People Places & Racing News

MOVERS & SHAKERS: STEVE HAMP, RYAN SHECKLER, ERIKA TURNER AND MORE

The Visteon board of directors elected Steve Hamp to join the board, effective March 1. Hamp previously served on the company's board from January 2001-2005. Hamp has been the principal of Hamp Advisors LLC since March 2007. Previously, he was the vice president and chief of staff for Ford Motor Co. from November 2005 through October 2006.     

KICKER-sponsored athlete and television star Ryan Sheckler has partnered with Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) to raise money to help children with cancer. Sheckler already has many awards under his belt, including X Games gold, the Vans Triple Crown, and winning the Gravity Games. On top of that, the MTV hit show "Life of Ryan" has catapulted him to an even bigger audience than ever before.
    As part of the three-month charity program, Sheckler is donating his personal KICKER-equipped Range Rover to the donor who raises the most funds for CCRF. The Rover was Ryan’s first vehicle after earning his driver’s license. For more information, visit www.ryansheckler.com.


Ryan Sheckler and his heavily-equipped Range Rover.

Erika Turner was named chief financial officer for Superior Industries International. Prior to joining Superior, Turner was chief financial officer/VP Finance since 2004 at Monogram Systems, a supplier of cabin systems and equipment to the global aerospace industry. Earlier, she served as CFO of the Storage Solutions Group at Quantum Corp.
    "With her impressive record of accomplishment, high energy and commitment to success, Erika Turner rounds out the revamped and expanded senior management team we have assembled at Superior with the skills to extend the operational gains we already have achieved and position the company for long-term growth and profitability," said Chairman, President and CEO Steven Borick. "Erika has many years of directly relevant, high-level financial management experience in the automotive and other global manufacturing industries, and we expect her to make a real difference in her critical role at our company."

The Surf City Allstars have joined SEMA to provide quality musical entertainment at automotive-themed events. The band consists of current and former touring musicians with The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean and Brian Wilson's band. The Surf City Allstars were formed by band members who in the slow touring seasons would play private parties or corporate events. This was helpful for smaller groups that didn’t have the budget for The Beach Boys but wanted the authentic sound.
    After original Jan & Dean founder Jan Berry passed away, The Surf City Allstars became a full-time endeavor and the band has continued to tour with Dean Torrence and, more recently, original founding members of the Beach Boys Al Jardine and David Marks.
    For more information on the Surf City Allstars, contact Eric Breslow at Eric@Automansiononline.com or via telephone at 818/284-1225.

Sony Electronics announced its sponsorship of the Xplod NOPI Drag Racing Series sanctioned by the NHRA for the 2008 season. Sony will have an on-site presence with an interactive tractor trailer display, promoting the Xplod line of car stereo accessories and Sony portable audio products, including Muteki shelf systems. There will also be two exotic show cars that show off Sony’s high-end mobile electronics products.
    There are 11 drag racing events sponsored by Sony, and the company will recognize the achievements of the winning teams by offering awards for the overall champions. These champions will be presented with a Sony Electronics hardware product during the final awards ceremony.