Thu, 10/30/2014 - 13:00
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
  hansen
Specially designed for SEMA Ignited, Courtney Hansen will sign the commemorative poster above for event attendees.
  

Automotive media personality and SEMA Action Network (SAN) member Courtney Hansen will sign limited-edition SAN posters at the inaugural SEMA Ignited. Those attending Friday’s inaugural event can meet her at the SAN display, November 7, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Hansen will also return to the SAN booth (#61399, outside Central Hall) at the trade-only 2014 SEMA Show earlier in the week. Don’t miss her appearances Tuesday, November 4, from 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m., and Thursday, November 6, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

In addition to meeting and greeting attendees, Hansen will promote the SAN’s effort to combat unfair laws and regulations. Founded in 1997, this growing alliance is comprised of U.S. and Canadian forces from the industry and the hobby fighting unfair automotive laws and regulations. The SAN’s SEMA Show booth will also include SO-CAL Speed Shop of Las Vegas’ hallmark Deuce roadster, which will be featured all week long at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For more information, contact Colby Martin at san@sema.org.

Thu, 10/30/2014 - 13:00
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
  hansen
Specially designed for SEMA Ignited, Courtney Hansen will sign the commemorative poster above for event attendees.
  

Automotive media personality and SEMA Action Network (SAN) member Courtney Hansen will sign limited-edition SAN posters at the inaugural SEMA Ignited. Those attending Friday’s inaugural event can meet her at the SAN display, November 7, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Hansen will also return to the SAN booth (#61399, outside Central Hall) at the trade-only 2014 SEMA Show earlier in the week. Don’t miss her appearances Tuesday, November 4, from 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m., and Thursday, November 6, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

In addition to meeting and greeting attendees, Hansen will promote the SAN’s effort to combat unfair laws and regulations. Founded in 1997, this growing alliance is comprised of U.S. and Canadian forces from the industry and the hobby fighting unfair automotive laws and regulations. The SAN’s SEMA Show booth will also include SO-CAL Speed Shop of Las Vegas’ hallmark Deuce roadster, which will be featured all week long at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For more information, contact Colby Martin at san@sema.org.

Thu, 10/30/2014 - 13:00
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
  hansen
Specially designed for SEMA Ignited, Courtney Hansen will sign the commemorative poster above for event attendees.
  

Automotive media personality and SEMA Action Network (SAN) member Courtney Hansen will sign limited-edition SAN posters at the inaugural SEMA Ignited. Those attending Friday’s inaugural event can meet her at the SAN display, November 7, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Hansen will also return to the SAN booth (#61399, outside Central Hall) at the trade-only 2014 SEMA Show earlier in the week. Don’t miss her appearances Tuesday, November 4, from 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m., and Thursday, November 6, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

In addition to meeting and greeting attendees, Hansen will promote the SAN’s effort to combat unfair laws and regulations. Founded in 1997, this growing alliance is comprised of U.S. and Canadian forces from the industry and the hobby fighting unfair automotive laws and regulations. The SAN’s SEMA Show booth will also include SO-CAL Speed Shop of Las Vegas’ hallmark Deuce roadster, which will be featured all week long at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For more information, contact Colby Martin at san@sema.org.

Thu, 10/30/2014 - 12:46
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

  triumph
The Triumph Castrol Rocket, to be on display in the “Save the Salt” booth in the Central Hall, has the potential to exceed 400 mph.
  book
To finance the repairs and in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of land-speed racing at Bonneville, the Save the Salt Coalition is promoting “A Century of Speed,” a comprehensive history of racing at the flats.
Visit the “Save the Salt” booth in the Central Hall (#24099) of the Las Vegas Convention Center to see the Triumph Castrol Rocket. Slated to compete for world’s fastest motorcycle at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2015, the “Rocket” incorporates all of the ingenuity and racing prowess of the Triumph-powered land-speed record vehicles of the ’50s and ’60s, plus the best of today’s technology in engineering, aerodynamics, safety and powerplant performance. The 25.5-ft. long, 2-ft. wide and 3-ft. tall streamliner has the potential to exceed 400 mph.

The Save the Salt Coalition has been spearheading a fundraising initiative to replenish the salt at Bonneville. The Coalition organized a 2,000-ton dry salt laydown last summer at the end of the access road to the Salt Flats. The Coalition is now seeking approval from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for direct dry salt repairs on portions of the various race tracks commencing in 2015. To finance the repairs and in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of land-speed racing at Bonneville, the Coalition is promoting “A Century of Speed,” a comprehensive history of racing at the flats. The book has already garnered more than $40,000 in donations for salt replenishment activities, and will be available at the SEMA Show’s Save the Salt booth.

For more information, visit www.savethesalt.org.
Thu, 10/30/2014 - 12:46
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

  triumph
The Triumph Castrol Rocket, to be on display in the “Save the Salt” booth in the Central Hall, has the potential to exceed 400 mph.
  book
To finance the repairs and in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of land-speed racing at Bonneville, the Save the Salt Coalition is promoting “A Century of Speed,” a comprehensive history of racing at the flats.
Visit the “Save the Salt” booth in the Central Hall (#24099) of the Las Vegas Convention Center to see the Triumph Castrol Rocket. Slated to compete for world’s fastest motorcycle at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2015, the “Rocket” incorporates all of the ingenuity and racing prowess of the Triumph-powered land-speed record vehicles of the ’50s and ’60s, plus the best of today’s technology in engineering, aerodynamics, safety and powerplant performance. The 25.5-ft. long, 2-ft. wide and 3-ft. tall streamliner has the potential to exceed 400 mph.

The Save the Salt Coalition has been spearheading a fundraising initiative to replenish the salt at Bonneville. The Coalition organized a 2,000-ton dry salt laydown last summer at the end of the access road to the Salt Flats. The Coalition is now seeking approval from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for direct dry salt repairs on portions of the various race tracks commencing in 2015. To finance the repairs and in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of land-speed racing at Bonneville, the Coalition is promoting “A Century of Speed,” a comprehensive history of racing at the flats. The book has already garnered more than $40,000 in donations for salt replenishment activities, and will be available at the SEMA Show’s Save the Salt booth.

For more information, visit www.savethesalt.org.
Thu, 10/30/2014 - 12:46
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

  triumph
The Triumph Castrol Rocket, to be on display in the “Save the Salt” booth in the Central Hall, has the potential to exceed 400 mph.
  book
To finance the repairs and in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of land-speed racing at Bonneville, the Save the Salt Coalition is promoting “A Century of Speed,” a comprehensive history of racing at the flats.
Visit the “Save the Salt” booth in the Central Hall (#24099) of the Las Vegas Convention Center to see the Triumph Castrol Rocket. Slated to compete for world’s fastest motorcycle at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2015, the “Rocket” incorporates all of the ingenuity and racing prowess of the Triumph-powered land-speed record vehicles of the ’50s and ’60s, plus the best of today’s technology in engineering, aerodynamics, safety and powerplant performance. The 25.5-ft. long, 2-ft. wide and 3-ft. tall streamliner has the potential to exceed 400 mph.

The Save the Salt Coalition has been spearheading a fundraising initiative to replenish the salt at Bonneville. The Coalition organized a 2,000-ton dry salt laydown last summer at the end of the access road to the Salt Flats. The Coalition is now seeking approval from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for direct dry salt repairs on portions of the various race tracks commencing in 2015. To finance the repairs and in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of land-speed racing at Bonneville, the Coalition is promoting “A Century of Speed,” a comprehensive history of racing at the flats. The book has already garnered more than $40,000 in donations for salt replenishment activities, and will be available at the SEMA Show’s Save the Salt booth.

For more information, visit www.savethesalt.org.
Thu, 10/30/2014 - 12:46
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

  triumph
The Triumph Castrol Rocket, to be on display in the “Save the Salt” booth in the Central Hall, has the potential to exceed 400 mph.
  book
To finance the repairs and in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of land-speed racing at Bonneville, the Save the Salt Coalition is promoting “A Century of Speed,” a comprehensive history of racing at the flats.
Visit the “Save the Salt” booth in the Central Hall (#24099) of the Las Vegas Convention Center to see the Triumph Castrol Rocket. Slated to compete for world’s fastest motorcycle at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2015, the “Rocket” incorporates all of the ingenuity and racing prowess of the Triumph-powered land-speed record vehicles of the ’50s and ’60s, plus the best of today’s technology in engineering, aerodynamics, safety and powerplant performance. The 25.5-ft. long, 2-ft. wide and 3-ft. tall streamliner has the potential to exceed 400 mph.

The Save the Salt Coalition has been spearheading a fundraising initiative to replenish the salt at Bonneville. The Coalition organized a 2,000-ton dry salt laydown last summer at the end of the access road to the Salt Flats. The Coalition is now seeking approval from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for direct dry salt repairs on portions of the various race tracks commencing in 2015. To finance the repairs and in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of land-speed racing at Bonneville, the Coalition is promoting “A Century of Speed,” a comprehensive history of racing at the flats. The book has already garnered more than $40,000 in donations for salt replenishment activities, and will be available at the SEMA Show’s Save the Salt booth.

For more information, visit www.savethesalt.org.
Thu, 10/30/2014 - 12:40

Compiled by SEMA Editors

rbgrc
The Red Bull Global Rallycross season finale will be held at The LINQ Promenade during the 2014 SEMA Show.

Tickets Still Available for Red Bull Global Rallycross Las Vegas

Tickets for the Global Rallycross Las Vegas finals, Wednesday, November 5, are still available online and will also be for sale onsite at the 2014 SEMA Show. Use your SEMA discount code, or show your credential at the time of purchase to receive 30% off tickets. Enter code "SEMAVEGAS" at checkout when visiting www.rbgrclv.com.

Held in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, which is the host venue, presenting sponsor and event partner, the action will take place at The LINQ Hotel & Casino during the 2014 SEMA Show.

For the first time in series history, four drivers enter the finale with a chance at the championship: Ken Block, winner of the 2013 Las Vegas race; former Formula 1 stars Scott Speed and Nelson Piquet Jr.; and defending GRC Lites champion Joni Wiman. The four championship-eligible drivers have combined for four victories, 16 podiums and eight poles so far in 2014. All four drivers are within 30 points of one another entering the final race, meaning that the best finisher among them in Las Vegas will likely take home the season-long championship.

Other drivers planning to compete include 2012 Las Vegas winner Tanner Foust; multiple X Games gold medalists Brian Deegan and Bucky Lasek; current GRC Lites champion Mitchell DeJong; and Sverre Isachsen, winner of the series’ most recent race at DirtFish Rally School in Snoqualmie, Washington.

The parking lot adjacent to The LINQ Promenade and at the base of the High Roller—the world’s tallest observation wheel—will be transformed into a high-octane motorsports playground, featuring dirt, asphalt and tabletop jumps signature to the series.

nitto
Loren Healy took the 4400 “Unlimited Class” West and East title and Nitto Tire Ultra4 National Championship win in Reno, Nevada.

Nitto Tire's Loren Healy Claims Overall 2014 Ultra 4 4400 Unlimited Class Points Title

Nitto Tire performed well in the eight-race 2014 Ultra4 Series this year with its team of drivers. Loren Healy claimed the overall 2014 Ultra4 4400 “Unlimited Class” points title. Driving a new-this-year Jimmy’s 4x4 IFS buggy won at the Nitto Tire National Championships, October 18, at the Wild West Motorsports Park in Reno, Nevada. Healy won his fourth event out of seven this year, beginning with his 2014 King of the Hammers crown win, his second such win. In the Unlimited 4400 Class, Nitto drivers Erik Miller and Jason Blanton joined Healy in the Top 10. Mel Wade Sr. took second in 4400 Stock, Mel Wade Jr. claimed the UTV Sportsman series title and Mike Bou took home Ultra4 “Rookie of the Year Award” in 4400.

Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing Named Finalist for 2014 Museum Collection of the Year Award

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing has been informed by Great Britain’s International Historic Motoring Awards selection committee that it has been “short listed” (named as a finalist) for the Museum Collection of the Year Award for 2014.

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is among five automotive museums or collections selected for the award's finalist group. The Museum was nominated by the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame for the depth of the collection’s historic drag-racing vehicles, including those built and raced by Don Garlits, plus the supporting exhibits of important memorabilia and technological advances made across the sport’s history.

The Museum Collection of the Year Award is connected to the International Historic Motoring Awards—an annual automotive event, which honors a number of individuals and groups for contributions and achievements in several categories. The winners will be honored at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London, November 20, 2014. On November 22, Garlits will be inducted into the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame at the Savill Court Hotel at Windsor Great Park, near Windsor, Surrey.

deegan
Brian Deegan clinched the Pro 2 Unlimited Championship last weekend in Lake Elsinore, California.

Deegan Clinches Sixth LOORRS Championship

A busy weekend on the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series in Lake Elisnore, California, led to many successes for Brian Deegan and his line of #38 trucks. As the Pro 2 points leader, Deegan was in a position to clinch his title in Round 15. Pro 2 was the final event of the evening and Deegan was running third on lap one. The #38 RockstarEnergy Drink/Makita Power Tools Ford moved into second, and by the final lap he tried to take the lead from Carl Renezeder, but Rob MacCachren moved past Deegan. Deegan finished the event in third, which continued his perfect record of podium finishes in Pro 2 for the 2014 season. It was also enough to clinch the Pro 2 Unlimited Championship. This marks Deegan’s third Pro 2 Championship in four years.

Thu, 10/30/2014 - 12:40

Compiled by SEMA Editors

rbgrc
The Red Bull Global Rallycross season finale will be held at The LINQ Promenade during the 2014 SEMA Show.

Tickets Still Available for Red Bull Global Rallycross Las Vegas

Tickets for the Global Rallycross Las Vegas finals, Wednesday, November 5, are still available online and will also be for sale onsite at the 2014 SEMA Show. Use your SEMA discount code, or show your credential at the time of purchase to receive 30% off tickets. Enter code "SEMAVEGAS" at checkout when visiting www.rbgrclv.com.

Held in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, which is the host venue, presenting sponsor and event partner, the action will take place at The LINQ Hotel & Casino during the 2014 SEMA Show.

For the first time in series history, four drivers enter the finale with a chance at the championship: Ken Block, winner of the 2013 Las Vegas race; former Formula 1 stars Scott Speed and Nelson Piquet Jr.; and defending GRC Lites champion Joni Wiman. The four championship-eligible drivers have combined for four victories, 16 podiums and eight poles so far in 2014. All four drivers are within 30 points of one another entering the final race, meaning that the best finisher among them in Las Vegas will likely take home the season-long championship.

Other drivers planning to compete include 2012 Las Vegas winner Tanner Foust; multiple X Games gold medalists Brian Deegan and Bucky Lasek; current GRC Lites champion Mitchell DeJong; and Sverre Isachsen, winner of the series’ most recent race at DirtFish Rally School in Snoqualmie, Washington.

The parking lot adjacent to The LINQ Promenade and at the base of the High Roller—the world’s tallest observation wheel—will be transformed into a high-octane motorsports playground, featuring dirt, asphalt and tabletop jumps signature to the series.

nitto
Loren Healy took the 4400 “Unlimited Class” West and East title and Nitto Tire Ultra4 National Championship win in Reno, Nevada.

Nitto Tire's Loren Healy Claims Overall 2014 Ultra 4 4400 Unlimited Class Points Title

Nitto Tire performed well in the eight-race 2014 Ultra4 Series this year with its team of drivers. Loren Healy claimed the overall 2014 Ultra4 4400 “Unlimited Class” points title. Driving a new-this-year Jimmy’s 4x4 IFS buggy won at the Nitto Tire National Championships, October 18, at the Wild West Motorsports Park in Reno, Nevada. Healy won his fourth event out of seven this year, beginning with his 2014 King of the Hammers crown win, his second such win. In the Unlimited 4400 Class, Nitto drivers Erik Miller and Jason Blanton joined Healy in the Top 10. Mel Wade Sr. took second in 4400 Stock, Mel Wade Jr. claimed the UTV Sportsman series title and Mike Bou took home Ultra4 “Rookie of the Year Award” in 4400.

Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing Named Finalist for 2014 Museum Collection of the Year Award

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing has been informed by Great Britain’s International Historic Motoring Awards selection committee that it has been “short listed” (named as a finalist) for the Museum Collection of the Year Award for 2014.

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is among five automotive museums or collections selected for the award's finalist group. The Museum was nominated by the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame for the depth of the collection’s historic drag-racing vehicles, including those built and raced by Don Garlits, plus the supporting exhibits of important memorabilia and technological advances made across the sport’s history.

The Museum Collection of the Year Award is connected to the International Historic Motoring Awards—an annual automotive event, which honors a number of individuals and groups for contributions and achievements in several categories. The winners will be honored at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London, November 20, 2014. On November 22, Garlits will be inducted into the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame at the Savill Court Hotel at Windsor Great Park, near Windsor, Surrey.

deegan
Brian Deegan clinched the Pro 2 Unlimited Championship last weekend in Lake Elsinore, California.

Deegan Clinches Sixth LOORRS Championship

A busy weekend on the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series in Lake Elisnore, California, led to many successes for Brian Deegan and his line of #38 trucks. As the Pro 2 points leader, Deegan was in a position to clinch his title in Round 15. Pro 2 was the final event of the evening and Deegan was running third on lap one. The #38 RockstarEnergy Drink/Makita Power Tools Ford moved into second, and by the final lap he tried to take the lead from Carl Renezeder, but Rob MacCachren moved past Deegan. Deegan finished the event in third, which continued his perfect record of podium finishes in Pro 2 for the 2014 season. It was also enough to clinch the Pro 2 Unlimited Championship. This marks Deegan’s third Pro 2 Championship in four years.

Thu, 10/30/2014 - 12:37

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

vandy

VANDERGRIFF TO RETIRE FROM COCKPIT, ADDS CONNOLLY TO TWO-CAR TEAM: Bob Vandergriff Jr. confirmed that he will not be driving a Top Fuel dragster in the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Series and will start his new direction solely as the team owner with a pair of dragsters driven by three-time Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon and 25-time NHRA Pro Stock winner Dave Connolly. The two Bob Vandergriff Racing dragsters will be sponsored by C&J Energy Services; crew chiefs will remain Kurt Elliott and Mike Guger.

"It's no secret that I've been planning on exiting the driver seat," Vandergriff said. "With the increasing demands of running the business, that time has come. I'm excited about my new role and it's actually recharged my batteries. I'm thrilled about the new direction for BVR. We have a three-time world champion in Larry Dixon and I've been able to hire someone who I consider one of the best natural drivers in the sport, Dave Connolly, to take over for me."

ENDERS-STEVENS HAS HER EYES ON THE PRIZE: Erica Enders-Stevens, the driver of the Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro, is second in points trailing Jason Line by 35 points. If she were to win the championship, she would be the first female to win a Pro Stock world championship. Enders-Stevens, who has four wins this season—which ties a career best—five No. 1 qualifying positions and only one first-round loss, took part in a national teleconference to talk about her season and her hopes for the remainder of the Countdown to the Championship. For more on this story, visit www.NHRA.com.

force

J. FORCE FOCUSED FOR LATEST CHALLENGE IN LAS VEGAS: When the outlook has been at its most challenging for NHRA Funny Car icon John Force over the years, that has often brought out the very best in the 16-time and reigning world champion. After the departure of longtime crew chief Jimmy Prock last Wednesday with only two races remaining in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship, that famed rallying response will be put to the test one more time for Force. He enters the 14th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in second place, 36 points behind rival Matt Hagan. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Shane Gray (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) joined Force as winners of this event last year. The race will once again be televised nationally on ESPN2.

"We’re going to come out swinging," Force said. "I’ll have a good race car [in Vegas], you can count on that. The rest is where Lady Luck takes us. I always believed that if you stand up and you fight, you do the best you can, and with a little help from the good Lord and the people around you, you'll be OK. If you win, that’s great. That’s the icing on the cake. But if you lose and you gave it everything you got, you still won. John Force needs to get up and rally himself and his team, whether new or old, and that’s what I plan on doing."

He Said, She Said

hagan

“We have to take it one lap at a time and not get ahead of ourselves. It's important to go out there on Friday and get our weekend started off right and make a good, solid lap. Dickie (Venables, crew chief) is so focused on our team and our car right now. These guys are hungry, they have a lot to prove. Dickie always has great game plan and he's a smart racer. I have all of the confidence in the world in him and my guys and me as a driver. I can't wait to crawl back into my race car. To be honest, there's not that much pressure on us. Everyone expects John (Force) to win this thing. We just have to go out there and do our thing and not worry about anyone else. We have the team that is capable of doing that.”

—Points leader Matt Hagan on the final two races of the 2014 season and his 36-point lead over John Force. In the first four races of the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, Hagan has raced to two wins, one runner-up finish and one quarterfinal finish. Hagan has three wins this season but has yet to win at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Inside the Numbers

3: Number of career wins Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader Andrew Hines has at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. His most recent win at the facility came at the fall event in 2009 and his other wins came in 2006 and 2007 at the fall event. Hines leads the points by 25 over his teammate Eddie Krawiec. Hines, a three-time world champion has raced to five wins this season and two runner-up finishes. In the four NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship events this season he has recorded one win, one runner-up, and two semi-final appearances.

Did You Know

winternationals

CIRCLE K RENEWS SPONSORSHIP OF NHRA WINTERNATIONALS: Circle K has renewed its title sponsorship of the NHRA Winternationals. The season-opening event for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series is scheduled for February 5–8 at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California. The Circle K NHRA Winternationals is where NHRA race teams unveil their new cars, sponsors and paint schemes and begin their quest to win NHRA world championship titles. "The Circle K NHRA Winternationals is one of the most popular and highly anticipated races of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season," said Gary Darcy, senior vice president of sales and marketing, NHRA. "Circle K has a great presence throughout Southern California and has proved to be a terrific partner in activating throughout the marketplace."

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.