NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace and chef Guy Fieri are two of many motorsports and celeb icons donating signed cars to the SEMA Pinewood Drag Race.

More than 50 drivers from NASCAR, IRL and NHRA, as well as entertainment and industry celebrities, are offering autographed cars at the Pinewood Drag Race, held in conjunction with the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

High-profile figures such as Carroll Shelby, Helio Castroneves, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Larry Dixon, Clint Black and Chuck Norris have penned their signatures to pinewood cars to appear at the Pinewood Drag Race.

Watch eNews for additional updates on how to get your hands on special, one-of-a-kind memorabilia and continue reading for a current list of figures who have signed their names to pinewood draggers.

Cars Need Sponsors!
Proceeds from the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, including the Pinewood Drag Race, directly benefit the children of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Recently the kids at both charities participated in a day of building pinewood drag cars.

Gregory Parker, committee chairman for the Pinewood Drag Race, said that the children built about 350 cars during two different project days.

“The build days we had this year were simply fantastic," Parker said. "We had a build day in North Carolina at the Victory Junction Gang Camp on May 2nd and another one at Childhelp Village in California on May 16th.

“We helped kids from both groups build about 350 cars and each one is unique. The joy on their faces as they build their own racers and race them down the tracks is something to see.

“Now we just need to get the racers sponsored by individuals and companies and raise some money for these kids. I hope that everyone out there hearing this message will participate in some way. The kids really need our help now more than ever."

You Be The Judge
The SEMA Show 'N Shine charity car show, held in conjunction with the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, needs volunteer judges. If you’ve got a discerning eye for automotive detail, we could use your help. Contact Mike Spagnola to get involved.

Signed Pinewood Draggers include:

• Bobby Allison
• Carroll Shelby
• Craig Breedlove
• Don Garlits
• Mario Andretti
• Richard Petty
• Janet Guthrie
• Connie Kalitta
• Alex Lloyd, IRL
• Dario Franchitti, IRL
• Helio Castroneves, IRL
• Danica Patrick, IRL
• Marco Andretti, IRL
• Ryan Briscoe, IRL
• Sarah Fisher, IRL
• Scott Dixon, IRL
• Will Power, IRL
• A.J. Almindinger, NASCAR
• Bobby Labonte, NASCAR
• Carl Edwards, NASCAR
• Casey Mears, NASCAR
• Clint Bowyer, NASCAR
• Denny Hamlin, NASCAR
• Elliot Sadler, NASCAR
• Greg Biffle, NASCAR
• Jamie McMurray, NASCAR
• Jeff Burton, NASCAR
• Jeff Gordon, NASCAR
• Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR
• Joey Logano, NASCAR
• Kasey Kahne, NASCAR
• Kevin Harvick, NASCAR
• Kurt Busch, NASCAR
• Kyle Busch, NASCAR
• Mark Martin, NASCAR
• Matt Kenseth, NASCAR
• Michael Waltrip, NASCAR
• Ryan Newman, NASCAR
• Sam Hornish Jr., NASCAR
• Steve & Rusty Wallace, NASCAR
• Tony Stewart, NASCAR
• Cruz Pedregon, NHRA
• Jack Beckman, NHRA
• Larry Dixon, NHRA
• Matt Hagan, NHRA
• Tony Pedregon, NHRA
• Doug Kalitta, NHRA
• Jeff Arend, NHRA
• Hillary Will, NHRA
• Greg Anderson, NHRA
• Clint Black, Musician/Performer
• Lee Greenwood, Musician/Performer
• Chuck Norris, movie/TV icon
• Vida Guerra, "Livin' The Low Life"
• Dennis Gage, "My Classic Car"
• Chip Foose, "Overhaulin'"
• Ryan Friedlinghaus, "West Coast Customs"
• Mike Rowe, "Dirty Jobs"
• Guy Fieri, The Food Network
• Larry the Cable Guy
• Courtney Hansen, Powerblock TV

	NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace and chef Guy Fieri are two of many motorsports and celeb icons donating signed cars to the SEMA Pinewood Drag Race.

More than 50 drivers from NASCAR, IRL and NHRA, as well as entertainment and industry celebrities, are offering autographed cars at the Pinewood Drag Race, held in conjunction with the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

High-profile figures such as Carroll Shelby, Helio Castroneves, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Larry Dixon, Clint Black and Chuck Norris have penned their signatures to pinewood cars to appear at the Pinewood Drag Race.

Watch eNews for additional updates on how to get your hands on special, one-of-a-kind memorabilia and continue reading for a current list of figures who have signed their names to pinewood draggers.

Cars Need Sponsors!
Proceeds from the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, including the Pinewood Drag Race, directly benefit the children of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Recently the kids at both charities participated in a day of building pinewood drag cars.

Gregory Parker, committee chairman for the Pinewood Drag Race, said that the children built about 350 cars during two different project days.

“The build days we had this year were simply fantastic," Parker said. "We had a build day in North Carolina at the Victory Junction Gang Camp on May 2nd and another one at Childhelp Village in California on May 16th.

“We helped kids from both groups build about 350 cars and each one is unique. The joy on their faces as they build their own racers and race them down the tracks is something to see.

“Now we just need to get the racers sponsored by individuals and companies and raise some money for these kids. I hope that everyone out there hearing this message will participate in some way. The kids really need our help now more than ever."

You Be The Judge
The SEMA Show 'N Shine charity car show, held in conjunction with the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, needs volunteer judges. If you’ve got a discerning eye for automotive detail, we could use your help. Contact Mike Spagnola to get involved.

Signed Pinewood Draggers include:

• Bobby Allison
• Carroll Shelby
• Craig Breedlove
• Don Garlits
• Mario Andretti
• Richard Petty
• Janet Guthrie
• Connie Kalitta
• Alex Lloyd, IRL
• Dario Franchitti, IRL
• Helio Castroneves, IRL
• Danica Patrick, IRL
• Marco Andretti, IRL
• Ryan Briscoe, IRL
• Sarah Fisher, IRL
• Scott Dixon, IRL
• Will Power, IRL
• A.J. Almindinger, NASCAR
• Bobby Labonte, NASCAR
• Carl Edwards, NASCAR
• Casey Mears, NASCAR
• Clint Bowyer, NASCAR
• Denny Hamlin, NASCAR
• Elliot Sadler, NASCAR
• Greg Biffle, NASCAR
• Jamie McMurray, NASCAR
• Jeff Burton, NASCAR
• Jeff Gordon, NASCAR
• Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR
• Joey Logano, NASCAR
• Kasey Kahne, NASCAR
• Kevin Harvick, NASCAR
• Kurt Busch, NASCAR
• Kyle Busch, NASCAR
• Mark Martin, NASCAR
• Matt Kenseth, NASCAR
• Michael Waltrip, NASCAR
• Ryan Newman, NASCAR
• Sam Hornish Jr., NASCAR
• Steve & Rusty Wallace, NASCAR
• Tony Stewart, NASCAR
• Cruz Pedregon, NHRA
• Jack Beckman, NHRA
• Larry Dixon, NHRA
• Matt Hagan, NHRA
• Tony Pedregon, NHRA
• Doug Kalitta, NHRA
• Jeff Arend, NHRA
• Hillary Will, NHRA
• Greg Anderson, NHRA
• Clint Black, Musician/Performer
• Lee Greenwood, Musician/Performer
• Chuck Norris, movie/TV icon
• Vida Guerra, "Livin' The Low Life"
• Dennis Gage, "My Classic Car"
• Chip Foose, "Overhaulin'"
• Ryan Friedlinghaus, "West Coast Customs"
• Mike Rowe, "Dirty Jobs"
• Guy Fieri, The Food Network
• Larry the Cable Guy
• Courtney Hansen, Powerblock TV

The recent SEMA Webinar, “10+2 = New Filing Requirements for All Companies Importing Into the United States,” focused on the Import Security Filling (ISF), commonly referred to as 10+2. It requires that 10 elements of cargo information be transmitted by the importing company or its agent at least 24 hours before goods are loaded onto an ocean vessel for shipment to the United States.

The session was presented by Richard Di Nucci, Director of the Secure Freight Initiative at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a division of the Department of Homeland Security; Ryan Bennett, customs manager at the Dollar General Corporation; and Rosanne Esposito, executive vice president of global customs at Expeditors International.

Di Nucci says that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is committed to fully supporting the trade community in its efforts to successfully implement the requirements of the 10+2. In order to provide the trade sufficient time to adjust to the new requirements, and in consideration of the business process changes that may be necessary to achieve full compliance, CBP will show restraint in enforcing the rule, taking into account difficulties that importers may face in complying with the rule, so long as importers are making satisfactory progress toward compliance and are making a good-faith effort to comply with the rule to the extent of their current ability. The flexible enforcement period will end in January 2010.

The CBP is available to answer questions regarding the general application of the new requirements through its security_filing_general@cbp.dhs.gov e-mail address. The CBP will review all of the questions received and is developing FAQs that will be posted on the CBP website.

The Requirements of the 10+2

1. Importer of Record Number
2. Consignee Number
3. Seller (owner) name and address
4. Buyer (owner) name and address
5. Ship to Party
6. Manufacturer (Supplier) name and address
7. Country of Origin
8. Commodity HTS-6
9. Container Stuffing Location
10. Consolidator (stuffer) name and address

The manufacturer (Supplier) name and address, country of origin and commodity HTS-6 (items 6,7 and 8) must be linked together as a line item at the shipment level. The Import Security Filing (ISF) for “exempt” break bulk shipments is required 24 hours prior to arrival.

The party required to submit the Importer Security Filing (ISF) is the party causing the goods to enter the limits of a port of the United States. This party is known as the ISF Importer. The ISF importer may designate an authorized agent to file the Importer Security Filing on the ISF Importer’s behalf. If an agent is used for ISF purposes, a power of attorney is required. The importer is accountable and liable for the filing.

ISF filings must be secured by a bond. Continuous Bonds will be accepted. Single Transaction Bonds will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. The ISF Importer must posses a bond or designate an agent to file under the agent’s bond prior to the filing of the ISF. The agent can file under the agent’s bond or under the ISF Importer’s bond.

The following types of bonds were amended to cover the ISF requirements:

Type 1: Basic Importation and Entry Bond (113.62)
Type 2: Basic Custodial Bond (113.63)
Type 3: International Carrier Bond (113.64)
Type 4: Foreign Trade Zone Operator Bond (113.73)

Learn all of the requirements and the further details of 10+2 by downloading the complete webinar presentation.

The recent SEMA Webinar, “10+2 = New Filing Requirements for All Companies Importing Into the United States,” focused on the Import Security Filling (ISF), commonly referred to as 10+2. It requires that 10 elements of cargo information be transmitted by the importing company or its agent at least 24 hours before goods are loaded onto an ocean vessel for shipment to the United States.

The session was presented by Richard Di Nucci, Director of the Secure Freight Initiative at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a division of the Department of Homeland Security; Ryan Bennett, customs manager at the Dollar General Corporation; and Rosanne Esposito, executive vice president of global customs at Expeditors International.

Di Nucci says that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is committed to fully supporting the trade community in its efforts to successfully implement the requirements of the 10+2. In order to provide the trade sufficient time to adjust to the new requirements, and in consideration of the business process changes that may be necessary to achieve full compliance, CBP will show restraint in enforcing the rule, taking into account difficulties that importers may face in complying with the rule, so long as importers are making satisfactory progress toward compliance and are making a good-faith effort to comply with the rule to the extent of their current ability. The flexible enforcement period will end in January 2010.

The CBP is available to answer questions regarding the general application of the new requirements through its security_filing_general@cbp.dhs.gov e-mail address. The CBP will review all of the questions received and is developing FAQs that will be posted on the CBP website.

The Requirements of the 10+2

1. Importer of Record Number
2. Consignee Number
3. Seller (owner) name and address
4. Buyer (owner) name and address
5. Ship to Party
6. Manufacturer (Supplier) name and address
7. Country of Origin
8. Commodity HTS-6
9. Container Stuffing Location
10. Consolidator (stuffer) name and address

The manufacturer (Supplier) name and address, country of origin and commodity HTS-6 (items 6,7 and 8) must be linked together as a line item at the shipment level. The Import Security Filing (ISF) for “exempt” break bulk shipments is required 24 hours prior to arrival.

The party required to submit the Importer Security Filing (ISF) is the party causing the goods to enter the limits of a port of the United States. This party is known as the ISF Importer. The ISF importer may designate an authorized agent to file the Importer Security Filing on the ISF Importer’s behalf. If an agent is used for ISF purposes, a power of attorney is required. The importer is accountable and liable for the filing.

ISF filings must be secured by a bond. Continuous Bonds will be accepted. Single Transaction Bonds will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. The ISF Importer must posses a bond or designate an agent to file under the agent’s bond prior to the filing of the ISF. The agent can file under the agent’s bond or under the ISF Importer’s bond.

The following types of bonds were amended to cover the ISF requirements:

Type 1: Basic Importation and Entry Bond (113.62)
Type 2: Basic Custodial Bond (113.63)
Type 3: International Carrier Bond (113.64)
Type 4: Foreign Trade Zone Operator Bond (113.73)

Learn all of the requirements and the further details of 10+2 by downloading the complete webinar presentation.

The recent SEMA Webinar, “10+2 = New Filing Requirements for All Companies Importing Into the United States,” focused on the Import Security Filling (ISF), commonly referred to as 10+2. It requires that 10 elements of cargo information be transmitted by the importing company or its agent at least 24 hours before goods are loaded onto an ocean vessel for shipment to the United States.

The session was presented by Richard Di Nucci, Director of the Secure Freight Initiative at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a division of the Department of Homeland Security; Ryan Bennett, customs manager at the Dollar General Corporation; and Rosanne Esposito, executive vice president of global customs at Expeditors International.

Di Nucci says that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is committed to fully supporting the trade community in its efforts to successfully implement the requirements of the 10+2. In order to provide the trade sufficient time to adjust to the new requirements, and in consideration of the business process changes that may be necessary to achieve full compliance, CBP will show restraint in enforcing the rule, taking into account difficulties that importers may face in complying with the rule, so long as importers are making satisfactory progress toward compliance and are making a good-faith effort to comply with the rule to the extent of their current ability. The flexible enforcement period will end in January 2010.

The CBP is available to answer questions regarding the general application of the new requirements through its security_filing_general@cbp.dhs.gov e-mail address. The CBP will review all of the questions received and is developing FAQs that will be posted on the CBP website.

The Requirements of the 10+2

1. Importer of Record Number
2. Consignee Number
3. Seller (owner) name and address
4. Buyer (owner) name and address
5. Ship to Party
6. Manufacturer (Supplier) name and address
7. Country of Origin
8. Commodity HTS-6
9. Container Stuffing Location
10. Consolidator (stuffer) name and address

The manufacturer (Supplier) name and address, country of origin and commodity HTS-6 (items 6,7 and 8) must be linked together as a line item at the shipment level. The Import Security Filing (ISF) for “exempt” break bulk shipments is required 24 hours prior to arrival.

The party required to submit the Importer Security Filing (ISF) is the party causing the goods to enter the limits of a port of the United States. This party is known as the ISF Importer. The ISF importer may designate an authorized agent to file the Importer Security Filing on the ISF Importer’s behalf. If an agent is used for ISF purposes, a power of attorney is required. The importer is accountable and liable for the filing.

ISF filings must be secured by a bond. Continuous Bonds will be accepted. Single Transaction Bonds will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. The ISF Importer must posses a bond or designate an agent to file under the agent’s bond prior to the filing of the ISF. The agent can file under the agent’s bond or under the ISF Importer’s bond.

The following types of bonds were amended to cover the ISF requirements:

Type 1: Basic Importation and Entry Bond (113.62)
Type 2: Basic Custodial Bond (113.63)
Type 3: International Carrier Bond (113.64)
Type 4: Foreign Trade Zone Operator Bond (113.73)

Learn all of the requirements and the further details of 10+2 by downloading the complete webinar presentation.

NEWS NUGGETS

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS COULD BRING REDEMPTION FOR STRUGGLING DRIVERS: With the summer just starting to show signs of heating up and the end of the regular season of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series just seven races away, this weekend’s third annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, could be the turnaround point for many drivers struggling to gain ground before the Countdown to 1 playoffs.

A driver you wouldn’t expect to be looking for redemption in Norwalk is Pro Stock driver and three-time world champion, Greg Anderson. Though Anderson currently sits third in the point standings, a comfortable 365 points ahead of the 10th-place cutoff spot for the Countdown playoffs, Anderson has yet to pick up a win in 2009. Entering his primary sponsor’s event and also a spot where he is the defending event winner, Anderson hopes to turn that around this weekend.

“The competition has certainly gained on us a little bit, so it has been a challenge,” Anderson said. “I have struggled a little bit with my driving this year too. It all adds up to a bit of frustration. We know what we have to do and hopefully we can get it done this weekend.”

Another driver who looks to get it done this weekend is Funny Car rookie Matt Hagan. Hagan has kept his Shelor.com Dodge Charger R/T in the top 10 for most of the season, even posting a runner-up finish in Las Vegas. But four consecutive first-round losses dropped the Don Schumacher Racing driver from sixth to 10th in the point standings, only eight points ahead of 11th-place driver Mike Neff.

“We’re really on a bad streak right now and we have to do something to change our luck and change things around,” Hagan said, following his first-round loss to Del Worsham in Englishtown last week. “I’m very, very confident in this Don Schumacher Racing team and this whole organization. We have good guys and a smart crew chief and a lot of great knowledge around us. I know that these guys are going to turn it around for us.”

Other drivers hoping for successful runs to push them into the top 10 point standings include John Force Racing teammates, Neff and Robert Hight, who currently sit 11th and 12th respectively; Top Fuel pilot Joe Hartley; and Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson, who sits just 27 points ahead of 11th-place driver Johnny Gray.

TOP FUEL PILOT FULLER BACK IN DRIVER SEAT FOR NORWALK: Top Fuel pilot “Hot Rod” Fuller will climb back into his dragster at this weekend's Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, thanks to the support of Michigan Cat and its Think Big educational partner, Owens Community College. This is the second event in 2009 that Fuller will compete in and his second driving for Vandergriff Motorsports. Fuller, who was the No. 1 qualifier at both the 2007 and 2008 Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, will be flying the Michigan Cat colors at the event along with a Cat Think Big educational partner.

The Think Big program provides students with the knowledge they need for future consideration of an internship or employment with a Cat dealer. Transplace Logistics Management Services will also be supporting Fuller in Norwalk as well as Vandergriff Motorsports sponsors Speedco and Split Second Speedgear.

SoCAL SPEED PASS OFFERS ONE HOT TICKET TO UPCOMING NHRA, NASCAR RACES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: NHRA is partnering with Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, to offer one hot ticket for motorsports fans in Southern California. The SoCal Speed Pass will provide a reserved seat and pit pass to the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway Pomona on November 15 and a reserved seat and pit pass to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway on October 11. The SoCal Speed Pass, available for the low price of $95, will save fans $80 off the retail value of both tickets while supplies last. The SoCal Speed Pass offer expires on September 11.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, JUNE 25–28: NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to Norwalk, Ohio, for its third annual event. Defending event winners include Doug Herbert (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Hector Arana (Pro Stock Motorcycle). Norwalk is also the site of the K&N Horsepower Challenge Pro Stock bonus event.

MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS, BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY, JULY 10–12: NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads back to the Mile-High city for the 30th national event at Bandimere Speedway. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS, PACIFIC RACEWAYS, JULY 17–19: Returning to Seattle for the second leg of the famed Western Swing, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing makes its 14th stop on its 24-race circuit. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tony Bartone (Funny Car); and Jason Line (Pro Stock).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

LOOKING FOR AN EVEN STRONGER SECOND-HALF: Funny Car driver Ron Capps on dropping from first to third after leading the point standings for the first half of the season: “To be honest with you, now that we’re in third, it kind of lights a little bit of a fire under us because we now have a reason to get back to our race mode and try to get the points lead back.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

4: That’s the number of consecutive final-round appearances that Pro Stock driver Mike Edwards has had so far this year. Edwards, arguably the hottest driver in the Pro Stock category this year, looks to make his fifth consecutive final round and pick up his third win of the season at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that Tony Pedregon Racing will host a Locks of Love charity auction this Saturday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio? Pedregon Racing and many other NHRA race teams will donate racing memorabilia for auction with all proceeds going towards the Locks of Love Foundation. In addition, Tony Pedregon’s daughter, Cecily, will kick off the event by cutting and donating her hair that morning to the foundation. Hair cutting donations will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at a tent near the Pedregon merchandise trailer.

NEWS NUGGETS

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS COULD BRING REDEMPTION FOR STRUGGLING DRIVERS: With the summer just starting to show signs of heating up and the end of the regular season of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series just seven races away, this weekend’s third annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, could be the turnaround point for many drivers struggling to gain ground before the Countdown to 1 playoffs.

A driver you wouldn’t expect to be looking for redemption in Norwalk is Pro Stock driver and three-time world champion, Greg Anderson. Though Anderson currently sits third in the point standings, a comfortable 365 points ahead of the 10th-place cutoff spot for the Countdown playoffs, Anderson has yet to pick up a win in 2009. Entering his primary sponsor’s event and also a spot where he is the defending event winner, Anderson hopes to turn that around this weekend.

“The competition has certainly gained on us a little bit, so it has been a challenge,” Anderson said. “I have struggled a little bit with my driving this year too. It all adds up to a bit of frustration. We know what we have to do and hopefully we can get it done this weekend.”

Another driver who looks to get it done this weekend is Funny Car rookie Matt Hagan. Hagan has kept his Shelor.com Dodge Charger R/T in the top 10 for most of the season, even posting a runner-up finish in Las Vegas. But four consecutive first-round losses dropped the Don Schumacher Racing driver from sixth to 10th in the point standings, only eight points ahead of 11th-place driver Mike Neff.

“We’re really on a bad streak right now and we have to do something to change our luck and change things around,” Hagan said, following his first-round loss to Del Worsham in Englishtown last week. “I’m very, very confident in this Don Schumacher Racing team and this whole organization. We have good guys and a smart crew chief and a lot of great knowledge around us. I know that these guys are going to turn it around for us.”

Other drivers hoping for successful runs to push them into the top 10 point standings include John Force Racing teammates, Neff and Robert Hight, who currently sit 11th and 12th respectively; Top Fuel pilot Joe Hartley; and Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson, who sits just 27 points ahead of 11th-place driver Johnny Gray.

TOP FUEL PILOT FULLER BACK IN DRIVER SEAT FOR NORWALK: Top Fuel pilot “Hot Rod” Fuller will climb back into his dragster at this weekend's Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, thanks to the support of Michigan Cat and its Think Big educational partner, Owens Community College. This is the second event in 2009 that Fuller will compete in and his second driving for Vandergriff Motorsports. Fuller, who was the No. 1 qualifier at both the 2007 and 2008 Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, will be flying the Michigan Cat colors at the event along with a Cat Think Big educational partner.

The Think Big program provides students with the knowledge they need for future consideration of an internship or employment with a Cat dealer. Transplace Logistics Management Services will also be supporting Fuller in Norwalk as well as Vandergriff Motorsports sponsors Speedco and Split Second Speedgear.

SoCAL SPEED PASS OFFERS ONE HOT TICKET TO UPCOMING NHRA, NASCAR RACES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: NHRA is partnering with Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, to offer one hot ticket for motorsports fans in Southern California. The SoCal Speed Pass will provide a reserved seat and pit pass to the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway Pomona on November 15 and a reserved seat and pit pass to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway on October 11. The SoCal Speed Pass, available for the low price of $95, will save fans $80 off the retail value of both tickets while supplies last. The SoCal Speed Pass offer expires on September 11.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, JUNE 25–28: NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to Norwalk, Ohio, for its third annual event. Defending event winners include Doug Herbert (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Hector Arana (Pro Stock Motorcycle). Norwalk is also the site of the K&N Horsepower Challenge Pro Stock bonus event.

MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS, BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY, JULY 10–12: NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads back to the Mile-High city for the 30th national event at Bandimere Speedway. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS, PACIFIC RACEWAYS, JULY 17–19: Returning to Seattle for the second leg of the famed Western Swing, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing makes its 14th stop on its 24-race circuit. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tony Bartone (Funny Car); and Jason Line (Pro Stock).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

LOOKING FOR AN EVEN STRONGER SECOND-HALF: Funny Car driver Ron Capps on dropping from first to third after leading the point standings for the first half of the season: “To be honest with you, now that we’re in third, it kind of lights a little bit of a fire under us because we now have a reason to get back to our race mode and try to get the points lead back.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

4: That’s the number of consecutive final-round appearances that Pro Stock driver Mike Edwards has had so far this year. Edwards, arguably the hottest driver in the Pro Stock category this year, looks to make his fifth consecutive final round and pick up his third win of the season at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that Tony Pedregon Racing will host a Locks of Love charity auction this Saturday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio? Pedregon Racing and many other NHRA race teams will donate racing memorabilia for auction with all proceeds going towards the Locks of Love Foundation. In addition, Tony Pedregon’s daughter, Cecily, will kick off the event by cutting and donating her hair that morning to the foundation. Hair cutting donations will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at a tent near the Pedregon merchandise trailer.

NEWS NUGGETS

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS COULD BRING REDEMPTION FOR STRUGGLING DRIVERS: With the summer just starting to show signs of heating up and the end of the regular season of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series just seven races away, this weekend’s third annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, could be the turnaround point for many drivers struggling to gain ground before the Countdown to 1 playoffs.

A driver you wouldn’t expect to be looking for redemption in Norwalk is Pro Stock driver and three-time world champion, Greg Anderson. Though Anderson currently sits third in the point standings, a comfortable 365 points ahead of the 10th-place cutoff spot for the Countdown playoffs, Anderson has yet to pick up a win in 2009. Entering his primary sponsor’s event and also a spot where he is the defending event winner, Anderson hopes to turn that around this weekend.

“The competition has certainly gained on us a little bit, so it has been a challenge,” Anderson said. “I have struggled a little bit with my driving this year too. It all adds up to a bit of frustration. We know what we have to do and hopefully we can get it done this weekend.”

Another driver who looks to get it done this weekend is Funny Car rookie Matt Hagan. Hagan has kept his Shelor.com Dodge Charger R/T in the top 10 for most of the season, even posting a runner-up finish in Las Vegas. But four consecutive first-round losses dropped the Don Schumacher Racing driver from sixth to 10th in the point standings, only eight points ahead of 11th-place driver Mike Neff.

“We’re really on a bad streak right now and we have to do something to change our luck and change things around,” Hagan said, following his first-round loss to Del Worsham in Englishtown last week. “I’m very, very confident in this Don Schumacher Racing team and this whole organization. We have good guys and a smart crew chief and a lot of great knowledge around us. I know that these guys are going to turn it around for us.”

Other drivers hoping for successful runs to push them into the top 10 point standings include John Force Racing teammates, Neff and Robert Hight, who currently sit 11th and 12th respectively; Top Fuel pilot Joe Hartley; and Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson, who sits just 27 points ahead of 11th-place driver Johnny Gray.

TOP FUEL PILOT FULLER BACK IN DRIVER SEAT FOR NORWALK: Top Fuel pilot “Hot Rod” Fuller will climb back into his dragster at this weekend's Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, thanks to the support of Michigan Cat and its Think Big educational partner, Owens Community College. This is the second event in 2009 that Fuller will compete in and his second driving for Vandergriff Motorsports. Fuller, who was the No. 1 qualifier at both the 2007 and 2008 Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, will be flying the Michigan Cat colors at the event along with a Cat Think Big educational partner.

The Think Big program provides students with the knowledge they need for future consideration of an internship or employment with a Cat dealer. Transplace Logistics Management Services will also be supporting Fuller in Norwalk as well as Vandergriff Motorsports sponsors Speedco and Split Second Speedgear.

SoCAL SPEED PASS OFFERS ONE HOT TICKET TO UPCOMING NHRA, NASCAR RACES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: NHRA is partnering with Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, to offer one hot ticket for motorsports fans in Southern California. The SoCal Speed Pass will provide a reserved seat and pit pass to the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway Pomona on November 15 and a reserved seat and pit pass to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway on October 11. The SoCal Speed Pass, available for the low price of $95, will save fans $80 off the retail value of both tickets while supplies last. The SoCal Speed Pass offer expires on September 11.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, JUNE 25–28: NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to Norwalk, Ohio, for its third annual event. Defending event winners include Doug Herbert (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Hector Arana (Pro Stock Motorcycle). Norwalk is also the site of the K&N Horsepower Challenge Pro Stock bonus event.

MOPAR MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS, BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY, JULY 10–12: NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads back to the Mile-High city for the 30th national event at Bandimere Speedway. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS, PACIFIC RACEWAYS, JULY 17–19: Returning to Seattle for the second leg of the famed Western Swing, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing makes its 14th stop on its 24-race circuit. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tony Bartone (Funny Car); and Jason Line (Pro Stock).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

LOOKING FOR AN EVEN STRONGER SECOND-HALF: Funny Car driver Ron Capps on dropping from first to third after leading the point standings for the first half of the season: “To be honest with you, now that we’re in third, it kind of lights a little bit of a fire under us because we now have a reason to get back to our race mode and try to get the points lead back.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

4: That’s the number of consecutive final-round appearances that Pro Stock driver Mike Edwards has had so far this year. Edwards, arguably the hottest driver in the Pro Stock category this year, looks to make his fifth consecutive final round and pick up his third win of the season at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that Tony Pedregon Racing will host a Locks of Love charity auction this Saturday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio? Pedregon Racing and many other NHRA race teams will donate racing memorabilia for auction with all proceeds going towards the Locks of Love Foundation. In addition, Tony Pedregon’s daughter, Cecily, will kick off the event by cutting and donating her hair that morning to the foundation. Hair cutting donations will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at a tent near the Pedregon merchandise trailer.

The 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser.

The 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, held on Saturday, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center.

The inductees—Bill Perry, Rolan “Jeep” Worthan and Henry “Smokey” Yunick—will be honored for their dedication, service and devotion to their businesses and the specialty-equipment industry. The event will also include charitable fundraising activities in conjunction with the traditional banquet. Complete this form to reserve your seats at the prestigious event.

The gala will be preceded by the SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors, which will be held from 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. The drag races will benefit children’s charities Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp is an organization that assists abused and neglected children, and Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically-ill children.

Approximately $40,000 was raised last year for the two charities. Stock cars were built by children at their camps and sponsored by participants through their donations to the charities. Each of the 156 cars built were sponsored.

“Last year, we were able to donate a good deal of money to help these kids, as well as go out and build cars with some of the children with Childhelp,” said Gregory Parker, 2009 SEMA Pinewood Drag Race committee chair. “We also gave them a track to keep on-site so they could run their cars year-round.”

This year, children from both Childhelp and Victory Junction built about 350 cars for use in the Pinewood Drag Race. Participants that sponsor a child’s car will be the team owner and will race it under the child’s name. Participants can also enter their own derby car. The drag race will feature three classes: Stock, Modified and Unlimited.

To enter the race, visit www.sema.org/derby.

For questions about the Pinewood Drag Race and the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105 or e-mail lisam@sema.org.

In addition to being introduced at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame members will be formally inducted at the annual SEMA Industry Awards Banquet during the 2009 SEMA Show.

For more information on the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

The 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser.

The 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, held on Saturday, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center.

The inductees—Bill Perry, Rolan “Jeep” Worthan and Henry “Smokey” Yunick—will be honored for their dedication, service and devotion to their businesses and the specialty-equipment industry. The event will also include charitable fundraising activities in conjunction with the traditional banquet. Complete this form to reserve your seats at the prestigious event.

The gala will be preceded by the SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, presented by eBay Motors, which will be held from 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. The drag races will benefit children’s charities Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp is an organization that assists abused and neglected children, and Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically-ill children.

Approximately $40,000 was raised last year for the two charities. Stock cars were built by children at their camps and sponsored by participants through their donations to the charities. Each of the 156 cars built were sponsored.

“Last year, we were able to donate a good deal of money to help these kids, as well as go out and build cars with some of the children with Childhelp,” said Gregory Parker, 2009 SEMA Pinewood Drag Race committee chair. “We also gave them a track to keep on-site so they could run their cars year-round.”

This year, children from both Childhelp and Victory Junction built about 350 cars for use in the Pinewood Drag Race. Participants that sponsor a child’s car will be the team owner and will race it under the child’s name. Participants can also enter their own derby car. The drag race will feature three classes: Stock, Modified and Unlimited.

To enter the race, visit www.sema.org/derby.

For questions about the Pinewood Drag Race and the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105 or e-mail lisam@sema.org.

In addition to being introduced at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the 2009 SEMA Hall of Fame members will be formally inducted at the annual SEMA Industry Awards Banquet during the 2009 SEMA Show.

For more information on the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.