By SEMA Editors

	The most dynamic feature of the SEMA Show's new Mobile App is the “Locate Me” option that pinpoints the location of users at the Show and provides turn-by-turn directions to any place on the Show floor.

The 2014 SEMA Show Mobile App makes navigating the annual event easier than ever and features useful trade show tools, such as exhibitor lists, seminar schedules, event listings, route generators and more.

“This is not your ordinary trade show app,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Our new app is built to help move attendees around the Show as efficiently as possible so that they can see more great products, while helping exhibitors fill their day with quality meetings. We can’t wait for everyone to benefit from it.”

The mobile app includes traditional features, such as a customizable schedule of events, searchable list of exhibitors, and connectivity to the most popular social media sites. The most dynamic feature, however, is the “Locate Me” option that pinpoints the location of users at the SEMA Show and provides turn-by-turn directions to any place on the Show floor.

“Attendees at the SEMA Show want to spend their time meeting with exhibitors. The last thing anyone wants to do is spend their time trying to track down a specific booth,” said MacGillivray.

The 2014 SEMA Show Mobile App is available free of charge through iTunes and Android stores. Those who downloaded previous SEMA Show apps will need to download a new one. Those whose mobile devices are not compatible with traditional apps can access a web version.

By SEMA Editors

	The most dynamic feature of the SEMA Show's new Mobile App is the “Locate Me” option that pinpoints the location of users at the Show and provides turn-by-turn directions to any place on the Show floor.

The 2014 SEMA Show Mobile App makes navigating the annual event easier than ever and features useful trade show tools, such as exhibitor lists, seminar schedules, event listings, route generators and more.

“This is not your ordinary trade show app,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Our new app is built to help move attendees around the Show as efficiently as possible so that they can see more great products, while helping exhibitors fill their day with quality meetings. We can’t wait for everyone to benefit from it.”

The mobile app includes traditional features, such as a customizable schedule of events, searchable list of exhibitors, and connectivity to the most popular social media sites. The most dynamic feature, however, is the “Locate Me” option that pinpoints the location of users at the SEMA Show and provides turn-by-turn directions to any place on the Show floor.

“Attendees at the SEMA Show want to spend their time meeting with exhibitors. The last thing anyone wants to do is spend their time trying to track down a specific booth,” said MacGillivray.

The 2014 SEMA Show Mobile App is available free of charge through iTunes and Android stores. Those who downloaded previous SEMA Show apps will need to download a new one. Those whose mobile devices are not compatible with traditional apps can access a web version.

By Becca Butler

The largest collection of vehicles participating in the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational will be featured at SEMA Ignited—a new post-SEMA Show event, Friday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at The LINQ in Las Vegas.

The coveted vehicles will parade over to SEMA Ignited after being on display during the 2014 SEMA Show's OPTIMA Street Car Alley—a special feature located between the Westgate (formerly the LVH) and the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The vehicles are some of the hottest high-performance street-legal cars in the country. While the search for vehicles to compete in the OPTIMA challenge continues, confirmed cars include:

• Robert Jackson’s ’67 Volvo Amazon: Madill, Oklahoma-based Robert Jackson created a true one-off hot rod with his ’67 Volvo. The shell is all that remains of the original car, as Jackson created the custom suspension (which he now offers as a bolt-in kit for other early Volvo owners) and shoehorned in a GM LS-series V8 for power.

• Dieter-Heinz Kijora’s ’14 Mercedes Benz AMG: Kijora’s HG Motorsports shop is well-known in San Diego for tuning imports (both Euro and Asian) for use on the track. His experience in NASA and the Redline Time Attack refined the driving skill required to push already outstanding cars (like his AMG) to the very limits of their performance capability.

• Kyle Tucker’s ’70 Chevy Camaro: Tucker is no stranger to the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car arena, and his proven ’70 Camaro is outfitted with a full suite of upgrades from his company, Detroit Speed & Engineering. Tucker is a perennial threat to win the overall title, and this year will prove no different.

• Wes Drelleshak’s ’59 Chevrolet Pickup: Drelleshak has been steadily upgrading this truck since he first acquired it a few years back, and 2014 represents the most radical year of improvements yet, with a complete No Limit Engineering front suspension finding its way under the truck. Rumor has it he’ll have a full rear suspension upgrade done in time for the competition.

Open to the public, Ignited will not only provide a first-hand look at the world’s finest vehicles and street machines, the post-Show celebration will also feature demonstrations, celebrities, music, food and fun from the 2014 SEMA Show. Those interested in SEMA Ignited can secure tickets online.

Following SEMA Ignited, the OPTIMA vehicles will compete in the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational, November 8–9, at the Las Vegas Speedway. This exciting event is now in its seventh year, and has continued to grow steadily.

Tickets are available for spectators at Eventbrite or at OPTIMAInvitational.com. Tickets are $30 each and include one 2014 OPTIMA Invitational T-shirt, which guests will receive at the event (while supplies last).

Robert Jackson’s ’67 Volvo Amazon	Dieter-Heinz Kijora’s ’14 Mercedes Benz AMG
Kyle Tucker’s ’70 Chevy Camaro	Wes Drelleshak’s ’59 Chevrolet Pickup

By Becca Butler

The largest collection of vehicles participating in the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational will be featured at SEMA Ignited—a new post-SEMA Show event, Friday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at The LINQ in Las Vegas.

The coveted vehicles will parade over to SEMA Ignited after being on display during the 2014 SEMA Show's OPTIMA Street Car Alley—a special feature located between the Westgate (formerly the LVH) and the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The vehicles are some of the hottest high-performance street-legal cars in the country. While the search for vehicles to compete in the OPTIMA challenge continues, confirmed cars include:

• Robert Jackson’s ’67 Volvo Amazon: Madill, Oklahoma-based Robert Jackson created a true one-off hot rod with his ’67 Volvo. The shell is all that remains of the original car, as Jackson created the custom suspension (which he now offers as a bolt-in kit for other early Volvo owners) and shoehorned in a GM LS-series V8 for power.

• Dieter-Heinz Kijora’s ’14 Mercedes Benz AMG: Kijora’s HG Motorsports shop is well-known in San Diego for tuning imports (both Euro and Asian) for use on the track. His experience in NASA and the Redline Time Attack refined the driving skill required to push already outstanding cars (like his AMG) to the very limits of their performance capability.

• Kyle Tucker’s ’70 Chevy Camaro: Tucker is no stranger to the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car arena, and his proven ’70 Camaro is outfitted with a full suite of upgrades from his company, Detroit Speed & Engineering. Tucker is a perennial threat to win the overall title, and this year will prove no different.

• Wes Drelleshak’s ’59 Chevrolet Pickup: Drelleshak has been steadily upgrading this truck since he first acquired it a few years back, and 2014 represents the most radical year of improvements yet, with a complete No Limit Engineering front suspension finding its way under the truck. Rumor has it he’ll have a full rear suspension upgrade done in time for the competition.

Open to the public, Ignited will not only provide a first-hand look at the world’s finest vehicles and street machines, the post-Show celebration will also feature demonstrations, celebrities, music, food and fun from the 2014 SEMA Show. Those interested in SEMA Ignited can secure tickets online.

Following SEMA Ignited, the OPTIMA vehicles will compete in the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational, November 8–9, at the Las Vegas Speedway. This exciting event is now in its seventh year, and has continued to grow steadily.

Tickets are available for spectators at Eventbrite or at OPTIMAInvitational.com. Tickets are $30 each and include one 2014 OPTIMA Invitational T-shirt, which guests will receive at the event (while supplies last).

Robert Jackson’s ’67 Volvo Amazon	Dieter-Heinz Kijora’s ’14 Mercedes Benz AMG
Kyle Tucker’s ’70 Chevy Camaro	Wes Drelleshak’s ’59 Chevrolet Pickup

By Becca Butler

The largest collection of vehicles participating in the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational will be featured at SEMA Ignited—a new post-SEMA Show event, Friday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at The LINQ in Las Vegas.

The coveted vehicles will parade over to SEMA Ignited after being on display during the 2014 SEMA Show's OPTIMA Street Car Alley—a special feature located between the Westgate (formerly the LVH) and the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The vehicles are some of the hottest high-performance street-legal cars in the country. While the search for vehicles to compete in the OPTIMA challenge continues, confirmed cars include:

• Robert Jackson’s ’67 Volvo Amazon: Madill, Oklahoma-based Robert Jackson created a true one-off hot rod with his ’67 Volvo. The shell is all that remains of the original car, as Jackson created the custom suspension (which he now offers as a bolt-in kit for other early Volvo owners) and shoehorned in a GM LS-series V8 for power.

• Dieter-Heinz Kijora’s ’14 Mercedes Benz AMG: Kijora’s HG Motorsports shop is well-known in San Diego for tuning imports (both Euro and Asian) for use on the track. His experience in NASA and the Redline Time Attack refined the driving skill required to push already outstanding cars (like his AMG) to the very limits of their performance capability.

• Kyle Tucker’s ’70 Chevy Camaro: Tucker is no stranger to the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car arena, and his proven ’70 Camaro is outfitted with a full suite of upgrades from his company, Detroit Speed & Engineering. Tucker is a perennial threat to win the overall title, and this year will prove no different.

• Wes Drelleshak’s ’59 Chevrolet Pickup: Drelleshak has been steadily upgrading this truck since he first acquired it a few years back, and 2014 represents the most radical year of improvements yet, with a complete No Limit Engineering front suspension finding its way under the truck. Rumor has it he’ll have a full rear suspension upgrade done in time for the competition.

Open to the public, Ignited will not only provide a first-hand look at the world’s finest vehicles and street machines, the post-Show celebration will also feature demonstrations, celebrities, music, food and fun from the 2014 SEMA Show. Those interested in SEMA Ignited can secure tickets online.

Following SEMA Ignited, the OPTIMA vehicles will compete in the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational, November 8–9, at the Las Vegas Speedway. This exciting event is now in its seventh year, and has continued to grow steadily.

Tickets are available for spectators at Eventbrite or at OPTIMAInvitational.com. Tickets are $30 each and include one 2014 OPTIMA Invitational T-shirt, which guests will receive at the event (while supplies last).

Robert Jackson’s ’67 Volvo Amazon	Dieter-Heinz Kijora’s ’14 Mercedes Benz AMG
Kyle Tucker’s ’70 Chevy Camaro	Wes Drelleshak’s ’59 Chevrolet Pickup

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

C. FORCE REGAINS CHAMPIONSHIP FORM WITH DALLAS WIN: Courtney Force recorded the 11th win by a woman this season and she is again a contender for the Funny Car world championship when she raced to her third win of the season in Dallas. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Dave Connolly (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) took home victories at the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals.

“We definitely needed to make a turn for the better,” Force continued. “We needed to go some rounds today if we still wanted a shot at the championship. After the loss in Charlotte, it felt like the No. 1 spot was drifting further away. It was almost a good thing he [John Force] went out a little bit early here, and he wasn't creating such a huge gap for us to [potentially] reach that No. 1 spot. We've made a huge move up, and we're still in the hunt."

SCHUMACHER RECORDS 75TH AND 76TH WINS DURING ACTION-PACKED WEEKEND IN TEXAS: Tony Schumacher won his 75th career Top Fuel race last Saturday during the delayed eliminations for the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals held at Texas Motorplex. Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Jonathan Gray (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycycle) also took home wins at the event. Schumacher also won the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals on Sunday and picked up another Wally to add to his collection. Schumacher took advantage of early losses by top championship contenders in the Charlotte finals to begin laying a foundation to secure his eighth world championship.

"It couldn’t have come at a better time," Schumacher said. "It is the first race in the Countdown, even though we had to move it, it doesn’t really matter. In reality, fantastic timing, we took over the points lead; I don’t know where we are, but we are in the lead. If we can maintain and stay ahead of these guys for five more races, and I know we have the car capable of doing it, we’ll be there to force the issue."

READY FOR REDEMPTION: The start of Brittany Force’s first experience with the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship did not go as planned. But with four more opportunities for playoff redemption, the sophomore Top Fuel driver knows she can still put together a thrilling end to her 2014 season. Force fell in the first round of the first race in the Countdown to the Championship and those struggles continued throughout the weekend at the Texas Motorplex in Dallas when she failed to qualify for playoff stop No. 2. That put an immediate damper on Force’s title hopes in her first Countdown appearance, but a turnaround could come this weekend at the third annual AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park near St. Louis.

“My team’s focus is to put our best effort into these final four races so we can stand a chance next to all our tough competitors,” said Force, who is 10th in points. “The entire team feels this pressure but we are ready to dive right into it. I will admit there is definitely an added pressure going into the Countdown. I think it's the combination of competing in my first Countdown ever but also knowing that every move you make can cost you. At this point in the game you can’t afford too many mistakes. Every pass we make has to count.”

He Said, She Said

"We had two options. We could have put a motor in that would have had us up there in time and won the race knowing what we now know, or we could have put in the kick-ass-and-win-the-race motor. We chose the kick-ass-and-win-the-race motor, and we just missed the call. We’ve never hurt so many parts in one race. We were matching parts up with other engines and literally had three teams helping us do it. There was LE Tonglet’s team, White Alligator Racing, and people I didn’t even know. Three-time Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon was holding the bolts that I was grabbing out of his hands. We split [engine] cases and put the transmission from ‘A’ into engine ‘C,’ that kind of stuff. If I would have known that Hines was only going to go 7.50, I could have put in my ‘B’ engine and won the race. I wanted to tear their throats out. I wanted to have the performance we had all weekend long and win."

—Pro Stock Motorcycle racer, Steve Johnson on failing to make it to the final-round matchup against Andrew Hines in eliminations in Dallas. Hines won the event but suffered transmission damage during the pass and left Johnson to wonder about a missed opportunity.

Inside the Numbers

43: Number of points separating Pro Stock points leader Jason Line and second-place racer Dave Connolly. Line, a two-time world champion, has led the points since winning the Brainerd event. In the first two events in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, he has raced to one runner-up finish and one quarterfinal appearance. Connolly, who started the Countdown in the sixth position, has one quarterfinal finish and won the most recent event in Dallas. Connolly has finished third in the points three times and is aiming for his first career championship.

"You know, I've been very blessed," said Connolly, now a three-time winner at Texas Motorplex. "I've had a lot of great opportunities, but I've got to say that racing with Gray Motorsports is one of the best opportunities I've had. It's pretty incredible to race with such a great group of guys, and the whole family—the friendship we've created over the course of this year is unbelievable. We're out here having fun, and it couldn't be better."

Did You Know

NHRA DRIVERS TO TAKE PART IN ST. LOUIS FAN FESTIVAL: NHRA fans in the St. Louis area will have an opportunity to meet their favorite drivers in the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series at the NHRA Fan Festival taking place September 25, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. The free event will take place at Ballpark Village located next to Busch Stadium in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The event will feature interactive displays, ticket giveaways and live music. Drivers will be on hand to sign autographs for the fans from 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

C. FORCE REGAINS CHAMPIONSHIP FORM WITH DALLAS WIN: Courtney Force recorded the 11th win by a woman this season and she is again a contender for the Funny Car world championship when she raced to her third win of the season in Dallas. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Dave Connolly (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) took home victories at the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals.

“We definitely needed to make a turn for the better,” Force continued. “We needed to go some rounds today if we still wanted a shot at the championship. After the loss in Charlotte, it felt like the No. 1 spot was drifting further away. It was almost a good thing he [John Force] went out a little bit early here, and he wasn't creating such a huge gap for us to [potentially] reach that No. 1 spot. We've made a huge move up, and we're still in the hunt."

SCHUMACHER RECORDS 75TH AND 76TH WINS DURING ACTION-PACKED WEEKEND IN TEXAS: Tony Schumacher won his 75th career Top Fuel race last Saturday during the delayed eliminations for the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals held at Texas Motorplex. Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Jonathan Gray (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycycle) also took home wins at the event. Schumacher also won the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals on Sunday and picked up another Wally to add to his collection. Schumacher took advantage of early losses by top championship contenders in the Charlotte finals to begin laying a foundation to secure his eighth world championship.

"It couldn’t have come at a better time," Schumacher said. "It is the first race in the Countdown, even though we had to move it, it doesn’t really matter. In reality, fantastic timing, we took over the points lead; I don’t know where we are, but we are in the lead. If we can maintain and stay ahead of these guys for five more races, and I know we have the car capable of doing it, we’ll be there to force the issue."

READY FOR REDEMPTION: The start of Brittany Force’s first experience with the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship did not go as planned. But with four more opportunities for playoff redemption, the sophomore Top Fuel driver knows she can still put together a thrilling end to her 2014 season. Force fell in the first round of the first race in the Countdown to the Championship and those struggles continued throughout the weekend at the Texas Motorplex in Dallas when she failed to qualify for playoff stop No. 2. That put an immediate damper on Force’s title hopes in her first Countdown appearance, but a turnaround could come this weekend at the third annual AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park near St. Louis.

“My team’s focus is to put our best effort into these final four races so we can stand a chance next to all our tough competitors,” said Force, who is 10th in points. “The entire team feels this pressure but we are ready to dive right into it. I will admit there is definitely an added pressure going into the Countdown. I think it's the combination of competing in my first Countdown ever but also knowing that every move you make can cost you. At this point in the game you can’t afford too many mistakes. Every pass we make has to count.”

He Said, She Said

"We had two options. We could have put a motor in that would have had us up there in time and won the race knowing what we now know, or we could have put in the kick-ass-and-win-the-race motor. We chose the kick-ass-and-win-the-race motor, and we just missed the call. We’ve never hurt so many parts in one race. We were matching parts up with other engines and literally had three teams helping us do it. There was LE Tonglet’s team, White Alligator Racing, and people I didn’t even know. Three-time Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon was holding the bolts that I was grabbing out of his hands. We split [engine] cases and put the transmission from ‘A’ into engine ‘C,’ that kind of stuff. If I would have known that Hines was only going to go 7.50, I could have put in my ‘B’ engine and won the race. I wanted to tear their throats out. I wanted to have the performance we had all weekend long and win."

—Pro Stock Motorcycle racer, Steve Johnson on failing to make it to the final-round matchup against Andrew Hines in eliminations in Dallas. Hines won the event but suffered transmission damage during the pass and left Johnson to wonder about a missed opportunity.

Inside the Numbers

43: Number of points separating Pro Stock points leader Jason Line and second-place racer Dave Connolly. Line, a two-time world champion, has led the points since winning the Brainerd event. In the first two events in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, he has raced to one runner-up finish and one quarterfinal appearance. Connolly, who started the Countdown in the sixth position, has one quarterfinal finish and won the most recent event in Dallas. Connolly has finished third in the points three times and is aiming for his first career championship.

"You know, I've been very blessed," said Connolly, now a three-time winner at Texas Motorplex. "I've had a lot of great opportunities, but I've got to say that racing with Gray Motorsports is one of the best opportunities I've had. It's pretty incredible to race with such a great group of guys, and the whole family—the friendship we've created over the course of this year is unbelievable. We're out here having fun, and it couldn't be better."

Did You Know

NHRA DRIVERS TO TAKE PART IN ST. LOUIS FAN FESTIVAL: NHRA fans in the St. Louis area will have an opportunity to meet their favorite drivers in the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series at the NHRA Fan Festival taking place September 25, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. The free event will take place at Ballpark Village located next to Busch Stadium in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The event will feature interactive displays, ticket giveaways and live music. Drivers will be on hand to sign autographs for the fans from 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

C. FORCE REGAINS CHAMPIONSHIP FORM WITH DALLAS WIN: Courtney Force recorded the 11th win by a woman this season and she is again a contender for the Funny Car world championship when she raced to her third win of the season in Dallas. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Dave Connolly (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) took home victories at the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals.

“We definitely needed to make a turn for the better,” Force continued. “We needed to go some rounds today if we still wanted a shot at the championship. After the loss in Charlotte, it felt like the No. 1 spot was drifting further away. It was almost a good thing he [John Force] went out a little bit early here, and he wasn't creating such a huge gap for us to [potentially] reach that No. 1 spot. We've made a huge move up, and we're still in the hunt."

SCHUMACHER RECORDS 75TH AND 76TH WINS DURING ACTION-PACKED WEEKEND IN TEXAS: Tony Schumacher won his 75th career Top Fuel race last Saturday during the delayed eliminations for the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals held at Texas Motorplex. Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Jonathan Gray (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycycle) also took home wins at the event. Schumacher also won the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals on Sunday and picked up another Wally to add to his collection. Schumacher took advantage of early losses by top championship contenders in the Charlotte finals to begin laying a foundation to secure his eighth world championship.

"It couldn’t have come at a better time," Schumacher said. "It is the first race in the Countdown, even though we had to move it, it doesn’t really matter. In reality, fantastic timing, we took over the points lead; I don’t know where we are, but we are in the lead. If we can maintain and stay ahead of these guys for five more races, and I know we have the car capable of doing it, we’ll be there to force the issue."

READY FOR REDEMPTION: The start of Brittany Force’s first experience with the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship did not go as planned. But with four more opportunities for playoff redemption, the sophomore Top Fuel driver knows she can still put together a thrilling end to her 2014 season. Force fell in the first round of the first race in the Countdown to the Championship and those struggles continued throughout the weekend at the Texas Motorplex in Dallas when she failed to qualify for playoff stop No. 2. That put an immediate damper on Force’s title hopes in her first Countdown appearance, but a turnaround could come this weekend at the third annual AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park near St. Louis.

“My team’s focus is to put our best effort into these final four races so we can stand a chance next to all our tough competitors,” said Force, who is 10th in points. “The entire team feels this pressure but we are ready to dive right into it. I will admit there is definitely an added pressure going into the Countdown. I think it's the combination of competing in my first Countdown ever but also knowing that every move you make can cost you. At this point in the game you can’t afford too many mistakes. Every pass we make has to count.”

He Said, She Said

"We had two options. We could have put a motor in that would have had us up there in time and won the race knowing what we now know, or we could have put in the kick-ass-and-win-the-race motor. We chose the kick-ass-and-win-the-race motor, and we just missed the call. We’ve never hurt so many parts in one race. We were matching parts up with other engines and literally had three teams helping us do it. There was LE Tonglet’s team, White Alligator Racing, and people I didn’t even know. Three-time Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon was holding the bolts that I was grabbing out of his hands. We split [engine] cases and put the transmission from ‘A’ into engine ‘C,’ that kind of stuff. If I would have known that Hines was only going to go 7.50, I could have put in my ‘B’ engine and won the race. I wanted to tear their throats out. I wanted to have the performance we had all weekend long and win."

—Pro Stock Motorcycle racer, Steve Johnson on failing to make it to the final-round matchup against Andrew Hines in eliminations in Dallas. Hines won the event but suffered transmission damage during the pass and left Johnson to wonder about a missed opportunity.

Inside the Numbers

43: Number of points separating Pro Stock points leader Jason Line and second-place racer Dave Connolly. Line, a two-time world champion, has led the points since winning the Brainerd event. In the first two events in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, he has raced to one runner-up finish and one quarterfinal appearance. Connolly, who started the Countdown in the sixth position, has one quarterfinal finish and won the most recent event in Dallas. Connolly has finished third in the points three times and is aiming for his first career championship.

"You know, I've been very blessed," said Connolly, now a three-time winner at Texas Motorplex. "I've had a lot of great opportunities, but I've got to say that racing with Gray Motorsports is one of the best opportunities I've had. It's pretty incredible to race with such a great group of guys, and the whole family—the friendship we've created over the course of this year is unbelievable. We're out here having fun, and it couldn't be better."

Did You Know

NHRA DRIVERS TO TAKE PART IN ST. LOUIS FAN FESTIVAL: NHRA fans in the St. Louis area will have an opportunity to meet their favorite drivers in the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series at the NHRA Fan Festival taking place September 25, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. The free event will take place at Ballpark Village located next to Busch Stadium in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The event will feature interactive displays, ticket giveaways and live music. Drivers will be on hand to sign autographs for the fans from 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• Sprintex USA, located in Oklahoma, is hiring a sales director to develop relationships with the appointed manufacturers reps, work with them to develop a strong dealer network and appoint dealers to provide coverage for product sales and installation across North America. The successful candidate should have an automotive mechanical trade qualification, experience in the supercharger or turbocharger industry and a strong interest in off-roading/performance vehicles.

• AAM Competition LLC, located in Annapolis Junction, Maryland, is hiring a technical salesperson with more than two years of sales experience. The successful candidate will be an expert in turbochargers and have a good understanding of vehicle engines and a thorough knowledge of the automotive aftermarket industry.

• PRW Industries Inc., located in Perris, California, is hiring a purchasing/product development specialist with prior automotive parts and CAD experience. The successful candidate will be organized and efficient, able to multitask and comfortable working directly with top management. Purchasing experience is preferred.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• Sprintex USA, located in Oklahoma, is hiring a sales director to develop relationships with the appointed manufacturers reps, work with them to develop a strong dealer network and appoint dealers to provide coverage for product sales and installation across North America. The successful candidate should have an automotive mechanical trade qualification, experience in the supercharger or turbocharger industry and a strong interest in off-roading/performance vehicles.

• AAM Competition LLC, located in Annapolis Junction, Maryland, is hiring a technical salesperson with more than two years of sales experience. The successful candidate will be an expert in turbochargers and have a good understanding of vehicle engines and a thorough knowledge of the automotive aftermarket industry.

• PRW Industries Inc., located in Perris, California, is hiring a purchasing/product development specialist with prior automotive parts and CAD experience. The successful candidate will be organized and efficient, able to multitask and comfortable working directly with top management. Purchasing experience is preferred.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.