NEW RULES: The American Le Mans Series has announced drastic rules changes for 2010, which will include the introduction of a new prototype category.

LUCA TIME: Michael Schumacher will not return to Formula One to replace injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa. Schumacher suffered a neck injury in a February motorcycle crash that will keep him from returning to the car. Instead, Luca Badoer gets the call to drive the Ferrari in this weekend’s Grand Prix of Europe.

BIG WINNER: Donny Schatz won the SuperClean Knoxville Nationals for the fourth-consecutive year in a race that was delayed by rain until Sunday night. Schatz drove a car with a paint scheme commemorating Mario Andretti’s 1969 Indianapolis 500 victory.

INDY TEST: The Grand American Rolex Series has scheduled a test session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on September 3 to gather information toward having a race at the track in 2010.

SOLD OUT: This Saturday’s Sharpie 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Bristol (Tennessee) Motor Speedway has sold out. It is the 55th-consecutive sell-out at the track.

NO HUT: USAC announced the Hut Hundred midget race at Terre Haute, Indiana, will not be run this year. Instead, a USAC National Sprint Car Series race will be held on September 12 at the half-mile oval.

ONE MILLION: The 50th annual Knoxville Nationals at Knoxville Raceway will feature a $1,000,255 million purse. The race will still pay $150,000-to-win, but will offer $9,500 to start next year’s feature.

TEAM SWAP: Funny Car team owner John Force is switching teams with driver Robert Hight in a last ditch effort to get Hight into NHRA’s Countdown To One playoffs. Hight is currently in 12th spot, 60 points behind 10th-place Cruz Pedregon in the final qualified position with two races remaining.

TO THE TOP: Donny Schatz moved to the top of the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings this week after winning the Knoxville Nationals for the fourth consecutive year. The rankings appear weekly in America’s Motorsports Authority.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. Subscribe to National Speed Sport News for a special industry rate.

	Gart Sutton will host the November 20-group meeting at the 2009 SEMA Show.

The 2009 SEMA Show will be the site of Gart Sutton’s early November 20-group meeting.

Well-known in the powersports, marine and recreational vehicle industries, Sutton operates 23 powersports 20-groups nationwide, helping dealers boost sales, profits and operational efficiency through his educational and consulting firm, Gart Sutton & Associates.

In addition to the two-day meeting during the Show, Sutton and attending dealers will walk the Show floor checking out exhibitor products.

“I’m excited about attending this year’s Show," Sutton says. "Given the SEMA Show’s existing powersports buyer interests and exhibitor offerings, it only makes sense to have a dedicated powersports section. Giving powersports a higher profile at the SEMA Show will also help satisfy the industry need for a west coast powersports trade show."

The SEMA Show is a trade-only event open only to qualified industry professionals. For more information on registration or exhibit space, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	Gart Sutton will host the November 20-group meeting at the 2009 SEMA Show.

The 2009 SEMA Show will be the site of Gart Sutton’s early November 20-group meeting.

Well-known in the powersports, marine and recreational vehicle industries, Sutton operates 23 powersports 20-groups nationwide, helping dealers boost sales, profits and operational efficiency through his educational and consulting firm, Gart Sutton & Associates.

In addition to the two-day meeting during the Show, Sutton and attending dealers will walk the Show floor checking out exhibitor products.

“I’m excited about attending this year’s Show," Sutton says. "Given the SEMA Show’s existing powersports buyer interests and exhibitor offerings, it only makes sense to have a dedicated powersports section. Giving powersports a higher profile at the SEMA Show will also help satisfy the industry need for a west coast powersports trade show."

The SEMA Show is a trade-only event open only to qualified industry professionals. For more information on registration or exhibit space, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	Tony Pedregon earned his third victory of the season at the 28th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

NEWS NUGGETS  

T. PED SHOWS WHY HE’S NO. 1, DESPITE CREW CHIEF WOES IN BRAINERD: Just three days after parting ways with longtime crew chief Dickie Venables and assistant crew chief Kurt Elliott, current Funny Car points leader Tony Pedregon showed why he’s the driver to beat for the championship, when he drove past Ron Capps to earn his third victory of the season at the 28th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

Lucas Oil drivers Morgan Lucas and Hector Arana joined Pedregon in the Winner’s Circle as well as three-time Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson. For Pedregon, the win was bittersweet as the driver entered the event minus his famous engine tuner.

“I’ve been fortunate to be able to drive for guys like Larry Minor and John Force,” said Pedregon. “I’ve learned a lot from them, and I really felt that I’d been through everything, and I really didn’t anticipate this happening on such a short notice. Thursday I knew the reality, and I didn’t really feel like I was in a panic.

"I’m very optimistic, and I really believed that I had a good foundation to work with. I addressed my team when I showed up, and I told them that I really need them.”

The win helped boost Pedregon’s points lead to 28 over second-place Capps and with only two races left before the Countdown to 1 playoffs, Pedregon is hoping to keep that top spot, and the 20-point bonus that comes with it.

For Lucas, the win moved him up the point standings, from seventh to sixth, and locked him into the Countdown playoffs. Anderson’s win was the first of the season and helped to continue his streak of seasons with at least one win, which currently stands at nine. To see how all of your favorite drivers did, visit www.NHRA.com.

K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE RETURNS WITH NEW QUALIFYING FORMAT AND SPECIAL FAN PROMOTION: NHRA has reached an agreement with K&N Engineering to renew its sponsorship of the popular K&N Horsepower Challenge, a lucrative bonus event for Pro Stock competitors. The bonus event will adopt a new qualifying procedure in which a special fan vote will determine the final driver to make the starting lineup, and a special fan promotion will center on a Harley-Davidson giveaway.

The K&N Horsepower Challenge is a special race-within-a-race bonus program for the top Pro Stock drivers in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. The K&N Horsepower Challenge will continue to be conducted at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk.

The race features a special eliminations pairing with eight Pro Stock drivers in the field, including seven who accumulate the most points in qualifying during the 24-race Challenge series and one who is selected to the starting lineup for the event via a special fan vote. For more information on this event, visit www.NHRA.com.

NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES AND McDONALD’S TEAM UP FOR MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS: Fans of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series in the state of Indiana will have the opportunity to participate in a special discount offer for admission to the 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil, September 2–7, at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. Beginning August 18, up to 155 participating Indiana McDonald’s restaurants will feature commemorative cups with the image of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series driver Ashley Force Hood.

Besides becoming  “must have” collector items, the cups will provide a $7 discount for any adult general admission ticket on any day of the world’s most prestigious drag race, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil. Fans must present the cup to the O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis box office to obtain their ticket discount.

To support the program, the Series’ title sponsor, Full Throttle Energy Drink, will be arranging a series of special driver appearances. Headlining the promotion is Ashley Force Hood, driver of the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang. Specific times and locations for driver appearances will be announced in the future. For more details on this promotion, visit a participating Indiana McDonald’s location beginning August 18 while supplies last.

MORE DRIVERS CLINCH SPOTS IN COUNTDOWN PLAYOFFS AT BRAINERD: Top Fuel racers Morgan Lucas, Spencer Massey and Shawn Langdon, Funny Car racer Jack Beckman, and Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Doug Horne, Craig Treble and Hector Arana all locked up their spots in the NHRA’s Countdown to 1 playoffs during Sunday eliminations at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd.

Former NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Matt Smith clinched his spot based on his qualifying efforts and veteran NHRA Top Fuel driver Cory McClenathan clinched his spot by virtue of making his opening qualifying pass in the FRAM Tough Guard dragster. For more information about the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship, visit www.NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

TOYO TIRES NHRA NATIONALS, MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY, AUGUST 20–23: Making its second to last stop for the regular season, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS PRESENTED BY LUCAS OIL, O’REILLY RACEWAY PARK, SEPTEMBER 2–7: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads back to the famed “Big Go”, the world’s most prestigious drag race. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); Dave Connolly (Pro Stock); and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle). 

NHRA CAROLINAS NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, SEPTEMBER 17–20: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads down to the Charlotte area for the second annual event and first race of the Countdown to 1 playoffs. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); Justin Humphreys (Pro Stock); and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle). 

	Top Fuel pilot Morgan Lucas elated after earning his second win of the season at his sponsor’s event.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

WINNING ONE FOR THE MAN WHO PAYS THE BILLS: Top Fuel pilot Morgan Lucas on earning his second win of the season at his sponsor’s event: “It was the best day of my life, and this is the best feeling in the world. I’m still weak. I’ve got goosebumps all over my body, and it’s hot out. I don’t know what to do for the rest of the year because we’ve accomplished all the goals we set: to win multiple races, to qualify No. 1, and to have a team that’s competitive.

"I think we gained all those, and it’s been a really impressive day. I can’t tell you how proud I am and how proud I am of my parents to have given me this opportunity to race and be at this level. It’s a dream come true.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
 
14: That’s the number of drivers who have won back-to-back events at Maple Grove Raceway. Two of those drivers (Top Fuel’s Tony Schumacher and Pro Stock legend Bob Glidden) have actually had three-peat wins at the Reading event. This means that Tony Schumacher, Jack Beckman, Jeg Coughlin and Matt Smith have a 28% chance of picking up a second-straight win at Maple Grove this weekend.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that several drivers are battling to secure their positions in the Countdown to 1, NHRA’s playoffs, during the final two races of the regular season at Reading and Indianapolis. In Funny Car, Mike Neff, Cruz Pedregon, Matt Hagan and Robert Hight are in a tight duel for the final two spots. In Top Fuel, Clay Millican has a 24-point lead over 11th place Joe Hartley.

Only 46 points separate 10th place Warren Johnson and 11th place Johnny Gray in Pro Stock. Five Pro Stock Motorcycle riders are in the mix for the final two spots, including Shawn Gann, Steve Johnson, Karen Stoffer, Michael Phillips and Junior Pippin. The six-race Countdown to 1 playoffs begins September 18 at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, North Carolina.

	Tony Pedregon earned his third victory of the season at the 28th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

NEWS NUGGETS  

T. PED SHOWS WHY HE’S NO. 1, DESPITE CREW CHIEF WOES IN BRAINERD: Just three days after parting ways with longtime crew chief Dickie Venables and assistant crew chief Kurt Elliott, current Funny Car points leader Tony Pedregon showed why he’s the driver to beat for the championship, when he drove past Ron Capps to earn his third victory of the season at the 28th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

Lucas Oil drivers Morgan Lucas and Hector Arana joined Pedregon in the Winner’s Circle as well as three-time Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson. For Pedregon, the win was bittersweet as the driver entered the event minus his famous engine tuner.

“I’ve been fortunate to be able to drive for guys like Larry Minor and John Force,” said Pedregon. “I’ve learned a lot from them, and I really felt that I’d been through everything, and I really didn’t anticipate this happening on such a short notice. Thursday I knew the reality, and I didn’t really feel like I was in a panic.

"I’m very optimistic, and I really believed that I had a good foundation to work with. I addressed my team when I showed up, and I told them that I really need them.”

The win helped boost Pedregon’s points lead to 28 over second-place Capps and with only two races left before the Countdown to 1 playoffs, Pedregon is hoping to keep that top spot, and the 20-point bonus that comes with it.

For Lucas, the win moved him up the point standings, from seventh to sixth, and locked him into the Countdown playoffs. Anderson’s win was the first of the season and helped to continue his streak of seasons with at least one win, which currently stands at nine. To see how all of your favorite drivers did, visit www.NHRA.com.

K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE RETURNS WITH NEW QUALIFYING FORMAT AND SPECIAL FAN PROMOTION: NHRA has reached an agreement with K&N Engineering to renew its sponsorship of the popular K&N Horsepower Challenge, a lucrative bonus event for Pro Stock competitors. The bonus event will adopt a new qualifying procedure in which a special fan vote will determine the final driver to make the starting lineup, and a special fan promotion will center on a Harley-Davidson giveaway.

The K&N Horsepower Challenge is a special race-within-a-race bonus program for the top Pro Stock drivers in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. The K&N Horsepower Challenge will continue to be conducted at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk.

The race features a special eliminations pairing with eight Pro Stock drivers in the field, including seven who accumulate the most points in qualifying during the 24-race Challenge series and one who is selected to the starting lineup for the event via a special fan vote. For more information on this event, visit www.NHRA.com.

NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES AND McDONALD’S TEAM UP FOR MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS: Fans of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series in the state of Indiana will have the opportunity to participate in a special discount offer for admission to the 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil, September 2–7, at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. Beginning August 18, up to 155 participating Indiana McDonald’s restaurants will feature commemorative cups with the image of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series driver Ashley Force Hood.

Besides becoming  “must have” collector items, the cups will provide a $7 discount for any adult general admission ticket on any day of the world’s most prestigious drag race, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil. Fans must present the cup to the O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis box office to obtain their ticket discount.

To support the program, the Series’ title sponsor, Full Throttle Energy Drink, will be arranging a series of special driver appearances. Headlining the promotion is Ashley Force Hood, driver of the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang. Specific times and locations for driver appearances will be announced in the future. For more details on this promotion, visit a participating Indiana McDonald’s location beginning August 18 while supplies last.

MORE DRIVERS CLINCH SPOTS IN COUNTDOWN PLAYOFFS AT BRAINERD: Top Fuel racers Morgan Lucas, Spencer Massey and Shawn Langdon, Funny Car racer Jack Beckman, and Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Doug Horne, Craig Treble and Hector Arana all locked up their spots in the NHRA’s Countdown to 1 playoffs during Sunday eliminations at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd.

Former NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Matt Smith clinched his spot based on his qualifying efforts and veteran NHRA Top Fuel driver Cory McClenathan clinched his spot by virtue of making his opening qualifying pass in the FRAM Tough Guard dragster. For more information about the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship, visit www.NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

TOYO TIRES NHRA NATIONALS, MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY, AUGUST 20–23: Making its second to last stop for the regular season, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS PRESENTED BY LUCAS OIL, O’REILLY RACEWAY PARK, SEPTEMBER 2–7: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads back to the famed “Big Go”, the world’s most prestigious drag race. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); Dave Connolly (Pro Stock); and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle). 

NHRA CAROLINAS NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, SEPTEMBER 17–20: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads down to the Charlotte area for the second annual event and first race of the Countdown to 1 playoffs. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); Justin Humphreys (Pro Stock); and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle). 

	Top Fuel pilot Morgan Lucas elated after earning his second win of the season at his sponsor’s event.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

WINNING ONE FOR THE MAN WHO PAYS THE BILLS: Top Fuel pilot Morgan Lucas on earning his second win of the season at his sponsor’s event: “It was the best day of my life, and this is the best feeling in the world. I’m still weak. I’ve got goosebumps all over my body, and it’s hot out. I don’t know what to do for the rest of the year because we’ve accomplished all the goals we set: to win multiple races, to qualify No. 1, and to have a team that’s competitive.

"I think we gained all those, and it’s been a really impressive day. I can’t tell you how proud I am and how proud I am of my parents to have given me this opportunity to race and be at this level. It’s a dream come true.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
 
14: That’s the number of drivers who have won back-to-back events at Maple Grove Raceway. Two of those drivers (Top Fuel’s Tony Schumacher and Pro Stock legend Bob Glidden) have actually had three-peat wins at the Reading event. This means that Tony Schumacher, Jack Beckman, Jeg Coughlin and Matt Smith have a 28% chance of picking up a second-straight win at Maple Grove this weekend.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that several drivers are battling to secure their positions in the Countdown to 1, NHRA’s playoffs, during the final two races of the regular season at Reading and Indianapolis. In Funny Car, Mike Neff, Cruz Pedregon, Matt Hagan and Robert Hight are in a tight duel for the final two spots. In Top Fuel, Clay Millican has a 24-point lead over 11th place Joe Hartley.

Only 46 points separate 10th place Warren Johnson and 11th place Johnny Gray in Pro Stock. Five Pro Stock Motorcycle riders are in the mix for the final two spots, including Shawn Gann, Steve Johnson, Karen Stoffer, Michael Phillips and Junior Pippin. The six-race Countdown to 1 playoffs begins September 18 at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, North Carolina.

	Tony Pedregon earned his third victory of the season at the 28th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

NEWS NUGGETS  

T. PED SHOWS WHY HE’S NO. 1, DESPITE CREW CHIEF WOES IN BRAINERD: Just three days after parting ways with longtime crew chief Dickie Venables and assistant crew chief Kurt Elliott, current Funny Car points leader Tony Pedregon showed why he’s the driver to beat for the championship, when he drove past Ron Capps to earn his third victory of the season at the 28th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

Lucas Oil drivers Morgan Lucas and Hector Arana joined Pedregon in the Winner’s Circle as well as three-time Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson. For Pedregon, the win was bittersweet as the driver entered the event minus his famous engine tuner.

“I’ve been fortunate to be able to drive for guys like Larry Minor and John Force,” said Pedregon. “I’ve learned a lot from them, and I really felt that I’d been through everything, and I really didn’t anticipate this happening on such a short notice. Thursday I knew the reality, and I didn’t really feel like I was in a panic.

"I’m very optimistic, and I really believed that I had a good foundation to work with. I addressed my team when I showed up, and I told them that I really need them.”

The win helped boost Pedregon’s points lead to 28 over second-place Capps and with only two races left before the Countdown to 1 playoffs, Pedregon is hoping to keep that top spot, and the 20-point bonus that comes with it.

For Lucas, the win moved him up the point standings, from seventh to sixth, and locked him into the Countdown playoffs. Anderson’s win was the first of the season and helped to continue his streak of seasons with at least one win, which currently stands at nine. To see how all of your favorite drivers did, visit www.NHRA.com.

K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE RETURNS WITH NEW QUALIFYING FORMAT AND SPECIAL FAN PROMOTION: NHRA has reached an agreement with K&N Engineering to renew its sponsorship of the popular K&N Horsepower Challenge, a lucrative bonus event for Pro Stock competitors. The bonus event will adopt a new qualifying procedure in which a special fan vote will determine the final driver to make the starting lineup, and a special fan promotion will center on a Harley-Davidson giveaway.

The K&N Horsepower Challenge is a special race-within-a-race bonus program for the top Pro Stock drivers in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. The K&N Horsepower Challenge will continue to be conducted at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk.

The race features a special eliminations pairing with eight Pro Stock drivers in the field, including seven who accumulate the most points in qualifying during the 24-race Challenge series and one who is selected to the starting lineup for the event via a special fan vote. For more information on this event, visit www.NHRA.com.

NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES AND McDONALD’S TEAM UP FOR MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS: Fans of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series in the state of Indiana will have the opportunity to participate in a special discount offer for admission to the 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil, September 2–7, at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. Beginning August 18, up to 155 participating Indiana McDonald’s restaurants will feature commemorative cups with the image of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series driver Ashley Force Hood.

Besides becoming  “must have” collector items, the cups will provide a $7 discount for any adult general admission ticket on any day of the world’s most prestigious drag race, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil. Fans must present the cup to the O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis box office to obtain their ticket discount.

To support the program, the Series’ title sponsor, Full Throttle Energy Drink, will be arranging a series of special driver appearances. Headlining the promotion is Ashley Force Hood, driver of the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang. Specific times and locations for driver appearances will be announced in the future. For more details on this promotion, visit a participating Indiana McDonald’s location beginning August 18 while supplies last.

MORE DRIVERS CLINCH SPOTS IN COUNTDOWN PLAYOFFS AT BRAINERD: Top Fuel racers Morgan Lucas, Spencer Massey and Shawn Langdon, Funny Car racer Jack Beckman, and Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Doug Horne, Craig Treble and Hector Arana all locked up their spots in the NHRA’s Countdown to 1 playoffs during Sunday eliminations at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd.

Former NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Matt Smith clinched his spot based on his qualifying efforts and veteran NHRA Top Fuel driver Cory McClenathan clinched his spot by virtue of making his opening qualifying pass in the FRAM Tough Guard dragster. For more information about the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship, visit www.NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

TOYO TIRES NHRA NATIONALS, MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY, AUGUST 20–23: Making its second to last stop for the regular season, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS PRESENTED BY LUCAS OIL, O’REILLY RACEWAY PARK, SEPTEMBER 2–7: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads back to the famed “Big Go”, the world’s most prestigious drag race. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); Dave Connolly (Pro Stock); and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle). 

NHRA CAROLINAS NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, SEPTEMBER 17–20: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads down to the Charlotte area for the second annual event and first race of the Countdown to 1 playoffs. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); Justin Humphreys (Pro Stock); and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle). 

	Top Fuel pilot Morgan Lucas elated after earning his second win of the season at his sponsor’s event.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

WINNING ONE FOR THE MAN WHO PAYS THE BILLS: Top Fuel pilot Morgan Lucas on earning his second win of the season at his sponsor’s event: “It was the best day of my life, and this is the best feeling in the world. I’m still weak. I’ve got goosebumps all over my body, and it’s hot out. I don’t know what to do for the rest of the year because we’ve accomplished all the goals we set: to win multiple races, to qualify No. 1, and to have a team that’s competitive.

"I think we gained all those, and it’s been a really impressive day. I can’t tell you how proud I am and how proud I am of my parents to have given me this opportunity to race and be at this level. It’s a dream come true.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
 
14: That’s the number of drivers who have won back-to-back events at Maple Grove Raceway. Two of those drivers (Top Fuel’s Tony Schumacher and Pro Stock legend Bob Glidden) have actually had three-peat wins at the Reading event. This means that Tony Schumacher, Jack Beckman, Jeg Coughlin and Matt Smith have a 28% chance of picking up a second-straight win at Maple Grove this weekend.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that several drivers are battling to secure their positions in the Countdown to 1, NHRA’s playoffs, during the final two races of the regular season at Reading and Indianapolis. In Funny Car, Mike Neff, Cruz Pedregon, Matt Hagan and Robert Hight are in a tight duel for the final two spots. In Top Fuel, Clay Millican has a 24-point lead over 11th place Joe Hartley.

Only 46 points separate 10th place Warren Johnson and 11th place Johnny Gray in Pro Stock. Five Pro Stock Motorcycle riders are in the mix for the final two spots, including Shawn Gann, Steve Johnson, Karen Stoffer, Michael Phillips and Junior Pippin. The six-race Countdown to 1 playoffs begins September 18 at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, North Carolina.

	Tony Pedregon earned his third victory of the season at the 28th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

NEWS NUGGETS  

T. PED SHOWS WHY HE’S NO. 1, DESPITE CREW CHIEF WOES IN BRAINERD: Just three days after parting ways with longtime crew chief Dickie Venables and assistant crew chief Kurt Elliott, current Funny Car points leader Tony Pedregon showed why he’s the driver to beat for the championship, when he drove past Ron Capps to earn his third victory of the season at the 28th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

Lucas Oil drivers Morgan Lucas and Hector Arana joined Pedregon in the Winner’s Circle as well as three-time Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson. For Pedregon, the win was bittersweet as the driver entered the event minus his famous engine tuner.

“I’ve been fortunate to be able to drive for guys like Larry Minor and John Force,” said Pedregon. “I’ve learned a lot from them, and I really felt that I’d been through everything, and I really didn’t anticipate this happening on such a short notice. Thursday I knew the reality, and I didn’t really feel like I was in a panic.

"I’m very optimistic, and I really believed that I had a good foundation to work with. I addressed my team when I showed up, and I told them that I really need them.”

The win helped boost Pedregon’s points lead to 28 over second-place Capps and with only two races left before the Countdown to 1 playoffs, Pedregon is hoping to keep that top spot, and the 20-point bonus that comes with it.

For Lucas, the win moved him up the point standings, from seventh to sixth, and locked him into the Countdown playoffs. Anderson’s win was the first of the season and helped to continue his streak of seasons with at least one win, which currently stands at nine. To see how all of your favorite drivers did, visit www.NHRA.com.

K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE RETURNS WITH NEW QUALIFYING FORMAT AND SPECIAL FAN PROMOTION: NHRA has reached an agreement with K&N Engineering to renew its sponsorship of the popular K&N Horsepower Challenge, a lucrative bonus event for Pro Stock competitors. The bonus event will adopt a new qualifying procedure in which a special fan vote will determine the final driver to make the starting lineup, and a special fan promotion will center on a Harley-Davidson giveaway.

The K&N Horsepower Challenge is a special race-within-a-race bonus program for the top Pro Stock drivers in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. The K&N Horsepower Challenge will continue to be conducted at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk.

The race features a special eliminations pairing with eight Pro Stock drivers in the field, including seven who accumulate the most points in qualifying during the 24-race Challenge series and one who is selected to the starting lineup for the event via a special fan vote. For more information on this event, visit www.NHRA.com.

NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES AND McDONALD’S TEAM UP FOR MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS: Fans of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series in the state of Indiana will have the opportunity to participate in a special discount offer for admission to the 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil, September 2–7, at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. Beginning August 18, up to 155 participating Indiana McDonald’s restaurants will feature commemorative cups with the image of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series driver Ashley Force Hood.

Besides becoming  “must have” collector items, the cups will provide a $7 discount for any adult general admission ticket on any day of the world’s most prestigious drag race, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil. Fans must present the cup to the O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis box office to obtain their ticket discount.

To support the program, the Series’ title sponsor, Full Throttle Energy Drink, will be arranging a series of special driver appearances. Headlining the promotion is Ashley Force Hood, driver of the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang. Specific times and locations for driver appearances will be announced in the future. For more details on this promotion, visit a participating Indiana McDonald’s location beginning August 18 while supplies last.

MORE DRIVERS CLINCH SPOTS IN COUNTDOWN PLAYOFFS AT BRAINERD: Top Fuel racers Morgan Lucas, Spencer Massey and Shawn Langdon, Funny Car racer Jack Beckman, and Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Doug Horne, Craig Treble and Hector Arana all locked up their spots in the NHRA’s Countdown to 1 playoffs during Sunday eliminations at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd.

Former NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Matt Smith clinched his spot based on his qualifying efforts and veteran NHRA Top Fuel driver Cory McClenathan clinched his spot by virtue of making his opening qualifying pass in the FRAM Tough Guard dragster. For more information about the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship, visit www.NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

TOYO TIRES NHRA NATIONALS, MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY, AUGUST 20–23: Making its second to last stop for the regular season, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS PRESENTED BY LUCAS OIL, O’REILLY RACEWAY PARK, SEPTEMBER 2–7: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads back to the famed “Big Go”, the world’s most prestigious drag race. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); Dave Connolly (Pro Stock); and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle). 

NHRA CAROLINAS NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, SEPTEMBER 17–20: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads down to the Charlotte area for the second annual event and first race of the Countdown to 1 playoffs. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); Justin Humphreys (Pro Stock); and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle). 

	Top Fuel pilot Morgan Lucas elated after earning his second win of the season at his sponsor’s event.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

WINNING ONE FOR THE MAN WHO PAYS THE BILLS: Top Fuel pilot Morgan Lucas on earning his second win of the season at his sponsor’s event: “It was the best day of my life, and this is the best feeling in the world. I’m still weak. I’ve got goosebumps all over my body, and it’s hot out. I don’t know what to do for the rest of the year because we’ve accomplished all the goals we set: to win multiple races, to qualify No. 1, and to have a team that’s competitive.

"I think we gained all those, and it’s been a really impressive day. I can’t tell you how proud I am and how proud I am of my parents to have given me this opportunity to race and be at this level. It’s a dream come true.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
 
14: That’s the number of drivers who have won back-to-back events at Maple Grove Raceway. Two of those drivers (Top Fuel’s Tony Schumacher and Pro Stock legend Bob Glidden) have actually had three-peat wins at the Reading event. This means that Tony Schumacher, Jack Beckman, Jeg Coughlin and Matt Smith have a 28% chance of picking up a second-straight win at Maple Grove this weekend.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that several drivers are battling to secure their positions in the Countdown to 1, NHRA’s playoffs, during the final two races of the regular season at Reading and Indianapolis. In Funny Car, Mike Neff, Cruz Pedregon, Matt Hagan and Robert Hight are in a tight duel for the final two spots. In Top Fuel, Clay Millican has a 24-point lead over 11th place Joe Hartley.

Only 46 points separate 10th place Warren Johnson and 11th place Johnny Gray in Pro Stock. Five Pro Stock Motorcycle riders are in the mix for the final two spots, including Shawn Gann, Steve Johnson, Karen Stoffer, Michael Phillips and Junior Pippin. The six-race Countdown to 1 playoffs begins September 18 at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, North Carolina.

	Jump aboard the Buyer Bus to the 2009 SEMA Show from multiple locations througout Southern California.

For just $25 roundtrip, buyers can travel to the 2009 SEMA Show in deluxe, air-conditioned motor coaches from four Southern California locations. Buses leave Tuesday, November 3, at 7:00 a.m. from the following four locations, and arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) for the first day of the Show:

• Los Angeles area: Union Station, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Anaheim area: Park & Ride Lot, Orangethorpe & Magnolia, Fullerton, CA 92833
• San Diego area: Park & Ride Lot, Via Rancho Parkway & Del Lago Blvd., Escondido, CA 92029
• Inland Empire area: Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station, 11208 Azusa Ct., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Register now!

With more than one full day to explore the 2 million sq.-ft. Las Vegas Convention Center, buyers will be able to meet with manufacturers and discover the newest products about to hit the market before the return trip from the LVCC on Wednesday, November 4 at 5:00 p.m.

"The Bus Program is a great alternative for those who are concerned about increasing gas prices and tiresome plane trips," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "Participants will find this to be affordable and convenient."

For additional details and registration, click here.

Other programs that make attending the 2009 SEMA Show easier and more affordable than ever include negotiated low room rates with hotels throughout Las Vegas, outbound phone calls from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau ensuring that potential attendees are aware of this year's special promotions, targeted marketing pieces, niche-specific promotions and more.

To register for the Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	Jump aboard the Buyer Bus to the 2009 SEMA Show from multiple locations througout Southern California.

For just $25 roundtrip, buyers can travel to the 2009 SEMA Show in deluxe, air-conditioned motor coaches from four Southern California locations. Buses leave Tuesday, November 3, at 7:00 a.m. from the following four locations, and arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) for the first day of the Show:

• Los Angeles area: Union Station, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Anaheim area: Park & Ride Lot, Orangethorpe & Magnolia, Fullerton, CA 92833
• San Diego area: Park & Ride Lot, Via Rancho Parkway & Del Lago Blvd., Escondido, CA 92029
• Inland Empire area: Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station, 11208 Azusa Ct., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Register now!

With more than one full day to explore the 2 million sq.-ft. Las Vegas Convention Center, buyers will be able to meet with manufacturers and discover the newest products about to hit the market before the return trip from the LVCC on Wednesday, November 4 at 5:00 p.m.

"The Bus Program is a great alternative for those who are concerned about increasing gas prices and tiresome plane trips," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "Participants will find this to be affordable and convenient."

For additional details and registration, click here.

Other programs that make attending the 2009 SEMA Show easier and more affordable than ever include negotiated low room rates with hotels throughout Las Vegas, outbound phone calls from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau ensuring that potential attendees are aware of this year's special promotions, targeted marketing pieces, niche-specific promotions and more.

To register for the Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	Jump aboard the Buyer Bus to the 2009 SEMA Show from multiple locations througout Southern California.

For just $25 roundtrip, buyers can travel to the 2009 SEMA Show in deluxe, air-conditioned motor coaches from four Southern California locations. Buses leave Tuesday, November 3, at 7:00 a.m. from the following four locations, and arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) for the first day of the Show:

• Los Angeles area: Union Station, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Anaheim area: Park & Ride Lot, Orangethorpe & Magnolia, Fullerton, CA 92833
• San Diego area: Park & Ride Lot, Via Rancho Parkway & Del Lago Blvd., Escondido, CA 92029
• Inland Empire area: Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station, 11208 Azusa Ct., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Register now!

With more than one full day to explore the 2 million sq.-ft. Las Vegas Convention Center, buyers will be able to meet with manufacturers and discover the newest products about to hit the market before the return trip from the LVCC on Wednesday, November 4 at 5:00 p.m.

"The Bus Program is a great alternative for those who are concerned about increasing gas prices and tiresome plane trips," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "Participants will find this to be affordable and convenient."

For additional details and registration, click here.

Other programs that make attending the 2009 SEMA Show easier and more affordable than ever include negotiated low room rates with hotels throughout Las Vegas, outbound phone calls from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau ensuring that potential attendees are aware of this year's special promotions, targeted marketing pieces, niche-specific promotions and more.

To register for the Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.