With a donation of only $95, you can personally sponsor one of the children's pinewood vehicles.

Recently children living in Childhelp facilities in Beaumont, California, and in Lake of the Woods, Virginia, participated in the annual SEMA Build. These special pinewood mechanics represent a touching narrative of young enthusiasts who have suffered neglect and abuse, attempting now to recover and rehabilitate their lives under the care of the incredible staff at Childhelp chapters throughout the United States.

The recent SEMA Builds allowed the children to put their own personal touch and style on dozens of pinewood vehicles. The miniature wooden vehicles, each displaying an assortment of colors and depicting a variety of themes, are now available for sponsorship. With a donation of only $95 you can personally sponsor one of the childrens' vehicles and help contribute to two very worthy charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

Your generous gift will qualify a pinewood vehicle to compete at the Pinewood Drag Races on Friday, July 29, 2011, beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California. Held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the finals will occur during the cocktail reception shortly before the banquet begins.

eBay Motors has returned for its third consecutive year as the presenting sponsor of the Pinewood Drag Races. Please join eBay motors with a contribution in support of the SEMA Cares children's charities. Mike Spagnola, SEMA Board member and long-time supporter of the SEMA Cares committee explains just how successful the Pinewood Drag Races can be when members of the specialty-equipment industry step-up and sponsor a pinewood vehicle.

"The idea of this event is to build cars along with the kids, and then those cars are auctioned at $95 each," said Spagnola. "Last year we raised over $23,000, just racing these cars."

For more information about the Pinewood Drag Races, visit the Pinewood home page and make your donation today.

With a donation of only $95, you can personally sponsor one of the children's pinewood vehicles.

Recently children living in Childhelp facilities in Beaumont, California, and in Lake of the Woods, Virginia, participated in the annual SEMA Build. These special pinewood mechanics represent a touching narrative of young enthusiasts who have suffered neglect and abuse, attempting now to recover and rehabilitate their lives under the care of the incredible staff at Childhelp chapters throughout the United States.

The recent SEMA Builds allowed the children to put their own personal touch and style on dozens of pinewood vehicles. The miniature wooden vehicles, each displaying an assortment of colors and depicting a variety of themes, are now available for sponsorship. With a donation of only $95 you can personally sponsor one of the childrens' vehicles and help contribute to two very worthy charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

Your generous gift will qualify a pinewood vehicle to compete at the Pinewood Drag Races on Friday, July 29, 2011, beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California. Held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the finals will occur during the cocktail reception shortly before the banquet begins.

eBay Motors has returned for its third consecutive year as the presenting sponsor of the Pinewood Drag Races. Please join eBay motors with a contribution in support of the SEMA Cares children's charities. Mike Spagnola, SEMA Board member and long-time supporter of the SEMA Cares committee explains just how successful the Pinewood Drag Races can be when members of the specialty-equipment industry step-up and sponsor a pinewood vehicle.

"The idea of this event is to build cars along with the kids, and then those cars are auctioned at $95 each," said Spagnola. "Last year we raised over $23,000, just racing these cars."

For more information about the Pinewood Drag Races, visit the Pinewood home page and make your donation today.

With a donation of only $95, you can personally sponsor one of the children's pinewood vehicles.

Recently children living in Childhelp facilities in Beaumont, California, and in Lake of the Woods, Virginia, participated in the annual SEMA Build. These special pinewood mechanics represent a touching narrative of young enthusiasts who have suffered neglect and abuse, attempting now to recover and rehabilitate their lives under the care of the incredible staff at Childhelp chapters throughout the United States.

The recent SEMA Builds allowed the children to put their own personal touch and style on dozens of pinewood vehicles. The miniature wooden vehicles, each displaying an assortment of colors and depicting a variety of themes, are now available for sponsorship. With a donation of only $95 you can personally sponsor one of the childrens' vehicles and help contribute to two very worthy charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

Your generous gift will qualify a pinewood vehicle to compete at the Pinewood Drag Races on Friday, July 29, 2011, beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California. Held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the finals will occur during the cocktail reception shortly before the banquet begins.

eBay Motors has returned for its third consecutive year as the presenting sponsor of the Pinewood Drag Races. Please join eBay motors with a contribution in support of the SEMA Cares children's charities. Mike Spagnola, SEMA Board member and long-time supporter of the SEMA Cares committee explains just how successful the Pinewood Drag Races can be when members of the specialty-equipment industry step-up and sponsor a pinewood vehicle.

"The idea of this event is to build cars along with the kids, and then those cars are auctioned at $95 each," said Spagnola. "Last year we raised over $23,000, just racing these cars."

For more information about the Pinewood Drag Races, visit the Pinewood home page and make your donation today.

 

Mark Scheetz

New-product innovation is essential to the survival and competitiveness of your company. In a rapidly changing marketplace, getting new products to market quickly is crucial. Is your company using the latest tools and technology to keep R&D efficient and cost effective?

Join Mark Scheetz, GoEngineer, on Thursday, June 23, at 10:00 a.m (PDT), for a new SEMA Education Institute (SEI) webinar as he discusses 3-D CAD software applications for the automotive aftermarket. With more than 25 years of experience in all phases of design, development and implementation of computer applications, Scheetz will bring a wealth of knowledge to share with attendees. He will cover the following:

• Introduction of 3-D CAD design
• Using OEM-provided CAD files for efficiency and accuracy (with SEMA's OEM Technology Transfer Program)
• Referencing imported data for new designs
• Testing new designs before making prototypes and parts
• Reuse of 3-D data for tooling and manufacturing

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how a design concept can go from sketch to production using the latest in 3-D CAD software. Join Scheetz on Thursday, June 23, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember, SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Members: click here for more information and to register.

Non-members: click here for more information and to register.

 

Mark Scheetz

New-product innovation is essential to the survival and competitiveness of your company. In a rapidly changing marketplace, getting new products to market quickly is crucial. Is your company using the latest tools and technology to keep R&D efficient and cost effective?

Join Mark Scheetz, GoEngineer, on Thursday, June 23, at 10:00 a.m (PDT), for a new SEMA Education Institute (SEI) webinar as he discusses 3-D CAD software applications for the automotive aftermarket. With more than 25 years of experience in all phases of design, development and implementation of computer applications, Scheetz will bring a wealth of knowledge to share with attendees. He will cover the following:

• Introduction of 3-D CAD design
• Using OEM-provided CAD files for efficiency and accuracy (with SEMA's OEM Technology Transfer Program)
• Referencing imported data for new designs
• Testing new designs before making prototypes and parts
• Reuse of 3-D data for tooling and manufacturing

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how a design concept can go from sketch to production using the latest in 3-D CAD software. Join Scheetz on Thursday, June 23, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember, SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Members: click here for more information and to register.

Non-members: click here for more information and to register.

The vehicle photo gallery located at www.enjoythedrive.com features more than 2,000 vehicles on display at the 2010 SEMA Show. Here is a collection of the iconic Chevrolet Camaro, old and new, with the custom touches only the specialty-equipment market can provide.

The SEMA Show features thousands of project vehicles each year that represent the ingenuity and creativity of the specialty-equipment market. SEMA Show exhibitors can generate more product exposure by offering products to builders through the SEMA Show Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list is a simple way to connect exhibitors who want to get more eyes on their products at the Show with builders designing the vehicles that attract attention from thousands of buyers and members of the media.

Each week in SEMA eNews, the latest additions will be included in the list, and hundreds of builders will access the list to find the pieces they need to complete their builds. Product-placement opportunities such as this are so beneficial that exhibitors often offer products for free or at a greatly reduced rate. Note: The list is reserved for exhibitors of the 2011 SEMA Show.

To place your product on the list, send your company name, a brief product description, contact information and a website where the products can be viewed to eNews@sema.org and put “Product List” in the e-mail subject line. To complete the process online, visit www.SEMAShow.com/esm and click on the "Project Vehicle Builders" link to access the electronic form.

Remember, builders will contact you directly, so make sure your contact information is accurate. New submissions will be included each week, when available.

For questions or additional information, contact Jason Catullo at jasonc@sema.org or 909/978-6713. 

Here are the latest additions to the list:

Engine/Underhood Components

ProCharger (Booth #21354): Superchargers and intercooled supercharger systems. Contact: Cary Pangrac; 913/338-2886; 913-338-2879 (fax). Website: www.procharger.com.

ODYSSEY Battery by EnerSys (Booth #24943): ODYSSEY batteries and Ultimizer chargers. Contact: April Tomalis; 800/538-3627, ext. 1729; 610/372-8613 (fax). Website: www.odysseybattery.com.

Exterior Products/Accessories

Blue Ox (Booth #36083): Blue Ox Allure Towbar, Blue Ox SwayPro weight distribution hitch, Blue Ox gooseneck hitch. Contact: Destiny Thomas; 402/385-3051; 402/385-3360. Website: www.blueox.com.

EGR Inc. (Booth #30065): Full line of exterior plastic accessories, including (but not limited to) no-drill fender flares, no-drill hood protectors, side-window visors and side steps. Contact: Robert Wityczak; 909/923-7075. Website: www.egrusa.com.

Hi-Lift Jack Company (Booth #32005): Hi-Lift Jacks and accessories, Slide-N-Lock tie-down systems. Contact: Steve Dowden; 812/384-4441, ext. 16; 812/384-4592. Website: www.hi-lift.com.

Lazer Star Light Products (Booth #37075): HID and LED driving and off-road lights. Contact: Suzi; 805/226-8200; 805/226-8150 (fax). Website: www.lazerstar.net.

ORACLE Lighting Technologies (Booth #11443): ORACLE SMD headlight halo kits (all colors available). Contact: Jonathan or Justin; 800/407-5776; 800/407-2631. Website: www.ORACLElights.com.

Retro USA (Booth #13061): Retro-styled bumpers, trim and moldings for 2005–2009 Mustangs, 2010–2011 Camaros and 2008–2011 Challengers. Available in chrome, black chrome and carbon fiber finishes. Contact: Gary Green; 952/641-2334; 952/435-9891. Website: www.retrousa.net.

Rhino Linings Corp. (Booth #31055): Spray-in bedliner. Contact: Jenny Clifford; 858/410-6020; 858/450-5078 (fax).

T-Rex Grilles (Booth #35111): Multiple grille designs for most cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as numerous trim accessories. Grille styles include: traditional billet, stainless steel mesh X-Metal studded mesh grilles. All grilles and accessories are available in a polished or black finish and are in stock and ready to ship. Contact: Victor Casillas; 951/270-5388; 951/270-5391 (fax). Website: www.trexbillet.com.

Warrior Products (Booth #34091): Jeep exterior accessories, including tube doors, roof racks, fender flares, body armor, etc. Contact: Jason Roy. Website: www.warriorproducts.com.

Interior Products/Accessories

CargoGlide (Booth #31153): Cargo slides for trucks, vans and SUVs. CargoGlide offers several models to suit individual and company needs from 600 lb. to 2,500 lb. capacities. Easy to install. Contact: David McInturf; 239/340-9605.

LeBaron Bonney Co./EZ Boy Interiors (Booth #23083): Reproduction and custom interior kits, including seat and panel upholstery. Contact: Scott Holbrook. Website: www.lebaronbonney.com; www.ezboyinteriors.com.

QuietRIDE Solutions (Booth #24386): AcoustiShield thermal acoustic auto insulation. Contact: Timothy Cox; 209/942-4777; 209/942-4476 (fax). Website: www.quietride.com.

Suspension/Brakes

BDS Suspension (Booth #30170): American-made suspension lifts and shocks for trucks, SUVs and Jeeps. Contact: Carter Reed; 517/279-2384, ext. 250; 517/278-2316. Website: www.bds-suspension.com.

Hellwig Products (Booth #22521): Load and sway suspension for trucks, SUVs and vintage and modern musclecars. Contact: Melanie White; 559/734-7451. Website: www.hellwigproducts.com.

Wheels & Tires

Vossen Wheels (Booth #47099): Wheels. Contact: Jav; 305/463-7778; 305/256-1007 (fax). Website: www.vossenwheels.com.

Other Products/Services

QuietRIDE Solutions (Booth #24386): Firewall insulators and truck headliners. Contact: Timothy Cox; 209/942-4777; 209/942-4476 (fax). Website: www.quietride.com.

The SEMA Show features thousands of project vehicles each year that represent the ingenuity and creativity of the specialty-equipment market. SEMA Show exhibitors can generate more product exposure by offering products to builders through the SEMA Show Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list is a simple way to connect exhibitors who want to get more eyes on their products at the Show with builders designing the vehicles that attract attention from thousands of buyers and members of the media.

Each week in SEMA eNews, the latest additions will be included in the list, and hundreds of builders will access the list to find the pieces they need to complete their builds. Product-placement opportunities such as this are so beneficial that exhibitors often offer products for free or at a greatly reduced rate. Note: The list is reserved for exhibitors of the 2011 SEMA Show.

To place your product on the list, send your company name, a brief product description, contact information and a website where the products can be viewed to eNews@sema.org and put “Product List” in the e-mail subject line. To complete the process online, visit www.SEMAShow.com/esm and click on the "Project Vehicle Builders" link to access the electronic form.

Remember, builders will contact you directly, so make sure your contact information is accurate. New submissions will be included each week, when available.

For questions or additional information, contact Jason Catullo at jasonc@sema.org or 909/978-6713. 

Here are the latest additions to the list:

Engine/Underhood Components

ProCharger (Booth #21354): Superchargers and intercooled supercharger systems. Contact: Cary Pangrac; 913/338-2886; 913-338-2879 (fax). Website: www.procharger.com.

ODYSSEY Battery by EnerSys (Booth #24943): ODYSSEY batteries and Ultimizer chargers. Contact: April Tomalis; 800/538-3627, ext. 1729; 610/372-8613 (fax). Website: www.odysseybattery.com.

Exterior Products/Accessories

Blue Ox (Booth #36083): Blue Ox Allure Towbar, Blue Ox SwayPro weight distribution hitch, Blue Ox gooseneck hitch. Contact: Destiny Thomas; 402/385-3051; 402/385-3360. Website: www.blueox.com.

EGR Inc. (Booth #30065): Full line of exterior plastic accessories, including (but not limited to) no-drill fender flares, no-drill hood protectors, side-window visors and side steps. Contact: Robert Wityczak; 909/923-7075. Website: www.egrusa.com.

Hi-Lift Jack Company (Booth #32005): Hi-Lift Jacks and accessories, Slide-N-Lock tie-down systems. Contact: Steve Dowden; 812/384-4441, ext. 16; 812/384-4592. Website: www.hi-lift.com.

Lazer Star Light Products (Booth #37075): HID and LED driving and off-road lights. Contact: Suzi; 805/226-8200; 805/226-8150 (fax). Website: www.lazerstar.net.

ORACLE Lighting Technologies (Booth #11443): ORACLE SMD headlight halo kits (all colors available). Contact: Jonathan or Justin; 800/407-5776; 800/407-2631. Website: www.ORACLElights.com.

Retro USA (Booth #13061): Retro-styled bumpers, trim and moldings for 2005–2009 Mustangs, 2010–2011 Camaros and 2008–2011 Challengers. Available in chrome, black chrome and carbon fiber finishes. Contact: Gary Green; 952/641-2334; 952/435-9891. Website: www.retrousa.net.

Rhino Linings Corp. (Booth #31055): Spray-in bedliner. Contact: Jenny Clifford; 858/410-6020; 858/450-5078 (fax).

T-Rex Grilles (Booth #35111): Multiple grille designs for most cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as numerous trim accessories. Grille styles include: traditional billet, stainless steel mesh X-Metal studded mesh grilles. All grilles and accessories are available in a polished or black finish and are in stock and ready to ship. Contact: Victor Casillas; 951/270-5388; 951/270-5391 (fax). Website: www.trexbillet.com.

Warrior Products (Booth #34091): Jeep exterior accessories, including tube doors, roof racks, fender flares, body armor, etc. Contact: Jason Roy. Website: www.warriorproducts.com.

Interior Products/Accessories

CargoGlide (Booth #31153): Cargo slides for trucks, vans and SUVs. CargoGlide offers several models to suit individual and company needs from 600 lb. to 2,500 lb. capacities. Easy to install. Contact: David McInturf; 239/340-9605.

LeBaron Bonney Co./EZ Boy Interiors (Booth #23083): Reproduction and custom interior kits, including seat and panel upholstery. Contact: Scott Holbrook. Website: www.lebaronbonney.com; www.ezboyinteriors.com.

QuietRIDE Solutions (Booth #24386): AcoustiShield thermal acoustic auto insulation. Contact: Timothy Cox; 209/942-4777; 209/942-4476 (fax). Website: www.quietride.com.

Suspension/Brakes

BDS Suspension (Booth #30170): American-made suspension lifts and shocks for trucks, SUVs and Jeeps. Contact: Carter Reed; 517/279-2384, ext. 250; 517/278-2316. Website: www.bds-suspension.com.

Hellwig Products (Booth #22521): Load and sway suspension for trucks, SUVs and vintage and modern musclecars. Contact: Melanie White; 559/734-7451. Website: www.hellwigproducts.com.

Wheels & Tires

Vossen Wheels (Booth #47099): Wheels. Contact: Jav; 305/463-7778; 305/256-1007 (fax). Website: www.vossenwheels.com.

Other Products/Services

QuietRIDE Solutions (Booth #24386): Firewall insulators and truck headliners. Contact: Timothy Cox; 209/942-4777; 209/942-4476 (fax). Website: www.quietride.com.

 

Phil Frank, the man behind the design of the legendary Saleen S7, launches his exotic component business PFD Carbonworks.

Phil Frank Launches PFD Carbonworks
Phil Frank, the man behind the design of the legendary Saleen S7, launches his exotic component business PFD Carbonworks. As a design consultant via Phil Frank Design (PFD), he has been instrumental in designing the brands, vehicles and products of numerous companies. According to a recent announcement, Frank has focused his experience, time and resources into establishing PFD Carbonworks, dedicated to performance and innovation components for the automotive exotic enthusiast. More information is available at www.pfdcarbonworks.com.

RK Motors' Owner Rob Kauffman Takes on 24 Hours of Le Mans
Rob Kauffman, owner of RK Motors Charlotte in North Carolina, took the driver's seat of a Ferrari F458 during the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, June 11–12. Along with teammates Michael Waltrip and Rui Aguas, Kauffman raced on behalf of the Italian auto racing team, AF Corse. The team’s Ferrari was outfitted with the RK Motors Charlotte logo.

AC Propulsion CEO Tom Gage Joins List of Electrifying 100
AC Propulsion's CEO Tom Gage was selected as one of Automotive News' Electrifying 100, a list of what the publication calls "the most influential people leading the global transformation of the automobile to an electrified fleet." According to a recent release, AC Propulsion is widely credited with playing a seminal role in the modern electric vehicle (EV) era and, as CEO for the past 10 years, Gage has led the company toward commercialization of the proprietary electric propulsion technologies it has developed since 1992. Gage was honored this week in Dearborn, Michigan, during the magazine’s Green Car Conference.

 

Mauro Pessi was appointed president and CEO of the Pirelli's South America region.

Pirelli Names Pessi President, CEO of South America Region
Pirelli appointed Mauro Pessi president and CEO of the company's South America region. According to the company, the move was made to facilitate the consolidation and the development of Pirelli leadership in the growing markets in South America. In addition, in an effort to maintain continuity of the company's business strategy in North America, Pessi will retain the chairmanship of the Pirelli NAFTA Region. Also, to support what the company refers to as challenging growth in the NAFTA region, Matteo Battaini was appointed CEO. Pirelli reports that Battaini's 20 years experience as a manager with Pirelli includes a strong background in demand planning, supply chain and product management that will help ensure Pirelli’s commitment to the region.

Ingersoll Rand Awarded TechShop Magazine's Top 5 Tools Award
Ingersoll Rand was awarded TechShop magazine's 2010 Top 5 Tools Award. On a monthly basis, readers of TechShop magazine report on the top-five tools used in their shops. Award winners are based on the number of times a company or its products are mentioned in the previous six issues of the magazine's Top 5 Favorite Tools section by shop owners and technicians.

WyoTech-Laramie Named to 2010 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
For the fourth consecutive year, WyoTech-Laramie was named to the 2010 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). According to a Wyo-Tech release, the Honor Roll recognizes higher education institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities. More than 1,000 students from the WyoTech-Laramie campus engaged in some form of community service in 2010. The service projects were varied and included assistance during an unexpected flood in July, which put dozens of homes at risk in the West Laramie area. Additional service projects included more than 3,600 hours at Ghost Tours, a haunted house/historic tour, and 2,200 hours at Jubilee Days—a weeklong community festival.

 

Seven-time world champ Tony Schumacher	15-time world champ John Force

NEWS NUGGETS

SCHUMACHER AND FORCE STILL LOOKING FOR FIRST WINS OF 2011: As the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Bristol Dragway this week for the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, many drivers are riding a wave of race victories.

Top Fuel points leader Del Worsham has three event wins in his first full season behind the wheel of the Al-Anabi dragster. Second-place Spencer Massey is coming off of consecutive wins in Topeka, Kansas, and Englishtown, New Jersey. In Funny Car, Mike Neff has raced to two wins and is enjoying a run of four consecutive final-round appearances, and teammate Robert Hight has three wins already.

And yet while so many drivers are experiencing strong success in 2011, some of the biggest names and former NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world champions have yet to earn their first wins of the season.

One is seven-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher. He not only has failed to win a race this season, but he’s also had only two final-round appearances, a vast difference for a driver who has amassed 26 wins in 33 final-round appearances in the three years before this season. Schumacher enters Bristol Dragway as the three-time defending event winner and four-time race winner. If ever there was a track for Schumacher to turn his success around, it is Bristol.

Another driver hoping to find Bristol success is 15-time and defending Funny Car world champion John Force. While both of his teammates, Neff and Hight, have found the winner’s circle multiple times this season, Force has yet to even find the final round, let alone a race win. The defending and three-time winner at Bristol Dragway holds the most wins of any Funny Car driver at the track and hopes for a repeat of the results of his 2010 Thunder Valley visit. Force also sits on the verge of breaking another NHRA record: He is tied with Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson for the most No. 1 qualifiers in NHRA history, with both sitting at 138.

Is Bristol Dragway the place where Force will again make drag racing history? For tickets for the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, call 423/989-6900 or log on to bristoldragway.com.

DIGIORNO PIZZA TO SUPPORT FULLER’S 2011 RETURN TO NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING: DiGiorno pizza will sponsor “Hot Rod” Fuller’s return to NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing in the Yas Marina Circuit Top Fuel dragster from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Fuller will compete at 10 NHRA events throughout the remainder of the 2011 tour, in Bristol, Tennessee; Joliet, Illinois; Denver; Brainerd, Minnesota; Indianapolis; Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas; Reading, Pennsylvania; Phoenix; and Las Vegas. Fuller and his Top Fuel dragster also will make four appearances on behalf of DiGiorno pizza at Walmart stores in the area of each race he attends. The schedule will consist of two appearances the Wednesday and Thursday before each race, from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. both days. Store locations will be announced the Monday of race week so that fans can plan their participation.

“Having a corporate entity such as Nestle with the DiGiorno brand sponsor us on the NHRA circuit is something that compares to commitments you see in other major-league sports,” said Fuller. “We feel that the NHRA fan base is a great audience for the promotion and know that Walmart is a great retail partner.”

For more information, log on to NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS PRESENTED BY TRI-CITIES AREA FORD DEALERS, BRISTOL DRAGWAY, June 17–19: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Thunder Valley and its ninth stop on the circuit. Defending event winners are Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 423/989-6900 or log on to bristoldragway.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, June 23–26: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Norwalk, Ohio, and its 10th stop on the circuit. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 419/668-5555 or log on to summitmotorsportspark.tix.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, July 7–10: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Chicago and the Windy City for its 11th stop of the season. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 815/727-RACE or log on to route66raceway.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

IF YOU’RE NOT FIRST, YOU’RE LAST: Pro Stock driver and points leader Jason Line on why he races: “I go to every race with the sole purpose of winning. There’s no other reason to go. That’s what we’re paid to do, and that’s what we need to do—we just need to do a better job of it, and I’m confident we will.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1965, DRAG RACING HEADS TO BRISTOL: On June 3–7, 1965, the NHRA held the Springnationals at Bristol International Dragway. In 2001, 36 years after that first national event held in Bristol, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing returned to Thunder Valley to the completely remodeled Bristol Dragway and the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

4.075: That’s the E.T. track record in Funny Car at Bristol Dragway, held by current Top Fuel driver Del Worsham and set in May 2009. The national record in Funny Car is 4.011 seconds, held by local favorite Matt Hagan. Can Hagan, or any other Funny Car driver, post the first three-second Funny Car run at this year’s Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers?

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the highly exciting, nitromethane-induced NHRA Harley-Davidson Racing Nitro Exhibition has been added to the schedule for the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers this weekend at Bristol Dragway? For tickets, call 423/989-6900 or log on to bristoldragway.com.

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.