Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Chicky Barton claimed his first ULTRA4 victory at last week's GenRight ULTRA4s at Superlift Park race.

Chicky Barton Wins First ULTRA4 Race
Chicky Barton claimed his first ULTRA4 victory at last week's GenRight ULTRA4s at Superlift Park race. With 44 registered drivers, the race was the largest 4WD Hardware Eastern Regional ULTRA4 race to date. Barton, in his new independent front suspension vehicle, qualifed fifth last Friday. Erik Miller qualified first on Friday, followed by Jason Shipman, Wayland Campbell and Mike Colville. Cars left the line every 20 seconds on the 6.75-mile, narrow, tree-lined course. Shannon Campbell ultimately beat out Erik Miller for second place. At the end of the day, 24 of the 39 vehicles that started the race were able to successfully finish five laps in the allotted five hours.

Rob Matzell won the 4500/4600/UTV race. In the RCV SRRS vs. ULTRA4 shootout, Tom Wayes won overall with the fastest combined time of 43.788 seconds, and Danny Smith was the fastest bouncer with a combined time of 51.311. The next ULTRA4 event will be the Metalcloak Stampede held in Prairie City, California, June 6–7.

Trans Am Series Set for TV Return With Rick Benjamin
The Trans Am Series will make its return to television in 2014 with Carolinas Production Group, spearheaded by long-time race announcer Rick Benjamin. The partnership will see Benjamin, who will produce and announce the broadcasts, and Trans Am reunited—a duo that goes back decades. Two Trans Am events will be broadcast this year, Rounds 6 and 7 of the 2014 Trans Am Championship, at Road America and Mid-Ohio, respectively. Each show will be one hour in length with an estimated reach of more than 70 million households, anchored by MAV TV, Tuff TV and Altitude Network. Broadcast times and dates will be announced as the events approach.

	Justin Hall of Team Tsuda Racing/Rock Hard Racing took the top podium in the 4500 class at the Nor-Cal Rock Racing Series.

Team Falken Earns a Pair of Firsts at Nor-Cal Rock Racing Series
Team Falken added two more first-place finishes last weekend at the Nor-Cal Rock Racing Series competing in Sacramento. The regional race program is a sister series to Ultra4 and King of the Hammers, following many of the same rules. Taking the top podium in the 4500 class was Justin Hall of Team Tsuda Racing/Rock Hard Racing. Hall also finished first in the W.E. Rock event last month. Ben Varozza and Jacob Pacheco of VP Racing took their stock class Jeep to first in the 4600 class.

Formula DRIFT Announces Further Details on the 2015 World Championship
Formula DRIFT has announced additional information on the 2015 World Championship that include details on event rounds and locations, competition format, confirmation of all Formula DRIFT Pro licenses to be valid for the World Championship and the petition process for international drivers. In addition, Formula DRIFT has confirmed that three rounds of the World Championship will offer a separate Triple Crown prize purse with a possible USD $100,000 up for grabs.

The World Championship will encompass all US Formula DRIFT Championship rounds plus two to three international rounds. The select international rounds will be vetted by Formula DRIFT through the 2014 season with all existing Formula DRIFT international rounds to be considered, including previous international venues.

The competition format will be based off the traditional top 32 head-to-head format. Formula DRIFT also confirms that all Formula DRIFT Pro Licenses are considered valid for the World Championship as well as selected Formula Drift Affiliate Series drivers will be eligible as well, while all other international drivers will need to go through a petition process in order to qualify. Additionally, three selected rounds of the World Championship will constitute its own Triple Crown with a prize pool of a possible USD $100,000.

	A special painting created by Hector Cademartori for the Pirelli World Challenge Championships' 25th Anniversary features a number of historic Pirelli World Challenge race cars that have competed over the last 25 years.

Pirelli World Challenge 25th Anniversary Poster Unveiled
Last Saturday, a special painting created for the Pirelli World Challenge Championships' 25th Anniversary was unveiled. The watercolor painting, in partnership with Pirelli, was created by California artist Hector Cademartori, and features a number of historic Pirelli World Challenge race cars that have competed over the last 25 years. A poster created from the painting was handed out to fans during Saturday's driver autograph session for Round 2 of the season, The Roar By the Shore Presented by Kia, in Long Beach, California. There are plans for distribution of the poster at future autograph sessions throughout the rest of 2014.

Starting with the inaugural series champion, R.K. Smith in a Chevrolet Corvette in 1990, through the four class champions in 2013: Johnny O'Connell in a Cadillac CTS-V.R (GT), Lawson Aschenbach in the Blackdog Speed Shop Chevrolet Camaro (GTS), Ryan Winchester in the Compass360 Racing Honda Civic Si (TC) and Robbie Davis in the MINI of Charleston Racing MINI Cooper (TCB), there's a wealth of memorable cars and drivers on the print.

Seven-time series champion Peter Cunningham is featured prominently in the RealTime Racing Acura TSX. Others featured include James Sofronas of GMG Racing (Audi R8), and past series champions Tommy Archer (Viper), Michael Galati (Audi S4), Randy Pobst (Volvo S60) and Patrick Long (Porsche 911).

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Chicky Barton claimed his first ULTRA4 victory at last week's GenRight ULTRA4s at Superlift Park race.

Chicky Barton Wins First ULTRA4 Race
Chicky Barton claimed his first ULTRA4 victory at last week's GenRight ULTRA4s at Superlift Park race. With 44 registered drivers, the race was the largest 4WD Hardware Eastern Regional ULTRA4 race to date. Barton, in his new independent front suspension vehicle, qualifed fifth last Friday. Erik Miller qualified first on Friday, followed by Jason Shipman, Wayland Campbell and Mike Colville. Cars left the line every 20 seconds on the 6.75-mile, narrow, tree-lined course. Shannon Campbell ultimately beat out Erik Miller for second place. At the end of the day, 24 of the 39 vehicles that started the race were able to successfully finish five laps in the allotted five hours.

Rob Matzell won the 4500/4600/UTV race. In the RCV SRRS vs. ULTRA4 shootout, Tom Wayes won overall with the fastest combined time of 43.788 seconds, and Danny Smith was the fastest bouncer with a combined time of 51.311. The next ULTRA4 event will be the Metalcloak Stampede held in Prairie City, California, June 6–7.

Trans Am Series Set for TV Return With Rick Benjamin
The Trans Am Series will make its return to television in 2014 with Carolinas Production Group, spearheaded by long-time race announcer Rick Benjamin. The partnership will see Benjamin, who will produce and announce the broadcasts, and Trans Am reunited—a duo that goes back decades. Two Trans Am events will be broadcast this year, Rounds 6 and 7 of the 2014 Trans Am Championship, at Road America and Mid-Ohio, respectively. Each show will be one hour in length with an estimated reach of more than 70 million households, anchored by MAV TV, Tuff TV and Altitude Network. Broadcast times and dates will be announced as the events approach.

	Justin Hall of Team Tsuda Racing/Rock Hard Racing took the top podium in the 4500 class at the Nor-Cal Rock Racing Series.

Team Falken Earns a Pair of Firsts at Nor-Cal Rock Racing Series
Team Falken added two more first-place finishes last weekend at the Nor-Cal Rock Racing Series competing in Sacramento. The regional race program is a sister series to Ultra4 and King of the Hammers, following many of the same rules. Taking the top podium in the 4500 class was Justin Hall of Team Tsuda Racing/Rock Hard Racing. Hall also finished first in the W.E. Rock event last month. Ben Varozza and Jacob Pacheco of VP Racing took their stock class Jeep to first in the 4600 class.

Formula DRIFT Announces Further Details on the 2015 World Championship
Formula DRIFT has announced additional information on the 2015 World Championship that include details on event rounds and locations, competition format, confirmation of all Formula DRIFT Pro licenses to be valid for the World Championship and the petition process for international drivers. In addition, Formula DRIFT has confirmed that three rounds of the World Championship will offer a separate Triple Crown prize purse with a possible USD $100,000 up for grabs.

The World Championship will encompass all US Formula DRIFT Championship rounds plus two to three international rounds. The select international rounds will be vetted by Formula DRIFT through the 2014 season with all existing Formula DRIFT international rounds to be considered, including previous international venues.

The competition format will be based off the traditional top 32 head-to-head format. Formula DRIFT also confirms that all Formula DRIFT Pro Licenses are considered valid for the World Championship as well as selected Formula Drift Affiliate Series drivers will be eligible as well, while all other international drivers will need to go through a petition process in order to qualify. Additionally, three selected rounds of the World Championship will constitute its own Triple Crown with a prize pool of a possible USD $100,000.

	A special painting created by Hector Cademartori for the Pirelli World Challenge Championships' 25th Anniversary features a number of historic Pirelli World Challenge race cars that have competed over the last 25 years.

Pirelli World Challenge 25th Anniversary Poster Unveiled
Last Saturday, a special painting created for the Pirelli World Challenge Championships' 25th Anniversary was unveiled. The watercolor painting, in partnership with Pirelli, was created by California artist Hector Cademartori, and features a number of historic Pirelli World Challenge race cars that have competed over the last 25 years. A poster created from the painting was handed out to fans during Saturday's driver autograph session for Round 2 of the season, The Roar By the Shore Presented by Kia, in Long Beach, California. There are plans for distribution of the poster at future autograph sessions throughout the rest of 2014.

Starting with the inaugural series champion, R.K. Smith in a Chevrolet Corvette in 1990, through the four class champions in 2013: Johnny O'Connell in a Cadillac CTS-V.R (GT), Lawson Aschenbach in the Blackdog Speed Shop Chevrolet Camaro (GTS), Ryan Winchester in the Compass360 Racing Honda Civic Si (TC) and Robbie Davis in the MINI of Charleston Racing MINI Cooper (TCB), there's a wealth of memorable cars and drivers on the print.

Seven-time series champion Peter Cunningham is featured prominently in the RealTime Racing Acura TSX. Others featured include James Sofronas of GMG Racing (Audi R8), and past series champions Tommy Archer (Viper), Michael Galati (Audi S4), Randy Pobst (Volvo S60) and Patrick Long (Porsche 911).

By Alan Josse

	The SEMA Show New Products Showcase is annually the No. 1 destination for buyers and provides exhibitors a simple way to build additional company and product awareness away from their booths.

As exhibitors prepare for the 2014 SEMA Show Priority Booth Selection Process, many are strategizing exactly where the best place is for them to exhibit. The Priority Booth Selection Process runs May 5–23, 2014. Here are a few planning techniques for companies to consider regarding booth locations and attracting buyers.

Product Category: First and foremost, be aware that the SEMA Show is sectionalized by various categories. In order to qualify for a particular Show section, a minimum of 75% of the products or services on display and the marketing materials being distributed must be specific to that section.

Product Display: While location may impact who visits your booth, there are many other factors that have a greater influence on where buyers go. In fact, buyers cited product displays as the biggest factor that drew them to booths at the 2013 SEMA Show. Nearly 90% of buyers said product displays influenced them to stop at a booth, followed by vehicle displays, product demonstrations, and the layout or design of a booth. Location was only cited by 24% of buyers, making it the seventh item down on the list.

Pre-Show Marketing: Seventy-one percent of buyers come to the SEMA Show with a plan and a list of exhibitors that they want to see. Targeted mailings, advertising in industry publications, and distributing press releases are all effective ways exhibitors can promote and drive traffic to the booths.

New Products Showcase: Most buyers visit the New Products Showcase, and more than half of all buyers from the 2013 SEMA Show said that they visited an exhibitor as a result of seeing a product in the showcase. Highlighting your products in the New Products Showcase is a great way to increase booth traffic and product and company awareness.

Exhibitors are encouraged to contact their account rep for more ideas on how to increase booth traffic and addtional ways to increase awareness at the SEMA Show. Call 909-396-0289 or e-mail sales@SEMA.org to learn more. For additional information on the 2014 SEMA Show or to secure a booth for the November 4–7 event, get started at www.SEMAShow.com. 

Alan Josse is the SEMA Account Rep for Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road, Powersports & Utility Vehicles, and Restoration Marketplace. He can be reached at alanj@SEMA.org or 909-978-6666.

By Alan Josse

	The SEMA Show New Products Showcase is annually the No. 1 destination for buyers and provides exhibitors a simple way to build additional company and product awareness away from their booths.

As exhibitors prepare for the 2014 SEMA Show Priority Booth Selection Process, many are strategizing exactly where the best place is for them to exhibit. The Priority Booth Selection Process runs May 5–23, 2014. Here are a few planning techniques for companies to consider regarding booth locations and attracting buyers.

Product Category: First and foremost, be aware that the SEMA Show is sectionalized by various categories. In order to qualify for a particular Show section, a minimum of 75% of the products or services on display and the marketing materials being distributed must be specific to that section.

Product Display: While location may impact who visits your booth, there are many other factors that have a greater influence on where buyers go. In fact, buyers cited product displays as the biggest factor that drew them to booths at the 2013 SEMA Show. Nearly 90% of buyers said product displays influenced them to stop at a booth, followed by vehicle displays, product demonstrations, and the layout or design of a booth. Location was only cited by 24% of buyers, making it the seventh item down on the list.

Pre-Show Marketing: Seventy-one percent of buyers come to the SEMA Show with a plan and a list of exhibitors that they want to see. Targeted mailings, advertising in industry publications, and distributing press releases are all effective ways exhibitors can promote and drive traffic to the booths.

New Products Showcase: Most buyers visit the New Products Showcase, and more than half of all buyers from the 2013 SEMA Show said that they visited an exhibitor as a result of seeing a product in the showcase. Highlighting your products in the New Products Showcase is a great way to increase booth traffic and product and company awareness.

Exhibitors are encouraged to contact their account rep for more ideas on how to increase booth traffic and addtional ways to increase awareness at the SEMA Show. Call 909-396-0289 or e-mail sales@SEMA.org to learn more. For additional information on the 2014 SEMA Show or to secure a booth for the November 4–7 event, get started at www.SEMAShow.com. 

Alan Josse is the SEMA Account Rep for Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road, Powersports & Utility Vehicles, and Restoration Marketplace. He can be reached at alanj@SEMA.org or 909-978-6666.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Since the U.S. House of Representatives will likely not tackle comprehensive tax reform in 2014, lawmakers have begun drafting legislation to extend a variety of yearly tax breaks that expired at the end of 2013. The Senate Finance Committee has already approved and sent to the senate floor a bill containing a number of such measures.

Of interest to the business community, the SEMA-supported Senate bill would provide a two-year extension, through 2015, for the research and development (R&D) tax credit. It would also extend the 50% bonus depreciation for qualified property purchased before January 1, 2016. Section 179 expensing would be restored for one more year at the maximum $500,000 deduction, with a $2 million phase-out level. Absent the renewal, the allowance reverts to $25,000, with a $200,000 phase-out level. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Since the U.S. House of Representatives will likely not tackle comprehensive tax reform in 2014, lawmakers have begun drafting legislation to extend a variety of yearly tax breaks that expired at the end of 2013. The Senate Finance Committee has already approved and sent to the senate floor a bill containing a number of such measures.

Of interest to the business community, the SEMA-supported Senate bill would provide a two-year extension, through 2015, for the research and development (R&D) tax credit. It would also extend the 50% bonus depreciation for qualified property purchased before January 1, 2016. Section 179 expensing would be restored for one more year at the maximum $500,000 deduction, with a $2 million phase-out level. Absent the renewal, the allowance reverts to $25,000, with a $200,000 phase-out level. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Since the U.S. House of Representatives will likely not tackle comprehensive tax reform in 2014, lawmakers have begun drafting legislation to extend a variety of yearly tax breaks that expired at the end of 2013. The Senate Finance Committee has already approved and sent to the senate floor a bill containing a number of such measures.

Of interest to the business community, the SEMA-supported Senate bill would provide a two-year extension, through 2015, for the research and development (R&D) tax credit. It would also extend the 50% bonus depreciation for qualified property purchased before January 1, 2016. Section 179 expensing would be restored for one more year at the maximum $500,000 deduction, with a $2 million phase-out level. Absent the renewal, the allowance reverts to $25,000, with a $200,000 phase-out level. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

NHRA News

THREE LIVE BROADCASTS HIGHLIGHT NHRA COVERAGE ON ESPN: The NHRA, in conjunction with broadcast partner ESPN, will feature three live broadcasts during the remainder of the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Hosted by Dave Rieff and analysis by Mike Dunn, the first live event will air on ESPN with three hours of coverage of the Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire, June 22, from 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT). The next live broadcast will be the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Chicago on ESPN2, June 29, for three hours from 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (EDT). The Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Denver on July 20 will be a three-and-a-half-hour show on ESPN from 2:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (EDT). For more on the story, visit www.NHRA.com.

ALUND AMONG WINNERS AT NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS: Appearing in his first career Pro Stock final, Jimmy Alund drove to victory in his second NHRA Four-Wide Nationals appearance. The Swede is substituting for four-time Pro Stock world champ Greg Anderson and ran a 6.562 pass at 211.59 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro, becoming the first European winner and only fourth non-American winner in the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Alund took out runner-up Shane Gray, Vincent Nobile and recent Las Vegas winner Erica Enders-Stevens in the final. For more on the story visit www.NHRA.com.

POINTS STANDINGS UPDATED FOR NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES: The points standings for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series are updated following the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals and there was movement within the top 10 in all categories. Andrew Hines takes over the points lead in Pro Stock Motorcycle for the first time since 2010 and Antron Brown tightened up the points margin in Top Fuel. More on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

"Those guys were phenomenal in their time with what they did through the ’90s with him and Dave Schultz was outstanding. It is cool to be tied with John Myers. I grew up around drag racing and around these drag racing tracks. I remember running around as an eight-, nine-, 10-year-old kid having rubber band wars with John Myers. Shooting rubber bands at each other whenever we could. So that is really cool to tie his stat and be associated in that elite group."

—Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Andrew Hines following his win in Charlotte. It was his 33rd win in the category and ties him for third in Pro Stock Motorcycle victories with the late John Myers.

Inside the Numbers

4: Number of consecutive final rounds Robert Hight has raced to in the first five races of 2014. Hight has won two of the events including the most recent race in Charlotte. He also is the Funny Car points leader. The record for the most consecutive final round appearances in Funny Car is 13 held by Don Prudhomme, which he achieved during the ’75–’77 seasons. The record for the most final-round appearances in a single season is held by Hight’s team owner John Force with 16 in 1996.

Did You Know

DOUGLAS MOTORSPORTS PARK JOINS NHRA MEMBER TRACK NETWORK; PACEMAKERS RENEWS: Two NHRA Member Tracks—one brand new and the other a longtime staple—have committed themselves to the NHRA Member Track network. Douglas Motorsports Park—an eighth-mile facility located in Nicholls, Georgia. has become a NHRA Member Track, while Pacemakers Dragway Park, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, one of the oldest NHRA member tracks in the country, has extended its NHRA track membership. For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

View the 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

NHRA News

THREE LIVE BROADCASTS HIGHLIGHT NHRA COVERAGE ON ESPN: The NHRA, in conjunction with broadcast partner ESPN, will feature three live broadcasts during the remainder of the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Hosted by Dave Rieff and analysis by Mike Dunn, the first live event will air on ESPN with three hours of coverage of the Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire, June 22, from 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT). The next live broadcast will be the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Chicago on ESPN2, June 29, for three hours from 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (EDT). The Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Denver on July 20 will be a three-and-a-half-hour show on ESPN from 2:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (EDT). For more on the story, visit www.NHRA.com.

ALUND AMONG WINNERS AT NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS: Appearing in his first career Pro Stock final, Jimmy Alund drove to victory in his second NHRA Four-Wide Nationals appearance. The Swede is substituting for four-time Pro Stock world champ Greg Anderson and ran a 6.562 pass at 211.59 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro, becoming the first European winner and only fourth non-American winner in the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Alund took out runner-up Shane Gray, Vincent Nobile and recent Las Vegas winner Erica Enders-Stevens in the final. For more on the story visit www.NHRA.com.

POINTS STANDINGS UPDATED FOR NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES: The points standings for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series are updated following the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals and there was movement within the top 10 in all categories. Andrew Hines takes over the points lead in Pro Stock Motorcycle for the first time since 2010 and Antron Brown tightened up the points margin in Top Fuel. More on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

"Those guys were phenomenal in their time with what they did through the ’90s with him and Dave Schultz was outstanding. It is cool to be tied with John Myers. I grew up around drag racing and around these drag racing tracks. I remember running around as an eight-, nine-, 10-year-old kid having rubber band wars with John Myers. Shooting rubber bands at each other whenever we could. So that is really cool to tie his stat and be associated in that elite group."

—Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Andrew Hines following his win in Charlotte. It was his 33rd win in the category and ties him for third in Pro Stock Motorcycle victories with the late John Myers.

Inside the Numbers

4: Number of consecutive final rounds Robert Hight has raced to in the first five races of 2014. Hight has won two of the events including the most recent race in Charlotte. He also is the Funny Car points leader. The record for the most consecutive final round appearances in Funny Car is 13 held by Don Prudhomme, which he achieved during the ’75–’77 seasons. The record for the most final-round appearances in a single season is held by Hight’s team owner John Force with 16 in 1996.

Did You Know

DOUGLAS MOTORSPORTS PARK JOINS NHRA MEMBER TRACK NETWORK; PACEMAKERS RENEWS: Two NHRA Member Tracks—one brand new and the other a longtime staple—have committed themselves to the NHRA Member Track network. Douglas Motorsports Park—an eighth-mile facility located in Nicholls, Georgia. has become a NHRA Member Track, while Pacemakers Dragway Park, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, one of the oldest NHRA member tracks in the country, has extended its NHRA track membership. For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

View the 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

NHRA News

THREE LIVE BROADCASTS HIGHLIGHT NHRA COVERAGE ON ESPN: The NHRA, in conjunction with broadcast partner ESPN, will feature three live broadcasts during the remainder of the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Hosted by Dave Rieff and analysis by Mike Dunn, the first live event will air on ESPN with three hours of coverage of the Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire, June 22, from 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT). The next live broadcast will be the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Chicago on ESPN2, June 29, for three hours from 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (EDT). The Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Denver on July 20 will be a three-and-a-half-hour show on ESPN from 2:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (EDT). For more on the story, visit www.NHRA.com.

ALUND AMONG WINNERS AT NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS: Appearing in his first career Pro Stock final, Jimmy Alund drove to victory in his second NHRA Four-Wide Nationals appearance. The Swede is substituting for four-time Pro Stock world champ Greg Anderson and ran a 6.562 pass at 211.59 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro, becoming the first European winner and only fourth non-American winner in the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Alund took out runner-up Shane Gray, Vincent Nobile and recent Las Vegas winner Erica Enders-Stevens in the final. For more on the story visit www.NHRA.com.

POINTS STANDINGS UPDATED FOR NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES: The points standings for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series are updated following the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals and there was movement within the top 10 in all categories. Andrew Hines takes over the points lead in Pro Stock Motorcycle for the first time since 2010 and Antron Brown tightened up the points margin in Top Fuel. More on this story can be found on www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

"Those guys were phenomenal in their time with what they did through the ’90s with him and Dave Schultz was outstanding. It is cool to be tied with John Myers. I grew up around drag racing and around these drag racing tracks. I remember running around as an eight-, nine-, 10-year-old kid having rubber band wars with John Myers. Shooting rubber bands at each other whenever we could. So that is really cool to tie his stat and be associated in that elite group."

—Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Andrew Hines following his win in Charlotte. It was his 33rd win in the category and ties him for third in Pro Stock Motorcycle victories with the late John Myers.

Inside the Numbers

4: Number of consecutive final rounds Robert Hight has raced to in the first five races of 2014. Hight has won two of the events including the most recent race in Charlotte. He also is the Funny Car points leader. The record for the most consecutive final round appearances in Funny Car is 13 held by Don Prudhomme, which he achieved during the ’75–’77 seasons. The record for the most final-round appearances in a single season is held by Hight’s team owner John Force with 16 in 1996.

Did You Know

DOUGLAS MOTORSPORTS PARK JOINS NHRA MEMBER TRACK NETWORK; PACEMAKERS RENEWS: Two NHRA Member Tracks—one brand new and the other a longtime staple—have committed themselves to the NHRA Member Track network. Douglas Motorsports Park—an eighth-mile facility located in Nicholls, Georgia. has become a NHRA Member Track, while Pacemakers Dragway Park, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, one of the oldest NHRA member tracks in the country, has extended its NHRA track membership. For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

View the 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.