In his 2011 State of the Union Address, President Obama called for repeal of the 1099 reporting requirement included in last year’s health care legislation. SEMA has steadfastly opposed the burdensome rule that will require businesses to issue 1099 reporting forms to all vendors from whom they buy more than $600 of goods or services in any year, beginning in 2012. Last year, SEMA joined with a number of other business groups in an effort to repeal the measure. However, lawmakers were unable to agree on how to fund the lost revenues.

SEMA President Chris Kersting said, “SEMA is pleased that President Obama has responded to one of many critical issues facing small businesses by supporting the repeal of the 1099 reporting requirement. By acknowledging the need to remove this unnecessary burden on small businesses, the President has cleared the way for swift legislative action. SEMA urges Congress to act on the President’s request without delay.”

The “Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act” has been introduced in the new Congress to remove the burdensome rule. Many members of Congress have signed on as co-sponsors. SEMA will once again work toward its enactment. For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski, Congressional Affairs Manager at dans@sema.org.

	A Teco 28TI/UPH/BPS/PO tire changer—donated by Robert Donato, president of SICE USA, Ltd.—raised $5,000 at auction for the SEMA Cares charity foundation.

"We had never donated in the past; I guess we’re picking up where someone else left off," said Robert Donato, president of SICE USA Ltd. Recently, Donato's company made an incredibly generous donation to the SEMA Cares foundation, contributing a Teco 28TI/UPH/BPS/PO tire changer valued at more than $10,500 for an eBay auction. Shipped direct from Italy and prominently displayed at the 2010 SEMA Show, the machine included a pneumatic bead assistant to handle tough tire/wheel combinations, including low-profile and run-flat applications.

The project actually started as a response to a deeply moving speech by "Overhaulin'" host and specialty-equipment celebrity Chip Foose, concerning the tragic loss of his youngest sister due to Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. After hearing the presentation, Donato handed his business card to Foose and asked how to go about making a donation to a charity dedicated to children.

Donato was ultimately introduced to the SEMA Cares charity foundation, a special committee within SEMA that donates 100% of its proceeds to support Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp is a non-profit dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect. Victory Junction Gang Camp is a facility dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences. For Donato, this was exactly where he was looking to make a contribution.

"We thought the charities involved were worthwhile," explained Donato. "Chip’s sister was a child when she died, and this went to children’s charities." Small businesses, such as Donato's SICE USA, often don't have the resources to privately vet charities to ensure their legitimacy. In this case, however, SEMA Cares has done the research to ensure that 100% of all donations will be used to directly benefit children in need.

"The charities are going to have some good results from our participation, and I feel good about it," said Donato. "And that’s important. If somebody else wants to feel good like I do, here’s the way."

Driving home that point, Donato's auction raised $5,000 for SEMA Cares and Donato couldn't be happier about the funds raised or the exposure generated by the auction. For specialty-equipment industry businesses such as SICE USA, partnering with SEMA Cares helped turn their desire to donate into a substantial check going out to help children that desperately need assistance.

For any specialty-equipment business in a position to help SEMA Cares with its campaign to raise money for Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp, Donato offers the following call to action, "Any of us that are out here with the ability to help, ought to be doing it. If you can pick up some of that slack, now’s a good time."

To learn more about SEMA Cares and the annual fundraising activities the committee sponsors, send an e-mail to members@sema.org.

	A Teco 28TI/UPH/BPS/PO tire changer—donated by Robert Donato, president of SICE USA, Ltd.—raised $5,000 at auction for the SEMA Cares charity foundation.

"We had never donated in the past; I guess we’re picking up where someone else left off," said Robert Donato, president of SICE USA Ltd. Recently, Donato's company made an incredibly generous donation to the SEMA Cares foundation, contributing a Teco 28TI/UPH/BPS/PO tire changer valued at more than $10,500 for an eBay auction. Shipped direct from Italy and prominently displayed at the 2010 SEMA Show, the machine included a pneumatic bead assistant to handle tough tire/wheel combinations, including low-profile and run-flat applications.

The project actually started as a response to a deeply moving speech by "Overhaulin'" host and specialty-equipment celebrity Chip Foose, concerning the tragic loss of his youngest sister due to Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. After hearing the presentation, Donato handed his business card to Foose and asked how to go about making a donation to a charity dedicated to children.

Donato was ultimately introduced to the SEMA Cares charity foundation, a special committee within SEMA that donates 100% of its proceeds to support Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp is a non-profit dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect. Victory Junction Gang Camp is a facility dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences. For Donato, this was exactly where he was looking to make a contribution.

"We thought the charities involved were worthwhile," explained Donato. "Chip’s sister was a child when she died, and this went to children’s charities." Small businesses, such as Donato's SICE USA, often don't have the resources to privately vet charities to ensure their legitimacy. In this case, however, SEMA Cares has done the research to ensure that 100% of all donations will be used to directly benefit children in need.

"The charities are going to have some good results from our participation, and I feel good about it," said Donato. "And that’s important. If somebody else wants to feel good like I do, here’s the way."

Driving home that point, Donato's auction raised $5,000 for SEMA Cares and Donato couldn't be happier about the funds raised or the exposure generated by the auction. For specialty-equipment industry businesses such as SICE USA, partnering with SEMA Cares helped turn their desire to donate into a substantial check going out to help children that desperately need assistance.

For any specialty-equipment business in a position to help SEMA Cares with its campaign to raise money for Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp, Donato offers the following call to action, "Any of us that are out here with the ability to help, ought to be doing it. If you can pick up some of that slack, now’s a good time."

To learn more about SEMA Cares and the annual fundraising activities the committee sponsors, send an e-mail to members@sema.org.

The shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. delivered pictures of the two-door ’11 Ford Ranger T6 global pickup a month ago with some heavy camo. Here is the Ranger showing off its metal and bigger size.

According to Ford, the global Ranger is about 90% of the size of today's F-150 half-ton. Priddy reports that while it's difficult to judge those dimensions in the four-door configuration, the single-cab Ranger is generously sized. Priddy estimates that the cargo box is about 6.5- to 7-ft. long.

Ford says the T6 Ranger is the most capable small pickup it has ever built. It will go on sale next year in 188 countries but not the United States and Canada.

Three engines will be available, including a 2.2L inline four-cylinder with up to 276 lb.-ft. of torque and a 3.2L inline five-cylinder with 346 lb.-ft. of torque. Priddy reports that Ford plans to use its new 2.5L Duratec four-cylinder gas engine in the global Ranger, which the automaker says has more power than its major competitors and is flex-fuel capable.

The T6 Ranger will achieve a significantly increased payload capacity of up to 3,306 lbs. on selected models, according to Ford. While the truck’s top towing capacity has not been announced, Ford has said the towing will be “exceptional.”

Photo: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company

The shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. delivered pictures of the two-door ’11 Ford Ranger T6 global pickup a month ago with some heavy camo. Here is the Ranger showing off its metal and bigger size.

According to Ford, the global Ranger is about 90% of the size of today's F-150 half-ton. Priddy reports that while it's difficult to judge those dimensions in the four-door configuration, the single-cab Ranger is generously sized. Priddy estimates that the cargo box is about 6.5- to 7-ft. long.

Ford says the T6 Ranger is the most capable small pickup it has ever built. It will go on sale next year in 188 countries but not the United States and Canada.

Three engines will be available, including a 2.2L inline four-cylinder with up to 276 lb.-ft. of torque and a 3.2L inline five-cylinder with 346 lb.-ft. of torque. Priddy reports that Ford plans to use its new 2.5L Duratec four-cylinder gas engine in the global Ranger, which the automaker says has more power than its major competitors and is flex-fuel capable.

The T6 Ranger will achieve a significantly increased payload capacity of up to 3,306 lbs. on selected models, according to Ford. While the truck’s top towing capacity has not been announced, Ford has said the towing will be “exceptional.”

Photo: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company

Scooter Brothers supports NHRA's creation of a program for Super Stock and Stock class eliminations.

After reviewing feedback from the Performance Aftermarket Advisory Council (PAAC) and a majority of NHRA contingency sponsors, NHRA officials announced the creation of a program for Super Stock and Stock class eliminations, which will be introduced at select NHRA national events during the 2011 NHRA Lucas Oil Series season.

The new program will feature a 12-race class-eliminations schedule for Super Stock and Stock that will offer double contingency payouts at four of those events. A new bonus-points program will be instituted for the eight non-paying class-eliminations events, and season-ending contingency payouts will be awarded to two National Class Performers (stick and automatic divisions) in each category. Finally, to enhance competition in class eliminations, new stick and automatic combo classes will be created in Super Stock and Stock to group those classes that are represented by only one car.

“Comp Cams has been a strong supporter of Sportsman racing since the early ’70s,” said Scooter Brothers, chairman-elect, SEMA Board of Directors and president of Comp Cams. “Class racing was very different than it is today, and contingency support of class racing was on track to diminish to the point of extinction. For at least a year, the NHRA has worked closely with a group of manufacturers to find a way to save the financial support of class racing. Everyone agreed that the new program would help class racing as we know it survive and even flourish. It should put the pride and competitiveness back into being the class winner as well as create a program that works for the manufacturers, the NHRA and especially the racers.”

A more complete review of the new program follows:

• Class eliminations for Super Stock and Stock will be contested at 12 events: nine NHRA national events and three JEGS NHRA SPORTSnationals events. Trophies will be awarded to each class winner at all 12 events. Contingency payouts will be awarded at four events only: the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil in Indianapolis and the three JEGS NHRA SPORTSnationals events. The payouts at those four events will be a minimum of $100 per posting, double the minimum postings in 2010.

• Bonus points will be awarded during the eight class-eliminations events that do not offer NHRA contingency money. National Class Performer Awards will be presented following the eight-race class-eliminations series to the drivers who earn the most points in one of four class groupings: Super Stock-Stick, Super Stock-Automatic, Stock-Stick and Stock-Automatic. All Super Stock and Stock class-eliminations participants will be eligible for the National Class Performer Awards in one of the four groupings. Participants will earn points (10 for each class round-win and an additional five for winning the class-eliminations title) toward the season title by claiming their best three results from their first five starts in the eight-race non-contingency-paying class-eliminations series. Each of the four National Class Performer Award winners will earn a special Wally trophy and a minimum of $500 per posting from each contingency sponsor represented on his or her car.

• One significant change to increase the level of competition in class eliminations is the creation of combo classes in Super Stock and Stock for those classes that are represented by a single car. The four combo classes will be Super Stock Combo-Stick, Super Stock Combo-Automatic, Stock Combo-Stick and Stock Combo-Automatic. Eliminations for the combo classes will utilize a handicap start with no breakout. The car that crosses the finish line first in each combo class-eliminations run will be declared the winner. Only one Wally trophy (and contingency payout at the four eligible events) will be presented to the winner of each of the four combo classes during the 12 class-eliminations events. Those classes in Super Stock and Stock that include two or more cars will continue to have class eliminations conducted as in the past.

For more information, log on to NHRA.com.

Scooter Brothers supports NHRA's creation of a program for Super Stock and Stock class eliminations.

After reviewing feedback from the Performance Aftermarket Advisory Council (PAAC) and a majority of NHRA contingency sponsors, NHRA officials announced the creation of a program for Super Stock and Stock class eliminations, which will be introduced at select NHRA national events during the 2011 NHRA Lucas Oil Series season.

The new program will feature a 12-race class-eliminations schedule for Super Stock and Stock that will offer double contingency payouts at four of those events. A new bonus-points program will be instituted for the eight non-paying class-eliminations events, and season-ending contingency payouts will be awarded to two National Class Performers (stick and automatic divisions) in each category. Finally, to enhance competition in class eliminations, new stick and automatic combo classes will be created in Super Stock and Stock to group those classes that are represented by only one car.

“Comp Cams has been a strong supporter of Sportsman racing since the early ’70s,” said Scooter Brothers, chairman-elect, SEMA Board of Directors and president of Comp Cams. “Class racing was very different than it is today, and contingency support of class racing was on track to diminish to the point of extinction. For at least a year, the NHRA has worked closely with a group of manufacturers to find a way to save the financial support of class racing. Everyone agreed that the new program would help class racing as we know it survive and even flourish. It should put the pride and competitiveness back into being the class winner as well as create a program that works for the manufacturers, the NHRA and especially the racers.”

A more complete review of the new program follows:

• Class eliminations for Super Stock and Stock will be contested at 12 events: nine NHRA national events and three JEGS NHRA SPORTSnationals events. Trophies will be awarded to each class winner at all 12 events. Contingency payouts will be awarded at four events only: the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil in Indianapolis and the three JEGS NHRA SPORTSnationals events. The payouts at those four events will be a minimum of $100 per posting, double the minimum postings in 2010.

• Bonus points will be awarded during the eight class-eliminations events that do not offer NHRA contingency money. National Class Performer Awards will be presented following the eight-race class-eliminations series to the drivers who earn the most points in one of four class groupings: Super Stock-Stick, Super Stock-Automatic, Stock-Stick and Stock-Automatic. All Super Stock and Stock class-eliminations participants will be eligible for the National Class Performer Awards in one of the four groupings. Participants will earn points (10 for each class round-win and an additional five for winning the class-eliminations title) toward the season title by claiming their best three results from their first five starts in the eight-race non-contingency-paying class-eliminations series. Each of the four National Class Performer Award winners will earn a special Wally trophy and a minimum of $500 per posting from each contingency sponsor represented on his or her car.

• One significant change to increase the level of competition in class eliminations is the creation of combo classes in Super Stock and Stock for those classes that are represented by a single car. The four combo classes will be Super Stock Combo-Stick, Super Stock Combo-Automatic, Stock Combo-Stick and Stock Combo-Automatic. Eliminations for the combo classes will utilize a handicap start with no breakout. The car that crosses the finish line first in each combo class-eliminations run will be declared the winner. Only one Wally trophy (and contingency payout at the four eligible events) will be presented to the winner of each of the four combo classes during the 12 class-eliminations events. Those classes in Super Stock and Stock that include two or more cars will continue to have class eliminations conducted as in the past.

For more information, log on to NHRA.com.

NEWS NUGGETS

FORCE HOOD EXPECTING CHILD; NEFF STEPS BACK INTO DRIVERS SEAT; HIGHT NAMED PRESIDENT AS JOHN FORCE RACING MAKES MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR 2011: Funny Car driving sensation and two-time reigning Mac Tools U.S. Nationals winner Ashley Force Hood announced that she and husband Dan Hood are expecting their first child and that she will sit out the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season. Former John Force crew chief Mike Neff will take over driving and tuning duties on the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang for the 2011 season.

“This past November, after watching my dad clinch his 15th championship, Dan and I decided we would try to start a family,” said Force Hood. “We felt that if God wanted it to happen, it would happen. Well, God didn’t waste any time and I am pregnant and due at the end of the summer. Dan and I know there is always a risk at the beginning of a pregnancy so we waited as long as possible to say anything to make sure everything was all right and there were no problems.”

Also included in the announcements from John Force Racing was the move of crew chief Dean “Guido” Antonelli as general manager of the John Force Racing facility in Brownsburg, Indiana, while 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Funny Car world champion, Robert Hight, was named president of John Force Racing. Also announced was the formation of John Force Entertainment, a JFR subsidiary that has been charged with responsibility for building the JFR brand on a variety of new and existing platforms, including a new reality show featuring the JFR drivers and family members. Force Hood will serve as president of John Force Entertainment. John Force Racing also announced the creation of a mobile road show that will display at sites in the same market as NHRA events to further spread the word about his team and NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing. For more information, visit NHRA.com.

NHRA ANNOUNCES PLANS TO IMPROVE FAN EXPERIENCE AT FULL THROTTLE EVENTS: Furthering the ongoing initiative to improve the racing experience for fans at NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, NHRA has announced a two-pronged approach to minimize excessive downtime as a result of oildowns and track preparation. The NHRA has invested in additional trackside cleanup equipment and implemented strict oildown penalties, which include monetary fines and championship point deductions for violations. The NHRA has added equipment to the NHRA Safety Safari presented by AAA, including an additional drag tractor and more jet dryers available for each Full Throttle Series event. With the additional equipment, the NHRA can significantly decrease track-preparation and cleanup time. In addition, the NHRA has decided to reinstate and enforce strict oildown penalties for all classes competing at NHRA national events. In 2011, the first violation for competitors in each of the four NHRA Full Throttle Series categories will result in a $1,000 fine. If the violation occurs during qualifying, it will result in a loss of five points and the loss of elapsed time and speed for that run. During eliminations, a violation results in a $1,000 fine plus a loss of 10 points and the loss of elapsed time and speed. If the oil violation occurs on a winning run, the driver will advance but will lose lane choice and run-order selection the next round. Second violations at the same event will result in a $2,000 fine plus a loss of 10 points in qualifying and 20 points in eliminations. All teams will receive one oildown credit at the beginning of the season; however, no further credits will be awarded during the season. For more information, including the oildown penalties for NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors, visit NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

KRAGEN O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, February 24–27: The 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and 60th anniversary season of NHRA kicks off at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California, at the 51st running of this event. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800/844-NHRA or go online at NHRATIX.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Public Relations Michael Padian at mpadian@nhra.com.

TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, March 10–13: The second stop in the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and first race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle class, this showdown in the swamplands of Florida will bring added excitement as the NHRA celebrates its 60th anniversary. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car); Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/844-NHRA or go online at NHRATIX.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

I’M COMING HOME: Pro Stock Driver Erica Enders on returning in 2011 to the team where she began her Pro Stock career, Cagnazzi Racing: “If you look at what Victor and his team have accomplished over the past several years it’s really exciting to think about the possibilities. Victor and Brita Cagnazzi have remained great friends of my family ever since I drove for them and I believe we’re going to pick up right where we left off and really have some fun this year.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1996, CHANGING OF THE GUARD: In January 1996, former Top Fuel driver Rick Stewart was named NHRA’s Chief Starter, taking over for the legendary and original Chief Starter Buster Couch. Stewart had raced in the Top Fuel category for NHRA in the early ’60s.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

1: After failing to qualify for the season-opening Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals in 2009, his first season with new team Al-Anabi Racing and the first time in his 16-year career that he had failed to do so, Top Fuel pilot Larry Dixon then went on to collect 17 No. 1 qualifiers, 109 round wins, the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Series Top Fuel world championship and 17 wins in 21 final-round appearances, including the 2010 Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals. Dixon will look to defend that win in 29 days at the season-opening race at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kurt Busch has announced that he will be making his NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series debut at the 42nd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, March 11–13 at historic Gainesville Raceway? The 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion will be competing in the Shell Dodge Avenger for Allen Johnson and J&J Racing.

“Pro Stock is the tightest pro category as far as the elapsed time is concerned and it’s not going to be an easy task,” said Busch. “I feel that teaming up with Allen Johnson and the Mopar folks, we’ve given ourselves the best opportunity to make the show.”

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.

NEWS NUGGETS

FORCE HOOD EXPECTING CHILD; NEFF STEPS BACK INTO DRIVERS SEAT; HIGHT NAMED PRESIDENT AS JOHN FORCE RACING MAKES MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR 2011: Funny Car driving sensation and two-time reigning Mac Tools U.S. Nationals winner Ashley Force Hood announced that she and husband Dan Hood are expecting their first child and that she will sit out the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season. Former John Force crew chief Mike Neff will take over driving and tuning duties on the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang for the 2011 season.

“This past November, after watching my dad clinch his 15th championship, Dan and I decided we would try to start a family,” said Force Hood. “We felt that if God wanted it to happen, it would happen. Well, God didn’t waste any time and I am pregnant and due at the end of the summer. Dan and I know there is always a risk at the beginning of a pregnancy so we waited as long as possible to say anything to make sure everything was all right and there were no problems.”

Also included in the announcements from John Force Racing was the move of crew chief Dean “Guido” Antonelli as general manager of the John Force Racing facility in Brownsburg, Indiana, while 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Funny Car world champion, Robert Hight, was named president of John Force Racing. Also announced was the formation of John Force Entertainment, a JFR subsidiary that has been charged with responsibility for building the JFR brand on a variety of new and existing platforms, including a new reality show featuring the JFR drivers and family members. Force Hood will serve as president of John Force Entertainment. John Force Racing also announced the creation of a mobile road show that will display at sites in the same market as NHRA events to further spread the word about his team and NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing. For more information, visit NHRA.com.

NHRA ANNOUNCES PLANS TO IMPROVE FAN EXPERIENCE AT FULL THROTTLE EVENTS: Furthering the ongoing initiative to improve the racing experience for fans at NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, NHRA has announced a two-pronged approach to minimize excessive downtime as a result of oildowns and track preparation. The NHRA has invested in additional trackside cleanup equipment and implemented strict oildown penalties, which include monetary fines and championship point deductions for violations. The NHRA has added equipment to the NHRA Safety Safari presented by AAA, including an additional drag tractor and more jet dryers available for each Full Throttle Series event. With the additional equipment, the NHRA can significantly decrease track-preparation and cleanup time. In addition, the NHRA has decided to reinstate and enforce strict oildown penalties for all classes competing at NHRA national events. In 2011, the first violation for competitors in each of the four NHRA Full Throttle Series categories will result in a $1,000 fine. If the violation occurs during qualifying, it will result in a loss of five points and the loss of elapsed time and speed for that run. During eliminations, a violation results in a $1,000 fine plus a loss of 10 points and the loss of elapsed time and speed. If the oil violation occurs on a winning run, the driver will advance but will lose lane choice and run-order selection the next round. Second violations at the same event will result in a $2,000 fine plus a loss of 10 points in qualifying and 20 points in eliminations. All teams will receive one oildown credit at the beginning of the season; however, no further credits will be awarded during the season. For more information, including the oildown penalties for NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors, visit NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

KRAGEN O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, February 24–27: The 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and 60th anniversary season of NHRA kicks off at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California, at the 51st running of this event. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800/844-NHRA or go online at NHRATIX.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Public Relations Michael Padian at mpadian@nhra.com.

TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, March 10–13: The second stop in the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and first race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle class, this showdown in the swamplands of Florida will bring added excitement as the NHRA celebrates its 60th anniversary. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car); Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/844-NHRA or go online at NHRATIX.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

I’M COMING HOME: Pro Stock Driver Erica Enders on returning in 2011 to the team where she began her Pro Stock career, Cagnazzi Racing: “If you look at what Victor and his team have accomplished over the past several years it’s really exciting to think about the possibilities. Victor and Brita Cagnazzi have remained great friends of my family ever since I drove for them and I believe we’re going to pick up right where we left off and really have some fun this year.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1996, CHANGING OF THE GUARD: In January 1996, former Top Fuel driver Rick Stewart was named NHRA’s Chief Starter, taking over for the legendary and original Chief Starter Buster Couch. Stewart had raced in the Top Fuel category for NHRA in the early ’60s.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

1: After failing to qualify for the season-opening Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals in 2009, his first season with new team Al-Anabi Racing and the first time in his 16-year career that he had failed to do so, Top Fuel pilot Larry Dixon then went on to collect 17 No. 1 qualifiers, 109 round wins, the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Series Top Fuel world championship and 17 wins in 21 final-round appearances, including the 2010 Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals. Dixon will look to defend that win in 29 days at the season-opening race at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kurt Busch has announced that he will be making his NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series debut at the 42nd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, March 11–13 at historic Gainesville Raceway? The 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion will be competing in the Shell Dodge Avenger for Allen Johnson and J&J Racing.

“Pro Stock is the tightest pro category as far as the elapsed time is concerned and it’s not going to be an easy task,” said Busch. “I feel that teaming up with Allen Johnson and the Mopar folks, we’ve given ourselves the best opportunity to make the show.”

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) withdrew a SEMA-opposed plan that could have required companies to install soundproofing materials to comply with noise standards. Employers may currently meet the standard by providing workers with ear plugs or headsets. Instead, OSHA wanted companies to undertake costly workplace changes before turning to ear plugs/headsets as a solution. The proposal had drawn widespread criticism from the business community. OSHA’s action was in part a response to an Executive Order issued by the White House, which directs federal agencies to review their regulations and eliminate rules that hinder economic growth. Manufacturers had noted that compliance with the rule would have cost billions of dollars, at the expense of job creation.  

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.