Currently, 2011 SEMA Show buyer registrations are up 54%, which represents a total of 6,060—more than twice the number registered this same time last year.

The 2011 SEMA Show is shattering records. Companies are taking booth space much earlier this year, as indicated in a recent report by Show management. Exhibit space sales in net square footage is up 14% year-to-date and total exhibitors are up 18% year-to-date. This brings the total number of exhibitors as of May 17, to 1,615—a strong indicator that in 2011, the SEMA Show is a top priority for manufacturers and buyers.

In fact, the number of first-time exhibitors has already grown to a healthy list of more than 230 companies. Whether it's your first SEMA Show or you're a seasoned veteran, if you haven't yet reserved a booth space, begin the process today by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth. Exhibiting at the 2011 SEMA Show can help your company achieve high value and high ROI through exclusive exhibitor opportunities and programs. If you have questions about exhibiting, contact ConvExx Show Management at 702/450-7662, ext. 120, or e-mail SEMA-exhibit@ConvExx.com for prompt, personalized service.

The recent Show management report further indicates that buyers are not waiting to register, either. Currently, buyer registrations are up 54%, which represents a total of 6,060—more than twice the number registered this same time last year. The press also has decided that come November 1, they are going to be at the Las Vegas Convention Center when the 2011 SEMA Show opens its doors. At present, media registrations are up 75% with 804 registrations already confirmed. If you haven't registered to attend yet—don't wait—simply visit www.SEMAShow.com and start making plans today to attend the 2011 SEMA Show.

2011 SEMA Show Resources:

Current list of Exhibitors for the 2011 SEMA Show
General Prospectus for Exhibitors (PDF)
Buy a Booth for the 2011 SEMA Show
Register as a Buyer for the 2011 SEMA Show

SEMA is working with the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, labor organizations, large employers and small businesses to support legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate to help shut down rogue websites that sell counterfeit goods. Entitled the “Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act” (PROTECT IP), the bill would authorize the Justice Department to obtain court orders requiring search engines in the United States to stop displaying links to domain names.

“Theft is theft, whether a product is stolen from the store shelf or sold as counterfeit goods over the Internet,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The PROTECT IP BILL will provide law enforcement with more tools to combat crime involving intellectual property. Several years ago, the business community worked with Congress to update U.S. trademark law by allowing counterfeit goods to be destroyed along with the equipment used to produce the fake goods. SEMA now welcomes the opportunity to strengthen U.S. copyright law by shielding American consumers from websites that peddle pirated goods.”

The legislation is needed to address the growing problem of online sales of counterfeit and pirated goods, whether specialty auto parts, pharmaceuticals or movies. These products cost thousands of American jobs, expose consumers to health and safety threats and tarnish business reputations.

Companies can already pursue trademark infringement actions against people trafficking in counterfeit goods. However, the PROTECT IP Act would allow companies to ask the federal government to help combat infringement by blocking access to the website, search-engine references and consumer payments. The legislation is especially important in combating foreign-operated sites or domain names that are not registered through a U.S.-based registry. The PROTECT IP Act would nevertheless provide the domain operator full due process protections, including the right to argue its case in court and prove that its site is not engaged in IP theft.

For more information on the PROTECT IP Act and the campaign against online theft, please visit www.fightonlinetheft.com.

SEMA Wants to Know If You Are Threatened by Counterfeit Products

“Counterfeiting” is the deliberate imitation of a product or trademark with the intent to pass the product off as genuine. It is not the same as “knock-offs,” which are a version of the original product with some degree of difference. The degree defines whether the other product has infringed your patent, trademark or copyright or is distinctly different.

SEMA wants to better understand the threat counterfeit products pose to its members. If your company has been the target of counterfeit activity, now or in the past, please contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org or 202/783-6007, ext. 30. All information shared will be treated as confidential.

SEMA is working with the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, labor organizations, large employers and small businesses to support legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate to help shut down rogue websites that sell counterfeit goods. Entitled the “Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act” (PROTECT IP), the bill would authorize the Justice Department to obtain court orders requiring search engines in the United States to stop displaying links to domain names.

“Theft is theft, whether a product is stolen from the store shelf or sold as counterfeit goods over the Internet,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The PROTECT IP BILL will provide law enforcement with more tools to combat crime involving intellectual property. Several years ago, the business community worked with Congress to update U.S. trademark law by allowing counterfeit goods to be destroyed along with the equipment used to produce the fake goods. SEMA now welcomes the opportunity to strengthen U.S. copyright law by shielding American consumers from websites that peddle pirated goods.”

The legislation is needed to address the growing problem of online sales of counterfeit and pirated goods, whether specialty auto parts, pharmaceuticals or movies. These products cost thousands of American jobs, expose consumers to health and safety threats and tarnish business reputations.

Companies can already pursue trademark infringement actions against people trafficking in counterfeit goods. However, the PROTECT IP Act would allow companies to ask the federal government to help combat infringement by blocking access to the website, search-engine references and consumer payments. The legislation is especially important in combating foreign-operated sites or domain names that are not registered through a U.S.-based registry. The PROTECT IP Act would nevertheless provide the domain operator full due process protections, including the right to argue its case in court and prove that its site is not engaged in IP theft.

For more information on the PROTECT IP Act and the campaign against online theft, please visit www.fightonlinetheft.com.

SEMA Wants to Know If You Are Threatened by Counterfeit Products

“Counterfeiting” is the deliberate imitation of a product or trademark with the intent to pass the product off as genuine. It is not the same as “knock-offs,” which are a version of the original product with some degree of difference. The degree defines whether the other product has infringed your patent, trademark or copyright or is distinctly different.

SEMA wants to better understand the threat counterfeit products pose to its members. If your company has been the target of counterfeit activity, now or in the past, please contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org or 202/783-6007, ext. 30. All information shared will be treated as confidential.

SEMA is working with the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, labor organizations, large employers and small businesses to support legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate to help shut down rogue websites that sell counterfeit goods. Entitled the “Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act” (PROTECT IP), the bill would authorize the Justice Department to obtain court orders requiring search engines in the United States to stop displaying links to domain names.

“Theft is theft, whether a product is stolen from the store shelf or sold as counterfeit goods over the Internet,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The PROTECT IP BILL will provide law enforcement with more tools to combat crime involving intellectual property. Several years ago, the business community worked with Congress to update U.S. trademark law by allowing counterfeit goods to be destroyed along with the equipment used to produce the fake goods. SEMA now welcomes the opportunity to strengthen U.S. copyright law by shielding American consumers from websites that peddle pirated goods.”

The legislation is needed to address the growing problem of online sales of counterfeit and pirated goods, whether specialty auto parts, pharmaceuticals or movies. These products cost thousands of American jobs, expose consumers to health and safety threats and tarnish business reputations.

Companies can already pursue trademark infringement actions against people trafficking in counterfeit goods. However, the PROTECT IP Act would allow companies to ask the federal government to help combat infringement by blocking access to the website, search-engine references and consumer payments. The legislation is especially important in combating foreign-operated sites or domain names that are not registered through a U.S.-based registry. The PROTECT IP Act would nevertheless provide the domain operator full due process protections, including the right to argue its case in court and prove that its site is not engaged in IP theft.

For more information on the PROTECT IP Act and the campaign against online theft, please visit www.fightonlinetheft.com.

SEMA Wants to Know If You Are Threatened by Counterfeit Products

“Counterfeiting” is the deliberate imitation of a product or trademark with the intent to pass the product off as genuine. It is not the same as “knock-offs,” which are a version of the original product with some degree of difference. The degree defines whether the other product has infringed your patent, trademark or copyright or is distinctly different.

SEMA wants to better understand the threat counterfeit products pose to its members. If your company has been the target of counterfeit activity, now or in the past, please contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org or 202/783-6007, ext. 30. All information shared will be treated as confidential.

Joel Ayres

Industry veteran Joel Ayres has accepted the position of vice president of sales and marketing for Tākit Inc., manufacturers of the Bedslide and other light-truck cargo-management solutions. “Ayres has held the positions of national marketing director and division sales manager at Truck Accessories Group LLC, national sales manager at Gem Top Inc. and general manager of Rigid Form Inc., all in the truck accessory aftermarket," said Dan Marshall, president of Tākit. "Joel will be an important addition to the great team we presently have at Tākit.” Ayres serves on the SEMA Board of Directors and is also a member of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Hall of Fame.

Edelbrock LLC announced a new direct sales team for its Midwestern sales, service and marketing for Edelbrock and Russell products. The team includes incumbent National Sales Manager Jason Snyder and two new sales representatives, Greg Parker and Shane Turner. Snyder has more than 19 years of automotive industry experience, including more than seven years with Edelbrock, while both Parker and Turner bring more than 32 years of combined Edelbrock product and outside sales experience within the territory.

DuPont Custom Finishes was named the “Official Finish” of The Great Race, a vintage and collector-car rally that takes place between Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Bennington, Vermont, June 11–17, 2011. The Great Race national event, presented by Hemmings Motor News and Coker Tire, is a competition based on precision driving and navigational skills in classic, antique and vintage automobiles. The competition is in seven timed, controlled-speed, endurance rally stages—not top-speed races. Each vehicle must follow a prescribed common route while attempting to maintain assigned average speeds. Vehicle entries must have been manufactured in 1969 or earlier with a competition crew of two persons (generally a driver and a navigator) required in each competing vehicle.

Fesler Productions and Summit Racing have signed an agreement to make Summit Racing the exclusive large-scale distributor for the Fesler Billet line of products. According to a recent announcement, the partnership provides Fesler with a larger base of customers and gives Summit the ability to offer more than 200 products to its retail and wholesale customers. In addition to serving the auto racing markets, the partnership also provides Summit with the opportunity to focus on a larger customer base of restoration do-it-yourselfers.

For the second year in a row, a team from CWR Electronics exceeded their fundraising goals at the Berkeley Township Relay for Life, raising a total of $26,940.28 towards the fight against cancer. The Relay took place May 14–15 at Veterans Park in Bayville, New Jersey. Members of Team CWR stayed awake through the night walking the track to honor those fighting cancer 24 hours a day. Team CWR Captain Brian Swanke was the top fundraiser of the event, bringing in an individual total of $11,595.00. During the day of the Relay, Team CWR added to their total by selling hot food off the grill, home-baked treats and warm chili and soup for when the temperature dropped at night.

	Currently, there are more than 110 companies committed to exhibiting in the new Collision Repair & Refinish section at the 2011 SEMA Show.

The growing collision-repair section of the 2011 SEMA Show is now branded "Collision Repair & Refinish." The area will be one of 12 floor sections featured at the 2011 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, 2011, in Las Vegas.

"The number of exhibitors and educational seminars for the collision repair and refinish market increases year after year," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "The new name, Collision Repair & Refinish, is just one way that the SEMA Show is evolving to better and more accurately reflect the growing presence of this market."

Drawing more than 100,000 industry professionals each year, the SEMA Show is a comprehensive trade show that features automotive parts and accessories in markets, such as performance, off-road, racing, restyling, light truck, powersports, collision repair and refinish, mobile electronics and more. Buyers come from more than 100 countries to meet with leading manufacturers and discover new markets and trends.

"Buyers are constantly seeking opportunities to expand and grow," said MacGillivray. "At the SEMA Show, buyers can easily discover the most relevant cross-marketing opportunities and see what the hot trends are. The floor sections make it easy for buyers to hone in on the products most relevant to their businesses and make the best use of their time at the SEMA Show."

In addition to the more than 110 companies already committed to exhibiting in the new Collision Repair & Refinish section, the SEMA Show features 11 other floor sections that will include manufacturers of products, such as cleaners, waxes, polishes, wheels, apparel, interior and exterior and tools and equipment. Professionals in the collision-repair industry will have opportunities to learn more about the industry and network with peers at special activities from the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and I-CAR.

Details about the SEMA Show, including information on how to exhibit and attend, are available at www.SEMAShow.com.

	Currently, there are more than 110 companies committed to exhibiting in the new Collision Repair & Refinish section at the 2011 SEMA Show.

The growing collision-repair section of the 2011 SEMA Show is now branded "Collision Repair & Refinish." The area will be one of 12 floor sections featured at the 2011 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, 2011, in Las Vegas.

"The number of exhibitors and educational seminars for the collision repair and refinish market increases year after year," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "The new name, Collision Repair & Refinish, is just one way that the SEMA Show is evolving to better and more accurately reflect the growing presence of this market."

Drawing more than 100,000 industry professionals each year, the SEMA Show is a comprehensive trade show that features automotive parts and accessories in markets, such as performance, off-road, racing, restyling, light truck, powersports, collision repair and refinish, mobile electronics and more. Buyers come from more than 100 countries to meet with leading manufacturers and discover new markets and trends.

"Buyers are constantly seeking opportunities to expand and grow," said MacGillivray. "At the SEMA Show, buyers can easily discover the most relevant cross-marketing opportunities and see what the hot trends are. The floor sections make it easy for buyers to hone in on the products most relevant to their businesses and make the best use of their time at the SEMA Show."

In addition to the more than 110 companies already committed to exhibiting in the new Collision Repair & Refinish section, the SEMA Show features 11 other floor sections that will include manufacturers of products, such as cleaners, waxes, polishes, wheels, apparel, interior and exterior and tools and equipment. Professionals in the collision-repair industry will have opportunities to learn more about the industry and network with peers at special activities from the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and I-CAR.

Details about the SEMA Show, including information on how to exhibit and attend, are available at www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA Show organizers have been working with major air carriers to secure discounted airfare for the 2011 SEMA Show. American, Continental, Delta and United are among the first airlines to offer up to 10% off of round-trip airfare to Las Vegas.

Listed below are the details and valid travel dates for the available discounts through each of the four airlines. The 2011 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, 2011. Complete information on the SEMA Show is available online at www.SEMAShow.com.

American Airlines: 2011 SEMA Show travelers using American Airlines can save 5% off published fares during valid travel dates of October 29–November 6, 2011. Make your reservation at www.aa.com, choose your flight times and access your meeting discounts by inserting "48H1BN" in the Promotion Code box. Or, call a travel professional at the American Airlines Meeting Services Desk at 800/433-1790 for reservations. Refer to Promotion Code "48H1BN." Some restrictions apply.

Continental Airlines: Continental Airlines offers discounts ranging between 2%–10% off published fares or Zone fares. Valid travel dates run from October 29–November 7, 2011. Call a travel professional or Continental MeetingWorks at 800/468-7022 for reservations.  You can save an additional 3% off by booking your own reservations at www.continental.com; choose flight times and access meeting discounts by inserting "ZKGF432414" in the Offer Code box. By booking online, you'll also save the $25 service fee normally applied to phone reservations. Some restrictions apply. Contact Continental for complete details.

Delta Airlines: Delta Airlines is offering discounted airfares ranging from 2%–10% on full/unrestricted airfares to 2011 SEMA Show travelers. Valid travel dates run from October 28–November 7, 2011. Discounts are applicable to United States-Canada-originating passengers only. Individuals and meeting planners, call 800/328-1111 for reservations and ticketing assistance. Use Account Code "NM7MF" when purchasing your tickets to receive the discount. Some restrictions apply. Contact Delta for complete details.

United Airlines: Receive discounts of 5% or more with United Airlines. Valid travel dates run from October 24–November 11, 2011. Book online at www.united.com or call United toll-free at 800/521-4041. Refer to Promotion Code "590GT." Some restrictions apply. Contact United for complete details.

SEMA Show organizers have been working with major air carriers to secure discounted airfare for the 2011 SEMA Show. American, Continental, Delta and United are among the first airlines to offer up to 10% off of round-trip airfare to Las Vegas.

Listed below are the details and valid travel dates for the available discounts through each of the four airlines. The 2011 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, 2011. Complete information on the SEMA Show is available online at www.SEMAShow.com.

American Airlines: 2011 SEMA Show travelers using American Airlines can save 5% off published fares during valid travel dates of October 29–November 6, 2011. Make your reservation at www.aa.com, choose your flight times and access your meeting discounts by inserting "48H1BN" in the Promotion Code box. Or, call a travel professional at the American Airlines Meeting Services Desk at 800/433-1790 for reservations. Refer to Promotion Code "48H1BN." Some restrictions apply.

Continental Airlines: Continental Airlines offers discounts ranging between 2%–10% off published fares or Zone fares. Valid travel dates run from October 29–November 7, 2011. Call a travel professional or Continental MeetingWorks at 800/468-7022 for reservations.  You can save an additional 3% off by booking your own reservations at www.continental.com; choose flight times and access meeting discounts by inserting "ZKGF432414" in the Offer Code box. By booking online, you'll also save the $25 service fee normally applied to phone reservations. Some restrictions apply. Contact Continental for complete details.

Delta Airlines: Delta Airlines is offering discounted airfares ranging from 2%–10% on full/unrestricted airfares to 2011 SEMA Show travelers. Valid travel dates run from October 28–November 7, 2011. Discounts are applicable to United States-Canada-originating passengers only. Individuals and meeting planners, call 800/328-1111 for reservations and ticketing assistance. Use Account Code "NM7MF" when purchasing your tickets to receive the discount. Some restrictions apply. Contact Delta for complete details.

United Airlines: Receive discounts of 5% or more with United Airlines. Valid travel dates run from October 24–November 11, 2011. Book online at www.united.com or call United toll-free at 800/521-4041. Refer to Promotion Code "590GT." Some restrictions apply. Contact United for complete details.

 

NEWS NUGGETS

BROWN, BECKMAN GET SECOND WINS OF SEASON IN ATLANTA: In one of the most exciting Top Fuel finals this season, Antron Brown held off fellow Don Schumacher Racing teammate Tony Schumacher en route to his second win of the season Sunday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals. Brown’s Matco Tools Dragster posted a 3.865-second run that was just enough to keep the seven-time world champion Schumacher from collecting his first Atlanta Dragway win—the only track on the NHRA Full Throttle schedule where he hasn’t won.

“It was tough all weekend,” said Brown. “Qualifying didn’t go like we wanted it to, of course. But our boys just pulled together like they did in Vegas, and when race day comes, the game face goes on. Any given Sunday, anybody can win it.”

With the win, Brown moved from third to second in the Top Fuel point standings, just behind leader Del Worsham, who fell in the first round of eliminations. In Funny Car, Brown’s fellow DSR teammate Jack Beckman also raced to his second win of the season, beating points leader Mike Neff in the final round with a 4.111-second run in his Aaron’s/Valvoline Dodge Charger. It was Beckman’s second win at Atlanta Dragway.

“Any win is a good win,” said Beckman. “But beating a John Force car has kind of got a nice topping on that ice cream sundae if you know what I mean. They are at the top of their game.”

With the win, Beckman moved from third to second in the Funny Car point standings, just 20 points behind leader Neff. For more results from the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, visit NHRA.com.

LINE GETS THIRD WIN OF THE SEASON AT SPONSOR’S EVENT; TONGLET COLLECTS FIRST OF 2011 IN ATLANTA: Pro Stock points leader Jason Line showed once again why he has the car to beat in 2011 when he held off fellow teammate Greg Anderson in the final round of Pro Stock competition Sunday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. Line raced to his third win of the season in a final round that saw both Summit Racing Pontiac GXPs in the final at their sponsor’s event.

“It was a good day, it really was,” said Line. “After the semis, Greg and I got down there, and we were excited. We felt we needed a miracle to win because we didn’t feel like we performed like we should’ve. But somehow we got it. But Summit won today, and that was the biggest thing.” With the win and final-round matchup, both Line and Anderson moved into the one and two spots in the Pro Stock point standings. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, defending world champion LE Tonglet returned to the winner’s circle for the first time this season after he held off Karen Stoffer in the final round on his Nitro Fish Suzuki. Tonglet took the No. 1 qualifying position in the final session of qualifying Saturday, then mowed down the competition en route to his sixth career win.

“We’re really happy with the way that Nitro Fish Suzuki is running,” said Tonglet. “It’s really been a fun bike to ride. It’s so smooth, and it’s just hauling butt. There is really nothing more we can do to it.” Tonglet moved from fifth to third in the point standings with the win, while runner-up Stoffer took over the points lead.

NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES READY FOR RETURN TO TOPEKA: As the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series marches on, drivers and teams prepare for their second race in as many weeks and the seventh stop of the 2011 season, the NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka. Last season, Tony Schumacher raced to his first win at Heartland Park, one of only two tracks on the NHRA circuit at the time where he had not won, while Funny Car driver Robert Hight won his third consecutive win of the season with his victory over Jeff Arend in the final round. Now, as the tour heads back to the rolling plains of Kansas, many drivers are searching for their first wins of the season, while others are hoping to continue their dominance and rack up as many points as they can before the Countdown to the playoffs begin in September. Will defending Full Throttle champions Larry Dixon and John Force end their winless spell for 2011? Dixon has two wins at Heartland Park Topeka while Force has nine. Will Top Fuel pilot Del Worsham continue his domination over the class and pick up his fourth win of 2011? How about the Pro Stock duo of Greg Anderson and Jason Line? While Anderson has four wins at Heartland Park, Line has never won at the Kansas track. Tickets for the NHRA Summer Nationals are still available. To purchase, call 800/43-RACES or go online at hpt.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS, HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA, May 20–22: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its seventh stop of the season during the start of the summer months. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800/43-RACES or go online at hpt.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Social Media Michael Padian at mpadian@nhra.com.

NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, June 2–5: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its eighth stop of the season at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Bob Tasca (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/43-RACES or go online at Racewaypark.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

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 include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 423/989-6900 or go online at bristoldragway.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

KEEPING YOUR COINS IN THE ‘GOOD LUCK JAR’: Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader Karen Stoffer on overcoming some of the struggles they faced during qualifying last weekend and making it to the final round and taking over the points lead at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals: “We’ve put a lot of coins in the bad-luck jar over the past year and now we’re moving them back to the good luck side of the jar.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1993, EPLER BREAKS 300 MPH BARRIER IN FUNNY CAR: At the 1993 NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka, Jim Epler became the first Funny Car driver in NHRA history to break the 300-mph barrier with his pass of 300.40 mph during round one of eliminations. What records could be broken this weekend at the 23rd annual NHRA Summer Nationals, May 20–22?

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

1: Pro Stock defending world champion Greg Anderson needs only one more win at Heartland Park Topeka to tie NHRA Legend Warren Johnson for the most in Pro Stock at the Kansas track at five.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that Funny Car driver Bob Tasca was in attendance as the Space Shuttle Endeavour made its lift-off at the NASA Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida, for its final mission? Tasca, a close friend of Flight Commander Mark Kelly, flew to Florida following the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals to watch the final lift off.

“It’s really amazing. Just to look at it; 4 million lbs., sitting there on the launch pad. It accelerates in eight minutes. From blastoff to in-orbit in eight minutes. We talked about which would be louder, my Funny Car or the space shuttle. It was pretty loud, and I was 2½ miles away. The Funny Car is louder, but you’re standing right next to it. This thing was 2½ miles away and the ground was rumbling. It’s an amazing machine, to say the least. Amazing.”

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