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Movers & Shakers: Edelbrock Promotes Wayne Murray to President

Compiled by SEMA Editors

wayne
Wayne Murray

Edelbrock Promotes Wayne Murray to President

Edelbrock has announced the promotion of Wayne Murray to the position of president of Edelbrock LLC. Murray has been with Edelbrock for 46 years. He has worked in numerous manufacturing roles from his start on the production line to his previous role as the vice president of manufacturing, which he has held since 1983. Murray has helped keep Edelbrock on the leading edge of aluminum sand-cast manufacturing and machining. His focus will be to continue Edelbrock's current growth and operational strategies. He will continue to directly oversee all of Edelbrock's manufacturing and foundry operations, as well as the role of managing and driving operational efficiencies within the organization. Edelbrock's previous president, John Colaianne will assume the role of CEO and continue to be involved in day-to-day company operations.

Universal Car Keys
Universal Car Keys was voted “Best New Product” at the 2015 Automotive Aftermarket Product Expo in Las Vegas.

AAPEX Buyers Award Universal Car Keys as “Best New Product”

Solid Keys USA announced that its newest product release, Universal Car Keys, was voted “Best New Product” at the 2015 Automotive Aftermarket Product Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas. AAPEX announced the winners of the 2015 New Product Showcase during the General Session held at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas. A panel of AAPEX buyers determined the winning entries by a vote that took place Tuesday, November 3.

“We’re glad we did as well as we had hoped. There were hundreds of great products competing, but the Universal Car Key is such a unique and special product we knew it would be a hit. We’re glad the AAPEX panel of buyers recognized our unique value proposition the world's first Universal Car Keys and Universal Car Remotes bring automotive key replacement back into the hands of retailers and repair professionals something that’s been absent for decades,” said Mark Lanwehr, president, Solid Keys USA.

trail
Trail repair being performed at the Tabeguache Connector via a Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program grant.

Omix-ADA Pledges to Create, Maintain and Protect With Renewed Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program for 2016

Omix-ADA has announced it will continue grant funding for its Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program for the 2016 calendar year. The program makes grants of up to $5,000 available to organizations helping to advance the off-road hobby. First announced at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the company has awarded more than $60,000 to date to a number of non-profit off-road organizations in support of the off-road hobby and public-land access, including: Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), Stay the Trail, Colorado OHV Coalition (COHVCO), Blue Ribbon Coalition and Piston's Wild.

Designed to “Create, Maintain and Protect,” the two-year success of the program has encouraged President and Owner Al Azadi to continue to reach greater heights, starting with grant approvals for 2016. Each of the grants—which come as part of Azadi’s  larger philanthropic effort—were designated for use toward education, stewardship, litigation or any other activity advocating the conservation of public land and access to recreational trails.

bondurant
Bob and Pat Bondurant have entered into a partnership to introduce the Bondurant Racing School as “The Official High Performance Driving School of Dodge/SRT.”

Bondurant Embarks on a New Era of Partnership With Dodge SRT

Bob Bondurant and FCA US LLC, through its Dodge and SRT brands, have entered into a partnership to introduce the Bondurant Racing School as “The Official High Performance Driving School of Dodge/SRT.” On day one, all drivers will be assigned the 485-hp Dodge Challenger SRT 392, followed by day two and/or three in the Dodge Viper TA 2.0. After day two, the instructor determines if the acquired skills may or may not advance the qualified driver into the Viper ACR—a street-legal track car. The 707hp Dodge Charger and Challenger SRT Hellcats will be equally offered for the third-day option, along with the Viper ACR. The fourth day will be open track in the car of your choice. The staff will assist and guide participants through the SCCA and race license steps.

Rancho Dealers Earn Trip to Las Vegas for 2015 SEMA Show

Top members of the “Rancho Rewards” program—a business-building program for performance parts businesses—earned a Rancho-sponsored trip to the 2015 SEMA Show. The Rancho Rewards program combines an extensive package of marketing and merchandising materials with an incentive program to help drive sales of Rancho suspension systems, shocks, struts and accessories. The Rancho Rewards program also includes a 5% cash-back rebate on qualifying purchases and exclusive, member-only promotions. Membership in the annual program is $79.99 and is only available to traditional, brick-and-mortar performance parts businesses. The Rancho Rewards package includes high-impact, point-of-sale materials, including banners, mini catalogs, brochures and more. The program also provides online marketing support through a dealer locator listing on the Rancho website plus access to industry-leading technical assistance. Minimum-purchase restrictions apply to qualify for the Rancho 5% cash-back rebate. To register for the 2016 Rancho Rewards program, contact your Rancho sales representative or call Rancho Rewards dealer concierge Melanie Hoit at 435-879-8208.

wheel
The Trueray wire wheel is being re-introduced, now hand-built in limited production.

After 25 Years, the Trueray Wire Wheel Returns

First introduced in 1974, the Trueray wire wheel was a coveted direct-bolt-on option. After an absence of 25 years, Truespoke Wire Wheels by Motorsport Inc. is re-introducing this classic design, now hand-built in limited production. Dealer opportunities are also available. The wheel is available in 13–18-in. diameters, with 60 straight-lace spokes. Each set includes a choice of “dome”- or “hex”-style caps with Trueray chrome medallions, which are identical to the originals. The wheel can be purchased with copper, nickel or chrome plating for a variety of rear-wheel drive vehicles.

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