Watch for green technologies pioneered on the track, such as in American Le Mans Series, to gradually integrate into passenger cars (photo courtesy American Le Mans Series).

Vehicle technologies are accelerating as rapidly as an American Le Mans Series (ALMS) racer exiting a hairpin onto a straightaway. The new watchwords for automotive racing and performance include vehicle electrification, hybrids, gas direct injection (GDI), clean diesels and next-generation green performance.

For SEMA and Motorsports Industry Association (MIA) member companies, the landscape is erupting with innovation and opportunity. But where is it all going? Where are we now? And where are we headed?

The Race Has Gone Green Conference at the Long Beach Grand Prix, April 16, in Long Beach, California, will connect SEMA and MIA members to the next generation of green performance products, consumer perspectives and profit-making business opportunities, as well as many of the world's leading innovators in the next generation of racing and performance.

The conference will provide SEMA and MIA members with a timely and exclusive opportunity to gain valuable information and insights from some of the world's leading automakers, teams, drivers and organizations participating in the race, events and activities at the track.

The term "green" means different things to different people. To some, it's a fad or movement that may or may not impact them, their businesses or their lifestyles. To some it's a threat, to others it's an opportunity.

Regardless of whether you call it green, eco-friendly, sustainability, clean-tech or whatever, it's here to stay and will be part of the foreseeable future for the automotive industry, SEMA members and anyone involved with the performance and specialty-equipment industry.

The conference will include keynote presentations and panel sessions in which attendees will interact with the speakers. The outstanding grid of confirmed guest speakers includes the following as well as others added weekly:

• David Brabham, 2009 American Le Mans Series Champion, will discuss what it takes to race energy-efficient vehicles and how racing will play an important role in the growing demand for energy-efficient vehicles and products.

• Scott Atherton, CEO American Le Mans Series, will share his vision for the green future of motorsports.

• Les McTaggart, Senior Technical Director, IZOD IndyCar Series, will reveal the new engines, chassis and look of the 2011 IndyCar Series and the resulting new product opportunities.

• Lord Drayson, UK Minister of Science, team owner and ALMS driver, will explain the global energy, science and economic policies that will shape the future of green motorsports and its commercialization.

• Peter Digby, Managing Director, Xtrac, a leading transmission supplier, will share what has made his company's venture into green racing so successful.

• Forrest Patterson, Technical Director, Michelin Green-X Challenge, a leading racing industry supplier, will explain how he's translated green racing success into consumer product sales.

• Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports, will tell us all about the automaker’s '34 Ford Hot Rod with a replacement displacement 400hp 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that easily rivals a typical hot rod's 302ci V8 or even similar sized modern V8s. Talk about a crate engine!

• Robert Davis, Senior Vice President, Product Development and Quality for Mazda North American Operations, responsible for the company's North American motorsport programs under the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development banner, including involvement in the American Le Mans Series, Grand Am GT, Continental Tire Challenge, Star Mazda Championship, USF2000 Championship, Playboy MX-5 Cup and partnerships with BP, Skip Barber, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and Patrick Dempsey. Robert will discuss how Mazda utilizes motorsports from an R&D perspective and integrates it into their ongoing Sustainable Zoom-Zoom initiative.

• Mike Stewart, Leader, Motorsports Engineering Group, Honeywell Turbo Technologies, Garrett, will focus on how Garrett's Aftermarket Group is developing specialty-equipment applications to increase fuel efficiency as well as performance and effectively demonstrating that green power and horsepower can coexist.

• Steve Pruitt, Owner, Corsa Motorsports Ginetta-Zytek hybrid ALMS racer, who owns what The Wall Street Journal called "The World's Baddest Hybrid," will tell you all about his vehicle and performance program and how he's commercializing and selling his innovative kinetic energy recovery system (KERS).

• Eric Cahill, Senior Director, Progressive Automotive X Prize, will provide attendees an insider's view and update on one of the most innovative competitions designed to showcase and inspire a new generation of viable, safe, affordable and super fuel-efficient vehicles that people want to buy.

• Mike Cooperman, Senior Director of Marketing, J.D. Power Web Intelligence, will discuss the latest market research and major behavioral differences between green consumers and the average consumer and how those differences impact the auto industry. This groundbreaking research will focus on the intersection of green consumers and auto enthusiasts and define the size of this market and the messages that resonate with green consumers

"Truly great competitions are aligned with the best motor-racing venues in the world, and the benefits of competing extend well beyond the checkered flag," said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. “In fact, the most important race is not on the track. Once the finish line is crossed, you are left with innovations and proven technologies that impact what you and I drive today and tomorrow. The ALMS championship is an excellent example of relevant racing and represents the future of racing.

“Commercialization and consumer acceptance of green performance technologies are the multipliers to achieving industry growth, increased sales and market share,” Waraniak added. “Innovation doesn't come from the discovery of technology but from being the first to use technology to meet consumer needs and wants.

"Next-generation performance isn't just about powertrains—it's about making vehicles lighter and more aerodynamic,” Waraniak concluded. “It's about better brakes, performance wheels and tires, replacing mechanical systems with electronics, better lubrication, increased cooling and so on—many of the same things that gave birth to the hot-rod industry and were on display at the first SEMA Shows under the bleachers in Dodger Stadium and at Anaheim back in the '60s.

To sign up for the conference, visit www.SEMA.org/racegonegreen. The $275 fee for SEMA members ($375 for non-members) includes not only admission to the conference and its wealth of information and business networking opportunities, but also a luncheon and paddock tour where attendees will meet and talk with team owners, drivers, crew chiefs and engineers on pit row.

Sign up today and accelerate your company to profitability, or be left at the starting line.

Why not make it a weekend in Long Beach? Click here for SEMA-member discount Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach tickets.

	Watch for green technologies pioneered on the track, such as in American Le Mans Series, to gradually integrate into passenger cars (photo courtesy American Le Mans Series).

Vehicle technologies are accelerating as rapidly as an American Le Mans Series (ALMS) racer exiting a hairpin onto a straightaway. The new watchwords for automotive racing and performance include vehicle electrification, hybrids, gas direct injection (GDI), clean diesels and next-generation green performance.

For SEMA and Motorsports Industry Association (MIA) member companies, the landscape is erupting with innovation and opportunity. But where is it all going? Where are we now? And where are we headed?

The Race Has Gone Green Conference at the Long Beach Grand Prix, April 16, in Long Beach, California, will connect SEMA and MIA members to the next generation of green performance products, consumer perspectives and profit-making business opportunities, as well as many of the world's leading innovators in the next generation of racing and performance.

The conference will provide SEMA and MIA members with a timely and exclusive opportunity to gain valuable information and insights from some of the world's leading automakers, teams, drivers and organizations participating in the race, events and activities at the track.

The term "green" means different things to different people. To some, it's a fad or movement that may or may not impact them, their businesses or their lifestyles. To some it's a threat, to others it's an opportunity.

Regardless of whether you call it green, eco-friendly, sustainability, clean-tech or whatever, it's here to stay and will be part of the foreseeable future for the automotive industry, SEMA members and anyone involved with the performance and specialty-equipment industry.

The conference will include keynote presentations and panel sessions in which attendees will interact with the speakers. The outstanding grid of confirmed guest speakers includes the following as well as others added weekly:

• David Brabham, 2009 American Le Mans Series Champion, will discuss what it takes to race energy-efficient vehicles and how racing will play an important role in the growing demand for energy-efficient vehicles and products.

• Scott Atherton, CEO American Le Mans Series, will share his vision for the green future of motorsports.

• Les McTaggart, Senior Technical Director, IZOD IndyCar Series, will reveal the new engines, chassis and look of the 2011 IndyCar Series and the resulting new product opportunities.

• Lord Drayson, UK Minister of Science, team owner and ALMS driver, will explain the global energy, science and economic policies that will shape the future of green motorsports and its commercialization.

• Peter Digby, Managing Director, Xtrac, a leading transmission supplier, will share what has made his company's venture into green racing so successful.

• Forrest Patterson, Technical Director, Michelin Green-X Challenge, a leading racing industry supplier, will explain how he's translated green racing success into consumer product sales.

• Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports, will tell us all about the automaker’s '34 Ford Hot Rod with a replacement displacement 400hp 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that easily rivals a typical hot rod's 302ci V8 or even similar sized modern V8s. Talk about a crate engine!

• Robert Davis, Senior Vice President, Product Development and Quality for Mazda North American Operations, responsible for the company's North American motorsport programs under the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development banner, including involvement in the American Le Mans Series, Grand Am GT, Continental Tire Challenge, Star Mazda Championship, USF2000 Championship, Playboy MX-5 Cup and partnerships with BP, Skip Barber, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and Patrick Dempsey. Robert will discuss how Mazda utilizes motorsports from an R&D perspective and integrates it into their ongoing Sustainable Zoom-Zoom initiative.

• Mike Stewart, Leader, Motorsports Engineering Group, Honeywell Turbo Technologies, Garrett, will focus on how Garrett's Aftermarket Group is developing specialty-equipment applications to increase fuel efficiency as well as performance and effectively demonstrating that green power and horsepower can coexist.

• Steve Pruitt, Owner, Corsa Motorsports Ginetta-Zytek hybrid ALMS racer, who owns what The Wall Street Journal called "The World's Baddest Hybrid," will tell you all about his vehicle and performance program and how he's commercializing and selling his innovative kinetic energy recovery system (KERS).

• Eric Cahill, Senior Director, Progressive Automotive X Prize, will provide attendees an insider's view and update on one of the most innovative competitions designed to showcase and inspire a new generation of viable, safe, affordable and super fuel-efficient vehicles that people want to buy.

• Mike Cooperman, Senior Director of Marketing, J.D. Power Web Intelligence, will discuss the latest market research and major behavioral differences between green consumers and the average consumer and how those differences impact the auto industry. This groundbreaking research will focus on the intersection of green consumers and auto enthusiasts and define the size of this market and the messages that resonate with green consumers

"Truly great competitions are aligned with the best motor-racing venues in the world, and the benefits of competing extend well beyond the checkered flag," said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. “In fact, the most important race is not on the track. Once the finish line is crossed, you are left with innovations and proven technologies that impact what you and I drive today and tomorrow. The ALMS championship is an excellent example of relevant racing and represents the future of racing.

“Commercialization and consumer acceptance of green performance technologies are the multipliers to achieving industry growth, increased sales and market share,” Waraniak added. “Innovation doesn't come from the discovery of technology but from being the first to use technology to meet consumer needs and wants.

"Next-generation performance isn't just about powertrains—it's about making vehicles lighter and more aerodynamic,” Waraniak concluded. “It's about better brakes, performance wheels and tires, replacing mechanical systems with electronics, better lubrication, increased cooling and so on—many of the same things that gave birth to the hot-rod industry and were on display at the first SEMA Shows under the bleachers in Dodger Stadium and at Anaheim back in the '60s.

To sign up for the conference, visit www.SEMA.org/racegonegreen. The $275 fee for SEMA members ($375 for non-members) includes not only admission to the conference and its wealth of information and business networking opportunities, but also a luncheon and paddock tour where attendees will meet and talk with team owners, drivers, crew chiefs and engineers on pit row.

Sign up today and accelerate your company to profitability, or be left at the starting line.

Why not make it a weekend in Long Beach? Click here for SEMA-member discount Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach tickets.

	Watch for green technologies pioneered on the track, such as in American Le Mans Series, to gradually integrate into passenger cars (photo courtesy American Le Mans Series).

Vehicle technologies are accelerating as rapidly as an American Le Mans Series (ALMS) racer exiting a hairpin onto a straightaway. The new watchwords for automotive racing and performance include vehicle electrification, hybrids, gas direct injection (GDI), clean diesels and next-generation green performance.

For SEMA and Motorsports Industry Association (MIA) member companies, the landscape is erupting with innovation and opportunity. But where is it all going? Where are we now? And where are we headed?

The Race Has Gone Green Conference at the Long Beach Grand Prix, April 16, in Long Beach, California, will connect SEMA and MIA members to the next generation of green performance products, consumer perspectives and profit-making business opportunities, as well as many of the world's leading innovators in the next generation of racing and performance.

The conference will provide SEMA and MIA members with a timely and exclusive opportunity to gain valuable information and insights from some of the world's leading automakers, teams, drivers and organizations participating in the race, events and activities at the track.

The term "green" means different things to different people. To some, it's a fad or movement that may or may not impact them, their businesses or their lifestyles. To some it's a threat, to others it's an opportunity.

Regardless of whether you call it green, eco-friendly, sustainability, clean-tech or whatever, it's here to stay and will be part of the foreseeable future for the automotive industry, SEMA members and anyone involved with the performance and specialty-equipment industry.

The conference will include keynote presentations and panel sessions in which attendees will interact with the speakers. The outstanding grid of confirmed guest speakers includes the following as well as others added weekly:

• David Brabham, 2009 American Le Mans Series Champion, will discuss what it takes to race energy-efficient vehicles and how racing will play an important role in the growing demand for energy-efficient vehicles and products.

• Scott Atherton, CEO American Le Mans Series, will share his vision for the green future of motorsports.

• Les McTaggart, Senior Technical Director, IZOD IndyCar Series, will reveal the new engines, chassis and look of the 2011 IndyCar Series and the resulting new product opportunities.

• Lord Drayson, UK Minister of Science, team owner and ALMS driver, will explain the global energy, science and economic policies that will shape the future of green motorsports and its commercialization.

• Peter Digby, Managing Director, Xtrac, a leading transmission supplier, will share what has made his company's venture into green racing so successful.

• Forrest Patterson, Technical Director, Michelin Green-X Challenge, a leading racing industry supplier, will explain how he's translated green racing success into consumer product sales.

• Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports, will tell us all about the automaker’s '34 Ford Hot Rod with a replacement displacement 400hp 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that easily rivals a typical hot rod's 302ci V8 or even similar sized modern V8s. Talk about a crate engine!

• Robert Davis, Senior Vice President, Product Development and Quality for Mazda North American Operations, responsible for the company's North American motorsport programs under the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development banner, including involvement in the American Le Mans Series, Grand Am GT, Continental Tire Challenge, Star Mazda Championship, USF2000 Championship, Playboy MX-5 Cup and partnerships with BP, Skip Barber, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and Patrick Dempsey. Robert will discuss how Mazda utilizes motorsports from an R&D perspective and integrates it into their ongoing Sustainable Zoom-Zoom initiative.

• Mike Stewart, Leader, Motorsports Engineering Group, Honeywell Turbo Technologies, Garrett, will focus on how Garrett's Aftermarket Group is developing specialty-equipment applications to increase fuel efficiency as well as performance and effectively demonstrating that green power and horsepower can coexist.

• Steve Pruitt, Owner, Corsa Motorsports Ginetta-Zytek hybrid ALMS racer, who owns what The Wall Street Journal called "The World's Baddest Hybrid," will tell you all about his vehicle and performance program and how he's commercializing and selling his innovative kinetic energy recovery system (KERS).

• Eric Cahill, Senior Director, Progressive Automotive X Prize, will provide attendees an insider's view and update on one of the most innovative competitions designed to showcase and inspire a new generation of viable, safe, affordable and super fuel-efficient vehicles that people want to buy.

• Mike Cooperman, Senior Director of Marketing, J.D. Power Web Intelligence, will discuss the latest market research and major behavioral differences between green consumers and the average consumer and how those differences impact the auto industry. This groundbreaking research will focus on the intersection of green consumers and auto enthusiasts and define the size of this market and the messages that resonate with green consumers

"Truly great competitions are aligned with the best motor-racing venues in the world, and the benefits of competing extend well beyond the checkered flag," said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. “In fact, the most important race is not on the track. Once the finish line is crossed, you are left with innovations and proven technologies that impact what you and I drive today and tomorrow. The ALMS championship is an excellent example of relevant racing and represents the future of racing.

“Commercialization and consumer acceptance of green performance technologies are the multipliers to achieving industry growth, increased sales and market share,” Waraniak added. “Innovation doesn't come from the discovery of technology but from being the first to use technology to meet consumer needs and wants.

"Next-generation performance isn't just about powertrains—it's about making vehicles lighter and more aerodynamic,” Waraniak concluded. “It's about better brakes, performance wheels and tires, replacing mechanical systems with electronics, better lubrication, increased cooling and so on—many of the same things that gave birth to the hot-rod industry and were on display at the first SEMA Shows under the bleachers in Dodger Stadium and at Anaheim back in the '60s.

To sign up for the conference, visit www.SEMA.org/racegonegreen. The $275 fee for SEMA members ($375 for non-members) includes not only admission to the conference and its wealth of information and business networking opportunities, but also a luncheon and paddock tour where attendees will meet and talk with team owners, drivers, crew chiefs and engineers on pit row.

Sign up today and accelerate your company to profitability, or be left at the starting line.

Why not make it a weekend in Long Beach? Click here for SEMA-member discount Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach tickets.

	Aad Goudriaan

The Bosal Group appointed Aad Goudriaan as its new chief executive officer, effective April 1, 2010. Aad Goudriaan joins the Bosal Group from DAF Trucks N.V. where he held various manager positions in logistics, manufacturing, marketing and sales before being appointed president of DAF Trucks N.V. in 2004.

Avon Motorcycle Tyres North America launched an all-new website, www.avonmoto.com. The site was optimized for a variety of browser platforms and is simple to use for both Mac and PC users. The site offers product information, company news, technical information, the latest on motorcycle events and more.

Organizers of the Racer’s Equipment Warehouse (REW) annual Jobber Trade Show announced that attendance numbers for the customer and vendor participation tripled for the 2010 event, which took place on February 28. REW reports that it has become the alternative choice for purchasing performance parts and truck accessories in the Northeast by providing an annual trade show combined with exceptional show specials for jobbers.

The NHRA has retained the services of database marketing agency Hedges & Company to assist the sanctioning body with a database marketing initiative in 2010. The intent of the marketing outreach is to provide the NHRA with better ways to reach and provide services for its fan base.

Jack Roush will receive the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award on Friday, March 12, at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis.

Jack Roush will receive the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award on Friday, March 12, during the grand opening breakfast at the 12th annual Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented annually since 2002. Previous recipients include Wally Parks (NHRA), Carroll Shelby, George Barris, Vic Edelbrock, the Ford family, Alex Xydias (So-Cal Speed Shop) and “Speedy” Bill Smith (Speedway Motors).

TREMEC Transmissions has signed an agreement to be the title sponsor of the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) Muscle Car Nationals Car Show Series. Every NMCA Edelbrock Muscle Car Nationals event features heads-up drag racing, true street and bracket racing, the TREMEC Transmissions Car Show, a manufacturers’ midway and swap meet, burnout contest and a jet dragster shooting for 300-plus mph.

CMF Western Chassis Inc. has purchased the assets of Central California Western Chassis. According to the company, which was established in 1981, Western Chassis is the originator of the lowered truck drop spindle and has the broadest assortment of applications in the sport-truck market. The purchase is in line with the company’s planned expansion outside of the company’s West Coast roots.

Know someone who has moved on? Moved up? Let us know. Send releases for "Movers & Shakers" to editors@sema.org.

	Larry Dixon

NEWS NUGGETS

TOP FUEL PILOT DIXON HOPES FOR REPEAT WIN AND FIFTH OVERALL AT GATORNATIONALS: To say that Larry Dixon is used to success at Gainesville Raceway might be the understatement of the year. The defending event winner in the Top Fuel category has racked up four wins at the historic track over his career and is tied with NHRA legend Joe Amato for the most wins in the class at the track.

Dixon will try to surpass Amato this weekend and become the first Top Fuel driver to win five events at Gainesville Raceway as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Florida for the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, the third stop on the series for Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock, and the season-opening race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Dixon is not only in the hunt for his second straight win and fifth overall at the track, but the two-time world champion is also eyeing the points battle in Top Fuel.

“The Gatornationals is a very prestigious event, and if we are fortunate enough to win, it would be a great honor for me and everyone else associated with His Highess Sheik Khalid and the Al-Anabi Racing team,” said Dixon. “As a kid, I always dreamed of just competing in the Gatornationals, but becoming the all-time Top Fuel wins leader would make me very proud. I hope we put ourselves in a position to get that done.”

Joining Dixon to defend their Gainesville wins are Funny Car’s Bob Tasca, who earned his first career win in the NHRA Full Throttle Series at last year’s Gatornationals; Pro Stock’s Jason Line, who looks to collect his third win at the famed track this year; and Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Hector Arana, who began his record-setting, world-championship-winning season with his first Gatornationals win last year. They’ll be joined by all the stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

NHRA GET SCREENED AMERICA PRO MOD SERIES TO MAKE DEBUT AT TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS: NHRA’s newest national touring series will make its debut at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals: The NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. Conducted for nine seasons as an exhibition at select NHRA national events, the new series will feature some of the world’s fastest and most unique doorslammer cars, featuring an eclectic mix of vintage and late-model body styles, in quarter-mile competition. A diverse group of drivers in the series will compete for Wally trophies, official NHRA points and world championship titles.

The Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, the first of 10 events in the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Series, will be contested this weekend and will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD. For more information on the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Series, including a schedule of events and TV times, visit www.NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, March 11–14: The traditional season opener for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to this historic event in the swamp lands of Florida. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Bob Tasca (Funny Car); Jason Line (Pro Stock); and Hector Arana (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, March 25–28: For the first time in NHRA Nationals history, qualifying and eliminations for Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle at an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event will be conducted four-wide instead of just two.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS, HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK, April 9–11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes it’s first of two stops in the Lone Star State. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Ashley Force Hood (Funny Car); Ron Krisher (Pro Stock); and Craig Treble (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

 

Cory McClenathan

HE SAID, SHE SAID

WAITING ON A WIN: Top Fuel pilot and current points leader Cory McClenathan on what a win at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals would mean to him:

“Every time you go to a track you never won at you want to walk away with that Wally on those weekends. And if you have been driving as long as I have been, you want to win at every single race track on the tour, and that’s one that has eluded us. We had some very good weekends there, we qualified well there, went to a final, but we never seemed to be able to make it to the winner’s circle there.”

	Greg Anderson (left) and Jason Line

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

5: That’s how many times the Summit Racing team of Greg Anderson and Jason Line have been to the final round at the historic NHRA Gatornationals in the past six years. Line has been to the final round in 2009, 2008 and 2005, with wins in 2009 and 2005, while Anderson has been to the finals in 2007 and 2004, winning both of those events.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Kurt Busch will be competing at this weekend’s Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals in the Super Gas category. Busch will look to follow up his recent NASCAR Sprint Cup win in Atlanta with his first NHRA win and “Wally” driving a rebuilt ’70 Dodge Challenger owned by him.

	Larry Dixon

NEWS NUGGETS

TOP FUEL PILOT DIXON HOPES FOR REPEAT WIN AND FIFTH OVERALL AT GATORNATIONALS: To say that Larry Dixon is used to success at Gainesville Raceway might be the understatement of the year. The defending event winner in the Top Fuel category has racked up four wins at the historic track over his career and is tied with NHRA legend Joe Amato for the most wins in the class at the track.

Dixon will try to surpass Amato this weekend and become the first Top Fuel driver to win five events at Gainesville Raceway as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Florida for the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, the third stop on the series for Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock, and the season-opening race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Dixon is not only in the hunt for his second straight win and fifth overall at the track, but the two-time world champion is also eyeing the points battle in Top Fuel.

“The Gatornationals is a very prestigious event, and if we are fortunate enough to win, it would be a great honor for me and everyone else associated with His Highess Sheik Khalid and the Al-Anabi Racing team,” said Dixon. “As a kid, I always dreamed of just competing in the Gatornationals, but becoming the all-time Top Fuel wins leader would make me very proud. I hope we put ourselves in a position to get that done.”

Joining Dixon to defend their Gainesville wins are Funny Car’s Bob Tasca, who earned his first career win in the NHRA Full Throttle Series at last year’s Gatornationals; Pro Stock’s Jason Line, who looks to collect his third win at the famed track this year; and Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Hector Arana, who began his record-setting, world-championship-winning season with his first Gatornationals win last year. They’ll be joined by all the stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

NHRA GET SCREENED AMERICA PRO MOD SERIES TO MAKE DEBUT AT TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS: NHRA’s newest national touring series will make its debut at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals: The NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. Conducted for nine seasons as an exhibition at select NHRA national events, the new series will feature some of the world’s fastest and most unique doorslammer cars, featuring an eclectic mix of vintage and late-model body styles, in quarter-mile competition. A diverse group of drivers in the series will compete for Wally trophies, official NHRA points and world championship titles.

The Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, the first of 10 events in the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Series, will be contested this weekend and will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD. For more information on the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Series, including a schedule of events and TV times, visit www.NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, March 11–14: The traditional season opener for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to this historic event in the swamp lands of Florida. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Bob Tasca (Funny Car); Jason Line (Pro Stock); and Hector Arana (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, March 25–28: For the first time in NHRA Nationals history, qualifying and eliminations for Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle at an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event will be conducted four-wide instead of just two.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS, HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK, April 9–11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes it’s first of two stops in the Lone Star State. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Ashley Force Hood (Funny Car); Ron Krisher (Pro Stock); and Craig Treble (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

 

Cory McClenathan

HE SAID, SHE SAID

WAITING ON A WIN: Top Fuel pilot and current points leader Cory McClenathan on what a win at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals would mean to him:

“Every time you go to a track you never won at you want to walk away with that Wally on those weekends. And if you have been driving as long as I have been, you want to win at every single race track on the tour, and that’s one that has eluded us. We had some very good weekends there, we qualified well there, went to a final, but we never seemed to be able to make it to the winner’s circle there.”

	Greg Anderson (left) and Jason Line

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

5: That’s how many times the Summit Racing team of Greg Anderson and Jason Line have been to the final round at the historic NHRA Gatornationals in the past six years. Line has been to the final round in 2009, 2008 and 2005, with wins in 2009 and 2005, while Anderson has been to the finals in 2007 and 2004, winning both of those events.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Kurt Busch will be competing at this weekend’s Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals in the Super Gas category. Busch will look to follow up his recent NASCAR Sprint Cup win in Atlanta with his first NHRA win and “Wally” driving a rebuilt ’70 Dodge Challenger owned by him.

	Larry Dixon

NEWS NUGGETS

TOP FUEL PILOT DIXON HOPES FOR REPEAT WIN AND FIFTH OVERALL AT GATORNATIONALS: To say that Larry Dixon is used to success at Gainesville Raceway might be the understatement of the year. The defending event winner in the Top Fuel category has racked up four wins at the historic track over his career and is tied with NHRA legend Joe Amato for the most wins in the class at the track.

Dixon will try to surpass Amato this weekend and become the first Top Fuel driver to win five events at Gainesville Raceway as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Florida for the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, the third stop on the series for Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock, and the season-opening race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Dixon is not only in the hunt for his second straight win and fifth overall at the track, but the two-time world champion is also eyeing the points battle in Top Fuel.

“The Gatornationals is a very prestigious event, and if we are fortunate enough to win, it would be a great honor for me and everyone else associated with His Highess Sheik Khalid and the Al-Anabi Racing team,” said Dixon. “As a kid, I always dreamed of just competing in the Gatornationals, but becoming the all-time Top Fuel wins leader would make me very proud. I hope we put ourselves in a position to get that done.”

Joining Dixon to defend their Gainesville wins are Funny Car’s Bob Tasca, who earned his first career win in the NHRA Full Throttle Series at last year’s Gatornationals; Pro Stock’s Jason Line, who looks to collect his third win at the famed track this year; and Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Hector Arana, who began his record-setting, world-championship-winning season with his first Gatornationals win last year. They’ll be joined by all the stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

NHRA GET SCREENED AMERICA PRO MOD SERIES TO MAKE DEBUT AT TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS: NHRA’s newest national touring series will make its debut at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals: The NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. Conducted for nine seasons as an exhibition at select NHRA national events, the new series will feature some of the world’s fastest and most unique doorslammer cars, featuring an eclectic mix of vintage and late-model body styles, in quarter-mile competition. A diverse group of drivers in the series will compete for Wally trophies, official NHRA points and world championship titles.

The Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, the first of 10 events in the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Series, will be contested this weekend and will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD. For more information on the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Series, including a schedule of events and TV times, visit www.NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, March 11–14: The traditional season opener for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to this historic event in the swamp lands of Florida. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Bob Tasca (Funny Car); Jason Line (Pro Stock); and Hector Arana (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, March 25–28: For the first time in NHRA Nationals history, qualifying and eliminations for Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle at an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event will be conducted four-wide instead of just two.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS, HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK, April 9–11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes it’s first of two stops in the Lone Star State. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Ashley Force Hood (Funny Car); Ron Krisher (Pro Stock); and Craig Treble (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

 

Cory McClenathan

HE SAID, SHE SAID

WAITING ON A WIN: Top Fuel pilot and current points leader Cory McClenathan on what a win at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals would mean to him:

“Every time you go to a track you never won at you want to walk away with that Wally on those weekends. And if you have been driving as long as I have been, you want to win at every single race track on the tour, and that’s one that has eluded us. We had some very good weekends there, we qualified well there, went to a final, but we never seemed to be able to make it to the winner’s circle there.”

	Greg Anderson (left) and Jason Line

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

5: That’s how many times the Summit Racing team of Greg Anderson and Jason Line have been to the final round at the historic NHRA Gatornationals in the past six years. Line has been to the final round in 2009, 2008 and 2005, with wins in 2009 and 2005, while Anderson has been to the finals in 2007 and 2004, winning both of those events.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Kurt Busch will be competing at this weekend’s Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals in the Super Gas category. Busch will look to follow up his recent NASCAR Sprint Cup win in Atlanta with his first NHRA win and “Wally” driving a rebuilt ’70 Dodge Challenger owned by him.

	Larry Dixon

NEWS NUGGETS

TOP FUEL PILOT DIXON HOPES FOR REPEAT WIN AND FIFTH OVERALL AT GATORNATIONALS: To say that Larry Dixon is used to success at Gainesville Raceway might be the understatement of the year. The defending event winner in the Top Fuel category has racked up four wins at the historic track over his career and is tied with NHRA legend Joe Amato for the most wins in the class at the track.

Dixon will try to surpass Amato this weekend and become the first Top Fuel driver to win five events at Gainesville Raceway as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Florida for the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, the third stop on the series for Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock, and the season-opening race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Dixon is not only in the hunt for his second straight win and fifth overall at the track, but the two-time world champion is also eyeing the points battle in Top Fuel.

“The Gatornationals is a very prestigious event, and if we are fortunate enough to win, it would be a great honor for me and everyone else associated with His Highess Sheik Khalid and the Al-Anabi Racing team,” said Dixon. “As a kid, I always dreamed of just competing in the Gatornationals, but becoming the all-time Top Fuel wins leader would make me very proud. I hope we put ourselves in a position to get that done.”

Joining Dixon to defend their Gainesville wins are Funny Car’s Bob Tasca, who earned his first career win in the NHRA Full Throttle Series at last year’s Gatornationals; Pro Stock’s Jason Line, who looks to collect his third win at the famed track this year; and Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Hector Arana, who began his record-setting, world-championship-winning season with his first Gatornationals win last year. They’ll be joined by all the stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

NHRA GET SCREENED AMERICA PRO MOD SERIES TO MAKE DEBUT AT TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS: NHRA’s newest national touring series will make its debut at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals: The NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. Conducted for nine seasons as an exhibition at select NHRA national events, the new series will feature some of the world’s fastest and most unique doorslammer cars, featuring an eclectic mix of vintage and late-model body styles, in quarter-mile competition. A diverse group of drivers in the series will compete for Wally trophies, official NHRA points and world championship titles.

The Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, the first of 10 events in the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Series, will be contested this weekend and will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD. For more information on the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Series, including a schedule of events and TV times, visit www.NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, March 11–14: The traditional season opener for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to this historic event in the swamp lands of Florida. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Bob Tasca (Funny Car); Jason Line (Pro Stock); and Hector Arana (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, March 25–28: For the first time in NHRA Nationals history, qualifying and eliminations for Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle at an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event will be conducted four-wide instead of just two.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS, HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK, April 9–11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes it’s first of two stops in the Lone Star State. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Ashley Force Hood (Funny Car); Ron Krisher (Pro Stock); and Craig Treble (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

 

Cory McClenathan

HE SAID, SHE SAID

WAITING ON A WIN: Top Fuel pilot and current points leader Cory McClenathan on what a win at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals would mean to him:

“Every time you go to a track you never won at you want to walk away with that Wally on those weekends. And if you have been driving as long as I have been, you want to win at every single race track on the tour, and that’s one that has eluded us. We had some very good weekends there, we qualified well there, went to a final, but we never seemed to be able to make it to the winner’s circle there.”

	Greg Anderson (left) and Jason Line

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

5: That’s how many times the Summit Racing team of Greg Anderson and Jason Line have been to the final round at the historic NHRA Gatornationals in the past six years. Line has been to the final round in 2009, 2008 and 2005, with wins in 2009 and 2005, while Anderson has been to the finals in 2007 and 2004, winning both of those events.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Kurt Busch will be competing at this weekend’s Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals in the Super Gas category. Busch will look to follow up his recent NASCAR Sprint Cup win in Atlanta with his first NHRA win and “Wally” driving a rebuilt ’70 Dodge Challenger owned by him.

	Larry Dixon

NEWS NUGGETS

TOP FUEL PILOT DIXON HOPES FOR REPEAT WIN AND FIFTH OVERALL AT GATORNATIONALS: To say that Larry Dixon is used to success at Gainesville Raceway might be the understatement of the year. The defending event winner in the Top Fuel category has racked up four wins at the historic track over his career and is tied with NHRA legend Joe Amato for the most wins in the class at the track.

Dixon will try to surpass Amato this weekend and become the first Top Fuel driver to win five events at Gainesville Raceway as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Florida for the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, the third stop on the series for Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock, and the season-opening race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Dixon is not only in the hunt for his second straight win and fifth overall at the track, but the two-time world champion is also eyeing the points battle in Top Fuel.

“The Gatornationals is a very prestigious event, and if we are fortunate enough to win, it would be a great honor for me and everyone else associated with His Highess Sheik Khalid and the Al-Anabi Racing team,” said Dixon. “As a kid, I always dreamed of just competing in the Gatornationals, but becoming the all-time Top Fuel wins leader would make me very proud. I hope we put ourselves in a position to get that done.”

Joining Dixon to defend their Gainesville wins are Funny Car’s Bob Tasca, who earned his first career win in the NHRA Full Throttle Series at last year’s Gatornationals; Pro Stock’s Jason Line, who looks to collect his third win at the famed track this year; and Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Hector Arana, who began his record-setting, world-championship-winning season with his first Gatornationals win last year. They’ll be joined by all the stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

NHRA GET SCREENED AMERICA PRO MOD SERIES TO MAKE DEBUT AT TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS: NHRA’s newest national touring series will make its debut at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals: The NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. Conducted for nine seasons as an exhibition at select NHRA national events, the new series will feature some of the world’s fastest and most unique doorslammer cars, featuring an eclectic mix of vintage and late-model body styles, in quarter-mile competition. A diverse group of drivers in the series will compete for Wally trophies, official NHRA points and world championship titles.

The Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, the first of 10 events in the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Series, will be contested this weekend and will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD. For more information on the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Series, including a schedule of events and TV times, visit www.NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, March 11–14: The traditional season opener for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to this historic event in the swamp lands of Florida. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Bob Tasca (Funny Car); Jason Line (Pro Stock); and Hector Arana (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, March 25–28: For the first time in NHRA Nationals history, qualifying and eliminations for Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle at an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event will be conducted four-wide instead of just two.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS, HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK, April 9–11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes it’s first of two stops in the Lone Star State. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Ashley Force Hood (Funny Car); Ron Krisher (Pro Stock); and Craig Treble (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

 

Cory McClenathan

HE SAID, SHE SAID

WAITING ON A WIN: Top Fuel pilot and current points leader Cory McClenathan on what a win at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals would mean to him:

“Every time you go to a track you never won at you want to walk away with that Wally on those weekends. And if you have been driving as long as I have been, you want to win at every single race track on the tour, and that’s one that has eluded us. We had some very good weekends there, we qualified well there, went to a final, but we never seemed to be able to make it to the winner’s circle there.”

	Greg Anderson (left) and Jason Line

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

5: That’s how many times the Summit Racing team of Greg Anderson and Jason Line have been to the final round at the historic NHRA Gatornationals in the past six years. Line has been to the final round in 2009, 2008 and 2005, with wins in 2009 and 2005, while Anderson has been to the finals in 2007 and 2004, winning both of those events.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Kurt Busch will be competing at this weekend’s Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals in the Super Gas category. Busch will look to follow up his recent NASCAR Sprint Cup win in Atlanta with his first NHRA win and “Wally” driving a rebuilt ’70 Dodge Challenger owned by him.

	Advanced Clutch Technology CEO Tracie Nuñez (shown with KTC Media's Kipp Kington, right) says live chat software is a natural extension of her company's website and encourages direct communication with customers.

Are you looking for a way to increase website sales and boost customer service satisfaction without spending a tremendous amount of money? You might want to take a look at live chat software.

For the past decade, online retailers have been looking for ways to compete with traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Price, convenience and 24-hour operation have worked to the e-tailer's advantage, but the one area lacking is live human interaction. This is where live chat shines.

Live chat software is generally regarded as any instant-messaging application designed to provide online assistance to a website visitor. Website administrators and webmasters can use it to instantly respond to a visitor’s questions or concerns.

This technology is especially useful when webmasters are increasing interactivity and trust with site visitors, and also, if an e-commerce site, building sales leads and conversions.

Subject:
"Mazda3 and the 2.0 also?"

Introduction:
"Welcome Tony! Your request has been directed to the Technical Support department. Please wait for our operator to answer your call."

Chat Acceptance:
"Call accepted by operator Rich W. Currently in room: Rich W."

Rich W: "Thank you for visiting the ACT website. The ZM3 kits will work for '04–'07 2.0L-equipped models as well as the '04–'06 2.3L-equipped models."
Tony: "Awesome. Thank you."
Rich W.:"Anytime!"

Sign-off:
"Tony is now offline and may not reply. Currently in room: Rich W."

Chat Termination:
"Rich W. has left the conversation. Currently in room: room is empty"

There are many advantages to live chat. One person can handle multiple chat sessions simultaneously. This is possible due to the time delay that takes place as two people communicate via typing. Cost savings can be realized through more efficient use of human resources.

Live chat software is the one tool that helps your sales team be proactive by inviting the customer to chat. A message is usually sent inviting them to chat, which they may choose to accept or decline. How many of your website clients abandon their shopping carts when they cannot get the help they need? Up-selling and add-on sales can be increased at this time, as well.

Live chat can also be a handy tool for inter-company communication. It can be used for assistance when the need arises, including when two employees are working with a single customer to solve a single issue. Think conference call.

Some live chat software includes a file transfer feature. Warranties, instruction manual and directions can be sent while chatting. In many cases, the maximum size of the file transfer is larger than typically permitted with e-mail attachments. The actual transfer time may be quicker, too.

"We are always striving to enhance our customer's ability to speak with us directly,” says Tracie Nuñez, CEO of Advanced Clutch Technology, whose company uses live chat software. “The live chat software seemed a natural extension of our website and a cost-effective means to communicate immediately with the consumer.

“The software installation was easy and required less than two hours of IT time including user training. The software code needed to be set up on the website, but that was provided by the software company and took less than an hour of time to enable the function. In the first week, we had about 35 chats, and this week's highlight was opening an international jobber account by using this communication portal."

"Some may argue that their sales staff cannot have anything more added to their workload,” Nuñez added. “I would say that the customer will find their answers somehow. They will search your website, make phone calls, send an e-mail, search forums and look at your competitors. Can you afford to let someone else answer for you?" — Regis Finn, B&M Racing and Performance, SEMA Street Performance Council (SPC).