Jim Graven, director of membership for the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC), has more than 15 years of experience in the specialty-parts aftermarket, and will play a key role in growing the industry-owned-and-operated data-management solution.

Quality product data management is driving business growth like never before. Stop by SEMA Show booth #20579 for a free demonstration of the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) systems, visit with our technical experts and learn how product data management can grow your business in 2013 and beyond. An industry-owned-and-operated solution, the SDC is here to help by providing expert data-management solutions at the lowest possible cost.

During one-on-one consultations, suppliers will get an overview of the benefits of managing their data process, how to get started with the co-op and view a demonstration of the full featured production system coming in January 2013. Receivers will learn about our industry standards-based approach, how to work with our team to configure custom-designed data exports and tips on how to encourage their suppliers to become part of the co-op.

Join the growing list of suppliers and receivers who have found the SEMA Data Co-op to be the most affordable, state-of-the-art solution in data management! Schedule your meeting time, or drop by booth #20579 and visit with our data experts.

The SEMA Data Co-op is an industry-owned and operated data management solution with a goal of creating the most comprehensive and affordable industry data repository possible, supported by an expert help desk and web-enabled tools. To learn more about the program, visit www.SemaDataCoop.org or contact Jon Wyly at jonw@SemaDataCoop.org or call 888-958-6698.

	Jim Graven, director of membership for the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC), has more than 15 years of experience in the specialty-parts aftermarket, and will play a key role in growing the industry-owned-and-operated data-management solution.

Quality product data management is driving business growth like never before. Stop by SEMA Show booth #20579 for a free demonstration of the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) systems, visit with our technical experts and learn how product data management can grow your business in 2013 and beyond. An industry-owned-and-operated solution, the SDC is here to help by providing expert data-management solutions at the lowest possible cost.

During one-on-one consultations, suppliers will get an overview of the benefits of managing their data process, how to get started with the co-op and view a demonstration of the full featured production system coming in January 2013. Receivers will learn about our industry standards-based approach, how to work with our team to configure custom-designed data exports and tips on how to encourage their suppliers to become part of the co-op.

Join the growing list of suppliers and receivers who have found the SEMA Data Co-op to be the most affordable, state-of-the-art solution in data management! Schedule your meeting time, or drop by booth #20579 and visit with our data experts.

The SEMA Data Co-op is an industry-owned and operated data management solution with a goal of creating the most comprehensive and affordable industry data repository possible, supported by an expert help desk and web-enabled tools. To learn more about the program, visit www.SemaDataCoop.org or contact Jon Wyly at jonw@SemaDataCoop.org or call 888-958-6698.

	WD-40 and Chip Foose are partnering to build a ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty that will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities.

WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will partner again—this time with Source Interlink Media—to build a second truck—’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty—that will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities. The companies also will create new, limited-edition WD-40 Smart Straw cans that feature some of Chip Foose’s classic vehicle designs.

“This year, we’re upping the ante and building two vehicles—one that pays tribute to the WD-40 Company's history, and one that celebrates some of its newer specialty products that help auto pros like me get the job done right,” said Foose. “With the help of some great aftermarket partners and a lot of WD-40 brand products, we’ll be able to build two vehicles that honor those who work hard everyday.”

The second vehicle in this year’s build program is a custom ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty work truck that will include Foose-inspired custom front- and rear-wheel flares, side rockers and a front chin spoiler, among other upgrades. The WD-40 Specialist/SEMA Cares Foose Ford F-350 represents the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. 

Following its debut at the 2012 SEMA Show inside the WD-40 Co. booth, this vehicle will be on the road for 16 months making special appearances, and then auctioned to help fund the SEMA Cares scholarship program.

“After raising a combined $400,000 for SEMA Cares with our last three project vehicle builds, we expect these trucks to turn a lot of heads and continue to help a great cause,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Co. “Working with Chip, who’s an expert in his trade and has been using our products his whole life, is a great fit and we look forward to showcasing more of his designs on some limited-edition cans this fall.”

The partnership with Foose is part of an integrated marketing campaign designed to educate automotive professionals and enthusiasts about how to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product and the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. Build partners include: Street Scene Equipment, Magnaflow, Pro Comp, Takit, Husky Liners, LEER Accessories, BASF Paint, L&G Enterprises, Polk Audio, Audio Innovations and Katzkin.

WD-40 Co. also is collaborating with Source Interlink Media to help get the word out about the charity truck builds. For more information on the trucks and the collectible cans, visit WD40.com/Foose.

	WD-40 and Chip Foose are partnering to build a ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty that will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities.

WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will partner again—this time with Source Interlink Media—to build a second truck—’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty—that will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities. The companies also will create new, limited-edition WD-40 Smart Straw cans that feature some of Chip Foose’s classic vehicle designs.

“This year, we’re upping the ante and building two vehicles—one that pays tribute to the WD-40 Company's history, and one that celebrates some of its newer specialty products that help auto pros like me get the job done right,” said Foose. “With the help of some great aftermarket partners and a lot of WD-40 brand products, we’ll be able to build two vehicles that honor those who work hard everyday.”

The second vehicle in this year’s build program is a custom ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty work truck that will include Foose-inspired custom front- and rear-wheel flares, side rockers and a front chin spoiler, among other upgrades. The WD-40 Specialist/SEMA Cares Foose Ford F-350 represents the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. 

Following its debut at the 2012 SEMA Show inside the WD-40 Co. booth, this vehicle will be on the road for 16 months making special appearances, and then auctioned to help fund the SEMA Cares scholarship program.

“After raising a combined $400,000 for SEMA Cares with our last three project vehicle builds, we expect these trucks to turn a lot of heads and continue to help a great cause,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Co. “Working with Chip, who’s an expert in his trade and has been using our products his whole life, is a great fit and we look forward to showcasing more of his designs on some limited-edition cans this fall.”

The partnership with Foose is part of an integrated marketing campaign designed to educate automotive professionals and enthusiasts about how to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product and the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. Build partners include: Street Scene Equipment, Magnaflow, Pro Comp, Takit, Husky Liners, LEER Accessories, BASF Paint, L&G Enterprises, Polk Audio, Audio Innovations and Katzkin.

WD-40 Co. also is collaborating with Source Interlink Media to help get the word out about the charity truck builds. For more information on the trucks and the collectible cans, visit WD40.com/Foose.

	WD-40 and Chip Foose are partnering to build a ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty that will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities.

WD-40 Co. and Chip Foose will partner again—this time with Source Interlink Media—to build a second truck—’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty—that will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities. The companies also will create new, limited-edition WD-40 Smart Straw cans that feature some of Chip Foose’s classic vehicle designs.

“This year, we’re upping the ante and building two vehicles—one that pays tribute to the WD-40 Company's history, and one that celebrates some of its newer specialty products that help auto pros like me get the job done right,” said Foose. “With the help of some great aftermarket partners and a lot of WD-40 brand products, we’ll be able to build two vehicles that honor those who work hard everyday.”

The second vehicle in this year’s build program is a custom ’12 Ford F-350 Super Duty work truck that will include Foose-inspired custom front- and rear-wheel flares, side rockers and a front chin spoiler, among other upgrades. The WD-40 Specialist/SEMA Cares Foose Ford F-350 represents the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. 

Following its debut at the 2012 SEMA Show inside the WD-40 Co. booth, this vehicle will be on the road for 16 months making special appearances, and then auctioned to help fund the SEMA Cares scholarship program.

“After raising a combined $400,000 for SEMA Cares with our last three project vehicle builds, we expect these trucks to turn a lot of heads and continue to help a great cause,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Co. “Working with Chip, who’s an expert in his trade and has been using our products his whole life, is a great fit and we look forward to showcasing more of his designs on some limited-edition cans this fall.”

The partnership with Foose is part of an integrated marketing campaign designed to educate automotive professionals and enthusiasts about how to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product and the new WD-40 Specialist line of products. Build partners include: Street Scene Equipment, Magnaflow, Pro Comp, Takit, Husky Liners, LEER Accessories, BASF Paint, L&G Enterprises, Polk Audio, Audio Innovations and Katzkin.

WD-40 Co. also is collaborating with Source Interlink Media to help get the word out about the charity truck builds. For more information on the trucks and the collectible cans, visit WD40.com/Foose.

To keep up with the featured SEMA council and committee special events conducted at the SEMA Show, several event pages have been created on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Special events held by councils and committees during the week of the SEMA Show include select committee and membership meetings, awards receptions and industry networking events.

Below is a breakdown of the recent Facebook pages created on Facebook for SEMA council and committee special events. 

• SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) Open Meeting and Education Presentations
• 2012 SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Long Range Plan Meeting
• Gear-Up Girl Networking Event 
• 2012 SEMA Show 
• 2012 SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) Industry Reception
• 2012 SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Reception 
• SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Novemberfest Reception
• 2012 SEMA Street Performance Council (SPC) Industry Reception 
• SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Industry Reception
• SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast Powered by the SBN 
• ARMO General Membership Meeting 
• SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) General Membership Breakfast Meeting 
• Cafe SEMA: Get in the Know With a Cup of Joe
• Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Industry Reception
• Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC) Roundtable
• Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC)

LinkedIn: SEMA council and committee special event listings on LinkedIn. 

For more information on the 2012 SEMA Show, including a schedule of SEMA special events, attendee registration, and the exhibitor list and floorplan, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA councils offer members unparalleled volunteer opportunities that will not only benefit your company, but will also help you grow as a leader in your industry. Seventy five percent of current SEMA Board members were former council members. Each SEMA council represents a group of SEMA members that share a common business purpose or market segment. 

To keep up with the featured SEMA council and committee special events conducted at the SEMA Show, several event pages have been created on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Special events held by councils and committees during the week of the SEMA Show include select committee and membership meetings, awards receptions and industry networking events.

Below is a breakdown of the recent Facebook pages created on Facebook for SEMA council and committee special events. 

• SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) Open Meeting and Education Presentations
• 2012 SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Long Range Plan Meeting
• Gear-Up Girl Networking Event 
• 2012 SEMA Show 
• 2012 SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) Industry Reception
• 2012 SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Reception 
• SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Novemberfest Reception
• 2012 SEMA Street Performance Council (SPC) Industry Reception 
• SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Industry Reception
• SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast Powered by the SBN 
• ARMO General Membership Meeting 
• SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) General Membership Breakfast Meeting 
• Cafe SEMA: Get in the Know With a Cup of Joe
• Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Industry Reception
• Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC) Roundtable
• Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC)

LinkedIn: SEMA council and committee special event listings on LinkedIn. 

For more information on the 2012 SEMA Show, including a schedule of SEMA special events, attendee registration, and the exhibitor list and floorplan, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA councils offer members unparalleled volunteer opportunities that will not only benefit your company, but will also help you grow as a leader in your industry. Seventy five percent of current SEMA Board members were former council members. Each SEMA council represents a group of SEMA members that share a common business purpose or market segment. 

NEWS NUGGETS

LANGDON SCORES FIRST TF TITLE; CAPPS, LINE, HINES ALSO WIN IN CHARLOTTE: Shawn Langdon raced to his first career Top Fuel victory last Sunday at the rain-delayed O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at zMAX Dragway. Ron Capps (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also earned victories in their respective classes after the first of six playoff races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. Langdon defeated Tony Schumacher Sunday with a performance of 3.785 seconds at 326.71 mph in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster, holding off Schumacher, who finished in 3.808 at 322.27 in his U.S. Army dragster. Langdon won from the top qualifying position and beat Chris Karamesines, Bob Vandergriff Jr. and Brandon Bernstein to advance to the final round.

“I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason,” Langdon said. “Eighty-seven races into it, I’ve always kind of wondered, ‘Man, what does it feel like? Why haven’t I won? Is there something I’m doing wrong?’ I had a car capable of winning at times driving for the Lucas family for three years, and I came to this team that Sheikh Khalid [Al Thani, team owner] and Alan Johnson [team manager] built around winning. It gets to the point where it’s the Countdown, and it’s crunch time.”

Schumacher took over the points lead with the runner-up finish after playoff top seed Antron Brown was eliminated in the first round when his Aaron’s/Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster encountered a mechanical issue midway down the track, sending Al-Anabi driver Khalid alBalooshi into the second round. Langdon moved to third in points with the victory, and Brown dropped to fourth overall. For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

TEXAS DRIVERS READY FOR A PLAYOFF ‘HOME GAME’ AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX: Spencer Massey and Steve Torrence have a Texas-size love for their home state, where their drag-racing careers began, and they are looking forward to the opportunity of having a playoff “home game” when the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to Texas Motorplex for the 27th annual AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, September 20–23. Massey, of Fort Worth, and Kilgore’s Torrence, multiple-time winners on the circuit this season, are ready to wow the crowds as they battle it out in their 8,000hp Top Fuel dragsters for an important postseason victory in the second of six playoff races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. Last season, Bob Vandergriff Jr. (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line, (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle) celebrated in the Texas Motorplex winner’s circle, clutching their Wallys and wearing their custom-made Stetson hats, provided to all winners by the Motorplex. This season, the NHRA’s biggest stars are prepared to bring plenty of 300-mph action to the Texas track, including the NHRA’s most decorated Top Fuel driver, Tony Schumacher, driver of the U.S. Army dragster and a five-time winner at the Motorplex. He will challenge the Lone Star State’s native sons, Massey and Torrence, for bragging rights and the race victory. Others to watch in the Top Fuel category include Antron Brown and past Motorplex winners Doug Kalitta and Brandon Bernstein, also a native Texan. For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

NHRA COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP COMING TO ST. LOUIS: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing gets ready to shake things up at the Gateway Motorsports Parks for the inaugural AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals on the weekend of September 28–30, 2012. The AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals is the third of six races in the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship and will feature all four professional categories: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. The race will be televised on ESPN2HD. The event at Gateway is the 20th stop in the NHRA’s 23-event schedule this season.

“We are excited to return to the St. Louis area, as we have a very strong fan base in the region, and they have always supported NHRA Drag Racing,” said Tom Compton, president, NHRA.

The festivities kick off September 27, where the NHRA and Gateway Motorsports Park will host the first-ever Gateway Motorsports Park NHRA Fanfest. This free event will be held on Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis. Festivities begin at noon with a press conference and run until 7:00 p.m. to celebrate the return of the Full Throttle Drag Racing Series to the Gateway to the West. Gateway is no stranger to high-performance NHRA drag racing. The multipurpose motorsports facility, located just across the river from St. Louis, hosted the NHRA series for 14 years, from 1997 through 2010. Tickets are available for the inaugural AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals. Call 800-884-NHRA (6472) for ticket information, or check online at www.NHRATix.com.

VANDERGRIFF SEEKING MORE SUCCESS AT SITE OF HIS MEMORABLE FIRST VICTORY: The NHRA’s most prolific Top Fuel driver, Tony Schumacher, is known for his famous 2006 final-round championship-winning performance known simply as “The Run.” Another NHRA Top Fuel driver, Bob Vandergriff Jr., winner of last season’s AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, has also become a fan favorite for “a run,” but one that happened outside of his 8,000hp Top Fuel dragster. After beating Spencer Massey in the final round last season at Texas Motorplex, an overjoyed Vandergriff emerged from his C&J Energy Services dragster and started to run. He kept running, back up the dragstrip, toward the starting line. An ESPN pit reporter finally caught up with him at midtrack for an interview. A bit winded, Vandergriff said he wanted to do something completely different to celebrate his first victory. The Georgia-based driver had been to 13 final rounds without earning a win in his career prior to grabbing his first NHRA Wally on that very hot day in Texas.

“Obviously, it was huge,” Vandergriff said. “We had so many losses in final rounds—and, honestly, we should have won about half of them—that it was becoming comical. The consolation speeches had really begun to wear on me, and like I said after the race, I don't think I could have given another one saying that it was OK because it certainly wasn’t.”

Vandergriff’s post-victory run became an instant sensation with fans. He says he’s not
 certain if that will become his signature celebration routine. For more on this story, please www.nhra.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

AAA TEXAS NHRA FALL NATIONALS, Texas Motorplex, September 20–23: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 19th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and the second race of the Countdown. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points towards the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners were Bob Vandergriff (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-668-6775 or log on to TexasMotorplex.com.

AAA INSURANCE NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS, Gateway Motorsports Park, September 28–30: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to St. Louis and this time it is for round number three of the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA’s playoffs. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

AUTO-PLUS NHRA NATIONALS, Maple Grove Raceway, October 4–7: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to Pennsylvania for the 21st stop of 23 events in 2012, and the fourth race of the Countdown to the Championship. The 2011 winners included Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

LANGDON STARTS OFF COUNTDOWN WITH A BANG: Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel pilot Shawn Langdon couldn’t have asked for a better start to the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Earning his first career win at zMAX Dragway and taking home that Wally for the Fifth annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries was a memorable moment for Langdon. “You couldn't have scripted it any better,” Langdon said. It's a surreal feeling.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

$100,000: TOP PRIZE AWARDED TO WINNER OF THE NHRA TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT FOR FUNNY CAR: Eight drivers will finally have the opportunity to compete for the coveted prize of $100,000 at the Texas Motorplex during the Inaugural Traxxas Nitro Shootout for Funny Car, September 22. The field has been set and drivers, such as John Force, top seed Ron Capps, Jack Beckman and fan vote winner Courtney Force, will compete for the top prize in the specialty race. For more information about the Traxxas Nitro Shootout, visit www.nhra.com. 



DID YOU KNOW…

JEGS NHRA NORTHERN SPORTSNATIONALS HEADS FOR OHIO: For hundreds of racers in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the Buckeye State will be the place to be this weekend as the eighth annual JEGS NHRA Northern SPORTSnationals unfolds at National Trail Raceway. The second of three annual events designed specifically to showcase the NHRA’s grassroots racers, the JEGS NHRA Northern SPORTSnationals will crown champions in Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Top Dragster and Top Sportsman. A Jr. Drag Racing League event will be held on Sunday.

Since its inception in 2005, the Columbus event has become a favorite of racers across the country as it successfully strikes a balance between fierce on-track competition and friendly off-track camaraderie. There will also be a wide variety of bonus features, including traditional class eliminations for drivers in Super Stock and Stock, the JEGS Top Dragster Shootout and the DRAW/Racers For Christ Super Eliminator Shootouts presented by Moser Engineering for the top 16 qualifiers in Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. All of the aforementioned programs are scheduled for Saturday.

Last year’s event provided many thrilling moments, including Jason Coan collecting his second SPORTSnationals victory in Comp and Jeremy Duncan winning the Super Stock title against former world champion Anthony Bertozzi. Other champions crowned included Steve Dziorny (Stock), Phil Smida II (Super Comp), Rob Moser (Super Gas), Scotty Rienschield (Super Street), Ricky Adkins (Top Dragster), Curt Fredrich (Top Sportsman) and Kyle Sensabaugh (Jr. Dragster). As one of the final national events of the 2012 season, the JEGS NHRA Northern SPORTSnationals will represent one of the final opportunities for competitors to earn points toward national and divisional championships. Among the contenders expected to compete at this year’s event are Comp leaders Bruno Massel Jr .and Frank Aragona and Super Comp leader Alan Kenny. For more about this story, visit www.nhra.com.

NEWS NUGGETS

LANGDON SCORES FIRST TF TITLE; CAPPS, LINE, HINES ALSO WIN IN CHARLOTTE: Shawn Langdon raced to his first career Top Fuel victory last Sunday at the rain-delayed O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at zMAX Dragway. Ron Capps (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also earned victories in their respective classes after the first of six playoff races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. Langdon defeated Tony Schumacher Sunday with a performance of 3.785 seconds at 326.71 mph in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster, holding off Schumacher, who finished in 3.808 at 322.27 in his U.S. Army dragster. Langdon won from the top qualifying position and beat Chris Karamesines, Bob Vandergriff Jr. and Brandon Bernstein to advance to the final round.

“I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason,” Langdon said. “Eighty-seven races into it, I’ve always kind of wondered, ‘Man, what does it feel like? Why haven’t I won? Is there something I’m doing wrong?’ I had a car capable of winning at times driving for the Lucas family for three years, and I came to this team that Sheikh Khalid [Al Thani, team owner] and Alan Johnson [team manager] built around winning. It gets to the point where it’s the Countdown, and it’s crunch time.”

Schumacher took over the points lead with the runner-up finish after playoff top seed Antron Brown was eliminated in the first round when his Aaron’s/Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster encountered a mechanical issue midway down the track, sending Al-Anabi driver Khalid alBalooshi into the second round. Langdon moved to third in points with the victory, and Brown dropped to fourth overall. For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

TEXAS DRIVERS READY FOR A PLAYOFF ‘HOME GAME’ AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX: Spencer Massey and Steve Torrence have a Texas-size love for their home state, where their drag-racing careers began, and they are looking forward to the opportunity of having a playoff “home game” when the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to Texas Motorplex for the 27th annual AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, September 20–23. Massey, of Fort Worth, and Kilgore’s Torrence, multiple-time winners on the circuit this season, are ready to wow the crowds as they battle it out in their 8,000hp Top Fuel dragsters for an important postseason victory in the second of six playoff races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. Last season, Bob Vandergriff Jr. (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line, (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle) celebrated in the Texas Motorplex winner’s circle, clutching their Wallys and wearing their custom-made Stetson hats, provided to all winners by the Motorplex. This season, the NHRA’s biggest stars are prepared to bring plenty of 300-mph action to the Texas track, including the NHRA’s most decorated Top Fuel driver, Tony Schumacher, driver of the U.S. Army dragster and a five-time winner at the Motorplex. He will challenge the Lone Star State’s native sons, Massey and Torrence, for bragging rights and the race victory. Others to watch in the Top Fuel category include Antron Brown and past Motorplex winners Doug Kalitta and Brandon Bernstein, also a native Texan. For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

NHRA COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP COMING TO ST. LOUIS: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing gets ready to shake things up at the Gateway Motorsports Parks for the inaugural AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals on the weekend of September 28–30, 2012. The AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals is the third of six races in the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship and will feature all four professional categories: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. The race will be televised on ESPN2HD. The event at Gateway is the 20th stop in the NHRA’s 23-event schedule this season.

“We are excited to return to the St. Louis area, as we have a very strong fan base in the region, and they have always supported NHRA Drag Racing,” said Tom Compton, president, NHRA.

The festivities kick off September 27, where the NHRA and Gateway Motorsports Park will host the first-ever Gateway Motorsports Park NHRA Fanfest. This free event will be held on Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis. Festivities begin at noon with a press conference and run until 7:00 p.m. to celebrate the return of the Full Throttle Drag Racing Series to the Gateway to the West. Gateway is no stranger to high-performance NHRA drag racing. The multipurpose motorsports facility, located just across the river from St. Louis, hosted the NHRA series for 14 years, from 1997 through 2010. Tickets are available for the inaugural AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals. Call 800-884-NHRA (6472) for ticket information, or check online at www.NHRATix.com.

VANDERGRIFF SEEKING MORE SUCCESS AT SITE OF HIS MEMORABLE FIRST VICTORY: The NHRA’s most prolific Top Fuel driver, Tony Schumacher, is known for his famous 2006 final-round championship-winning performance known simply as “The Run.” Another NHRA Top Fuel driver, Bob Vandergriff Jr., winner of last season’s AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, has also become a fan favorite for “a run,” but one that happened outside of his 8,000hp Top Fuel dragster. After beating Spencer Massey in the final round last season at Texas Motorplex, an overjoyed Vandergriff emerged from his C&J Energy Services dragster and started to run. He kept running, back up the dragstrip, toward the starting line. An ESPN pit reporter finally caught up with him at midtrack for an interview. A bit winded, Vandergriff said he wanted to do something completely different to celebrate his first victory. The Georgia-based driver had been to 13 final rounds without earning a win in his career prior to grabbing his first NHRA Wally on that very hot day in Texas.

“Obviously, it was huge,” Vandergriff said. “We had so many losses in final rounds—and, honestly, we should have won about half of them—that it was becoming comical. The consolation speeches had really begun to wear on me, and like I said after the race, I don't think I could have given another one saying that it was OK because it certainly wasn’t.”

Vandergriff’s post-victory run became an instant sensation with fans. He says he’s not
 certain if that will become his signature celebration routine. For more on this story, please www.nhra.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

AAA TEXAS NHRA FALL NATIONALS, Texas Motorplex, September 20–23: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 19th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and the second race of the Countdown. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points towards the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners were Bob Vandergriff (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-668-6775 or log on to TexasMotorplex.com.

AAA INSURANCE NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS, Gateway Motorsports Park, September 28–30: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to St. Louis and this time it is for round number three of the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA’s playoffs. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

AUTO-PLUS NHRA NATIONALS, Maple Grove Raceway, October 4–7: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to Pennsylvania for the 21st stop of 23 events in 2012, and the fourth race of the Countdown to the Championship. The 2011 winners included Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

LANGDON STARTS OFF COUNTDOWN WITH A BANG: Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel pilot Shawn Langdon couldn’t have asked for a better start to the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Earning his first career win at zMAX Dragway and taking home that Wally for the Fifth annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries was a memorable moment for Langdon. “You couldn't have scripted it any better,” Langdon said. It's a surreal feeling.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

$100,000: TOP PRIZE AWARDED TO WINNER OF THE NHRA TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT FOR FUNNY CAR: Eight drivers will finally have the opportunity to compete for the coveted prize of $100,000 at the Texas Motorplex during the Inaugural Traxxas Nitro Shootout for Funny Car, September 22. The field has been set and drivers, such as John Force, top seed Ron Capps, Jack Beckman and fan vote winner Courtney Force, will compete for the top prize in the specialty race. For more information about the Traxxas Nitro Shootout, visit www.nhra.com. 



DID YOU KNOW…

JEGS NHRA NORTHERN SPORTSNATIONALS HEADS FOR OHIO: For hundreds of racers in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the Buckeye State will be the place to be this weekend as the eighth annual JEGS NHRA Northern SPORTSnationals unfolds at National Trail Raceway. The second of three annual events designed specifically to showcase the NHRA’s grassroots racers, the JEGS NHRA Northern SPORTSnationals will crown champions in Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Top Dragster and Top Sportsman. A Jr. Drag Racing League event will be held on Sunday.

Since its inception in 2005, the Columbus event has become a favorite of racers across the country as it successfully strikes a balance between fierce on-track competition and friendly off-track camaraderie. There will also be a wide variety of bonus features, including traditional class eliminations for drivers in Super Stock and Stock, the JEGS Top Dragster Shootout and the DRAW/Racers For Christ Super Eliminator Shootouts presented by Moser Engineering for the top 16 qualifiers in Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. All of the aforementioned programs are scheduled for Saturday.

Last year’s event provided many thrilling moments, including Jason Coan collecting his second SPORTSnationals victory in Comp and Jeremy Duncan winning the Super Stock title against former world champion Anthony Bertozzi. Other champions crowned included Steve Dziorny (Stock), Phil Smida II (Super Comp), Rob Moser (Super Gas), Scotty Rienschield (Super Street), Ricky Adkins (Top Dragster), Curt Fredrich (Top Sportsman) and Kyle Sensabaugh (Jr. Dragster). As one of the final national events of the 2012 season, the JEGS NHRA Northern SPORTSnationals will represent one of the final opportunities for competitors to earn points toward national and divisional championships. Among the contenders expected to compete at this year’s event are Comp leaders Bruno Massel Jr .and Frank Aragona and Super Comp leader Alan Kenny. For more about this story, visit www.nhra.com.

NEWS NUGGETS

LANGDON SCORES FIRST TF TITLE; CAPPS, LINE, HINES ALSO WIN IN CHARLOTTE: Shawn Langdon raced to his first career Top Fuel victory last Sunday at the rain-delayed O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at zMAX Dragway. Ron Capps (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also earned victories in their respective classes after the first of six playoff races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. Langdon defeated Tony Schumacher Sunday with a performance of 3.785 seconds at 326.71 mph in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster, holding off Schumacher, who finished in 3.808 at 322.27 in his U.S. Army dragster. Langdon won from the top qualifying position and beat Chris Karamesines, Bob Vandergriff Jr. and Brandon Bernstein to advance to the final round.

“I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason,” Langdon said. “Eighty-seven races into it, I’ve always kind of wondered, ‘Man, what does it feel like? Why haven’t I won? Is there something I’m doing wrong?’ I had a car capable of winning at times driving for the Lucas family for three years, and I came to this team that Sheikh Khalid [Al Thani, team owner] and Alan Johnson [team manager] built around winning. It gets to the point where it’s the Countdown, and it’s crunch time.”

Schumacher took over the points lead with the runner-up finish after playoff top seed Antron Brown was eliminated in the first round when his Aaron’s/Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster encountered a mechanical issue midway down the track, sending Al-Anabi driver Khalid alBalooshi into the second round. Langdon moved to third in points with the victory, and Brown dropped to fourth overall. For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

TEXAS DRIVERS READY FOR A PLAYOFF ‘HOME GAME’ AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX: Spencer Massey and Steve Torrence have a Texas-size love for their home state, where their drag-racing careers began, and they are looking forward to the opportunity of having a playoff “home game” when the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to Texas Motorplex for the 27th annual AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, September 20–23. Massey, of Fort Worth, and Kilgore’s Torrence, multiple-time winners on the circuit this season, are ready to wow the crowds as they battle it out in their 8,000hp Top Fuel dragsters for an important postseason victory in the second of six playoff races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. Last season, Bob Vandergriff Jr. (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line, (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle) celebrated in the Texas Motorplex winner’s circle, clutching their Wallys and wearing their custom-made Stetson hats, provided to all winners by the Motorplex. This season, the NHRA’s biggest stars are prepared to bring plenty of 300-mph action to the Texas track, including the NHRA’s most decorated Top Fuel driver, Tony Schumacher, driver of the U.S. Army dragster and a five-time winner at the Motorplex. He will challenge the Lone Star State’s native sons, Massey and Torrence, for bragging rights and the race victory. Others to watch in the Top Fuel category include Antron Brown and past Motorplex winners Doug Kalitta and Brandon Bernstein, also a native Texan. For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

NHRA COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP COMING TO ST. LOUIS: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing gets ready to shake things up at the Gateway Motorsports Parks for the inaugural AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals on the weekend of September 28–30, 2012. The AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals is the third of six races in the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship and will feature all four professional categories: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. The race will be televised on ESPN2HD. The event at Gateway is the 20th stop in the NHRA’s 23-event schedule this season.

“We are excited to return to the St. Louis area, as we have a very strong fan base in the region, and they have always supported NHRA Drag Racing,” said Tom Compton, president, NHRA.

The festivities kick off September 27, where the NHRA and Gateway Motorsports Park will host the first-ever Gateway Motorsports Park NHRA Fanfest. This free event will be held on Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis. Festivities begin at noon with a press conference and run until 7:00 p.m. to celebrate the return of the Full Throttle Drag Racing Series to the Gateway to the West. Gateway is no stranger to high-performance NHRA drag racing. The multipurpose motorsports facility, located just across the river from St. Louis, hosted the NHRA series for 14 years, from 1997 through 2010. Tickets are available for the inaugural AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals. Call 800-884-NHRA (6472) for ticket information, or check online at www.NHRATix.com.

VANDERGRIFF SEEKING MORE SUCCESS AT SITE OF HIS MEMORABLE FIRST VICTORY: The NHRA’s most prolific Top Fuel driver, Tony Schumacher, is known for his famous 2006 final-round championship-winning performance known simply as “The Run.” Another NHRA Top Fuel driver, Bob Vandergriff Jr., winner of last season’s AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, has also become a fan favorite for “a run,” but one that happened outside of his 8,000hp Top Fuel dragster. After beating Spencer Massey in the final round last season at Texas Motorplex, an overjoyed Vandergriff emerged from his C&J Energy Services dragster and started to run. He kept running, back up the dragstrip, toward the starting line. An ESPN pit reporter finally caught up with him at midtrack for an interview. A bit winded, Vandergriff said he wanted to do something completely different to celebrate his first victory. The Georgia-based driver had been to 13 final rounds without earning a win in his career prior to grabbing his first NHRA Wally on that very hot day in Texas.

“Obviously, it was huge,” Vandergriff said. “We had so many losses in final rounds—and, honestly, we should have won about half of them—that it was becoming comical. The consolation speeches had really begun to wear on me, and like I said after the race, I don't think I could have given another one saying that it was OK because it certainly wasn’t.”

Vandergriff’s post-victory run became an instant sensation with fans. He says he’s not
 certain if that will become his signature celebration routine. For more on this story, please www.nhra.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

AAA TEXAS NHRA FALL NATIONALS, Texas Motorplex, September 20–23: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 19th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and the second race of the Countdown. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points towards the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners were Bob Vandergriff (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-668-6775 or log on to TexasMotorplex.com.

AAA INSURANCE NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS, Gateway Motorsports Park, September 28–30: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to St. Louis and this time it is for round number three of the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA’s playoffs. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

AUTO-PLUS NHRA NATIONALS, Maple Grove Raceway, October 4–7: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to Pennsylvania for the 21st stop of 23 events in 2012, and the fourth race of the Countdown to the Championship. The 2011 winners included Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

LANGDON STARTS OFF COUNTDOWN WITH A BANG: Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel pilot Shawn Langdon couldn’t have asked for a better start to the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Earning his first career win at zMAX Dragway and taking home that Wally for the Fifth annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries was a memorable moment for Langdon. “You couldn't have scripted it any better,” Langdon said. It's a surreal feeling.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

$100,000: TOP PRIZE AWARDED TO WINNER OF THE NHRA TRAXXAS NITRO SHOOTOUT FOR FUNNY CAR: Eight drivers will finally have the opportunity to compete for the coveted prize of $100,000 at the Texas Motorplex during the Inaugural Traxxas Nitro Shootout for Funny Car, September 22. The field has been set and drivers, such as John Force, top seed Ron Capps, Jack Beckman and fan vote winner Courtney Force, will compete for the top prize in the specialty race. For more information about the Traxxas Nitro Shootout, visit www.nhra.com. 



DID YOU KNOW…

JEGS NHRA NORTHERN SPORTSNATIONALS HEADS FOR OHIO: For hundreds of racers in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the Buckeye State will be the place to be this weekend as the eighth annual JEGS NHRA Northern SPORTSnationals unfolds at National Trail Raceway. The second of three annual events designed specifically to showcase the NHRA’s grassroots racers, the JEGS NHRA Northern SPORTSnationals will crown champions in Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Top Dragster and Top Sportsman. A Jr. Drag Racing League event will be held on Sunday.

Since its inception in 2005, the Columbus event has become a favorite of racers across the country as it successfully strikes a balance between fierce on-track competition and friendly off-track camaraderie. There will also be a wide variety of bonus features, including traditional class eliminations for drivers in Super Stock and Stock, the JEGS Top Dragster Shootout and the DRAW/Racers For Christ Super Eliminator Shootouts presented by Moser Engineering for the top 16 qualifiers in Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. All of the aforementioned programs are scheduled for Saturday.

Last year’s event provided many thrilling moments, including Jason Coan collecting his second SPORTSnationals victory in Comp and Jeremy Duncan winning the Super Stock title against former world champion Anthony Bertozzi. Other champions crowned included Steve Dziorny (Stock), Phil Smida II (Super Comp), Rob Moser (Super Gas), Scotty Rienschield (Super Street), Ricky Adkins (Top Dragster), Curt Fredrich (Top Sportsman) and Kyle Sensabaugh (Jr. Dragster). As one of the final national events of the 2012 season, the JEGS NHRA Northern SPORTSnationals will represent one of the final opportunities for competitors to earn points toward national and divisional championships. Among the contenders expected to compete at this year’s event are Comp leaders Bruno Massel Jr .and Frank Aragona and Super Comp leader Alan Kenny. For more about this story, visit www.nhra.com.