By SEMA Editors

	David Rigg will provide a detailed overview of the market developments and repairability research taking place between the steel industry and automakers.

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists' (SCRS) OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit—to be held Wednesday, November 5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2014 SEMA Show—will explore how automotive design, technology and materials impact repairability, and how in turn, repairability influences structural design and development. The full-day program will include four unique panel discussions with automakers, equipment suppliers, certified repair facilities and OEM certifiers/auditors, and will also feature special presentations from subject-matter experts on automotive materials. Registration is required to attend, and seats are limited.

As the agenda's newest development, SCRS has announced that David Rigg, project lead with the Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) Repairability Project, will provide a detailed overview of the market developments and repairability research taking place between the steel industry and automakers. The A/SP is a collaboration between the steel company members of the Automotive Applications Council of the Steel Market Development Institute, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. to pursue research, validation and education that help automakers enhance vehicle safety and fuel economy, and improve design and manufacturing. Through the A/SP, automakers and steel companies have worked to drive improvements and innovation in vehicles on the road and in repair businesses today.

"Participating in the SCRS OEM Collison Repair Technology Summit allows us the opportunity to interact with the leaders of the automotive repair industry to better understand their needs so that we can incorporate them into our project plan," said Terry Cullum, director of the A/SP. "Our goal is to share the latest technology on these innovative, advanced high-strength steel materials so that they can be repaired in the field using the best practices developed from our repairability project."

Rigg will deliver visibility into the technological advancements being made in the steel industry relative to automotive materials, along with an overview of how their market is developing as a result of increased collaboration toward ever-evolving safety and sustainability goals. He will share reasons behind the automakers' continued reliance on steel as a critical substrate, and what the industry is doing to aid in the development of that relationship. The presentation will ultimately address how repairability plays a role in material research and development, and the prevalence steel will have in the vehicles of tomorrow.

In addition to his role with the A/SP, Rigg serves as global service lead – structures, front and rear closures at General Motors, where he is responsible for the development, consensus, documentation and implementation of Global Service Requirements. He also represents service at the Advanced Vehicle Development Center for body structures.

For more information about the SCRS Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series, and to register for the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit and other RDE sessions, visit www.semashow.com/scrs.

By SEMA Editors

	David Rigg will provide a detailed overview of the market developments and repairability research taking place between the steel industry and automakers.

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists' (SCRS) OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit—to be held Wednesday, November 5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2014 SEMA Show—will explore how automotive design, technology and materials impact repairability, and how in turn, repairability influences structural design and development. The full-day program will include four unique panel discussions with automakers, equipment suppliers, certified repair facilities and OEM certifiers/auditors, and will also feature special presentations from subject-matter experts on automotive materials. Registration is required to attend, and seats are limited.

As the agenda's newest development, SCRS has announced that David Rigg, project lead with the Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) Repairability Project, will provide a detailed overview of the market developments and repairability research taking place between the steel industry and automakers. The A/SP is a collaboration between the steel company members of the Automotive Applications Council of the Steel Market Development Institute, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. to pursue research, validation and education that help automakers enhance vehicle safety and fuel economy, and improve design and manufacturing. Through the A/SP, automakers and steel companies have worked to drive improvements and innovation in vehicles on the road and in repair businesses today.

"Participating in the SCRS OEM Collison Repair Technology Summit allows us the opportunity to interact with the leaders of the automotive repair industry to better understand their needs so that we can incorporate them into our project plan," said Terry Cullum, director of the A/SP. "Our goal is to share the latest technology on these innovative, advanced high-strength steel materials so that they can be repaired in the field using the best practices developed from our repairability project."

Rigg will deliver visibility into the technological advancements being made in the steel industry relative to automotive materials, along with an overview of how their market is developing as a result of increased collaboration toward ever-evolving safety and sustainability goals. He will share reasons behind the automakers' continued reliance on steel as a critical substrate, and what the industry is doing to aid in the development of that relationship. The presentation will ultimately address how repairability plays a role in material research and development, and the prevalence steel will have in the vehicles of tomorrow.

In addition to his role with the A/SP, Rigg serves as global service lead – structures, front and rear closures at General Motors, where he is responsible for the development, consensus, documentation and implementation of Global Service Requirements. He also represents service at the Advanced Vehicle Development Center for body structures.

For more information about the SCRS Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series, and to register for the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit and other RDE sessions, visit www.semashow.com/scrs.

By SEMA Editors

	David Rigg will provide a detailed overview of the market developments and repairability research taking place between the steel industry and automakers.

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists' (SCRS) OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit—to be held Wednesday, November 5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2014 SEMA Show—will explore how automotive design, technology and materials impact repairability, and how in turn, repairability influences structural design and development. The full-day program will include four unique panel discussions with automakers, equipment suppliers, certified repair facilities and OEM certifiers/auditors, and will also feature special presentations from subject-matter experts on automotive materials. Registration is required to attend, and seats are limited.

As the agenda's newest development, SCRS has announced that David Rigg, project lead with the Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) Repairability Project, will provide a detailed overview of the market developments and repairability research taking place between the steel industry and automakers. The A/SP is a collaboration between the steel company members of the Automotive Applications Council of the Steel Market Development Institute, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. to pursue research, validation and education that help automakers enhance vehicle safety and fuel economy, and improve design and manufacturing. Through the A/SP, automakers and steel companies have worked to drive improvements and innovation in vehicles on the road and in repair businesses today.

"Participating in the SCRS OEM Collison Repair Technology Summit allows us the opportunity to interact with the leaders of the automotive repair industry to better understand their needs so that we can incorporate them into our project plan," said Terry Cullum, director of the A/SP. "Our goal is to share the latest technology on these innovative, advanced high-strength steel materials so that they can be repaired in the field using the best practices developed from our repairability project."

Rigg will deliver visibility into the technological advancements being made in the steel industry relative to automotive materials, along with an overview of how their market is developing as a result of increased collaboration toward ever-evolving safety and sustainability goals. He will share reasons behind the automakers' continued reliance on steel as a critical substrate, and what the industry is doing to aid in the development of that relationship. The presentation will ultimately address how repairability plays a role in material research and development, and the prevalence steel will have in the vehicles of tomorrow.

In addition to his role with the A/SP, Rigg serves as global service lead – structures, front and rear closures at General Motors, where he is responsible for the development, consensus, documentation and implementation of Global Service Requirements. He also represents service at the Advanced Vehicle Development Center for body structures.

For more information about the SCRS Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series, and to register for the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit and other RDE sessions, visit www.semashow.com/scrs.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	The Goodguys GOLD awards will be presented to five winners at the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7, in Las Vegas.

Goodguys Gold Awards Return to the SEMA Show

The Goodguys GOLD awards will be presented for the second consecutive year to five winners at the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7, in Las Vegas. All cars on display at the SEMA Show that have a Goodguys decal attached to their windshield will be eligible for a Goodguys GOLD award.

Goodguys’ Vice President of Event Operations Harry Daviess will be on hand beginning Saturday, November 1, to ensure all exhibiting vehicles get handed a Goodguys decal upon move in. All American-made or American-powered exhibit vehicles, regardless of year, make or model will be eligible for a Goodguys GOLD award.

The winners will be announced at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association booth in Hot Rod Alley (booth #22375) Wednesday, November 4, at 2:00 p.m. All car owners, builders, exhibitors, fans and enthusiasts are encouraged to attend the winner’s announcement ceremony Wednesday afternoon.

In addition to the GOLD awards, Goodguys will present the Trendsetter award Wednesday evening, November 5, during the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) awards banquet. Goodguys Trendsetter Award is presented to rising talents in the realm of hot-rod and custom-car building.

Shawn Herrick

RealTruck.com Appoints Vice President of Business Development

RealTruck.com has promoted previous Director of Web Content Shawn Herrick to vice president of business development. Herrick began working for RealTruck as a part-time blogger in July 2010. Since then, he has steadily climbed through the ranks at RealTruck, most recently holding a position as director of web content.

In his new position, Herrick is responsible for identifying new pickup aftermarket accessories trends and products, locating new potential business opportunities for RealTruck and increasing the company's national reach. Herrick is based out of the RealTruck Jamestown office.

MAHLE Service Solutions Featured on "Motorhead Garage"

MAHLE Aftermarket Service Solutions will be featured in an upcoming episode of "Motorhead Garage" on the Velocity network. The segment features the division’s Director of Sales Keith Korchma explaining the benefits of the company’s EV-1 Exhaust Ventilation System that helps automotive repair shops safely ventilate exhaust fumes. The episode is scheduled to be aired Sunday, September 21, at 1:00 p.m. (EDT) on Velocity.

	Royal Purple will unveil its latest sponsored car in its SEMA Show booth, Tuesday, November 4.

Royal Purple to Unveil Its Latest Sponsored Custom Car by Ringbrothers and Introduce Four New Products at 2014 SEMA Show

Royal Purple has announced it will introduce four new products and unveil its latest sponsored custom car built by Ringbrothers as part of its press conference (booth #23057) during the 2014 SEMA Show. On Tuesday, November 4, from 1:30 p.m.–1:50 p.m., Royal Purple will introduce its four latest products, including: Royal Flush, Max-Atomizer, HMX high-mileage motor oil in 10W-40 and XPR extreme performance racing motor oil in 10W-60. In addition to its new products, Royal Purple will also unveil the latest creation from Ringbrothers—a ’66 Chevelle. This build will feature extensive fabrication of interior and exterior panels. Under hood, Royal Purple’s premium synthetics will provide lubrication for a Wegner Motorsports LS7 engine, producing almost 1,000 hp.

The Hybrid Shop Takes Gold at the 2014 Stevie American Business Awards

The Hybrid Shop's (THS) hybrid vehicle services has been named a Gold winner in the New Product or Service of the Year – Consumer Services category in the 2014 Stevie American Business Awards. This year's winners were selected from a pool of more than 3,300 nominations, coming from organizations of all sizes and industries. In addition to the Gold win, THS was also recognized as a People's Choice winner at this year's award event, held September 12, at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. People's Choice winners were selected from more than 57,000 votes cast in July and August.

THS will host a Complimentary Hybrid Training Day event for shop owners during the 2014 SEMA Show, November 3, from 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., in partnership with Ted Wiens Tire and Auto Centers. The event is invitation-only, and registration is required. THS will be located in the Tools & Equipment section of the North Hall in booth #10218.

Mark Ticen

VP Racing Fuels Appoints Ticen as Regional Manager for Western Division
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has the appointed Mark Ticen regional manager, Western division. Based at the company’s regional sales office in Murrieta, California, Ticen is responsible for sales and distribution of race fuel in VP’s Western region, which includes California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho and Montana, as well as exports to Baja California, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific Rim. Ticen brings 10 years of sales, marketing and R&D experience in the race fuel industry to the company. Although his primary focus has been on the powersports segment, he’s been involved with all aspects of motorsports, from drag racing, circle track and off-road to supercross and motocross.

Air Lift Co. Marks 65th Anniversary With Company Expansion Plans

As Air Lift Co. marks its 65th year of business this year, the company announced plans for a 40,000-sq.-ft. addition to be built at the company's Lansing, Michigan, headquarters. The new space represents a significant expansion of Air Lift's manufacturing capacity. The company has also recently added engineering support in response to the growing demand for Air Lift air-suspension products.

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.

By SEMA Editors

Tom Gattuso	Zane Clark

SEMA Trade Show Director Tom Gattuso and Director of Education Zane Clark will present an exclusive, free exhibitor webinar on Thursday, September 25, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), entitled “Preparing Yourself for a Successful SEMA Show—On and Off the Floor.”

Show preparations are in the final stages and exhibitor planning is at a frenzied state. With so much to do and less than two months until the SEMA Show, it is inevitable that something will get lost in the shuffle. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to walk through an exhibitor checklist that will ensure your success. You will also learn about special events and education programs that will enrich your Show experience and improve your business network even after the Show has ended. Whether you are a first-timer or seasoned veteran, this timely webinar will have you walking away feeling much more confident about your Show strategy and on-site execution.

This webinar will provide member companies with the information they need, and you don’t even have to leave your desk or office to participate! Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient.

Register now!

By SEMA Editors

Tom Gattuso	Zane Clark

SEMA Trade Show Director Tom Gattuso and Director of Education Zane Clark will present an exclusive, free exhibitor webinar on Thursday, September 25, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), entitled “Preparing Yourself for a Successful SEMA Show—On and Off the Floor.”

Show preparations are in the final stages and exhibitor planning is at a frenzied state. With so much to do and less than two months until the SEMA Show, it is inevitable that something will get lost in the shuffle. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to walk through an exhibitor checklist that will ensure your success. You will also learn about special events and education programs that will enrich your Show experience and improve your business network even after the Show has ended. Whether you are a first-timer or seasoned veteran, this timely webinar will have you walking away feeling much more confident about your Show strategy and on-site execution.

This webinar will provide member companies with the information they need, and you don’t even have to leave your desk or office to participate! Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient.

Register now!

By SEMA Editors

Tom Gattuso	Zane Clark

SEMA Trade Show Director Tom Gattuso and Director of Education Zane Clark will present an exclusive, free exhibitor webinar on Thursday, September 25, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), entitled “Preparing Yourself for a Successful SEMA Show—On and Off the Floor.”

Show preparations are in the final stages and exhibitor planning is at a frenzied state. With so much to do and less than two months until the SEMA Show, it is inevitable that something will get lost in the shuffle. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to walk through an exhibitor checklist that will ensure your success. You will also learn about special events and education programs that will enrich your Show experience and improve your business network even after the Show has ended. Whether you are a first-timer or seasoned veteran, this timely webinar will have you walking away feeling much more confident about your Show strategy and on-site execution.

This webinar will provide member companies with the information they need, and you don’t even have to leave your desk or office to participate! Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient.

Register now!

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

COUNTDOWN PROMISES TO GET INTENSE WITH DOUBLEHEADER AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX: It’s been said that everything is bigger in Texas. To confirm that notion, NHRA is serving up Texas Motorplex fans a double portion of the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Texas race fans will get to enjoy a rare doubleheader of action as the stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series rumble into the Texas Motorplex, September 18–21, for the continuation of eliminations from round one of the Countdown playoffs, the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals, and Countdown round two, the 29th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals. The Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals was postponed due to weather last weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina. Elimination rounds for that event will be run simultaneously during AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals qualifying. Top Fuel and Funny Car have three rounds of Charlotte racing to complete, and while Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle need to complete all four rounds of the Carolina Nationals.

TORRENCE HOPEFUL FOR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON IN DALLAS: It might have been an excruciating defeat at the time, but Steve Torrence also knows that his runner-up finish in Top Fuel at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals is a surefire sign that the Texas native is ready to compete for an NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championship. Torrence fell in the Top Fuel final to rookie Richie Crampton in Indy, but he takes plenty of positives into the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship.

“The car has definitely picked up,” Torrence said. "The performance was better, and it was more consistent, and I’m very happy with that. The consistency was definitely there and so was the performance, and that’s a big confidence-booster this time of year. Going into the Countdown, that gives our team the type of momentum we need. I feel like we put our best foot forward going into the Countdown."

MIKE DUNN POWER RANKINGS: Tony Schumacher, John Force, Erica Enders-Stevens and Eddie Krawiec top ESPN analyst Mike Dunn's Power Rankings heading into the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex, September 18–21. They will be among the top drivers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series competing at the event this weeknd in the Lone Star state.

He Said, She Said

"I was definitely nervous the first run, but I kept getting more comfortable each run. My life is in order with a great family, and I have been missing my racing family. The fans were so good to me when I was at Houston earlier this year, and to be honest, I still have that burning desire to win. It is an honor to be back with George and Jackie (Bryce). They took a chance with a rookie in 1996, and we had some great years together. The time is right to come back and bring back our Star power. I am truly blessed for my life and this amazing opportunity. We have a few things we are working on for marketing partners that are very exciting. I can’t wait to spend time with my fans at the races and help bring Star Racing back to the winner’s circle."

—Angelle Sampey-Drago, on returning to competition full-time in 2015 and this weekend in Dallas, with George and Jackie Bryce on the Star Racing Buell. Sampey-Drago has 41 career wins and will be looking to eclipse Dave Schultz’s record of 45 wins—the most in Pro Stock Motorcycle history.

Inside the Numbers

0: Number of multiple Pro Stock Motorcycle winners at the Texas Motorplex in the 11 times the category has been run there. The 2013 winner, Eddie Krawiec, will attempt to be the first to repeat, and teammate Andrew Hines pictured will be looking for his first win at the facility.

"Last year, everything seemed to work fine for Eddie. He went out and got the cowboy hat," said Hines of the unique keepsake given to the event winner. "This year, we're just hoping for more of the same. We've got more power. We've run decent at that track in the past. It's just a matter of going back there again, seeing what kind of weather we've got, and work on it from there. But one thing that's high on my list is running out there at Texas Motorplex and getting a cowboy hat at the end of the day. I've been in two final rounds there and come up short both times. It's been tough; I lost to a 20-year-old, and I lost to a girl one time, so it's pretty rough."

Did You Know

HARTFORD CONNECTS WITH THE HOSE CONNECTION: Matt Hartford’s Pro Stock Avenger will sport a special wrap for the upcoming AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, September 18–21. Instead of the familiar Total Seal Pistons Rings logo, the Dodge Avenger will be wrapped in The Hose Connection colors.

Larry Webb, president of Texas-based The Hose Connection, stated, “We are dedicated to drag racing, and we are a racing family. We wanted to step up and support Matt Hartford for the Dallas race. This is our home race, and it’s a great opportunity to invite our family, friends and customers to come by the pits and say hello." Added Hartford, "Our Pro Stock program has had The Hose Connection involved since the beginning. Larry and Regan have been great supporters of our team. I am so excited to have them on the starting line with us in Ennis. We could not be racing without people like them and all our sponsors.”

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

COUNTDOWN PROMISES TO GET INTENSE WITH DOUBLEHEADER AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX: It’s been said that everything is bigger in Texas. To confirm that notion, NHRA is serving up Texas Motorplex fans a double portion of the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Texas race fans will get to enjoy a rare doubleheader of action as the stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series rumble into the Texas Motorplex, September 18–21, for the continuation of eliminations from round one of the Countdown playoffs, the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals, and Countdown round two, the 29th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals. The Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals was postponed due to weather last weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina. Elimination rounds for that event will be run simultaneously during AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals qualifying. Top Fuel and Funny Car have three rounds of Charlotte racing to complete, and while Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle need to complete all four rounds of the Carolina Nationals.

TORRENCE HOPEFUL FOR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON IN DALLAS: It might have been an excruciating defeat at the time, but Steve Torrence also knows that his runner-up finish in Top Fuel at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals is a surefire sign that the Texas native is ready to compete for an NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championship. Torrence fell in the Top Fuel final to rookie Richie Crampton in Indy, but he takes plenty of positives into the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship.

“The car has definitely picked up,” Torrence said. "The performance was better, and it was more consistent, and I’m very happy with that. The consistency was definitely there and so was the performance, and that’s a big confidence-booster this time of year. Going into the Countdown, that gives our team the type of momentum we need. I feel like we put our best foot forward going into the Countdown."

MIKE DUNN POWER RANKINGS: Tony Schumacher, John Force, Erica Enders-Stevens and Eddie Krawiec top ESPN analyst Mike Dunn's Power Rankings heading into the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex, September 18–21. They will be among the top drivers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series competing at the event this weeknd in the Lone Star state.

He Said, She Said

"I was definitely nervous the first run, but I kept getting more comfortable each run. My life is in order with a great family, and I have been missing my racing family. The fans were so good to me when I was at Houston earlier this year, and to be honest, I still have that burning desire to win. It is an honor to be back with George and Jackie (Bryce). They took a chance with a rookie in 1996, and we had some great years together. The time is right to come back and bring back our Star power. I am truly blessed for my life and this amazing opportunity. We have a few things we are working on for marketing partners that are very exciting. I can’t wait to spend time with my fans at the races and help bring Star Racing back to the winner’s circle."

—Angelle Sampey-Drago, on returning to competition full-time in 2015 and this weekend in Dallas, with George and Jackie Bryce on the Star Racing Buell. Sampey-Drago has 41 career wins and will be looking to eclipse Dave Schultz’s record of 45 wins—the most in Pro Stock Motorcycle history.

Inside the Numbers

0: Number of multiple Pro Stock Motorcycle winners at the Texas Motorplex in the 11 times the category has been run there. The 2013 winner, Eddie Krawiec, will attempt to be the first to repeat, and teammate Andrew Hines pictured will be looking for his first win at the facility.

"Last year, everything seemed to work fine for Eddie. He went out and got the cowboy hat," said Hines of the unique keepsake given to the event winner. "This year, we're just hoping for more of the same. We've got more power. We've run decent at that track in the past. It's just a matter of going back there again, seeing what kind of weather we've got, and work on it from there. But one thing that's high on my list is running out there at Texas Motorplex and getting a cowboy hat at the end of the day. I've been in two final rounds there and come up short both times. It's been tough; I lost to a 20-year-old, and I lost to a girl one time, so it's pretty rough."

Did You Know

HARTFORD CONNECTS WITH THE HOSE CONNECTION: Matt Hartford’s Pro Stock Avenger will sport a special wrap for the upcoming AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, September 18–21. Instead of the familiar Total Seal Pistons Rings logo, the Dodge Avenger will be wrapped in The Hose Connection colors.

Larry Webb, president of Texas-based The Hose Connection, stated, “We are dedicated to drag racing, and we are a racing family. We wanted to step up and support Matt Hartford for the Dallas race. This is our home race, and it’s a great opportunity to invite our family, friends and customers to come by the pits and say hello." Added Hartford, "Our Pro Stock program has had The Hose Connection involved since the beginning. Larry and Regan have been great supporters of our team. I am so excited to have them on the starting line with us in Ennis. We could not be racing without people like them and all our sponsors.”

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

COUNTDOWN PROMISES TO GET INTENSE WITH DOUBLEHEADER AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX: It’s been said that everything is bigger in Texas. To confirm that notion, NHRA is serving up Texas Motorplex fans a double portion of the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Texas race fans will get to enjoy a rare doubleheader of action as the stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series rumble into the Texas Motorplex, September 18–21, for the continuation of eliminations from round one of the Countdown playoffs, the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals, and Countdown round two, the 29th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals. The Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals was postponed due to weather last weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina. Elimination rounds for that event will be run simultaneously during AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals qualifying. Top Fuel and Funny Car have three rounds of Charlotte racing to complete, and while Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle need to complete all four rounds of the Carolina Nationals.

TORRENCE HOPEFUL FOR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON IN DALLAS: It might have been an excruciating defeat at the time, but Steve Torrence also knows that his runner-up finish in Top Fuel at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals is a surefire sign that the Texas native is ready to compete for an NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championship. Torrence fell in the Top Fuel final to rookie Richie Crampton in Indy, but he takes plenty of positives into the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship.

“The car has definitely picked up,” Torrence said. "The performance was better, and it was more consistent, and I’m very happy with that. The consistency was definitely there and so was the performance, and that’s a big confidence-booster this time of year. Going into the Countdown, that gives our team the type of momentum we need. I feel like we put our best foot forward going into the Countdown."

MIKE DUNN POWER RANKINGS: Tony Schumacher, John Force, Erica Enders-Stevens and Eddie Krawiec top ESPN analyst Mike Dunn's Power Rankings heading into the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex, September 18–21. They will be among the top drivers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series competing at the event this weeknd in the Lone Star state.

He Said, She Said

"I was definitely nervous the first run, but I kept getting more comfortable each run. My life is in order with a great family, and I have been missing my racing family. The fans were so good to me when I was at Houston earlier this year, and to be honest, I still have that burning desire to win. It is an honor to be back with George and Jackie (Bryce). They took a chance with a rookie in 1996, and we had some great years together. The time is right to come back and bring back our Star power. I am truly blessed for my life and this amazing opportunity. We have a few things we are working on for marketing partners that are very exciting. I can’t wait to spend time with my fans at the races and help bring Star Racing back to the winner’s circle."

—Angelle Sampey-Drago, on returning to competition full-time in 2015 and this weekend in Dallas, with George and Jackie Bryce on the Star Racing Buell. Sampey-Drago has 41 career wins and will be looking to eclipse Dave Schultz’s record of 45 wins—the most in Pro Stock Motorcycle history.

Inside the Numbers

0: Number of multiple Pro Stock Motorcycle winners at the Texas Motorplex in the 11 times the category has been run there. The 2013 winner, Eddie Krawiec, will attempt to be the first to repeat, and teammate Andrew Hines pictured will be looking for his first win at the facility.

"Last year, everything seemed to work fine for Eddie. He went out and got the cowboy hat," said Hines of the unique keepsake given to the event winner. "This year, we're just hoping for more of the same. We've got more power. We've run decent at that track in the past. It's just a matter of going back there again, seeing what kind of weather we've got, and work on it from there. But one thing that's high on my list is running out there at Texas Motorplex and getting a cowboy hat at the end of the day. I've been in two final rounds there and come up short both times. It's been tough; I lost to a 20-year-old, and I lost to a girl one time, so it's pretty rough."

Did You Know

HARTFORD CONNECTS WITH THE HOSE CONNECTION: Matt Hartford’s Pro Stock Avenger will sport a special wrap for the upcoming AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, September 18–21. Instead of the familiar Total Seal Pistons Rings logo, the Dodge Avenger will be wrapped in The Hose Connection colors.

Larry Webb, president of Texas-based The Hose Connection, stated, “We are dedicated to drag racing, and we are a racing family. We wanted to step up and support Matt Hartford for the Dallas race. This is our home race, and it’s a great opportunity to invite our family, friends and customers to come by the pits and say hello." Added Hartford, "Our Pro Stock program has had The Hose Connection involved since the beginning. Larry and Regan have been great supporters of our team. I am so excited to have them on the starting line with us in Ennis. We could not be racing without people like them and all our sponsors.”

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.