Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE CATEGORY LAUNCHES 2014 SEASON AT AMALIE MOTOR OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Defending Pro Stock Motorcycle world champ Matt Smith will lead the two-wheel category into its first race of the season this weekend at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville. Several riders are expected to challenge Smith for the PSM crown this season, including Andrew Hines, Eddie Krawiec, Hector Arana Jr., Steve Johnson, Hector Arana Sr., Michael Ray, Chaz Kennedy and John Hall among others. For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

MCMILLEN DREAM SCENARIO INCLUDES FIRST CAREER VICTORY AT AMALIE OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Terry McMillen has replayed the scenario over in his mind enough times to lose count, but when the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville comes around, the visualization of the Top Fuel driver’s first win in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series goes on repeat. “I do that every race, but this one more so than any other,” McMillen said. “I’ve envisioned that first win so many times, but what better way to do it than to win at your sponsor’s race.” For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

TODD TO RUN SECOND VANDERGRIFF DRAGSTER IN GAINESVILLE: Bob Vandergriff Racing will again be a two-car team at the 2014 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, where J.R. Todd will drive the Total Equipment And Service-sponsored Top Fuel dragster. This is the first of a planned 10 races with Todd behind the wheel. Mike Guger will also return as Todd’s crew chief. “Having Total Equipment And Service support our program once again in 2014 is great and a big step towards helping us rebuild our two-car team concept,” said Bob Vandergriff Jr. “The second car is a huge help to our team, and we look forward to getting it back on track full time as soon as possible.” For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

"It's tons different than my old Comp car. There is a lot more going on. You have to think about throttle control a whole lot more, changing gears, keeping it straight. There is just a whole lot more to worry about in the Pro Stock car than the automatic car, that's for sure. It was a big sense of relief getting the first burnout out of the way. I know I can do it now, but we'll see. We'll see what happens. I'm as comfortable as I know how to be in the car right now, and I'm just going to keep chipping away at it, keep getting runs and getting more comfortable. Really and truly, not a whole lot excites me. I'm pretty even. But this does. This excites me."

—Jonathan Gray, the youngest son of veteran drag racer Johnny Gray and brother of fifth-year Pro Stock driver Shane Gray, who earned his Pro Stock license Monday. Gray will attempt to make the field of 16 in Pro Stock at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.

Inside the Numbers

200: When Antron Brown defeated Clay Millican in the finals at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in 2013, it marked the 200th time a Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) car had won a national event. DSR currently has 220 national event wins and Brown knows that success at the track in 2013 doesn't guarantee success this season.

"My best memory at this track was being able to give Don his 200th win,” Brown said. “That was very special. We knew someone would, and I’m glad it was me and our Matco team. I just feel incredibly blessed to be part of this whole organization. It’s nice to have that Gatornationals Wally back home, but it won’t help me any when we roll to the starting line this year. Our Matco guys have been hard at it getting things fixed, and now that we’ve won there, we want to do it again.”

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE CATEGORY LAUNCHES 2014 SEASON AT AMALIE MOTOR OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Defending Pro Stock Motorcycle world champ Matt Smith will lead the two-wheel category into its first race of the season this weekend at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville. Several riders are expected to challenge Smith for the PSM crown this season, including Andrew Hines, Eddie Krawiec, Hector Arana Jr., Steve Johnson, Hector Arana Sr., Michael Ray, Chaz Kennedy and John Hall among others. For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

MCMILLEN DREAM SCENARIO INCLUDES FIRST CAREER VICTORY AT AMALIE OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS: Terry McMillen has replayed the scenario over in his mind enough times to lose count, but when the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville comes around, the visualization of the Top Fuel driver’s first win in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series goes on repeat. “I do that every race, but this one more so than any other,” McMillen said. “I’ve envisioned that first win so many times, but what better way to do it than to win at your sponsor’s race.” For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

TODD TO RUN SECOND VANDERGRIFF DRAGSTER IN GAINESVILLE: Bob Vandergriff Racing will again be a two-car team at the 2014 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, where J.R. Todd will drive the Total Equipment And Service-sponsored Top Fuel dragster. This is the first of a planned 10 races with Todd behind the wheel. Mike Guger will also return as Todd’s crew chief. “Having Total Equipment And Service support our program once again in 2014 is great and a big step towards helping us rebuild our two-car team concept,” said Bob Vandergriff Jr. “The second car is a huge help to our team, and we look forward to getting it back on track full time as soon as possible.” For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

"It's tons different than my old Comp car. There is a lot more going on. You have to think about throttle control a whole lot more, changing gears, keeping it straight. There is just a whole lot more to worry about in the Pro Stock car than the automatic car, that's for sure. It was a big sense of relief getting the first burnout out of the way. I know I can do it now, but we'll see. We'll see what happens. I'm as comfortable as I know how to be in the car right now, and I'm just going to keep chipping away at it, keep getting runs and getting more comfortable. Really and truly, not a whole lot excites me. I'm pretty even. But this does. This excites me."

—Jonathan Gray, the youngest son of veteran drag racer Johnny Gray and brother of fifth-year Pro Stock driver Shane Gray, who earned his Pro Stock license Monday. Gray will attempt to make the field of 16 in Pro Stock at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.

Inside the Numbers

200: When Antron Brown defeated Clay Millican in the finals at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in 2013, it marked the 200th time a Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) car had won a national event. DSR currently has 220 national event wins and Brown knows that success at the track in 2013 doesn't guarantee success this season.

"My best memory at this track was being able to give Don his 200th win,” Brown said. “That was very special. We knew someone would, and I’m glad it was me and our Matco team. I just feel incredibly blessed to be part of this whole organization. It’s nice to have that Gatornationals Wally back home, but it won’t help me any when we roll to the starting line this year. Our Matco guys have been hard at it getting things fixed, and now that we’ve won there, we want to do it again.”

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

SEMA has initiated a search for a leadership position within the association.

The SEMA vice president of marketing is responsible for all activities related to conceptualizing and implementing market strategy and achieving marketing targets for association events, services and activities. Specific activities include strategic direction for promotion and advertising; coordination and collaboration with all departments, hiring and directing the day-to-day activities of marketing staff and external vendors.

The vice president of marketing will lead a team that will manage the department's advertising agencies, services bureaus, designers, printers, photographers and e-mail service providers. The new vice president will report to the senior vice president of operations and work from the SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

The ideal candidate will have a four-year degree in business or marketing and/or 10 years of experience in marketing, five years of experience in direct marketing and related fields, along with strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualified candidates may submit a résumé to SEMA Human Resources by e-mailing a résumé and cover letter to Linda Czarkowski at lindac@sema.org. 

	SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program.

For the third consecutive year, SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35. We need your input. If you know of a leader who is under 35—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

It is very likely that SEMA members are currently working with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. They are also the ones who have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas including marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands, or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. These are people who know what’s going on at ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that might be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Nominate now for the 2014 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 9, 2014.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

	SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program.

For the third consecutive year, SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35. We need your input. If you know of a leader who is under 35—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

It is very likely that SEMA members are currently working with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. They are also the ones who have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas including marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands, or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. These are people who know what’s going on at ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that might be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Nominate now for the 2014 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 9, 2014.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

	SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program.

For the third consecutive year, SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35. We need your input. If you know of a leader who is under 35—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

It is very likely that SEMA members are currently working with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. They are also the ones who have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas including marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands, or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. These are people who know what’s going on at ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that might be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Nominate now for the 2014 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 9, 2014.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

 By SEMA Editors

Bully Dog and SCT Merge

	The Bully Dog and SCT merger has resulted in one company dedicated to providing effective software solutions that optimize performance across a large number of vehicle types.

SCT Holdings (SCT) announced the acquisition of Bully Dog, an industry leader in full-featured automotive calibration solutions for the truck aftermarket. The combined company will provide customers with effective software solutions to optimize performance across an unprecedented number of vehicle types.

“Combining the strengths of these two leading companies will expand our vehicle coverage and accelerate our international growth in both the performance and fleet segments,” said Lisa Schule, managing director of GEF, a global investment firm that invested in SCT in 2013. “Bully Dog and SCT’s complimentary software will be a crucial part of new technology advances in vehicles as they become more intelligent, fuel efficient and powerful.”

“There are many synergies between both companies, and our combined performance and fleet customers will see the direct benefits: more products for more vehicles with more features sold in more places in the months to come,” said Rick Trudo, CEO of SCT. “With Bully Dog’s vast vehicle coverage, we can offer our customers calibration solutions for even more vehicle applications.”

According to Bully Dog’s COO, Daryl Klassen, “SCT’s calibrations and custom tuning software are second to none. Merging with SCT will allow us to take advantage of these strengths and take our products to the next level.”

Over the coming months there will be a comprehensive integration for employees, customers and suppliers. New features and products will be rolling out through the course of 2014. Cascadia Capital, a Seattle-based investment bank, acted as the sole financial advisor to Bully Dog in this transaction.

Launch of Kit Car Builder Digital Version

Steve Temple (left) will serve as publisher/editor for the new digital version of Kit Car Builder, and Larry Weiner (right) of Performance West Group will help lead the magazine's editorial and marketing.

The new digital version of Kit Car Builder magazine will officially launch with the March/April 2014 issue. Recently purchased by SCT Communications Inc. from the National Kit Car Club, Kit Car Builder joins the growing number of publications that have converted from print to a digital platform.

A user-friendly, magazine-format version of Kit Car Builder will be sent directly to more than 50,000 enthusiasts via e-mail free of charge. The frequency and package of the magazine will increase, and the content of the Kit Car Builder website will be significantly increased to include video, detailed tech and expanded event coverage. Free subscriptions are available at www.kitcarclub.com. Advertisers will also benefit from the cost savings of the digital format with new, lower rates.

The new publisher/editor is Steve Temple, who is very familiar with the kit industry and has served as marketing director of Kit Car Builder for the past 12 years. He replaces the magazine's founder and previous owner, Jim Youngs, who will be on the masthead as editor emeritus, and provide his decades of publishing experience and firsthand knowledge of the kit industry.

Larry Weiner of Performance West Group joined the editorial and marketing team. Weiner is the editor of Pentatstar Power, a digital magazine that is mailed out monthly to MOPAR enthusiasts of all ages, covering every era of Chrysler cars and trucks, and in particular Mr. Norm's GSS performance vehicles from the ’60s through the current models. Look for the first digital edition of Kit Car Builder magazine in early March.

ACAT Global Hires Darrell Blackburn as VP of Purchasing and Global Supply Chain

Advanced Clean Air Technologies Global (ACAT) has hired Darrell Blackburn—a purchasing/supply chain specialist for nearly three decades in the automotive and defense industries—as vice president of purchasing and global supply chain.

Blackburn joins ACAT after handling global supply chain operations for companies including Raytheon and Delphi/General Motors. His new position at ACAT will develop and direct the global supply chain operations and materials group, including personnel management, systems development, purchasing and inventory of raw materials, vendor negotiations and selection and distribution of finished goods.

Goodguys Season Kicks-off in Scottsdale

	Goodguys Rod & Custom Association will kick off its 2014 season, March 7–9, at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona, with the fifth Spring Nationals.

After a three-month winter break, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association will kick off its 2014 season March 7–9, at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona, with the fifth Spring Nationals. The three-day event—the first of 19 events on the 2014 Goodguy's event schedule—features a Show & Shine with more than 2,500 cars, vendor exhibits, a large swap meet, a car corral and more.
 
The Goodguys AutoCross will pick up right where it left off last November. It was in Scottsdale that Cleveland’s Danny Popp won the Goodguys AutoCross Finals Shootout in his ’72 Corvette, beating the best 24 cars in the country. The Finals Shootout returns this season with an expanded 32-car field, the first finalist to be determined at the season-opening Spring Nationals.
 
While the fifth Spring Nationals is the lid-lifter, the Goodguys 2014 event season has a lot in store, highlighted by the 17th annual Goodguys PPG Nationals, July 11–13, 2014 in Columbus, Ohio. A new three-event series called the “Goodguys All American Nationals” will welcome all years, makes and models of American-made or American-powered show cars, opening the gates to generations of new Goodguys event participants and enthusiasts!
 
For more information on the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association and its events, visit www.good-guys.com.

Vogue Tyre Acquires E&G Classics

Vogue Tyre & Rubber Co. acquired certain assets of E&G Classics, forming a new, separate company: E&G Corp. LLC. According to both companies, the combination of E&G and Vogue positions both companies for substantial growth.

“Partnering with E&G is a great opportunity for Vogue Tyre, E&G and our collective customers,” said Greg Hathcock, president of Vogue Tyre and Rubber. “We know that combining the strengths of both organizations will allow both companies to provide better service and support to our customers. It’s great that we can celebrate our 100th anniversary by aligning with E&G.”

General Manager of E&G Classics Lynn Eash stated, “We are excited to be working with Vogue Tyre and its 100-year history of providing products to the most discerning customers. E&G’s expertise in manufacturing and design aligns very well with Vogue Tyre’s strengths in the areas of marketing, sales and distribution. We are re-energized and refocused on growing our custom grille and ground effects businesses.”

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

SMITH ANNOUNCES MULTI-RACE SPONSORSHIP: Matt Smith Racing has entered into a multirace agreement with Stockseth Racing and Nitro Fish, which will include associate sponsorship for the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and five races each as the primary sponsor for two-time NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Matt Smith.

“When Mark and Kenny heard that Viper had shut down operations and were going to be unable to honor their commitment of my race team, they both stepped up in a big way to help us out,” said Smith. “Stockseth Racing and Nitro Fish will each be the primary sponsor for five races and an associate for the entire season; that leaves us only needing support for six additional races.”

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

GRAY MOTORSPORTS INKS SPONSORSHIP WITH KYMCO USA: Gray Motorsports and KYMCO USA, the official scooter and ATV of NHRA, have entered a multirace agreement that will include primary sponsorship of the team for the 2014 season of NHRA's Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. KYMCO USA has long been associated with the Gray Motorsports family—an NHRA Pro Stock team owned by veteran motorsports enthusiast Johnny Gray and managed by Pro Stock mainstay Victor Cagnazzi.

"We're just thrilled to pieces that KYMCO USA has established themselves as such a great supporter of the Gray Motorsports team because we sure love their product," said Gray, a three-time winner on the NHRA circuit. "It's a great match for us, and I'm proud to represent them."

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

COLLINS PROMOTED TO CREW CHIEF FOR MAKE-A-WISH CHARGER: John Collins, in his seventh season with Don Schumacher Racing and fifth as an assistant crew chief to Rahn Tobler, has been promoted to crew chief for the Make-A-Wish Funny Car team with driver Tommy Johnson Jr., beginning with the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville. Collins has worked with Tobler the past five seasons, including the last two as the assistant crew chief on the NAPA Auto Parts Dodge team. For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

“We had a great time and were in the winner's circle for quite a long time, I think we were the last car to leave. It was so exciting and the guys have been working so hard to get to this point. We were hoping to get a win last year but it is better now than ever. To get it at the start of the season like this, within the first two races is unreal. We are really excited and charged up.”

—Alexis DeJoria on her celebration following her career first Funny Car win at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.

Inside the Numbers

4: Number of consecutive track records John Force has written during the past four NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events. He established the new marks for elapsed time at Las Vegas 2, the 2013 season-ending event in Pomona, the 2014 opening event in Pomona as well as at the most recent race at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix. The Funny Car E.T. track record at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville is 4.026 seconds held by John Force Racing teammate Robert Hight, set in 2012.

Did You Know

EFFLER NAMED NHRA VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS: Geno Effler, a proven public relations executive in the automotive industry, has been named NHRA vice president of public relations and communications. Effler will lead and create the strategic direction for corporate communications, media relations and public relations and report directly to NHRA President Tom Compton.

“Geno’s expertise in and knowledge of the automotive industry, including his strong relationships with key media, wide-ranging corporate communications background and expertise in brand messaging will be a great addition to the NHRA team,” said Compton. “Geno will lead our efforts to enhance and expand our current media and public relations initiatives to drive increased awareness of and attention to the sport.”

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

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

SMITH ANNOUNCES MULTI-RACE SPONSORSHIP: Matt Smith Racing has entered into a multirace agreement with Stockseth Racing and Nitro Fish, which will include associate sponsorship for the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and five races each as the primary sponsor for two-time NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Matt Smith.

“When Mark and Kenny heard that Viper had shut down operations and were going to be unable to honor their commitment of my race team, they both stepped up in a big way to help us out,” said Smith. “Stockseth Racing and Nitro Fish will each be the primary sponsor for five races and an associate for the entire season; that leaves us only needing support for six additional races.”

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

GRAY MOTORSPORTS INKS SPONSORSHIP WITH KYMCO USA: Gray Motorsports and KYMCO USA, the official scooter and ATV of NHRA, have entered a multirace agreement that will include primary sponsorship of the team for the 2014 season of NHRA's Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. KYMCO USA has long been associated with the Gray Motorsports family—an NHRA Pro Stock team owned by veteran motorsports enthusiast Johnny Gray and managed by Pro Stock mainstay Victor Cagnazzi.

"We're just thrilled to pieces that KYMCO USA has established themselves as such a great supporter of the Gray Motorsports team because we sure love their product," said Gray, a three-time winner on the NHRA circuit. "It's a great match for us, and I'm proud to represent them."

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

COLLINS PROMOTED TO CREW CHIEF FOR MAKE-A-WISH CHARGER: John Collins, in his seventh season with Don Schumacher Racing and fifth as an assistant crew chief to Rahn Tobler, has been promoted to crew chief for the Make-A-Wish Funny Car team with driver Tommy Johnson Jr., beginning with the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville. Collins has worked with Tobler the past five seasons, including the last two as the assistant crew chief on the NAPA Auto Parts Dodge team. For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

“We had a great time and were in the winner's circle for quite a long time, I think we were the last car to leave. It was so exciting and the guys have been working so hard to get to this point. We were hoping to get a win last year but it is better now than ever. To get it at the start of the season like this, within the first two races is unreal. We are really excited and charged up.”

—Alexis DeJoria on her celebration following her career first Funny Car win at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.

Inside the Numbers

4: Number of consecutive track records John Force has written during the past four NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events. He established the new marks for elapsed time at Las Vegas 2, the 2013 season-ending event in Pomona, the 2014 opening event in Pomona as well as at the most recent race at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix. The Funny Car E.T. track record at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville is 4.026 seconds held by John Force Racing teammate Robert Hight, set in 2012.

Did You Know

EFFLER NAMED NHRA VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS: Geno Effler, a proven public relations executive in the automotive industry, has been named NHRA vice president of public relations and communications. Effler will lead and create the strategic direction for corporate communications, media relations and public relations and report directly to NHRA President Tom Compton.

“Geno’s expertise in and knowledge of the automotive industry, including his strong relationships with key media, wide-ranging corporate communications background and expertise in brand messaging will be a great addition to the NHRA team,” said Compton. “Geno will lead our efforts to enhance and expand our current media and public relations initiatives to drive increased awareness of and attention to the sport.”

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

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Schedule.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

SMITH ANNOUNCES MULTI-RACE SPONSORSHIP: Matt Smith Racing has entered into a multirace agreement with Stockseth Racing and Nitro Fish, which will include associate sponsorship for the 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and five races each as the primary sponsor for two-time NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Matt Smith.

“When Mark and Kenny heard that Viper had shut down operations and were going to be unable to honor their commitment of my race team, they both stepped up in a big way to help us out,” said Smith. “Stockseth Racing and Nitro Fish will each be the primary sponsor for five races and an associate for the entire season; that leaves us only needing support for six additional races.”

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

GRAY MOTORSPORTS INKS SPONSORSHIP WITH KYMCO USA: Gray Motorsports and KYMCO USA, the official scooter and ATV of NHRA, have entered a multirace agreement that will include primary sponsorship of the team for the 2014 season of NHRA's Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. KYMCO USA has long been associated with the Gray Motorsports family—an NHRA Pro Stock team owned by veteran motorsports enthusiast Johnny Gray and managed by Pro Stock mainstay Victor Cagnazzi.

"We're just thrilled to pieces that KYMCO USA has established themselves as such a great supporter of the Gray Motorsports team because we sure love their product," said Gray, a three-time winner on the NHRA circuit. "It's a great match for us, and I'm proud to represent them."

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

COLLINS PROMOTED TO CREW CHIEF FOR MAKE-A-WISH CHARGER: John Collins, in his seventh season with Don Schumacher Racing and fifth as an assistant crew chief to Rahn Tobler, has been promoted to crew chief for the Make-A-Wish Funny Car team with driver Tommy Johnson Jr., beginning with the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville. Collins has worked with Tobler the past five seasons, including the last two as the assistant crew chief on the NAPA Auto Parts Dodge team. For more on this story visit www.NHRA.com.

He Said, She Said

“We had a great time and were in the winner's circle for quite a long time, I think we were the last car to leave. It was so exciting and the guys have been working so hard to get to this point. We were hoping to get a win last year but it is better now than ever. To get it at the start of the season like this, within the first two races is unreal. We are really excited and charged up.”

—Alexis DeJoria on her celebration following her career first Funny Car win at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.

Inside the Numbers

4: Number of consecutive track records John Force has written during the past four NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events. He established the new marks for elapsed time at Las Vegas 2, the 2013 season-ending event in Pomona, the 2014 opening event in Pomona as well as at the most recent race at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix. The Funny Car E.T. track record at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville is 4.026 seconds held by John Force Racing teammate Robert Hight, set in 2012.

Did You Know

EFFLER NAMED NHRA VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS: Geno Effler, a proven public relations executive in the automotive industry, has been named NHRA vice president of public relations and communications. Effler will lead and create the strategic direction for corporate communications, media relations and public relations and report directly to NHRA President Tom Compton.

“Geno’s expertise in and knowledge of the automotive industry, including his strong relationships with key media, wide-ranging corporate communications background and expertise in brand messaging will be a great addition to the NHRA team,” said Compton. “Geno will lead our efforts to enhance and expand our current media and public relations initiatives to drive increased awareness of and attention to the sport.”

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

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Schedule.