Chrysler Group LLC Releases Sketches of Mopar-modified Vehicles Headed for SEMA

The aftermarket is not an after-thought at the Chrysler Group.

Today the company released sketches of select Moparized vehicles that are headed for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. The show takes place Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. 

“At Mopar, we always look forward to the SEMA season,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “The show is an opportunity for us to inspire owners to customize their vehicles, and it’s the perfect place to showcase our vast portfolio of quality-tested performance parts and accessories.”

The company will display more than 20 Moparized Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat and SRT vehicles at the show.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Mopar brand.

Mopar-First FeaturesMopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:

• Vehicle-information apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers
• Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user-guide format and first to offer complete vehicle-information kits in Spanish
• Wi-Fi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
• Wireless charging: first to introduce in-vehicle wireless charging for portable devices
• Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to market with a new interactive vehicle tracking device that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on pre-set parameters
• 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car 
• Brand-specific customer care telephone lines: first to offer Sunday service hours for customers
• WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network

About the Mopar Brand Mopar is Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand and distributes 280,000 parts and accessories. With the creation of the Chrysler Group and Fiat SpA partnership, Mopar is extending its global reach, integrating service, parts and customer-care operations in order to enhance dealer and customer support worldwide. Combined with Fiat SpA, Mopar’s global portfolio includes more than 500,000 parts and accessories that are distributed in more than 120 countries. Mopar is the source for all genuine parts and accessories for Chrysler Group and Fiat SpA brands.

Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered with the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler Group and Fiat SpA vehicles — a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide. A complete list of Mopar accessories and performance parts is available at www.mopar.com.

BROWN, TASCA, A. JOHNSON AND RAY EARN AAA TEXAS NHRA FALL NATIONALS VICTORIES AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX

Antron Brown raced to the Top Fuel victory Sunday at the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals at the famed all-concrete Texas Motorplex near Dallas.

Bob Tasca (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Michael Ray (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners at the second of six playoff events in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship.

Brown claimed his fifth victory of the season and moved into a tie for the points lead with the driver he beat in the final round, teammate Spencer Massey. Brown powered his Matco Tools dragster to a 3.898 second run at 311.49 mph to hold off Massey’s FRAM dragster, which finished with a 3.945 at 300.60.

“This is definitely the way to rebound,” said Brown, the playoff top seed who dropped to fourth in the standings after a first round loss at the playoff-opener last weekend in Charlotte, N.C. “I have to give credit to my team for sticking together. We were winning in the first round in Charlotte when we broke an input shaft. It’s so easy to get down after something like that. We came here, and the car was throwing us fits by being overaggressive. Brian [Corradi] and Mark [Oswald, co-crew chiefs] kept backing it off until they got a good handle on it in the semis.”

Brown and Massey lead seven-time world champ Tony Schumacher by 24 points and the suddenly surging Shawn Langdon is 41 back as the playoff race in the 8,000-horsepower category gets intense.

“In that final, we had to give it everything we had against the FRAM car,” said Brown, who beat three Countdown contenders -- David Grubnic, Langdon and Morgan Lucas – in the first three rounds. “We edged them, and it felt really good to win and to tie them in the points lead. We have four races left, and it’s going to be a slugfest to the end. Everybody’s throwing haymakers. It’s an all-out battle royal right now.”

Funny Car featured a final round battle between two drivers who aren’t in the Countdown playoffs, as Tasca prevailed in a tire-smoking final round duel with defending world champ Matt Hagan. Both cars lost traction near mid-track, but Tasca was able to guide his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Ford Mustang to the finish line in front of Hagan’s Aaron’s/Mopar Dodge Charger.

“This weekend just kind of epitomized our whole season, just keep fighting,” Tasca said. “We went through three motors. The guys haven’t worked this hard all year, but to put Motorcraft and Ford in the winner’s circle where they belong, I tell you, is long overdue for our team. We just kept fighting. Marc [Denner] and Chris [Cunningham, crew chiefs] just pulled together and got this car back on track. It wasn’t pretty. Trust me, there was some driving that had to be done out there, but we got it done. We got a win, and hopefully this is the momentum we need to finish the year strong.”

Tasca outran Alexis DeJoria, top qualifier Courtney Force and defending event winner Cruz Pedregon to advance to the final round. Tasca was very proud of his team’s effort in taking out two top Countdown contenders and claiming the team’s first victory of the season and fourth of his career.

“We have as much fight now, and I think we’re more determined now than ever before,” Tasca said. “Not making the top 10 was a lot of heartache for the guys on this team. I said to my team, ‘This will be a defining six races because I want to see what we’re all made of, me included. Are we going to roll over and play dead these next six races, or are we going to come out with some fire in us and take this thing to Pomona and let everyone know that we may not be in this year but watch out next year.’ I think this weekend was a defining weekend for our team because we fought through some tough rounds, three motor changes in four rounds in this heat, and we put ourselves in a position to win. I did my job, and we’re leaving with the trophy.”

Series leader Ron Capps, who lost to Hagan in the semifinals, increased his Countdown playoff lead to 96 over second place Mike Neff, who lost in the second round to Pedregon. Saturday’s Traxxas Nitro Shootout winner, John Force, lost in the first round to Hagan.

Johnson earned his fifth Pro Stock victory of the season and first in the Countdown playoffs by outrunning local favorite Erica Enders in the final round. Johnson’s Team Mopar Dodge Avenger pulled away at the start and finished with a 6.598 at 210.93, while Enders’ GK Motorsports Chevy Cobalt slowed to a 6.835 at 209.39.

“The Mopar Dodge Avenger was consistent,” Johnson said. “It was low in all four qualifying rounds, low in two of four rounds today, and got the job done. We’ve got a great crew that makes great decisions. We’ve got great power from Dad [Roy Johnson] and the guys at the engine shop. The driver, fortunately, did his job.”

Johnson outran the ‘Professor of Pro Stock’ Warren Johnson, Charlotte winner Dave Connolly and the ultra-quick Vincent Nobile in the first three rounds.  With the win, Johnson increased his points lead to 93 over defending world champ Jason Line.

“I looked at the elimination ladder last night and thought, ‘Oh, my, I’m going to have to work for this one,’” Johnson said. “We just took it one round at a time without getting ahead of ourselves. Somebody who’s won several championships called me before this thing ever started and told me, ‘Just enjoy it, and have fun.’ That advice was very important. I'm up for this challenge, and I'm enjoying it.”

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Texas native Ray claimed his first career victory, powering his Viper Motorcycle Company/GottSpeed Racing Buell to a performance of 6.920 at 192.77 to hold off Karen Stoffer’s GEICO Suzuki, which trailed with a 7.028 at 190.48.

“It’s really surreal, and I don’t think it’s really sank in yet that I’m getting to go home with the biggest thing that I’ve worked my whole life for,” Ray said.  “When we got here this weekend, we knew we had a great bike that could go out there and be competitive, coming off our performance in Charlotte. I just knew that as long as I just kept my cool and rode the bike consistently there’s not a better tuner out here when it’s hot than Matt Smith, and I think we showcased that today.”

Ray, who beat Scotty Pollacheck, Hector Arana Jr., and Andrew Hines to advance to his second career final round, moved from seventh to fourth in the standings with the victory. Points leader Eddie Krawiec increased his championship lead to 11 over second place Hines.

“I think there’s no better time than now to start a run at [the championship],” Ray said. “I don’t think there’s any better team on Sunday to be consistent than our bike. I think if I’m sitting here answering questions in Reading my response might be a little bit different, but right now I just want to go out and be consistent and then let the points shake out where they’re supposed to.”

The NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship playoffs continues with the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals, Sept. 28-30 at Gateway Motorsports Park near St. Louis.

* * *

ENNIS, Texas -- Final finish order (1-16) at the 27th annual AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex.  The race is the 19th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1.  Antron Brown; 2.  Spencer Massey; 3.  Morgan Lucas; 4.  Brandon Bernstein; 5.  J.R. Todd; 6. Khalid alBalooshi; 7.  Tony Schumacher; 8.  Shawn Langdon; 9.  Steve Torrence; 10.  Doug Kalitta; 11.  Bob Vandergriff; 12.  Scott Palmer; 13.  Bruce Litton; 14.  David Grubnic; 15.  Chris Karamesines; 16.  Terry McMillen.

FUNNY CAR:

1.  Bob Tasca III; 2.  Matt Hagan; 3.  Ron Capps; 4.  Cruz Pedregon; 5.  Mike Neff; 6.  Jack Beckman; 7.  Tim Wilkerson; 8.  Courtney Force; 9.  Blake Alexander; 10.  John Force; 11.  Tony Pedregon; 12.  Jeff Arend; 13.  Johnny Gray; 14.  Alexis DeJoria; 15.  Todd Lesenko; 16.  Robert Hight.

PRO STOCK:

1.  Allen Johnson; 2.  Erica Enders; 3.  Vincent Nobile; 4.  Richard Freeman; 5.  Greg Anderson; 6. Dave Connolly; 7.  Jeg Coughlin; 8.  Rodger Brogdon; 9.  Jason Line; 10.  V. Gaines; 11.  Warren Johnson; 12.  Ron Krisher; 13.  Larry Morgan; 14.  Chris McGaha; 15.  Greg Stanfield; 16.  Mike Edwards.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1.  Michael Ray; 2.  Karen Stoffer; 3.  Andrew Hines; 4.  Eddie Krawiec; 5.  LE Tonglet; 6.  Mike Berry; 7.  Redell Harris; 8.  Hector Arana Jr; 9.  Scotty Pollacheck; 10.  Matt Smith; 11.  Chip Ellis; 12.  Jerry Savoie; 13.  Steve Johnson; 14.  Matt Guidera; 15.  Shawn Gann; 16.  Hector Arana.

*  * *

ENNIS, Texas -- Sunday's final results from the 27th annual AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex. The race is the 19th of 23 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Antron Brown, 3.898 seconds, 311.49 mph  def. Spencer Massey, 3.945 seconds, 300.60 mph.

Funny Car -- Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 4.826, 197.59  def. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 5.025, 188.15.

Pro Stock -- Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.598, 210.93  def. Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.835, 209.39.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Michael Ray, Buell, 6.920, 192.77  def. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.028, 190.48.

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Jim Whiteley, 5.275, 271.68  def. Chris Demke, 5.739, 263.77.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Clint Thompson, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.591, 259.46  def. Tony Bartone, Ford Mustang, 5.685, 260.36.

Competition Eliminator -- David Rampy, Bantam Roadster, 7.230, 182.75  def. Joey Tanksley, Dragster, 6.764, 197.36.

Super Stock -- Eric Pearson, AMX, 10.789, 108.58  def. David Latino, Chevy Cobalt, foul.

Stock Eliminator -- Terry Emmons, Camaro, 10.537, 117.36  def. Jacob Pitt, Plymouth Duster, 11.426, 112.00.

Super Comp -- Tommy Phillips, Dragster, 8.907, 160.46  def. Austin Williams, Dragster, 8.868, 157.19.

Super Gas -- Tommy Phillips, Chevy Corvette, 9.911, 149.08  def. Jimmy Lewis, Corvette, 9.921, 156.55.

Super Street -- Steven Wilson, Chevy II, 10.873, 131.22  def. Jeff Hefler, Chevy Vega, 10.864, 118.98.

Top Sportsman -- Jimmy Lewis, Pontiac GXP, 6.960, 201.61  def. Joe Pigford, GXP, 7.129, 193.63.

BONUS AUDIO: Sandor Piszar

BONUS AUDIO: Sandor Piszar, Director of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports for Chevrolet Performance has been given a monumental task. Take the reins of Chevrolets go-fast division and retune it to be successful in today's era. He's also as tough as ever when it comes to getting the down and dirty on COPO, INDYCAR, NASCAR or even the ZL1 and 1LE Camaros. So I grabbed the best 10 questions I could think of and a set of microphones with the intent of finding out for myself what was on the horizon for the boys from the bowtie...here is what I got. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Hooker LS Engine Swap Headers and Swap Mount Kit for Nissan S13/S14 240SX

Hooker Headers is pleased to announce the release of their new Engine Swap Headers and Engine Swap Mount Kit, allowing installation of GM’s LS engine into the S13 and S14 Nissan 240SX chassis (1989-1998 year models). Their new swap headers and CAD designed, steel constructed mount brackets offer precision fitment and a robust, cost effective mounting solution to those wanting to take on this popular swap combination.

Hooker's LS Swap Headers are available in stainless and mild steel (which can be ordered in painted or ceramic coated). The stainless version of these headers mark a new era in Hooker design quality and feature investment cast flanges for optimized gasket seal and a custom appearance. Other notable horsepower promoting innovations are proprietary investment cast collector spears as well as one-piece formed merge collectors which encourage increased air velocity and attenuate turbulence. All versions feature 1 7/8’’ primary tubes and 3’’ collectors, optimized bend geometry and fantastic spark plug wire clearance.

The mount plates are zinc plated while the transmission mount is powder-coated black to ensure a great look and corrosion resistance.  Hooker’s mount plates must be used in conjunction with Prothane brand transmission bushing part # 7-1604 and Creative Steel’s ’97-04 Corvette C5 urethane engine mount bushings part # 6.

For more information contact Holley Tech Service, 1801 Russellville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101. Telephone 270-781-9741. For nearest dealer: 1-800-HOLLEY-1. Or visit them on the web atwww.holley.com.

View the products here:

Hooker S13/S14  LS Engine Swap Headers- Stainless Steel

Hooker S13/S14  LS Engine Swap Headers- Silver Ceramic Mild Steel

Hooker S13/S14 LS Engine Swap Headers- Black Ceramic Mild Steel

Hooker S13/S14 Mild Steel LS Engine Swap Headers-Black Painted Mild Steel

Hooker S13/S14 LS Engine Swap Bracket Kit 

Ford Motor Company to Bring 2013 Model Year Performance Cars to 2012 Barrett-Jackson Auction in Las Vegas

• The 2012 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas auction, Sept. 20-22, will be the first public showing of Ford’s complete line of 2013 model year performance vehicles
   
• It is the first time the public will have the chance to drive the 2013 Focus ST, Ford Shelby GT500 and Boss 302

• The Ford Shelby GT500 Cobra Carroll Shelby tribute car will be on display for the first time since it was unveiled at Monterey Collector Car Week in August

Ford Motor Company today announced the company’s complete line of 2013 model year performance vehicles will be on display and available for ride-and-drives during the Fifth Annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Collector Car Auction, scheduled Sept. 20-22, 2012, at the luxurious Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. This will be the first time the public can get behind the wheel of Ford newest performance vehicles, including 2013 models of the Focus ST, Shelby GT500 and Boss 302. In addition, Ford fans will have an opportunity to test-drive the 2012Mustang, Focus and Fiesta on a closed circuit during the three-day auction.

“The cars we’re bringing to the Barrett-Jackson auction in Las Vegas will be a real adrenaline rush for performance enthusiasts,” said Steve Ling, Ford North America Car Marketing manager. “What’s more exciting is this is the first time we’ve had all of these cars together for the public to experience. This exhibit is going to give Ford fans a front-row seat to some amazing handling, design and technology.”

The Ford Focus ST features a 252-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost^® engine, while the Boss 302 gets serious with a 444-horsepower (on premium fuel), Hi-Po 302 4V Ti-VCT V8 powerhouse. The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Cobra will also be on display for the first time since it was unveiled for the 2012 Monterey Collector Car Week.

“We’ve only built one 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra as a tribute to Carroll Shelby,” said Ling. “So it’s going to be exciting for Ford and Shelby fans at Barrett-Jackson to be among the first to say they saw this tribute vehicle in person at Barrett-Jackson.”

Ford teamed up with Shelby American to design and engineer the tribute Shelby GT500 Cobra. It features an incredible 850-horsepower Ford Racing supercharged V8 with a Shelby American wide-body kit and is finished in Cobra historical Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes.

“Carroll Shelby transformed the automotive industry and certainly influenced the design and performance of the Mustang models we see on the road today,” said Ling. “We’re grateful for his passion for the Mustang brand, and to have worked directly with him over the last 50 years. This Ford Shelby GT500 Cobra tribute car is one I’m confident he’d be proud to have his name on.”

As part of the Las Vegas weekend, Ford will participate in the annual Barrett-Jackson Road Rally on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 2 p.m. ET. More than 100 classic and collector cars including the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 and 2013 Boss 302 will cruise down the legendary Las Vegas Strip as a kickoff to the three-day celebration of the collector car hobby.

The Shelby, Focus ST, Boss 302, as well as all other new Ford vehicles, are available through local Las Vegas dealers. Those interested in a test drive or seeing a new or quality preowned Ford vehicle can click on this link to find their local dealership.

SHELBY AMERICAN UNLEASHES MOST POWERFUL GT500 SUPER SNAKE PACKAGES FOR 2013 MODEL YEAR

• Shelby American now offers the 2013 GT500 Super Snake in either a 662 HP or 850 HP version
• 2013MY GT500 Super Snake offers optional “wide body” for the first time in history
• Debuts at Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas and offers new, lower price for base model car
• Shelby American limits production to only 500 cars for 2013MY GT500 Super Snake
• More images available upon request

Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), is now offering the most powerful versions of the Shelby GT500 Super Snake for the 2013 model year in the company’s 50 year history.  With a base model rated at 662 HP and an optional 850 HP version, the limited edition 2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake also features new styling cues, color options and optional performance upgrades at a lower base price.  Only 500 total 2013 Super Snakes will be built; the car is available as a coupe or convertible in the entire color palette offered by Ford Motor Company on the Shelby GT500.  

“When Ford launched the 2013 Shelby GT500, we were bombarded with requests for Shelby American to offer a Super Snake package for the car,” said John Luft, president of Shelby American.  “Our team worked closely with Ford Racing and other key partners to develop our new fire breathing snake.  The result is the most powerful base model Super Snake ever at 662 horsepower, which is available at prices lower than previous models.  By checking off a few boxes in the series of optional equipment, you can take home a street-legal 850 horsepower version that runs on pump gas.”

For the 2013 model year, Shelby American takes the stock Ford GT500 and kicks it up to the next performance level with new options and styling changes. Customers can choose between Satin Black or Gloss White stripes to be paired with new wheels in Satin Black or Bright Silver Metallic, along with new silver and blue stripes paired with limited base vehicle colors. Offered for the first time in Shelby American’s history will be a choice of rear-only or front and rear “wide body” packages with an optional 14 inch rear wheel and tire package, as seen on the Carroll Shelby Tribute car developed by Ford and Shelby American that was unveiled in Monterey.

The 2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake will make an appearance at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Las Vegas, September 27 – 29.

“The Shelby GT500 Super Snake has been the big dog of the Shelby American lineup,” added Shelby American Vice President of Production Gary Davis.  “With Ford’s new 2013 Shelby GT500 having 662 hp right out of the box, along with our new wide body putting 14 inches of rubber on the ground, this car will be a game changer when it comes to power to the pavement performance.”

The Shelby GT500 Super Snake is a post-title program based on the Ford Shelby GT500.  The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake post title package includes:

• Standard base tune is 662 HP and 631 ft./lbs. of torque
• 6-speed manual transmission with 3.31:1 rear axle ratio and short-throw shifter with optional 3.73:1
• Upgraded suspension package
• Shelby Performance cooling package with a new radiator, heat exchanger and aluminum cooling tanks
• New spoked Shelby-designed 20-inch wheels and performance tires
• Shelby / Borla exhaust system
• Optional Shelby / Ford Racing 850 hp Whipple supercharger or 850 hp Kenne Bell supercharger
• Forged Wildwood brakes with 6 piston fronts and 4 piston rear calipers and cross drilled / vented rotors
• Front brake cooling ducts and behind the door side scoops
• Unique fiberglass hood featuring classic Shelby Super Snake design
• Shelby signature Super Snake stripes in either satin black, gloss white, silver or blue
• “Super Snake” vehicle badges,  and unique CSM number  interior and engine plates
• “Shelby” lettering across the rear deck lid
• Optional two tone leather interior
• Shelby signature embroidered headrests, floor mats and other Shelby designed components

The 2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake post-title package starts at $28,995.00 for the 662 HP version and $39,995.00 for the 850 HP model, not including the base car.  Only 500 of these cars will be built, all at the Shelby American factory in Las Vegas.   Customers can build their dream Shelby Super Snake online with the “Build-One” program at http://shelbyamerican.com/buildhome.asp.  Those interested in a car can also contact the Shelby American sales department at (702) 942-7325 or go to www.shelbyamerican.com.

PODCAST UPDATE: Mid American Motorworks Corvette FunFest

This weeks HRML is a special LIVE broadcast from the 19th annual Corvette FunFest at Mid America Motorworks. Mike Yager, chief cheerleader and owner of Mid America starts off the show with his friends from NEAL Tire. The its a "who's who" of the Corvette community. Reeves Callaway, Jerry Heasley and Jay Heath all come by to share their love of the American sports car. CLICK HERE

The broadcast continues at the 19th annual Corvette FunFest at Mid America Motorworks and so do the incredible guests. Jay from Karls Kustoms and Ken Lingenfelter get the hour rolling. After that Lance Miller and Kevin Mackay help share the story of "The Quest". Helping to share that story director/producer of the movie Michael Brown completes a sneak peek into this "must see' film. Finally Dave McLellen rounds out the hour and even tells some no so secrets from his days at GM. CLICK HERE

Mid America Corvette FunFest Image Gallery

A collection of shots I grabbed at the 19th annual 

Corvette FunFest at Mid America Motorworks. 

LANGDON WINS O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS FOLLOWING RAIN DELAY; CAPPS, LINE, HINES ALSO VICTORIOUS AT ZMAX DRAGWAY

Shawn Langdon raced to his first career Top Fuel victory Sunday at the rain-delayed O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at zMAX Dragway.

Ron Capps (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also earned victories in their respective classes after the first of six playoff races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship.

Langdon defeated Tony Schumacher Sunday with a performance of 3.785 seconds at 326.71 mph in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster, holding off the hard-charging Schumacher, who finished in 3.808 at 322.27 in his U.S. Army dragster. Langdon won from the top qualifying position and beat Chris Karamesines, Bob Vandergriff and Brandon Bernstein to advance to the final round.

"I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason," Langdon said. "87 races into it, I've always kind of wondered, 'Man, what does it feel like? Why haven't I won? Is there something I'm doing wrong?' I had a car capable of winning at times driving for the Lucas family for three years, and I came to this team that Sheikh Khalid [Al Thani, team owner] and Alan Johnson [team manager] that was built around winning. It gets to the point where it's the Countdown and it's crunch time. You couldn't have scripted it any better. It's a surreal feeling.”

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

In Funny Car, Capps raced his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger to his fourth victory of the season, defeating Mike Neff’s Castrol GTX Ford Mustang in the final. Capps sped to a winning run of 4.067 at 315.49 and increased his points lead as he heads into the second round of the six-race Countdown.

"We were pretty pumped up," said Capps, who beat Jim Head, Cruz Pedregon, and Matt Hagan in early rounds. "It just happens so fast, but what a race car. The car gives me confidence, but I learned a long time ago not to get overconfident. I was still a nervous wreck before the first round. I don't take anything for granted. Mike Neff is a guy who can throw down at any time. He ran the table and won the race in Indy, and, lo and behold, we were able to gut it out without lane choice in the second round in the semis.”

In Pro Stock, Line claimed his second win of the season in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro with a final round performance of 7.518 at 200.20, outrunning series points leader Allen Johnson in the final round.  Johnson’s Team Mopar Dodge Avenger made quick move toward the center line off the starting line and he shut it off. Line defeated Frank Gugliotta, Larry Morgan and Warren Johnson in the first three rounds.

“Winning this race is a big way for us to start the Countdown but it doesn’t mean a whole lot unless you can keep going,” Line said. “To get any kind of lead at all is a good thing. Right now, the top six cars are all so good that whoever lets the clutch out first is usually going to win. That’s a lot to ask from anybody.”

Hines scored his fifth win of the season and 30th in his career in Pro Stock Motorcycle, beating teammate Eddie Krawiec to the finish line with a time of 6.862 seconds at 194.49 mph on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson.

“We just tried to stay calm,” said Hines, who had a bye run and then beat Shawn Gann and Hector Arana Sr. to advance to his 51st career final round. “We just had to keep our focus all day long and we were on a mission when we came here, to defend our regular season win streak of 10 in a row and we needed to come out here and see if we could do that. Luckily, everything all in the end panned out for us and it’s just a great feeling to start off the Countdown this way.”   

Krawiec continues to lead the Countdown to the Championship points by 10 over Hines. 

The NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship continues Sept. 20-23 with the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex near Dallas.

* * *

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Final finish order (1-16) at the Fifth annual O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at zMax Dragway.  The race is the 18th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1.  Shawn Langdon; 2.  Tony Schumacher; 3.  Spencer Massey; 4.  Brandon Bernstein; 5.  Doug Kalitta; 6.  Bob Vandergriff; 7.  Morgan Lucas; 8.  Khalid alBalooshi; 9.  Steve Torrence; 10.

Cory McClenathan; 11.  Clay Millican; 12.  Larry Dixon; 13.  Terry McMillen; 14.  Chris Karamesines; 15.  Antron Brown; 16.  David Grubnic.

FUNNY CAR:

1.  Ron Capps; 2.  Mike Neff; 3.  Jack Beckman; 4.  Matt Hagan; 5.  Jeff Arend; 6.  John Force; 7. Cruz Pedregon; 8.  Tim Wilkerson; 9.  Alexis DeJoria; 10.  Todd Lesenko; 11.  Jim Head; 12.  Johnny Gray; 13.  Tony Pedregon; 14.  Robert Hight; 15.  Bob Tasca III; 16.  Courtney Force.

PRO STOCK:

1.  Jason Line; 2.  Allen Johnson; 3.  Vincent Nobile; 4.  Warren Johnson; 5.  Mike Edwards; 6. Larry Morgan; 7.  Dave Connolly; 8.  Shane Gray; 9.  V. Gaines; 10.  Ron Krisher; 11.  Jeg Coughlin; 12.  Ronnie Humphrey; 13.  Frank Gugliotta; 14.  Erica Enders; 15.  Greg Anderson; 16. Lewis Worden.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1.  Andrew Hines; 2.  Eddie Krawiec; 3.  Hector Arana Jr; 4.  Hector Arana; 5.  Michael Ray; 6. Scotty Pollacheck; 7.  Matt Smith; 8.  Shawn Gann; 9.  Chip Ellis; 10.  John Hall; 11.  Karen Stoffer; 12.  Jim Underdahl; 13.  Steve Johnson; 14.  Michael Phillips; 15.  LE Tonglet.

* * *

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Sunday's final results from the Fifth annual O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries at zMax Dragway. The race is the 18th of 23 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Shawn Langdon, 3.785 seconds, 326.71 mph  def. Tony Schumacher, 3.808 seconds, 322.27 mph.

Funny Car -- Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.067, 315.49  def. Mike Neff, Ford Mustang, 10.406, 79.25.

Pro Stock -- Jason Line, Chevy Camaro, 7.518, 200.20  def. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 11.800, 78.71.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.862, 194.49  def. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.858, 195.14.

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Richard Bourke, 5.373, 266.32  def. Ken Perry, foul.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Frank Manzo, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.575, 260.01  def. John Anderika, Monte Carlo, 5.829, 250.92.

Super Stock -- Larry Miller, Plymouth Barracuda, 9.951, 128.90  def. Bryan Worner, Chevy Camaro, 9.908, 134.55.

Stock Eliminator -- Dan Fletcher, Chevy Camaro, 11.026, 115.15  def. Larry Hill, Plymouth Baracuda, 10.463, 121.41.

Super Comp -- Scot LaMar, Dragster, 8.903, 176.37  def. Sherman Adcock, Dragster, 8.902, 172.47.

Super Gas -- Ray Sawyer, Chevy Camaro, 9.912, 166.31  def. Steven Furr, Camaro, 9.912, 152.47.