There are many resources available to ensure that SEMA Show exhibitors have a successful Show.

There are many resources available to SEMA Show exhibitors to ensure their Show experience goes off without a hitch. From the 2012 SEMA International Buyers' Guide to the Deadlines Checklist, and Intellectual Property Rights services to official contractors for your shipping needs, you'll want to take advantage of these offers.

Your Guide to the SEMA Show – The Online Exhibitor Manual

On the SEMA Show website is a particular page called the "Exhibitor Manual," which houses all the necessary forms and information for each exhibitor to have a successful Show. This year’s Exhibitor Manual provides much greater navigation capabilities and content to help you plan for the upcoming Show. Please note that the link to the “Exhibitor Manual” is located at the bottom of the page in the box entitled “Exhibitors” and, at the top, if you click on “Exhibitors,” and then “Exhibitor Manual” in the drop-down list about halfway down.  

When navigating the Exhibitor Manual, the first stop should always be the top left box entitled “About the Show.” In that box is the basic information and helpful resources for understanding the initial steps for planning your SEMA Show experience. Listed in the left-hand column is not only information and guidelines, but also forms and links to additional marketing opportunities, many of which are at no charge, as well as hotel reservations and target times. In the right-hand column are many of the forms necessary to order services from the SEMA Show’s official contractors.

If there is any information you need but can’t locate, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the individuals in the Contact Information form, located in the “About the Show” box.

International Buyers Guide

Can international buyers find you at the SEMA Show and year round? Don’t miss this opportunity to promote your company for free! Sign up for a free listing in the 2012 SEMA International Buyers' Guide using the link located under the "Marketing" tab in the Exhibitor Manual. This export directory will be distributed to international buyers at the 2012 SEMA Show and year-round at major overseas trade shows. This benefit is available only to 2012 SEMA Show exhibitors. For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Deadlines Checklist

One of the most important elements of the Exhibitor Manual, and in your planning for the SEMA Show, is the Deadlines Checklist. This one-page pdf document will provide you with all the important dates to have everything ordered for your booth and to ensure the lowest prices possible. Please print this page and have it readily available and posted on your desktop so you can reference it throughout the year. The first set of deadlines are only two weeks away, so don’t wait too long to start planning!

Intellectual Property Rights

Every effort will be made to eliminate product conflicts and protect those who have legal rights to the products involved. With that in mind, SEMA Show Management is available to respond to any issues or anticipated concerns you may have, both pre-Show and onsite at the Show. Please note that once you suspect another company has copied your product or has infringed on your legal rights, you must report the suspicion to Show management before taking action yourself on the Show floor. It is also extremely important that you bring any and all paperwork with you to the Show, which asserts your intellectual property rights (i.e., government-issued trademarks, patents, copyrights, etc.).

You can contact Jeff Pressman of SEMA Show management either by e-mail at jpressman@convexx.com or telephone at 702-216-5834. Onsite, SEMA also provides an intellectual property attorney who will be available beginning Monday, October 29, for consultation in the Show management office. Specific procedures and rules for the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights are available in the Exhibitor Manual.  

Official Contractor Spotlight – Production Resource Group (PRG)

Production Resource Group, L.L.C. (PRG) is the official 2012 SEMA Show audiovisual service provider once again in 2012. As a global company focused on entertainment technology for trade shows, events and major broadcast endeavors, PRG's Automotive Services Division primarily focuses on auto shows, both in the United States and throughout Europe, establishing PRG as a leader in technology services for automotive events. 

PRG is offering new packages for 2012 SEMA Show exhibitors and substantial early-order discounts for those organizations already in the planning stages for this year's event. PRG's SEMA Show Special Packages include Display Packages beginning at $1,092. Equipment rentals also encompass laptops and accessories, projectors and screens, microphones and sound systems, and video displays and accessories, including high-definition systems. 

In addition to the standard early-order discounts, exhibitors have the option to save an additional 10% using code "PRGVIP" online or including it as the coupon code on paper ordering. Please use Show code "SEMA2012019" when ordering online. You can find more information on PRG’s capabilities and specific pricing in the SEMA Show online Exhibitor Manual.  

Official Contractor Spotlight – Kuehne + Nagel (Shipping Needs)

SEMA has once again aligned itself with one of the world’s leading logistics providers—Kuehne + Nagel (KN)—to help exhibitors prepare for the upcoming SEMA Show. Founded in 1890, the Kuehne + Nagel worldwide network of more than 1,000 offices provides shipping by ocean freight, air freight and domestic trucking and also provides customs clearance services. No matter where your goods are coming from around the country or world, there is a KN office nearby ready to provide shipping services.  

A very experienced team, with years of working the SEMA Show, is the backbone of KN that provides SEMA exhibitors with personalized service. The same staff you e-mail and talk to by phone before and after are actually the KN reps in Las Vegas during the Show. For information and shipping rates, you can find information in the Exhibitor Manual or contact Armin Zertor directly at either 310-213-4347 or armin.zertor@kuehne-nagel.com.  

Kuehne + Nagel has both the resources, expertise and powerful technology to provide a highly competitive edge in automotive logistics across the globe for not only your tradeshow needs, but also all logistic and supply chain solutions of your business. Their automotive service supports the entire product lifecycle of a vehicle. For further insight into the unique automotive programs offered by KN, go to www.kn-portal.com/industry/automotive/.

	There are many resources available to ensure that SEMA Show exhibitors have a successful Show.

There are many resources available to SEMA Show exhibitors to ensure their Show experience goes off without a hitch. From the 2012 SEMA International Buyers' Guide to the Deadlines Checklist, and Intellectual Property Rights services to official contractors for your shipping needs, you'll want to take advantage of these offers.

Your Guide to the SEMA Show – The Online Exhibitor Manual

On the SEMA Show website is a particular page called the "Exhibitor Manual," which houses all the necessary forms and information for each exhibitor to have a successful Show. This year’s Exhibitor Manual provides much greater navigation capabilities and content to help you plan for the upcoming Show. Please note that the link to the “Exhibitor Manual” is located at the bottom of the page in the box entitled “Exhibitors” and, at the top, if you click on “Exhibitors,” and then “Exhibitor Manual” in the drop-down list about halfway down.  

When navigating the Exhibitor Manual, the first stop should always be the top left box entitled “About the Show.” In that box is the basic information and helpful resources for understanding the initial steps for planning your SEMA Show experience. Listed in the left-hand column is not only information and guidelines, but also forms and links to additional marketing opportunities, many of which are at no charge, as well as hotel reservations and target times. In the right-hand column are many of the forms necessary to order services from the SEMA Show’s official contractors.

If there is any information you need but can’t locate, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the individuals in the Contact Information form, located in the “About the Show” box.

International Buyers Guide

Can international buyers find you at the SEMA Show and year round? Don’t miss this opportunity to promote your company for free! Sign up for a free listing in the 2012 SEMA International Buyers' Guide using the link located under the "Marketing" tab in the Exhibitor Manual. This export directory will be distributed to international buyers at the 2012 SEMA Show and year-round at major overseas trade shows. This benefit is available only to 2012 SEMA Show exhibitors. For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Deadlines Checklist

One of the most important elements of the Exhibitor Manual, and in your planning for the SEMA Show, is the Deadlines Checklist. This one-page pdf document will provide you with all the important dates to have everything ordered for your booth and to ensure the lowest prices possible. Please print this page and have it readily available and posted on your desktop so you can reference it throughout the year. The first set of deadlines are only two weeks away, so don’t wait too long to start planning!

Intellectual Property Rights

Every effort will be made to eliminate product conflicts and protect those who have legal rights to the products involved. With that in mind, SEMA Show Management is available to respond to any issues or anticipated concerns you may have, both pre-Show and onsite at the Show. Please note that once you suspect another company has copied your product or has infringed on your legal rights, you must report the suspicion to Show management before taking action yourself on the Show floor. It is also extremely important that you bring any and all paperwork with you to the Show, which asserts your intellectual property rights (i.e., government-issued trademarks, patents, copyrights, etc.).

You can contact Jeff Pressman of SEMA Show management either by e-mail at jpressman@convexx.com or telephone at 702-216-5834. Onsite, SEMA also provides an intellectual property attorney who will be available beginning Monday, October 29, for consultation in the Show management office. Specific procedures and rules for the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights are available in the Exhibitor Manual.  

Official Contractor Spotlight – Production Resource Group (PRG)

Production Resource Group, L.L.C. (PRG) is the official 2012 SEMA Show audiovisual service provider once again in 2012. As a global company focused on entertainment technology for trade shows, events and major broadcast endeavors, PRG's Automotive Services Division primarily focuses on auto shows, both in the United States and throughout Europe, establishing PRG as a leader in technology services for automotive events. 

PRG is offering new packages for 2012 SEMA Show exhibitors and substantial early-order discounts for those organizations already in the planning stages for this year's event. PRG's SEMA Show Special Packages include Display Packages beginning at $1,092. Equipment rentals also encompass laptops and accessories, projectors and screens, microphones and sound systems, and video displays and accessories, including high-definition systems. 

In addition to the standard early-order discounts, exhibitors have the option to save an additional 10% using code "PRGVIP" online or including it as the coupon code on paper ordering. Please use Show code "SEMA2012019" when ordering online. You can find more information on PRG’s capabilities and specific pricing in the SEMA Show online Exhibitor Manual.  

Official Contractor Spotlight – Kuehne + Nagel (Shipping Needs)

SEMA has once again aligned itself with one of the world’s leading logistics providers—Kuehne + Nagel (KN)—to help exhibitors prepare for the upcoming SEMA Show. Founded in 1890, the Kuehne + Nagel worldwide network of more than 1,000 offices provides shipping by ocean freight, air freight and domestic trucking and also provides customs clearance services. No matter where your goods are coming from around the country or world, there is a KN office nearby ready to provide shipping services.  

A very experienced team, with years of working the SEMA Show, is the backbone of KN that provides SEMA exhibitors with personalized service. The same staff you e-mail and talk to by phone before and after are actually the KN reps in Las Vegas during the Show. For information and shipping rates, you can find information in the Exhibitor Manual or contact Armin Zertor directly at either 310-213-4347 or armin.zertor@kuehne-nagel.com.  

Kuehne + Nagel has both the resources, expertise and powerful technology to provide a highly competitive edge in automotive logistics across the globe for not only your tradeshow needs, but also all logistic and supply chain solutions of your business. Their automotive service supports the entire product lifecycle of a vehicle. For further insight into the unique automotive programs offered by KN, go to www.kn-portal.com/industry/automotive/.

	There are many resources available to ensure that SEMA Show exhibitors have a successful Show.

There are many resources available to SEMA Show exhibitors to ensure their Show experience goes off without a hitch. From the 2012 SEMA International Buyers' Guide to the Deadlines Checklist, and Intellectual Property Rights services to official contractors for your shipping needs, you'll want to take advantage of these offers.

Your Guide to the SEMA Show – The Online Exhibitor Manual

On the SEMA Show website is a particular page called the "Exhibitor Manual," which houses all the necessary forms and information for each exhibitor to have a successful Show. This year’s Exhibitor Manual provides much greater navigation capabilities and content to help you plan for the upcoming Show. Please note that the link to the “Exhibitor Manual” is located at the bottom of the page in the box entitled “Exhibitors” and, at the top, if you click on “Exhibitors,” and then “Exhibitor Manual” in the drop-down list about halfway down.  

When navigating the Exhibitor Manual, the first stop should always be the top left box entitled “About the Show.” In that box is the basic information and helpful resources for understanding the initial steps for planning your SEMA Show experience. Listed in the left-hand column is not only information and guidelines, but also forms and links to additional marketing opportunities, many of which are at no charge, as well as hotel reservations and target times. In the right-hand column are many of the forms necessary to order services from the SEMA Show’s official contractors.

If there is any information you need but can’t locate, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the individuals in the Contact Information form, located in the “About the Show” box.

International Buyers Guide

Can international buyers find you at the SEMA Show and year round? Don’t miss this opportunity to promote your company for free! Sign up for a free listing in the 2012 SEMA International Buyers' Guide using the link located under the "Marketing" tab in the Exhibitor Manual. This export directory will be distributed to international buyers at the 2012 SEMA Show and year-round at major overseas trade shows. This benefit is available only to 2012 SEMA Show exhibitors. For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Deadlines Checklist

One of the most important elements of the Exhibitor Manual, and in your planning for the SEMA Show, is the Deadlines Checklist. This one-page pdf document will provide you with all the important dates to have everything ordered for your booth and to ensure the lowest prices possible. Please print this page and have it readily available and posted on your desktop so you can reference it throughout the year. The first set of deadlines are only two weeks away, so don’t wait too long to start planning!

Intellectual Property Rights

Every effort will be made to eliminate product conflicts and protect those who have legal rights to the products involved. With that in mind, SEMA Show Management is available to respond to any issues or anticipated concerns you may have, both pre-Show and onsite at the Show. Please note that once you suspect another company has copied your product or has infringed on your legal rights, you must report the suspicion to Show management before taking action yourself on the Show floor. It is also extremely important that you bring any and all paperwork with you to the Show, which asserts your intellectual property rights (i.e., government-issued trademarks, patents, copyrights, etc.).

You can contact Jeff Pressman of SEMA Show management either by e-mail at jpressman@convexx.com or telephone at 702-216-5834. Onsite, SEMA also provides an intellectual property attorney who will be available beginning Monday, October 29, for consultation in the Show management office. Specific procedures and rules for the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights are available in the Exhibitor Manual.  

Official Contractor Spotlight – Production Resource Group (PRG)

Production Resource Group, L.L.C. (PRG) is the official 2012 SEMA Show audiovisual service provider once again in 2012. As a global company focused on entertainment technology for trade shows, events and major broadcast endeavors, PRG's Automotive Services Division primarily focuses on auto shows, both in the United States and throughout Europe, establishing PRG as a leader in technology services for automotive events. 

PRG is offering new packages for 2012 SEMA Show exhibitors and substantial early-order discounts for those organizations already in the planning stages for this year's event. PRG's SEMA Show Special Packages include Display Packages beginning at $1,092. Equipment rentals also encompass laptops and accessories, projectors and screens, microphones and sound systems, and video displays and accessories, including high-definition systems. 

In addition to the standard early-order discounts, exhibitors have the option to save an additional 10% using code "PRGVIP" online or including it as the coupon code on paper ordering. Please use Show code "SEMA2012019" when ordering online. You can find more information on PRG’s capabilities and specific pricing in the SEMA Show online Exhibitor Manual.  

Official Contractor Spotlight – Kuehne + Nagel (Shipping Needs)

SEMA has once again aligned itself with one of the world’s leading logistics providers—Kuehne + Nagel (KN)—to help exhibitors prepare for the upcoming SEMA Show. Founded in 1890, the Kuehne + Nagel worldwide network of more than 1,000 offices provides shipping by ocean freight, air freight and domestic trucking and also provides customs clearance services. No matter where your goods are coming from around the country or world, there is a KN office nearby ready to provide shipping services.  

A very experienced team, with years of working the SEMA Show, is the backbone of KN that provides SEMA exhibitors with personalized service. The same staff you e-mail and talk to by phone before and after are actually the KN reps in Las Vegas during the Show. For information and shipping rates, you can find information in the Exhibitor Manual or contact Armin Zertor directly at either 310-213-4347 or armin.zertor@kuehne-nagel.com.  

Kuehne + Nagel has both the resources, expertise and powerful technology to provide a highly competitive edge in automotive logistics across the globe for not only your tradeshow needs, but also all logistic and supply chain solutions of your business. Their automotive service supports the entire product lifecycle of a vehicle. For further insight into the unique automotive programs offered by KN, go to www.kn-portal.com/industry/automotive/.

NEWS NUGGETS

INDIANAPOLIS-BASED NHRA RACERS HAVE BUSY WEEKEND OFF: Nitro Generation was in full force last weekend in Indianapolis as four area NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series drivers took part in two separate events. On Saturday, entrants to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis were greeted by a 7,000hp Funny Car in the shadow of two dinosaurs. Inside the main entrance, driver Mike Neff and Pro Stock Motorcycle champions Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec signed autographs for the thousands of guests who streamed into the museum.

“NHRA Drag Racing is a family sport more than it is just an outing and an activity,” Krawiec said. “One of the key things here that is awesome is to come and meet and greet with some of our future stars. Who knows, we could have met one of them this weekend. It’s great to do and exciting, and anytime you can bring the family is a good activity.”

Sunday featured Top Fuel racer Brandon Bernstein taking part in the IU Health Healthy Cooking Showdown against the first lady of Indiana, Cheri Daniels, at the Indiana State Fair. They were given similar pasta dishes to cook in a 30-minute race against the clock and judged by three independent judges. Bernstein made penne with fresh tomato sauce and was narrowly defeated by Daniels. Even in the losing effort, Bernstein was glad to take time out of his weekend to teach others about a healthy lifestyle.

COUGHLIN KEENLY FOCUSED ON CONSISTENCY EN ROUTE TO PROCUREMENT OF COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP BERTH: When four-time NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. announced that he would return to Pro Stock in 2012 following a year devoted solely to intense bracket racing and Sportsman competition, his name automatically returned to the list of drivers to never let out of sight. After all, the last time that Coughlin took a hiatus from Pro Stock, he returned with such vigor and drive that he won four events in eight final rounds to collect the biggest and brightest trophy at the end of the season.

JIMMY VASSER CHEVROLET TO ENTER COPO CAMARO IN FACTORY STOCK SHOWDOWN AT U.S. NATIONALS: Jimmy Vasser Chevrolet in Napa, California, will enter a Chevrolet COPO Camaro in the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, August 29–September 3. Jimmy Vasser Jr.—the 1996 IndyCar World Series champion and co-owner of KV Racing Technology, which competes in the IZOD IndyCar Series with Chevrolet power—along with his father, Jim Vasser Sr.—a longtime drag racing aficionado, former racer and general manager of Jimmy Vasser Chevrolet—will operate the team. The car—The Jimmy Vasser Chevrolet King Kong COPO Camaro—will be driven by Bay Area drag racing star Eric Reyes.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS, BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, August 16–19: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 16th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points at the penultimate race in the regular season for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Johnny Gray (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 866-444-4455 or log on to BrainerdRaceway.com.

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS PRESENTED BY AUTO-PLUS, LUCAS OIL RACEWAY AT INDIANAPOLIS, August 29–September 3: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 17th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points at the last race in the regular season for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, zMAX DRAGWAY, September 14–16: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 18th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season for the first event of the Countdown to the Championship. The top 10 drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the Countdown—the NHRA’s playoffs. The 2011 winners were Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or log on to zMAXDragway.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

ENDERS, SHOWING THE BOYS SHE CAN HANG TOUGH, LOOKS TO ACCOMPLISH NEXT GOAL, A CHAMPIONSHIP: With two wins under her belt in the Pro Stock category, Erica Enders has her eye on the next prize: an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series championship. “It’s definitely our goal, and for this season, absolutely. We’ve got the race car, we’ve got the team and I’ve been driving really well. So I honestly, at the expense of sounding a little too positive, I think we can do it just as well as anybody else out there. And we’re actually gaining momentum.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

11: DRIVERS WHO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SECURE SPOTS IN BRAINERD FOR FULL THROTTLE COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP:


Top Fuel


• Doug Kalitta will clinch by qualifying.
• Shawn Langdon can clinch by qualifying (depending on qualifying position and qualifying bonus points), or will clinch if Clay Millican or Bob Vandergriff Jr. lose in round one, or will clinch by winning round one.
• Morgan Lucas will clinch if Millican or Vandergriff lose in round one, or will clinch by winning round one.
• Brandon Bernstein will clinch if he goes one round further than Millican or Vandergriff.
• David Grubnic will clinch if he goes two rounds further than Millican or Vandergriff.

Funny Car


• Mike Neff will clinch by making a qualifying run.
• Johnny Gray will clinch by making a qualifying run.
• Courtney Force can clinch by winning round one (depending on qualifying position and qualifying bonus points), or will clinch by winning round two.
• Cruz Pedregon can clinch by earning maximum number of points.

Pro Stock


• Shane Gray can clinch by earning maximum number of points.

Pro Stock Motorcycle


• Karen Stoffer can clinch by going one round further than Steve Johnson, or will clinch by winning round two.

DID YOU KNOW…

NHRA TECH DEPARTMENT APPROVES COCKPIT CANOPY FOR TOP FUEL: NHRA Technical Department officials have announced that a cockpit canopy for Top Fuel dragsters has been approved for use beginning with this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd. The cockpit canopy will be manufactured and distributed by Aerodine Composites Group and will be available for use by all Top Fuel teams. The equipment is an optional component, not mandatory.

“We were able to see the finished product yesterday and give our final approval to the Aerodine representatives,” said Glen Gray, NHRA vice president of technical operations. “The product includes a fresh air system, fire bottle and kick-out panels. The cockpit canopy will be available to any team that wants to use it starting this weekend in Brainerd.”

NEWS NUGGETS

INDIANAPOLIS-BASED NHRA RACERS HAVE BUSY WEEKEND OFF: Nitro Generation was in full force last weekend in Indianapolis as four area NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series drivers took part in two separate events. On Saturday, entrants to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis were greeted by a 7,000hp Funny Car in the shadow of two dinosaurs. Inside the main entrance, driver Mike Neff and Pro Stock Motorcycle champions Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec signed autographs for the thousands of guests who streamed into the museum.

“NHRA Drag Racing is a family sport more than it is just an outing and an activity,” Krawiec said. “One of the key things here that is awesome is to come and meet and greet with some of our future stars. Who knows, we could have met one of them this weekend. It’s great to do and exciting, and anytime you can bring the family is a good activity.”

Sunday featured Top Fuel racer Brandon Bernstein taking part in the IU Health Healthy Cooking Showdown against the first lady of Indiana, Cheri Daniels, at the Indiana State Fair. They were given similar pasta dishes to cook in a 30-minute race against the clock and judged by three independent judges. Bernstein made penne with fresh tomato sauce and was narrowly defeated by Daniels. Even in the losing effort, Bernstein was glad to take time out of his weekend to teach others about a healthy lifestyle.

COUGHLIN KEENLY FOCUSED ON CONSISTENCY EN ROUTE TO PROCUREMENT OF COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP BERTH: When four-time NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. announced that he would return to Pro Stock in 2012 following a year devoted solely to intense bracket racing and Sportsman competition, his name automatically returned to the list of drivers to never let out of sight. After all, the last time that Coughlin took a hiatus from Pro Stock, he returned with such vigor and drive that he won four events in eight final rounds to collect the biggest and brightest trophy at the end of the season.

JIMMY VASSER CHEVROLET TO ENTER COPO CAMARO IN FACTORY STOCK SHOWDOWN AT U.S. NATIONALS: Jimmy Vasser Chevrolet in Napa, California, will enter a Chevrolet COPO Camaro in the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, August 29–September 3. Jimmy Vasser Jr.—the 1996 IndyCar World Series champion and co-owner of KV Racing Technology, which competes in the IZOD IndyCar Series with Chevrolet power—along with his father, Jim Vasser Sr.—a longtime drag racing aficionado, former racer and general manager of Jimmy Vasser Chevrolet—will operate the team. The car—The Jimmy Vasser Chevrolet King Kong COPO Camaro—will be driven by Bay Area drag racing star Eric Reyes.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS, BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, August 16–19: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 16th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points at the penultimate race in the regular season for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Johnny Gray (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 866-444-4455 or log on to BrainerdRaceway.com.

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS PRESENTED BY AUTO-PLUS, LUCAS OIL RACEWAY AT INDIANAPOLIS, August 29–September 3: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 17th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points at the last race in the regular season for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, zMAX DRAGWAY, September 14–16: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 18th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season for the first event of the Countdown to the Championship. The top 10 drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the Countdown—the NHRA’s playoffs. The 2011 winners were Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or log on to zMAXDragway.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

ENDERS, SHOWING THE BOYS SHE CAN HANG TOUGH, LOOKS TO ACCOMPLISH NEXT GOAL, A CHAMPIONSHIP: With two wins under her belt in the Pro Stock category, Erica Enders has her eye on the next prize: an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series championship. “It’s definitely our goal, and for this season, absolutely. We’ve got the race car, we’ve got the team and I’ve been driving really well. So I honestly, at the expense of sounding a little too positive, I think we can do it just as well as anybody else out there. And we’re actually gaining momentum.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

11: DRIVERS WHO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SECURE SPOTS IN BRAINERD FOR FULL THROTTLE COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP:


Top Fuel


• Doug Kalitta will clinch by qualifying.
• Shawn Langdon can clinch by qualifying (depending on qualifying position and qualifying bonus points), or will clinch if Clay Millican or Bob Vandergriff Jr. lose in round one, or will clinch by winning round one.
• Morgan Lucas will clinch if Millican or Vandergriff lose in round one, or will clinch by winning round one.
• Brandon Bernstein will clinch if he goes one round further than Millican or Vandergriff.
• David Grubnic will clinch if he goes two rounds further than Millican or Vandergriff.

Funny Car


• Mike Neff will clinch by making a qualifying run.
• Johnny Gray will clinch by making a qualifying run.
• Courtney Force can clinch by winning round one (depending on qualifying position and qualifying bonus points), or will clinch by winning round two.
• Cruz Pedregon can clinch by earning maximum number of points.

Pro Stock


• Shane Gray can clinch by earning maximum number of points.

Pro Stock Motorcycle


• Karen Stoffer can clinch by going one round further than Steve Johnson, or will clinch by winning round two.

DID YOU KNOW…

NHRA TECH DEPARTMENT APPROVES COCKPIT CANOPY FOR TOP FUEL: NHRA Technical Department officials have announced that a cockpit canopy for Top Fuel dragsters has been approved for use beginning with this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd. The cockpit canopy will be manufactured and distributed by Aerodine Composites Group and will be available for use by all Top Fuel teams. The equipment is an optional component, not mandatory.

“We were able to see the finished product yesterday and give our final approval to the Aerodine representatives,” said Glen Gray, NHRA vice president of technical operations. “The product includes a fresh air system, fire bottle and kick-out panels. The cockpit canopy will be available to any team that wants to use it starting this weekend in Brainerd.”

NEWS NUGGETS

INDIANAPOLIS-BASED NHRA RACERS HAVE BUSY WEEKEND OFF: Nitro Generation was in full force last weekend in Indianapolis as four area NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series drivers took part in two separate events. On Saturday, entrants to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis were greeted by a 7,000hp Funny Car in the shadow of two dinosaurs. Inside the main entrance, driver Mike Neff and Pro Stock Motorcycle champions Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec signed autographs for the thousands of guests who streamed into the museum.

“NHRA Drag Racing is a family sport more than it is just an outing and an activity,” Krawiec said. “One of the key things here that is awesome is to come and meet and greet with some of our future stars. Who knows, we could have met one of them this weekend. It’s great to do and exciting, and anytime you can bring the family is a good activity.”

Sunday featured Top Fuel racer Brandon Bernstein taking part in the IU Health Healthy Cooking Showdown against the first lady of Indiana, Cheri Daniels, at the Indiana State Fair. They were given similar pasta dishes to cook in a 30-minute race against the clock and judged by three independent judges. Bernstein made penne with fresh tomato sauce and was narrowly defeated by Daniels. Even in the losing effort, Bernstein was glad to take time out of his weekend to teach others about a healthy lifestyle.

COUGHLIN KEENLY FOCUSED ON CONSISTENCY EN ROUTE TO PROCUREMENT OF COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP BERTH: When four-time NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. announced that he would return to Pro Stock in 2012 following a year devoted solely to intense bracket racing and Sportsman competition, his name automatically returned to the list of drivers to never let out of sight. After all, the last time that Coughlin took a hiatus from Pro Stock, he returned with such vigor and drive that he won four events in eight final rounds to collect the biggest and brightest trophy at the end of the season.

JIMMY VASSER CHEVROLET TO ENTER COPO CAMARO IN FACTORY STOCK SHOWDOWN AT U.S. NATIONALS: Jimmy Vasser Chevrolet in Napa, California, will enter a Chevrolet COPO Camaro in the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, August 29–September 3. Jimmy Vasser Jr.—the 1996 IndyCar World Series champion and co-owner of KV Racing Technology, which competes in the IZOD IndyCar Series with Chevrolet power—along with his father, Jim Vasser Sr.—a longtime drag racing aficionado, former racer and general manager of Jimmy Vasser Chevrolet—will operate the team. The car—The Jimmy Vasser Chevrolet King Kong COPO Camaro—will be driven by Bay Area drag racing star Eric Reyes.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS, BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, August 16–19: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 16th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points at the penultimate race in the regular season for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Johnny Gray (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 866-444-4455 or log on to BrainerdRaceway.com.

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS PRESENTED BY AUTO-PLUS, LUCAS OIL RACEWAY AT INDIANAPOLIS, August 29–September 3: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 17th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points at the last race in the regular season for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, zMAX DRAGWAY, September 14–16: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 18th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season for the first event of the Countdown to the Championship. The top 10 drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the Countdown—the NHRA’s playoffs. The 2011 winners were Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-455-FANS (3267) or log on to zMAXDragway.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

ENDERS, SHOWING THE BOYS SHE CAN HANG TOUGH, LOOKS TO ACCOMPLISH NEXT GOAL, A CHAMPIONSHIP: With two wins under her belt in the Pro Stock category, Erica Enders has her eye on the next prize: an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series championship. “It’s definitely our goal, and for this season, absolutely. We’ve got the race car, we’ve got the team and I’ve been driving really well. So I honestly, at the expense of sounding a little too positive, I think we can do it just as well as anybody else out there. And we’re actually gaining momentum.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

11: DRIVERS WHO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SECURE SPOTS IN BRAINERD FOR FULL THROTTLE COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP:


Top Fuel


• Doug Kalitta will clinch by qualifying.
• Shawn Langdon can clinch by qualifying (depending on qualifying position and qualifying bonus points), or will clinch if Clay Millican or Bob Vandergriff Jr. lose in round one, or will clinch by winning round one.
• Morgan Lucas will clinch if Millican or Vandergriff lose in round one, or will clinch by winning round one.
• Brandon Bernstein will clinch if he goes one round further than Millican or Vandergriff.
• David Grubnic will clinch if he goes two rounds further than Millican or Vandergriff.

Funny Car


• Mike Neff will clinch by making a qualifying run.
• Johnny Gray will clinch by making a qualifying run.
• Courtney Force can clinch by winning round one (depending on qualifying position and qualifying bonus points), or will clinch by winning round two.
• Cruz Pedregon can clinch by earning maximum number of points.

Pro Stock


• Shane Gray can clinch by earning maximum number of points.

Pro Stock Motorcycle


• Karen Stoffer can clinch by going one round further than Steve Johnson, or will clinch by winning round two.

DID YOU KNOW…

NHRA TECH DEPARTMENT APPROVES COCKPIT CANOPY FOR TOP FUEL: NHRA Technical Department officials have announced that a cockpit canopy for Top Fuel dragsters has been approved for use beginning with this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd. The cockpit canopy will be manufactured and distributed by Aerodine Composites Group and will be available for use by all Top Fuel teams. The equipment is an optional component, not mandatory.

“We were able to see the finished product yesterday and give our final approval to the Aerodine representatives,” said Glen Gray, NHRA vice president of technical operations. “The product includes a fresh air system, fire bottle and kick-out panels. The cockpit canopy will be available to any team that wants to use it starting this weekend in Brainerd.”

Congratulations to Russ Deane, SEMA’s General Counsel, on becoming a member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club. Deane set a new world land speed record of more than 226 mph for four-cylinder production cars (SRT-4, aka Dodge Neon). He surpassed the previous record of 224 mph for a Class F/PS vehicle. Deane and his Hinckley Automotive race team are participating in Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats. His race team includes Jim Hinckley, Dave Harris (chief), Craig Ohlson, Camel Joe George, Troy Cheney, Stuart Gosswein and Jim Hinckley Jr. 

Russ Deane prepares to set a new world land speed record.	Hinckley Race Team at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

	The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, featured hundreds of pinewood cars—built by children from Victory Junction and Childhelp and sponsored by SEMA-member companies—racing against the clock for bragging rights and to support these two worthwhile charities.
	John Menzler (left) of Competition Cams ran the track at the Pinewood Drag Races, while Joe Sebergandio of Motor Media called the races.

The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors—held at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California, Friday, July 27—brought new challengers and former champions together to race against the clock for a good cause.

The annual drags featured hundreds of pinewood cars constructed primarily by the children at Childhelp and Victory Junction and sponsored by SEMA-member companies. Childhelp is a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect, and the Victory Junction Camp is a facility dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences.

The Pinewood Drag Races included three vehicle classes—Stock, Modified and Unlimited. There was also the Build It for Me/Sponsor a Child category, where a child from Childhelp or Victory Junction built a car and a member-company representative raced it on the child's behalf. In addition, the races also featured the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder's Challenge and the Council Cup Challenge.

The HRIA Builder's Challenge included uniquely styled pinewoods crafted by an incredible class of hot-rod builders. These design creations will be on display at the HRIA booth during the 2012 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas, before being placed on eBay for public auction. All of the proceeds from the auction will go to the Childhelp and Victory Junction children’s charities.

The final heat for this year's Pinewood Drag Races was the Council Cup Challenge—which pitted SEMA-member company representatives on SEMA’s 10 councils and committees up against one another for council honor. In 2011, SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) took the checkered flag in the inaugural Council Cup Challenge.

As the flag dropped, a new champion was crowned—SEMA's Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA).

The full list of winners, by class, included:

Build it for Me

1st: AJ Kuck, Transfer Flow
2nd: Kim Ziebell, Bushwacker
3rd: Mandi Woodell, Weathers Auto Supply

Stock

1st: Nate and Tom Gattuso, SEMA
2nd: SEMA Busineswomen's Network
3rd: Travis and Janette White, Rampage Products (with Childhelp children)

Modified

1st: Eric Saltrick, Matt Agosta, Steele Rubber Products
2nd: Nicholas Hoffend, Freeman Co.
3rd: Chuck Schwartz, ConVexx

Unlimited

1st: John Menzler, Competition Cams
2nd: Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition
3rd: Nicholas Hoffend, Freeman Co.

Council Cup

Weathers Auto Supply, sponsored by TORA and represented by George Lathouris, TORA council chairman

Builder's Race

Derek White, Street Vizions (three-time defending champion)

	The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, featured hundreds of pinewood cars—built by children from Victory Junction and Childhelp and sponsored by SEMA-member companies—racing against the clock for bragging rights and to support these two worthwhile charities.
	John Menzler (left) of Competition Cams ran the track at the Pinewood Drag Races, while Joe Sebergandio of Motor Media called the races.

The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors—held at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California, Friday, July 27—brought new challengers and former champions together to race against the clock for a good cause.

The annual drags featured hundreds of pinewood cars constructed primarily by the children at Childhelp and Victory Junction and sponsored by SEMA-member companies. Childhelp is a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect, and the Victory Junction Camp is a facility dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences.

The Pinewood Drag Races included three vehicle classes—Stock, Modified and Unlimited. There was also the Build It for Me/Sponsor a Child category, where a child from Childhelp or Victory Junction built a car and a member-company representative raced it on the child's behalf. In addition, the races also featured the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder's Challenge and the Council Cup Challenge.

The HRIA Builder's Challenge included uniquely styled pinewoods crafted by an incredible class of hot-rod builders. These design creations will be on display at the HRIA booth during the 2012 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas, before being placed on eBay for public auction. All of the proceeds from the auction will go to the Childhelp and Victory Junction children’s charities.

The final heat for this year's Pinewood Drag Races was the Council Cup Challenge—which pitted SEMA-member company representatives on SEMA’s 10 councils and committees up against one another for council honor. In 2011, SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) took the checkered flag in the inaugural Council Cup Challenge.

As the flag dropped, a new champion was crowned—SEMA's Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA).

The full list of winners, by class, included:

Build it for Me

1st: AJ Kuck, Transfer Flow
2nd: Kim Ziebell, Bushwacker
3rd: Mandi Woodell, Weathers Auto Supply

Stock

1st: Nate and Tom Gattuso, SEMA
2nd: SEMA Busineswomen's Network
3rd: Travis and Janette White, Rampage Products (with Childhelp children)

Modified

1st: Eric Saltrick, Matt Agosta, Steele Rubber Products
2nd: Nicholas Hoffend, Freeman Co.
3rd: Chuck Schwartz, ConVexx

Unlimited

1st: John Menzler, Competition Cams
2nd: Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition
3rd: Nicholas Hoffend, Freeman Co.

Council Cup

Weathers Auto Supply, sponsored by TORA and represented by George Lathouris, TORA council chairman

Builder's Race

Derek White, Street Vizions (three-time defending champion)

	The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, featured hundreds of pinewood cars—built by children from Victory Junction and Childhelp and sponsored by SEMA-member companies—racing against the clock for bragging rights and to support these two worthwhile charities.
	John Menzler (left) of Competition Cams ran the track at the Pinewood Drag Races, while Joe Sebergandio of Motor Media called the races.

The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors—held at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California, Friday, July 27—brought new challengers and former champions together to race against the clock for a good cause.

The annual drags featured hundreds of pinewood cars constructed primarily by the children at Childhelp and Victory Junction and sponsored by SEMA-member companies. Childhelp is a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect, and the Victory Junction Camp is a facility dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences.

The Pinewood Drag Races included three vehicle classes—Stock, Modified and Unlimited. There was also the Build It for Me/Sponsor a Child category, where a child from Childhelp or Victory Junction built a car and a member-company representative raced it on the child's behalf. In addition, the races also featured the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder's Challenge and the Council Cup Challenge.

The HRIA Builder's Challenge included uniquely styled pinewoods crafted by an incredible class of hot-rod builders. These design creations will be on display at the HRIA booth during the 2012 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas, before being placed on eBay for public auction. All of the proceeds from the auction will go to the Childhelp and Victory Junction children’s charities.

The final heat for this year's Pinewood Drag Races was the Council Cup Challenge—which pitted SEMA-member company representatives on SEMA’s 10 councils and committees up against one another for council honor. In 2011, SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) took the checkered flag in the inaugural Council Cup Challenge.

As the flag dropped, a new champion was crowned—SEMA's Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA).

The full list of winners, by class, included:

Build it for Me

1st: AJ Kuck, Transfer Flow
2nd: Kim Ziebell, Bushwacker
3rd: Mandi Woodell, Weathers Auto Supply

Stock

1st: Nate and Tom Gattuso, SEMA
2nd: SEMA Busineswomen's Network
3rd: Travis and Janette White, Rampage Products (with Childhelp children)

Modified

1st: Eric Saltrick, Matt Agosta, Steele Rubber Products
2nd: Nicholas Hoffend, Freeman Co.
3rd: Chuck Schwartz, ConVexx

Unlimited

1st: John Menzler, Competition Cams
2nd: Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition
3rd: Nicholas Hoffend, Freeman Co.

Council Cup

Weathers Auto Supply, sponsored by TORA and represented by George Lathouris, TORA council chairman

Builder's Race

Derek White, Street Vizions (three-time defending champion)