Movers & Shakers: "Hugger Orange," Goodguys Hot Rod of the Year; Cam Benty to Manage Holley's Hooker and FlowTech Brands

	This 1934 Ford—nicknamed "Hugger Orange" and built by David Lane of Fastlane Rod Shop—was named the Goodguy Rod & Custom Association's 2013 Tank's Hot Rod of the Year.

George Poteet's "Hugger Orange" Named Goodguys Hot Rod of the Year
George Poteet's "Hugger Orange" 1934 Ford, built by David Lane of Fastlane Rod Shop, was named the Goodguy Rod & Custom Association's 2013 Tank's Hot Rod of the Year at the 3rd Speedway Nationals held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Unlike any other Goodguys award, the Tank’s Hot Rod of the Year competition puts to the test a vehicle's road worthiness and performance, as well as looks and build quality. All contestants must take a 100-mile drive around Indianapolis and a run down a dragstrip (Muncie Dragway in this instance) doing a smoky burnout and racing to the 1/8th mile as fast as possible. The Top 5 Finalists for the Goodguys 2013 Tank’s Hot Rod of the Year award included: Kirk Brown (’34 Ford), Larry Terpstra (’32 Ford), Scott Billish (’32 Plymouth), George Poteet (’34 Ford) and Lee Schmidt (’35 Ford Pickup).

Cam Benty to Manage Holley's Hooker and FlowTech Brand

Holley Performance Products selected performance industry veteran Cam Benty to manage the company's well-known Hooker and FlowTech brands.

Performance industry veteran Cam Benty has joined Holley Performance Products to manage the company's Hooker and FlowTech brands. Benty has a long history in the performance aftermarket having spent six years consulting with Competition Cams and two years at SEMA. He began his career as a journalist, starting as an associate editor at National Dragster before moving to Hot Rod magazine in 1980. From there he held the positions of editor-in-chief for Popular Hot Rodding, Car Craft and Motor Trend Specials. Most recently, Benty was the director of marketing for Flowmaster.

International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Televised October 6
The International Drag Racing Hall of Fame—based at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida—announced that the 2013 Induction Ceremony will be televised Sunday, October 6, at 1:00 p.m. (EDT), on the Velocity channel (a Discovery channel). The ceremony honors Dave Boertman, Wally Booth, Bernie Fedderly, Harry Hibler, the Hirata, Hobbs & Vodnik Top Fuel team, K.S. Pittman, Dick Rosberg and Louis Senter for their accomplishments and contributions to the sport of drag racing. An All-Star group of presenters included four current and former World champions: 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel Champion Antron Brown, Funny Car Champion Jack Beckman and Pro Stock Champion Allen Johnson; plus former NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car World Champion John Force. The other presenters were: US Nationals Top Fuel Champion (1980) Terry Capp, Track Owner/Event promoter Steve Earwood, National Dragster Senior Editor/Artist and drag racing historian John Jodauga, Funny Car driver Bruce Larson, Engine Builder Ed Pink and NHRA Wally Parks Racing Museum curator Greg Sharp. 

RealTruck.com Announces Two New Hires: Kraig Kumlin and Marina Willey
Aftermarket truck accessory e-tailer RealTruck.com announced two new hires: Kraig Kumlin and Marina Willey. Kumlin has been brought on board as a brand manager and is responsible for adding new products to the site and developing positive relationships with vendors. Willey will provide support for the day-to-day operations of the company’s accounting team.

	Mike Buca has been named brand manager for Design Engineering Inc.

DEI Names Mike Buca Brand Manager
Design Engineering Inc. (DEI) has named Mike Buca as its new brand manager. Buca has more than 18 years of experience working in various positions at JC Whitney, including the past five years as the company’s catalog and brand manager for both JC Whitney and Stylin’ Trucks. As DEI brand manager, Buca is responsible for the marketing and promotion of all DEI-branded products and will report to Tom Miller, vice president of sales and marketing. “Mike has demonstrated his ability to grow business and stay on the cutting edge of digital marketing," said Miller. "We feel confident that he will be able to bring a fresh approach to brand marketing at DEI. He has longstanding relationships in the performance market, is detailed minded and creative." 

John Walsh Named VP of Sales and Marketing for Mobility Ventures
Mobility Ventures—a wholly owned subsidiary of AM General—announced that commercial vehicle executive John Walsh joined the company as vice president of sales and marketing. Walsh brings to the company more than 20 years of experience in the specialty vehicle industry. In his new position, Walsh will oversee all domestic and international sales and marketing activities for the MV-1—the only American-built vehicle specifically designed to meet or exceed the needs of wheelchair passengers and the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. "It is with great excitement that I have the opportunity to join this world-class company that offers a truly unique and innovative vehicle," said Walsh. "AM General brings unprecedented strength and stability to the MV-1 with its more than 50 years of automotive experience. The MV-1 will benefit immensely from a leadership team that is keenly focused on listening to its customers and delivering exceptional quality and services. I am proud to be a part of this organization."

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