People Places & Racing News

MOVERS & SHAKERS: CHRIS COOK, AUGUSTO TERRACCIANO, BONNEVILLE RACERS AT GOODGUYS, KBB.COM’S TOP ROAD TRIP VEHICLES AND MORE


Chris Cook

Chris Cook, a 25-year industry veteran and an acknowledged industry expert, joined Mobile Electronics magazine as editor. Cook brings an impressive track record and broad range of knowledge to the role. Cook is a mobile-electronics veteran with a deep understanding of retail business, OEM integration, manufacturing and design of automotive consumer electronics. Cook previously served as the staff liaison to automotive executives from Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and currently chairs the position of the CEA Mobile Electronics Division’s Connectivity Committee.

Tire Group International opened a new sales office in Panama City, Panama, and hired Augusto Terracciano to lead the new location. Terracciano has vast knowledge of the local Panamanian market and a background in international commerce.
    “Establishing a local presence in Panama at this time fits into our growth strategy. Panama is a country that is experiencing a construction boom, in addition to the current Panama Canal expansion project. This makes Panama a country where TGI wants to be involved. There is also the future opportunity of opening a distribution center in the free-zone area; this can only further enhance TGI’s distribution capabilities in the region,” said Tony Gonzalez, Tire Group International’s chief executive officer.

While organizers of the Tire Rack One Lap of America cross-country driving event had hoped to raise $100,000, participants set a new event record, raising more than $133,000 for more than a dozen charities. The eight-day odyssey attracted some 160 entrants in 71 cars traveling more than 4,000 miles to benefit hospitalized, adopted and terminally ill children, amputees, transplant recipients and cancer survivors. Complete results are available at www.onelapofamerica.com


Participants in the Tire Rack One Lap of America raised $133,000 for more than a dozen charities.   

General Tire announced that it partnered with Team Lucas and is the official tire of the Lucas Oil World Series of Off-Road Racing (WSORR) for the 2008 season and beyond. Shown nationally on SPEED Channel, the series features off-road trucks and buggies racing in front of live spectators throughout the Midwest. This sponsorship extends General Tire’s exposure to the growing off-road racing market in the United States.  

The editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com (www.kbb.com) announced their picks for Kelley Blue Book’s 2008 Top 10 Best New Road Trip Vehicles. The www.kbb.com editors evaluated all tangible and intangible attributes that would enhance any long drive, such as driving enjoyment, passenger comfort, cargo space and fuel economy. 

Kbb.com’s Top 10 Road Trip Vehicles for 2008
Vehicles listed in alphabetical order

  • Audi S5
  • Bugatti Veyron
  • Chevrolet Malibu
  • Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  • Dodge Grand Caravan
  • Ford Flex
  • Infiniti EX35
  • MINI Cooper Clubman
  • Toyota Prius
  • Volkswagen Eos

For more information on the editor’s picks, visit www.kbb.com/roadtrip08.

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association will feature a display of land speed racers, coming directly from Bonneville Speed Week, during the 22nd West Coast Nationals, August 22–24 at the Pleasanton, California, Fairgrounds. Sanctioned by the Southern California Timing Association, the 60th annual Bonneville Speed Week begins August 18.


Land speed racers will be on display at the Goodguys West Coast Nationals, August 22–24.

Yokohama Tire has signed to be the official tire of two Triple-A minor league teams, the Scranton Yankees and Memphis Redbirds. Each team will offer prominent signage, multiple hospitality events and product displays, and Yokohama is planning promotions centered around the team and company, including in-store ticket giveaways and in-stadium contests. The baseball sponsorships follow Yokohama's successful partnerships this season with three NBA teams: San Antonio Spurs;  Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors.