Tim Dietz, account manager and technical sales, Standards Testing Laboratories Inc. (STL), has been named chairman-elect to SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC). Dietz has been employed at STL for 18 years and holds a degree in Applied Science from Kent State University. He has been instrumental in the development of several tire and wheel test procedures for OEM and aftermarket manufacturers in the tire, wheel, tire sealant, motorcycle, ATV, axle, hub, aircraft, military, NASCAR, NHRA, agricultural, industrial, off-road and theme-park and people-mover industries. A member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Dietz will take over as chairman of the WTC in the fall of 2008.
KICKER/Soundgate hired Rick Gentry as the newest member of its sales team. Gentry will be the sales manager for KICKER’s new Home and Portable division, which will officially launch in 2008. Gentry has been involved in the mobile and pro audio industries for more than 25 years.
The Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.’s board of directors named Thomas Capo as a director of the company. Capo is an advisor on business, financial and investment strategy to various companies; serves as the chairman of the board for Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc.; and also serves as co-chairman of the board for Microheat Inc.
AIM added Chad Beeson to the company’s technical support department. Prior to joining AIM, Beeson was a shift manager for Winchester Auto Parts, an affiliate of Parts Plus.
SCCA Pro Racing announced that the 2007 SCCA Pro Racing SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup will air on the SPEED channel in December. Each race will receive its own 30-minute broadcast starting at starting on Saturday, December 1, at 2:00 p.m. More information is available at www.mx-5cup.com.
Permatex Inc. named America Europe International and Timken Australia as co-recipients of the 2007 International Distinguished Partner Award. The companies were selected for their contributions to Permatex’s international sales growth. According to Permatex Director of Marketing Tony Battaglia, “This award recognizes a commitment to profitablility, consistent sales growth and long-term results.
NHRA announced that its 2008 National Hot Rod Reunion is set for the Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on Father’s Day Weekend, June 13–15. Tony Thacker, executive director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, “Bowling Green is a historic place for many hot rodders, and Beech Bend Raceway’s covered grandstands and verdant background make a great venue for our event."