By SEMA Editors

Presented during the 2013 SEMA Show’s New Products Awards Breakfast on opening day of the SEMA Show, the New Product Showcase Awards spotlight innovative and cutting-edge specialty-equipment products either on the market or about to be introduced.

The awards are presented in 16 categories, with the judging criteria encompassing quality and craftsmanship, technical achievement, marketability and consumer appeal. More than 2,200 products were submitted for consideration this year.

Best New Collision Repair & Refinish Product
Winner: 3M	SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting present 3M's Steven Widen with the award for Best New Collision Repair & Refinish Product.	3M Body Protection System (BPS) 800-666-2277 3mcollision.com The 3M Body Protection System Textured Coatings and Undercoatings are used to quickly deliver coatings onto any rigid panels. The precise delivery of the HGP Spray Gun allows product to be sprayed at any angle to achieve a perfect OEM texture match, reducing over-spray, reducing masking applications and eliminating solvent used for clean up.
Best Engineered New Product
Winner: Viking Performance Inc.	SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting present Viking Performance's Chris King with the award for Best Engineered New Product.	Viking Berserker ASM (Active Shock Management) 800-236-6001 www.vi-king.com This Active Shock Management system automatically and intelligently adjusts up to 1,000 times per second per shock for the ultimate in performance handling and ride control.
Best New Exterior Accessory Product
Winner: Rigid Industries LED Lighting	SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting present Rigid Industries LED Lighting's Taylor Anderson with the award for Best New Exterior Accessory Product.	2008-2010 Ford F250/F350 FX4 Grille 480-655-0100 www.rigidindustries.com PN: 40567 LED Grilles by Rigid Industries are made from two parts laser cut out of 304 Stainless Steel with Satin Black powder-coat treatment, then are bolted together with stainless steel button socket head bolts and nyloc nuts.
Best New Interior Accessory Product
Winner: Palmer Performance Engineering	SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting present Palmer Performance Engineering's Glen Palmer with the award for Best New Interior Accessory Product.	DashLogic 801-709-6300 www.dashlogic.com PN: DL1010U DashLogic is the most advanced gauge system to date! Customize your factory instrument cluster display or head-up display. DashLogic is plug and play—no tuning or installation required, just plug it into your OBD-II port. View horsepower, torque, knock, air/fuel ratio, oil temp, boost, 0–60 time and much more right on your factory dash!
Best New Merchandising Display
Winner: BedRug Inc. & Advantage Truck Accessories	SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting present BedRug Inc. & Advantage Truck Accessories' Jason Hutchens with the award for Best New Merchandising Display.	BedRug and BedTred for Jeep 800-462-8435 www.bedrug.com Sold as a separate front and rear kit and installs without the need to remove any seat brackets or the center console. The material is 100% waterproof, dries quickly, resists all harsh chemicals, and will not stain, stink, mold or mildew. The 1/4-in. polypropylene foam insulates your interior from road noise and heat.
Best New Mobile Electronics Product
Winner: ESCORT Inc.	SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting present ESCORT's Dave Smidebush with the award for Best New Mobile Electronics Product.	ESCORT Inc. Passport Max 513-870-8500 www.escortradar.com Introducing PASSPORT Max—the world's only high-definition radar detector. DSP technology and ultra-fast signal processing offer record setting range, benchmark performance and DNA signal analysis for ultimate threat clarity and radar ticket protection.
Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product
Winner: Shenzhen Nova Technology Co. Ltd.	NOVA LED HEAD LIGHT 86-75583505482 www.nova-auto.com H series Head LightMold NO.: 9004/9005/9006/9007/H4/H7/H8/H13Input:9-36DCOutput Total:40W,3800LMAMP(Total):4.0A@12VColour Temp:3"
Best New Packaging Display
Winner: Edge Products/ Superchips	SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting present Edge Products /Superchips' Tom Bennett with the award for Best New Packaging Display.	Edge Evolution CTS 888.360.3343 www.edgeproducts.com PN: 85200 Edge's CTS Evolution packaging enables retailers to simply plug in the unit to a USB for a live powered display. Recognized recently for award-winning packaging, Edge continues to produce retail friendly packaging to coincide with reduced SKUs.
Best New Performance-Racing Product
Winner: COMP Performance Group	SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting present COMP Performance Group's Ron Coleman and Brian Reese with the award for Best New Performance-Racing Product.	TCI Bolt-Together High Strength Steel Planetary for Powerglide Transmissions 888-776-9824 tciauto.com PN: 747600 This re-engineered planetary features 9310 gears and a forged 4340 output shaft exclusive to TCI. The bolt together design allows for easy gear set changes. Offered in 1.69, 1.80, and 1.98 ratios with long or short output shaft. Features PTFE coated thrust washers and roller bearings on sun gear and input shaft for low friction and long life.
Best New Performance-Street Product
Winner: Auto Meter	SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting present Auto Meter's Jeff King with the award for Best New Performance-Street Product.	Boost Controller 866 248 6356 www.autometer.com An innovative and advanced approach to boost control all housed within the familiar form factor of a 52mm Auto Meter gauge.
Best New Powersports Product
Winner: Titan Lifts	SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting present Titan Lifts' Brad Kinning with the award for Best New Powersports Product.	1500XLT Motorcycle/ATV Lift Table - 1,500-lb. Lifting Capacity 317-215-2720 www.titanlifts.com PN: HDML-1500XLT 1,500-lb. capacity perfect for servicing motorcycles and ATVsBuilt-in retractable castersAutomatic safety locksHeavy 12-gauge steel constructionDual function power unit – Air or hydraulic foot-pump operationPowder coat finish (Red or Black)Two rear-wheel drop-outs included (Solid & Roller)Optional – Deluxe padded wheel vise.
Best New Street Rod/Custom Car Product
Winner: Aeromotive Inc.	SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting congratulate Aeromotive Inc. with the award for Best New Street Rod/Custom Car Product.	Phantom 200 Stealth Fuel System 913-647-7300 www.AeromotiveInc.com PN: 18689 This system is a complete drop-in, retro-fit fuel system that places a high-performance fuel pump and baffle system into almost any gas tank. Its modular design is cut-to-height for any fuel tank or cell from 5-20 in depth and provides proper fuel slosh control, venting and performance. A perfect solution for EFI conversions and engine swaps.
Best New Tire and Related Product
Winner: Coker Tire Co.	SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting present Coker Tire Co.'s Corky Coker with the award for Best New Tire and Related Product.	American Classic ""Bias-Look"" Radial Whitewall Tire 800-251-6336 www.cokertire.com The FIRST bias-look whitewall radial tire for American automobiles manufactured in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. Fitments include 13-, 14- and 15-in. wheels.
Best New Tools & Equipment Product
Winner: Leap Innovations	SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting present Leap Innovations' Kevin McAllister with the award for Best New Tools & Equipment Product.	Leap Innovations Weigh Safe—Trailer Hitch Scale—Measures Tongue Weight 801 766-0520 www.weighsafe.com WeighSafe—trailer hitch scale that measures tongue weight
Best New Van/Pickup/ Sport-Utility Product
Winner: AutoTrickz	SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting present L AutoTrickz's Ness Tagle with the award for Best New Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product.	AutoTrickz Touch Activated Trigger for Keyless Entry and other Accessories 951-310-1035 AutoTrickz.com PN: 81740 A stick-on numerical pad designed to be installed on the interior side of the glass windshield for use to lock or unlock door lock systems; or operate other accessories by touching your proprietary code on the numerical pad from the exterior side (outside) of the glass windshield/vehicle.
Best New Wheel and Related Product
Winner: Ultra Wheel Co.	SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting present Ultra Wheel Co.'s Daryl Caliendo with the award for Best New Wheel and Related Product.	Ultra Wheel Co. WORX www.worxwheels.com WORX Triton is available in 17”, 18” and 20” with a range of offsets to fit todays modern Truck and SUV.  Available finishes are; Full Satin Black, Gloss Black with Ball Milling and our State of the Art PVD finish.  PVD is a super durable mirror like finish that will out performs any chrome wheel in the market today.

According to a new study, "UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper for Automotive Parts & Accessories Buyers," 75% of respondents reported that they have added items to their shopping carts to qualify for free shipping.

• Although price is a major factor in the online purchasing process, automotive parts and accessories (AP&A) survey respondents said non-price features, such as the seller’s return policy, product selection and shipping options make up 60% of all comparison-shopping considerations.

• Online sellers who can best meet and manage their online customers’ expectations may have a more meaningful advantage over their competition, according to recent comScore research.

• 75% reported that they have added items to their shopping carts to qualify for free shipping.

• Online shoppers are willing to wait up to seven days to receive their shipment in exchange for no additional fees.

Additional survey findings included:

Channel Preference and Usage

• 61% percent prefer to shop online while only 27% prefer to purchase in-store.

• 46% of online shopping occurs between the hours of 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. For sellers, this means that later order cut-off times could be a potential differentiator and a customer service advantage over the competition.

• 39% of AP&A shoppers report spending $250 or more from their computer versus 11% on tablet devices and 9% through their smartphone. The growing subject of mobile and tablet devices implies that sellers should closely monitor demand for this channel preference and adapt their sales channel strategy accordingly.

• One in 10 buyers prefer to shop using a mobile device or tablet.

Shopper Satisfaction

• Although 81% of AP&A shoppers surveyed were satisfied overall with the shopping experience, they are the least satisfied with the amount of control and flexibility they have when it comes to the delivery of their purchases. Shoppers are looking for more flexibility to choose delivery dates and times, ability to pick up their order at a convenient retail location, flexibility to re-route packages and environmentally “green” shipping options.

• 53% of AP&A buyers said the availability of free or discounted shipping on automotive websites needs the most improvement. This was followed by 42% who would like ease of checkout improvements and 40% who were looking for more clear and easy understanding of the seller’s return policy.

• 48% said they abandoned their online shopping cart if the shipping cost was higher than they expected or if they discovered that their order wasn’t large enough to qualify for free shipping.

Shipping

• 96% of respondents indicated the ability to track their shipment is important.

Returns

• 59% reported being satisfied with the ease of making returns and exchanges, indicating there is room for improvement in this area.

• 71% of online shoppers said they are more likely to purchase from a seller for the first time if that seller has a “hassle-free” returns policy.

• Restocking fees were a deal breaker for most shoppers. Shoppers also said they are less likely to make a purchase if they have to pay a restocking fee, even if the actual return shipping is free.

Survey Methodology: The data used for the study was extracted from the second annual UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper Study—a survey of 3,000 online consumers. The AP&A study on automotive aftermarket buyers was tabulated from nearly 200 respondents who shop online for automotive parts and accessories.

For a copy of the UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper for Automotive Parts & Accessories customer experience study, visit www.ups.com/Automotive or email daryltoor@ups.com.

	2013 SEMA Person of the Year George Lathouris (left) on stage with emcee Dave McClelland during the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet.

By Jason Catullo

George Lathouris of Keystone Automotive Operations was named the 2013 SEMA Person of the Year. The award was presented to Lathouris—a 36-year marketing veteran and current senior category manager for Keystone in Scranton, Pennsylvania—during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet at the 2013 SEMA Show.

Lathouris began his career at American Speed Equipment in New York, working his way up to national sales and advertising manager. He opened warehouse distribution in Colorado for Dick Cepek in 1992 and became the company's purchasing manager in Los Angeles in 1994.

Throughout his career, Lathouris has been recognized by his peers as a mentor and one who leads by example. His ability to take off his company hat and focus on the greater needs of the industry at large has served him well through his two terms as Chairman of SEMA's Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA). In addition to his contributions to TORA, Lathouris has served on the SEMA Board Leadership Committee, develops and supports fundraising opportunities for SEMA Cares and is actively involved in the annual build days for the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races.

During the nomination process for the SEMA Person of the Year, those who submitted nominations for Lathouris repeatedly lauded his positive influence on others and his commitment to the automotive aftermarket, at all levels. Whether supporting charity efforts, gaining support for industry events or getting more attention for TORA-member products at regional events, Lathouris continually leads the way, providing an example for others to follow.     

As for his greatest sense of personal accomplishment, Lathouris said: "When I started with Keystone we had one stocking warehouse and three satellite locations in Toledo, Greensboro and Toronto. The satellites and outside sales staff were my responsibility. I was fortunate enough to work with some of the best associates in the industry to open more than a dozen warehouses and crossdocks across North America. Those facilities helped us grow into the company we are today, and I take great pride in those efforts."

	2013 SEMA Person of the Year George Lathouris (left) on stage with emcee Dave McClelland during the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet.

By Jason Catullo

George Lathouris of Keystone Automotive Operations was named the 2013 SEMA Person of the Year. The award was presented to Lathouris—a 36-year marketing veteran and current senior category manager for Keystone in Scranton, Pennsylvania—during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet at the 2013 SEMA Show.

Lathouris began his career at American Speed Equipment in New York, working his way up to national sales and advertising manager. He opened warehouse distribution in Colorado for Dick Cepek in 1992 and became the company's purchasing manager in Los Angeles in 1994.

Throughout his career, Lathouris has been recognized by his peers as a mentor and one who leads by example. His ability to take off his company hat and focus on the greater needs of the industry at large has served him well through his two terms as Chairman of SEMA's Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA). In addition to his contributions to TORA, Lathouris has served on the SEMA Board Leadership Committee, develops and supports fundraising opportunities for SEMA Cares and is actively involved in the annual build days for the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races.

During the nomination process for the SEMA Person of the Year, those who submitted nominations for Lathouris repeatedly lauded his positive influence on others and his commitment to the automotive aftermarket, at all levels. Whether supporting charity efforts, gaining support for industry events or getting more attention for TORA-member products at regional events, Lathouris continually leads the way, providing an example for others to follow.     

As for his greatest sense of personal accomplishment, Lathouris said: "When I started with Keystone we had one stocking warehouse and three satellite locations in Toledo, Greensboro and Toronto. The satellites and outside sales staff were my responsibility. I was fortunate enough to work with some of the best associates in the industry to open more than a dozen warehouses and crossdocks across North America. Those facilities helped us grow into the company we are today, and I take great pride in those efforts."

	2013 SEMA Person of the Year George Lathouris (left) on stage with emcee Dave McClelland during the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet.

By Jason Catullo

George Lathouris of Keystone Automotive Operations was named the 2013 SEMA Person of the Year. The award was presented to Lathouris—a 36-year marketing veteran and current senior category manager for Keystone in Scranton, Pennsylvania—during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet at the 2013 SEMA Show.

Lathouris began his career at American Speed Equipment in New York, working his way up to national sales and advertising manager. He opened warehouse distribution in Colorado for Dick Cepek in 1992 and became the company's purchasing manager in Los Angeles in 1994.

Throughout his career, Lathouris has been recognized by his peers as a mentor and one who leads by example. His ability to take off his company hat and focus on the greater needs of the industry at large has served him well through his two terms as Chairman of SEMA's Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA). In addition to his contributions to TORA, Lathouris has served on the SEMA Board Leadership Committee, develops and supports fundraising opportunities for SEMA Cares and is actively involved in the annual build days for the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races.

During the nomination process for the SEMA Person of the Year, those who submitted nominations for Lathouris repeatedly lauded his positive influence on others and his commitment to the automotive aftermarket, at all levels. Whether supporting charity efforts, gaining support for industry events or getting more attention for TORA-member products at regional events, Lathouris continually leads the way, providing an example for others to follow.     

As for his greatest sense of personal accomplishment, Lathouris said: "When I started with Keystone we had one stocking warehouse and three satellite locations in Toledo, Greensboro and Toronto. The satellites and outside sales staff were my responsibility. I was fortunate enough to work with some of the best associates in the industry to open more than a dozen warehouses and crossdocks across North America. Those facilities helped us grow into the company we are today, and I take great pride in those efforts."

Is this the first look at a proper mule for the ’16 Ford Raptor based on the all-new ’15 F-150? Some key evidence on this test truck suggests that an all-new version of Ford's factory Baja runner could truly be in the works.

Caught heading into the joint Roush/SVT development center, this Raptor test truck was wearing an ill-fitting grille from an F-150 Platinum instead of the Raptor's usual, FORD-emblazoned grille treatment. But it's not which grille is in use that's important here, it's how that grille is incorporated into the front fascia.

More Than a Mismatched Grille

On this Raptor mule, the grille is bumped-out, sitting a couple inches forward from its normal resting place. This bumped-out grille is the key identifying feature of every mule that has been testing the all-new platform for the ’15 F-150. The same grille fitment on this Raptor suggests that the mechanicals under its skin may well be based on the all-new, ’15 F-150's platform, making it much more than any run-of-the-mill Raptor. Given that Ford has created a number of grilles that have been modified to accommodate the ’15 F-150's revised packaging, the use of an altered, non-Raptor grille makes sense in this context.  

Given the success of the current Raptor, rumor is that a second-generation Raptor based on the all-new F-150 is a near certainty. If the subtle evidence on this test truck is as it appears, this might be our first confirmation that the Raptor will indeed live on, utilizing the advancements promised for the ’15 F-150. This Raptor mule appeared about 16 months after the first F-150 mules began testing, suggesting that the second-generation Raptor will appear about one year after the standard F-150 reaches the market.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Is this the first look at a proper mule for the ’16 Ford Raptor based on the all-new ’15 F-150? Some key evidence on this test truck suggests that an all-new version of Ford's factory Baja runner could truly be in the works.

Caught heading into the joint Roush/SVT development center, this Raptor test truck was wearing an ill-fitting grille from an F-150 Platinum instead of the Raptor's usual, FORD-emblazoned grille treatment. But it's not which grille is in use that's important here, it's how that grille is incorporated into the front fascia.

More Than a Mismatched Grille

On this Raptor mule, the grille is bumped-out, sitting a couple inches forward from its normal resting place. This bumped-out grille is the key identifying feature of every mule that has been testing the all-new platform for the ’15 F-150. The same grille fitment on this Raptor suggests that the mechanicals under its skin may well be based on the all-new, ’15 F-150's platform, making it much more than any run-of-the-mill Raptor. Given that Ford has created a number of grilles that have been modified to accommodate the ’15 F-150's revised packaging, the use of an altered, non-Raptor grille makes sense in this context.  

Given the success of the current Raptor, rumor is that a second-generation Raptor based on the all-new F-150 is a near certainty. If the subtle evidence on this test truck is as it appears, this might be our first confirmation that the Raptor will indeed live on, utilizing the advancements promised for the ’15 F-150. This Raptor mule appeared about 16 months after the first F-150 mules began testing, suggesting that the second-generation Raptor will appear about one year after the standard F-150 reaches the market.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Is this the first look at a proper mule for the ’16 Ford Raptor based on the all-new ’15 F-150? Some key evidence on this test truck suggests that an all-new version of Ford's factory Baja runner could truly be in the works.

Caught heading into the joint Roush/SVT development center, this Raptor test truck was wearing an ill-fitting grille from an F-150 Platinum instead of the Raptor's usual, FORD-emblazoned grille treatment. But it's not which grille is in use that's important here, it's how that grille is incorporated into the front fascia.

More Than a Mismatched Grille

On this Raptor mule, the grille is bumped-out, sitting a couple inches forward from its normal resting place. This bumped-out grille is the key identifying feature of every mule that has been testing the all-new platform for the ’15 F-150. The same grille fitment on this Raptor suggests that the mechanicals under its skin may well be based on the all-new, ’15 F-150's platform, making it much more than any run-of-the-mill Raptor. Given that Ford has created a number of grilles that have been modified to accommodate the ’15 F-150's revised packaging, the use of an altered, non-Raptor grille makes sense in this context.  

Given the success of the current Raptor, rumor is that a second-generation Raptor based on the all-new F-150 is a near certainty. If the subtle evidence on this test truck is as it appears, this might be our first confirmation that the Raptor will indeed live on, utilizing the advancements promised for the ’15 F-150. This Raptor mule appeared about 16 months after the first F-150 mules began testing, suggesting that the second-generation Raptor will appear about one year after the standard F-150 reaches the market.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NEWS NUGGETS

LANGDON, HAGAN, JONES AND KRAWIEC END 2013 SEASON VICTORIOUS: Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Rickie Jones (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) finished their 2013 seasons on a high note by winning the season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals. Langdon won the opening event at Pomona, and with his season-ending victory, he became just the sixth racer in Top Fuel history to sweep both Pomona events.

“There are certain races you go to when you feel like you need to win the race as soon as you pull in the gates, and we definitely have that in Pomona,” Langdon said. “Alan works his magic out here, and you can see by his track record."

Hagan won his fifth race of the season with Mike Knudsen serving as crew chief for an ailing Dickie Venables who missed the event. "This guy has done a phenomenal job," Hagan said. "It just shows you when something happens someone else can step up and take the reins and run with it.”

Jones won his first Pro Stock race when he defeated Allen Johnson in the finals. "Our team worked so hard," Jones said. "We've been running at the front quite a bit of the season, and we knew that eventually if we were consistent enough we could pull out one of these wins."

Krawiec continued his domination of Pomona by winning his third race at the track in six consecutive final-round appearances. "It was an awesome day,” Krawiec said after his second win of the season. “I’m fortunate that this race track has been my house. That’s the way I look at it. I do the best I can to not let anyone else win here."

Read the full recap of the event.

LANGDON RACES TO FIRST TOP FUEL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Shawn Langdon raced to his first Top Fuel world championship in front of friends and family at his home track of Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The Mira Loma, California, native is in his fifth season of Top Fuel competition and powered to seven wins, a victory in the $100,000 Traxxas Nitro Shootout and seven No. 1 qualifying positions in his break-out season.

“When I think of an NHRA Top Fuel champion I think of Joe Amato, Kenny Bernstein and Tony Schumacher,” Langdon said. “To be mentioned in that group now is just unbelievable. When I think of myself, I am still that young kid on the opposite side of the fence dreaming of one day getting the chance to do it. I hope to have the opportunity to do this again.”

COUGHLIN WINS FIFTH PRO STOCK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Jeg Coughlin wrote another chapter in his rich racing history when he secured his fifth Pro Stock world championship (2000, 2002, 2007, 2008) during eliminations at the Auto Club NHRA Finals. This was the first title for Coughlin since the 2008 season, and was earned on the strength of four wins and eight final-round appearances.

"In this day and age, it is so tough to win out here," Coughlin said. "We've seen a lot of races won and lost by just a few thousandths of a second. I think this is one of the tightest, and one of the most intense championships I've ever won. This ranks right up there with 2007 when we had the two cuts to the Countdown to One."

COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 6–9, 2014: The 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series kicks off at one of the most historic facilities on the NHRA circuit, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 6–9, 2014. Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Courtney Force (Funny Car) and Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) will attempt to defend their 2013 wins and start the season off on a positive note.

CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, February 21–23: For the 30th season, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series races into the Valley of the Sun for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, February 21–23. The venerable facility located south of Phoenix has seen historic performances, including Tony Schumacher's 330-mph quarter-mile blast in 1999. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) recorded wins at the track in 2013 and will once again attempt to get early season victories.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

“I am so excited to win this award. The rookie class this year was very competitive and I have to thank the Auto Club for sponsoring this great award. This year was definitely a learning experience and I learned so much from my crew chiefs Dean Antonelli, Eric Lane and John Medlen. This was a brand-new team in a brand-new category for John Force Racing. It was an uphill battle but we improved all season and making it to the semi-finals and running two career-best elapsed times at the Auto Club NHRA Finals this weekend ended our season on a positive note.”

—Brittany Force on winning the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award. This award, voted on by national motorsports media members, is given to the NHRA rookie of the year. She is the fifth member of John Force Racing to win the award. Robert Hight (2005), Ashley Force Hood (2007), Mike Neff (2008) and Courtney Force (2012) have all been honored as top rookies during their first season in the NHRA.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

.015: Reaction time for Rickie Jones in the Pro Stock finals against the .030 of Allen Johnson. Jones used the starting line advantage to get his first career NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series victory on a holeshot. "It was so emotional,” Jones said. "You work for something so long, driving the race truck across the country, and keep beating on it. This is what I’ve always wanted since I was racing junior dragsters when I was 10. It seemed like it took forever for the win light to come on, and when it did, there were so many tears in my eyes that I almost couldn’t see the turnoff road. To get my first win at the Finals at Pomona, which is one of the biggest races of the year, is really awesome."

DID YOU KNOW…

FORD WINS 2013 MANUFACTURERS CUP CHAMPIONSHIP: For the third consecutive season, Ford won the NHRA Manufacturers Cup championship. Points are awarded in the annual competition for entries in Funny Car, Pro Stock, Super Stock and Stock. Their win was highlighted by the 16th world championship by John Force and the win in Stock by Bo Butner in a Ford Mustang ended the season on a high note. Dodge finished second, Chevrolet third and Toyota in fourth.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NEWS NUGGETS

LANGDON, HAGAN, JONES AND KRAWIEC END 2013 SEASON VICTORIOUS: Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Rickie Jones (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) finished their 2013 seasons on a high note by winning the season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals. Langdon won the opening event at Pomona, and with his season-ending victory, he became just the sixth racer in Top Fuel history to sweep both Pomona events.

“There are certain races you go to when you feel like you need to win the race as soon as you pull in the gates, and we definitely have that in Pomona,” Langdon said. “Alan works his magic out here, and you can see by his track record."

Hagan won his fifth race of the season with Mike Knudsen serving as crew chief for an ailing Dickie Venables who missed the event. "This guy has done a phenomenal job," Hagan said. "It just shows you when something happens someone else can step up and take the reins and run with it.”

Jones won his first Pro Stock race when he defeated Allen Johnson in the finals. "Our team worked so hard," Jones said. "We've been running at the front quite a bit of the season, and we knew that eventually if we were consistent enough we could pull out one of these wins."

Krawiec continued his domination of Pomona by winning his third race at the track in six consecutive final-round appearances. "It was an awesome day,” Krawiec said after his second win of the season. “I’m fortunate that this race track has been my house. That’s the way I look at it. I do the best I can to not let anyone else win here."

Read the full recap of the event.

LANGDON RACES TO FIRST TOP FUEL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Shawn Langdon raced to his first Top Fuel world championship in front of friends and family at his home track of Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The Mira Loma, California, native is in his fifth season of Top Fuel competition and powered to seven wins, a victory in the $100,000 Traxxas Nitro Shootout and seven No. 1 qualifying positions in his break-out season.

“When I think of an NHRA Top Fuel champion I think of Joe Amato, Kenny Bernstein and Tony Schumacher,” Langdon said. “To be mentioned in that group now is just unbelievable. When I think of myself, I am still that young kid on the opposite side of the fence dreaming of one day getting the chance to do it. I hope to have the opportunity to do this again.”

COUGHLIN WINS FIFTH PRO STOCK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Jeg Coughlin wrote another chapter in his rich racing history when he secured his fifth Pro Stock world championship (2000, 2002, 2007, 2008) during eliminations at the Auto Club NHRA Finals. This was the first title for Coughlin since the 2008 season, and was earned on the strength of four wins and eight final-round appearances.

"In this day and age, it is so tough to win out here," Coughlin said. "We've seen a lot of races won and lost by just a few thousandths of a second. I think this is one of the tightest, and one of the most intense championships I've ever won. This ranks right up there with 2007 when we had the two cuts to the Countdown to One."

COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 6–9, 2014: The 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series kicks off at one of the most historic facilities on the NHRA circuit, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 6–9, 2014. Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Courtney Force (Funny Car) and Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) will attempt to defend their 2013 wins and start the season off on a positive note.

CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, February 21–23: For the 30th season, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series races into the Valley of the Sun for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, February 21–23. The venerable facility located south of Phoenix has seen historic performances, including Tony Schumacher's 330-mph quarter-mile blast in 1999. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) recorded wins at the track in 2013 and will once again attempt to get early season victories.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

“I am so excited to win this award. The rookie class this year was very competitive and I have to thank the Auto Club for sponsoring this great award. This year was definitely a learning experience and I learned so much from my crew chiefs Dean Antonelli, Eric Lane and John Medlen. This was a brand-new team in a brand-new category for John Force Racing. It was an uphill battle but we improved all season and making it to the semi-finals and running two career-best elapsed times at the Auto Club NHRA Finals this weekend ended our season on a positive note.”

—Brittany Force on winning the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award. This award, voted on by national motorsports media members, is given to the NHRA rookie of the year. She is the fifth member of John Force Racing to win the award. Robert Hight (2005), Ashley Force Hood (2007), Mike Neff (2008) and Courtney Force (2012) have all been honored as top rookies during their first season in the NHRA.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

.015: Reaction time for Rickie Jones in the Pro Stock finals against the .030 of Allen Johnson. Jones used the starting line advantage to get his first career NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series victory on a holeshot. "It was so emotional,” Jones said. "You work for something so long, driving the race truck across the country, and keep beating on it. This is what I’ve always wanted since I was racing junior dragsters when I was 10. It seemed like it took forever for the win light to come on, and when it did, there were so many tears in my eyes that I almost couldn’t see the turnoff road. To get my first win at the Finals at Pomona, which is one of the biggest races of the year, is really awesome."

DID YOU KNOW…

FORD WINS 2013 MANUFACTURERS CUP CHAMPIONSHIP: For the third consecutive season, Ford won the NHRA Manufacturers Cup championship. Points are awarded in the annual competition for entries in Funny Car, Pro Stock, Super Stock and Stock. Their win was highlighted by the 16th world championship by John Force and the win in Stock by Bo Butner in a Ford Mustang ended the season on a high note. Dodge finished second, Chevrolet third and Toyota in fourth.