Whether your company is large, small, growing, established or simply new to the market, now is the best time to join SEMA and take advantage of the benefits membership has to offer. The new online membership application is a user-friendly process that makes it even easier to become involved with SEMA.

SEMA offers several benefits to its members, including networking opportunities and business promotions. Upon becoming a member, your company will be designated a MySEMA profile where you can network with thousands of other industry professionals and participate in discussion groups, which are open for your questions, expertise and advice. Check out the SEMA councils on MySEMA. They are a great way to get involved in the aftermarket industry and provide an opportunity to help grow other companies within the business.

Don’t hesitate to call SEMA customer service at 909/610-2030 or e-mail member@sema.org with any questions during your online membership application process.

Join today, and experience all SEMA has to offer!

Whether your company is large, small, growing, established or simply new to the market, now is the best time to join SEMA and take advantage of the benefits membership has to offer. The new online membership application is a user-friendly process that makes it even easier to become involved with SEMA.

SEMA offers several benefits to its members, including networking opportunities and business promotions. Upon becoming a member, your company will be designated a MySEMA profile where you can network with thousands of other industry professionals and participate in discussion groups, which are open for your questions, expertise and advice. Check out the SEMA councils on MySEMA. They are a great way to get involved in the aftermarket industry and provide an opportunity to help grow other companies within the business.

Don’t hesitate to call SEMA customer service at 909/610-2030 or e-mail member@sema.org with any questions during your online membership application process.

Join today, and experience all SEMA has to offer!

	Jeff Rayburn

Jeff Rayburn Named Heavy-Duty and Turbocharger Sales Manager at MAHLE Clevite Inc.
MAHLE Clevite Inc. appointed Jeff Rayburn as heavy-duty and turbocharger sales manager. He will be responsible for leading the company's overall heavy-duty strategy. The company reported that while maintaining his own heavy-duty accounts, Rayburn—who has more than 29 years of sales experience in the heavy-duty and automotive aftermarket industries—will work closely with the MAHLE Clevite sales team to further expand their knowledge of the heavy-duty aftermarket.

“The Forum Wars” Returns for Season Two
Royal Purple announced that the online series “The Forum Wars” returns to the web this April. Filming for the series took place in January at Royal Purple Raceway located in Baytown, Texas. The rules were simple: One driver for all three events; no tuning or adjustments between events; and tires must be UTQG 140 or higher and the same tires must be used for all of the events, which included drag race, autocross and slalom. The eight episodes of season two will feature: Mitsubishi Evo X 08 vs. ’11 Subaru STI; Supra vs. Ford GT; Viper ACR vs. Corvette Z06; Challenger vs. ’10 Camaro; Civic Si vs. Volkswagen GTI; Mustang GT 5.0 vs. Nissan 370z (modded); BMW M3 vs. Mercedes C63; Porsche Turbo vs. Nissan GT-R; Civic Si vs. Mazdaspeed 3. According to Royal Purple, “The Forum Wars” season two teasers and series debut date will be posted on theforumwars.tv fan pages on Facebook, Streetfire.net, Cardomain.com, the royalpurpleinc YouTube channel and Vimeo in March. Full episodes can be viewed each week at www.theforumwars.tv.

Drayson Racing to Enter the EVCUP
Drayson Racing, the green technology race team run by former British Government Minister of Science Lord Paul Drayson, will race in the new zero-emissions EVCUP, the first electric-vehicle race series that launches this summer. Drayson Racing—which raced to success in the international Le Mans Series in the United States, Europe and Asia last year—will enter a race-bred Westfield iRACER in the Sports EV (electric vehicle) series within the EVCUP. The EVCUP series begins in August with four events in the United Kingdom before going to Spain, Portugal and the United States.

International AERO Products Named Official Car Care Line of Edelbrock
International AERO Products today announced that its line of car care products has been endorsed by Vic Edelbrock, Jr., and Edelbrock LLC. The partnership makes AERO the official surface care company for Edelbrock and Edelbrock racing. International AERO Products will be used to detail all Edelbrock vehicles, including its mobile displays seen at car shows around the country, Edelbrock’s R&D vehicles, Vic Edelbrock Jr.’s personal cars and the vintage sports cars on the Edelbrock race team. Every Edelbrock transporter will also carry International AERO Products. International Aero Products will be mobilizing consumer marketing teams all over of the country that will visit car shows, auto stores, and car clubs. The teams will also plan special events and product demonstrations. All of the AERO vehicles will feature Edelbrock branding, and Edelbrock trucks will stock AERO product at shows and events.

Bossco Partners With "More for Less"
Bossco International announced that it added Northern California retail chain “More for Less” to its outlet list for the Luma Lite. “This is our first convenience store outlet for the Luma Lite,” explained Cliff Wright, inventor and CEO of the company. “‘More for Less’ is also looking at several other products that we manufacture, and we are thrilled to have them on board.”

The ’12 Nissan NV1500 is equipped with a 261hp, 4.0L V6 engine; a standard roof; and a full-length, fully-boxed ladder frame.

Interested in the ’12 Nissan NV Commercial Van? Access the Body Builder's Guide for Free!

Available in four different models, the ’12 Nissan NV1500 is equipped with a 261hp, 4.0L V6 engine; a standard roof; and a full-length, fully-boxed ladder frame. Additional features include 243-degree wide-opening rear doors and 234.1 cu. ft. of cargo space.

For SEMA members interested in the all-new ’12 Nissan NV commercial van, technical information/specs and a free body builder’s guide can be accessed by contacting:

Gerry Appie
Senior Manager
LCV & Fleet Aftermarket Engineering
Nissan North America
Gerald.appie@nissan-usa.com
248/488-4862

SEMA has announced its new customer-service features available to SEMA members. The association now has a designated phone line (909/610-2030), where members can call Monday–Friday, from 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Callers will have access to a specialized customer-service representative who can answer questions in a timely manner.

Also, SEMA's member inbox makes it easier to get a hold of SEMA personnel by connecting callers with the appropriate contact. Send us your inquiries at member@sema.org.

Lastly, don’t forget members can access SEMA's Online Staff Directory anytime here.

SEMA has announced its new customer-service features available to SEMA members. The association now has a designated phone line (909/610-2030), where members can call Monday–Friday, from 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Callers will have access to a specialized customer-service representative who can answer questions in a timely manner.

Also, SEMA's member inbox makes it easier to get a hold of SEMA personnel by connecting callers with the appropriate contact. Send us your inquiries at member@sema.org.

Lastly, don’t forget members can access SEMA's Online Staff Directory anytime here.

SEMA has announced its new customer-service features available to SEMA members. The association now has a designated phone line (909/610-2030), where members can call Monday–Friday, from 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Callers will have access to a specialized customer-service representative who can answer questions in a timely manner.

Also, SEMA's member inbox makes it easier to get a hold of SEMA personnel by connecting callers with the appropriate contact. Send us your inquiries at member@sema.org.

Lastly, don’t forget members can access SEMA's Online Staff Directory anytime here.

The SEMA CIAPE China Business Development Conference enables SEMA manufacturers to meet one-on-one with qualified Chinese buyers.

SUVs are the fastest-growing segment in China In 2010, accounting for 14% of the passenger-vehicle market, and are expected to grow to 16% by 2015.

“The luxury car and SUV segments are gaining share in recent years, especially from 2008,” Jenny Gu, a senior analyst with J.D. Power & Associates in Shanghai, told SEMA. “One major reason is that the percentage of second-time buyers is increasing, and their first choice is an SUV or a luxury car.”

In addition to locally produced SUVs from all of the world’s top brands, 51.7% of all imports during the first eight months of 2010 are SUVs based on new-vehicle registration data, noted a recent Fourin China Automotive Intelligence Report. Leverage this market by participating in a creative, new low-cost program—the SEMA China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE) and China Business Development Conference.

Taking place in Beijing, September 7–10, SEMA manufacturers will participate in one-on-one meetings with qualified Chinese buyers. More information is available at www.sema.org/china or by contacting Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

The SEMA CIAPE China Business Development Conference enables SEMA manufacturers to meet one-on-one with qualified Chinese buyers.

SUVs are the fastest-growing segment in China In 2010, accounting for 14% of the passenger-vehicle market, and are expected to grow to 16% by 2015.

“The luxury car and SUV segments are gaining share in recent years, especially from 2008,” Jenny Gu, a senior analyst with J.D. Power & Associates in Shanghai, told SEMA. “One major reason is that the percentage of second-time buyers is increasing, and their first choice is an SUV or a luxury car.”

In addition to locally produced SUVs from all of the world’s top brands, 51.7% of all imports during the first eight months of 2010 are SUVs based on new-vehicle registration data, noted a recent Fourin China Automotive Intelligence Report. Leverage this market by participating in a creative, new low-cost program—the SEMA China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE) and China Business Development Conference.

Taking place in Beijing, September 7–10, SEMA manufacturers will participate in one-on-one meetings with qualified Chinese buyers. More information is available at www.sema.org/china or by contacting Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

The SEMA CIAPE China Business Development Conference enables SEMA manufacturers to meet one-on-one with qualified Chinese buyers.

SUVs are the fastest-growing segment in China In 2010, accounting for 14% of the passenger-vehicle market, and are expected to grow to 16% by 2015.

“The luxury car and SUV segments are gaining share in recent years, especially from 2008,” Jenny Gu, a senior analyst with J.D. Power & Associates in Shanghai, told SEMA. “One major reason is that the percentage of second-time buyers is increasing, and their first choice is an SUV or a luxury car.”

In addition to locally produced SUVs from all of the world’s top brands, 51.7% of all imports during the first eight months of 2010 are SUVs based on new-vehicle registration data, noted a recent Fourin China Automotive Intelligence Report. Leverage this market by participating in a creative, new low-cost program—the SEMA China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE) and China Business Development Conference.

Taking place in Beijing, September 7–10, SEMA manufacturers will participate in one-on-one meetings with qualified Chinese buyers. More information is available at www.sema.org/china or by contacting Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

NEWS NUGGETS

LUCAS, HIGHT, LINE CLAIM FIRST VICTORIES OF 60TH CELEBRATION AT SEASON-OPENER IN POMONA: The 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season and 60th anniversary year of the NHRA kicked off with a bang Sunday at the season-opening Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California. In Top Fuel, Morgan Lucas and his Geico Powersports/Lucas Oil dragster team were able to power their way through the competition, including teammate and high school classmate Shawn Langdon in the final round, to secure their first Winternationals title and fourth win of Lucas’ career.

“The thing about it is (the Winternationals) is probably one of the most special races there is,” said Lucas. “In my eyes, it’s here, Gainesville, Indy and the Finals. Those are the races that if you’re going to win one, those are the ones you want to win, and maybe a little, in a selfish way, the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd just because of family.”

The win also marked the first time Lucas has ever led the points in Top Fuel. His teammate and runner-up Langdon is close behind in the second spot. In Funny Car, 2009 world champion Robert Hight drove his Auto Club Ford Mustang past a highly competitive class, including Bob Tasca, team owner John Force, Ron Capps and 2010 Funny Car champion runner-up Matt Hagan in the final round to secure his third Winternationals title and 19th career win.

“To win the Winternationals, their first race of the year, at Auto Club Raceway, is just awesome,” said Hight. “You look at the class, it ain’t that easy to get wins. Look at the guys I had to beat today. It’s not that easy.”

Pro Stock also saw its share of excitement to open the season, as former world champion Jason Line held off 2010 world champion runner-up Greg Stanfield in the final round to earn his 22nd career win in his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP and take the points lead to start off the season.

“My confidence wasn’t that high (entering eliminations), but I kept thinking about Greg (Anderson, teammate) last year at Vegas and Dallas, where he qualified in the bottom half,” said Line. “I thought, ‘you know, if we can get down the right lane decent enough to win first round, then we have a shot at it.’ We actually went .53 and .53 in the right lane. The car, I would say, it was phenomenal.”

To see all the results for the Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, visit NHRA.com.

VISITMYRTLEBEACH.COM NAMED SPONSOR OF NHRA 4-WIDE NATIONALS: Standing in front of a 40-ton sand sculpture of an NHRA Top Fuel dragster, zMAX Dragway officials announced last week VisitMyrtleBeach.com as the new title sponsor of the second annual VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, April 14–17 at zMAX Dragway. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, popularly known as “The Grand Strand,” has been one of the South’s most popular tourism destinations for years, and VisitMyrtleBeach.com will now attach its name to the most unique event in drag racing at the sport’s premier facility. The 4-Wide Nationals is the only event on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series calendar where competitors break from the traditional form of two-wide drag racing to race four wide with a 32,000hp assault on “the Bellagio of dragstrips.” For more information on this story or to purchase tickets to this event, visit NHRA.com.

NHRA KICKS OFF OFFICIAL 60TH CELEBRATION WITH TIRE KINGDOM GATORNATIONALS KICKOFF PARTY MARCH 10: In celebration of the 60th anniversary year of NHRA Drag Racing, the stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will help get the celebration started with the official Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals Kickoff Party Thursday, March 10, at the Ale House in Gainesville from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Some of the biggest names in NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing, including Tony Schumacher, Jack Beckman, Matt Hagan, Spencer Massey and Johnny Gray, just to name a few, will participate in a Q&A and autograph session, and fans will be treated to plenty of giveaways, music and fun. The Ale House is located at 3950 Archer Road. Tickets are still available for the 42nd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals and can be purchased by visiting NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, March 10–13: The second stop in the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and first race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle class, this showdown in the swamplands of Florida will bring added excitement as the NHRA celebrates its 60th anniversary. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car); Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/844-NHRA or go online at NHRATIX.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, April 1–3: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes the first of two stops in Sin City and its third stop of the 2011 season. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800/644-4444 or go online at Ticketmaster.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

VISITMYRTLEBEACH.COM NHRA 4-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, April 14–17: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the “Bellagio of dragstrips” for the only 4-wide national event on the calendar. Defending event winners include Cory McClenathan (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/455-FANS (3267) or go online at Ticketmaster.com. For media credentials, please contact Public Relations Director Michael Padian at mpadian@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

DOWN, BUT FAR FROM OUT: Defending NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon, after losing the first round at the Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals: “It’s disappointing but not life-threatening. The good that came out of the weekend is that we leave Pomona with the national elapsed time record (3.770 seconds), and we were able to bring that record to our camp. The bar was set high when they set it, and I’m proud that the Al-Anabi team has it now.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1954, THE BEGINNING OF THE SAFETY SAFARI: In 1954, a four-man crew headed by former Pomona police sergeant Bud Coons, headed off across the country towing a trailer full of equipment, to bring the message of NHRA drag racing and dragstrip preparation to the whole country. Known as the Drag Safari, this group paved the way for what we now call, the Safety Safari, a safety and track preparation crew that travels to all 22 events on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing schedule.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

2: Only two drivers have ever won back-to-back races to start the season in the Top Fuel category. Gary Ormsby won both the Winternationals and Houston event to start the 1989 season, while Gary Scelzi won the Winternationals and Phoenix race to start the 1997 season. Morgan Lucas will look to become the third person added to that list as the season heads to Gainesville and the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, March 10–13.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that NHRA Mobile, the popular mobile application that gives NHRA fans access to real-time results, news, race schedules and more through their cell phones and mobile devices, will now offer video highlights from each NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event? The package will include race action highlights from No. 1 qualifiers in each NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series category as well as eliminations highlights featuring the final-round runs for each pro category. Other video clips will feature winning drivers’ interviews as well as footage of any eventful activities that may occur during a race weekend. For more information, click here.

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