Providing SEMA members with access to affordable insurance is our top legislative priority. Now is the time for members to contact their elected officials in support of reforms to stabilize and reduce costs. Here is how you can help.

• Contact your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators immediately by phone,
  fax or e-mail. Find Your Legislator here.
• Request that your lawmakers pass legislation that will provide access to affordable insurance for the estimated 27 million small business owners, employees and dependents who are now uninsured.

To follow are suggested talking points. We also encourage you to personalize the message—talk about how rising health care premiums and a lack of competition has made it difficult for your business and your workers to have access to adequate coverage.

• Exchanges: A prime necessity of any reform effort is to allow small businesses to pool their resources when shopping for insurance. Lawmakers must allow the formation of “exchanges” or other ways to offer small businesses a wide range of health plan choices. It is critical that lawmakers define “small business” as covering firms with up to 50 workers, not the 20 or fewer limit that is being discussed.

• Employer Mandate: A mandate that employers offer insurance to employees or pay a tax (“pay or play”) will translate into business failures, a transfer of employees from private plans to a public option, or a downgrading of existing coverage to the required minimum. Rather than imposing another government requirement on employers that are struggling to provide jobs to the American workforce, lawmakers must focus more attention on ways to reduce insurance costs since this will ultimately be the mechanism for ensuring voluntary employer participation.

• Tort Reform: The problem of unnecessary medical tests and procedures persists, yet Congress continues to overlook reasonable tort reform. Imposing reasonable and predictable caps on punitive damages and attorney fees will end the billions of dollars spent each year on defensive medical practices.

• Private Sector: The system should continue to rely on private sector insurance to the maximum extent possible. A government-run “public plan” which competes with private insurers will likely siphon away millions of customers from private plans, be an incentive for employers to drop coverage in favor of the government plan, and balloon the federal deficit. Despite its flaws, the current system provides excellent coverage to an estimated 177 million Americans that receive employer-based insurance.

• Public Consensus: Skyrocketing health care costs have created a dysfunctional system in which employers are dropping insurance and premiums are rising for those who still have it. The public must understand what is being proposed and the legislation must have widespread support.

Thank you for your prompt attention. Please e-mail copies of letters to Stuart Gosswein.

Providing SEMA members with access to affordable insurance is our top legislative priority. Now is the time for members to contact their elected officials in support of reforms to stabilize and reduce costs. Here is how you can help.

• Contact your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators immediately by phone,
  fax or e-mail. Find Your Legislator here.
• Request that your lawmakers pass legislation that will provide access to affordable insurance for the estimated 27 million small business owners, employees and dependents who are now uninsured.

To follow are suggested talking points. We also encourage you to personalize the message—talk about how rising health care premiums and a lack of competition has made it difficult for your business and your workers to have access to adequate coverage.

• Exchanges: A prime necessity of any reform effort is to allow small businesses to pool their resources when shopping for insurance. Lawmakers must allow the formation of “exchanges” or other ways to offer small businesses a wide range of health plan choices. It is critical that lawmakers define “small business” as covering firms with up to 50 workers, not the 20 or fewer limit that is being discussed.

• Employer Mandate: A mandate that employers offer insurance to employees or pay a tax (“pay or play”) will translate into business failures, a transfer of employees from private plans to a public option, or a downgrading of existing coverage to the required minimum. Rather than imposing another government requirement on employers that are struggling to provide jobs to the American workforce, lawmakers must focus more attention on ways to reduce insurance costs since this will ultimately be the mechanism for ensuring voluntary employer participation.

• Tort Reform: The problem of unnecessary medical tests and procedures persists, yet Congress continues to overlook reasonable tort reform. Imposing reasonable and predictable caps on punitive damages and attorney fees will end the billions of dollars spent each year on defensive medical practices.

• Private Sector: The system should continue to rely on private sector insurance to the maximum extent possible. A government-run “public plan” which competes with private insurers will likely siphon away millions of customers from private plans, be an incentive for employers to drop coverage in favor of the government plan, and balloon the federal deficit. Despite its flaws, the current system provides excellent coverage to an estimated 177 million Americans that receive employer-based insurance.

• Public Consensus: Skyrocketing health care costs have created a dysfunctional system in which employers are dropping insurance and premiums are rising for those who still have it. The public must understand what is being proposed and the legislation must have widespread support.

Thank you for your prompt attention. Please e-mail copies of letters to Stuart Gosswein.

	John Force

NEWS NUGGETS

HISTORY IN BRAINERD COULD TURN THE TIDE FOR LEGENDARY FORCE: It’s one of the most impressive records in all of motorsports: 22 consecutive seasons with at least one win—the most in NHRA history. The closest driver to that mark, Pro Stock’s Kurt Johnson, is still eight seasons short of matching that record.

Since 1987, NHRA legend John Force has never had a season in which he didn’t collect at least one win. In fact, during that 22-year span, there have been only three seasons that he scored less than two wins, the first in 1987, the second in 1989, and the third, just this past season in 2008.

Now with only nine events left in the 2009 Full Throttle Drag Racing season, the reality begins to set in for arguably the most famous driver in all of drag racing. The record could be coming to an end. But history may have a different story to tell as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to northern Minnesota for the 28th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

To say that the legendary Force has been successful in Brainerd would be a huge understatement. Not only does he have 11 wins, the most of any driver at a single event, but history would say that Force has as good a chance as any of breaking his winless streak in Brainerd, where his last win came in 2007. Though Force isn’t the only driver on that list looking to continue his winning streak (second-place driver Kurt Johnson has yet to win this season, while Greg Anderson, currently tied for third-place with Tony Schumacher, is also winless so far in 2009), he is definitely the one with possibly the most to lose.

A win would continue the streak, but even more than that, it would push Force further up in the point standings. Further away from his current eighth spot, where he, teammates Mike Neff and Robert Hight, Cruz Pedregon and Matt Hagan, are all battling to get those final few spots in the Top 10 before the cutoff point in less than a month at the historic Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil.

Though only time will tell when or if this record will fall, one thing is for sure: The 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season will be one that many, including Force, may never forget.

Red Line Oil continues its sponsorship of Top Fuel's Doug Kalitta.

RED LINE OIL TO CONTINUE SPONSORSHIP OF KALITTA IN BRAINERD AND BEYOND: Top Fuel racer Doug Kalitta will once again carry the banner for Red Line Oil on his dragster at this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway and for the two following NHRA events. Red Line Oil, who previously sponsored Kalitta’s dragster at the FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals in Sonoma, California, two weeks ago, decided to extend their partnership with Kalitta Motorsports for Brainerd, as well as the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals, August 20–23 at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania, and the most prestigious drag racing event in the world, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, September 2–7, at historic O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis.

“We’re really pleased that Red Line will continue as our primary partner for the next three events,” said crew chief Jim Oberhofer. “Our partnership with Red Line has been and continues to be exceptionally beneficial to both of us. Red Line has been great to us over the years and having their extra support for these next three events will be a big boost for the team. Plus the race car does look awesome going down the race track.”

L.A.’S WESTSIDE NEW HOME FOR NHRA FULL THROTTLE AWARDS CEREMONY: The 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony will be held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles’ posh Westside on Monday, November 16. NHRA also announced that the entire NHRA Full Throttle Awards Ceremony will be broadcast on the Web at www.NHRA.com on Wednesday, November 18, at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT. It marks the first time the full event will be available to fans via the Internet.

Perfectly situated on the fashionable Westside, adjacent to Beverly Hills, the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza sits on seven acres with 726 newly renovated spacious guest rooms and a world-class spa and fitness center, making the property a luxury resort hotel situated in the heart of the city. The invitation-only, black-tie event, where NHRA will crown its Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world champions in all four Professional categories, will feature a pre-event cocktail reception at 5:00 p.m., followed by a formal sit-down banquet and an after party. The property also will play host to the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony, scheduled earlier in the day.

MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY, DSR, READING EAGLE TEAM UP ON A SUITE CONTEST: Maple Grove Raceway, Don Schumacher Racing and the Reading Eagle are teaming up to offer fans a chance to win four suite tickets for the 25th annual Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals, August 20–23 in Reading, Pennsylvania. The grand prize includes four suite tickets and lunch in the DSR hospitality area each day. Second prize is two reserved tickets for Sunday’s eliminations. Third prize is two reserved seats for Saturday qualifying, while fourth and fifth prizes are two general-admission tickets for Friday’s qualifying.

To win, contestants must cut out and fill their contest entry form with game pieces featuring different DSR drivers. Entries are due, via mail, by August 12, and a random drawing will be held August 13. Winners will then pick up tickets at the Reading Eagle’s office in downtown Reading.

For more information, call Maple Grove Raceway, 610/856-9200, or visit www.maplegroveraceway.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS, BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, AUGUST 13–16: Heading back to the northern part of Minnesota, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series prepares for this historical event. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Kurt Johnson (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

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).

	Tim Wilkerson

HE SAID, SHE SAID

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson on using the final three races in the regular season to prepare for the Countdown to 1 playoffs: “Everything we do right now is tied to the Countdown. Every spot on the qualifying ladder is important, because those single points could move you up or down in the Countdown.

"Every round is bigger than ever, because you’ve got a pretty good chance of racing against another Countdown car and those head-to-head match-ups are like a 40-point swing to whoever wins them, if you know what I mean. The goal was to get in, and it looks like we’ve done that, and now the next goal is to stay as high up in the standings as possible, to give ourselves the best possible shot.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

3: That’s the number of wins six-time world champion Tony Schumacher has at Brainerd International Raceway. That’s also the number of wins Schumacher needs to tie Top Fuel legend Joe Amato for the most wins in the Top Fuel category at Brainerd.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that Brainerd International Raceway has a three-mile, 10-turn road course? The drag strip also serves as the main straightaway during road course events.

	John Force

NEWS NUGGETS

HISTORY IN BRAINERD COULD TURN THE TIDE FOR LEGENDARY FORCE: It’s one of the most impressive records in all of motorsports: 22 consecutive seasons with at least one win—the most in NHRA history. The closest driver to that mark, Pro Stock’s Kurt Johnson, is still eight seasons short of matching that record.

Since 1987, NHRA legend John Force has never had a season in which he didn’t collect at least one win. In fact, during that 22-year span, there have been only three seasons that he scored less than two wins, the first in 1987, the second in 1989, and the third, just this past season in 2008.

Now with only nine events left in the 2009 Full Throttle Drag Racing season, the reality begins to set in for arguably the most famous driver in all of drag racing. The record could be coming to an end. But history may have a different story to tell as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to northern Minnesota for the 28th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

To say that the legendary Force has been successful in Brainerd would be a huge understatement. Not only does he have 11 wins, the most of any driver at a single event, but history would say that Force has as good a chance as any of breaking his winless streak in Brainerd, where his last win came in 2007. Though Force isn’t the only driver on that list looking to continue his winning streak (second-place driver Kurt Johnson has yet to win this season, while Greg Anderson, currently tied for third-place with Tony Schumacher, is also winless so far in 2009), he is definitely the one with possibly the most to lose.

A win would continue the streak, but even more than that, it would push Force further up in the point standings. Further away from his current eighth spot, where he, teammates Mike Neff and Robert Hight, Cruz Pedregon and Matt Hagan, are all battling to get those final few spots in the Top 10 before the cutoff point in less than a month at the historic Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil.

Though only time will tell when or if this record will fall, one thing is for sure: The 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season will be one that many, including Force, may never forget.

Red Line Oil continues its sponsorship of Top Fuel's Doug Kalitta.

RED LINE OIL TO CONTINUE SPONSORSHIP OF KALITTA IN BRAINERD AND BEYOND: Top Fuel racer Doug Kalitta will once again carry the banner for Red Line Oil on his dragster at this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway and for the two following NHRA events. Red Line Oil, who previously sponsored Kalitta’s dragster at the FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals in Sonoma, California, two weeks ago, decided to extend their partnership with Kalitta Motorsports for Brainerd, as well as the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals, August 20–23 at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania, and the most prestigious drag racing event in the world, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, September 2–7, at historic O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis.

“We’re really pleased that Red Line will continue as our primary partner for the next three events,” said crew chief Jim Oberhofer. “Our partnership with Red Line has been and continues to be exceptionally beneficial to both of us. Red Line has been great to us over the years and having their extra support for these next three events will be a big boost for the team. Plus the race car does look awesome going down the race track.”

L.A.’S WESTSIDE NEW HOME FOR NHRA FULL THROTTLE AWARDS CEREMONY: The 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony will be held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles’ posh Westside on Monday, November 16. NHRA also announced that the entire NHRA Full Throttle Awards Ceremony will be broadcast on the Web at www.NHRA.com on Wednesday, November 18, at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT. It marks the first time the full event will be available to fans via the Internet.

Perfectly situated on the fashionable Westside, adjacent to Beverly Hills, the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza sits on seven acres with 726 newly renovated spacious guest rooms and a world-class spa and fitness center, making the property a luxury resort hotel situated in the heart of the city. The invitation-only, black-tie event, where NHRA will crown its Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world champions in all four Professional categories, will feature a pre-event cocktail reception at 5:00 p.m., followed by a formal sit-down banquet and an after party. The property also will play host to the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony, scheduled earlier in the day.

MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY, DSR, READING EAGLE TEAM UP ON A SUITE CONTEST: Maple Grove Raceway, Don Schumacher Racing and the Reading Eagle are teaming up to offer fans a chance to win four suite tickets for the 25th annual Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals, August 20–23 in Reading, Pennsylvania. The grand prize includes four suite tickets and lunch in the DSR hospitality area each day. Second prize is two reserved tickets for Sunday’s eliminations. Third prize is two reserved seats for Saturday qualifying, while fourth and fifth prizes are two general-admission tickets for Friday’s qualifying.

To win, contestants must cut out and fill their contest entry form with game pieces featuring different DSR drivers. Entries are due, via mail, by August 12, and a random drawing will be held August 13. Winners will then pick up tickets at the Reading Eagle’s office in downtown Reading.

For more information, call Maple Grove Raceway, 610/856-9200, or visit www.maplegroveraceway.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS, BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, AUGUST 13–16: Heading back to the northern part of Minnesota, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series prepares for this historical event. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Kurt Johnson (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

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).

	Tim Wilkerson

HE SAID, SHE SAID

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson on using the final three races in the regular season to prepare for the Countdown to 1 playoffs: “Everything we do right now is tied to the Countdown. Every spot on the qualifying ladder is important, because those single points could move you up or down in the Countdown.

"Every round is bigger than ever, because you’ve got a pretty good chance of racing against another Countdown car and those head-to-head match-ups are like a 40-point swing to whoever wins them, if you know what I mean. The goal was to get in, and it looks like we’ve done that, and now the next goal is to stay as high up in the standings as possible, to give ourselves the best possible shot.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

3: That’s the number of wins six-time world champion Tony Schumacher has at Brainerd International Raceway. That’s also the number of wins Schumacher needs to tie Top Fuel legend Joe Amato for the most wins in the Top Fuel category at Brainerd.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that Brainerd International Raceway has a three-mile, 10-turn road course? The drag strip also serves as the main straightaway during road course events.

	John Force

NEWS NUGGETS

HISTORY IN BRAINERD COULD TURN THE TIDE FOR LEGENDARY FORCE: It’s one of the most impressive records in all of motorsports: 22 consecutive seasons with at least one win—the most in NHRA history. The closest driver to that mark, Pro Stock’s Kurt Johnson, is still eight seasons short of matching that record.

Since 1987, NHRA legend John Force has never had a season in which he didn’t collect at least one win. In fact, during that 22-year span, there have been only three seasons that he scored less than two wins, the first in 1987, the second in 1989, and the third, just this past season in 2008.

Now with only nine events left in the 2009 Full Throttle Drag Racing season, the reality begins to set in for arguably the most famous driver in all of drag racing. The record could be coming to an end. But history may have a different story to tell as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to northern Minnesota for the 28th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

To say that the legendary Force has been successful in Brainerd would be a huge understatement. Not only does he have 11 wins, the most of any driver at a single event, but history would say that Force has as good a chance as any of breaking his winless streak in Brainerd, where his last win came in 2007. Though Force isn’t the only driver on that list looking to continue his winning streak (second-place driver Kurt Johnson has yet to win this season, while Greg Anderson, currently tied for third-place with Tony Schumacher, is also winless so far in 2009), he is definitely the one with possibly the most to lose.

A win would continue the streak, but even more than that, it would push Force further up in the point standings. Further away from his current eighth spot, where he, teammates Mike Neff and Robert Hight, Cruz Pedregon and Matt Hagan, are all battling to get those final few spots in the Top 10 before the cutoff point in less than a month at the historic Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil.

Though only time will tell when or if this record will fall, one thing is for sure: The 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season will be one that many, including Force, may never forget.

Red Line Oil continues its sponsorship of Top Fuel's Doug Kalitta.

RED LINE OIL TO CONTINUE SPONSORSHIP OF KALITTA IN BRAINERD AND BEYOND: Top Fuel racer Doug Kalitta will once again carry the banner for Red Line Oil on his dragster at this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway and for the two following NHRA events. Red Line Oil, who previously sponsored Kalitta’s dragster at the FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals in Sonoma, California, two weeks ago, decided to extend their partnership with Kalitta Motorsports for Brainerd, as well as the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals, August 20–23 at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania, and the most prestigious drag racing event in the world, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, September 2–7, at historic O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis.

“We’re really pleased that Red Line will continue as our primary partner for the next three events,” said crew chief Jim Oberhofer. “Our partnership with Red Line has been and continues to be exceptionally beneficial to both of us. Red Line has been great to us over the years and having their extra support for these next three events will be a big boost for the team. Plus the race car does look awesome going down the race track.”

L.A.’S WESTSIDE NEW HOME FOR NHRA FULL THROTTLE AWARDS CEREMONY: The 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony will be held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles’ posh Westside on Monday, November 16. NHRA also announced that the entire NHRA Full Throttle Awards Ceremony will be broadcast on the Web at www.NHRA.com on Wednesday, November 18, at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT. It marks the first time the full event will be available to fans via the Internet.

Perfectly situated on the fashionable Westside, adjacent to Beverly Hills, the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza sits on seven acres with 726 newly renovated spacious guest rooms and a world-class spa and fitness center, making the property a luxury resort hotel situated in the heart of the city. The invitation-only, black-tie event, where NHRA will crown its Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world champions in all four Professional categories, will feature a pre-event cocktail reception at 5:00 p.m., followed by a formal sit-down banquet and an after party. The property also will play host to the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony, scheduled earlier in the day.

MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY, DSR, READING EAGLE TEAM UP ON A SUITE CONTEST: Maple Grove Raceway, Don Schumacher Racing and the Reading Eagle are teaming up to offer fans a chance to win four suite tickets for the 25th annual Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals, August 20–23 in Reading, Pennsylvania. The grand prize includes four suite tickets and lunch in the DSR hospitality area each day. Second prize is two reserved tickets for Sunday’s eliminations. Third prize is two reserved seats for Saturday qualifying, while fourth and fifth prizes are two general-admission tickets for Friday’s qualifying.

To win, contestants must cut out and fill their contest entry form with game pieces featuring different DSR drivers. Entries are due, via mail, by August 12, and a random drawing will be held August 13. Winners will then pick up tickets at the Reading Eagle’s office in downtown Reading.

For more information, call Maple Grove Raceway, 610/856-9200, or visit www.maplegroveraceway.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS, BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, AUGUST 13–16: Heading back to the northern part of Minnesota, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series prepares for this historical event. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Kurt Johnson (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

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).

	Tim Wilkerson

HE SAID, SHE SAID

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson on using the final three races in the regular season to prepare for the Countdown to 1 playoffs: “Everything we do right now is tied to the Countdown. Every spot on the qualifying ladder is important, because those single points could move you up or down in the Countdown.

"Every round is bigger than ever, because you’ve got a pretty good chance of racing against another Countdown car and those head-to-head match-ups are like a 40-point swing to whoever wins them, if you know what I mean. The goal was to get in, and it looks like we’ve done that, and now the next goal is to stay as high up in the standings as possible, to give ourselves the best possible shot.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

3: That’s the number of wins six-time world champion Tony Schumacher has at Brainerd International Raceway. That’s also the number of wins Schumacher needs to tie Top Fuel legend Joe Amato for the most wins in the Top Fuel category at Brainerd.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that Brainerd International Raceway has a three-mile, 10-turn road course? The drag strip also serves as the main straightaway during road course events.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 SEMA WD of the Year Award. As a SEMA member, your participation in submitting your nomination of the 2009 SEMA WD of the Year Award enables the selection task force to make the final decision. Your vote is important since it automatically places the warehouse distributor of your choice on the list of candidates for this prestigious award.

We request that you study the WD of the Year Award Criteria before making your selection, remembering that all SEMA member warehouse distributors are eligible, regardless of size. Your nomination is confidential, and we encourage your comments as to why the warehouse of your choice is deserving of this award.

Please submit your 2009 SEMA WD of the Year Nomination Form by Friday, August 28, 2009.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289 ext. 103 or e-mail stacib@sema.org.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 SEMA WD of the Year Award. As a SEMA member, your participation in submitting your nomination of the 2009 SEMA WD of the Year Award enables the selection task force to make the final decision. Your vote is important since it automatically places the warehouse distributor of your choice on the list of candidates for this prestigious award.

We request that you study the WD of the Year Award Criteria before making your selection, remembering that all SEMA member warehouse distributors are eligible, regardless of size. Your nomination is confidential, and we encourage your comments as to why the warehouse of your choice is deserving of this award.

Please submit your 2009 SEMA WD of the Year Nomination Form by Friday, August 28, 2009.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289 ext. 103 or e-mail stacib@sema.org.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 SEMA WD of the Year Award. As a SEMA member, your participation in submitting your nomination of the 2009 SEMA WD of the Year Award enables the selection task force to make the final decision. Your vote is important since it automatically places the warehouse distributor of your choice on the list of candidates for this prestigious award.

We request that you study the WD of the Year Award Criteria before making your selection, remembering that all SEMA member warehouse distributors are eligible, regardless of size. Your nomination is confidential, and we encourage your comments as to why the warehouse of your choice is deserving of this award.

Please submit your 2009 SEMA WD of the Year Nomination Form by Friday, August 28, 2009.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289 ext. 103 or e-mail stacib@sema.org.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 SEMA WD of the Year Award. As a SEMA member, your participation in submitting your nomination of the 2009 SEMA WD of the Year Award enables the selection task force to make the final decision. Your vote is important since it automatically places the warehouse distributor of your choice on the list of candidates for this prestigious award.

We request that you study the WD of the Year Award Criteria before making your selection, remembering that all SEMA member warehouse distributors are eligible, regardless of size. Your nomination is confidential, and we encourage your comments as to why the warehouse of your choice is deserving of this award.

Please submit your 2009 SEMA WD of the Year Nomination Form by Friday, August 28, 2009.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289 ext. 103 or e-mail stacib@sema.org.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 SEMA WD of the Year Award. As a SEMA member, your participation in submitting your nomination of the 2009 SEMA WD of the Year Award enables the selection task force to make the final decision. Your vote is important since it automatically places the warehouse distributor of your choice on the list of candidates for this prestigious award.

We request that you study the WD of the Year Award Criteria before making your selection, remembering that all SEMA member warehouse distributors are eligible, regardless of size. Your nomination is confidential, and we encourage your comments as to why the warehouse of your choice is deserving of this award.

Please submit your 2009 SEMA WD of the Year Nomination Form by Friday, August 28, 2009.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289 ext. 103 or e-mail stacib@sema.org.