Thanks to some hot-weather testing in the Southwestern United States, the shooters at KGP Photography have gotten their best look yet at the ’15 Chevy Colorado—including the first engine shots of a production-spec prototype.  
 
The photographers caught a Colorado prototype with its hood raised just long enough to grab a couple shots of the truck's engine. The engine cover is emblazoned with "V6 VVT" and what appears to be "Direct Injection" in smaller print. It's clear that GM designers and engineers are "butching up" the global Colorado to better suit American tastes, and this V6 engine should further that cause.

The desert sun has also penetrated the front camouflage better than ever, providing the best look yet at the grille work. The Colorado—while taking some cues from the new Silverado—seems to have a more shapely grille, which is wider at the top and narrows toward the front bumper. Compared to the overly blocky grille on the Silverado, the ’15 Colorado is getting a little more shape to its face.

When the Colorado reaches United States showrooms—reportedly by mid 2014—the new truck will find more breathing room than was available in prior generations. With the Ford Ranger still a no-show in North America, and Ram showing signs of an updated replacement for the Dodge Dakota, the Colorado will have a more captive audience for those looking for something less than a fullsize truck.

The new truck may come with a new name, befitting the fresh take that the new pickup is getting. The end results will be more of a lifestyle truck, but it is expected to retain a high level of the Silverado's capabilities. With the availability of a DI V6 engine, GM's new midsize truck should prove to be a stout addition to GM's truck ranks.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Thanks to some hot-weather testing in the Southwestern United States, the shooters at KGP Photography have gotten their best look yet at the ’15 Chevy Colorado—including the first engine shots of a production-spec prototype.  
 
The photographers caught a Colorado prototype with its hood raised just long enough to grab a couple shots of the truck's engine. The engine cover is emblazoned with "V6 VVT" and what appears to be "Direct Injection" in smaller print. It's clear that GM designers and engineers are "butching up" the global Colorado to better suit American tastes, and this V6 engine should further that cause.

The desert sun has also penetrated the front camouflage better than ever, providing the best look yet at the grille work. The Colorado—while taking some cues from the new Silverado—seems to have a more shapely grille, which is wider at the top and narrows toward the front bumper. Compared to the overly blocky grille on the Silverado, the ’15 Colorado is getting a little more shape to its face.

When the Colorado reaches United States showrooms—reportedly by mid 2014—the new truck will find more breathing room than was available in prior generations. With the Ford Ranger still a no-show in North America, and Ram showing signs of an updated replacement for the Dodge Dakota, the Colorado will have a more captive audience for those looking for something less than a fullsize truck.

The new truck may come with a new name, befitting the fresh take that the new pickup is getting. The end results will be more of a lifestyle truck, but it is expected to retain a high level of the Silverado's capabilities. With the availability of a DI V6 engine, GM's new midsize truck should prove to be a stout addition to GM's truck ranks.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Thanks to some hot-weather testing in the Southwestern United States, the shooters at KGP Photography have gotten their best look yet at the ’15 Chevy Colorado—including the first engine shots of a production-spec prototype.  
 
The photographers caught a Colorado prototype with its hood raised just long enough to grab a couple shots of the truck's engine. The engine cover is emblazoned with "V6 VVT" and what appears to be "Direct Injection" in smaller print. It's clear that GM designers and engineers are "butching up" the global Colorado to better suit American tastes, and this V6 engine should further that cause.

The desert sun has also penetrated the front camouflage better than ever, providing the best look yet at the grille work. The Colorado—while taking some cues from the new Silverado—seems to have a more shapely grille, which is wider at the top and narrows toward the front bumper. Compared to the overly blocky grille on the Silverado, the ’15 Colorado is getting a little more shape to its face.

When the Colorado reaches United States showrooms—reportedly by mid 2014—the new truck will find more breathing room than was available in prior generations. With the Ford Ranger still a no-show in North America, and Ram showing signs of an updated replacement for the Dodge Dakota, the Colorado will have a more captive audience for those looking for something less than a fullsize truck.

The new truck may come with a new name, befitting the fresh take that the new pickup is getting. The end results will be more of a lifestyle truck, but it is expected to retain a high level of the Silverado's capabilities. With the availability of a DI V6 engine, GM's new midsize truck should prove to be a stout addition to GM's truck ranks.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Custom Car Builders Wanted for “Fast N’ Loud” Build-Off
The producers of the TV show “Fast N’ Loud” are looking for a team of custom car builders to face off against the Gas Monkey crew on a brand new build-off TV special and live event. The producers will come to your shop or garage and film you designing, fabricating and building a four-wheeled, custom beauty to be revealed on national television during a live show. To prove who is the champ of the build-off, you will race your build against the Gas Monkey creation. The vehicle can be a hot rod or street rod and either a new or ongoing build.

Your crew must consist of two people who have the tools and skills to compete against the best. To apply, e-mail FastNLoudCasting@gmail.com and include your names and the name of the garage; your city/state; recent photos of you and your team, contact phone number; and a brief explanation of why your team can win. Complete details are available through the producers of “Fast N’ Loud.”  

	Dionisio “Dino” Urena has joined Enduratex as sales manager for the company's Northeast territory.

Enduratex Names Dino Urena Sales Manager
Dionisio “Dino” Urena has joined Enduratex as sales manager for the company's Northeast territory. “Dino is a respected professional in our industry and brings more than two decades of coated fabrics experience to his new position at Enduratex,” said Jeff Post, vice president and general manager of Enduratex/CGPCA. “Dino’s work at O’Sullivan and Omnova demonstrated his thorough understanding of product development, sales and the vinyl marketplace.” Urena has achieved the Six Sigma Tools & Techniques Green Belt from the Juran Institute and is a member of the IFAI, the Marine Fabricators Association and the Society of Plastic Engineers.

Michael Klein Named Treasurer for AIAA Executive Committee
IDQ Holding Inc.'s President and CEO Michael Klein was recently elected treasurer for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association executive committee. Klein will account for all minutes of board meetings, help prepare the annual budget and supervise AIAA’s financial records. Prior to being elected to treasurer, he chaired AIAA’s investment committee for a number of years. In addition to his position with AIAA, Klein also serves on several other executive committees and boards, including Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

Tom Marx to Lead Merger and Acquisition Presentation at Northwood University
Tom Marx, CEO of Marx Group Advisors, will present "Surviving and Thriving During a Merger, Acquisition, Divestiture or Other Change in Ownership" on Wednesday, July 24 at the Northwood University campus in Midland, Michigan. The presentation is part of the University of the Aftermarket's weeklong Heavy Duty Leadership educational conference. Marx will provide students with strategies on how they can be their best during a merger or acquisition. He will also provide advice on managing the people that work for them during this type of transition and how to contribute to make sure the deal is a success.

Western Technical College Students to Intern With Don Schumacher Racing
Two students from Western Technical College in El Paso, Texas—27-year-old U.S. Army veteran Kody Throop and 23-year-old Joshua Lerma—will work as interns for 11-time NHRA world champion Don Schumacher Racing when the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series competes at Denver, near San Francisco and Seattle between July 19 and August 4. Throop will assist on the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster driven by seven-time NHRA world champion Tony Schumacher, while Lerma will work with the Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster driven by reigning champion Antron Brown. “The Western Swing internship program was made possible in part because of our longstanding relationship with Matco Tools, which is the official tool of Western Technical College and DSR,” said Jack Werner, director for the Automotive, Performance and Diesel Programs at Western Technical College. “Kody and Joshua will gain valuable experience and insight on the internal workings of a professional race team. They both look forward to the challenge with the ultimate goal to join one of the teams full time should the opportunity be presented to them.”

GM and UTI Develop Auto Tech Training Program
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and General Motors Co. have reached an agreement to develop a 12-week elective training program for UTI students. The program will first be available at UTI's Avondale campus. The goal of the new GM elective program will help provide a steady flow of well-trained, ready-to-work technicians to GM dealers and affiliates. UTI graduates will benefit from a specialized education that improves their opportunities for employment.

	Westin Automotive Products Inc. has relocated its Engineering R&D facility to San Dimas, California.

Westin Automotive Products Relocates R&D Facility
Westin Automotive Products Inc. has relocated its Engineering R&D facility to San Dimas, California. The 10,000-sq.-ft. facility has a staff of 12 full-time employees comprised of engineers, technicians and CAD specialists. The company reports that the facility is a primary cornerstone of the company's operating model to help ensure that all products are conceived, designed, developed, tested and quality controlled in the USA. 

J.D. Hatton and Duane Blalock Form Rep Performance Marketing
Long-time manufacturers' representatives J.D. Hatton and Duane Blalock have teamed up to form Rep Performance Marketing covering the Southeast United States. The new team, with more than 40 years of combined experience in the automotive aftermarket, has announced that they are hitting the ground running with the following clients: B&M Performance Products, Hurst Shifters, Flowmaster Exhaust, Derale Performance and Pacer Performance 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.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NEWS NUGGETS



MOPAR CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY AS TITLE SPONSOR OF MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS: NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series fans will be able to take part in the celebration of the partnership between Mopar and Bandimere Speedway during the upcoming event this weekend. To honor the 25-year partnership, four-time NHRA world champion (3 Top Fuel, 1 Funny Car) Gary Scelzi will serve as the grand marshal and Don Schumacher will be the honorary starter of the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals. Scelzi has one career win at Bandimere Speedway in Funny Car in 2006.

"I'm humbled and excited to be asked by Mopar to serve as grand marshal and be part of such an amazing event once again," Scelzi said. "There are only a few NHRA Nationals that have prestige and meaning and where winning really means something extra special. I'd put the Mopar Mile-High Nationals among the Gatornationals and Englishtown."

To be part of the weekend's events call 800-664-UWIN for tickets or log onto www.bandimere.com. 



WESTERN SWING BEGINS AT MOPAR MILE-HIGH NATIONALS AT BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY: The Mopar Mile-High Nationals is the 14th of 24 races in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and marks the beginning of the Western Swing, which is three consecutive races that test the strength of both the teams and the drivers. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) took home wins in 2012 and will again look for wins at the track on the mountain. Beckman, the 2012 Funny Car world champion, has two wins at the track and fell in love with Bandimere Speedway when stationed near the track in the U.S. Air Force in 1984.

"I was raised on Southern California drag racing. It was so completely different seeing a dragstrip carved into the side of a mountain," Beckman said. "For the next three years while I was still in the Air Force, I drove 1,000 miles roundtrip to be at that race. To go there as a two-time and defending champion is a pinch-me moment."

Tickets can be purchased call 800-664-UWIN for tickets or log onto www.bandimere.com.

A. JOHNSON AND HINES PREPARED FOR HIGH ALTITUDE RACING: When the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series thunders into Bandimere Speedway for the Mopar Mile-High Nationals they will race at a track located 5,860 ft. above sea level. All the teams will face tuning challenges they won't see at any other track, but the naturally aspirated categories of Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle have the hardest tasks making horsepower in the thin air. Allen Johnson in Pro Stock is the defending champion and has three other wins at the facility (2012, 2010, 2009, 2007) and has a mastery of what it takes to win in Denver.

"We test a bunch out there and the combinations we've developed out there, chassis-wise, gear-wise and engine-wise have proven successful," Johnson said. "It just takes a different combination, and we were able to hit on one years ago."

Andrew Hines in Pro Stock Motorcycle has two wins on the mountain (2010, 2006) and he, along with his brother Matt and teammate Eddie Krawiec, have eight wins at the track. "We do have a lot of knowledge there because our shop was based there for eight years so we did a lot of development work there at high altitude," Hines said. "We knew at the time what it would be like." 


COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS, Sonoma Raceway, July 26–28: Located in the Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Raceway will host the second stop of the Western Swing when the NHRA takes to the track July 26–28 for the NHRA Sonoma Nationals. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Johnny Gray (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) will attempt to defend their 2012 race victories. To purchase tickets call 800-870-7223 or visit www.racesonoma.com. 



O'REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS, Pacific Raceways, August 2–4: The final race of the Western Swing takes to one of the most scenic tracks on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series—Pacific Raceways. The O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals is the 16th of 24 events and is one of the final races for racers looking to make the Countdown to the Championship. Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Courtney Force (Funny Car) and Erica Enders (Pro Stock) all took home wins at the event in 2012. To purchase tickets call 253-639-5927 or visit www.pacificraceways.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

“I think we've got one of the most consistent race cars out here. I guess to say because of Dickie Venables [crew chief], the guy is phenomenal. He's the baddest crew chief I've worked with, the most consistent. I think the points show how consistent our car is. We have a 100-point lead on everybody. I think this thing will turn out the way we need it to in the end. Things change fast. They're going to reset the points pretty soon. As nice as it is to have that nice of a lead, have a race on everybody, it changes quick. So we understand that and we know once they reset these points out here, it doesn't really matter, you have to start all over and make the next six races after that count."

—2011 Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan on his current points lead and the upcoming Countdown to the Championship.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

7: Drivers who have swept the Western Swing—the trio of races, including Denver, Sonoma and Seattle. Those who have swept the swing are Joe Amato in Top Fuel in 1991; John Force in Funny Car in 1994; Cory McClenathan in Top Fuel in 1997; Larry Dixon in Top Fuel in 2003; Greg Anderson in Pro Stock in 2004; Tony Schumacher in Top Fuel in 2008; and most recently Antron Brown in Top Fuel in 2009. No drivers have swept the races twice in their careers.

DID YOU KNOW…



DIXON PREPARES FOR 2014; JOHNSON JR. TAKES RAPISARDA SEAT AT SELECT RACES: Three-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon has left the part-time effort of the Rapisarda Autosport International team to continue working toward securing sponsorship to compete full time in Top Fuel in 2014. "I want to thank Santo Rapisarda and the entire Rapisarda Autosport International team for their efforts this year," Dixon said. "However, I have decided to concentrate on 2014 now and work to be ready to go when the season opens in Pomona. I wish the Rapisarda family all the best in its future racing endeavors."

Replacing Dixon will be one of Dixon's former teammates, Tommy Johnson Jr. Johnson's first race with the team will be in Sonoma and he will be with the team the remainder of the year. Johnson has driven for the team twice this season. "We're delighted that Tommy has come on board for the remainder of the season," said Santo Rapisarda co-tuner of the team. "TJ is an excellent fit with our team, great on the Christmas Tree, a genuine down-to-earth character and was a valuable contributor to our family team when he raced for RAI at Sydney Dragway and Willowbank earlier this season."

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NEWS NUGGETS



MOPAR CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY AS TITLE SPONSOR OF MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS: NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series fans will be able to take part in the celebration of the partnership between Mopar and Bandimere Speedway during the upcoming event this weekend. To honor the 25-year partnership, four-time NHRA world champion (3 Top Fuel, 1 Funny Car) Gary Scelzi will serve as the grand marshal and Don Schumacher will be the honorary starter of the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals. Scelzi has one career win at Bandimere Speedway in Funny Car in 2006.

"I'm humbled and excited to be asked by Mopar to serve as grand marshal and be part of such an amazing event once again," Scelzi said. "There are only a few NHRA Nationals that have prestige and meaning and where winning really means something extra special. I'd put the Mopar Mile-High Nationals among the Gatornationals and Englishtown."

To be part of the weekend's events call 800-664-UWIN for tickets or log onto www.bandimere.com. 



WESTERN SWING BEGINS AT MOPAR MILE-HIGH NATIONALS AT BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY: The Mopar Mile-High Nationals is the 14th of 24 races in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and marks the beginning of the Western Swing, which is three consecutive races that test the strength of both the teams and the drivers. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) took home wins in 2012 and will again look for wins at the track on the mountain. Beckman, the 2012 Funny Car world champion, has two wins at the track and fell in love with Bandimere Speedway when stationed near the track in the U.S. Air Force in 1984.

"I was raised on Southern California drag racing. It was so completely different seeing a dragstrip carved into the side of a mountain," Beckman said. "For the next three years while I was still in the Air Force, I drove 1,000 miles roundtrip to be at that race. To go there as a two-time and defending champion is a pinch-me moment."

Tickets can be purchased call 800-664-UWIN for tickets or log onto www.bandimere.com.

A. JOHNSON AND HINES PREPARED FOR HIGH ALTITUDE RACING: When the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series thunders into Bandimere Speedway for the Mopar Mile-High Nationals they will race at a track located 5,860 ft. above sea level. All the teams will face tuning challenges they won't see at any other track, but the naturally aspirated categories of Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle have the hardest tasks making horsepower in the thin air. Allen Johnson in Pro Stock is the defending champion and has three other wins at the facility (2012, 2010, 2009, 2007) and has a mastery of what it takes to win in Denver.

"We test a bunch out there and the combinations we've developed out there, chassis-wise, gear-wise and engine-wise have proven successful," Johnson said. "It just takes a different combination, and we were able to hit on one years ago."

Andrew Hines in Pro Stock Motorcycle has two wins on the mountain (2010, 2006) and he, along with his brother Matt and teammate Eddie Krawiec, have eight wins at the track. "We do have a lot of knowledge there because our shop was based there for eight years so we did a lot of development work there at high altitude," Hines said. "We knew at the time what it would be like." 


COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS, Sonoma Raceway, July 26–28: Located in the Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Raceway will host the second stop of the Western Swing when the NHRA takes to the track July 26–28 for the NHRA Sonoma Nationals. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Johnny Gray (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) will attempt to defend their 2012 race victories. To purchase tickets call 800-870-7223 or visit www.racesonoma.com. 



O'REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS, Pacific Raceways, August 2–4: The final race of the Western Swing takes to one of the most scenic tracks on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series—Pacific Raceways. The O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals is the 16th of 24 events and is one of the final races for racers looking to make the Countdown to the Championship. Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Courtney Force (Funny Car) and Erica Enders (Pro Stock) all took home wins at the event in 2012. To purchase tickets call 253-639-5927 or visit www.pacificraceways.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

“I think we've got one of the most consistent race cars out here. I guess to say because of Dickie Venables [crew chief], the guy is phenomenal. He's the baddest crew chief I've worked with, the most consistent. I think the points show how consistent our car is. We have a 100-point lead on everybody. I think this thing will turn out the way we need it to in the end. Things change fast. They're going to reset the points pretty soon. As nice as it is to have that nice of a lead, have a race on everybody, it changes quick. So we understand that and we know once they reset these points out here, it doesn't really matter, you have to start all over and make the next six races after that count."

—2011 Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan on his current points lead and the upcoming Countdown to the Championship.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

7: Drivers who have swept the Western Swing—the trio of races, including Denver, Sonoma and Seattle. Those who have swept the swing are Joe Amato in Top Fuel in 1991; John Force in Funny Car in 1994; Cory McClenathan in Top Fuel in 1997; Larry Dixon in Top Fuel in 2003; Greg Anderson in Pro Stock in 2004; Tony Schumacher in Top Fuel in 2008; and most recently Antron Brown in Top Fuel in 2009. No drivers have swept the races twice in their careers.

DID YOU KNOW…



DIXON PREPARES FOR 2014; JOHNSON JR. TAKES RAPISARDA SEAT AT SELECT RACES: Three-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon has left the part-time effort of the Rapisarda Autosport International team to continue working toward securing sponsorship to compete full time in Top Fuel in 2014. "I want to thank Santo Rapisarda and the entire Rapisarda Autosport International team for their efforts this year," Dixon said. "However, I have decided to concentrate on 2014 now and work to be ready to go when the season opens in Pomona. I wish the Rapisarda family all the best in its future racing endeavors."

Replacing Dixon will be one of Dixon's former teammates, Tommy Johnson Jr. Johnson's first race with the team will be in Sonoma and he will be with the team the remainder of the year. Johnson has driven for the team twice this season. "We're delighted that Tommy has come on board for the remainder of the season," said Santo Rapisarda co-tuner of the team. "TJ is an excellent fit with our team, great on the Christmas Tree, a genuine down-to-earth character and was a valuable contributor to our family team when he raced for RAI at Sydney Dragway and Willowbank earlier this season."

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NEWS NUGGETS



MOPAR CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY AS TITLE SPONSOR OF MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS: NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series fans will be able to take part in the celebration of the partnership between Mopar and Bandimere Speedway during the upcoming event this weekend. To honor the 25-year partnership, four-time NHRA world champion (3 Top Fuel, 1 Funny Car) Gary Scelzi will serve as the grand marshal and Don Schumacher will be the honorary starter of the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals. Scelzi has one career win at Bandimere Speedway in Funny Car in 2006.

"I'm humbled and excited to be asked by Mopar to serve as grand marshal and be part of such an amazing event once again," Scelzi said. "There are only a few NHRA Nationals that have prestige and meaning and where winning really means something extra special. I'd put the Mopar Mile-High Nationals among the Gatornationals and Englishtown."

To be part of the weekend's events call 800-664-UWIN for tickets or log onto www.bandimere.com. 



WESTERN SWING BEGINS AT MOPAR MILE-HIGH NATIONALS AT BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY: The Mopar Mile-High Nationals is the 14th of 24 races in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and marks the beginning of the Western Swing, which is three consecutive races that test the strength of both the teams and the drivers. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) took home wins in 2012 and will again look for wins at the track on the mountain. Beckman, the 2012 Funny Car world champion, has two wins at the track and fell in love with Bandimere Speedway when stationed near the track in the U.S. Air Force in 1984.

"I was raised on Southern California drag racing. It was so completely different seeing a dragstrip carved into the side of a mountain," Beckman said. "For the next three years while I was still in the Air Force, I drove 1,000 miles roundtrip to be at that race. To go there as a two-time and defending champion is a pinch-me moment."

Tickets can be purchased call 800-664-UWIN for tickets or log onto www.bandimere.com.

A. JOHNSON AND HINES PREPARED FOR HIGH ALTITUDE RACING: When the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series thunders into Bandimere Speedway for the Mopar Mile-High Nationals they will race at a track located 5,860 ft. above sea level. All the teams will face tuning challenges they won't see at any other track, but the naturally aspirated categories of Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle have the hardest tasks making horsepower in the thin air. Allen Johnson in Pro Stock is the defending champion and has three other wins at the facility (2012, 2010, 2009, 2007) and has a mastery of what it takes to win in Denver.

"We test a bunch out there and the combinations we've developed out there, chassis-wise, gear-wise and engine-wise have proven successful," Johnson said. "It just takes a different combination, and we were able to hit on one years ago."

Andrew Hines in Pro Stock Motorcycle has two wins on the mountain (2010, 2006) and he, along with his brother Matt and teammate Eddie Krawiec, have eight wins at the track. "We do have a lot of knowledge there because our shop was based there for eight years so we did a lot of development work there at high altitude," Hines said. "We knew at the time what it would be like." 


COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS, Sonoma Raceway, July 26–28: Located in the Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Raceway will host the second stop of the Western Swing when the NHRA takes to the track July 26–28 for the NHRA Sonoma Nationals. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Johnny Gray (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) will attempt to defend their 2012 race victories. To purchase tickets call 800-870-7223 or visit www.racesonoma.com. 



O'REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS, Pacific Raceways, August 2–4: The final race of the Western Swing takes to one of the most scenic tracks on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series—Pacific Raceways. The O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals is the 16th of 24 events and is one of the final races for racers looking to make the Countdown to the Championship. Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Courtney Force (Funny Car) and Erica Enders (Pro Stock) all took home wins at the event in 2012. To purchase tickets call 253-639-5927 or visit www.pacificraceways.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

“I think we've got one of the most consistent race cars out here. I guess to say because of Dickie Venables [crew chief], the guy is phenomenal. He's the baddest crew chief I've worked with, the most consistent. I think the points show how consistent our car is. We have a 100-point lead on everybody. I think this thing will turn out the way we need it to in the end. Things change fast. They're going to reset the points pretty soon. As nice as it is to have that nice of a lead, have a race on everybody, it changes quick. So we understand that and we know once they reset these points out here, it doesn't really matter, you have to start all over and make the next six races after that count."

—2011 Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan on his current points lead and the upcoming Countdown to the Championship.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

7: Drivers who have swept the Western Swing—the trio of races, including Denver, Sonoma and Seattle. Those who have swept the swing are Joe Amato in Top Fuel in 1991; John Force in Funny Car in 1994; Cory McClenathan in Top Fuel in 1997; Larry Dixon in Top Fuel in 2003; Greg Anderson in Pro Stock in 2004; Tony Schumacher in Top Fuel in 2008; and most recently Antron Brown in Top Fuel in 2009. No drivers have swept the races twice in their careers.

DID YOU KNOW…



DIXON PREPARES FOR 2014; JOHNSON JR. TAKES RAPISARDA SEAT AT SELECT RACES: Three-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon has left the part-time effort of the Rapisarda Autosport International team to continue working toward securing sponsorship to compete full time in Top Fuel in 2014. "I want to thank Santo Rapisarda and the entire Rapisarda Autosport International team for their efforts this year," Dixon said. "However, I have decided to concentrate on 2014 now and work to be ready to go when the season opens in Pomona. I wish the Rapisarda family all the best in its future racing endeavors."

Replacing Dixon will be one of Dixon's former teammates, Tommy Johnson Jr. Johnson's first race with the team will be in Sonoma and he will be with the team the remainder of the year. Johnson has driven for the team twice this season. "We're delighted that Tommy has come on board for the remainder of the season," said Santo Rapisarda co-tuner of the team. "TJ is an excellent fit with our team, great on the Christmas Tree, a genuine down-to-earth character and was a valuable contributor to our family team when he raced for RAI at Sydney Dragway and Willowbank earlier this season."