Ask Patty hired Sarah Draley as national sales director and Karrie DeLay as director of marketing. Draley possesses a varied skill set with focus on lot management, eBay Motors sales and effective online automotive marketing. DeLay is responsible for the delivery and communication of all marketing components to certified female-friendly dealers.
Veteran automotive administrator Rex Simpson was named vice president of administration for the Yokohama Tire Corp. Simpson replaces Steve Kessing, who retired in December 2007 after 17 years of service. For the past 13 years, Simpson had the corporate responsibility for various human resource matters at American Honda Motor Co. Inc. He previously worked for both J.C. Penney and May Department Stores.
Rex Simpson
Pypes Performance Exhaust announced that Dave Gerard has joined its sales team as a major account manager. Gerard has been a fixture in the automotive aftermarket for years and is widely known for his technical and marketing prowess with Raceware Inc., a company he founded. He will concentrate on providing expert sales and marketing advice to Pypes' existing cadre of large clients and the development of new business and products.
Mike Moore was named the new president of The Promotion Company-Family Events. Moore, most recently the executive vice president and general manager of the company, joined The Promotion Company in 1993 and has held a number of positions in the firm.
Mike Moore
Lokar Performance Products hired Brian Downard as vice president of sales and marketing. Downard has worked in the automotive industry since 1984 beginning with his father’s shop—Downard’s Automotive Specialties. He has worked with Summit Racing, Mr. Gasket, Mickey Thompson Tires and Stainless Works.
Brian Downard
The life and experiences of the “King of Kustomizers” George Barris is the focus of a special Saturday afternoon panel discussion at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. The event will feature other panelists, including legendary painter Hershel "Junior" Conway, Blackie Gejeian, Dick Jackson and Parks Museum Curator Greg Sharp.
They will offer insights and tell stories about working with Barris and what customizing was like in the fifties and sixties. The event is set for Saturday, January 26, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tickets ($25 per person) are available at the door and include refreshments, museum admission and an event souvenir. For further information on special exhibits, museum events or directions, call 909/622-2133 or visit http://museum.nhra.com.