SEMA News—March 2012

EVENTS
By Linda Spencer

Brazil

A Market on the Rise

• Local interest in and passion for customizing
• Size of the population
• Vehicle sales and the number of vehicles on the road
• Disposable income, discretionary dollars and other economic factors
• Perception of U.S. products

In the follow-up article next month, we will look at:

• Laws regarding customization
• Tariff rates and costs associated with getting U.S.-manufactured products to Brazilian customers
• Distribution system

The Passion

As in the U.S., motorsports has a firm place in the hearts of Brazilian citizens, and its racers have achieved world-champion status. Brazil has produced three Formula One world champions, including Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian Grand Prix has been on the Formula One calendar since 1972, with the São Paulo Interlagos venue on the fall schedule. Brazil is also home to Indianapolis 500 winners Fittipaldi, Hélio Castroneves and Gil de Ferran.

Televised events are increasingly popular, with “Stock Car Brasil” and “Fórmula Truck” being broadcasted nationally. Drag racing is also popular and exists throughout Brazil in many cities in the countryside of Sao Paulo such as Limeira, Artur Nogueira, Campinas and Piracicaba as well as in big cities such as Fortaleza, Recife, Rio De Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Londrina, Santa Catarina and Vitoria.

“There are about 500 professional racers who invest a lot of money in their cars and travels to races,” said Edu Bernasconi, editorial director of Fullpower magazine. “Amateur races are also becoming very popular nationwide. Every state with a racetrack is organizing races to take the kids off the streets. In 2012, we’re helping some state federations to hold races at regional racetracks.”

The market for restoration, classic cars, musclecars and hot rods is also growing more popular. Discovery Channel’s “American Hot Rod” was well received in Brazil and, said Bernasconi, “Good painting for old cars and newly imported wheel brands have shown consumers that it’s possible to get a unique car. And this uniqueness is easier to get with an old car. Manufacturers of steering wheels, columns and pedals might do well coming into and supplying this segment of the market.”

Bernasconi said that restoration is currently popular and that cars from the past are cooler than ever. He added that musclecars as well as old European vehicles are all the rage, and sales of current-model musclecars have grown so popular that Chevrolet has finally launched the Camaro officially in Brazil. Chevrolet cars had previously been sold by independent dealers.

This car-passionate country publishes numerous tuner, hot rod, off-road, racing and car-collector publications. Below is a sampling of these magazines, all of which were represented in recent years on the SEMA Show’s Global Media Awards panel. They include:

	Racing is popular in Brazil on many different levels, from Formula 1 on down to a local amateur level. Many of the vehicles available in Brazil are equivalent to North American models, and the “Made in America” mark is considered a sign of quality and innovative design.

Autoesporte
www.autoesporte.com.br

Automotivo
www.revistaautomotivo.com.br

Car Stereo
www.carstereo.com.br/carstereo

Car Stereo Professional
www.carstereo.com.br

Fullpower
www.revistafullpower.com.br

Hot Rods
www.revistahotrods.com.br/hotrods

Super Speed
www.revistasuperspeed.com.br/superspeed

USAC
www.usac.com.br

Brazilian trade and consumer shows are well attended, and the most well known is the consumer show X-treme Motorsports, a biennial event held in Sao Paulo that is now in its sixth edition and is reminiscent of the first SEMA Shows. Indeed, the show’s organizers are looking for the event to grow and increasingly showcase customizing options.

“Our main goal is to grow the show to 150 companies in the 2013 edition,” said Bernasconi, who is the founder of X-treme Motorsports.

Population

With a inhabitants totalling nearly 200 million, Brazil boasts the largest population in the southern hemisphere and is now ranked fifth in the world. In this country that is nearly the size of the U.S., the majority of the inhabitants live in the south-central area, which includes Sâo Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Sâo Paulo is one of the largest cities in the world, with 20 million people living within the greater metropolitan area.

The Vehicle Market

With 3.4 million passenger vehicles sold in 2011, Brazil is now the fourth-biggest car market in the world. It overtook Germany in 2010, and many envision Brazil increasing this strong growth and overtaking Japan to claim the world’s third-largest market within three to five years. More and more Brazilians want the transportation freedom that comes with owning a vehicle as they experience rising prosperity. This extraordinary growth may continue, as sales reflect currently unmet demand and the ratio of people to vehicles increases from the current one vehicle for every seven people and closes the gap with the U.S., which has one vehicle for every two citizens. JD Powers predicts annual sales will double to six million in 2018.

Disposable Income

Consumers need disposable income to purchase specialty parts and grow the tuning market in Brazil. Fueled by low unemployment rates (currently a new historic low of 5.8%) and a fast-growing economy, all indications point to an improvement in the purchasing power of Brazilians. The number of people entering the middle class is surging, and continued progress is expected in the short term. Between 2003 and 2009, 35 million people became part of the middle class in Brazil, and 20 million more are expected to attain that distinction by 2014, further reducing the historic yawn between the nation’s rich and poor.

“What is happening in Brazil is very different from what is happening in other BRICs [Brazil, Russia, India and China] in the sense that what is booming in Brazil is the bottom of the income distribution,” said analyst Marcelo Cortes Neri, chief economist of Centro de Politicas Sociais at the Getulio Vargas Foundation. “Consumer demand for cars as well as all consumer items such electronics and luxuries is increasing at a fast clip.”

Perception of American-Made Products

The “Made in America” mark is considered a sign of quality and innovation among global consumers. Local enthusiasts are increasingly aware of and deliberately seek U.S.-branded products. TV shows such as TLC’s “Overhaulin’,” MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” and Universal Studio’s The Fast and the Furious films also played a great role in generating interest in American-style tuning. As brand awareness and education among consumers and the trade continues in both markets, U.S. brands are bound to benefit.

Several resources are available to the automotive specialty-equipment companies that are interested in the Brazilian market, including:

• The Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce

• The U.S. Commercial Service in Brazil

• The Embassy of the United States in São Paulo

• ACEB (the Brazilian Business Trade Association)

• Trends of Doing Business in Brazil in 2011

SEMA News—March 2012

EVENTS
By Linda Spencer

Brazil

A Market on the Rise

• Local interest in and passion for customizing
• Size of the population
• Vehicle sales and the number of vehicles on the road
• Disposable income, discretionary dollars and other economic factors
• Perception of U.S. products

In the follow-up article next month, we will look at:

• Laws regarding customization
• Tariff rates and costs associated with getting U.S.-manufactured products to Brazilian customers
• Distribution system

The Passion

As in the U.S., motorsports has a firm place in the hearts of Brazilian citizens, and its racers have achieved world-champion status. Brazil has produced three Formula One world champions, including Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian Grand Prix has been on the Formula One calendar since 1972, with the São Paulo Interlagos venue on the fall schedule. Brazil is also home to Indianapolis 500 winners Fittipaldi, Hélio Castroneves and Gil de Ferran.

Televised events are increasingly popular, with “Stock Car Brasil” and “Fórmula Truck” being broadcasted nationally. Drag racing is also popular and exists throughout Brazil in many cities in the countryside of Sao Paulo such as Limeira, Artur Nogueira, Campinas and Piracicaba as well as in big cities such as Fortaleza, Recife, Rio De Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Londrina, Santa Catarina and Vitoria.

“There are about 500 professional racers who invest a lot of money in their cars and travels to races,” said Edu Bernasconi, editorial director of Fullpower magazine. “Amateur races are also becoming very popular nationwide. Every state with a racetrack is organizing races to take the kids off the streets. In 2012, we’re helping some state federations to hold races at regional racetracks.”

The market for restoration, classic cars, musclecars and hot rods is also growing more popular. Discovery Channel’s “American Hot Rod” was well received in Brazil and, said Bernasconi, “Good painting for old cars and newly imported wheel brands have shown consumers that it’s possible to get a unique car. And this uniqueness is easier to get with an old car. Manufacturers of steering wheels, columns and pedals might do well coming into and supplying this segment of the market.”

Bernasconi said that restoration is currently popular and that cars from the past are cooler than ever. He added that musclecars as well as old European vehicles are all the rage, and sales of current-model musclecars have grown so popular that Chevrolet has finally launched the Camaro officially in Brazil. Chevrolet cars had previously been sold by independent dealers.

This car-passionate country publishes numerous tuner, hot rod, off-road, racing and car-collector publications. Below is a sampling of these magazines, all of which were represented in recent years on the SEMA Show’s Global Media Awards panel. They include:

	Racing is popular in Brazil on many different levels, from Formula 1 on down to a local amateur level. Many of the vehicles available in Brazil are equivalent to North American models, and the “Made in America” mark is considered a sign of quality and innovative design.

Autoesporte
www.autoesporte.com.br

Automotivo
www.revistaautomotivo.com.br

Car Stereo
www.carstereo.com.br/carstereo

Car Stereo Professional
www.carstereo.com.br

Fullpower
www.revistafullpower.com.br

Hot Rods
www.revistahotrods.com.br/hotrods

Super Speed
www.revistasuperspeed.com.br/superspeed

USAC
www.usac.com.br

Brazilian trade and consumer shows are well attended, and the most well known is the consumer show X-treme Motorsports, a biennial event held in Sao Paulo that is now in its sixth edition and is reminiscent of the first SEMA Shows. Indeed, the show’s organizers are looking for the event to grow and increasingly showcase customizing options.

“Our main goal is to grow the show to 150 companies in the 2013 edition,” said Bernasconi, who is the founder of X-treme Motorsports.

Population

With a inhabitants totalling nearly 200 million, Brazil boasts the largest population in the southern hemisphere and is now ranked fifth in the world. In this country that is nearly the size of the U.S., the majority of the inhabitants live in the south-central area, which includes Sâo Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Sâo Paulo is one of the largest cities in the world, with 20 million people living within the greater metropolitan area.

The Vehicle Market

With 3.4 million passenger vehicles sold in 2011, Brazil is now the fourth-biggest car market in the world. It overtook Germany in 2010, and many envision Brazil increasing this strong growth and overtaking Japan to claim the world’s third-largest market within three to five years. More and more Brazilians want the transportation freedom that comes with owning a vehicle as they experience rising prosperity. This extraordinary growth may continue, as sales reflect currently unmet demand and the ratio of people to vehicles increases from the current one vehicle for every seven people and closes the gap with the U.S., which has one vehicle for every two citizens. JD Powers predicts annual sales will double to six million in 2018.

Disposable Income

Consumers need disposable income to purchase specialty parts and grow the tuning market in Brazil. Fueled by low unemployment rates (currently a new historic low of 5.8%) and a fast-growing economy, all indications point to an improvement in the purchasing power of Brazilians. The number of people entering the middle class is surging, and continued progress is expected in the short term. Between 2003 and 2009, 35 million people became part of the middle class in Brazil, and 20 million more are expected to attain that distinction by 2014, further reducing the historic yawn between the nation’s rich and poor.

“What is happening in Brazil is very different from what is happening in other BRICs [Brazil, Russia, India and China] in the sense that what is booming in Brazil is the bottom of the income distribution,” said analyst Marcelo Cortes Neri, chief economist of Centro de Politicas Sociais at the Getulio Vargas Foundation. “Consumer demand for cars as well as all consumer items such electronics and luxuries is increasing at a fast clip.”

Perception of American-Made Products

The “Made in America” mark is considered a sign of quality and innovation among global consumers. Local enthusiasts are increasingly aware of and deliberately seek U.S.-branded products. TV shows such as TLC’s “Overhaulin’,” MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” and Universal Studio’s The Fast and the Furious films also played a great role in generating interest in American-style tuning. As brand awareness and education among consumers and the trade continues in both markets, U.S. brands are bound to benefit.

Several resources are available to the automotive specialty-equipment companies that are interested in the Brazilian market, including:

• The Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce

• The U.S. Commercial Service in Brazil

• The Embassy of the United States in São Paulo

• ACEB (the Brazilian Business Trade Association)

• Trends of Doing Business in Brazil in 2011

SEMA News—March 2012

EVENTS
By Linda Spencer

Brazil

A Market on the Rise

• Local interest in and passion for customizing
• Size of the population
• Vehicle sales and the number of vehicles on the road
• Disposable income, discretionary dollars and other economic factors
• Perception of U.S. products

In the follow-up article next month, we will look at:

• Laws regarding customization
• Tariff rates and costs associated with getting U.S.-manufactured products to Brazilian customers
• Distribution system

The Passion

As in the U.S., motorsports has a firm place in the hearts of Brazilian citizens, and its racers have achieved world-champion status. Brazil has produced three Formula One world champions, including Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian Grand Prix has been on the Formula One calendar since 1972, with the São Paulo Interlagos venue on the fall schedule. Brazil is also home to Indianapolis 500 winners Fittipaldi, Hélio Castroneves and Gil de Ferran.

Televised events are increasingly popular, with “Stock Car Brasil” and “Fórmula Truck” being broadcasted nationally. Drag racing is also popular and exists throughout Brazil in many cities in the countryside of Sao Paulo such as Limeira, Artur Nogueira, Campinas and Piracicaba as well as in big cities such as Fortaleza, Recife, Rio De Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Londrina, Santa Catarina and Vitoria.

“There are about 500 professional racers who invest a lot of money in their cars and travels to races,” said Edu Bernasconi, editorial director of Fullpower magazine. “Amateur races are also becoming very popular nationwide. Every state with a racetrack is organizing races to take the kids off the streets. In 2012, we’re helping some state federations to hold races at regional racetracks.”

The market for restoration, classic cars, musclecars and hot rods is also growing more popular. Discovery Channel’s “American Hot Rod” was well received in Brazil and, said Bernasconi, “Good painting for old cars and newly imported wheel brands have shown consumers that it’s possible to get a unique car. And this uniqueness is easier to get with an old car. Manufacturers of steering wheels, columns and pedals might do well coming into and supplying this segment of the market.”

Bernasconi said that restoration is currently popular and that cars from the past are cooler than ever. He added that musclecars as well as old European vehicles are all the rage, and sales of current-model musclecars have grown so popular that Chevrolet has finally launched the Camaro officially in Brazil. Chevrolet cars had previously been sold by independent dealers.

This car-passionate country publishes numerous tuner, hot rod, off-road, racing and car-collector publications. Below is a sampling of these magazines, all of which were represented in recent years on the SEMA Show’s Global Media Awards panel. They include:

	Racing is popular in Brazil on many different levels, from Formula 1 on down to a local amateur level. Many of the vehicles available in Brazil are equivalent to North American models, and the “Made in America” mark is considered a sign of quality and innovative design.

Autoesporte
www.autoesporte.com.br

Automotivo
www.revistaautomotivo.com.br

Car Stereo
www.carstereo.com.br/carstereo

Car Stereo Professional
www.carstereo.com.br

Fullpower
www.revistafullpower.com.br

Hot Rods
www.revistahotrods.com.br/hotrods

Super Speed
www.revistasuperspeed.com.br/superspeed

USAC
www.usac.com.br

Brazilian trade and consumer shows are well attended, and the most well known is the consumer show X-treme Motorsports, a biennial event held in Sao Paulo that is now in its sixth edition and is reminiscent of the first SEMA Shows. Indeed, the show’s organizers are looking for the event to grow and increasingly showcase customizing options.

“Our main goal is to grow the show to 150 companies in the 2013 edition,” said Bernasconi, who is the founder of X-treme Motorsports.

Population

With a inhabitants totalling nearly 200 million, Brazil boasts the largest population in the southern hemisphere and is now ranked fifth in the world. In this country that is nearly the size of the U.S., the majority of the inhabitants live in the south-central area, which includes Sâo Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Sâo Paulo is one of the largest cities in the world, with 20 million people living within the greater metropolitan area.

The Vehicle Market

With 3.4 million passenger vehicles sold in 2011, Brazil is now the fourth-biggest car market in the world. It overtook Germany in 2010, and many envision Brazil increasing this strong growth and overtaking Japan to claim the world’s third-largest market within three to five years. More and more Brazilians want the transportation freedom that comes with owning a vehicle as they experience rising prosperity. This extraordinary growth may continue, as sales reflect currently unmet demand and the ratio of people to vehicles increases from the current one vehicle for every seven people and closes the gap with the U.S., which has one vehicle for every two citizens. JD Powers predicts annual sales will double to six million in 2018.

Disposable Income

Consumers need disposable income to purchase specialty parts and grow the tuning market in Brazil. Fueled by low unemployment rates (currently a new historic low of 5.8%) and a fast-growing economy, all indications point to an improvement in the purchasing power of Brazilians. The number of people entering the middle class is surging, and continued progress is expected in the short term. Between 2003 and 2009, 35 million people became part of the middle class in Brazil, and 20 million more are expected to attain that distinction by 2014, further reducing the historic yawn between the nation’s rich and poor.

“What is happening in Brazil is very different from what is happening in other BRICs [Brazil, Russia, India and China] in the sense that what is booming in Brazil is the bottom of the income distribution,” said analyst Marcelo Cortes Neri, chief economist of Centro de Politicas Sociais at the Getulio Vargas Foundation. “Consumer demand for cars as well as all consumer items such electronics and luxuries is increasing at a fast clip.”

Perception of American-Made Products

The “Made in America” mark is considered a sign of quality and innovation among global consumers. Local enthusiasts are increasingly aware of and deliberately seek U.S.-branded products. TV shows such as TLC’s “Overhaulin’,” MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” and Universal Studio’s The Fast and the Furious films also played a great role in generating interest in American-style tuning. As brand awareness and education among consumers and the trade continues in both markets, U.S. brands are bound to benefit.

Several resources are available to the automotive specialty-equipment companies that are interested in the Brazilian market, including:

• The Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce

• The U.S. Commercial Service in Brazil

• The Embassy of the United States in São Paulo

• ACEB (the Brazilian Business Trade Association)

• Trends of Doing Business in Brazil in 2011

	The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is an evening of celebration and includes dinner, the presentation of SEMA and PWA awards and entertainment. Last year's banquet crowd enjoyed the humor of stand-up comedian and actor Sinbad.

Exhibitors looking to enhance company exposure at the 2012 SEMA Show may want to consider hosting a table at the Industry Awards Banquet.  

Held on Thursday evening during the week of the Show, the annual banquet serves as the backdrop for the presentation of SEMA's industry awards and is one of the largest gatherings of automotive specialty equipment movers and shakers. In fact, interest in last year's Industry Awards Banquet reached an all-time high, resulting in a waiting list for attendees—a first for the event.

In addition to exposure in printed materials, including SEMA News magazine, the Awards Banquet Program and 2012 SEMA Show promotions, host companies receive a prime seating location, as well as a 30-second commercial spot played during the banquet’s spectacular audio/visual program. The 2012 host participation cost is $2,000, which includes a table with seating for 10 people.

Reserve your table today by calling Michelle Harris at 909-978-6684 or e-mail michelleh@sema.org.

The 2012 SEMA Show is set for Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For the latest Show information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is an evening of celebration and includes dinner, the presentation of SEMA and PWA awards and entertainment. Last year's banquet crowd enjoyed the humor of stand-up comedian and actor Sinbad.

Exhibitors looking to enhance company exposure at the 2012 SEMA Show may want to consider hosting a table at the Industry Awards Banquet.  

Held on Thursday evening during the week of the Show, the annual banquet serves as the backdrop for the presentation of SEMA's industry awards and is one of the largest gatherings of automotive specialty equipment movers and shakers. In fact, interest in last year's Industry Awards Banquet reached an all-time high, resulting in a waiting list for attendees—a first for the event.

In addition to exposure in printed materials, including SEMA News magazine, the Awards Banquet Program and 2012 SEMA Show promotions, host companies receive a prime seating location, as well as a 30-second commercial spot played during the banquet’s spectacular audio/visual program. The 2012 host participation cost is $2,000, which includes a table with seating for 10 people.

Reserve your table today by calling Michelle Harris at 909-978-6684 or e-mail michelleh@sema.org.

The 2012 SEMA Show is set for Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For the latest Show information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is an evening of celebration and includes dinner, the presentation of SEMA and PWA awards and entertainment. Last year's banquet crowd enjoyed the humor of stand-up comedian and actor Sinbad.

Exhibitors looking to enhance company exposure at the 2012 SEMA Show may want to consider hosting a table at the Industry Awards Banquet.  

Held on Thursday evening during the week of the Show, the annual banquet serves as the backdrop for the presentation of SEMA's industry awards and is one of the largest gatherings of automotive specialty equipment movers and shakers. In fact, interest in last year's Industry Awards Banquet reached an all-time high, resulting in a waiting list for attendees—a first for the event.

In addition to exposure in printed materials, including SEMA News magazine, the Awards Banquet Program and 2012 SEMA Show promotions, host companies receive a prime seating location, as well as a 30-second commercial spot played during the banquet’s spectacular audio/visual program. The 2012 host participation cost is $2,000, which includes a table with seating for 10 people.

Reserve your table today by calling Michelle Harris at 909-978-6684 or e-mail michelleh@sema.org.

The 2012 SEMA Show is set for Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For the latest Show information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	The ’13 Ford Super Duty Platinum pickup will be available later this year as an F-250, F-350 or F-450 crew cab.

Following up on its Platinum-edition F-150, Ford has revealed a ’13 Super Duty Platinum pickup that will be available later this year. The newest luxury pickup from Ford can be ordered as an F-250, F-350 or F-450 crew cab, and with a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine or 6.2L V8 gas engine.

The Platinum series is distinguished by a satin chrome grille surround highlighted by perforated mesh inside. The updated grille is enhanced by a monochromatic bumper and chrome tow hooks.

The exterior of the Super Duty Platinum features chrome door handles, mirror caps, running boards and exhaust tip. The boxside on both sides of the truck sports the “Platinum” name in chrome letters and the tailgate is trimmed with a satin chrome appliqué, similar to the one used on the F-150 Platinum. Twenty-inch polished-aluminum wheels with painted black inserts will be standard on the Super Duty Platinum.

The interior will be trimmed with unique woodgrain appliques and premium wood grain accents on the steering wheel, center stack and door trim. A new storage area on top of the dash includes two USB ports, audio-video connections, SD card slot and a 12-volt charging port for cell phones and other digital devices.

The driver’s seat has 10-way power-adjustable seating and both captain’s chairs are upholstered with softer, premium leather, which is also used on the armrests and console. Other standard features include SYNC with MyFord Touch, a navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, a rear-view camera, remote start system, universal garage door opener and power-telescoping mirrors.

	The ’13 Ford Super Duty Platinum pickup will be available later this year as an F-250, F-350 or F-450 crew cab.

Following up on its Platinum-edition F-150, Ford has revealed a ’13 Super Duty Platinum pickup that will be available later this year. The newest luxury pickup from Ford can be ordered as an F-250, F-350 or F-450 crew cab, and with a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine or 6.2L V8 gas engine.

The Platinum series is distinguished by a satin chrome grille surround highlighted by perforated mesh inside. The updated grille is enhanced by a monochromatic bumper and chrome tow hooks.

The exterior of the Super Duty Platinum features chrome door handles, mirror caps, running boards and exhaust tip. The boxside on both sides of the truck sports the “Platinum” name in chrome letters and the tailgate is trimmed with a satin chrome appliqué, similar to the one used on the F-150 Platinum. Twenty-inch polished-aluminum wheels with painted black inserts will be standard on the Super Duty Platinum.

The interior will be trimmed with unique woodgrain appliques and premium wood grain accents on the steering wheel, center stack and door trim. A new storage area on top of the dash includes two USB ports, audio-video connections, SD card slot and a 12-volt charging port for cell phones and other digital devices.

The driver’s seat has 10-way power-adjustable seating and both captain’s chairs are upholstered with softer, premium leather, which is also used on the armrests and console. Other standard features include SYNC with MyFord Touch, a navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, a rear-view camera, remote start system, universal garage door opener and power-telescoping mirrors.

NEWS NUGGETS

Lucas	Hight	Edwards	Krawiec

NEW FACES IN WINNER’S CIRCLE AT PRESTIGIOUS TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Three of the four winners in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series professional categories at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com were first-time winners at the historic event. Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) can now add “Gatornationals event winner” to their resumes, and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) can add “three-time Gatornationals champ” and “quickest rider in the two-wheel class” to his. To drivers and fans alike, the Gatornationals is easily one of the most prestigious events on tour, making the winners’ triumphs exceptionally special.

NHRA ORIGINALS T-SHIRTS NOW AVAILABLE IN BOYS SIZES: The NHRA Originals T-shirts that have been available in men’s sizes at various stores, including Walmart and Target, are now available in boys sizes XS-XXL at select Walmarts across the country in California, Florida, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR AAA INSURANCE NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS IN ST. LOUIS: Tickets for the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals, September 28–30 at Gateway Motorsports Park near St. Louis, are on sale. The inaugural event is the third of six races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. The track is selling full event and individual event reserved and general-admission tickets as well as RV packages; to buy tickets, log on to GatewayMsp.com or call 618-215-8888 or 855-RACETIK (855-722-3845).

COMING ATTRACTIONS

SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, March 30–April 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Sin City for the fourth race of the season. Defending event winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-644-4444 or log on to LVMS.com. For media credentials, contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, April 13–15: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the only four-wide national event. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or log on to CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Alex Baca at abaca@nhra.com.

O’RIELLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, ROYAL PURPLE RACEWAY, April 27–29: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first stop of the season in the Lone Star State for the sixth race of the season. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Jeff Arend (Funny Car), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 281-383-RACE (7223) or log on to RoyalPurpleRaceway.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID	INSIDE THE NUMBERS
FROM PILOT TO PASSENGER: Top Fuel driver Antron Brown got to experience some circle-track action last week at Charlotte Motor Speedway when he did a ride-along with NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. Brown then returned the favor when he took the wheel of the two-seater Super Comp dragster at zMAX Dragway and showed Truex what NHRA Drag Racing is like. Said Brown after his ride, “It was incredible; it was unreal. He was mat to the floor right at the first turn. It was one of the rides of all rides; I was in awe because I’m usually the one driving. I’ve always had respect for these guys, but now I have a whole new meaning for NASCAR.”	0 for 9: Since winning in Las Vegas in October 2010, Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher is 0–9 in final-round appearances. This is the longest that the seven-time champ has ever gone without a win; he was 0–8 in finals before winning his first Top Fuel event in 1999. Although he is 0–9, he has been to two final rounds in 2012 and holds the Top Fuel point lead.

DID YOU KNOW

… Rookie Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria, who earned her first round-win at the 43rd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville coming off a DNQ at Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix, will be heading to NASCAR country this weekend for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The Tequila Patron team plans to start its Toyota Camry on the race track during pre-race ceremonies on both Saturday and Sunday. The crew will also be doing demos of what it does each weekend when it tears down and rebuilds the 7,000-hp nitro-burning engine in 75 minutes or less.

NEWS NUGGETS

Lucas	Hight	Edwards	Krawiec

NEW FACES IN WINNER’S CIRCLE AT PRESTIGIOUS TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Three of the four winners in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series professional categories at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com were first-time winners at the historic event. Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) can now add “Gatornationals event winner” to their resumes, and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) can add “three-time Gatornationals champ” and “quickest rider in the two-wheel class” to his. To drivers and fans alike, the Gatornationals is easily one of the most prestigious events on tour, making the winners’ triumphs exceptionally special.

NHRA ORIGINALS T-SHIRTS NOW AVAILABLE IN BOYS SIZES: The NHRA Originals T-shirts that have been available in men’s sizes at various stores, including Walmart and Target, are now available in boys sizes XS-XXL at select Walmarts across the country in California, Florida, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR AAA INSURANCE NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS IN ST. LOUIS: Tickets for the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals, September 28–30 at Gateway Motorsports Park near St. Louis, are on sale. The inaugural event is the third of six races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. The track is selling full event and individual event reserved and general-admission tickets as well as RV packages; to buy tickets, log on to GatewayMsp.com or call 618-215-8888 or 855-RACETIK (855-722-3845).

COMING ATTRACTIONS

SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, March 30–April 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Sin City for the fourth race of the season. Defending event winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-644-4444 or log on to LVMS.com. For media credentials, contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, April 13–15: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the only four-wide national event. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or log on to CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Alex Baca at abaca@nhra.com.

O’RIELLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, ROYAL PURPLE RACEWAY, April 27–29: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first stop of the season in the Lone Star State for the sixth race of the season. Winners from 2011 are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Jeff Arend (Funny Car), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 281-383-RACE (7223) or log on to RoyalPurpleRaceway.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID	INSIDE THE NUMBERS
FROM PILOT TO PASSENGER: Top Fuel driver Antron Brown got to experience some circle-track action last week at Charlotte Motor Speedway when he did a ride-along with NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. Brown then returned the favor when he took the wheel of the two-seater Super Comp dragster at zMAX Dragway and showed Truex what NHRA Drag Racing is like. Said Brown after his ride, “It was incredible; it was unreal. He was mat to the floor right at the first turn. It was one of the rides of all rides; I was in awe because I’m usually the one driving. I’ve always had respect for these guys, but now I have a whole new meaning for NASCAR.”	0 for 9: Since winning in Las Vegas in October 2010, Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher is 0–9 in final-round appearances. This is the longest that the seven-time champ has ever gone without a win; he was 0–8 in finals before winning his first Top Fuel event in 1999. Although he is 0–9, he has been to two final rounds in 2012 and holds the Top Fuel point lead.

DID YOU KNOW

… Rookie Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria, who earned her first round-win at the 43rd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAFilters.com at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville coming off a DNQ at Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix, will be heading to NASCAR country this weekend for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The Tequila Patron team plans to start its Toyota Camry on the race track during pre-race ceremonies on both Saturday and Sunday. The crew will also be doing demos of what it does each weekend when it tears down and rebuilds the 7,000-hp nitro-burning engine in 75 minutes or less.