Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

KALITTA LEADS TOP FUEL CATEGORY INTO SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS IN LAS VEGAS: Doug Kalitta and his Mac Tools Top Fuel dragster enter the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas as one of the toughest Top Fuel cars on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing circuit. Their hot streak to start the 2014 season includes two No. 1 qualifying positions, two final-round appearances and one victory in a three-race stretch. Kalitta and all the Top Fuel racers will attempt to break the bank at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, March 28–30.

“Getting the Gatornationals win was definitely a great boost for me and all my guys on the Mac Tools team, especially after the great start we have had this year,” Kalitta said. “We’re really excited about the way we’ve started 2014."

For more on the story visit www.NHRA.com.

HIGHT HOLDS HOT HAND AS HE POWERS INTO LAS VEGAS: Robert Hight has enjoyed immense success at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and the odds again seem to be favoring the Funny Car star leading into the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals. Looking to add to an already sizable resume, Hight, fresh off a victory in Gainesville, is poised to continue his early-season momentum March 28–30. This event always seems to bring out the best in Hight and his 8,000hp Auto Club Ford Mustang. Hight has scored three of his four Las Vegas victories at the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals, the most of any Funny Car driver.

“We always look at Las Vegas in the spring as the first really warm racetrack we are going to hit,” Hight said. “By the time you get to April in Las Vegas, it is starting to get hot, and it will be the first race for the hot-weather tune-up."

For more on the story visit www.NHRA.com.

HRA FANFEST SET FOR MARCH 27 AT NEW YORK-NEW YORK: The stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will meet race fans and sign autographs at the annual NHRA Fanfest, Vegas-style, Thursday, March 27, in advance of the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. More on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

"I've been to Las Vegas as a spectator before, but I have never had the chance to race there. I'm really looking forward to it, of course. It's a very special place for this team because it's the hometown for our [Summit Racing] team owners, Ken and Judy Black. It's also a Summit race, and that makes it very important to all of us. I hope to do well there. The car is coming along, and I’m getting more acquainted with the way they race over here. I’m learning where the tools are, getting my own routines now around this camp. It’s going to get better."

—Jimmy Alund, who has taken over driving duties for Greg Anderson, who is recuperating from recent heart surgery.

Inside the Numbers

7: Number of career Top Fuel wins Tony Schumacher has at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, including his 2013 event win. Schumacher, a seven-time Top Fuel world champion, and four-time Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson are tied with seven wins at the facility. With Anderson sidelined following his recent heart surgery, Schumacher will attempt to break the tie as well as appear in his first final-round appearance thus far in 2014.

Did You Know

JIM DUNN RACING CELEBRATES BIG JIM'S 80TH BIRTHDAY WITH SPECIAL PAINT SCHEME: Four races into the 2014 NHRA season and Jim Dunn Racing will debut a fourth body design highlighting a new sponsor. Koppl Pipeline Services Inc., will be front and center on the Grime Boss Funny Car at the 2014 SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals, March 28–30. Jim Dunn Racing will celebrate a major milestone at the Las Vegas race: "Big Jim’s" 80th birthday. The escape hatch on the Dodge Funny Car will feature a special design paying tribute to Jim and his passion for racing.

For more on this story visit, www.NHRA.com.

View the 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

KALITTA LEADS TOP FUEL CATEGORY INTO SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS IN LAS VEGAS: Doug Kalitta and his Mac Tools Top Fuel dragster enter the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas as one of the toughest Top Fuel cars on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing circuit. Their hot streak to start the 2014 season includes two No. 1 qualifying positions, two final-round appearances and one victory in a three-race stretch. Kalitta and all the Top Fuel racers will attempt to break the bank at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, March 28–30.

“Getting the Gatornationals win was definitely a great boost for me and all my guys on the Mac Tools team, especially after the great start we have had this year,” Kalitta said. “We’re really excited about the way we’ve started 2014."

For more on the story visit www.NHRA.com.

HIGHT HOLDS HOT HAND AS HE POWERS INTO LAS VEGAS: Robert Hight has enjoyed immense success at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and the odds again seem to be favoring the Funny Car star leading into the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals. Looking to add to an already sizable resume, Hight, fresh off a victory in Gainesville, is poised to continue his early-season momentum March 28–30. This event always seems to bring out the best in Hight and his 8,000hp Auto Club Ford Mustang. Hight has scored three of his four Las Vegas victories at the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals, the most of any Funny Car driver.

“We always look at Las Vegas in the spring as the first really warm racetrack we are going to hit,” Hight said. “By the time you get to April in Las Vegas, it is starting to get hot, and it will be the first race for the hot-weather tune-up."

For more on the story visit www.NHRA.com.

HRA FANFEST SET FOR MARCH 27 AT NEW YORK-NEW YORK: The stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will meet race fans and sign autographs at the annual NHRA Fanfest, Vegas-style, Thursday, March 27, in advance of the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. More on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

"I've been to Las Vegas as a spectator before, but I have never had the chance to race there. I'm really looking forward to it, of course. It's a very special place for this team because it's the hometown for our [Summit Racing] team owners, Ken and Judy Black. It's also a Summit race, and that makes it very important to all of us. I hope to do well there. The car is coming along, and I’m getting more acquainted with the way they race over here. I’m learning where the tools are, getting my own routines now around this camp. It’s going to get better."

—Jimmy Alund, who has taken over driving duties for Greg Anderson, who is recuperating from recent heart surgery.

Inside the Numbers

7: Number of career Top Fuel wins Tony Schumacher has at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, including his 2013 event win. Schumacher, a seven-time Top Fuel world champion, and four-time Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson are tied with seven wins at the facility. With Anderson sidelined following his recent heart surgery, Schumacher will attempt to break the tie as well as appear in his first final-round appearance thus far in 2014.

Did You Know

JIM DUNN RACING CELEBRATES BIG JIM'S 80TH BIRTHDAY WITH SPECIAL PAINT SCHEME: Four races into the 2014 NHRA season and Jim Dunn Racing will debut a fourth body design highlighting a new sponsor. Koppl Pipeline Services Inc., will be front and center on the Grime Boss Funny Car at the 2014 SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals, March 28–30. Jim Dunn Racing will celebrate a major milestone at the Las Vegas race: "Big Jim’s" 80th birthday. The escape hatch on the Dodge Funny Car will feature a special design paying tribute to Jim and his passion for racing.

For more on this story visit, www.NHRA.com.

View the 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

	Companies interested in building a Hyundai-based project vehicle for the 2014 SEMA Show are required to submit proposals by April 25.

Hyundai is currently accepting project-vehicle proposals for companies planning to build a Hyundai-based project vehicle for the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7, in Las Vegas.

Hyundai’s SEMA Show Program will focus on tuners and suppliers dedicated to creating exciting, aspirational vehicle modifications for the performance market. Last year, Hyundai's booth displayed two tuner-modified vehicles that earned spots in Edmund’s Top Ten Cars of the 2013 SEMA Show.

The Hyundai booth will focus on three models for 2014:

• Genesis Sedan
• Sonata Sedan
• Genesis Coupe

Hyundai encourages the modification and display of any of its vehicles in other booths and approved vehicle locations throughout the Show. Both production and pre-production vehicles are available for modification. Support for the builds is included in the RFP as are other program details. Photography of the all-new Sonata will be released after the New York Auto Show reveal on April 16.

Deadline for 2014 proposals is April 25, with winning bids announced on May 17. SEMA exhibitors who have worked with OEMs in the past and are interested in working with Hyundai are encouraged to contact Mike Nino (MNino@hmausa.com) to discuss potential proposals.

	Companies interested in building a Hyundai-based project vehicle for the 2014 SEMA Show are required to submit proposals by April 25.

Hyundai is currently accepting project-vehicle proposals for companies planning to build a Hyundai-based project vehicle for the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7, in Las Vegas.

Hyundai’s SEMA Show Program will focus on tuners and suppliers dedicated to creating exciting, aspirational vehicle modifications for the performance market. Last year, Hyundai's booth displayed two tuner-modified vehicles that earned spots in Edmund’s Top Ten Cars of the 2013 SEMA Show.

The Hyundai booth will focus on three models for 2014:

• Genesis Sedan
• Sonata Sedan
• Genesis Coupe

Hyundai encourages the modification and display of any of its vehicles in other booths and approved vehicle locations throughout the Show. Both production and pre-production vehicles are available for modification. Support for the builds is included in the RFP as are other program details. Photography of the all-new Sonata will be released after the New York Auto Show reveal on April 16.

Deadline for 2014 proposals is April 25, with winning bids announced on May 17. SEMA exhibitors who have worked with OEMs in the past and are interested in working with Hyundai are encouraged to contact Mike Nino (MNino@hmausa.com) to discuss potential proposals.

A prototype for the ’15 Ford Falcon has been caught running the streets of Dearborn, Michigan. The new Falcon gets Ford's corporate face inspired by the Ford Fusion, giving ever-greater reach to the OneFord design ethos. The prototype caught here was still right-hand drive, so any chance at a U.S variant is still a big longshot. This refreshed model is expected to have a two-year shelf life, with the next-generation Falcon likely taking a version of the ’16 Ford Taurus, which will utilize an enlarged version of the platform currently underpinning the Ford Fusion.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

A prototype for the ’15 Ford Falcon has been caught running the streets of Dearborn, Michigan. The new Falcon gets Ford's corporate face inspired by the Ford Fusion, giving ever-greater reach to the OneFord design ethos. The prototype caught here was still right-hand drive, so any chance at a U.S variant is still a big longshot. This refreshed model is expected to have a two-year shelf life, with the next-generation Falcon likely taking a version of the ’16 Ford Taurus, which will utilize an enlarged version of the platform currently underpinning the Ford Fusion.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

A prototype for the ’15 Ford Falcon has been caught running the streets of Dearborn, Michigan. The new Falcon gets Ford's corporate face inspired by the Ford Fusion, giving ever-greater reach to the OneFord design ethos. The prototype caught here was still right-hand drive, so any chance at a U.S variant is still a big longshot. This refreshed model is expected to have a two-year shelf life, with the next-generation Falcon likely taking a version of the ’16 Ford Taurus, which will utilize an enlarged version of the platform currently underpinning the Ford Fusion.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

	The Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program has awarded more than $27,000 to non-profit off-road organizations since the program launched at the 2013 SEMA Show.

Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program Provides Financial Support for Off-Road Hobby
Following its November launch at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Rugged Ridge announced its Trail Access Program has awarded six grants, totaling more than $27,000, to non-profit off-road organizations. The grants were awarded to the Off-Road Business Association, Stay the Trail, the New Mexico OHV Association, the Colorado Association of 4WD Clubs, the Colorado OHV Coalition and the Blue Ribbon Coalition for the purpose of keeping recreational trails open on public land and supporting the off-road hobby. Each of the donations—which come as part of a larger philanthropic effort from Rugged Ridge’s parent company Omix-ADA—can be designated for use toward education, stewardship, litigation, or any other activity advocating the conservation of public land and access to recreational trails. More information on the Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program is available at www.ruggedridge.com/trailaccess.

Fisher Auto Parts, KOI Auto Parts Announce Merger
KOI Auto Parts President Dave Wesselman announced that Fisher Auto Parts will acquire controlling interest in KOI Auto Parts, effective April 1, 2014. Once implemented, KOI reports, minimal changes will occur to customers, suppliers and team members. “KOI is excited about this merger with all our employees getting the opportunity of a lifetime to grow both professionally and personally,” Wesselman said. “Our management team remains in place and all 1,000-plus team members have retained their positions. It was very important to KOI’s Board of Directors that all of our employees retain their jobs and have the advancement opportunities this merger provides. It is business as usual at KOI.” Fisher Auto Parts now has 470 locations plus more than 100 independent jobbers in 18 states.

Port-A-Cool Named Grainger 2013 Supplier of the Year

Port-A-Cool was honored as the Grainger 2013 Supplier of the Year during Grainger’s annual supplier conference held recently in Rosemont, Illinois.

Port-A-Cool was honored as the Grainger 2013 Supplier of the Year during Grainger’s annual supplier conference held recently in Rosemont, Illinois. Grainger recognizes a select group of suppliers for outstanding performance throughout the year through its Partners in Performance award program. The award distinguishes suppliers who achieve excellence in several categories, including responsiveness, information integrity, on-time shipping and variability, management commitment and order fulfillment. Grainger suppliers receive ratings throughout the year for their performance in each of these categories. With exceptional ratings in all categories, Port-A-Cool earned the top honor among more than 3,200 active suppliers.   

Axalta Racing Launches "Fast Talk" Blog

Axalta Coating Systems has launched its first blog. Titled "Fast Talk," visitors can view the inaugural post—"Brilliant Flames Heads to Bristol." Blog posts will be made monthly, except when Axalta-sponsored races are on the horizon, such as this weekend's race in Martinsville. Fast Talk also features a new persona—the Axalta Racing Girl, whose writings will provide commentary and opinions. This virtual character seeks to engage with racing fans and appeal to a wide demographic. “2014 is an exciting year for us.  We’re off to a quick start with the January launch of a multitude of social media channels, and now we have the Fast Talk blog,” says Wade Robinson, Axalta Strategic Marketing and Racing Director. “Axalta Racing Girl is sure to make guest appearances throughout Axalta Racing’s social media channels. Fans should stay tuned, because you never know what’s next.”

By Della Domingo

	Tim Martin	Rick Trudo
Steve Wolcott	Greg Adler	Larry Pacey

The following is the slate of candidates who are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Manufacturers Category (one open seat available)

• Tim Martin – COO, K&N Engineering Inc.
• Rick Trudo – President/CEO, SCT Performance LLC
• Steve Wolcott – President/CEO, ProMedia LLC

Distributor Retailer Category (one open seat available)

• Greg Adler – CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
• Larry Pacey – President/CEO, National Performance Warehouse

Voting will take place online between May 14–June 10, 2014, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

For more information about the 2014–2017 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.

By Della Domingo

	Tim Martin	Rick Trudo
Steve Wolcott	Greg Adler	Larry Pacey

The following is the slate of candidates who are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Manufacturers Category (one open seat available)

• Tim Martin – COO, K&N Engineering Inc.
• Rick Trudo – President/CEO, SCT Performance LLC
• Steve Wolcott – President/CEO, ProMedia LLC

Distributor Retailer Category (one open seat available)

• Greg Adler – CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
• Larry Pacey – President/CEO, National Performance Warehouse

Voting will take place online between May 14–June 10, 2014, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

For more information about the 2014–2017 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.