Thu, 03/14/2013 - 10:53
For one week each year, the SEMA Show gathers the largest collection of outfitted, upgraded dirt shredders, people haulers and street machines that exist with the specialty-equipment industry. With the intent of turning heads, sparking ideas and igniting the imagination, these vehicles serve as mobile canvases for technicians and product engineers to realize their creative visions and provide a visual representation of what the industry and its companies are all about.

A new photo collection of the vehicles that helped make the 2012 SEMA Show a visual extravaganza are included each week in SEMA eNews. This week's collection features a collection of vehicles from Dodge.
Thu, 03/14/2013 - 10:37
 sierra

The shooters at KGP Photography caught a prototype for the next GMC Sierra Denali in the middle of a test convoy full of the next-generation trucks. Amid all of the test trucks, two of the prototypes were still wearing some front-end camouflage, and behind it was a new grille treatment that looks completely consistent with the Sierra's top-end Denali trim. These shots prove that the Denali trim level will continue into the next-generation Sierras, offering a level of luxury perhaps even more important to some GM truck buyers with the pending cancellation of the Cadillac Escalade EXT pickup variants. Until GM confirms a future pickup for the Cadillac model range, this Denali will likely be the most luxurious truck offered throughout the GM brands.

The front grille shows an opening devoid of horizontal slats and made up entirely of a perforated, billet-style design. The grille looks like it's done in a matte finish on this prototype, but something fully chromed in its final showroom trim is expected.

The Denali's interior will likely improve on the materials used in standard GMC Sierras. Besides different badging, all of the exterior visual changes are expected to be found on the front fascia. The Denali prototype in these photos was clearly rocking Rancho shocks, adding something a bit more than showy chrome and leather to the Denali's option sheet.

While there are no specifics on the official debut of the ’14 GMC Sierra Denali, last year's New York Auto Show (NYAS) hosted the debut of the GMC Terrain Denali. So it wouldn't be surprising to see this Sierra Denali hit the 2013 NYAS in a couple weeks.

 sierra

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 10:37
 sierra

The shooters at KGP Photography caught a prototype for the next GMC Sierra Denali in the middle of a test convoy full of the next-generation trucks. Amid all of the test trucks, two of the prototypes were still wearing some front-end camouflage, and behind it was a new grille treatment that looks completely consistent with the Sierra's top-end Denali trim. These shots prove that the Denali trim level will continue into the next-generation Sierras, offering a level of luxury perhaps even more important to some GM truck buyers with the pending cancellation of the Cadillac Escalade EXT pickup variants. Until GM confirms a future pickup for the Cadillac model range, this Denali will likely be the most luxurious truck offered throughout the GM brands.

The front grille shows an opening devoid of horizontal slats and made up entirely of a perforated, billet-style design. The grille looks like it's done in a matte finish on this prototype, but something fully chromed in its final showroom trim is expected.

The Denali's interior will likely improve on the materials used in standard GMC Sierras. Besides different badging, all of the exterior visual changes are expected to be found on the front fascia. The Denali prototype in these photos was clearly rocking Rancho shocks, adding something a bit more than showy chrome and leather to the Denali's option sheet.

While there are no specifics on the official debut of the ’14 GMC Sierra Denali, last year's New York Auto Show (NYAS) hosted the debut of the GMC Terrain Denali. So it wouldn't be surprising to see this Sierra Denali hit the 2013 NYAS in a couple weeks.

 sierra

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 10:37
 sierra

The shooters at KGP Photography caught a prototype for the next GMC Sierra Denali in the middle of a test convoy full of the next-generation trucks. Amid all of the test trucks, two of the prototypes were still wearing some front-end camouflage, and behind it was a new grille treatment that looks completely consistent with the Sierra's top-end Denali trim. These shots prove that the Denali trim level will continue into the next-generation Sierras, offering a level of luxury perhaps even more important to some GM truck buyers with the pending cancellation of the Cadillac Escalade EXT pickup variants. Until GM confirms a future pickup for the Cadillac model range, this Denali will likely be the most luxurious truck offered throughout the GM brands.

The front grille shows an opening devoid of horizontal slats and made up entirely of a perforated, billet-style design. The grille looks like it's done in a matte finish on this prototype, but something fully chromed in its final showroom trim is expected.

The Denali's interior will likely improve on the materials used in standard GMC Sierras. Besides different badging, all of the exterior visual changes are expected to be found on the front fascia. The Denali prototype in these photos was clearly rocking Rancho shocks, adding something a bit more than showy chrome and leather to the Denali's option sheet.

While there are no specifics on the official debut of the ’14 GMC Sierra Denali, last year's New York Auto Show (NYAS) hosted the debut of the GMC Terrain Denali. So it wouldn't be surprising to see this Sierra Denali hit the 2013 NYAS in a couple weeks.

 sierra

Photo Credit: KGP Photography

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 10:30
  shelly urwiler, american force sales team, steve swanson, readylift
Shelly Urwiler has been named the national sales manager for wheel manufacturer American Force Wheels Inc.
   

Shelly Urwiler to Lead American Force Sales Team
Shelly Urwiler has been named the national sales manager for wheel manufacturer American Force Wheels Inc. Urwiler is tasked with new business development, which includes securing new markets for American Force specialty wheels and accessories, while serving existing customers. Prior to joining American Force, Urwiler had served since 2008 as sales executive for the West Coast Division of Vision Wheel Inc. From 2005 to 2008 he was outside sales manager for Ultra Wheel Co. in Fullerton, California.

"We're excited to welcome Shelly to our team to help American Force realize its true potential," said American Force President Ray Shadravan. "He has in-depth knowledge and many years of experience in the wheel industry as well as solid relationships with the industry's major distributors. We expect great things and are very much looking forward to having him on our team."

Urwiler has also served four terms as a select committee member of SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC). His contributions to the aftermarket wheel industry have earned him two nominations for the WTC's Lifetime Achievement Award.  

ReadyLIFT Hires Steve Swanson as Vice President of Sales
ReadyLIFT Suspension Inc. hired Steve Swanson as vice president of sales to head up all of the company's domestic and international corporate sales efforts. Swanson's tenure in the automotive aftermarket industry spans more than 40 years, and he has experience with multiple market channels, including retail, e-tail, wholesale distribution, chassis builders and more. He has served on the SEMA Board of Directors and as a member of several SEMA councils and committees.

"With the rapid growth we have been enjoying here at ReadyLIFT," said Scott Poncher, ReadyLIFT founder and chief executive officer, "it was time to enhance our sales and operations management with an eye towards our future. We believe Steve brings the skill set necessary to capitalize on our core capabilities and help us bring about the continued growth we all expect." With the Swanson hiring, Steve Robinson assumes the position of national sales manager, while Ryan Pelkey will continue to serve as western regional sales manager.

shelly urwiler, american force sales team, steve swanson, readylift
Jim Leddy, a 25-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket, was named national sales manager for Revolution Supply/Oro-Tek.
 
   

Jim Leddy Named National Sales Manager Revolution Supply/Oro-Tek
Revolution Supply/Oro-Tek named Jim Leddy national sales manager. According to the company, Leddy has more than 25 years of automotive aftermarket experience, including senior national sales manager for Magnaflow Performance Products, as well as 20 years with Midas as national sales manager. Most recently, Leddy was with Mickey Thompson as sales manager covering the West Coast. He will be involved with taking Revolution Supply/Oro-Tek products into the automotive aftermarket.

Lund Acquires Prestige Fender Flare Assets
Lund International Holding Co. announced the acquisition of Prestige Fender Flare assets of Empower Group Inc. Prestige Fender Flares is a designer and producer of premium-quality fender flares sold throughout the United States. According to a release, Prestige Fender Flare co-founders Anthony Liu and Robert Chen will join Lund in a management capacity focusing on new product development. Lund President Mitch Fogle said, "The addition of Prestige's fender flares to the Lund family of products solidifies our leadership in the automotive aftermarket accessories industry. We look forward to working with Anthony and Robert to maximize the potential of the excellent product offering they have developed and exploit their combined new product ideas."

Lund International Holding Co. is a portfolio company of Highlander Partners L.P. Prestige is the first add-on acquisition completed by Lund under Highlander's ownership. 

M7 Tuning Now a Subsidiary of MyteeBrite Group Inc.
MyteeBrite Group Inc. has acquired M7 Tuning as a new subsidiary. M7 is a manufacturer of late-model, MINI-specific performance products, including engine enhancers, suspension components, body upgrades and accessories. M7 is the newest member of the MyteeBrite family, which includes Autopart-Performance.com, Streetcarmuscle.com, EVOperformancemods.com, Shocks-coilovers.com and Gobigdiesel.com. “Quality, innovation, technical support and customer service will continue to be the driving force behind M7 Tuning,” said Mark Catania, CEO and founder of the MyteeBrite Group. "Expect to see continued and expanded involvement in the MINI lifestyle, including attendance at more shows and racing events, along with an expanded line of new products."

  shelly urwiler, american force sales team, steve swanson, readylift
Jim Browning, founder and former president of Corsa Performance Exhaust, has formed a new brand—Ultimate Headers—through his company, Jim Browning & Co. Designers LLC.
   

Jim Browning Announces the Launch of Ultimate Headers
Jim Browning, president of Jim Browning & Co. Designers LLC, has formed a new brand—Ultimate Headers. Browning, who is the founder and former president of Corsa Performance Exhaust, explained that Ultimate Headers will manufacture and market premium-level headers through the company's headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Berea, Ohio. "The company's mission is to provide a product to the automotive market which combines the finest quality materials and workmanship, and delivering utility and aesthetic appearance to the user," stated Browning. The company announced plans to begin shipping product in early April. The initial product offering is designed for installing late-model GM LS-series engines in older cars and trucks.  

Del City Announces New West Coast Warehouse
Del City has announced the opening of a new West Coast distribution center located in Reno, Nevada. The new facility enables Del City to deliver products to customers in the Western United States within one to two days. Del City's service offering also includes free shipping on orders more than $99, $0 order minimums and thousands of products in stock.

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

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 10:29

By Arlene Wood

  council
SEMA's council leaders.
   
Nominations for a Select Committee seat on one of SEMA's councils and member networks are now open.

Do you have a business challenge that goes beyond the walls of your shop? See a change in the market that needs to be made? Have an idea but need some industry muscle to make it happen? Then it may be time for you to volunteer to be an industry leader and make your voice heard.

The Select Committee serves as the volunteer leadership body for the entire membership of a specific council or network. These volunteers are in tune with their market and have the drive needed to influence change. Elected volunteers are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions to matters facing the industry, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper. 
There are currently 10 council and network groups within SEMA, and each represents a collection of SEMA members who share a common business purpose or market segment. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges that require a special focus by the association.

Find out who is currently involved in SEMA's councils and networks and follow the link to the group that supports your interests.

Get started now by using the online council nominations form; it's quick and easy to complete, and no printing or faxing is required. All nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT) March 22, 2013.



For more information on SEMA's councils and committees or the nomination and election process, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org.

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 10:29

By Arlene Wood

  council
SEMA's council leaders.
   
Nominations for a Select Committee seat on one of SEMA's councils and member networks are now open.

Do you have a business challenge that goes beyond the walls of your shop? See a change in the market that needs to be made? Have an idea but need some industry muscle to make it happen? Then it may be time for you to volunteer to be an industry leader and make your voice heard.

The Select Committee serves as the volunteer leadership body for the entire membership of a specific council or network. These volunteers are in tune with their market and have the drive needed to influence change. Elected volunteers are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions to matters facing the industry, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper. 
There are currently 10 council and network groups within SEMA, and each represents a collection of SEMA members who share a common business purpose or market segment. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges that require a special focus by the association.

Find out who is currently involved in SEMA's councils and networks and follow the link to the group that supports your interests.

Get started now by using the online council nominations form; it's quick and easy to complete, and no printing or faxing is required. All nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT) March 22, 2013.



For more information on SEMA's councils and committees or the nomination and election process, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org.

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 10:29

By Arlene Wood

  council
SEMA's council leaders.
   
Nominations for a Select Committee seat on one of SEMA's councils and member networks are now open.

Do you have a business challenge that goes beyond the walls of your shop? See a change in the market that needs to be made? Have an idea but need some industry muscle to make it happen? Then it may be time for you to volunteer to be an industry leader and make your voice heard.

The Select Committee serves as the volunteer leadership body for the entire membership of a specific council or network. These volunteers are in tune with their market and have the drive needed to influence change. Elected volunteers are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions to matters facing the industry, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper. 
There are currently 10 council and network groups within SEMA, and each represents a collection of SEMA members who share a common business purpose or market segment. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges that require a special focus by the association.

Find out who is currently involved in SEMA's councils and networks and follow the link to the group that supports your interests.

Get started now by using the online council nominations form; it's quick and easy to complete, and no printing or faxing is required. All nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT) March 22, 2013.



For more information on SEMA's councils and committees or the nomination and election process, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org.

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 09:40
By SEMA Staff

ups
SEMA and UPS have joined forces to offer a reliable solution designed to save SEMA members a minimum of 72% on UPS Freight less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping for shipments above 150 lbs.

Automotive manufacturers and suppliers ship goods frequently across the United States and beyond, but many companies don’t have enough volume to fill an entire truck. SEMA and UPS have joined forces to offer a reliable solution designed to save SEMA members a minimum of 72% on UPS Freight less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping for shipments above 150 lbs.

LTL is backed by a day-definite, on-time guarantee. The service guarantees all shipments moving within the continental United States and Canada are rated on the current 560 or 525 UPS tariffs at no additional charge.

UPS technology solutions, such as Worldship, make it easy to process LTL shipments, schedule pickups, rate shipments and print out bills of lading. Quantum View, a web-based service, provides shipment information, status updates and event alerts for inbound and outbound freight shipments.

To take advantage of all that UPS offers SEMA members, visit www.SEMA.org/UPS, log-in with your SEMA-member credentials and then click the “Sign Up and Save Today” button to access the UPS program enrollment web site. To speak with a UPS customer representative regarding LTL Freight shipping, call 866-443-9303.

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 09:02

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NEWS NUGGETS

  gainesville
   

DRIVERS READY FOR SPECTACULAR RACING AT AUTO-PLUS RACEWAY AT GAINESVILLE: NHRA superstars are preparing for race three of 24 on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series circuit as they head to Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville March 14–17. Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are the defending winners at the event, which will be televised on ESPN2HD. Track records were reset in all four categories last season. The competition should be just as tough this year at the traditional East Coast opener, which also marks the first race of the season for the Pro Stock Motorcycles. Defending world champion Krawiec is ready to challenge for his fourth consecutive win at the event.

“We’re excited, looking forward to Gainesville,” Krawiec said. “Hopefully, the performance side of it will steadily increase throughout the season. For me, I know the target is on my back, and everybody’s after me. They want my No. 1 plate. The hardest thing is to maintain it. When you’re in the No. 1 spot, the only place to go is backwards. From two on up, you can improve. From one, the only way to go is down.”

Tickets are available online at NHRATix.com or by calling the NHRA Ticket Sales Center at 800-884-NHRA (6472). For more information about the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, visit NHRA.com.

  force
   

C. FORCE TAKES FLIGHT WITH U.S. NAVY BLUE ANGELS: Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award winner Courtney Force took to the skies with the United States Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron, March 7. The driver of the Traxxas Ford Mustang Funny Car flew in a Boeing F/A-18D Hornet strike fighter piloted by Lt. Ryan Chamberlain—Blue Angel No. 7. The pair took off from Naval Air Facility El Centro, California, for an hour-long flight on Thursday morning. Prior to the flight, Force spent time with the Blue Angels officers and enlisted support team.

“First, I want to thank the men and women of the U.S. Navy and the Blue Angels for their commitment to the United States. These folks are the best of the best, and I can’t thank them enough for the sacrifices they make every day along with all the other members of the armed services,” said Force. “I had an incredible time. We hit 7.3 Gs and went over 700 mph, and when we hit Mach 1 and broke the sound barrier, I was amazed at the feeling. This day wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Auto Club of Southern California, and I know I will never forget this experience.”

For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

  antron
   

BROWN, C. FORCE HONORED BY READERS OF RACER MAGAZINE: NHRA Mello Yello Top Fuel champion Antron Brown and Funny Car sensation Courtney Force were honored by readers of Racer magazine for their accomplishments in the 2012 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Brown, perennially one of the more popular drivers in drag racing, shrugged off frustrating near misses in recent years to win his first NHRA Top Fuel title and the first championship for any African-American in any major U.S. motorsport, and those achievements earned him a first Drag Racer of the Year accolade. The driver of Don Schumacher Racing’s Matco dragster last year won six races for the third time in four years to score the title in a battle that came down to the last round of the last race of the year. Force, the youngest daughter of drag racing’s most prolific and popular driver—15-time NHRA Mello Yello Funny Car world champion John Force—was the runaway choice as Rookie of the Year. The driver of the Traxxas Funny Car and national event champion in Top Alcohol Dragster reached four Funny Car finals in her 2012 rookie season and posted one victory—in Seattle.

tonglet  
   

KORETSKY, NITRO FISH GEAR TO SPONSOR TONGLET’S BID FOR 2013 BIKE TITLE: Kenny Koretsky hopes that lightning will strike twice for 2010 NHRA Mello Yello Pro Stock Motorcycle champion LE Tonglet when he is reunited with Koretsky’s Nitro Fish Gear for the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.

“I am happy to be working with the Tonglets again,” said Koretsky after revealing that Nitro Fish will sponsor the Tonglet Racing team’s effort to reach the coveted goal. “This is a major sponsorship. We all want to win another championship.”

The outcome will officially be decided after 16 races in the next nine months. There is little doubt, however, that the determined Tonglet will be among the two-wheel contenders when their season starts Friday in Gainesville. Koretsky also said that his company will be an associate sponsor for the motorcycles of Matt and Angie Smith.

“I have worked with Matt and Angie before and am pleased to be associated with them again,” he said.

For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.

  motorcycles
   

VIPER MOTORCYCLE CO. ANNOUNCES MARKETING AGREEMENT WITH MATT SMITH RACING: Viper Motorcycle Co. has announced a marketing agreement with Matt Smith Racing and its Pro Stock Motorcycle riders—Matt and Angie Smith and John Hall—for the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. Matt, the 2007 NHRA Mello Yello Pro Stock Motorcycle champion, made a late-season charge in 2012 to finish sixth in points; he was the runner-up at the NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas. His wife, Angie, has competed in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle since the 2007 season and ran a limited schedule in 2012 due to a lack of funding. She qualified for three of the four races she entered; she was sidelined after a crash in Norwalk. Visit NHRA.com for more on this story.

uniselect  
   

UNI-SELECT WILL SPONSOR ALEXANDER FOR 12-RACE 2013 SCHEDULE: Uni-Select’s Auto Service Plus and SAX brands will provide sponsorship of 24-year-old Funny Car driver Blake Alexander for a 12-race 2013 schedule that will begin at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series East Coast opener—the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, March 14–17 at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville. The Auto Service Plus powered by Auto-Plus Funny Car will compete at 10 NHRA events as well as the Auto-Plus Night Under Fire match race in Norwalk. Gates Automotive, a longtime supporter of Alexander’s racing program, will also provide support at the Houston and Charlotte events in April. For more on this story, visit NHRA.com.


COMING ATTRACTIONS

AMALIE OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS, Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, March 14–17: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series makes its third of 24 stops of the 2013 season in the Sunshine State of Florida. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points toward the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2012 winners of the event are Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-6472 or log on to NHRATix.com.

SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, April 5–7: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series returns to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the fourth of 24 races on the circuit. Drivers in the Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock classes will earn points toward the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2012 winners of the event are Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-644-4444 or log on to www.lvms.com.

DOLLAR GENERAL NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS fueled by Full Throttle, zMAX Dragway, April 19–21: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series heads to “the Bellagio of dragstrips” in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the fifth of 24 events. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will compete in a four-wide configuration and earn points toward the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2012 winners of the event are Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

  capps
   

FUNNY CAR DRIVER CAPPS CHASING GATORNATIONALS WIN NO. 3: Fresh off a win in Phoenix, NAPA Auto Parts Funny Car driver Ron Capps is looking to capitalize on this momentum as he rolls into Gainesville for the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals. With two wins at the historic track (’06–’07), Capps knows what it takes to get to the winner’s circle. This event is among the most popular for drivers on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series circuit, especially Capps, who grew up on the West Coast.

“I knew it was a big race. It was always considered one of the big four that NHRA had,” Capps said. “I never got to go there as a kid growing up in California. I went to Irwindale, Orange County, Pomona, Bakersfield. I only read about this place. With that being said, I went along in my career not winning it until 'Ace' [Ed McCulloch] and I won it that first time. I realized what a big deal it was. Then we got to win it again. Now it's one of those trophies I look at on my mantel; it's like, ‘Man, I got to win the Gatornationals.’ For us to drive in Friday morning, get that feeling, everybody's there, they made it a destination, a vacation trip. It's such a huge crowd. It's one of the most prestigious races we go to.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

schumacher  
   

198: NUMBER OF DON SCHUMACHER RACING WINS: Top Fuel pilot Tony Schumacher and Funny Car driver Ron Capps raced to victories at Firebird International Raceway, giving Don Schumacher his 197th and 198th wins as a team owner. Pushing Don Schumacher Racing to the 200-win milestone is an accomplishment any DSR driver would love to achieve.

DID YOU KNOW…

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS EXTENDS TITLE-RIGHTS SPONSORSHIP OF HOUSTON EVENT: O’Reilly Auto Parts has agreed to a multiyear extension of its title-rights sponsorship of the NHRA SpringNationals at Royal Purple Raceway in Houston. The 26th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries, April 26–28, is the sixth of 24 races in the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. The event has been a staple in the early part of the season since the late 1980s and among the favorite stops for the racing community.

“We’re excited to extend O’Reilly Auto Parts’ sponsorship of the Houston event,” said John Siragusa, senior director of sales and business development, NHRA. “O’Reilly Auto Parts is a valued partner of the NHRA and a strong supporter of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.”

In addition to sponsorship of the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals at Royal Purple Raceway in Houston, the auto-parts company maintains title rights for three additional NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events: the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago and the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways in Seattle.