NEWS NUGGETS

MAKE IT TWO!; WORSHAM GETS SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN OF THE YEAR, SCHUMACHER SECOND CONSECUTIVE AT BRISTOL: Funny Car driver Del Worsham was in quite the slump only three weeks ago. It had been more than a year (Houston 2008) since his last win, and Worsham was coming off of two consecutive first-round losses. Three weeks and two wins later, Worsham has jumped from sixth to second in the point standings and is singing a different tune these days heading into the halfway point of the regular season of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series.

Worsham raced his Al-Anabi Racing Toyota Solara past runner-up Tony Pedregon to pick up his second consecutive win of the season Sunday at the ninth annual NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. Worsham is currently on a streak of round wins that has seen the veteran driver face and beat such Funny Car drivers as Tim Wilkerson, Ron Capps, and Cruz and Tony Pedregon.

In Top Fuel, defending world champion and event winner Tony Schumacher drove his U.S. Army dragster to a second consecutive win at Bristol Dragway, defeating three-time Bristol winner Doug Kalitta in the final round. For Schumacher, it was his third win of the season, third at Bristol Dragway and 59th of his career.

Pro Stock driver Mike Edwards picked up his second win of the season after he drove past three-time world champion Greg Anderson in the final round. Edwards also closed the gap between him and first-place driver Jeg Coughlin, coming within 98 points of the first-place driver.

PEDREGON RACING TO HOST LOCKS OF LOVE MEMORABILIA AUCTION: Tony Pedregon Racing will host a Locks of Love charity auction June 27 during the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk. Pedregon Racing and many other NHRA race teams will be donating racing memorabilia for auction, all of the proceeds of which will go to the Locks of Love Foundation, as well as contributing funds directly to the foundation.

Tony and Andrea Pedregon’s daughter Cecily will kick off this event by cutting and donating her hair to Locks of Love that morning. Locks of Love is a nonprofit organization that provides the highest-quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children with medical hair loss, such as from autoimmune conditions, severe burns and radiation treatments. For more information on this event and how you can donate, visit www.nhra.com.

ASHLEY TO RETURN TO COMPETITION IN SECOND TOP FUEL DRAGSTER: Three-time Funny Car event winner and team owner, Mike Ashley, will return to professional competition towards the end of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season. Owner of the Matco Tools dragster driven by Antron Brown, Ashley will field a second Mike Ashley Racing (MAR) Top Fuel dragster at the final four races of the season. Ashley also will race a second MAR dragster on a part-time basis during the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season. The dragster will fly the colors of Lend America and will be tuned by co-crew chiefs Chuck Ford and Rob Wenland.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS, HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA, MAY 29–31: Heading to the heartland of America, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its ninth stop on the 2009 tour. Defending event winners include Hillary Will (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); and Ron Krisher (Pro Stock).

UNITED ASSOCIATION ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, JUNE 4–7: NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing returns to the Windy City for the 10th stop on the 2009 season. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Kurt Johnson (Pro Stock); and Chris Rivas (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

UNITED ASSOCIATION NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, JUNE 11–14: A historic event on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, all four categories will head to New Jersey for the 40th annual visit to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Chip Ellis (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

“QUITE A VIEW?”: Funny Car driver Jack Beckman on the view from his driver’s seat after a near collision with John Force after Force’s car made a sudden move toward the center line and into Beckman’s lane. “I’ve been wearing glasses lately for better vision. If they’re going to give me vision that good for the rest of the year, I don’t ever want to wear them again.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

9: That’s the number of wins that Funny Car Legend John Force has at Heartland Park Topeka, the most of any driver at the track. Force’s last win came at this event last season.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that of active Top Fuel drivers, only two have more than one win at Heartland Park Topeka. Brandon Bernstein (2007, 2004) and Cory McClenathan (1998, 1994) are the only active drivers with more than one win at that track in the Top Fuel category.

NEWS NUGGETS

MAKE IT TWO!; WORSHAM GETS SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN OF THE YEAR, SCHUMACHER SECOND CONSECUTIVE AT BRISTOL: Funny Car driver Del Worsham was in quite the slump only three weeks ago. It had been more than a year (Houston 2008) since his last win, and Worsham was coming off of two consecutive first-round losses. Three weeks and two wins later, Worsham has jumped from sixth to second in the point standings and is singing a different tune these days heading into the halfway point of the regular season of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series.

Worsham raced his Al-Anabi Racing Toyota Solara past runner-up Tony Pedregon to pick up his second consecutive win of the season Sunday at the ninth annual NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. Worsham is currently on a streak of round wins that has seen the veteran driver face and beat such Funny Car drivers as Tim Wilkerson, Ron Capps, and Cruz and Tony Pedregon.

In Top Fuel, defending world champion and event winner Tony Schumacher drove his U.S. Army dragster to a second consecutive win at Bristol Dragway, defeating three-time Bristol winner Doug Kalitta in the final round. For Schumacher, it was his third win of the season, third at Bristol Dragway and 59th of his career.

Pro Stock driver Mike Edwards picked up his second win of the season after he drove past three-time world champion Greg Anderson in the final round. Edwards also closed the gap between him and first-place driver Jeg Coughlin, coming within 98 points of the first-place driver.

PEDREGON RACING TO HOST LOCKS OF LOVE MEMORABILIA AUCTION: Tony Pedregon Racing will host a Locks of Love charity auction June 27 during the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk. Pedregon Racing and many other NHRA race teams will be donating racing memorabilia for auction, all of the proceeds of which will go to the Locks of Love Foundation, as well as contributing funds directly to the foundation.

Tony and Andrea Pedregon’s daughter Cecily will kick off this event by cutting and donating her hair to Locks of Love that morning. Locks of Love is a nonprofit organization that provides the highest-quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children with medical hair loss, such as from autoimmune conditions, severe burns and radiation treatments. For more information on this event and how you can donate, visit www.nhra.com.

ASHLEY TO RETURN TO COMPETITION IN SECOND TOP FUEL DRAGSTER: Three-time Funny Car event winner and team owner, Mike Ashley, will return to professional competition towards the end of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season. Owner of the Matco Tools dragster driven by Antron Brown, Ashley will field a second Mike Ashley Racing (MAR) Top Fuel dragster at the final four races of the season. Ashley also will race a second MAR dragster on a part-time basis during the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season. The dragster will fly the colors of Lend America and will be tuned by co-crew chiefs Chuck Ford and Rob Wenland.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS, HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA, MAY 29–31: Heading to the heartland of America, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its ninth stop on the 2009 tour. Defending event winners include Hillary Will (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); and Ron Krisher (Pro Stock).

UNITED ASSOCIATION ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, JUNE 4–7: NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing returns to the Windy City for the 10th stop on the 2009 season. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Kurt Johnson (Pro Stock); and Chris Rivas (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

UNITED ASSOCIATION NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, JUNE 11–14: A historic event on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, all four categories will head to New Jersey for the 40th annual visit to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Chip Ellis (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

“QUITE A VIEW?”: Funny Car driver Jack Beckman on the view from his driver’s seat after a near collision with John Force after Force’s car made a sudden move toward the center line and into Beckman’s lane. “I’ve been wearing glasses lately for better vision. If they’re going to give me vision that good for the rest of the year, I don’t ever want to wear them again.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

9: That’s the number of wins that Funny Car Legend John Force has at Heartland Park Topeka, the most of any driver at the track. Force’s last win came at this event last season.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that of active Top Fuel drivers, only two have more than one win at Heartland Park Topeka. Brandon Bernstein (2007, 2004) and Cory McClenathan (1998, 1994) are the only active drivers with more than one win at that track in the Top Fuel category.

NEWS NUGGETS

MAKE IT TWO!; WORSHAM GETS SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN OF THE YEAR, SCHUMACHER SECOND CONSECUTIVE AT BRISTOL: Funny Car driver Del Worsham was in quite the slump only three weeks ago. It had been more than a year (Houston 2008) since his last win, and Worsham was coming off of two consecutive first-round losses. Three weeks and two wins later, Worsham has jumped from sixth to second in the point standings and is singing a different tune these days heading into the halfway point of the regular season of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series.

Worsham raced his Al-Anabi Racing Toyota Solara past runner-up Tony Pedregon to pick up his second consecutive win of the season Sunday at the ninth annual NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. Worsham is currently on a streak of round wins that has seen the veteran driver face and beat such Funny Car drivers as Tim Wilkerson, Ron Capps, and Cruz and Tony Pedregon.

In Top Fuel, defending world champion and event winner Tony Schumacher drove his U.S. Army dragster to a second consecutive win at Bristol Dragway, defeating three-time Bristol winner Doug Kalitta in the final round. For Schumacher, it was his third win of the season, third at Bristol Dragway and 59th of his career.

Pro Stock driver Mike Edwards picked up his second win of the season after he drove past three-time world champion Greg Anderson in the final round. Edwards also closed the gap between him and first-place driver Jeg Coughlin, coming within 98 points of the first-place driver.

PEDREGON RACING TO HOST LOCKS OF LOVE MEMORABILIA AUCTION: Tony Pedregon Racing will host a Locks of Love charity auction June 27 during the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk. Pedregon Racing and many other NHRA race teams will be donating racing memorabilia for auction, all of the proceeds of which will go to the Locks of Love Foundation, as well as contributing funds directly to the foundation.

Tony and Andrea Pedregon’s daughter Cecily will kick off this event by cutting and donating her hair to Locks of Love that morning. Locks of Love is a nonprofit organization that provides the highest-quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children with medical hair loss, such as from autoimmune conditions, severe burns and radiation treatments. For more information on this event and how you can donate, visit www.nhra.com.

ASHLEY TO RETURN TO COMPETITION IN SECOND TOP FUEL DRAGSTER: Three-time Funny Car event winner and team owner, Mike Ashley, will return to professional competition towards the end of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season. Owner of the Matco Tools dragster driven by Antron Brown, Ashley will field a second Mike Ashley Racing (MAR) Top Fuel dragster at the final four races of the season. Ashley also will race a second MAR dragster on a part-time basis during the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season. The dragster will fly the colors of Lend America and will be tuned by co-crew chiefs Chuck Ford and Rob Wenland.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS, HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA, MAY 29–31: Heading to the heartland of America, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its ninth stop on the 2009 tour. Defending event winners include Hillary Will (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); and Ron Krisher (Pro Stock).

UNITED ASSOCIATION ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, JUNE 4–7: NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing returns to the Windy City for the 10th stop on the 2009 season. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Kurt Johnson (Pro Stock); and Chris Rivas (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

UNITED ASSOCIATION NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, JUNE 11–14: A historic event on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, all four categories will head to New Jersey for the 40th annual visit to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Chip Ellis (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

“QUITE A VIEW?”: Funny Car driver Jack Beckman on the view from his driver’s seat after a near collision with John Force after Force’s car made a sudden move toward the center line and into Beckman’s lane. “I’ve been wearing glasses lately for better vision. If they’re going to give me vision that good for the rest of the year, I don’t ever want to wear them again.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

9: That’s the number of wins that Funny Car Legend John Force has at Heartland Park Topeka, the most of any driver at the track. Force’s last win came at this event last season.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that of active Top Fuel drivers, only two have more than one win at Heartland Park Topeka. Brandon Bernstein (2007, 2004) and Cory McClenathan (1998, 1994) are the only active drivers with more than one win at that track in the Top Fuel category.

Billy Eordekian, president of 1-800EveryRim.com, and Doug Alton.

Acker Wheel of San Jose, California, has sold its remaining inventory and all assets associated with its OEM wheel business. 1-800EveryRim.com announced that it acquired Acker Wheel’s 1-800-9Wheels phone number as well as its customer list. Acker Wheel owner Doug Alton stated, “I have other business interests, and I will spend more time with my family.”

MasterCraft Seats has acquired Ryan Safety, a manufacturer of racing safety equipment, including SFI-rated fire suits, neck protection and multi-point harnesses. Design and manufacturing operations for Ryan Safety were relocated to MasterCraft’s headquarters in Santee, California. One of the original founding partners and general manager of Ryan Safety, Larry Vilmer, will continue on with MasterCraft developing and designing safety products.

Craig Barnes

DiamondBack Truck Covers announced that it will be shipping product direct to dealers nationwide, a change that enables dealers to purchase products at a lower cost, ensures direct-from-manufacturer support and introduces new MAP pricing to provide higher margins. The company will also offer dealers the opportunity to join its new Preferred Dealer program that provides dealers with exclusive territories for online promotion and sales leads.

General Parts Inc. promoted Craig L. Barnes to senior vice president of merchandising. Barnes will work to create first-to-market programs by utilizing the company’s existing OE and supplier base. Barnes joined CARQUEST in 2009, and prior to that he worked for more than 20 years at AutoZone Inc. in several positions, most recently as vice president merchandising brake systems, under car, global sourcing and quality.

Pep Boys is celebrating the grand opening of the first Pep Boys Speed Shop at 1200 West Washington Blvd. in Los Angeles, California. Carrying an old-fashioned speed shop theme, the goal of the store is to provide one-stop shopping for performance parts and equipment. Grand opening festivities are set for Saturday–Sunday, May 30–31, and include autograph signings by Barry Meguiar and Gale Banks, product displays and demonstrations and show cars from both Edelbrock and Meguiar’s. Hours are 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30; and 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 31.

Ernie Saxton

Motorsports marketing and promotions specialist Ernie Saxton was named the recipient of the 2009 Leonard J. Sammons Jr. Memorial Award. The award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to auto racing, will be presented to Saxton at the 18th annual Northeast Modified Hall of Fame driver inductions and award ceremonies that take place this Sunday, May 24. For more information, visit http://www.dirtcar.com/home/news/2009%20season/may/051209_dc_saxtonhof.aspx.

Keystone Automotive Operations Inc. has launched a new program on www.ekeystone.com called Ad Slicks that allows participating stores to create customized ads. Customers can select an Ad Slick that coincides with their promotional plans and customize the ad to include store name, logo, address, store hours, special pricing and special announcements. Ad Slicks can be downloaded as a high resolution PDF that can be printed in desired quantities to be distributed in store or distributed to newspapers as a regular advertisement. Keystone is offering a free 30-day trial of Ad Slicks to store owners at www.ekeystone.com.

Quarter Mile Entertainment LLC is creating a documentary that will chronicle drag racing’s pioneers from the time immediately following World War II to the beginning of the modern era. Known as Project 1320, the goal is to produce a high-quality documentary film that centers on the individuals, manufacturers and sanctioning bodies that helped propel the sport to its current level. Project 1320 will be seeking both corporate and grassroots support to document drag racing’s historic moments and personalities.  

	Designer Chip Foose will serve as Grand Marshall at SEMA's first public car show.

Chip Foose, award-winning automotive designer and fabricator, and host of TLC's "Overhaulin'," has been named Grand Marshall of the August 1 SEMA Show N' Shine public car show presented by SEMA. The inaugural event will take place inside the newly remodeled Pasadena Convention Center, where more than 200 vehicles will come together to help two worthy children's charities.

"I was thrilled when Chip Foose graciously agreed to be the Grand Marshall of our inaugural car show and be on hand to share his passion and expertise with his fellow automotive enthusiasts, said Joel Ayres, chairman of the SEMA Cares Committee.

"His generosity and celebrity status will help us launch a successful event that can make the lives of these kids a little better. People such as Chip and eBay Motors, who have stepped up along with all the other sponsors and volunteers, demonstrate the extent to which this industry will go to support a good cause."

Foose's design talent will be displayed at the show through three of his personal vehicles: a '56 Ford F-100 pickup from "Overhaulin'," a '02 Ford T-Bird "Speedbird" that starred in "Rides" and his Foose Coupe. Also, as Grand Marshall of the event, Foose will design and autograph the official car show T-shirt that will be given to all vehicle registrants free of charge.

"It's an honor being named Grand Marshall for SEMA's first public car show," said Foose. "This industry has been an important part of my life and it's one that I'm very proud to be a part of. I can't think of a better way to support these two great children's charities."

Foose, a 45-year-old native of Santa Barbara, California, began working on automobiles at age 7 for his father's company. His career skyrocketed to the point where he started his own company, Foose Design, in 1998. Foose was the youngest member ever inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame at age 31 in 1997, one of his many awards and accolades.

Taking place along with the car show will be the 2nd Annual SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Race. Presented by eBay Motors, the pinewood race will feature more than 250 cars in three classes (stock, modified and unlimited).

Both the car show and the pinewood races are part of the 2009 SEMA Leadership Days. Other activities include the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, held later that evening at 6:30 p.m. This annual celebration is when the industry has the opportunity to come together and honor its leaders and innovators.

"Our industry is once again showing we can help those less fortunate while celebrating our incoming and outgoing Board of Directors and our SEMA Hall of Fame inductees," added Ayres.

Proceeds from the car show and the Pinewood Drag Race will benefit SEMA's two chosen charities, Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp aids victims of child abuse and originally began receiving support from wheel manufacturers in 1994.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/leadershipdays.

	Designer Chip Foose will serve as Grand Marshall at SEMA's first public car show.

Chip Foose, award-winning automotive designer and fabricator, and host of TLC's "Overhaulin'," has been named Grand Marshall of the August 1 SEMA Show N' Shine public car show presented by SEMA. The inaugural event will take place inside the newly remodeled Pasadena Convention Center, where more than 200 vehicles will come together to help two worthy children's charities.

"I was thrilled when Chip Foose graciously agreed to be the Grand Marshall of our inaugural car show and be on hand to share his passion and expertise with his fellow automotive enthusiasts, said Joel Ayres, chairman of the SEMA Cares Committee.

"His generosity and celebrity status will help us launch a successful event that can make the lives of these kids a little better. People such as Chip and eBay Motors, who have stepped up along with all the other sponsors and volunteers, demonstrate the extent to which this industry will go to support a good cause."

Foose's design talent will be displayed at the show through three of his personal vehicles: a '56 Ford F-100 pickup from "Overhaulin'," a '02 Ford T-Bird "Speedbird" that starred in "Rides" and his Foose Coupe. Also, as Grand Marshall of the event, Foose will design and autograph the official car show T-shirt that will be given to all vehicle registrants free of charge.

"It's an honor being named Grand Marshall for SEMA's first public car show," said Foose. "This industry has been an important part of my life and it's one that I'm very proud to be a part of. I can't think of a better way to support these two great children's charities."

Foose, a 45-year-old native of Santa Barbara, California, began working on automobiles at age 7 for his father's company. His career skyrocketed to the point where he started his own company, Foose Design, in 1998. Foose was the youngest member ever inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame at age 31 in 1997, one of his many awards and accolades.

Taking place along with the car show will be the 2nd Annual SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Race. Presented by eBay Motors, the pinewood race will feature more than 250 cars in three classes (stock, modified and unlimited).

Both the car show and the pinewood races are part of the 2009 SEMA Leadership Days. Other activities include the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, held later that evening at 6:30 p.m. This annual celebration is when the industry has the opportunity to come together and honor its leaders and innovators.

"Our industry is once again showing we can help those less fortunate while celebrating our incoming and outgoing Board of Directors and our SEMA Hall of Fame inductees," added Ayres.

Proceeds from the car show and the Pinewood Drag Race will benefit SEMA's two chosen charities, Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp aids victims of child abuse and originally began receiving support from wheel manufacturers in 1994.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/leadershipdays.

	Designer Chip Foose will serve as Grand Marshall at SEMA's first public car show.

Chip Foose, award-winning automotive designer and fabricator, and host of TLC's "Overhaulin'," has been named Grand Marshall of the August 1 SEMA Show N' Shine public car show presented by SEMA. The inaugural event will take place inside the newly remodeled Pasadena Convention Center, where more than 200 vehicles will come together to help two worthy children's charities.

"I was thrilled when Chip Foose graciously agreed to be the Grand Marshall of our inaugural car show and be on hand to share his passion and expertise with his fellow automotive enthusiasts, said Joel Ayres, chairman of the SEMA Cares Committee.

"His generosity and celebrity status will help us launch a successful event that can make the lives of these kids a little better. People such as Chip and eBay Motors, who have stepped up along with all the other sponsors and volunteers, demonstrate the extent to which this industry will go to support a good cause."

Foose's design talent will be displayed at the show through three of his personal vehicles: a '56 Ford F-100 pickup from "Overhaulin'," a '02 Ford T-Bird "Speedbird" that starred in "Rides" and his Foose Coupe. Also, as Grand Marshall of the event, Foose will design and autograph the official car show T-shirt that will be given to all vehicle registrants free of charge.

"It's an honor being named Grand Marshall for SEMA's first public car show," said Foose. "This industry has been an important part of my life and it's one that I'm very proud to be a part of. I can't think of a better way to support these two great children's charities."

Foose, a 45-year-old native of Santa Barbara, California, began working on automobiles at age 7 for his father's company. His career skyrocketed to the point where he started his own company, Foose Design, in 1998. Foose was the youngest member ever inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame at age 31 in 1997, one of his many awards and accolades.

Taking place along with the car show will be the 2nd Annual SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Race. Presented by eBay Motors, the pinewood race will feature more than 250 cars in three classes (stock, modified and unlimited).

Both the car show and the pinewood races are part of the 2009 SEMA Leadership Days. Other activities include the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, held later that evening at 6:30 p.m. This annual celebration is when the industry has the opportunity to come together and honor its leaders and innovators.

"Our industry is once again showing we can help those less fortunate while celebrating our incoming and outgoing Board of Directors and our SEMA Hall of Fame inductees," added Ayres.

Proceeds from the car show and the Pinewood Drag Race will benefit SEMA's two chosen charities, Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp aids victims of child abuse and originally began receiving support from wheel manufacturers in 1994.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/leadershipdays.

	Designer Chip Foose will serve as Grand Marshall at SEMA's first public car show.

Chip Foose, award-winning automotive designer and fabricator, and host of TLC's "Overhaulin'," has been named Grand Marshall of the August 1 SEMA Show N' Shine public car show presented by SEMA. The inaugural event will take place inside the newly remodeled Pasadena Convention Center, where more than 200 vehicles will come together to help two worthy children's charities.

"I was thrilled when Chip Foose graciously agreed to be the Grand Marshall of our inaugural car show and be on hand to share his passion and expertise with his fellow automotive enthusiasts, said Joel Ayres, chairman of the SEMA Cares Committee.

"His generosity and celebrity status will help us launch a successful event that can make the lives of these kids a little better. People such as Chip and eBay Motors, who have stepped up along with all the other sponsors and volunteers, demonstrate the extent to which this industry will go to support a good cause."

Foose's design talent will be displayed at the show through three of his personal vehicles: a '56 Ford F-100 pickup from "Overhaulin'," a '02 Ford T-Bird "Speedbird" that starred in "Rides" and his Foose Coupe. Also, as Grand Marshall of the event, Foose will design and autograph the official car show T-shirt that will be given to all vehicle registrants free of charge.

"It's an honor being named Grand Marshall for SEMA's first public car show," said Foose. "This industry has been an important part of my life and it's one that I'm very proud to be a part of. I can't think of a better way to support these two great children's charities."

Foose, a 45-year-old native of Santa Barbara, California, began working on automobiles at age 7 for his father's company. His career skyrocketed to the point where he started his own company, Foose Design, in 1998. Foose was the youngest member ever inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame at age 31 in 1997, one of his many awards and accolades.

Taking place along with the car show will be the 2nd Annual SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Race. Presented by eBay Motors, the pinewood race will feature more than 250 cars in three classes (stock, modified and unlimited).

Both the car show and the pinewood races are part of the 2009 SEMA Leadership Days. Other activities include the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, held later that evening at 6:30 p.m. This annual celebration is when the industry has the opportunity to come together and honor its leaders and innovators.

"Our industry is once again showing we can help those less fortunate while celebrating our incoming and outgoing Board of Directors and our SEMA Hall of Fame inductees," added Ayres.

Proceeds from the car show and the Pinewood Drag Race will benefit SEMA's two chosen charities, Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp aids victims of child abuse and originally began receiving support from wheel manufacturers in 1994.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/leadershipdays.

	Designer Chip Foose will serve as Grand Marshall at SEMA's first public car show.

Chip Foose, award-winning automotive designer and fabricator, and host of TLC's "Overhaulin'," has been named Grand Marshall of the August 1 SEMA Show N' Shine public car show presented by SEMA. The inaugural event will take place inside the newly remodeled Pasadena Convention Center, where more than 200 vehicles will come together to help two worthy children's charities.

"I was thrilled when Chip Foose graciously agreed to be the Grand Marshall of our inaugural car show and be on hand to share his passion and expertise with his fellow automotive enthusiasts, said Joel Ayres, chairman of the SEMA Cares Committee.

"His generosity and celebrity status will help us launch a successful event that can make the lives of these kids a little better. People such as Chip and eBay Motors, who have stepped up along with all the other sponsors and volunteers, demonstrate the extent to which this industry will go to support a good cause."

Foose's design talent will be displayed at the show through three of his personal vehicles: a '56 Ford F-100 pickup from "Overhaulin'," a '02 Ford T-Bird "Speedbird" that starred in "Rides" and his Foose Coupe. Also, as Grand Marshall of the event, Foose will design and autograph the official car show T-shirt that will be given to all vehicle registrants free of charge.

"It's an honor being named Grand Marshall for SEMA's first public car show," said Foose. "This industry has been an important part of my life and it's one that I'm very proud to be a part of. I can't think of a better way to support these two great children's charities."

Foose, a 45-year-old native of Santa Barbara, California, began working on automobiles at age 7 for his father's company. His career skyrocketed to the point where he started his own company, Foose Design, in 1998. Foose was the youngest member ever inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame at age 31 in 1997, one of his many awards and accolades.

Taking place along with the car show will be the 2nd Annual SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Race. Presented by eBay Motors, the pinewood race will feature more than 250 cars in three classes (stock, modified and unlimited).

Both the car show and the pinewood races are part of the 2009 SEMA Leadership Days. Other activities include the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, held later that evening at 6:30 p.m. This annual celebration is when the industry has the opportunity to come together and honor its leaders and innovators.

"Our industry is once again showing we can help those less fortunate while celebrating our incoming and outgoing Board of Directors and our SEMA Hall of Fame inductees," added Ayres.

Proceeds from the car show and the Pinewood Drag Race will benefit SEMA's two chosen charities, Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp aids victims of child abuse and originally began receiving support from wheel manufacturers in 1994.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/leadershipdays.

	Designer Chip Foose will serve as Grand Marshall at SEMA's first public car show.

Chip Foose, award-winning automotive designer and fabricator, and host of TLC's "Overhaulin'," has been named Grand Marshall of the August 1 SEMA Show N' Shine public car show presented by SEMA. The inaugural event will take place inside the newly remodeled Pasadena Convention Center, where more than 200 vehicles will come together to help two worthy children's charities.

"I was thrilled when Chip Foose graciously agreed to be the Grand Marshall of our inaugural car show and be on hand to share his passion and expertise with his fellow automotive enthusiasts, said Joel Ayres, chairman of the SEMA Cares Committee.

"His generosity and celebrity status will help us launch a successful event that can make the lives of these kids a little better. People such as Chip and eBay Motors, who have stepped up along with all the other sponsors and volunteers, demonstrate the extent to which this industry will go to support a good cause."

Foose's design talent will be displayed at the show through three of his personal vehicles: a '56 Ford F-100 pickup from "Overhaulin'," a '02 Ford T-Bird "Speedbird" that starred in "Rides" and his Foose Coupe. Also, as Grand Marshall of the event, Foose will design and autograph the official car show T-shirt that will be given to all vehicle registrants free of charge.

"It's an honor being named Grand Marshall for SEMA's first public car show," said Foose. "This industry has been an important part of my life and it's one that I'm very proud to be a part of. I can't think of a better way to support these two great children's charities."

Foose, a 45-year-old native of Santa Barbara, California, began working on automobiles at age 7 for his father's company. His career skyrocketed to the point where he started his own company, Foose Design, in 1998. Foose was the youngest member ever inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame at age 31 in 1997, one of his many awards and accolades.

Taking place along with the car show will be the 2nd Annual SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Race. Presented by eBay Motors, the pinewood race will feature more than 250 cars in three classes (stock, modified and unlimited).

Both the car show and the pinewood races are part of the 2009 SEMA Leadership Days. Other activities include the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, held later that evening at 6:30 p.m. This annual celebration is when the industry has the opportunity to come together and honor its leaders and innovators.

"Our industry is once again showing we can help those less fortunate while celebrating our incoming and outgoing Board of Directors and our SEMA Hall of Fame inductees," added Ayres.

Proceeds from the car show and the Pinewood Drag Race will benefit SEMA's two chosen charities, Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Childhelp aids victims of child abuse and originally began receiving support from wheel manufacturers in 1994.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/leadershipdays.