812/384-4592. Website: www.hi-lift.com.

Lazer Star Light Products (Booth #37075): HID and LED driving and off-road lights. Contact: Suzi; 805/226-8200; 805/226-8150 (fax). Website: www.lazerstar.net.

ORACLE Lighting Technologies (Booth #11443): ORACLE SMD headlight halo kits (all colors available). Contact: Jonathan or Justin; 800/407-5776; 800/407-2631. Website: www.ORACLElights.com.

Retro USA (Booth #13061): Retro-styled bumpers, trim and moldings for 2005–2009 Mustangs, 2010–2011 Camaros and 2008–2011 Challengers. Available in chrome, black chrome and carbon fiber finishes. Contact: Gary Green; 952/641-2334; 952/435-9891. Website: www.retrousa.net.

Rhino Linings Corp. (Booth #31055): Spray-in bedliner. Contact: Jenny Clifford; 858/410-6020; 858/450-5078 (fax).

T-Rex Grilles (Booth #35111): Multiple grille designs for most cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as numerous trim accessories. Grille styles include: traditional billet, stainless steel mesh X-Metal studded mesh grilles. All grilles and accessories are available in a polished or black finish and are in stock and ready to ship. Contact: Victor Casillas; 951/270-5388; 951/270-5391 (fax). Website: www.trexbillet.com.

Warrior Products (Booth #34091): Jeep exterior accessories, including tube doors, roof racks, fender flares, body armor, etc. Contact: Jason Roy. Website: www.warriorproducts.com.

Interior Products/Accessories

CargoGlide (Booth #31153): Cargo slides for trucks, vans and SUVs. CargoGlide offers several models to suit individual and company needs from 600 lb. to 2,500 lb. capacities. Easy to install. Contact: David McInturf; 239/340-9605.

LeBaron Bonney Co./EZ Boy Interiors (Booth #23083): Reproduction and custom interior kits, including seat and panel upholstery. Contact: Scott Holbrook. Website: www.lebaronbonney.com; www.ezboyinteriors.com.

QuietRIDE Solutions (Booth #24386): AcoustiShield thermal acoustic auto insulation. Contact: Timothy Cox; 209/942-4777; 209/942-4476 (fax). Website: www.quietride.com.

Suspension/Brakes

BDS Suspension (Booth #30170): American-made suspension lifts and shocks for trucks, SUVs and Jeeps. Contact: Carter Reed; 517/279-2384, ext. 250; 517/278-2316. Website: www.bds-suspension.com.

Hellwig Products (Booth #22521): Load and sway suspension for trucks, SUVs and vintage and modern musclecars. Contact: Melanie White; 559/734-7451. Website: www.hellwigproducts.com.

Wheels & Tires

Vossen Wheels (Booth #47099): Wheels. Contact: Jav; 305/463-7778; 305/256-1007 (fax). Website: www.vossenwheels.com.

Other Products/Services

QuietRIDE Solutions (Booth #24386): Firewall insulators and truck headliners. Contact: Timothy Cox; 209/942-4777; 209/942-4476 (fax). Website: www.quietride.com.

 

Phil Frank, the man behind the design of the legendary Saleen S7, launches his exotic component business PFD Carbonworks.

Phil Frank Launches PFD Carbonworks
Phil Frank, the man behind the design of the legendary Saleen S7, launches his exotic component business PFD Carbonworks. As a design consultant via Phil Frank Design (PFD), he has been instrumental in designing the brands, vehicles and products of numerous companies. According to a recent announcement, Frank has focused his experience, time and resources into establishing PFD Carbonworks, dedicated to performance and innovation components for the automotive exotic enthusiast. More information is available at www.pfdcarbonworks.com.

RK Motors' Owner Rob Kauffman Takes on 24 Hours of Le Mans
Rob Kauffman, owner of RK Motors Charlotte in North Carolina, took the driver's seat of a Ferrari F458 during the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, June 11–12. Along with teammates Michael Waltrip and Rui Aguas, Kauffman raced on behalf of the Italian auto racing team, AF Corse. The team’s Ferrari was outfitted with the RK Motors Charlotte logo.

AC Propulsion CEO Tom Gage Joins List of Electrifying 100
AC Propulsion's CEO Tom Gage was selected as one of Automotive News' Electrifying 100, a list of what the publication calls "the most influential people leading the global transformation of the automobile to an electrified fleet." According to a recent release, AC Propulsion is widely credited with playing a seminal role in the modern electric vehicle (EV) era and, as CEO for the past 10 years, Gage has led the company toward commercialization of the proprietary electric propulsion technologies it has developed since 1992. Gage was honored this week in Dearborn, Michigan, during the magazine’s Green Car Conference.

 

Mauro Pessi was appointed president and CEO of the Pirelli's South America region.

Pirelli Names Pessi President, CEO of South America Region
Pirelli appointed Mauro Pessi president and CEO of the company's South America region. According to the company, the move was made to facilitate the consolidation and the development of Pirelli leadership in the growing markets in South America. In addition, in an effort to maintain continuity of the company's business strategy in North America, Pessi will retain the chairmanship of the Pirelli NAFTA Region. Also, to support what the company refers to as challenging growth in the NAFTA region, Matteo Battaini was appointed CEO. Pirelli reports that Battaini's 20 years experience as a manager with Pirelli includes a strong background in demand planning, supply chain and product management that will help ensure Pirelli’s commitment to the region.

Ingersoll Rand Awarded TechShop Magazine's Top 5 Tools Award
Ingersoll Rand was awarded TechShop magazine's 2010 Top 5 Tools Award. On a monthly basis, readers of TechShop magazine report on the top-five tools used in their shops. Award winners are based on the number of times a company or its products are mentioned in the previous six issues of the magazine's Top 5 Favorite Tools section by shop owners and technicians.

WyoTech-Laramie Named to 2010 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
For the fourth consecutive year, WyoTech-Laramie was named to the 2010 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). According to a Wyo-Tech release, the Honor Roll recognizes higher education institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities. More than 1,000 students from the WyoTech-Laramie campus engaged in some form of community service in 2010. The service projects were varied and included assistance during an unexpected flood in July, which put dozens of homes at risk in the West Laramie area. Additional service projects included more than 3,600 hours at Ghost Tours, a haunted house/historic tour, and 2,200 hours at Jubilee Days—a weeklong community festival.

 

Seven-time world champ Tony Schumacher	15-time world champ John Force

NEWS NUGGETS

SCHUMACHER AND FORCE STILL LOOKING FOR FIRST WINS OF 2011: As the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Bristol Dragway this week for the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, many drivers are riding a wave of race victories.

Top Fuel points leader Del Worsham has three event wins in his first full season behind the wheel of the Al-Anabi dragster. Second-place Spencer Massey is coming off of consecutive wins in Topeka, Kansas, and Englishtown, New Jersey. In Funny Car, Mike Neff has raced to two wins and is enjoying a run of four consecutive final-round appearances, and teammate Robert Hight has three wins already.

And yet while so many drivers are experiencing strong success in 2011, some of the biggest names and former NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world champions have yet to earn their first wins of the season.

One is seven-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher. He not only has failed to win a race this season, but he’s also had only two final-round appearances, a vast difference for a driver who has amassed 26 wins in 33 final-round appearances in the three years before this season. Schumacher enters Bristol Dragway as the three-time defending event winner and four-time race winner. If ever there was a track for Schumacher to turn his success around, it is Bristol.

Another driver hoping to find Bristol success is 15-time and defending Funny Car world champion John Force. While both of his teammates, Neff and Hight, have found the winner’s circle multiple times this season, Force has yet to even find the final round, let alone a race win. The defending and three-time winner at Bristol Dragway holds the most wins of any Funny Car driver at the track and hopes for a repeat of the results of his 2010 Thunder Valley visit. Force also sits on the verge of breaking another NHRA record: He is tied with Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson for the most No. 1 qualifiers in NHRA history, with both sitting at 138.

Is Bristol Dragway the place where Force will again make drag racing history? For tickets for the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, call 423/989-6900 or log on to bristoldragway.com.

DIGIORNO PIZZA TO SUPPORT FULLER’S 2011 RETURN TO NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING: DiGiorno pizza will sponsor “Hot Rod” Fuller’s return to NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing in the Yas Marina Circuit Top Fuel dragster from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Fuller will compete at 10 NHRA events throughout the remainder of the 2011 tour, in Bristol, Tennessee; Joliet, Illinois; Denver; Brainerd, Minnesota; Indianapolis; Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas; Reading, Pennsylvania; Phoenix; and Las Vegas. Fuller and his Top Fuel dragster also will make four appearances on behalf of DiGiorno pizza at Walmart stores in the area of each race he attends. The schedule will consist of two appearances the Wednesday and Thursday before each race, from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. both days. Store locations will be announced the Monday of race week so that fans can plan their participation.

“Having a corporate entity such as Nestle with the DiGiorno brand sponsor us on the NHRA circuit is something that compares to commitments you see in other major-league sports,” said Fuller. “We feel that the NHRA fan base is a great audience for the promotion and know that Walmart is a great retail partner.”

For more information, log on to NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS PRESENTED BY TRI-CITIES AREA FORD DEALERS, BRISTOL DRAGWAY, June 17–19: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Thunder Valley and its ninth stop on the circuit. Defending event winners are Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 423/989-6900 or log on to bristoldragway.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, June 23–26: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Norwalk, Ohio, and its 10th stop on the circuit. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 419/668-5555 or log on to summitmotorsportspark.tix.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, July 7–10: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Chicago and the Windy City for its 11th stop of the season. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 815/727-RACE or log on to route66raceway.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

IF YOU’RE NOT FIRST, YOU’RE LAST: Pro Stock driver and points leader Jason Line on why he races: “I go to every race with the sole purpose of winning. There’s no other reason to go. That’s what we’re paid to do, and that’s what we need to do—we just need to do a better job of it, and I’m confident we will.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1965, DRAG RACING HEADS TO BRISTOL: On June 3–7, 1965, the NHRA held the Springnationals at Bristol International Dragway. In 2001, 36 years after that first national event held in Bristol, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing returned to Thunder Valley to the completely remodeled Bristol Dragway and the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

4.075: That’s the E.T. track record in Funny Car at Bristol Dragway, held by current Top Fuel driver Del Worsham and set in May 2009. The national record in Funny Car is 4.011 seconds, held by local favorite Matt Hagan. Can Hagan, or any other Funny Car driver, post the first three-second Funny Car run at this year’s Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers?

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the highly exciting, nitromethane-induced NHRA Harley-Davidson Racing Nitro Exhibition has been added to the schedule for the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers this weekend at Bristol Dragway? For tickets, call 423/989-6900 or log on to bristoldragway.com.

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.

 

Seven-time world champ Tony Schumacher	15-time world champ John Force

NEWS NUGGETS

SCHUMACHER AND FORCE STILL LOOKING FOR FIRST WINS OF 2011: As the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Bristol Dragway this week for the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, many drivers are riding a wave of race victories.

Top Fuel points leader Del Worsham has three event wins in his first full season behind the wheel of the Al-Anabi dragster. Second-place Spencer Massey is coming off of consecutive wins in Topeka, Kansas, and Englishtown, New Jersey. In Funny Car, Mike Neff has raced to two wins and is enjoying a run of four consecutive final-round appearances, and teammate Robert Hight has three wins already.

And yet while so many drivers are experiencing strong success in 2011, some of the biggest names and former NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world champions have yet to earn their first wins of the season.

One is seven-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher. He not only has failed to win a race this season, but he’s also had only two final-round appearances, a vast difference for a driver who has amassed 26 wins in 33 final-round appearances in the three years before this season. Schumacher enters Bristol Dragway as the three-time defending event winner and four-time race winner. If ever there was a track for Schumacher to turn his success around, it is Bristol.

Another driver hoping to find Bristol success is 15-time and defending Funny Car world champion John Force. While both of his teammates, Neff and Hight, have found the winner’s circle multiple times this season, Force has yet to even find the final round, let alone a race win. The defending and three-time winner at Bristol Dragway holds the most wins of any Funny Car driver at the track and hopes for a repeat of the results of his 2010 Thunder Valley visit. Force also sits on the verge of breaking another NHRA record: He is tied with Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson for the most No. 1 qualifiers in NHRA history, with both sitting at 138.

Is Bristol Dragway the place where Force will again make drag racing history? For tickets for the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, call 423/989-6900 or log on to bristoldragway.com.

DIGIORNO PIZZA TO SUPPORT FULLER’S 2011 RETURN TO NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING: DiGiorno pizza will sponsor “Hot Rod” Fuller’s return to NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing in the Yas Marina Circuit Top Fuel dragster from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Fuller will compete at 10 NHRA events throughout the remainder of the 2011 tour, in Bristol, Tennessee; Joliet, Illinois; Denver; Brainerd, Minnesota; Indianapolis; Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas; Reading, Pennsylvania; Phoenix; and Las Vegas. Fuller and his Top Fuel dragster also will make four appearances on behalf of DiGiorno pizza at Walmart stores in the area of each race he attends. The schedule will consist of two appearances the Wednesday and Thursday before each race, from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. both days. Store locations will be announced the Monday of race week so that fans can plan their participation.

“Having a corporate entity such as Nestle with the DiGiorno brand sponsor us on the NHRA circuit is something that compares to commitments you see in other major-league sports,” said Fuller. “We feel that the NHRA fan base is a great audience for the promotion and know that Walmart is a great retail partner.”

For more information, log on to NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS PRESENTED BY TRI-CITIES AREA FORD DEALERS, BRISTOL DRAGWAY, June 17–19: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Thunder Valley and its ninth stop on the circuit. Defending event winners are Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 423/989-6900 or log on to bristoldragway.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, June 23–26: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Norwalk, Ohio, and its 10th stop on the circuit. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 419/668-5555 or log on to summitmotorsportspark.tix.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, July 7–10: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Chicago and the Windy City for its 11th stop of the season. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 815/727-RACE or log on to route66raceway.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

IF YOU’RE NOT FIRST, YOU’RE LAST: Pro Stock driver and points leader Jason Line on why he races: “I go to every race with the sole purpose of winning. There’s no other reason to go. That’s what we’re paid to do, and that’s what we need to do—we just need to do a better job of it, and I’m confident we will.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1965, DRAG RACING HEADS TO BRISTOL: On June 3–7, 1965, the NHRA held the Springnationals at Bristol International Dragway. In 2001, 36 years after that first national event held in Bristol, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing returned to Thunder Valley to the completely remodeled Bristol Dragway and the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

4.075: That’s the E.T. track record in Funny Car at Bristol Dragway, held by current Top Fuel driver Del Worsham and set in May 2009. The national record in Funny Car is 4.011 seconds, held by local favorite Matt Hagan. Can Hagan, or any other Funny Car driver, post the first three-second Funny Car run at this year’s Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers?

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the highly exciting, nitromethane-induced NHRA Harley-Davidson Racing Nitro Exhibition has been added to the schedule for the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers this weekend at Bristol Dragway? For tickets, call 423/989-6900 or log on to bristoldragway.com.

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.

 

Seven-time world champ Tony Schumacher	15-time world champ John Force

NEWS NUGGETS

SCHUMACHER AND FORCE STILL LOOKING FOR FIRST WINS OF 2011: As the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Bristol Dragway this week for the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, many drivers are riding a wave of race victories.

Top Fuel points leader Del Worsham has three event wins in his first full season behind the wheel of the Al-Anabi dragster. Second-place Spencer Massey is coming off of consecutive wins in Topeka, Kansas, and Englishtown, New Jersey. In Funny Car, Mike Neff has raced to two wins and is enjoying a run of four consecutive final-round appearances, and teammate Robert Hight has three wins already.

And yet while so many drivers are experiencing strong success in 2011, some of the biggest names and former NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world champions have yet to earn their first wins of the season.

One is seven-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher. He not only has failed to win a race this season, but he’s also had only two final-round appearances, a vast difference for a driver who has amassed 26 wins in 33 final-round appearances in the three years before this season. Schumacher enters Bristol Dragway as the three-time defending event winner and four-time race winner. If ever there was a track for Schumacher to turn his success around, it is Bristol.

Another driver hoping to find Bristol success is 15-time and defending Funny Car world champion John Force. While both of his teammates, Neff and Hight, have found the winner’s circle multiple times this season, Force has yet to even find the final round, let alone a race win. The defending and three-time winner at Bristol Dragway holds the most wins of any Funny Car driver at the track and hopes for a repeat of the results of his 2010 Thunder Valley visit. Force also sits on the verge of breaking another NHRA record: He is tied with Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson for the most No. 1 qualifiers in NHRA history, with both sitting at 138.

Is Bristol Dragway the place where Force will again make drag racing history? For tickets for the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, call 423/989-6900 or log on to bristoldragway.com.

DIGIORNO PIZZA TO SUPPORT FULLER’S 2011 RETURN TO NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING: DiGiorno pizza will sponsor “Hot Rod” Fuller’s return to NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing in the Yas Marina Circuit Top Fuel dragster from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Fuller will compete at 10 NHRA events throughout the remainder of the 2011 tour, in Bristol, Tennessee; Joliet, Illinois; Denver; Brainerd, Minnesota; Indianapolis; Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas; Reading, Pennsylvania; Phoenix; and Las Vegas. Fuller and his Top Fuel dragster also will make four appearances on behalf of DiGiorno pizza at Walmart stores in the area of each race he attends. The schedule will consist of two appearances the Wednesday and Thursday before each race, from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. both days. Store locations will be announced the Monday of race week so that fans can plan their participation.

“Having a corporate entity such as Nestle with the DiGiorno brand sponsor us on the NHRA circuit is something that compares to commitments you see in other major-league sports,” said Fuller. “We feel that the NHRA fan base is a great audience for the promotion and know that Walmart is a great retail partner.”

For more information, log on to NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS PRESENTED BY TRI-CITIES AREA FORD DEALERS, BRISTOL DRAGWAY, June 17–19: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Thunder Valley and its ninth stop on the circuit. Defending event winners are Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 423/989-6900 or log on to bristoldragway.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, June 23–26: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Norwalk, Ohio, and its 10th stop on the circuit. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 419/668-5555 or log on to summitmotorsportspark.tix.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, July 7–10: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Chicago and the Windy City for its 11th stop of the season. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 815/727-RACE or log on to route66raceway.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

IF YOU’RE NOT FIRST, YOU’RE LAST: Pro Stock driver and points leader Jason Line on why he races: “I go to every race with the sole purpose of winning. There’s no other reason to go. That’s what we’re paid to do, and that’s what we need to do—we just need to do a better job of it, and I’m confident we will.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1965, DRAG RACING HEADS TO BRISTOL: On June 3–7, 1965, the NHRA held the Springnationals at Bristol International Dragway. In 2001, 36 years after that first national event held in Bristol, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing returned to Thunder Valley to the completely remodeled Bristol Dragway and the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

4.075: That’s the E.T. track record in Funny Car at Bristol Dragway, held by current Top Fuel driver Del Worsham and set in May 2009. The national record in Funny Car is 4.011 seconds, held by local favorite Matt Hagan. Can Hagan, or any other Funny Car driver, post the first three-second Funny Car run at this year’s Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers?

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the highly exciting, nitromethane-induced NHRA Harley-Davidson Racing Nitro Exhibition has been added to the schedule for the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers this weekend at Bristol Dragway? For tickets, call 423/989-6900 or log on to bristoldragway.com.

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.

	The SEMA Show's New Products Showcase is a priority destination for buyers and media.

There are countless opportunities for exhibitors to get their products noticed at the 2011 SEMA Show, according to Gary Vigil, SEMA trade shows director, and Jennifer Carr, CEM, ConvExx operations manager, who led the “Show Programs: New Products, Feature Vehicles, Product Training and More” session at the recent Exhibitor Summit in Las Vegas.

To watch this Exhibitor Summit video in its entirety, click here.

Oportunities include the following:

New Products Showcase

Located in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s upper South Hall, the New Products Showcase is a priority destination for buyers and media and every exhibitor should take advantage of it. The first product you display is free and each additional product costs $75. In addition, featured products—regardless of how long they’ve been available in the market—can now be displayed. A scanning tool is given to buyers and media, which enables them to get all the information they need about a particular product. This tool also lets exhibitors know who scanned their products. All products on display are posted to www.SEMAphotos.com and covered in SEMA News, providing additional exposure. The Global Media Awards enable international journalists to select the top 10 products they think will be the most successful. The submissions deadline for the New Products Showcase is October 8. For more information, click here or contact Sheldon Kaye at 702/450-7662, ext. 237 or skaye@ConvExx.com.

Feature Vehicle Program

The SEMA Show offers a booth and a feature vehicle program, both of which allow exhibitors to showcase their products on a vehicle. The vehicles are then photographed and displayed on www.SEMAShow.com. The cost for SEMA members to have a vehicle space is $399 and $499 for non-members. For more information, contact Donna Lawson at 702/450-7662, ext. 100 or featurevehicle@ConvExx.com.

Products for Project Vehicle Program

The project vehicle program is an exclusive exhibitor opportunity created for manufacturers that offer products to project-vehicle builders at no charge or at a substantial discount. For more information, contact Jason Catullo at 909/978-6713 or jasonc@sema.org.

Exhibitor Product Training

Exhibitor product training consists of a 30-minute session in which exhibitors demonstrate the technical applications of their company’s products. These sessions are promoted on www.SEMAShow.com and in the onsite brochure. The cost is $125 per session. For more information, contact Susan Schwartz at 702/450-7662, ext. 102 or sschwartz@ConvExx.com.

Lead Retrieval/Attendee Lists

Managing leads is critical. Before the Show, exhibitors can rent a customizable buyer list and invite buyers to visit their booth. At the Show, exhibitors can manage their prospects using the lead-retrieval system. After the Show, follow up with these prospects for the best chance at success. For more information, contact CompuSystems at 708/786-5565 or www.compusystems.com/order.

Celebrity Appearances

This is a good way to attract people to your booth and it’s free to exhibitors. The celebrity list and application forms are available at www.SEMAShow.com. Celebrity schedule flyers are distributed at info kiosks at the Show. For more information, contact Lisa Schafer at 909/978-6742 or lisas@sema.org.

Public Relations

At the Show, there are several opportunities to reach the more than 2,500 automotive media members in attendance, including exclusive exhibitor media conferences and by distributing exhibitor press releases/press kits in the Media Center. For more information, contact Della Domingo at 909/978-6723 or dellad@sema.org.

Student Host Program

Host a college student in your booth for a half day, full day or all three days of the Show. For students, this is a once-in-a-lifetime practical learning experience and, for exhibitors, this is your chance to serve as a positive role model for students interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry while teaching them to assist you in executing your company’s SEMA Show objectives. For more information, contact Juliet Marshall at 909/978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.

Manufacturers’ Representatives Matching

This service enables SEMA Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC) members to find you and get to know your product line and available territory. A list of exhibitors looking for reps is available to MRC members in the Manufacturers' Rep Center (Room C102) during the Show. Fore more information, contact Staci Bostock at 909/978-6693 or stacib@sema.org.

Sponsorship Opportunities

This is an opportunity to promote your company, expand your reach and attract buyers to your booth. Affordable options are available to fit your budget and objectives. For more information, contact Motor Media Inc. at 818/248-4449 or sales@motormediainc.com.

Meeting/Function Space Reservations

Located upstairs between the North and Central Halls, the Members Lounge is available to SEMA, Tire Industry Association (TIA) and Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) members and can accommodate meetings of 10 or fewer people. Open during Show exhibit hours, rooms are free to exhibitors and can be reserved for up to two non-consecutive one-hour time slots per day.

If you need a space for a breakfast meeting, lunch or evening reception, rooms are available at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Hilton and Renaissance Hotels. These rooms can be reserved for meetings during Show days only, held before 9:00 a.m., during lunch (11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) and after 5:00 p.m. Rooms at the Convention Center are free to exhibitors and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost for rooms at the Hilton and Renaissance are based on size, availability and food and beverage requirements. For more information, contact Tricia Hanisko at 702/450-7662, ext. 247 or thanisko@ConvExx.com.

After-Hours Functions

Hosting an event in your booth or outside display area before or after Show hours requires Show management approval. All invitees must have a badge for events held on the Show floor. Guests must remain in the exhibitor’s booth during the event and are not permitted in other booths. Events with more than 20 people require security. For more information, contact Susan Schwartz at 702/450-7662, ext. 102 or sschwartz@ConvExx.com.

For complete SEMA Show information, including deadlines, exhibitor lists and order forms for all Show services, please refer to the Exhibitor Manual or contact ConvExx customer service at 702/450-7662, ext. 120 or salesmgr@ConvExx.com.