NEWS NUGGETS

HIGHT LOOKING TO DEFEND FUNNY CAR TITLE IN BRISTOL AS FUNNY CAR COMPETITION HEATS UP: It is good to be on top. Robert Hight knows this firsthand, and he finds himself on top of the mountain as the NHRA heads to Bristol Dragway for the June 15–17 Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers. The 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car champion heads to Thunder Valley as the defending event champion and the points leader. After a stellar start to the season, Hight looks to add another Bristol win to his already-impressive resume. He always considered Bristol one of the NHRA’s premier facilities, and his win at the historic track in 2011 only added to his love of Thunder Valley. One person who will look to stop Hight’s attempt to defend his title is 2011 Funny Car world champ Matt Hagan. Hagan is having an uncharacteristic season, struggling outside the top 10 in points. However, his performance at the NHRA’s last event in Englishtown has him optimistic about his return to Bristol.

BRISTOL DRAGWAY A FAMILY AFFAIR FOR NHRA’S FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND: Fans of all ages love the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, but kids now have one more reason to head to Bristol Dragway to share Father’s Day with their dads: free admission. In celebration of Father’s Day, Sunday’s Junior tickets (ages 12 and younger) will be free with the purchase of an adult admission ticket. The promotion is limited to two free kid tickets per adult ticket. Junior-weekend-combo ticket prices have been lowered to reflect the free Sunday admission. To take advantage of the offer, adult tickets for the event must be purchased by Thursday, June 14, at 5:00 p.m. For tickets, call 423-989-6900 or log on to BristolDragway.com.

NITRO HARLEYS TO BE FEATURED IN BRISTOL: The NHRA Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson exhibitions will make their second and final scheduled appearance of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season at the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, June 15–17. The NHRA Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson exhibitions feature eight-bike fields and will be showcased Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The high-powered, nitromethane-fueled Nitro Harleys can reach speeds of more than 200 mph and are always a huge hit with fans. For tickets, call 423-989-6900 or log on to BristolDragway.com.

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR THE O’REILLY AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS: The 15th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries, June 28–July 1 at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago, will mark the 11th stop of 23 races in the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season. As always, ticket holders are granted exclusive pit access and treated to spectacular sights, including jet cars on Friday, Saturday’s JEGS Allstars bonus race for Sportsman competitors and Sunday’s Nitro Generation track walk. Also, Chicago’s Chi Town Hustler and Stardust Funny Cars will be taking fans back in time on Saturday night as they race down Route 66 Raceway. For tickets, call 888-629-RACE (7223) or log on to Route66Raceway.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS PRESENTED BY TRI-CITIES AREA FORD DEALERS, BRISTOL DRAGWAY, June 15–17: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 10th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 423-989-6900 or log on to BristolDragway.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, June 28–July 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 11th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season in Chicago, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 888-629-RACE (7223) or log on to Route66Raceway.com.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, July 5–8: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 12th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season in Norwalk, Ohio, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 419-668-5555 or log on to SummitMotorsportsPark.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

BRISTOL IS A FAMILY AFFAIR FOR THE GRAY FAMILY: The Gray family is the perfect example of Nitro Generation. Dad Johnny is coming off his first win of the season at the Toyota NHRA SuperNationals in Englishtown, New Jersey; son Shane is debuting a new Chevy Camaro at the 15th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers at Bristol Dragway this weekend; and youngest son Jonathan will compete in Comp in Bristol—his fourth national event this year. Johnny is ecstatic to spend Father’s Day racing with his boys: “Of course, we’d like to turn around and double up with a win in Bristol in our NTB/Service Central Dodge, and I’d sure like to see Shane and Jonathan do well, but what’s really special is having the family all together. Jonathan and his family weren’t able to make it to Englishtown, but we’ll all be reunited in Bristol, and I’m really looking forward to that. Not every guy is as fortunate as I am to have their kids all together doing what we love to do.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

10: JEGS ALLSTARS LINEUPS SET IN 10 SPORTSMAN CLASSES: The annual JEGS Allstars race is set to run during the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago, June 28–July 1. The fields have been set with one representative from each of the seven NHRA divisions plus one blocker to round out each eight-car field. The race is one of the biggest of the year for the NHRA Sportsman classes and is a huge honor for all those who get to participate.

DID YOU KNOW…

TORRENCE TO FLY SPECIAL PAINT SCHEME TO HONOR THE LATE JOHN MITCHELL IN BRISTOL: John Mitchell, driver turned team owner, lost his life June 2. He was involved in the sport for decades and was responsible for helping many of today’s NHRA stars get their starts in NHRA Drag Racing, including Ron Capps, Larry Dixon, Tony Pedregon and David Grubnic. Richard Hogan, crew chief on Steve Torrence’s Top Fuel team, also got his start thanks to Mitchell, and to honor Mitchell, Torrence will be running a special Montana Express paint scheme in Bristol.

	Proceeds from this year's Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities.

Each year, generous individuals around the United States step up to sponsor pinewood race cars, and SEMA councils challenge each other to special competitions. This is all done in support of two great charities that support children in need—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

This year's event will take place near historic Pomona Raceway—the perfect setting for a drag race! No one is more encouraged by the volume of this year's Pinewood Derby sponsorships than SEMA Chairman of the Board, Scooter Brothers. "I can't think of an easier way for someone to say they raced at Pomona than to sponsor one of these cool little pinewood racers," said Brothers. "Isn't this what we all wanted to do growing up…to race at Pomona? Help yourself and a kid realize that dream by sponsoring a pinewood racer."

Sponsoring a Pinewood Derby racer is easy, fun and, who knows, you just might win! Every SEMA member is encouraged to help a child in need and show that our industry can come together to raise money for two great charities.

Sponsor your Pinewood Derby car today.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, take place at 12:00 p.m., Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction charities. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today.

	Proceeds from this year's Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities.

Each year, generous individuals around the United States step up to sponsor pinewood race cars, and SEMA councils challenge each other to special competitions. This is all done in support of two great charities that support children in need—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

This year's event will take place near historic Pomona Raceway—the perfect setting for a drag race! No one is more encouraged by the volume of this year's Pinewood Derby sponsorships than SEMA Chairman of the Board, Scooter Brothers. "I can't think of an easier way for someone to say they raced at Pomona than to sponsor one of these cool little pinewood racers," said Brothers. "Isn't this what we all wanted to do growing up…to race at Pomona? Help yourself and a kid realize that dream by sponsoring a pinewood racer."

Sponsoring a Pinewood Derby racer is easy, fun and, who knows, you just might win! Every SEMA member is encouraged to help a child in need and show that our industry can come together to raise money for two great charities.

Sponsor your Pinewood Derby car today.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, take place at 12:00 p.m., Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction charities. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today.

	Proceeds from this year's Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities.

Each year, generous individuals around the United States step up to sponsor pinewood race cars, and SEMA councils challenge each other to special competitions. This is all done in support of two great charities that support children in need—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

This year's event will take place near historic Pomona Raceway—the perfect setting for a drag race! No one is more encouraged by the volume of this year's Pinewood Derby sponsorships than SEMA Chairman of the Board, Scooter Brothers. "I can't think of an easier way for someone to say they raced at Pomona than to sponsor one of these cool little pinewood racers," said Brothers. "Isn't this what we all wanted to do growing up…to race at Pomona? Help yourself and a kid realize that dream by sponsoring a pinewood racer."

Sponsoring a Pinewood Derby racer is easy, fun and, who knows, you just might win! Every SEMA member is encouraged to help a child in need and show that our industry can come together to raise money for two great charities.

Sponsor your Pinewood Derby car today.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, take place at 12:00 p.m., Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction charities. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today.

	Nancy Friedman

Bottom line—business is all about making sales. How are you and your team measuring up? Are you aware of key sales do's and don'ts? Whether you are a seasoned sales veteran or a novice, it's always a good time to brush up on essential sales techniques—and learn a few new ones.

Join Nancy Friedman, the Telephone Doctor, and the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) for this informative webinar, "The 21 Golden Nuggets of Sales," Thursday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

You will walk away with not just one, two or three nuggets—you will have 21! You may have heard a few, but Friedman will also share several new ones.

During this session, Friedman will share advice, tips and techniques, including:

• E-mail sales tips
• When to use a speaker phone
• Voicemail sales tips

Friedman is a four-time SEMA Show speaker. Her passion for retail sales and counter training goes above and beyond. As a customer service specialist, Friedman has brought programs to Car-X, Tuffy, Carstar, Precision Tune, LA Tire Dealers, Midas, NTDRA and a host of other automotive companies and associations over the years.

Join her Thursday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), as she conducts this lively session on essential sales techniques.

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

What are some best sales techniques you’ve you received or learned? Share them with other SEMA members on LinkedIn. Note: You must belong to the SEMA Members group on LinkedIn to participate.

	Nancy Friedman

Bottom line—business is all about making sales. How are you and your team measuring up? Are you aware of key sales do's and don'ts? Whether you are a seasoned sales veteran or a novice, it's always a good time to brush up on essential sales techniques—and learn a few new ones.

Join Nancy Friedman, the Telephone Doctor, and the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) for this informative webinar, "The 21 Golden Nuggets of Sales," Thursday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

You will walk away with not just one, two or three nuggets—you will have 21! You may have heard a few, but Friedman will also share several new ones.

During this session, Friedman will share advice, tips and techniques, including:

• E-mail sales tips
• When to use a speaker phone
• Voicemail sales tips

Friedman is a four-time SEMA Show speaker. Her passion for retail sales and counter training goes above and beyond. As a customer service specialist, Friedman has brought programs to Car-X, Tuffy, Carstar, Precision Tune, LA Tire Dealers, Midas, NTDRA and a host of other automotive companies and associations over the years.

Join her Thursday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), as she conducts this lively session on essential sales techniques.

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

What are some best sales techniques you’ve you received or learned? Share them with other SEMA members on LinkedIn. Note: You must belong to the SEMA Members group on LinkedIn to participate.

	Nancy Friedman

Bottom line—business is all about making sales. How are you and your team measuring up? Are you aware of key sales do's and don'ts? Whether you are a seasoned sales veteran or a novice, it's always a good time to brush up on essential sales techniques—and learn a few new ones.

Join Nancy Friedman, the Telephone Doctor, and the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) for this informative webinar, "The 21 Golden Nuggets of Sales," Thursday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

You will walk away with not just one, two or three nuggets—you will have 21! You may have heard a few, but Friedman will also share several new ones.

During this session, Friedman will share advice, tips and techniques, including:

• E-mail sales tips
• When to use a speaker phone
• Voicemail sales tips

Friedman is a four-time SEMA Show speaker. Her passion for retail sales and counter training goes above and beyond. As a customer service specialist, Friedman has brought programs to Car-X, Tuffy, Carstar, Precision Tune, LA Tire Dealers, Midas, NTDRA and a host of other automotive companies and associations over the years.

Join her Thursday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), as she conducts this lively session on essential sales techniques.

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

What are some best sales techniques you’ve you received or learned? Share them with other SEMA members on LinkedIn. Note: You must belong to the SEMA Members group on LinkedIn to participate.

 

	The goal of the SEMA Data Co-op is to enable any manufacturer to take control of their product data, maintain its compliance to standards, and provide a seamless means to distribute that data to approved data receivers of their choice in the most affordable way possible.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has doubled its capacity for the beta phase running through September and now has spots available for suppliers and receivers interested in getting a head start in providing or receiving data through the co-op.

Participating suppliers receive free help-desk support, data validation, secure storage and data exports to receivers of their choice through the beta phase, and are first in line to "go live" with the production system later this year. Receivers get a free custom requirements study and unlimited data exports designed especially for their specific needs.

Join the industry leaders who have already started the beta process and help make the SEMA Data Co-op the central source for SEMA market product data!

 

	The goal of the SEMA Data Co-op is to enable any manufacturer to take control of their product data, maintain its compliance to standards, and provide a seamless means to distribute that data to approved data receivers of their choice in the most affordable way possible.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has doubled its capacity for the beta phase running through September and now has spots available for suppliers and receivers interested in getting a head start in providing or receiving data through the co-op.

Participating suppliers receive free help-desk support, data validation, secure storage and data exports to receivers of their choice through the beta phase, and are first in line to "go live" with the production system later this year. Receivers get a free custom requirements study and unlimited data exports designed especially for their specific needs.

Join the industry leaders who have already started the beta process and help make the SEMA Data Co-op the central source for SEMA market product data!

This Sunday, fathers will be honored for many things. For the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), this is also a time to pay tribute to those men who have passed down the love of the hobby to their own kids. Walk through any typical American neighborhood and you will see garage doors open with classic cars inside and wrenches being turned. For enthusiasts, the time spent in the garage is about much more than finding ways to make more horsepower, get the car running for the next local show or just cruising through your hometown with a sense of pride. It is about life, passion and, most importantly, building memories with your kids. This is the story of hot rodding. This is the story of America. And, this is how the industry will continue and thrive long into the future.

	George Major with his ’57 Chevy stock car.

HRIA reached out to its membership and asked them to pay tribute to dads and share their stories and their pictures. Throughout the month of June, HRIA will do just that. Visit the HRIA Facebook page to read these stories and create your own. Here is a glimpse of what you will find:

I learned a great deal helping my father at his Texaco station, working on street rods, stock cars and the occasional classic truck. He inspired me to do the highest-quality work possible at anything I did, regardless of how small the task, and he instilled in me a passion for hot rods, especially the classic pickup trucks.

When I started Bed Wood and Parts, it was that passion from my childhood that fueled this business.

 Our family, comprised of my wife, myself and four children (ages nine, 13, 14 and 16), are currently building a project together as I write—a ’29 Model A hot-rod pickup, and they attend several shows with me throughout each year. I think it is very important, and my duty as a father, to expose our children to opportunities to be involved in the industry and serve others through various life experiences.



—Jeff Major, Bedwood Parts

	John McLeod (left) and his dad at the top of the famous race course Pike's Peak.

My father has everything to do with why I’m in this industry, and I mean everything!

My grandfather owned a pattern-making shop in Detroit (Lincoln model). He was a pattern/model maker as my father was. My grandfather died before I was born and my father was too young to take over the family business, so he continued to work in the industry during the ’50s and ’60s. My dad was one of those guys who knocked off the hub caps and raced at Detroit Drag Strip or on Woodward Avenue.

My dad tired of the Detroit grind. He said he was starting to see the writing on the wall for the industry, loaded up our family and moved to Boyne City, Michigan, where we owned a local greenhouse and florist shop.

Dad was one of those men who was able to fix or build anything, and this is how my brother and I were brought up—working on cars, trucks, lawn mowers and all the mechanical devices that are in and around a greenhouse (farm)-type world. There was always something that needed fixing, and we never called for help; we had to figure it out.

After high school, I went back to Detroit to Motech (Chrysler Trade School) and graduated and never looked back. Cars have always been a part of my life. It became a hobby for 11 years as I went back to college and then the police academy, after which I worked as a police officer until I started managing Great Lakes Motor Works building and restoring hot rods and restoration projects. I still do 16 years later. Hardly a week goes by where I do not call Dad and have some type of question or head over to his garage to help him with a project that he is tinkering with.

Ten years ago, I became the owner of Classic Instruments and my dad still is close by and continues to help me whenever I need it (which is often). He never ceases to amaze me with what he knows and remembers (and all sorts of cool little tricks). And with building Classic Instruments and working on cars, I really need my dad around. The greatest thing to happen in the past two years is my younger brother (Jason) has come to work at Classic Instruments, too. He is one of the builders in the custom shop.

Yes, without my Father, living my dream would have never happened (of course, the hard work ethic I got from my mom).

—John McLeod, Classic Instruments