NEWS NUGGETS

al Balooshi	Force	DeJoria

ROOKIES PREPARED FOR O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS AND START OF 2012 NHRA FULL THROTTLE SEASON: Just one week remains before the beginning of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season at the 52nd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries, February 9–12, at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. For three drivers, the season-opening race will mark their first full-season debuts as competitors in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

In Top Fuel, NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series world champion Khalid al Balooshi will make his debut behind the wheel of the Al-Anabi Racing dragster that raced to the Top Fuel world championship last season. alBalooshi, whose machine will be tuned by 2010 Top Fuel championship crew chief Jason McCulloch, licensed with a series of 3.8-second runs during winter testing and will make his first competitive pass down the track during qualifying at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

In the Funny Car class, a pair of rookie drivers will begin their first full seasons in their 7,000hp machines. Courtney Force, daughter of NHRA legend John Force, will pull into the staging lanes in one week ready to power her Traxxas Ford Mustang into the field, and Alexis DeJoria, daughter of entrepreneur John Paul DeJoria, will showcase her driving talents behind the wheel of her Tequila Patron Toyota Camry. Former NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series competitor Todd Lesenko will also make his first full-season debut in Funny Car behind the wheel of the Jim Dunn-owned Tap It Brewing Co. Funny Car.

alBalooshi, Force, DeJoria and Lesenko will compete throughout the season for the $20,000 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award, which recognizes the top performing rookie driver of the season. Which driver will have what it takes to earn the prize?

Coughlin	Line	Anderson

PRO STOCK CLASS READY FOR AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA AND START OF 2012 NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SEASON: With the start of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season just one week away, Pro Stock drivers are ready for a class showdown beginning at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries. With the highly anticipated return of four-time Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin, who sat out the 2011 season, many eyes in the sport will be watching the JEGS Dodge Avenger, along with its new engine program, to see how the former champ will handle the juggernaut KB Racing team of Jason Line and Greg Anderson, who have won the last two world championships.

Line is the defending world champion and the defending event winner at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, and Anderson has racked up an impressive nine victories at the track, including four O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals titles. But don’t count out 2009 world champion Mike Edwards, who won an impressive four races in five final-round appearances last season and finished the year second in the points standings. Edwards also won the event in 2010. Other Pro Stock drivers looking to have an impact in the class include sophomore driver Vincent Nobile, fan favorite Erica Enders and Team Mopar driver Allen Johnson.

RACING ELECTRONICS RENEWS AS OFFICIAL RADIO COMMUNICATIONS PROVIDER OF NHRA: Racing Electronics has renewed its official sponsorship as the official radio communications provider of the NHRA. For two decades, Racing Electronics has been the official radio communications sponsor of the NHRA, providing handheld radios, headsets, mobile units, ancillary products, base radios, antennas, on-site setup and support for NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, divisional NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events, NHRA’s owned and operated facilities and broadcasting. In addition, Racing Electronics has a major presence at the NHRA Manufacturers Midway at NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, providing on-site sales, rentals and service for scanners, headsets and communication needs for NHRA race teams and fans.

Racing Electronics is a manufacturer and supplier of a complete line of race communication products and accessories, providing its customers two-way radios, scanners, headphones and headsets as well as a complete selection of accessories and sportswear and a guide listing the year’s races and scanner frequencies for specific events. For more on this story, log on to NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, February 9–12: The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series kicks off in Southern California. Defending event winners are Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock).

NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS, FIREBIRD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, February 17–19: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its second stop of the season in Phoenix. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, March 8–11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to historic Gainesville Raceway for the third stop of the series and season-opening race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Defending event winners are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

NOT THE NEW GUY ANYMORE: Top Fuel pilot Spencer Massey on his 2011 season with Don Schumacher Racing behind the wheel of the FRAM/Prestone dragster—his second full campaign in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series: “A year ago, I was new to the team and didn’t really know anyone. Now it’s like I’ve always been part of the family. We’re coming off a great year and don’t plan on changing anything. We’re treating this season like we never had an off-season and want to just pick up like last year never ended.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Tony Schumacher won the 2008 and 2004 O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals. He also went on to win the world championship in those years.

9: In the past 10 seasons, nine O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals winners have gone on to win the world championship in the same year. Below is a list of those drivers, the category they won in, and the year they won:

2010 – Larry Dixon, Top Fuel
2010 – John Force, Funny Car
2008 – Tony Schumacher, Top Fuel
2004 – Schumacher, Top Fuel
2004 – Greg Anderson, Pro Stock
2003 – Dixon, Top Fuel
2003 – Tony Pedregon, Funny Car
2002 – Dixon, Top Fuel
2002 – Force, Funny Car

DID YOU KNOW

…that members of the national motorsports media met with NHRA rookie drivers Courtney Force and Alexis DeJoria during a press conference conducted as part of the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway last week. Both drivers joined NHRA President Tom Compton during the season-preview event, which was held in front of more than 100 of the nation’s top motorsports journalists. For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

NEWS NUGGETS

al Balooshi	Force	DeJoria

ROOKIES PREPARED FOR O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS AND START OF 2012 NHRA FULL THROTTLE SEASON: Just one week remains before the beginning of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season at the 52nd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries, February 9–12, at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. For three drivers, the season-opening race will mark their first full-season debuts as competitors in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

In Top Fuel, NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series world champion Khalid al Balooshi will make his debut behind the wheel of the Al-Anabi Racing dragster that raced to the Top Fuel world championship last season. alBalooshi, whose machine will be tuned by 2010 Top Fuel championship crew chief Jason McCulloch, licensed with a series of 3.8-second runs during winter testing and will make his first competitive pass down the track during qualifying at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

In the Funny Car class, a pair of rookie drivers will begin their first full seasons in their 7,000hp machines. Courtney Force, daughter of NHRA legend John Force, will pull into the staging lanes in one week ready to power her Traxxas Ford Mustang into the field, and Alexis DeJoria, daughter of entrepreneur John Paul DeJoria, will showcase her driving talents behind the wheel of her Tequila Patron Toyota Camry. Former NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series competitor Todd Lesenko will also make his first full-season debut in Funny Car behind the wheel of the Jim Dunn-owned Tap It Brewing Co. Funny Car.

alBalooshi, Force, DeJoria and Lesenko will compete throughout the season for the $20,000 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award, which recognizes the top performing rookie driver of the season. Which driver will have what it takes to earn the prize?

Coughlin	Line	Anderson

PRO STOCK CLASS READY FOR AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA AND START OF 2012 NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SEASON: With the start of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season just one week away, Pro Stock drivers are ready for a class showdown beginning at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries. With the highly anticipated return of four-time Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin, who sat out the 2011 season, many eyes in the sport will be watching the JEGS Dodge Avenger, along with its new engine program, to see how the former champ will handle the juggernaut KB Racing team of Jason Line and Greg Anderson, who have won the last two world championships.

Line is the defending world champion and the defending event winner at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, and Anderson has racked up an impressive nine victories at the track, including four O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals titles. But don’t count out 2009 world champion Mike Edwards, who won an impressive four races in five final-round appearances last season and finished the year second in the points standings. Edwards also won the event in 2010. Other Pro Stock drivers looking to have an impact in the class include sophomore driver Vincent Nobile, fan favorite Erica Enders and Team Mopar driver Allen Johnson.

RACING ELECTRONICS RENEWS AS OFFICIAL RADIO COMMUNICATIONS PROVIDER OF NHRA: Racing Electronics has renewed its official sponsorship as the official radio communications provider of the NHRA. For two decades, Racing Electronics has been the official radio communications sponsor of the NHRA, providing handheld radios, headsets, mobile units, ancillary products, base radios, antennas, on-site setup and support for NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, divisional NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events, NHRA’s owned and operated facilities and broadcasting. In addition, Racing Electronics has a major presence at the NHRA Manufacturers Midway at NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, providing on-site sales, rentals and service for scanners, headsets and communication needs for NHRA race teams and fans.

Racing Electronics is a manufacturer and supplier of a complete line of race communication products and accessories, providing its customers two-way radios, scanners, headphones and headsets as well as a complete selection of accessories and sportswear and a guide listing the year’s races and scanner frequencies for specific events. For more on this story, log on to NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, February 9–12: The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series kicks off in Southern California. Defending event winners are Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock).

NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS, FIREBIRD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, February 17–19: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its second stop of the season in Phoenix. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, March 8–11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to historic Gainesville Raceway for the third stop of the series and season-opening race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Defending event winners are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

NOT THE NEW GUY ANYMORE: Top Fuel pilot Spencer Massey on his 2011 season with Don Schumacher Racing behind the wheel of the FRAM/Prestone dragster—his second full campaign in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series: “A year ago, I was new to the team and didn’t really know anyone. Now it’s like I’ve always been part of the family. We’re coming off a great year and don’t plan on changing anything. We’re treating this season like we never had an off-season and want to just pick up like last year never ended.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Tony Schumacher won the 2008 and 2004 O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals. He also went on to win the world championship in those years.

9: In the past 10 seasons, nine O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals winners have gone on to win the world championship in the same year. Below is a list of those drivers, the category they won in, and the year they won:

2010 – Larry Dixon, Top Fuel
2010 – John Force, Funny Car
2008 – Tony Schumacher, Top Fuel
2004 – Schumacher, Top Fuel
2004 – Greg Anderson, Pro Stock
2003 – Dixon, Top Fuel
2003 – Tony Pedregon, Funny Car
2002 – Dixon, Top Fuel
2002 – Force, Funny Car

DID YOU KNOW

…that members of the national motorsports media met with NHRA rookie drivers Courtney Force and Alexis DeJoria during a press conference conducted as part of the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway last week. Both drivers joined NHRA President Tom Compton during the season-preview event, which was held in front of more than 100 of the nation’s top motorsports journalists. For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

NEWS NUGGETS

al Balooshi	Force	DeJoria

ROOKIES PREPARED FOR O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS AND START OF 2012 NHRA FULL THROTTLE SEASON: Just one week remains before the beginning of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season at the 52nd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries, February 9–12, at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. For three drivers, the season-opening race will mark their first full-season debuts as competitors in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

In Top Fuel, NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series world champion Khalid al Balooshi will make his debut behind the wheel of the Al-Anabi Racing dragster that raced to the Top Fuel world championship last season. alBalooshi, whose machine will be tuned by 2010 Top Fuel championship crew chief Jason McCulloch, licensed with a series of 3.8-second runs during winter testing and will make his first competitive pass down the track during qualifying at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

In the Funny Car class, a pair of rookie drivers will begin their first full seasons in their 7,000hp machines. Courtney Force, daughter of NHRA legend John Force, will pull into the staging lanes in one week ready to power her Traxxas Ford Mustang into the field, and Alexis DeJoria, daughter of entrepreneur John Paul DeJoria, will showcase her driving talents behind the wheel of her Tequila Patron Toyota Camry. Former NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series competitor Todd Lesenko will also make his first full-season debut in Funny Car behind the wheel of the Jim Dunn-owned Tap It Brewing Co. Funny Car.

alBalooshi, Force, DeJoria and Lesenko will compete throughout the season for the $20,000 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award, which recognizes the top performing rookie driver of the season. Which driver will have what it takes to earn the prize?

Coughlin	Line	Anderson

PRO STOCK CLASS READY FOR AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA AND START OF 2012 NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SEASON: With the start of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season just one week away, Pro Stock drivers are ready for a class showdown beginning at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries. With the highly anticipated return of four-time Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin, who sat out the 2011 season, many eyes in the sport will be watching the JEGS Dodge Avenger, along with its new engine program, to see how the former champ will handle the juggernaut KB Racing team of Jason Line and Greg Anderson, who have won the last two world championships.

Line is the defending world champion and the defending event winner at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, and Anderson has racked up an impressive nine victories at the track, including four O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals titles. But don’t count out 2009 world champion Mike Edwards, who won an impressive four races in five final-round appearances last season and finished the year second in the points standings. Edwards also won the event in 2010. Other Pro Stock drivers looking to have an impact in the class include sophomore driver Vincent Nobile, fan favorite Erica Enders and Team Mopar driver Allen Johnson.

RACING ELECTRONICS RENEWS AS OFFICIAL RADIO COMMUNICATIONS PROVIDER OF NHRA: Racing Electronics has renewed its official sponsorship as the official radio communications provider of the NHRA. For two decades, Racing Electronics has been the official radio communications sponsor of the NHRA, providing handheld radios, headsets, mobile units, ancillary products, base radios, antennas, on-site setup and support for NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, divisional NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events, NHRA’s owned and operated facilities and broadcasting. In addition, Racing Electronics has a major presence at the NHRA Manufacturers Midway at NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, providing on-site sales, rentals and service for scanners, headsets and communication needs for NHRA race teams and fans.

Racing Electronics is a manufacturer and supplier of a complete line of race communication products and accessories, providing its customers two-way radios, scanners, headphones and headsets as well as a complete selection of accessories and sportswear and a guide listing the year’s races and scanner frequencies for specific events. For more on this story, log on to NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, February 9–12: The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series kicks off in Southern California. Defending event winners are Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock).

NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS, FIREBIRD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, February 17–19: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its second stop of the season in Phoenix. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, March 8–11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to historic Gainesville Raceway for the third stop of the series and season-opening race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Defending event winners are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

NOT THE NEW GUY ANYMORE: Top Fuel pilot Spencer Massey on his 2011 season with Don Schumacher Racing behind the wheel of the FRAM/Prestone dragster—his second full campaign in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series: “A year ago, I was new to the team and didn’t really know anyone. Now it’s like I’ve always been part of the family. We’re coming off a great year and don’t plan on changing anything. We’re treating this season like we never had an off-season and want to just pick up like last year never ended.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Tony Schumacher won the 2008 and 2004 O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals. He also went on to win the world championship in those years.

9: In the past 10 seasons, nine O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals winners have gone on to win the world championship in the same year. Below is a list of those drivers, the category they won in, and the year they won:

2010 – Larry Dixon, Top Fuel
2010 – John Force, Funny Car
2008 – Tony Schumacher, Top Fuel
2004 – Schumacher, Top Fuel
2004 – Greg Anderson, Pro Stock
2003 – Dixon, Top Fuel
2003 – Tony Pedregon, Funny Car
2002 – Dixon, Top Fuel
2002 – Force, Funny Car

DID YOU KNOW

…that members of the national motorsports media met with NHRA rookie drivers Courtney Force and Alexis DeJoria during a press conference conducted as part of the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway last week. Both drivers joined NHRA President Tom Compton during the season-preview event, which was held in front of more than 100 of the nation’s top motorsports journalists. For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Mopar recently revealed four custom vehicles that will be on display at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show,February 10–19. The customized models that will carry what Mopar refersto as its best-in-class parts and accessories include the Mopar '12 300, ’13 Dodge Dart 'GTS 210 Tribute,' the ’12 Fiat 500 'Stinger' and the ’12 Mopar Jeep Compass 'True North.'

While the Mopar '12 300 will be available this summer straight from the factory, components for the Fiat 500, Jeep Compass and Dodge Dart custom configurations will be available this fall as stage kits or by individual components through the Mopar catalog.

Mopar kicked-off its year-long 75th anniversary in January at the 2012 North American International Auto Show with the introduction of the Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar and the Dodge Charger Redline.

Mopar reports that the Mopar '12 300 will build on the success of the Mopar versions of the 2010 Dodge Challenger and ’11 Dodge Charger. The new '12 300 transforms Chrysler's 300 flagship sedan into a performance machine with parts and appearance products straight from the Mopar catalog.		’The ’13 Dodge Dart 'GTS 210 Tribute' will feature additional matte-black trim pieces, including a lower chin spoiler, side sills, rear spoiler and rear-diffuser panel. With performance calibration that maximizes fuel/air mix and spark advance, improved airflow and low back-pressure exhaust, the 'GTS 210 Tribute' achieves 210 hp from a base engine of 184 hp.
The ’12 Fiat 500 'Stinger' builds on the SEMA Award for Hottest Sport Compact presented during the 2011 SEMA Show. The New Fiat 500 'Stinger' integrates two Mopar stage kits that deliver bolder styling and select high-performance parts from Mopar's catalog.		Mopar is set to further improve the off-road form and function of the Jeep Compass with its offerings for the 'True North' model. Exterior features include a matte-black finish on the roof, wheel flares, lower fascia and door cladding, as well as rear fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich All Terrain tires and a two-inch lift kit from Rocky Road Suspensions.

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Mopar recently revealed four custom vehicles that will be on display at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show,February 10–19. The customized models that will carry what Mopar refersto as its best-in-class parts and accessories include the Mopar '12 300, ’13 Dodge Dart 'GTS 210 Tribute,' the ’12 Fiat 500 'Stinger' and the ’12 Mopar Jeep Compass 'True North.'

While the Mopar '12 300 will be available this summer straight from the factory, components for the Fiat 500, Jeep Compass and Dodge Dart custom configurations will be available this fall as stage kits or by individual components through the Mopar catalog.

Mopar kicked-off its year-long 75th anniversary in January at the 2012 North American International Auto Show with the introduction of the Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar and the Dodge Charger Redline.

Mopar reports that the Mopar '12 300 will build on the success of the Mopar versions of the 2010 Dodge Challenger and ’11 Dodge Charger. The new '12 300 transforms Chrysler's 300 flagship sedan into a performance machine with parts and appearance products straight from the Mopar catalog.		’The ’13 Dodge Dart 'GTS 210 Tribute' will feature additional matte-black trim pieces, including a lower chin spoiler, side sills, rear spoiler and rear-diffuser panel. With performance calibration that maximizes fuel/air mix and spark advance, improved airflow and low back-pressure exhaust, the 'GTS 210 Tribute' achieves 210 hp from a base engine of 184 hp.
The ’12 Fiat 500 'Stinger' builds on the SEMA Award for Hottest Sport Compact presented during the 2011 SEMA Show. The New Fiat 500 'Stinger' integrates two Mopar stage kits that deliver bolder styling and select high-performance parts from Mopar's catalog.		Mopar is set to further improve the off-road form and function of the Jeep Compass with its offerings for the 'True North' model. Exterior features include a matte-black finish on the roof, wheel flares, lower fascia and door cladding, as well as rear fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich All Terrain tires and a two-inch lift kit from Rocky Road Suspensions.

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Mopar recently revealed four custom vehicles that will be on display at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show,February 10–19. The customized models that will carry what Mopar refersto as its best-in-class parts and accessories include the Mopar '12 300, ’13 Dodge Dart 'GTS 210 Tribute,' the ’12 Fiat 500 'Stinger' and the ’12 Mopar Jeep Compass 'True North.'

While the Mopar '12 300 will be available this summer straight from the factory, components for the Fiat 500, Jeep Compass and Dodge Dart custom configurations will be available this fall as stage kits or by individual components through the Mopar catalog.

Mopar kicked-off its year-long 75th anniversary in January at the 2012 North American International Auto Show with the introduction of the Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar and the Dodge Charger Redline.

Mopar reports that the Mopar '12 300 will build on the success of the Mopar versions of the 2010 Dodge Challenger and ’11 Dodge Charger. The new '12 300 transforms Chrysler's 300 flagship sedan into a performance machine with parts and appearance products straight from the Mopar catalog.		’The ’13 Dodge Dart 'GTS 210 Tribute' will feature additional matte-black trim pieces, including a lower chin spoiler, side sills, rear spoiler and rear-diffuser panel. With performance calibration that maximizes fuel/air mix and spark advance, improved airflow and low back-pressure exhaust, the 'GTS 210 Tribute' achieves 210 hp from a base engine of 184 hp.
The ’12 Fiat 500 'Stinger' builds on the SEMA Award for Hottest Sport Compact presented during the 2011 SEMA Show. The New Fiat 500 'Stinger' integrates two Mopar stage kits that deliver bolder styling and select high-performance parts from Mopar's catalog.		Mopar is set to further improve the off-road form and function of the Jeep Compass with its offerings for the 'True North' model. Exterior features include a matte-black finish on the roof, wheel flares, lower fascia and door cladding, as well as rear fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich All Terrain tires and a two-inch lift kit from Rocky Road Suspensions.

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Mopar recently revealed four custom vehicles that will be on display at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show,February 10–19. The customized models that will carry what Mopar refersto as its best-in-class parts and accessories include the Mopar '12 300, ’13 Dodge Dart 'GTS 210 Tribute,' the ’12 Fiat 500 'Stinger' and the ’12 Mopar Jeep Compass 'True North.'

While the Mopar '12 300 will be available this summer straight from the factory, components for the Fiat 500, Jeep Compass and Dodge Dart custom configurations will be available this fall as stage kits or by individual components through the Mopar catalog.

Mopar kicked-off its year-long 75th anniversary in January at the 2012 North American International Auto Show with the introduction of the Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar and the Dodge Charger Redline.

Mopar reports that the Mopar '12 300 will build on the success of the Mopar versions of the 2010 Dodge Challenger and ’11 Dodge Charger. The new '12 300 transforms Chrysler's 300 flagship sedan into a performance machine with parts and appearance products straight from the Mopar catalog.		’The ’13 Dodge Dart 'GTS 210 Tribute' will feature additional matte-black trim pieces, including a lower chin spoiler, side sills, rear spoiler and rear-diffuser panel. With performance calibration that maximizes fuel/air mix and spark advance, improved airflow and low back-pressure exhaust, the 'GTS 210 Tribute' achieves 210 hp from a base engine of 184 hp.
The ’12 Fiat 500 'Stinger' builds on the SEMA Award for Hottest Sport Compact presented during the 2011 SEMA Show. The New Fiat 500 'Stinger' integrates two Mopar stage kits that deliver bolder styling and select high-performance parts from Mopar's catalog.		Mopar is set to further improve the off-road form and function of the Jeep Compass with its offerings for the 'True North' model. Exterior features include a matte-black finish on the roof, wheel flares, lower fascia and door cladding, as well as rear fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich All Terrain tires and a two-inch lift kit from Rocky Road Suspensions.

James Lawrence of PowerTV, second from left, accepts the Robert E. Petersen Award from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting, MPMC Chairman Kyle Fickler of Weld Racing and MPMC Chair-Elect Vic Wood of Hedman Hedders.

Steve Matusek is this year’s recipient of the MPMC Chairman’s Award.

The 15th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference was held January 24–26, 2012, at the Embassy Suites LAX South in El Segundo, California. By all accounts, it was a milestone in the event’s long history.

“What a great way to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this event,” remarked MPMC Chairman Kyle Fickler of Weld Racing. “SEMA staff significantly raised the bar in terms of operation and execution. We saw a number of new media outlets this year, utilized a texting and e-mailing system for meeting notifications and had excellent communication and cooperation with the hotel staff. With a record number of exhibitor registrations for 2012, we are expecting even bigger things for 2013.”

Added MPMC Chair-Elect Vic Wood of Hedman Hedders, “So many things seemed to gel this year. I cannot remember a Media Trade Conference running so smoothly from top to bottom. A big vote of thanks to the SEMA staff for a great job! We greatly appreciate their efforts for our council, its membership and supporting media."

The MPMC Media Trade Conference hosted 100 MPMC-member manufacturers for three days of 30-minute, face-to-face meetings with more than 200 journalists from national and international automotive media outlets. Available only to MPMC-member manufacturers, the Media Trade Conference is highly regarded by both media and manufacturers as a “must-attend” event.

In addition to three days of meetings, MPMC also hosted a media reception on Tuesday evening of the Media Trade Conference. Along with food, drinks and networking, MPMC presented two awards during the reception.

The Robert E. Petersen Award was presented to James Lawrence of PowerTV. The award was voted on by the MPMC general membership and given to a media person who went above and beyond the interests of MPMC and the motorsports parts industry over the preceding year.

The MPMC Chairman’s Award was presented to Steve Matusek of Aeromotive. This award is not necessarily given out every year, but only if and when the MPMC chairperson sees fit.

James Lawrence of PowerTV, second from left, accepts the Robert E. Petersen Award from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting, MPMC Chairman Kyle Fickler of Weld Racing and MPMC Chair-Elect Vic Wood of Hedman Hedders.

Steve Matusek is this year’s recipient of the MPMC Chairman’s Award.

The 15th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference was held January 24–26, 2012, at the Embassy Suites LAX South in El Segundo, California. By all accounts, it was a milestone in the event’s long history.

“What a great way to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this event,” remarked MPMC Chairman Kyle Fickler of Weld Racing. “SEMA staff significantly raised the bar in terms of operation and execution. We saw a number of new media outlets this year, utilized a texting and e-mailing system for meeting notifications and had excellent communication and cooperation with the hotel staff. With a record number of exhibitor registrations for 2012, we are expecting even bigger things for 2013.”

Added MPMC Chair-Elect Vic Wood of Hedman Hedders, “So many things seemed to gel this year. I cannot remember a Media Trade Conference running so smoothly from top to bottom. A big vote of thanks to the SEMA staff for a great job! We greatly appreciate their efforts for our council, its membership and supporting media."

The MPMC Media Trade Conference hosted 100 MPMC-member manufacturers for three days of 30-minute, face-to-face meetings with more than 200 journalists from national and international automotive media outlets. Available only to MPMC-member manufacturers, the Media Trade Conference is highly regarded by both media and manufacturers as a “must-attend” event.

In addition to three days of meetings, MPMC also hosted a media reception on Tuesday evening of the Media Trade Conference. Along with food, drinks and networking, MPMC presented two awards during the reception.

The Robert E. Petersen Award was presented to James Lawrence of PowerTV. The award was voted on by the MPMC general membership and given to a media person who went above and beyond the interests of MPMC and the motorsports parts industry over the preceding year.

The MPMC Chairman’s Award was presented to Steve Matusek of Aeromotive. This award is not necessarily given out every year, but only if and when the MPMC chairperson sees fit.

	Twenty-seven specialty-parts suppliers were provided hands-on access to the ’12 Honda CR-V to gather surface data in preparation for designing, developing and manufacturing aftermarket parts and accessories.

Debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November, the all-new fourth-generation ’12 Honda CR-V was on display January 25 during SEMA's measuring session at American Honda headquarters in Torrance, California. The session drew 27 specialty-parts suppliers, all of whom were provided hands-on access to the new CR-V in order to gather surface data in preparation for designing, developing and manufacturing aftermarket parts and accessories.

The CR-V is available in LX, EX and EX-L trim levels. New for 2012, the CR-V features Real-Time All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Control System, as well as standard features, including an easy fold-down 60/40 split rear seat, a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink phone interface with a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display and a multi-angle rearview camera. All CR-Vs are powered by a 2.4L iVTEC four-cylinder engine that produces 185 hp and 163 lb.-ft. of torque paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy is rated at 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined.

Here's what some of the attendees had to say about last week's ’12 Honda CR-V measuring session:

"These SEMA measuring sessions have always proven to be beneficial for EGR, not only for the vehicle access provided, but also for the business relations that they help to build between our company and the motor companies. We use these sessions to check existing product while also scanning the vehicle for new developments that we wish to pursue. EGR will be developing and releasing our Integrated Side Step, Hood Shield, Tape-On and In Channel Window Visors, as well as other protective plastic products for the front end of this vehicle for world-wide markets."

—Darrin Olsen, technical services manager, EGR North America

"Our conviction is to deliver an unmatched listening experience without compromising the space, functionality or integrity of the vehicle. SEMA measuring sessions provide us access to the needed information to begin our prototyping process. We measure for speaker mounting locations, taking into account the connectors, dimensions, mounting hole patterns and envelopes available for each speaker. We also identify a suitable location to design our subwoofer, allowing enough internal air volume to produce the proper bass with minimal to no loss of the vehicle's usable capacity. The same is true of our DSP amplifier. We will determine a point where mounting is possible without the need for additional hardware. Lastly, we examine how to run our Quick-Sync wiring harness to power, ground, radio, factory wiring harness and all OEM Audio Plus components. SEMA measuring sessions afford us the first look essential to ensuring our sound system's seamless integration."

—Richard Yvanovich, system integration manager, OEM Audio Plus

"Our main goal was to check fitment of current products so that a proper development schedule can be established for the near future. As it stands, the CR-V has been changed enough from the previous model that many of our current products, including side steps, running boards, front sport bar and rear bumper guard, will require extensive revision. The economy is still struggling and the local dealer-to-aftermarket relationship is not what it once was. Vehicle inventories are lower than in the past, and the availability of new vehicles to product designers is limited. SEMA measuring sessions are a valuable way for us to determine a course of action for new products. I truly appreciate the effort the SEMA staff puts forth and they are always accommodating."

—Dave Pease, product development, WINBO-USA

Check out the schedule and online registration form for upcoming SEMA measuring sessions.