PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE RETURNS TO ACTION IN ENGLISHTOWN: After a break in their 16-race schedule, riders in the two-wheel NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series class, Pro Stock Motorcycle will return at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park for the 43rd annual Toyota NHRA SuperNationals, May 31-June 3, the ninth of 23 events in the 2012 season. Last season, Matt Smith, far lane, defeated Karen Stoffer in the final round to earn his first victory of 2011. So far this year, Vance & Hines has dominated, winning the first three events. Many other teams have been right on their tails, and that won’t stop when we get to Englishtown.

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR TOYOTA NHRA SUPERNATIONALS: Old Bridge Township Raceway Park will host the 43rd annual Toyota NHRA SuperNationals, May 31-June 3, the ninth of 23 events in the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season. Drivers are in the championship hunt and will provide fans with plenty of heart-pounding action in four categories: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. The 2011 event winners – Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) – are poised to defend their victories at the event that will be televised on ESPN2HD.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FORCE AND HIGHT TO HONOR ELVIS IN BRISTOL: John Force and teammate Robert Hight will honor the legacy of the King of Rock 'n' Roll during the 12th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers at Bristol Dragway, June 15-17. In conjunction with Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. and Lionel NASCAR Collectables, John Force Racing will again feature Presley on its Ford Mustang Funny Cars. Each driver will be competing in a specially-designed Elvis 35th anniversary Ford Mustang Funny Car for this onetime special weekend. A number of fan promotions surrounding this event are also in the works. Lionel NASCAR Collectables will offer 1/24- and 1/64-scale diecast cars of both Force’s Castrol GTX High Mileage/Elvis 35th Ford Mustang Funny Car and Hight’s Auto Club/Elvis 35th Ford Mustang Funny Car. Each diecast is available for preorder at NHRAdiecast.com, home of the officially licensed diecast of the NHRA.

TOYOTA NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, May 31–June 3: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its ninth stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, 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. Defending winners are Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS PRESENTED BY TRI-CITIES AREA FORD DEALERS, BRISTOL DRAGWAY, June 15-17: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 10th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock).

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, June 28-July 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 11th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, 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), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). 

HE SAID, SHE SAID

Since his last race in April at Las Vegas, Funny Car driver Jack Beckman has been through a lot, including switching crews and car and a DNQ.

BACK IN THE HUNT: Funny Car driver Jack Beckman has been through a lot since April at the Las Vegas race, including switching crews and car and even a DNQ, but it was all put behind him with his victory in Topeka. “It’s a big win for us. We’re right back in the hunt. So much has transpired since Las Vegas. We switched cars, we switched trailers, and we switched teams. It’s great to know that we have a car that we can win with again. That was my 13th win, and I try to appreciate every win because you never know when it can be your last.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

2,254: THE NUMBER OF DAYS BETWEEN WINS FOR TOPEKA TOP FUEL CHAMP GRUBNIC: David Grubnic, driver of the Candlewood Suites/Optima Batteries Top Fuel dragster, earned his first win in six seasons at NHRA’s most recent event in Topeka, Kansas, site of his first win in 2005. Grubnic outran points leader Spencer Massey en route to his third career victory and made sure to thank his Kalitta Motorsports team for all of his success.

DID YOU KNOW

NHRA TOP FUEL DRAGSTERS TO OPEN PRE-RACE CEREMONIES AT COCA-COLA 600: Fox Sports TV motorsports analyst Jeff Hammond, a five-time Cup series champion as crew chief or crewmember, will be the official starter for the double Top Fuel dragster burnout on pit road before the start of the May 27 Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Don Schumacher Racing’s U.S. Army team, with seven-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher, and teammate Antron Brown, with his Matco Tools team, will put on the powerful display on pit road at 5 p.m., about 90 minutes before the green flag drops to start the Coca-Cola 600 that will be broadcast on Fox. Hammond is the last component added to what certainly will be another of the track's renowned pre-race salutes to the U.S. armed forces before the Memorial Day weekend race.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE RETURNS TO ACTION IN ENGLISHTOWN: After a break in their 16-race schedule, riders in the two-wheel NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series class, Pro Stock Motorcycle will return at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park for the 43rd annual Toyota NHRA SuperNationals, May 31-June 3, the ninth of 23 events in the 2012 season. Last season, Matt Smith, far lane, defeated Karen Stoffer in the final round to earn his first victory of 2011. So far this year, Vance & Hines has dominated, winning the first three events. Many other teams have been right on their tails, and that won’t stop when we get to Englishtown.

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR TOYOTA NHRA SUPERNATIONALS: Old Bridge Township Raceway Park will host the 43rd annual Toyota NHRA SuperNationals, May 31-June 3, the ninth of 23 events in the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season. Drivers are in the championship hunt and will provide fans with plenty of heart-pounding action in four categories: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. The 2011 event winners – Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) – are poised to defend their victories at the event that will be televised on ESPN2HD.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FORCE AND HIGHT TO HONOR ELVIS IN BRISTOL: John Force and teammate Robert Hight will honor the legacy of the King of Rock 'n' Roll during the 12th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers at Bristol Dragway, June 15-17. In conjunction with Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. and Lionel NASCAR Collectables, John Force Racing will again feature Presley on its Ford Mustang Funny Cars. Each driver will be competing in a specially-designed Elvis 35th anniversary Ford Mustang Funny Car for this onetime special weekend. A number of fan promotions surrounding this event are also in the works. Lionel NASCAR Collectables will offer 1/24- and 1/64-scale diecast cars of both Force’s Castrol GTX High Mileage/Elvis 35th Ford Mustang Funny Car and Hight’s Auto Club/Elvis 35th Ford Mustang Funny Car. Each diecast is available for preorder at NHRAdiecast.com, home of the officially licensed diecast of the NHRA.

TOYOTA NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, May 31–June 3: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its ninth stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, 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. Defending winners are Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS PRESENTED BY TRI-CITIES AREA FORD DEALERS, BRISTOL DRAGWAY, June 15-17: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 10th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, and drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will earn points in the battles for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships. The 2011 winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock).

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS PRESENTED BY SUPER START BATTERIES, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, June 28-July 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its 11th stop of 23 events in the 2012 season, 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), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle). 

HE SAID, SHE SAID

Since his last race in April at Las Vegas, Funny Car driver Jack Beckman has been through a lot, including switching crews and car and a DNQ.

BACK IN THE HUNT: Funny Car driver Jack Beckman has been through a lot since April at the Las Vegas race, including switching crews and car and even a DNQ, but it was all put behind him with his victory in Topeka. “It’s a big win for us. We’re right back in the hunt. So much has transpired since Las Vegas. We switched cars, we switched trailers, and we switched teams. It’s great to know that we have a car that we can win with again. That was my 13th win, and I try to appreciate every win because you never know when it can be your last.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

2,254: THE NUMBER OF DAYS BETWEEN WINS FOR TOPEKA TOP FUEL CHAMP GRUBNIC: David Grubnic, driver of the Candlewood Suites/Optima Batteries Top Fuel dragster, earned his first win in six seasons at NHRA’s most recent event in Topeka, Kansas, site of his first win in 2005. Grubnic outran points leader Spencer Massey en route to his third career victory and made sure to thank his Kalitta Motorsports team for all of his success.

DID YOU KNOW

NHRA TOP FUEL DRAGSTERS TO OPEN PRE-RACE CEREMONIES AT COCA-COLA 600: Fox Sports TV motorsports analyst Jeff Hammond, a five-time Cup series champion as crew chief or crewmember, will be the official starter for the double Top Fuel dragster burnout on pit road before the start of the May 27 Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Don Schumacher Racing’s U.S. Army team, with seven-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher, and teammate Antron Brown, with his Matco Tools team, will put on the powerful display on pit road at 5 p.m., about 90 minutes before the green flag drops to start the Coca-Cola 600 that will be broadcast on Fox. Hammond is the last component added to what certainly will be another of the track's renowned pre-race salutes to the U.S. armed forces before the Memorial Day weekend race.

	The final stop of SEMA's 2012 Town Hall tour will be held at Hotchkis Performance LLC in Santa Fe Springs, California.

SEMA invites industry professionals to the last stop of its 2012 Town Hall tour, where local and prospective members will gather at Hotchkis Performance LLC in Santa Fe Springs, California, Wednesday, June 13, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff.

SEMA's Town Hall Meeting initiative launched in 2011 to provide members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions provide members with the chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. They also give SEMA staff valuable feedback that will help identify current benefits to enhance members' business operations and better meet their needs.

“As a new SEMA member, my experience at the Town Hall Meeting in St. Charles [Illinois] was certainly without regret,” said Christine Giovingo of Mecum Auctions. “I found the topics discussed by the panel very informative. I was able to capture industry-related subjects worth discussing within the Mecum organization. Debra [Fickler] provided me with knowledge that will allow me to make an intelligent decision as to which SEMA committee to join. Lastly, what an honor it was listening to the legendary Vic Edelbrock tell his story and how he has impacted the industry for so many years.”

So far, SEMA has visited Scottsdale, Arizona; Fort Worth, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; Tacoma, Washington; St. Charles, Illinois; and Brooklyn, Michigan, hosting successful small gatherings of members in those regions.



For more information, contact AJ Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org. Or, RSVP online.

Have something to say about the SEMA Town Hall Meeting. Have a concern that you would like addressed? Discuss the SEMA Town Hall Meeting in the MySEMA group open to all SEMA members. 

	The final stop of SEMA's 2012 Town Hall tour will be held at Hotchkis Performance LLC in Santa Fe Springs, California.

SEMA invites industry professionals to the last stop of its 2012 Town Hall tour, where local and prospective members will gather at Hotchkis Performance LLC in Santa Fe Springs, California, Wednesday, June 13, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff.

SEMA's Town Hall Meeting initiative launched in 2011 to provide members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions provide members with the chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. They also give SEMA staff valuable feedback that will help identify current benefits to enhance members' business operations and better meet their needs.

“As a new SEMA member, my experience at the Town Hall Meeting in St. Charles [Illinois] was certainly without regret,” said Christine Giovingo of Mecum Auctions. “I found the topics discussed by the panel very informative. I was able to capture industry-related subjects worth discussing within the Mecum organization. Debra [Fickler] provided me with knowledge that will allow me to make an intelligent decision as to which SEMA committee to join. Lastly, what an honor it was listening to the legendary Vic Edelbrock tell his story and how he has impacted the industry for so many years.”

So far, SEMA has visited Scottsdale, Arizona; Fort Worth, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; Tacoma, Washington; St. Charles, Illinois; and Brooklyn, Michigan, hosting successful small gatherings of members in those regions.



For more information, contact AJ Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org. Or, RSVP online.

Have something to say about the SEMA Town Hall Meeting. Have a concern that you would like addressed? Discuss the SEMA Town Hall Meeting in the MySEMA group open to all SEMA members. 

	Your company's SEMA Show success story may be featured in newspapers and media outlets through a nationwide public relations campaign.

SEMA Exhibitors: Do you have a success story involving your company's experience at the SEMA Show? If so, SEMA wants to know. Share your story with us!

As part of a nationwide public relations campaign, SEMA is seeking stories of how exhibitors have increased or strengthened their businesses as a result of participating at the SEMA Show. Your story may be featured in newspapers or media outlets, as well as in SEMA publications.

Share your inspiring stories by using the SEMA Show Success form located online.

For additional questions or details, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org or 909-978-6723.

	Your company's SEMA Show success story may be featured in newspapers and media outlets through a nationwide public relations campaign.

SEMA Exhibitors: Do you have a success story involving your company's experience at the SEMA Show? If so, SEMA wants to know. Share your story with us!

As part of a nationwide public relations campaign, SEMA is seeking stories of how exhibitors have increased or strengthened their businesses as a result of participating at the SEMA Show. Your story may be featured in newspapers or media outlets, as well as in SEMA publications.

Share your inspiring stories by using the SEMA Show Success form located online.

For additional questions or details, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org or 909-978-6723.

	Your company's SEMA Show success story may be featured in newspapers and media outlets through a nationwide public relations campaign.

SEMA Exhibitors: Do you have a success story involving your company's experience at the SEMA Show? If so, SEMA wants to know. Share your story with us!

As part of a nationwide public relations campaign, SEMA is seeking stories of how exhibitors have increased or strengthened their businesses as a result of participating at the SEMA Show. Your story may be featured in newspapers or media outlets, as well as in SEMA publications.

Share your inspiring stories by using the SEMA Show Success form located online.

For additional questions or details, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org or 909-978-6723.

	Last year's SEMA Pinewood Drag Races entry from Street Vizions. Check out all of the vehicles from the HRIA Builder's Challenge in 2011.

Some of the nation’s best hot-rod and custom-car builders are set to create fabulous pinewood race cars as they participate in the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races presented by eBay Motors.

Builders applying their considerable talents to this charity endeavor include such luminaries as Troy Ladd, Jesse Greening, Troy Trepanier, Dave Lane, Rich Evans, and Tim Strange, with more to come.

These selected hot-rod builders will create one-of-a-kind miniature custom cars to be raced and then auctioned to benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities as part of the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder’s Challenge.

The rules guiding the HRIA Builder’s Challenge race are very liberal, allowing the builders to apply all of their fabrication skills and legendary creativity to create these miniature hot rods. After the Pinewood Races at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California, to be held July 27, the cars will be put on display in the SEMA Cares booth at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, October 30–November 2, 2012.


You can actually own one of these collectible cars by placing a bid on eBay, November 1–10. Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for more updates on the HRIA Builder's Challenge.

View the cars created by industry builders last year. 

More information on the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races presented by eBay Motors is available at www.sema.org/derby.

In addition to the Builder’s Challenge cars, hundreds of other cars will also be raced as part of the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. It’s a fun event to watch and a great way to participate in charity fundraising.

Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction charities. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction Gang Camps provide the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp. Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy…and rewarding. To find out how to sponsor a pinewood drag car and help a child in need, click here: www.sema.org/derby.

	Last year's SEMA Pinewood Drag Races entry from Street Vizions. Check out all of the vehicles from the HRIA Builder's Challenge in 2011.

Some of the nation’s best hot-rod and custom-car builders are set to create fabulous pinewood race cars as they participate in the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races presented by eBay Motors.

Builders applying their considerable talents to this charity endeavor include such luminaries as Troy Ladd, Jesse Greening, Troy Trepanier, Dave Lane, Rich Evans, and Tim Strange, with more to come.

These selected hot-rod builders will create one-of-a-kind miniature custom cars to be raced and then auctioned to benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities as part of the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder’s Challenge.

The rules guiding the HRIA Builder’s Challenge race are very liberal, allowing the builders to apply all of their fabrication skills and legendary creativity to create these miniature hot rods. After the Pinewood Races at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California, to be held July 27, the cars will be put on display in the SEMA Cares booth at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, October 30–November 2, 2012.


You can actually own one of these collectible cars by placing a bid on eBay, November 1–10. Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for more updates on the HRIA Builder's Challenge.

View the cars created by industry builders last year. 

More information on the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races presented by eBay Motors is available at www.sema.org/derby.

In addition to the Builder’s Challenge cars, hundreds of other cars will also be raced as part of the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. It’s a fun event to watch and a great way to participate in charity fundraising.

Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction charities. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction Gang Camps provide the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp. Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy…and rewarding. To find out how to sponsor a pinewood drag car and help a child in need, click here: www.sema.org/derby.

	Last year's SEMA Pinewood Drag Races entry from Street Vizions. Check out all of the vehicles from the HRIA Builder's Challenge in 2011.

Some of the nation’s best hot-rod and custom-car builders are set to create fabulous pinewood race cars as they participate in the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races presented by eBay Motors.

Builders applying their considerable talents to this charity endeavor include such luminaries as Troy Ladd, Jesse Greening, Troy Trepanier, Dave Lane, Rich Evans, and Tim Strange, with more to come.

These selected hot-rod builders will create one-of-a-kind miniature custom cars to be raced and then auctioned to benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities as part of the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder’s Challenge.

The rules guiding the HRIA Builder’s Challenge race are very liberal, allowing the builders to apply all of their fabrication skills and legendary creativity to create these miniature hot rods. After the Pinewood Races at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California, to be held July 27, the cars will be put on display in the SEMA Cares booth at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, October 30–November 2, 2012.


You can actually own one of these collectible cars by placing a bid on eBay, November 1–10. Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for more updates on the HRIA Builder's Challenge.

View the cars created by industry builders last year. 

More information on the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races presented by eBay Motors is available at www.sema.org/derby.

In addition to the Builder’s Challenge cars, hundreds of other cars will also be raced as part of the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. It’s a fun event to watch and a great way to participate in charity fundraising.

Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction charities. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction Gang Camps provide the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp. Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy…and rewarding. To find out how to sponsor a pinewood drag car and help a child in need, click here: www.sema.org/derby.