Thu, 10/13/2016 - 09:58

By Becca Butler

award
The 2015 SEMA Award for Hottest Car for the Ford Mustang, Hottest Truck for the Ford F-Series and Hottest Sport Compact for the Ford Focus was presented by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) to Global Director Ford Performance Dave Pericak (center). The SEMA Award for Hottest 4x4-SUV went to Jeep for the Jeep Wrangler, and was presented to Pietro Gorlier (right), head of MOPAR.

SEMA Show exhibitors have cast their votes and selected the finalists for the SEMA Award, an honor presented to the hottest trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the market. The winners will be revealed on Tuesday, November 1, the opening day of the 2016 SEMA Show.

Every SEMA Show exhibitor was able to cast a vote in this year’s SEMA Award process.

“When it comes to knowing what trends are emerging and which cars will ignite our passion, SEMA’s manufacturer members have the pulse of the enthusiast nation,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Who better to ask than the thousands of SEMA manufacturers who bet their businesses on recognizing the hottest new and upcoming vehicles?”

The 2016 Award will be presented in five categories: Hottest Coupe, Hottest Sedan, Hottest Truck, Hottest 4x4/SUV and Hottest Hatch. The top three finalists in each category are:

Hottest Coupe

  • Chevy Camaro
  • Chevy Corvette
  • Ford Mustang

Hottest Sedan

  • BMW 3-Series
  • Cadillac CTS
  • Dodge Charger

Hottest Truck

  • Chevy Silverado
  • Ford F-Series
  • RAM 

Hottest 4x4/SUV

  • Cadillac Escalade
  • Jeep Wrangler
  • Toyota 4Runner

Hottest Hatch

  • Fiat 500
  • Ford Focus
  • MINI

The SEMA Award not only creates awareness for aftermarket products, it is an example of SEMA’s commitment to both automakers and aftermarket manufacturers. SEMA continues to collaborate with automakers and aftermarket manufacturers to bring quality products to market. In addition to the annual Award, SEMA runs the SEMA Garage, measuring sessions and technology transfer to help manufacturers with product development throughout the year.

Thu, 10/13/2016 - 09:58

By Becca Butler

award
The 2015 SEMA Award for Hottest Car for the Ford Mustang, Hottest Truck for the Ford F-Series and Hottest Sport Compact for the Ford Focus was presented by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) to Global Director Ford Performance Dave Pericak (center). The SEMA Award for Hottest 4x4-SUV went to Jeep for the Jeep Wrangler, and was presented to Pietro Gorlier (right), head of MOPAR.

SEMA Show exhibitors have cast their votes and selected the finalists for the SEMA Award, an honor presented to the hottest trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the market. The winners will be revealed on Tuesday, November 1, the opening day of the 2016 SEMA Show.

Every SEMA Show exhibitor was able to cast a vote in this year’s SEMA Award process.

“When it comes to knowing what trends are emerging and which cars will ignite our passion, SEMA’s manufacturer members have the pulse of the enthusiast nation,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Who better to ask than the thousands of SEMA manufacturers who bet their businesses on recognizing the hottest new and upcoming vehicles?”

The 2016 Award will be presented in five categories: Hottest Coupe, Hottest Sedan, Hottest Truck, Hottest 4x4/SUV and Hottest Hatch. The top three finalists in each category are:

Hottest Coupe

  • Chevy Camaro
  • Chevy Corvette
  • Ford Mustang

Hottest Sedan

  • BMW 3-Series
  • Cadillac CTS
  • Dodge Charger

Hottest Truck

  • Chevy Silverado
  • Ford F-Series
  • RAM 

Hottest 4x4/SUV

  • Cadillac Escalade
  • Jeep Wrangler
  • Toyota 4Runner

Hottest Hatch

  • Fiat 500
  • Ford Focus
  • MINI

The SEMA Award not only creates awareness for aftermarket products, it is an example of SEMA’s commitment to both automakers and aftermarket manufacturers. SEMA continues to collaborate with automakers and aftermarket manufacturers to bring quality products to market. In addition to the annual Award, SEMA runs the SEMA Garage, measuring sessions and technology transfer to help manufacturers with product development throughout the year.

Thu, 10/13/2016 - 09:12

Compiled by SEMA Editors

ppg
PPG will present several automotive stars at the 2016 SEMA Show, including Bobby Alloway and Charley Hutton.

PPG SEMA Show Booth to Feature an Array of Stars and Cars

The PPG exhibit (booth #24601) at the 2016 SEMA Show will focus on the combination of advanced refinish products, custom builders and imagination. PPG will present several industry start in its booth, including Charley Hutton, Charley Hutton’s Color Studio; Bobby Alloway, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop; Tom and Mitch Kelly, Kelly & Son Crazy Painters; Darryl Hollenbeck, Vintage Color Studio; Kenny Youngblood, Youngblood Art/Motorsport Gallery; Mark Worman and Will Scott, Graveyard Carz; and Joey Logano, Team Penske NASCAR Sprint Series driver.

In addition to the stars listed above, PPG will showcase an array of stunning cars, trucks and bikes, including Hutton’s Ridler award winner “Olds Cool;” Hollenbeck’s Ford, named America’s Most Beautiful Roadster; Ryan Korek’s merlot-red international pickup dubbed “Eight Dollar Corn;” Jerry Kjensrud’s Chevy “Halo,” Grand National Roadster Show award winner; Nathan Curry’s debut of his tribute motorcycle; and Joe Ballard’s multiple award-winning tribute custom bike.

Lloyd Mats Chooses Kahn Media as Agency of Record

Kahn Media has announced that it has been selected as the PR and marketing agency of record for Lloyd Mats. Kahn Media will assist Lloyd Mats as it rolls out several new licensed products and raise consumer awareness of the brand. Kahn Media will also oversee public and media relations for Lloyd Mats and manage its product placement and promotion strategies, search engine marketing and remarketing strategies, social media management and video production.

junior
Junior Calvert
stickney
Mike Stickney
crockett
David Crockett
morrison
Jason Morrison
quiroz
Cameron Quiroz

Westin Adds New Rep Firm Kunzman & Associates and Announces Sales Team Changes

Westin Automotive Products Inc. has announced the addition of Kunzman & Associates as its newest rep agency as of October 1, 2016, covering the Eastern region and parts of the Midwest region of the United States. In addition, the company has added two new regional managers and district sales support to its Westin Automotive Products Inc. sales team. Junior Calvert, who has been with Westin for 28 years, has been promoted from national accounts manager to director of national accounts covering Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and the OEM and national accounts portion of the business. Mike Stickney has been promoted to national sales manager. He has 27 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket industry. David Crockett will work as the company’s new Eastern regional and Canada sales manager. He also has 27 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket industry, most recently as vice president of sales at his previous company. Jason Morrison will work as the company’s new Western region sales manager. He brings with him 22 years of experience in the aftermarket and OEM business, and was most recently the Western regional and training manager with his previous company. Cameron Quiroz, as Western district sales representative, will assist Morrison in his territory. Cameron has been with Westin for eight years holding positions within customer service and engineering.

New Permatex Website Features Advanced Product Search and Knowledge Base

Permatex has unveiled a new, user-friendly website, which has been specifically designed to help customers learn all they can about the solutions that are available for their threadlocking, gasketing, sealing and general maintenance problems. The Permatex website features a search function called “Find Your Solution,” which helps customers locate the exact product for their application need. The website incorporates advanced product filtering and search options that allow selection by brand, product category and project type. TDS and SDS documentation for all products is searchable by both U.S. and Canadian part numbers. The website’s FAQ section features a “Knowledge Base” information hub on each Permatex product type and shares common questions and issues typically associated with each product. The homepage of also features a “What’s Going On” slider that highlights the latest Permatex product innovations and news, and a social media feed that allows consumers to interact with the Permatex brand across a number of social media platforms.

ring
Ringbrothers have named Prestone their official cooling system partner, and will unveil plans for the partnership, including a new project vehicle build for the brand, at the 2016 SEMA Show.

Ringbrothers Announces Partnership With Prestone Products Corp.

Prestone Products Corp. has been named an official partner of Ringbrothers, formalizing a relationship between the custom car builder and the purveyor of cooling system products. Beyond Prestone’s support of Ringbrothers, the two companies will also formally reveal plans for a new car build that will revitalize a long-lost American performance icon at the 2016 SEMA Show. Ringbrothers and Prestone will launch the new partnership at the 2016 SEMA Show in a variety of ways, including a press conference hosted by Prestone, Wednesday, November 2, 2016, at 1:00 p.m., in its booth #30327 in the Upper South Hall. Prestone President Steven Clancy along with Jim and Mike Ring will reveal plans for the new Prestone project car by Ringbrothers that will be unveiled at the 2017 SEMA Show, giving the brothers only 12 months to complete the build. Prestone will also have the Ringbrothers’ “World’s Fastest Winnie” 900hp ’72 Winnebago Brave on display in its booth.

Creative Werks Named Exclusive North American Distributor of GC Cooling Fans and Blowers

Creative Werks has entered an exclusive agreement to act as the North American sales, distribution and engineering center for Italian-made GC Cooling OEM and aftermarket high-performance cooling fans and blowers. Through the arrangement, Creative Werks will launch the product line made by General Cab of Asti, Italy, to both OEM and automotive aftermarket customers throughout the United States and Canada. Under the guidance of Creative Werks President Bob Folkestad, the company will debut the wide range of high-performance cooling solutions that GC Cooling provides for the automotive, specialty-vehicle, truck, bus, motorcycle and off-highway market segments.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Thu, 10/13/2016 - 09:05

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

schumacher

SCHUMACHER READY TO DIAL UP CLUTCH PERFORMANCE: Through a standout career that includes eight Top Fuel world championships, Tony Schumacher has displayed an incredible ability to produce remarkable late-season runs to grab a world title. Trailing teammate and reigning world champion Antron Brown by 141 points, Schumacher will again need to dial up something special in his 10,000hp U.S. Army dragster over the final three events, including this weekend’s 31st annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at the Texas Motorplex.

“With the way the U.S. Army team has been performing down the stretch of the regular season and the first half of the Countdown, anything is possible,” Schumacher said. “You never know what’s going to go down on any given weekend, so the way we approach it is to take care of what we can control, and that is to go out and try to be fastest in every qualifying session, then run the table on Sunday.”

torrence

TEXAS NATIVE TORRENCE HOPES FOR HOME WIN: It is easy for Steve Torrence to reminisce when he is in the staging lanes at the Texas Motorplex—the site of the 31st annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, October 13–16. The Top Fuel standout and Kilgore, Texas, native grew up racing at the track just two hours from his house, and every time he returns, it is an opportunity to look back on his rise through the drag-racing ranks at the famed facility. After advancing to the final round at the race last year, Torrence’s next step is his first Top Fuel win at the track, something that would add another memorable accomplishment to his impressive 2016 season.

“It was just a few years ago you’re pulling into the water box in your Super Comp car, just aspiring to be in this position,” said Torrence, who is currently sixth in Top Fuel points and has two wins in 2016. “It’s just an unbelievable feeling to accomplish those goals and be at the pinnacle of the sport you love,” said Torrence. “It holds all the more meaning to say I grew up here and every aspect of my racing career took place here. It’s always been a special place to me and where I grew up racing.”

capps

MAINTAINING CONSISTENCY IS CAPPS' GOAL FOR REST OF COUNTDOWN: As he chases his first career NHRA Mello Drag Racing Series Funny Car world championship, Ron Capps has been a model of consistency throughout the 2016 regular season. That consistency has stretched into the six-race NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, where Capps has continued to be in top form. Capps, who leads teammate Tommy Johnson Jr. by 24 points, has advanced to the semifinals or better in the first three playoff races in his 10,000-hp NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T—a stretch that now goes back to 12 of his past 13 races. It’s been a winning formula that Capps will try to continue to pick up his first 2016 Countdown to the Championship win at this weekend’s 31st annual AAA Texas NHRA Fallnationals at the Texas Motorplex.

“Of course it’s better to be chased than be the chaser at this point,” said Capps, who has five wins and nine finals appearances in 2016. “But we’ve still got a long way to go. It’s nice we’ve kept up the consistency, and I said to win a championship you’ve got to average a semifinal finish or better. We’ve had such a great season and we want to keep it going. We’re clicking really well as a team and it’s time to take advantage of it.”

He Said, She Said

hight

“This is a big weekend at the Texas Motorplex for my AAA Texas Chevy Camaro team. I still 100% believe I have a shot at the championship. We need to win races for sure, and I have won the AAA Texas Fallnationals before. I am ready to get to the track because we will have a lot of things going on with AAA Texas, so we’ll be busy, which I think helps keep you focused.”

—Robert Hight, driver of the AAA Chevy Camaro for John Force Racing. In addition to racing on the dragstrip, Hight will also ask fans at the AAA Texas Fallnationals to choose Drags over Checkered Flags. As the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series winds down, Hight is in a tight race with NASCAR’s Joey Logano. Both drivers are sponsored by Auto Club, and all season fans across the country have been voting at select events choosing between Drags/Robert Hight and Checkered Flags/Joey Logano. Fans can vote all weekend at the AAA Texas display at the Texas Motorplex.

Inside the Numbers

September 21–24 and September 29–October 1: The new dates respectively for the 2017 Dodge NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania, and the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park. The two events are switching their event dates for the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship. The AAA Insurance NHRA Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Illinois, will move back one week to September 29–October 1, and The Dodge NHRA Nationals will take place September 21–24. The change will improve the overall schedule for both venues.

“I think we will see some benefits from this by moving off the weekend of the NASCAR races at Dover [Delaware],” said Lex Dudas, vice president and general manager at Maple Grove Raceway. “We know fans over the years wanted to do both, but they had to pick and choose.”

Did You Know

winners

HOW NHRA CHAMPIONS WERE CROWNED BEFORE THE COUNTDOWN: The Countdown to the Championship six-race playoff system was established in 2007 to determine the season championships in the professional categories, but that hasn’t always been the case. The very first Top Fuel champion was Jack Williams in 1964. He earned his championship title based on the jackpot system that consisted of a 50-race schedule where drivers earned points at nine events of their choosing. Then in 1965, Maynard Rupp was crowned champion through the introduction of the world finals raced in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Racers had to participate in six events during the season to be eligible to compete for the championship. In 1974, Gary Beck, Shirl Greer and Bob Glidden became the first champions to earn their respective titles based on their season-long performance. This system stayed in place until the Countdown Championship crowned its first champions, Tony Schumacher, Tony Pedregon and Jeg Couglin and Matt Smith nine years ago.

Thu, 10/13/2016 - 09:05

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

schumacher

SCHUMACHER READY TO DIAL UP CLUTCH PERFORMANCE: Through a standout career that includes eight Top Fuel world championships, Tony Schumacher has displayed an incredible ability to produce remarkable late-season runs to grab a world title. Trailing teammate and reigning world champion Antron Brown by 141 points, Schumacher will again need to dial up something special in his 10,000hp U.S. Army dragster over the final three events, including this weekend’s 31st annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at the Texas Motorplex.

“With the way the U.S. Army team has been performing down the stretch of the regular season and the first half of the Countdown, anything is possible,” Schumacher said. “You never know what’s going to go down on any given weekend, so the way we approach it is to take care of what we can control, and that is to go out and try to be fastest in every qualifying session, then run the table on Sunday.”

torrence

TEXAS NATIVE TORRENCE HOPES FOR HOME WIN: It is easy for Steve Torrence to reminisce when he is in the staging lanes at the Texas Motorplex—the site of the 31st annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, October 13–16. The Top Fuel standout and Kilgore, Texas, native grew up racing at the track just two hours from his house, and every time he returns, it is an opportunity to look back on his rise through the drag-racing ranks at the famed facility. After advancing to the final round at the race last year, Torrence’s next step is his first Top Fuel win at the track, something that would add another memorable accomplishment to his impressive 2016 season.

“It was just a few years ago you’re pulling into the water box in your Super Comp car, just aspiring to be in this position,” said Torrence, who is currently sixth in Top Fuel points and has two wins in 2016. “It’s just an unbelievable feeling to accomplish those goals and be at the pinnacle of the sport you love,” said Torrence. “It holds all the more meaning to say I grew up here and every aspect of my racing career took place here. It’s always been a special place to me and where I grew up racing.”

capps

MAINTAINING CONSISTENCY IS CAPPS' GOAL FOR REST OF COUNTDOWN: As he chases his first career NHRA Mello Drag Racing Series Funny Car world championship, Ron Capps has been a model of consistency throughout the 2016 regular season. That consistency has stretched into the six-race NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, where Capps has continued to be in top form. Capps, who leads teammate Tommy Johnson Jr. by 24 points, has advanced to the semifinals or better in the first three playoff races in his 10,000-hp NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T—a stretch that now goes back to 12 of his past 13 races. It’s been a winning formula that Capps will try to continue to pick up his first 2016 Countdown to the Championship win at this weekend’s 31st annual AAA Texas NHRA Fallnationals at the Texas Motorplex.

“Of course it’s better to be chased than be the chaser at this point,” said Capps, who has five wins and nine finals appearances in 2016. “But we’ve still got a long way to go. It’s nice we’ve kept up the consistency, and I said to win a championship you’ve got to average a semifinal finish or better. We’ve had such a great season and we want to keep it going. We’re clicking really well as a team and it’s time to take advantage of it.”

He Said, She Said

hight

“This is a big weekend at the Texas Motorplex for my AAA Texas Chevy Camaro team. I still 100% believe I have a shot at the championship. We need to win races for sure, and I have won the AAA Texas Fallnationals before. I am ready to get to the track because we will have a lot of things going on with AAA Texas, so we’ll be busy, which I think helps keep you focused.”

—Robert Hight, driver of the AAA Chevy Camaro for John Force Racing. In addition to racing on the dragstrip, Hight will also ask fans at the AAA Texas Fallnationals to choose Drags over Checkered Flags. As the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series winds down, Hight is in a tight race with NASCAR’s Joey Logano. Both drivers are sponsored by Auto Club, and all season fans across the country have been voting at select events choosing between Drags/Robert Hight and Checkered Flags/Joey Logano. Fans can vote all weekend at the AAA Texas display at the Texas Motorplex.

Inside the Numbers

September 21–24 and September 29–October 1: The new dates respectively for the 2017 Dodge NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania, and the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park. The two events are switching their event dates for the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship. The AAA Insurance NHRA Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Illinois, will move back one week to September 29–October 1, and The Dodge NHRA Nationals will take place September 21–24. The change will improve the overall schedule for both venues.

“I think we will see some benefits from this by moving off the weekend of the NASCAR races at Dover [Delaware],” said Lex Dudas, vice president and general manager at Maple Grove Raceway. “We know fans over the years wanted to do both, but they had to pick and choose.”

Did You Know

winners

HOW NHRA CHAMPIONS WERE CROWNED BEFORE THE COUNTDOWN: The Countdown to the Championship six-race playoff system was established in 2007 to determine the season championships in the professional categories, but that hasn’t always been the case. The very first Top Fuel champion was Jack Williams in 1964. He earned his championship title based on the jackpot system that consisted of a 50-race schedule where drivers earned points at nine events of their choosing. Then in 1965, Maynard Rupp was crowned champion through the introduction of the world finals raced in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Racers had to participate in six events during the season to be eligible to compete for the championship. In 1974, Gary Beck, Shirl Greer and Bob Glidden became the first champions to earn their respective titles based on their season-long performance. This system stayed in place until the Countdown Championship crowned its first champions, Tony Schumacher, Tony Pedregon and Jeg Couglin and Matt Smith nine years ago.

Thu, 10/13/2016 - 09:05

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

schumacher

SCHUMACHER READY TO DIAL UP CLUTCH PERFORMANCE: Through a standout career that includes eight Top Fuel world championships, Tony Schumacher has displayed an incredible ability to produce remarkable late-season runs to grab a world title. Trailing teammate and reigning world champion Antron Brown by 141 points, Schumacher will again need to dial up something special in his 10,000hp U.S. Army dragster over the final three events, including this weekend’s 31st annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at the Texas Motorplex.

“With the way the U.S. Army team has been performing down the stretch of the regular season and the first half of the Countdown, anything is possible,” Schumacher said. “You never know what’s going to go down on any given weekend, so the way we approach it is to take care of what we can control, and that is to go out and try to be fastest in every qualifying session, then run the table on Sunday.”

torrence

TEXAS NATIVE TORRENCE HOPES FOR HOME WIN: It is easy for Steve Torrence to reminisce when he is in the staging lanes at the Texas Motorplex—the site of the 31st annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, October 13–16. The Top Fuel standout and Kilgore, Texas, native grew up racing at the track just two hours from his house, and every time he returns, it is an opportunity to look back on his rise through the drag-racing ranks at the famed facility. After advancing to the final round at the race last year, Torrence’s next step is his first Top Fuel win at the track, something that would add another memorable accomplishment to his impressive 2016 season.

“It was just a few years ago you’re pulling into the water box in your Super Comp car, just aspiring to be in this position,” said Torrence, who is currently sixth in Top Fuel points and has two wins in 2016. “It’s just an unbelievable feeling to accomplish those goals and be at the pinnacle of the sport you love,” said Torrence. “It holds all the more meaning to say I grew up here and every aspect of my racing career took place here. It’s always been a special place to me and where I grew up racing.”

capps

MAINTAINING CONSISTENCY IS CAPPS' GOAL FOR REST OF COUNTDOWN: As he chases his first career NHRA Mello Drag Racing Series Funny Car world championship, Ron Capps has been a model of consistency throughout the 2016 regular season. That consistency has stretched into the six-race NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, where Capps has continued to be in top form. Capps, who leads teammate Tommy Johnson Jr. by 24 points, has advanced to the semifinals or better in the first three playoff races in his 10,000-hp NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T—a stretch that now goes back to 12 of his past 13 races. It’s been a winning formula that Capps will try to continue to pick up his first 2016 Countdown to the Championship win at this weekend’s 31st annual AAA Texas NHRA Fallnationals at the Texas Motorplex.

“Of course it’s better to be chased than be the chaser at this point,” said Capps, who has five wins and nine finals appearances in 2016. “But we’ve still got a long way to go. It’s nice we’ve kept up the consistency, and I said to win a championship you’ve got to average a semifinal finish or better. We’ve had such a great season and we want to keep it going. We’re clicking really well as a team and it’s time to take advantage of it.”

He Said, She Said

hight

“This is a big weekend at the Texas Motorplex for my AAA Texas Chevy Camaro team. I still 100% believe I have a shot at the championship. We need to win races for sure, and I have won the AAA Texas Fallnationals before. I am ready to get to the track because we will have a lot of things going on with AAA Texas, so we’ll be busy, which I think helps keep you focused.”

—Robert Hight, driver of the AAA Chevy Camaro for John Force Racing. In addition to racing on the dragstrip, Hight will also ask fans at the AAA Texas Fallnationals to choose Drags over Checkered Flags. As the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series winds down, Hight is in a tight race with NASCAR’s Joey Logano. Both drivers are sponsored by Auto Club, and all season fans across the country have been voting at select events choosing between Drags/Robert Hight and Checkered Flags/Joey Logano. Fans can vote all weekend at the AAA Texas display at the Texas Motorplex.

Inside the Numbers

September 21–24 and September 29–October 1: The new dates respectively for the 2017 Dodge NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania, and the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park. The two events are switching their event dates for the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship. The AAA Insurance NHRA Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Illinois, will move back one week to September 29–October 1, and The Dodge NHRA Nationals will take place September 21–24. The change will improve the overall schedule for both venues.

“I think we will see some benefits from this by moving off the weekend of the NASCAR races at Dover [Delaware],” said Lex Dudas, vice president and general manager at Maple Grove Raceway. “We know fans over the years wanted to do both, but they had to pick and choose.”

Did You Know

winners

HOW NHRA CHAMPIONS WERE CROWNED BEFORE THE COUNTDOWN: The Countdown to the Championship six-race playoff system was established in 2007 to determine the season championships in the professional categories, but that hasn’t always been the case. The very first Top Fuel champion was Jack Williams in 1964. He earned his championship title based on the jackpot system that consisted of a 50-race schedule where drivers earned points at nine events of their choosing. Then in 1965, Maynard Rupp was crowned champion through the introduction of the world finals raced in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Racers had to participate in six events during the season to be eligible to compete for the championship. In 1974, Gary Beck, Shirl Greer and Bob Glidden became the first champions to earn their respective titles based on their season-long performance. This system stayed in place until the Countdown Championship crowned its first champions, Tony Schumacher, Tony Pedregon and Jeg Couglin and Matt Smith nine years ago.

Thu, 10/13/2016 - 08:54

By Della Domingo

bob
The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition honors SEMA Show vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products on those vehicles.

Featuring top vehicle builders who have proven their talents and craftsmanship by having a car or truck displayed at the 2016 SEMA Show, the third annual SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition includes 250 applications, including builds from 98 up-and-coming “Young Guns.” As the basis for a nationwide television special, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition honors SEMA Show vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products on those vehicles. 

Industry experts will select the top 10 finalists during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The finalists will then take over and evaluate one another’s vehicles, before the ultimate winner is announced Friday, November 4, at SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party open to the general public.

Hosted by Chris Jacobs and Adrienne “AJ” Janic from “Overhaulin’,” the competition includes special recognition for builders under the age of 35 who are entered in SEMA Battle of the Builders. 

To learn more about the competition or about SEMA Ignited, visit www.SEMAshow.com/botb or www.semaignited.com.

The competitors for the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders are:
 


Greg AdamsKenny HaukJason Reitz
Jesus AguiñigaMike HeimJeremy Rice
Noah AlexanderGreg HendersonTim Riley
Bobby AllowayHoward HernandezMike and Jim Ring
Terry AltmanGreg HiggsAl Robinson
Brian AlvaradoJustin HildebrandHank Robinson
Chad AndersonSteve HillDave Salvaggio
Tony ArmeDavid HinesSam Sanchez
Justin ArnoldEdward HoDavid Sawyer
Aaron AtnipJoe HoriskJosh Schilling
William BaileyKirk HowlandAlexander Schuler
Paul BakerShawn HudspethJared Sensat
Alan BanuelosMatthew IbrahimDylan Sievers
Adam BaumelZach IngramCraig Simonian
David BernheimerManny IwabuchiRuel Smith
Stephanie BlancoJohn JacksonJeremy Smith
Phil BlottieChris JaggersChris Soehren
Ryan BollensJeremy JohnsonTroy Spackman
Kelston BoodooJimmy JohnsonCharles Spencer
Tyson BootheRichard JonesChris Stafford
Randy BorcherdingRajdeep KalkatJustin Starkey
Jonathan BrownKevin KeepMike Staveski
Damian BuckleyCharvonia KeithJacob Stone
Miranda BuiltJesse KerrBlake Stoner
Junior BurnsBrandon KnowlesHeather Swindoll
Shaun CallawayTroy LaddStephen Talbot
Jamie CampbellScott LaitinenIvan Tampi
Chad CantcolorLuke LangrenIke Taylor
Orlando CarattiniDominic LeRuss Taylor
Justin CarrilloAndy LeachDenny Terzich
Mark CataniaRodger LeeSean Tessman
Michael CaudillSteve LegensMike Tilley
Steve ChapmanRick LeosGordon Ting
Jeff CleerDavid LightnerNeil Tjin
John ColeBryan LinMarco Trejo
Dylan ColemanDean LivermoreKyle Tucker
Archie ConconRoger LoCody Turner
Trevor CookCarl LofthouseMark Turner
Jared CotterRoss LogsdonAaron Vaccar
Goolsby CustomsTom LongoVincent Vandyke
John D'AgostinoJeremy LookofskyMatthew Vasquez
Robert DahmNick LopezJay Velez
Frank DanielsAndrew LoweKevin Villazon
Sal DanleyArt LucasForrest Wang
Brandon DavisMichael MaJohn Wargo
Kaylie DavisErnie ManansalaGary Warner
Anthony De GuzmanJon MarshallJoe Weaver
Brad DeBertiTeddy MatavosianRandy Weaver
Brandon DeFazioJesse MatlockGary Wescott
Manny DiazLyon McClenahanTim White
Austin DicusLonnie McCurryCraig Wick
JJ DubecWayne McdanielJenna Wilhite
Jason DuhonNick McDonaldKyle Williams
Aaron ElenbaumJake McKiddieLandon Willis
Jonny EspeCarlos MedranoDanielle Wing
Jerry FanJoey MendozaAlan Yee
Andrew FarisBig Mike
Jeromie FehrenbachCam Miller
Shawn FischerKyle Mohan
EJ and Amy FitzgeraldJustin Moreno
Jason FlisAlban Morina
Dar FortneyNathan Mueller
Ira FouquetteJohn Muratori
Bryan FullerAdriana Murillo
Jeffery GarlandRod Neilsen
Jeremy and Phil GerberHung Ngo
Mark GiambalvoJoel Nichols
Doug GonzalesDanielle Norton
Jesse GonzalezJon Nyberg
Johny GonzalezSteve Osorio
Johnathan GoodwinJeff Page
Lukasz GranicyTim Palazzolo
Jagraj GrewalWalter Palencia
Jacob GriffinCris Payne
Jared GrossmanJason Pecikonis
Troy GudgelCharlie Pehrson
Truck GuruKevin Peverill
David GutierrezMurray Pfaff
Travis HaeckerSteve Pham
Gary HagarRob Phillips
Greg HarperSam Piazza
Kyle HarperRobert Pigue
Bruce HarveyKamaka Pocock
Matthew HaugenIgor Polishchuk
Thu, 10/13/2016 - 08:54

By Della Domingo

bob
The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition honors SEMA Show vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products on those vehicles.

Featuring top vehicle builders who have proven their talents and craftsmanship by having a car or truck displayed at the 2016 SEMA Show, the third annual SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition includes 250 applications, including builds from 98 up-and-coming “Young Guns.” As the basis for a nationwide television special, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition honors SEMA Show vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products on those vehicles. 

Industry experts will select the top 10 finalists during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The finalists will then take over and evaluate one another’s vehicles, before the ultimate winner is announced Friday, November 4, at SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party open to the general public.

Hosted by Chris Jacobs and Adrienne “AJ” Janic from “Overhaulin’,” the competition includes special recognition for builders under the age of 35 who are entered in SEMA Battle of the Builders. 

To learn more about the competition or about SEMA Ignited, visit www.SEMAshow.com/botb or www.semaignited.com.

The competitors for the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders are:
 


Greg AdamsKenny HaukJason Reitz
Jesus AguiñigaMike HeimJeremy Rice
Noah AlexanderGreg HendersonTim Riley
Bobby AllowayHoward HernandezMike and Jim Ring
Terry AltmanGreg HiggsAl Robinson
Brian AlvaradoJustin HildebrandHank Robinson
Chad AndersonSteve HillDave Salvaggio
Tony ArmeDavid HinesSam Sanchez
Justin ArnoldEdward HoDavid Sawyer
Aaron AtnipJoe HoriskJosh Schilling
William BaileyKirk HowlandAlexander Schuler
Paul BakerShawn HudspethJared Sensat
Alan BanuelosMatthew IbrahimDylan Sievers
Adam BaumelZach IngramCraig Simonian
David BernheimerManny IwabuchiRuel Smith
Stephanie BlancoJohn JacksonJeremy Smith
Phil BlottieChris JaggersChris Soehren
Ryan BollensJeremy JohnsonTroy Spackman
Kelston BoodooJimmy JohnsonCharles Spencer
Tyson BootheRichard JonesChris Stafford
Randy BorcherdingRajdeep KalkatJustin Starkey
Jonathan BrownKevin KeepMike Staveski
Damian BuckleyCharvonia KeithJacob Stone
Miranda BuiltJesse KerrBlake Stoner
Junior BurnsBrandon KnowlesHeather Swindoll
Shaun CallawayTroy LaddStephen Talbot
Jamie CampbellScott LaitinenIvan Tampi
Chad CantcolorLuke LangrenIke Taylor
Orlando CarattiniDominic LeRuss Taylor
Justin CarrilloAndy LeachDenny Terzich
Mark CataniaRodger LeeSean Tessman
Michael CaudillSteve LegensMike Tilley
Steve ChapmanRick LeosGordon Ting
Jeff CleerDavid LightnerNeil Tjin
John ColeBryan LinMarco Trejo
Dylan ColemanDean LivermoreKyle Tucker
Archie ConconRoger LoCody Turner
Trevor CookCarl LofthouseMark Turner
Jared CotterRoss LogsdonAaron Vaccar
Goolsby CustomsTom LongoVincent Vandyke
John D'AgostinoJeremy LookofskyMatthew Vasquez
Robert DahmNick LopezJay Velez
Frank DanielsAndrew LoweKevin Villazon
Sal DanleyArt LucasForrest Wang
Brandon DavisMichael MaJohn Wargo
Kaylie DavisErnie ManansalaGary Warner
Anthony De GuzmanJon MarshallJoe Weaver
Brad DeBertiTeddy MatavosianRandy Weaver
Brandon DeFazioJesse MatlockGary Wescott
Manny DiazLyon McClenahanTim White
Austin DicusLonnie McCurryCraig Wick
JJ DubecWayne McdanielJenna Wilhite
Jason DuhonNick McDonaldKyle Williams
Aaron ElenbaumJake McKiddieLandon Willis
Jonny EspeCarlos MedranoDanielle Wing
Jerry FanJoey MendozaAlan Yee
Andrew FarisBig Mike
Jeromie FehrenbachCam Miller
Shawn FischerKyle Mohan
EJ and Amy FitzgeraldJustin Moreno
Jason FlisAlban Morina
Dar FortneyNathan Mueller
Ira FouquetteJohn Muratori
Bryan FullerAdriana Murillo
Jeffery GarlandRod Neilsen
Jeremy and Phil GerberHung Ngo
Mark GiambalvoJoel Nichols
Doug GonzalesDanielle Norton
Jesse GonzalezJon Nyberg
Johny GonzalezSteve Osorio
Johnathan GoodwinJeff Page
Lukasz GranicyTim Palazzolo
Jagraj GrewalWalter Palencia
Jacob GriffinCris Payne
Jared GrossmanJason Pecikonis
Troy GudgelCharlie Pehrson
Truck GuruKevin Peverill
David GutierrezMurray Pfaff
Travis HaeckerSteve Pham
Gary HagarRob Phillips
Greg HarperSam Piazza
Kyle HarperRobert Pigue
Bruce HarveyKamaka Pocock
Matthew HaugenIgor Polishchuk
Thu, 10/13/2016 - 08:54

By Della Domingo

bob
The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition honors SEMA Show vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products on those vehicles.

Featuring top vehicle builders who have proven their talents and craftsmanship by having a car or truck displayed at the 2016 SEMA Show, the third annual SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition includes 250 applications, including builds from 98 up-and-coming “Young Guns.” As the basis for a nationwide television special, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition honors SEMA Show vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products on those vehicles. 

Industry experts will select the top 10 finalists during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The finalists will then take over and evaluate one another’s vehicles, before the ultimate winner is announced Friday, November 4, at SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party open to the general public.

Hosted by Chris Jacobs and Adrienne “AJ” Janic from “Overhaulin’,” the competition includes special recognition for builders under the age of 35 who are entered in SEMA Battle of the Builders. 

To learn more about the competition or about SEMA Ignited, visit www.SEMAshow.com/botb or www.semaignited.com.

The competitors for the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders are:
 


Greg AdamsKenny HaukJason Reitz
Jesus AguiñigaMike HeimJeremy Rice
Noah AlexanderGreg HendersonTim Riley
Bobby AllowayHoward HernandezMike and Jim Ring
Terry AltmanGreg HiggsAl Robinson
Brian AlvaradoJustin HildebrandHank Robinson
Chad AndersonSteve HillDave Salvaggio
Tony ArmeDavid HinesSam Sanchez
Justin ArnoldEdward HoDavid Sawyer
Aaron AtnipJoe HoriskJosh Schilling
William BaileyKirk HowlandAlexander Schuler
Paul BakerShawn HudspethJared Sensat
Alan BanuelosMatthew IbrahimDylan Sievers
Adam BaumelZach IngramCraig Simonian
David BernheimerManny IwabuchiRuel Smith
Stephanie BlancoJohn JacksonJeremy Smith
Phil BlottieChris JaggersChris Soehren
Ryan BollensJeremy JohnsonTroy Spackman
Kelston BoodooJimmy JohnsonCharles Spencer
Tyson BootheRichard JonesChris Stafford
Randy BorcherdingRajdeep KalkatJustin Starkey
Jonathan BrownKevin KeepMike Staveski
Damian BuckleyCharvonia KeithJacob Stone
Miranda BuiltJesse KerrBlake Stoner
Junior BurnsBrandon KnowlesHeather Swindoll
Shaun CallawayTroy LaddStephen Talbot
Jamie CampbellScott LaitinenIvan Tampi
Chad CantcolorLuke LangrenIke Taylor
Orlando CarattiniDominic LeRuss Taylor
Justin CarrilloAndy LeachDenny Terzich
Mark CataniaRodger LeeSean Tessman
Michael CaudillSteve LegensMike Tilley
Steve ChapmanRick LeosGordon Ting
Jeff CleerDavid LightnerNeil Tjin
John ColeBryan LinMarco Trejo
Dylan ColemanDean LivermoreKyle Tucker
Archie ConconRoger LoCody Turner
Trevor CookCarl LofthouseMark Turner
Jared CotterRoss LogsdonAaron Vaccar
Goolsby CustomsTom LongoVincent Vandyke
John D'AgostinoJeremy LookofskyMatthew Vasquez
Robert DahmNick LopezJay Velez
Frank DanielsAndrew LoweKevin Villazon
Sal DanleyArt LucasForrest Wang
Brandon DavisMichael MaJohn Wargo
Kaylie DavisErnie ManansalaGary Warner
Anthony De GuzmanJon MarshallJoe Weaver
Brad DeBertiTeddy MatavosianRandy Weaver
Brandon DeFazioJesse MatlockGary Wescott
Manny DiazLyon McClenahanTim White
Austin DicusLonnie McCurryCraig Wick
JJ DubecWayne McdanielJenna Wilhite
Jason DuhonNick McDonaldKyle Williams
Aaron ElenbaumJake McKiddieLandon Willis
Jonny EspeCarlos MedranoDanielle Wing
Jerry FanJoey MendozaAlan Yee
Andrew FarisBig Mike
Jeromie FehrenbachCam Miller
Shawn FischerKyle Mohan
EJ and Amy FitzgeraldJustin Moreno
Jason FlisAlban Morina
Dar FortneyNathan Mueller
Ira FouquetteJohn Muratori
Bryan FullerAdriana Murillo
Jeffery GarlandRod Neilsen
Jeremy and Phil GerberHung Ngo
Mark GiambalvoJoel Nichols
Doug GonzalesDanielle Norton
Jesse GonzalezJon Nyberg
Johny GonzalezSteve Osorio
Johnathan GoodwinJeff Page
Lukasz GranicyTim Palazzolo
Jagraj GrewalWalter Palencia
Jacob GriffinCris Payne
Jared GrossmanJason Pecikonis
Troy GudgelCharlie Pehrson
Truck GuruKevin Peverill
David GutierrezMurray Pfaff
Travis HaeckerSteve Pham
Gary HagarRob Phillips
Greg HarperSam Piazza
Kyle HarperRobert Pigue
Bruce HarveyKamaka Pocock
Matthew HaugenIgor Polishchuk
Thu, 10/13/2016 - 08:54

By Della Domingo

bob
The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition honors SEMA Show vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products on those vehicles.

Featuring top vehicle builders who have proven their talents and craftsmanship by having a car or truck displayed at the 2016 SEMA Show, the third annual SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition includes 250 applications, including builds from 98 up-and-coming “Young Guns.” As the basis for a nationwide television special, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition honors SEMA Show vehicle builders, their vehicles and the products on those vehicles. 

Industry experts will select the top 10 finalists during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The finalists will then take over and evaluate one another’s vehicles, before the ultimate winner is announced Friday, November 4, at SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party open to the general public.

Hosted by Chris Jacobs and Adrienne “AJ” Janic from “Overhaulin’,” the competition includes special recognition for builders under the age of 35 who are entered in SEMA Battle of the Builders. 

To learn more about the competition or about SEMA Ignited, visit www.SEMAshow.com/botb or www.semaignited.com.

The competitors for the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders are:
 


Greg AdamsKenny HaukJason Reitz
Jesus AguiñigaMike HeimJeremy Rice
Noah AlexanderGreg HendersonTim Riley
Bobby AllowayHoward HernandezMike and Jim Ring
Terry AltmanGreg HiggsAl Robinson
Brian AlvaradoJustin HildebrandHank Robinson
Chad AndersonSteve HillDave Salvaggio
Tony ArmeDavid HinesSam Sanchez
Justin ArnoldEdward HoDavid Sawyer
Aaron AtnipJoe HoriskJosh Schilling
William BaileyKirk HowlandAlexander Schuler
Paul BakerShawn HudspethJared Sensat
Alan BanuelosMatthew IbrahimDylan Sievers
Adam BaumelZach IngramCraig Simonian
David BernheimerManny IwabuchiRuel Smith
Stephanie BlancoJohn JacksonJeremy Smith
Phil BlottieChris JaggersChris Soehren
Ryan BollensJeremy JohnsonTroy Spackman
Kelston BoodooJimmy JohnsonCharles Spencer
Tyson BootheRichard JonesChris Stafford
Randy BorcherdingRajdeep KalkatJustin Starkey
Jonathan BrownKevin KeepMike Staveski
Damian BuckleyCharvonia KeithJacob Stone
Miranda BuiltJesse KerrBlake Stoner
Junior BurnsBrandon KnowlesHeather Swindoll
Shaun CallawayTroy LaddStephen Talbot
Jamie CampbellScott LaitinenIvan Tampi
Chad CantcolorLuke LangrenIke Taylor
Orlando CarattiniDominic LeRuss Taylor
Justin CarrilloAndy LeachDenny Terzich
Mark CataniaRodger LeeSean Tessman
Michael CaudillSteve LegensMike Tilley
Steve ChapmanRick LeosGordon Ting
Jeff CleerDavid LightnerNeil Tjin
John ColeBryan LinMarco Trejo
Dylan ColemanDean LivermoreKyle Tucker
Archie ConconRoger LoCody Turner
Trevor CookCarl LofthouseMark Turner
Jared CotterRoss LogsdonAaron Vaccar
Goolsby CustomsTom LongoVincent Vandyke
John D'AgostinoJeremy LookofskyMatthew Vasquez
Robert DahmNick LopezJay Velez
Frank DanielsAndrew LoweKevin Villazon
Sal DanleyArt LucasForrest Wang
Brandon DavisMichael MaJohn Wargo
Kaylie DavisErnie ManansalaGary Warner
Anthony De GuzmanJon MarshallJoe Weaver
Brad DeBertiTeddy MatavosianRandy Weaver
Brandon DeFazioJesse MatlockGary Wescott
Manny DiazLyon McClenahanTim White
Austin DicusLonnie McCurryCraig Wick
JJ DubecWayne McdanielJenna Wilhite
Jason DuhonNick McDonaldKyle Williams
Aaron ElenbaumJake McKiddieLandon Willis
Jonny EspeCarlos MedranoDanielle Wing
Jerry FanJoey MendozaAlan Yee
Andrew FarisBig Mike
Jeromie FehrenbachCam Miller
Shawn FischerKyle Mohan
EJ and Amy FitzgeraldJustin Moreno
Jason FlisAlban Morina
Dar FortneyNathan Mueller
Ira FouquetteJohn Muratori
Bryan FullerAdriana Murillo
Jeffery GarlandRod Neilsen
Jeremy and Phil GerberHung Ngo
Mark GiambalvoJoel Nichols
Doug GonzalesDanielle Norton
Jesse GonzalezJon Nyberg
Johny GonzalezSteve Osorio
Johnathan GoodwinJeff Page
Lukasz GranicyTim Palazzolo
Jagraj GrewalWalter Palencia
Jacob GriffinCris Payne
Jared GrossmanJason Pecikonis
Troy GudgelCharlie Pehrson
Truck GuruKevin Peverill
David GutierrezMurray Pfaff
Travis HaeckerSteve Pham
Gary HagarRob Phillips
Greg HarperSam Piazza
Kyle HarperRobert Pigue
Bruce HarveyKamaka Pocock
Matthew HaugenIgor Polishchuk