Earlier this year, some sources alluded to the fact that the MINI Paceman would hit dealerships as the Countryman Coupe, and it looks like that will be made official when the vehicle debuts at this year’s Paris Motor Show.

It all makes sense that MINI would put the Countryman name onto their two-door Paceman Concept, considering the production vehicle will share the same front end. It also appears that the Paceman Concept will closely resemble the final production Countryman Coupe, and it is still on schedule to hit dealerships in 2013 as a ’14 model.

Unfortunately, there is still no confirmation on what will power the new Countryman Coupe, but, according to Brenda Priddy & Co., the Paceman Concept did sport a John Cooper Works-built, 211hp, 1.6L twin-turbocharged engine—and this prototype is clearly an “S” version—also badged "ALL4" on the side.

Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.

	The Savvy/Currie/Falken Jeep LJ Unlimited won the Ultra4 Every Man Challenge Stock Class at the Glen Helen Motorsports Park in San Bernardino, California.

Team Falken Scores Second Win With Savvy Off Road in Every Man Challenge Stock Class Event
Falken Tire took its second win in the Ultra4 Every Man Challenge Stock Class partnered with Savvy Off Road and driver Gerald Lee. The win, at the Glen Helen Motorsports Park in San Bernardino, California, is the second for the Savvy/Currie/Falken Jeep LJ Unlimited, which captured the 2012 King of the Hammers inaugural Every Man Challenge event in Johnson Valley, California, this past February.
 
Lee earned the trophy besting a determined field of entrants. Qualifying started the event at the 2012 4Wheel Parts Glen Helen Grand Prix with the Jeep suffering electrical issues, placing it seventh overall. The race itself was more of a sprint, lasting 1.5 hours. Lee was able to place the stock class leader by lap three, taking the top positions and finishing second overall. The Every Man Challenge was created as a partner event to the growing King of Hammers race, allowing off-road enthusiasts a chance to race their stock and modified stock vehicles.

ALM Materials Handling will be the featured co-sponsor of the Automotive Lift Insitute No. 43 Ford Fusion to be driven by Aric Almirola at Pocono Raceway's NASCAR Pennsylvania 400.

ALM Materials Handling to Co-Sponsor Richard Petty Motorsports' No. 43 Ford Fusion at Pocono Raceway's NASCAR Pennsylvania 400
ALM Materials Handling will be the featured co-sponsor of the Automotive Lift Institute No. 43 Ford Fusion to be driven by Aric Almirola at Pocono Raceway's NASCAR Pennsylvania 400, August 3–5, 2012. The Pennsylvania 400 will air live on ESPN Sunday, August 5, at 1:00 p.m. (EDT).

The Automotive Lift Institute's entry of the Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 Ford Fusion at this weekend's Pocono Race wears ALM's corporate paint scheme of orange, white and black and ALM's logo displayed on the hood along with the ALM website. 

	EnerSys has announced a two-race primary sponsorship of the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) No. 31 Chevrolet and driver Jeff Burton, beginning this weekend at Pocono Raceway.

EnerSys Sponsors Jeff Burton’s No. 31 Chevrolet at Pocono Raceway This Weekend
EnerSys, manufacturer of a line of motive power, reserve power, aerospace/defense and specialty batteries, including the ODYSSEY battery, has announced a two-race primary sponsorship of the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) No. 31 Chevrolet and driver Jeff Burton, beginning this weekend at Pocono Raceway (Long Pond, Pennsylvania). Burton will also sport the red, white and black colors of EnerSys and the ODYSSEY brand at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia, October 28.

Burton, currently in his 19th fulltime season in NASCAR’s premier division, has amassed 21 wins, 132 top-five finishes, 246 top-10 finishes, six Pole Awards and led 6,510 laps during his career. Burton sits 20th in the 2012 Sprint Cup Series driver championship point standings with four top-10 finishes, including a fifth-place finish in the 2012 Daytona 500 and a runner-up finish earlier this month in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Burton qualified for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup from 2006 to 2008, and in 2010 with 14-time championship winning car owner Richard Childress.

	The Savvy/Currie/Falken Jeep LJ Unlimited won the Ultra4 Every Man Challenge Stock Class at the Glen Helen Motorsports Park in San Bernardino, California.

Team Falken Scores Second Win With Savvy Off Road in Every Man Challenge Stock Class Event
Falken Tire took its second win in the Ultra4 Every Man Challenge Stock Class partnered with Savvy Off Road and driver Gerald Lee. The win, at the Glen Helen Motorsports Park in San Bernardino, California, is the second for the Savvy/Currie/Falken Jeep LJ Unlimited, which captured the 2012 King of the Hammers inaugural Every Man Challenge event in Johnson Valley, California, this past February.
 
Lee earned the trophy besting a determined field of entrants. Qualifying started the event at the 2012 4Wheel Parts Glen Helen Grand Prix with the Jeep suffering electrical issues, placing it seventh overall. The race itself was more of a sprint, lasting 1.5 hours. Lee was able to place the stock class leader by lap three, taking the top positions and finishing second overall. The Every Man Challenge was created as a partner event to the growing King of Hammers race, allowing off-road enthusiasts a chance to race their stock and modified stock vehicles.

ALM Materials Handling will be the featured co-sponsor of the Automotive Lift Insitute No. 43 Ford Fusion to be driven by Aric Almirola at Pocono Raceway's NASCAR Pennsylvania 400.

ALM Materials Handling to Co-Sponsor Richard Petty Motorsports' No. 43 Ford Fusion at Pocono Raceway's NASCAR Pennsylvania 400
ALM Materials Handling will be the featured co-sponsor of the Automotive Lift Institute No. 43 Ford Fusion to be driven by Aric Almirola at Pocono Raceway's NASCAR Pennsylvania 400, August 3–5, 2012. The Pennsylvania 400 will air live on ESPN Sunday, August 5, at 1:00 p.m. (EDT).

The Automotive Lift Institute's entry of the Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 Ford Fusion at this weekend's Pocono Race wears ALM's corporate paint scheme of orange, white and black and ALM's logo displayed on the hood along with the ALM website. 

	EnerSys has announced a two-race primary sponsorship of the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) No. 31 Chevrolet and driver Jeff Burton, beginning this weekend at Pocono Raceway.

EnerSys Sponsors Jeff Burton’s No. 31 Chevrolet at Pocono Raceway This Weekend
EnerSys, manufacturer of a line of motive power, reserve power, aerospace/defense and specialty batteries, including the ODYSSEY battery, has announced a two-race primary sponsorship of the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) No. 31 Chevrolet and driver Jeff Burton, beginning this weekend at Pocono Raceway (Long Pond, Pennsylvania). Burton will also sport the red, white and black colors of EnerSys and the ODYSSEY brand at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia, October 28.

Burton, currently in his 19th fulltime season in NASCAR’s premier division, has amassed 21 wins, 132 top-five finishes, 246 top-10 finishes, six Pole Awards and led 6,510 laps during his career. Burton sits 20th in the 2012 Sprint Cup Series driver championship point standings with four top-10 finishes, including a fifth-place finish in the 2012 Daytona 500 and a runner-up finish earlier this month in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Burton qualified for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup from 2006 to 2008, and in 2010 with 14-time championship winning car owner Richard Childress.

	More than 450 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California, Friday, July 27.

More than 450 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California, Friday, July 27, to honor 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Nick Arias Jr., Bill France Sr., Mark Heffington and Bob Larivee Sr., and raise money for children’s charities Childhelp and Victory Junction. They also came to thank departing SEMA Board of Directors members for their service and welcome new members. 



“It was great to recognize our new Hall of Fame inductees Nick Arias Jr., Bill France Sr., Mark Heffington and Bob Larivee Sr.,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Whether building the world’s appetite for all things automotive through media, spectacular hot rods or growing the industry through its trade associations, these inductees exemplify contributions at a world-class level. Also, I’m grateful for the contributions of our outgoing Board members and look forward to working with the new Board members. Their unique backgrounds and experiences will continue guiding the industry to grow and prosper. I’d like to thank all the volunteers who helped make the fundraising activities such a success. SEMA Cares is a wonderful example of how people in this industry are able to selflessly work together to help better the lives of others.”

The day’s activities kicked-off with the Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors.
 The winners, by class, included:

	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.

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)

After the races, a reception at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona launched the evening’s Installation Banquet & Gala. Emcee Dave McClelland hosted the ceremonies honoring SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and incoming and outgoing Board members. Luanne Brown, SEMA Cares Commitee chairman, and Paul "Scooter" Brothers, SEMA chairman of the Board, provided the opening remarks and welcomed everyone to the 2012 event.

Also in attendance, renowned comedian Christopher Titus—a self-professed "car guy"—fondly recalled his memories working on cars, which provided quite a few laughs. 



Later in the evening, outgoing Board members, Ron Funfar, Hedman Performance Group; Adrian Murray, Painless Performance; John Iannotte, NA Williams Co.; Ed Orzetti, Keystone Automotive Operations; Bob Moore, J&B Service; Chris Thomson, AIRAID Filter Co.; and Tim Watts, Superlift Suspension Systems, were honored and thanked for their substantial contributions to the industry.

The newly elected members to the SEMA Board of Directors include Russell Stephens – president, MSD Performance, and Nick Gramelspacher – national sales manager, Meyer Distributing.


The 2012 SEMA Council leaders.		The 2012–2013 SEMA Board of Directors.
John Menzler (left) of Competition Cams runs the track at the Pinewood Drag Races, while Joe Sebergandio of Motor Media calls the races.		Dave McClelland once again hosted the event this year in Pomona.
SEMA Chairman of the Board Paul "Scooter" Brothers welcomes industry guests to the 2012 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser.		Comedian and fellow gearhead Christopher Titus reflects on his life experience with cars to provide the evening's laughs.
Mark Heffington, owner/president of Hypertech Inc., accepts his SEMA Hall of Fame recognition for his pioneering contributions to the aftermarket and racing communities.		Bob Larivee Sr., founder of Promotions Inc., accepts his SEMA Hall of Fame recognition as a ground-breaking entrepreneur and a publisher in the industry.
Russell Stephens of MSD Performance is welcomed as a new SEMA Board member.		Nick Gramelspacher of Meyer Distributing joins Russell Stephens as the second newly elected SEMA Board member.

	More than 450 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California, Friday, July 27.

More than 450 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California, Friday, July 27, to honor 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Nick Arias Jr., Bill France Sr., Mark Heffington and Bob Larivee Sr., and raise money for children’s charities Childhelp and Victory Junction. They also came to thank departing SEMA Board of Directors members for their service and welcome new members. 



“It was great to recognize our new Hall of Fame inductees Nick Arias Jr., Bill France Sr., Mark Heffington and Bob Larivee Sr.,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Whether building the world’s appetite for all things automotive through media, spectacular hot rods or growing the industry through its trade associations, these inductees exemplify contributions at a world-class level. Also, I’m grateful for the contributions of our outgoing Board members and look forward to working with the new Board members. Their unique backgrounds and experiences will continue guiding the industry to grow and prosper. I’d like to thank all the volunteers who helped make the fundraising activities such a success. SEMA Cares is a wonderful example of how people in this industry are able to selflessly work together to help better the lives of others.”

The day’s activities kicked-off with the Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors.
 The winners, by class, included:

	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.

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)

After the races, a reception at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona launched the evening’s Installation Banquet & Gala. Emcee Dave McClelland hosted the ceremonies honoring SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and incoming and outgoing Board members. Luanne Brown, SEMA Cares Commitee chairman, and Paul "Scooter" Brothers, SEMA chairman of the Board, provided the opening remarks and welcomed everyone to the 2012 event.

Also in attendance, renowned comedian Christopher Titus—a self-professed "car guy"—fondly recalled his memories working on cars, which provided quite a few laughs. 



Later in the evening, outgoing Board members, Ron Funfar, Hedman Performance Group; Adrian Murray, Painless Performance; John Iannotte, NA Williams Co.; Ed Orzetti, Keystone Automotive Operations; Bob Moore, J&B Service; Chris Thomson, AIRAID Filter Co.; and Tim Watts, Superlift Suspension Systems, were honored and thanked for their substantial contributions to the industry.

The newly elected members to the SEMA Board of Directors include Russell Stephens – president, MSD Performance, and Nick Gramelspacher – national sales manager, Meyer Distributing.


The 2012 SEMA Council leaders.		The 2012–2013 SEMA Board of Directors.
John Menzler (left) of Competition Cams runs the track at the Pinewood Drag Races, while Joe Sebergandio of Motor Media calls the races.		Dave McClelland once again hosted the event this year in Pomona.
SEMA Chairman of the Board Paul "Scooter" Brothers welcomes industry guests to the 2012 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser.		Comedian and fellow gearhead Christopher Titus reflects on his life experience with cars to provide the evening's laughs.
Mark Heffington, owner/president of Hypertech Inc., accepts his SEMA Hall of Fame recognition for his pioneering contributions to the aftermarket and racing communities.		Bob Larivee Sr., founder of Promotions Inc., accepts his SEMA Hall of Fame recognition as a ground-breaking entrepreneur and a publisher in the industry.
Russell Stephens of MSD Performance is welcomed as a new SEMA Board member.		Nick Gramelspacher of Meyer Distributing joins Russell Stephens as the second newly elected SEMA Board member.

NEWS NUGGETS

Allen Johnson	Antron Brown

POINTS LEADERS BROWN AND JOHNSON COULD MAKE WESTERN SWING HISTORY IN SEATTLE: Antron Brown (Top Fuel) and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) sit atop their classes as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Pacific Raceways—the third stop of the Western Swing, and they also are riding winning streaks. The two drivers won at the first two stops on the Swing—Denver and Sonoma, California—which gives them a chance to make history and sweep the Swing. If Brown wins his third title in three weeks, he will become the first driver to sweep the Swing twice, and if Johnson wins in Seattle, he will be the eighth driver in NHRA history to accomplish the feat and only the second Pro Stock driver to do it. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

WILKERSON READY TO MAKE IT FOUR IN A ROW IN SEATTLE: Tim Wilkerson has struggled a bit this season, but as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Washington for the 25th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries, he is feeling as confident as ever in his team. The veteran driver has won titles at the Pacific Raceways event the past three years, and he is hoping that his streak will continue and he can move into 10th place with just three races remaining in the regular season. Wilkerson sits in 11th place, 69 points out of 10th, a place he wants to be before the Countdown to the Championship starts in Charlotte, September 14–16. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

Hector Arana Sr. clinched a spot in the Countdown with his performance in Sonoma.

SEVEN MORE DRIVERS CLINCH COUNTDOWN BERTHS IN SONOMA: Following the NHRA Sonoma Nationals, 14 drivers have secured invitations to the playoffs. Top Fuel racers Antron Brown and Tony Schumacher, Funny Car driver Ron Capps and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Jr. locked up their positions prior to the start of Sunday’s final eliminations. On Sunday, Pro Stock racers Mike Edwards and Vincent Nobile clinched by advancing to round two, and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Sr. clinched by advancing to the semifinals. The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series regular season concludes Labor Day weekend at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus. A six-race playoff series will lead to the crowning of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series champs.

COUNTDOWN FIELDS TO DATE


Top Fuel


1. Spencer Massey
2. Antron Brown
3. Tony Schumacher

Funny Car


1. Robert Hight
2. Ron Capps

Pro Stock


1. Greg Anderson

2. Jason Line

3. Allen Johnson
4. Mike Edwards

5. Vincent Nobile

Pro Stock Motorcycle


1. Eddie Krawiec

2. Andrew Hines

3. Hector Arana Jr.

4. Hector Arana Sr.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS, PACIFIC RACEWAYS, August 3–5: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 15th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season in the Northwest, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

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 218-824-7223 or log on to TicketReturn.com.

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS, 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 final 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.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

FIRST 2012 FINAL LEAVES HAGAN WITH POSITIVE OUTLOOK HEADING INTO COUNTDOWN: Reigning Funny Car world champ Matt Hagan and his Aaron’s Funny Car team have experienced their share of struggles this season. With only four round-wins heading into Sonoma, they nearly matched that total by advancing to their first final of the season. Hagan may have lost that round, but it left him feeling confident about his team’s chances of making the Countdown with only three races to go.

“We’ll take anything we can get right now. I don’t care if we have to spit, fight, pinch or bite to get into the Countdown. We showed some promise by getting to the final and made up lots of points. We still have a few races for us to do it. We definitely have a shot now. I’m excited, and I know our team is excited. We’ve got a chance to get in this thing.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

1: KALITTA EARNS FIRST NO. 1 QUALIFIER IN TWO YEARS: The 25th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals was as exciting during qualifying as on race day. The Technicoat Top Fueler driven by Doug Kalitta went straight to the No. 1 spot with a 3.785-second pass Friday night, the first No. 1 qualifier for the team since the 2010 Brainerd, Minnesota, event.

DID YOU KNOW…

FUNNY CAR ROOKIES DEJORIA AND FORCE RETURN TO PACIFIC RACEWAYS, SITE OF THEIR FIRST LUCAS OIL SERIES WINS: Courtney Force and Alexis DeJoria are in a tough battle for the Auto Club Road to the Future Award, presented each season to the top rookie driver at the season-ending awards ceremony. Both have experienced growing pains throughout their rookie campaigns; however, each has had plenty of moments to shine as well, and as the tour heads to Seattle, both are looking forward to returning to the track where they earned their first Wally trophies in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. DeJoria won in Top Alcohol Funny Car at the event last season, and Force claimed a Top Alcohol Dragster victory at the scenic facility in 2009. Each driver has made it to the final round this year but has yet to earn her first Funny Car Wally; could Pacific Raceways also be the home to the first Funny Car victory for one of them? For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

NEWS NUGGETS

Allen Johnson	Antron Brown

POINTS LEADERS BROWN AND JOHNSON COULD MAKE WESTERN SWING HISTORY IN SEATTLE: Antron Brown (Top Fuel) and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) sit atop their classes as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Pacific Raceways—the third stop of the Western Swing, and they also are riding winning streaks. The two drivers won at the first two stops on the Swing—Denver and Sonoma, California—which gives them a chance to make history and sweep the Swing. If Brown wins his third title in three weeks, he will become the first driver to sweep the Swing twice, and if Johnson wins in Seattle, he will be the eighth driver in NHRA history to accomplish the feat and only the second Pro Stock driver to do it. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

WILKERSON READY TO MAKE IT FOUR IN A ROW IN SEATTLE: Tim Wilkerson has struggled a bit this season, but as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Washington for the 25th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries, he is feeling as confident as ever in his team. The veteran driver has won titles at the Pacific Raceways event the past three years, and he is hoping that his streak will continue and he can move into 10th place with just three races remaining in the regular season. Wilkerson sits in 11th place, 69 points out of 10th, a place he wants to be before the Countdown to the Championship starts in Charlotte, September 14–16. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

Hector Arana Sr. clinched a spot in the Countdown with his performance in Sonoma.

SEVEN MORE DRIVERS CLINCH COUNTDOWN BERTHS IN SONOMA: Following the NHRA Sonoma Nationals, 14 drivers have secured invitations to the playoffs. Top Fuel racers Antron Brown and Tony Schumacher, Funny Car driver Ron Capps and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Jr. locked up their positions prior to the start of Sunday’s final eliminations. On Sunday, Pro Stock racers Mike Edwards and Vincent Nobile clinched by advancing to round two, and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Sr. clinched by advancing to the semifinals. The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series regular season concludes Labor Day weekend at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus. A six-race playoff series will lead to the crowning of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series champs.

COUNTDOWN FIELDS TO DATE


Top Fuel


1. Spencer Massey
2. Antron Brown
3. Tony Schumacher

Funny Car


1. Robert Hight
2. Ron Capps

Pro Stock


1. Greg Anderson

2. Jason Line

3. Allen Johnson
4. Mike Edwards

5. Vincent Nobile

Pro Stock Motorcycle


1. Eddie Krawiec

2. Andrew Hines

3. Hector Arana Jr.

4. Hector Arana Sr.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS, PACIFIC RACEWAYS, August 3–5: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 15th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season in the Northwest, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

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 218-824-7223 or log on to TicketReturn.com.

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS, 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 final 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.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

FIRST 2012 FINAL LEAVES HAGAN WITH POSITIVE OUTLOOK HEADING INTO COUNTDOWN: Reigning Funny Car world champ Matt Hagan and his Aaron’s Funny Car team have experienced their share of struggles this season. With only four round-wins heading into Sonoma, they nearly matched that total by advancing to their first final of the season. Hagan may have lost that round, but it left him feeling confident about his team’s chances of making the Countdown with only three races to go.

“We’ll take anything we can get right now. I don’t care if we have to spit, fight, pinch or bite to get into the Countdown. We showed some promise by getting to the final and made up lots of points. We still have a few races for us to do it. We definitely have a shot now. I’m excited, and I know our team is excited. We’ve got a chance to get in this thing.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

1: KALITTA EARNS FIRST NO. 1 QUALIFIER IN TWO YEARS: The 25th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals was as exciting during qualifying as on race day. The Technicoat Top Fueler driven by Doug Kalitta went straight to the No. 1 spot with a 3.785-second pass Friday night, the first No. 1 qualifier for the team since the 2010 Brainerd, Minnesota, event.

DID YOU KNOW…

FUNNY CAR ROOKIES DEJORIA AND FORCE RETURN TO PACIFIC RACEWAYS, SITE OF THEIR FIRST LUCAS OIL SERIES WINS: Courtney Force and Alexis DeJoria are in a tough battle for the Auto Club Road to the Future Award, presented each season to the top rookie driver at the season-ending awards ceremony. Both have experienced growing pains throughout their rookie campaigns; however, each has had plenty of moments to shine as well, and as the tour heads to Seattle, both are looking forward to returning to the track where they earned their first Wally trophies in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. DeJoria won in Top Alcohol Funny Car at the event last season, and Force claimed a Top Alcohol Dragster victory at the scenic facility in 2009. Each driver has made it to the final round this year but has yet to earn her first Funny Car Wally; could Pacific Raceways also be the home to the first Funny Car victory for one of them? For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

NEWS NUGGETS

Allen Johnson	Antron Brown

POINTS LEADERS BROWN AND JOHNSON COULD MAKE WESTERN SWING HISTORY IN SEATTLE: Antron Brown (Top Fuel) and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) sit atop their classes as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Pacific Raceways—the third stop of the Western Swing, and they also are riding winning streaks. The two drivers won at the first two stops on the Swing—Denver and Sonoma, California—which gives them a chance to make history and sweep the Swing. If Brown wins his third title in three weeks, he will become the first driver to sweep the Swing twice, and if Johnson wins in Seattle, he will be the eighth driver in NHRA history to accomplish the feat and only the second Pro Stock driver to do it. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

WILKERSON READY TO MAKE IT FOUR IN A ROW IN SEATTLE: Tim Wilkerson has struggled a bit this season, but as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Washington for the 25th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries, he is feeling as confident as ever in his team. The veteran driver has won titles at the Pacific Raceways event the past three years, and he is hoping that his streak will continue and he can move into 10th place with just three races remaining in the regular season. Wilkerson sits in 11th place, 69 points out of 10th, a place he wants to be before the Countdown to the Championship starts in Charlotte, September 14–16. For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

Hector Arana Sr. clinched a spot in the Countdown with his performance in Sonoma.

SEVEN MORE DRIVERS CLINCH COUNTDOWN BERTHS IN SONOMA: Following the NHRA Sonoma Nationals, 14 drivers have secured invitations to the playoffs. Top Fuel racers Antron Brown and Tony Schumacher, Funny Car driver Ron Capps and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Jr. locked up their positions prior to the start of Sunday’s final eliminations. On Sunday, Pro Stock racers Mike Edwards and Vincent Nobile clinched by advancing to round two, and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Hector Arana Sr. clinched by advancing to the semifinals. The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series regular season concludes Labor Day weekend at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus. A six-race playoff series will lead to the crowning of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series champs.

COUNTDOWN FIELDS TO DATE


Top Fuel


1. Spencer Massey
2. Antron Brown
3. Tony Schumacher

Funny Car


1. Robert Hight
2. Ron Capps

Pro Stock


1. Greg Anderson

2. Jason Line

3. Allen Johnson
4. Mike Edwards

5. Vincent Nobile

Pro Stock Motorcycle


1. Eddie Krawiec

2. Andrew Hines

3. Hector Arana Jr.

4. Hector Arana Sr.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS, PACIFIC RACEWAYS, August 3–5: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 15th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season in the Northwest, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

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 218-824-7223 or log on to TicketReturn.com.

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS, 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 final 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.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

FIRST 2012 FINAL LEAVES HAGAN WITH POSITIVE OUTLOOK HEADING INTO COUNTDOWN: Reigning Funny Car world champ Matt Hagan and his Aaron’s Funny Car team have experienced their share of struggles this season. With only four round-wins heading into Sonoma, they nearly matched that total by advancing to their first final of the season. Hagan may have lost that round, but it left him feeling confident about his team’s chances of making the Countdown with only three races to go.

“We’ll take anything we can get right now. I don’t care if we have to spit, fight, pinch or bite to get into the Countdown. We showed some promise by getting to the final and made up lots of points. We still have a few races for us to do it. We definitely have a shot now. I’m excited, and I know our team is excited. We’ve got a chance to get in this thing.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

1: KALITTA EARNS FIRST NO. 1 QUALIFIER IN TWO YEARS: The 25th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals was as exciting during qualifying as on race day. The Technicoat Top Fueler driven by Doug Kalitta went straight to the No. 1 spot with a 3.785-second pass Friday night, the first No. 1 qualifier for the team since the 2010 Brainerd, Minnesota, event.

DID YOU KNOW…

FUNNY CAR ROOKIES DEJORIA AND FORCE RETURN TO PACIFIC RACEWAYS, SITE OF THEIR FIRST LUCAS OIL SERIES WINS: Courtney Force and Alexis DeJoria are in a tough battle for the Auto Club Road to the Future Award, presented each season to the top rookie driver at the season-ending awards ceremony. Both have experienced growing pains throughout their rookie campaigns; however, each has had plenty of moments to shine as well, and as the tour heads to Seattle, both are looking forward to returning to the track where they earned their first Wally trophies in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. DeJoria won in Top Alcohol Funny Car at the event last season, and Force claimed a Top Alcohol Dragster victory at the scenic facility in 2009. Each driver has made it to the final round this year but has yet to earn her first Funny Car Wally; could Pacific Raceways also be the home to the first Funny Car victory for one of them? For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

	Visit the new virtual floorplan today and start making dedicated plans to maximize your ROI on the 2012 SEMA Show.

The 2012 SEMA Show provides attendees with the opportunity to come face-to-face with the hottest products and latest trends in automotive specialty-equipment. To help maximize your time in Las Vegas this year, SEMA proudly unveils the enhanced digital floorplan. This new tool gives users virtual access to the Las Vegas Convention Center from anywhere in the world.

With more than 2,000 exhibitors already confirmed, attendees are encouraged to visit the online floorplan and identify the companies they want to connect with during Show week (October 30–November 2). This year, the floorplan can be sorted by Show section, alphabetically, as well as by product category. And once users generate their customized list of must-see exhibitors, the information can be printed, tweeted or even shared with friends on Facebook.  

If you know the companies you are looking for, simply enter the company name in the search bar, or click on the corresponding letter of the alphabet for detailed information about that exhibitor. In addition to booth number and a Show section icon, users can click on any company to view the company's profile, which includes detailed information about the exhibitor's history, product line and additional contact information.

Under the "Product Categories" tab, there are direct links to exhibitors within each group. Once you click on a category, the system will generate a customized list of exhibitors. As an added feature this year, the exhibitors in each product category can also be highlighted on the virtual floorplan—illustrating an ideal path to visit with all the exhibitors in that category.

To view the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, simply click on the Floor Plan tab. The rendering that appears includes a designated booth for each exhibitor, and users can access more information with a single click on any booth. A digital index card will virtually spin up from the Las Vegas Convention Center map, highlighting the exhibitor's products, contact information, and links to other digital assets. This is another powerful tool to help attendees determine the most efficient path through the Show floor.

For SEMA Show 2012 exhibitors, please take a moment to review your information on the enhanced digital floor plan. The listing that appears online, including description, booth number and contact data is exactly what will appear in the 2012 SEMA Show Directory. If you need to make changes and/or corrections, simply log into the system and update the information as necessary.

The virtual floorplan is a free tool attendees can take advantage of immediately to start planning their Show experience. Visit the new virtual floorplan today and start making dedicated plans to maximize your ROI on the 2012 SEMA Show. 

	Visit the new virtual floorplan today and start making dedicated plans to maximize your ROI on the 2012 SEMA Show.

The 2012 SEMA Show provides attendees with the opportunity to come face-to-face with the hottest products and latest trends in automotive specialty-equipment. To help maximize your time in Las Vegas this year, SEMA proudly unveils the enhanced digital floorplan. This new tool gives users virtual access to the Las Vegas Convention Center from anywhere in the world.

With more than 2,000 exhibitors already confirmed, attendees are encouraged to visit the online floorplan and identify the companies they want to connect with during Show week (October 30–November 2). This year, the floorplan can be sorted by Show section, alphabetically, as well as by product category. And once users generate their customized list of must-see exhibitors, the information can be printed, tweeted or even shared with friends on Facebook.  

If you know the companies you are looking for, simply enter the company name in the search bar, or click on the corresponding letter of the alphabet for detailed information about that exhibitor. In addition to booth number and a Show section icon, users can click on any company to view the company's profile, which includes detailed information about the exhibitor's history, product line and additional contact information.

Under the "Product Categories" tab, there are direct links to exhibitors within each group. Once you click on a category, the system will generate a customized list of exhibitors. As an added feature this year, the exhibitors in each product category can also be highlighted on the virtual floorplan—illustrating an ideal path to visit with all the exhibitors in that category.

To view the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, simply click on the Floor Plan tab. The rendering that appears includes a designated booth for each exhibitor, and users can access more information with a single click on any booth. A digital index card will virtually spin up from the Las Vegas Convention Center map, highlighting the exhibitor's products, contact information, and links to other digital assets. This is another powerful tool to help attendees determine the most efficient path through the Show floor.

For SEMA Show 2012 exhibitors, please take a moment to review your information on the enhanced digital floor plan. The listing that appears online, including description, booth number and contact data is exactly what will appear in the 2012 SEMA Show Directory. If you need to make changes and/or corrections, simply log into the system and update the information as necessary.

The virtual floorplan is a free tool attendees can take advantage of immediately to start planning their Show experience. Visit the new virtual floorplan today and start making dedicated plans to maximize your ROI on the 2012 SEMA Show.