Drag Illustrated Issue 179, November / December 2022 | Page 76

PRODUCTS & PRESS

NEW MONEY-SAVING BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO PRI , SEMA MEMBERS

■ SEMA and PRI launched a new , first-of-its-kind benefits program for the automotive and motorsports communities . Through SEMA and PRI Memberships , participants can now receive perks and save money on parts , services , apparel , logistics , education / training , travel , insurance , and more .
Since launching just last year ,
SEMA and PRI Individual Memberships have united and strengthened the automotive and motorsports communities . Unlike any other programs , the memberships support and celebrate the unique passion and pride found in the automotive community . With a combined participation of more than 15,000 members , SEMA and PRI
Individual Memberships have been instrumental in strengthening legislative efforts to Save Our Racecars and protect enthusiasts ’ automotive rights . The new benefits introduced today will provide greater value to members and help further attract and strengthen participation .
“ In today ’ s inflation-ridden times , we ’ re pleased to offer SEMA and PRI Members such lucrative benefits ,” said PRI President Dr . Jamie Meyer . “ The industry and the community are stronger because of the members , and the money-saving discounts will help members to be more successful .”
Each membership category – SEMA Individual Members , SEMA Business Members , PRI Individual Members , and PRI Business Members – has its own unique discounts , as well as its own requirements for joining . Business membership typically offers discounts on services such as shipping and logistics , product development tools and support through the SEMA Garage , and business solutions . Individual membership includes discounts on auto parts , services , and apparel .
“ Our goal is for the value of membership to greatly exceed the $ 40 fee ,” said Meyer . “ If SEMA and PRI Memberships can result in tangible discounts and members can save money on a new vehicle , parts for their builds , and lifestyle perks , then we ’ ve done our job .”
Benefits can be conveniently accessed through the online membership portals . The SEMA Individual Membership portal launched today , and the PRI Individual Membership portal launches in a about a week .

JOHNSON ’ S HORSEPOWERED GARAGE DOUBLING PRESENCE IN NHRA PRO STOCK

■ Johnson ’ s Horsepowered Garage ( JHG ) and Elite Motorsports announced today that beginning in 2023 , the # JHGDriven presence in NHRA Pro Stock will double . In addition to continued primary backing of the Chevrolet Camaro driven by 2017 NHRA Pro Stock champion Bo Butner , a second fully JHG-branded Chevy will be piloted by five-time series titlist Erica Enders . Both JHG entries will run the full NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Pro Stock schedule .
“ We couldn ’ t be more excited to add a second Johnson ’ s Horsepowered Garage-sponsored NHRA Pro Stock car to the Elite Motorsports team ,” said team owner Richard Freeman . “ We enjoy having Jason [ Johnson ] and his wife , Nikki , as part of our family . It ’ s an honor to be part of his vision both on and off the track .”
Jason Johnson is at the helm of Johnson ’ s Horsepowered Garage , a brand that carries out his vision and passion for all things automotive . A lifelong and self-professed “ car guy ,” Johnson has thoughtfully amassed a world-class collection of showpieces in his middle-Tennessee headquarters
that includes everything from vintage muscle cars to modern-day hot rods and supercars . The purpose of Johnson ’ s Horsepowered Garage is rooted in preserving and showcasing automotive history . The vehicles are driven to and displayed at events by Johnson and his team with the goal of growing interest and keeping car culture thriving for generations .
Johnson ’ s investment in the industry is connected deeply to his own personal history . Initially , he worked with Mather Auto Dismantler , Mather Mini Trucks , and U-Pull It in Northern California , and later , he held a role instrumental to the growth and success of Copart , Inc ., a global provider of online vehicle auction and remarketing services . During his decades-long tenure with Copart , Johnson managed a number of yards and integrated new facilities in both the United States and the United Kingdom , all the while refining his knowledge of automotive history and the value of a wide spectrum of vehicles .
He also got his first taste of being associated at the sponsor-level with NHRA drivers : Copart was the
primary sponsor on the Top Fuel dragster driven by Brandon Bernstein in 2010 and 2011 . The call back to NHRA was natural for Johnson , and after a brief tour on a Don Schumacher Racing nitro Funny Car in 2021 , the striking JHG logo took center stage on Butner ’ s Elite Motorsports-powered Pro Stock car through all of 2022 .
“ Our goal is to make an even bigger impact going forward ,” said Johnson . “ Having two championship drivers competing in Johnson ’ s Horsepowered Garage cars in NHRA Pro Stock will be a very powerful statement for years to come . It ’ s going to be exciting .”
Still glowing after securing her fifth world championship in Las Vegas two weeks ago , Enders was enthusiastic in her support of the expanded partnership that brings
her into the # JHGDriven fold .
“ We ’ ve been excited to make this announcement with Johnson ’ s Horsepowered Garage , but we wanted to focus on winning the 2022 NHRA Camping World championship for Melling Performance ,” said Enders . “ Matt , Mark , and everyone at Melling are great , and we ’ re excited to have Melling continue as a major associate partner on my car . Both of these companies like the color red , so visually , it ’ s a natural fit . I can ’ t wait to put the No . 1 on the Johnson ’ s Horsepowered Garage / Melling Performance Chevy Camaro next year .”
Enders – a 43-time Pro Stock victor – and 11-time Pro Stock titlist Butner will debut their Johnson ’ s Horsepowered Garage Chevrolet Camaro entries at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville , Fla ., March 9-12 , 2023 .
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