Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Coker Tire President and COO Wade Kawasaki (right) accepts the Automotive Supplier Award presented by the Antique Automobile Club of America. (Photo courtesy of AACA.) |
Coker Tire Accepts Automotive Supplier Award Presented by the Antique Automobile Club of America
Coker Tire was presented the Automotive Supplier Award last Saturday night in Philadelphia, with President and COO Wade Kawasaki on-hand to accept the award. Described as the Academy Awards or Golden Globes of the antique car trade, the 80th annual Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) awards banquet celebrated members of the club and the best of the best in service to the classic car hobby. The Automotive Supplier Award, the newest award added to the AACA’s list of awards, is presented to a supplier or merchant of automotive restoration parts or components which uphold the originality of vehicles as they were delivered from the dealer. The award was established in 2015 by the Hornets Nest Region of Charlotte, North Carolina, to honor Dennis Carpenter—an innovator in providing original reproduction equipment Ford parts.
“I am honored that Coker Tire has received the Automotive Supplier Award this year,” said Kawasaki. “We at Coker Tire are pleased to be acknowledged with this inaugural award by the long-standing and prestigious AACA. We hold the club and its members in the highest of regards and we want to thank them for choosing to recognize us with this special award.”
 Darryl Hollenbeck’s AMBR-winning ’32 Ford Roadster. |
Darryl Hollenbeck Win 2016 AMBR Award With His PPG-Painted Roadster
Acclaimed custom car builder and painter Darryl Hollenbeck won the 2016 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award at the Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) held at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, California, Jan. 29–31. It was the third time Hollenbeck has painted an AMBR winner, and the first time he captured the prize with his own car—a PPG-painted ’32 Ford highboy roadster.
“AutoCross for Kids” and Goodguys Rod and Custom Association Join the Austin Hatcher Foundation
Goodguys Rod and Custom Association and the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer have partnered again in 2016 to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation’s mission to erase the effects of pediatric cancer for patients, survivors and their families. The partnership will provide the Foundation with opportunities to educate both children and adults about healthy lifestyles that prevent cancer and provide much-needed therapies in a variety of cities throughout the United States. Goodguys will work in conjunction with the Foundation at several Goodguys shows during 2016. Association members and show attendees will have opportunities to contribute to the effort through donations, the purchase of limited-edition merchandise and participation in the “AutoCross for Kids,” as well as through volunteering for some of the program’s initiatives. The partnership will kick off at the Goodguys 7th Spring Nationals, March 4–6, at WestWorld of Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, and be held at several events throughout the Goodguys 2016 event schedule.
 New Betts Truck Parts & Service product managers are Jake Homstad (left), who is in charge of engine/electrical products and Lars Nissen, who is responsible for brake/wheel end products. |
Betts Truck Parts & Service Adds Product Experts in Brake and Electrical
Betts Truck Parts & Service has announced the addition of Lars Nissen and Jake Homstad as new product managers to provide expertise to its customers in the areas of brake/wheel end and engine/electrical products. Nissen, former branch manager of Betts Truck Parts & Service in Manteca, California, has been promoted to the newly created position of brake/wheel end product manager. Homstad, the new engine/electrical product manager, joins Betts Truck Parts & Service from Dorman HD, where he was regional sales manager. He will be based out of the Betts Truck Parts & Service location in Phoenix. In addition to his role as a product manager, he will provide sales management support to the Phoenix branch. Nissen and Homstad are available to support all eight Betts Truck Parts & Service locations in Arizona, California and Oregon. They are responsible for helping customers with training in the field and with telephone technical support. They will also provide extensive training to Betts Truck Parts & Service sales and service teams, extending local expertise throughout the branch network. Shawn Mahoney continues as the company’s product manager for drivetrain products. All three product managers are supported by Don Devany, senior vice president, Betts Company, and John Devany, sales manager, Betts Truck Parts & Service.
 Daniel N. Schildge |
CRP Industries Inc. CEO Daniel N. Schildge Elected to Import Vehicle Community Executive Leadership Council
Daniel N. Schildge, CEO of CRP Industries Inc., parent company of CRP Automotive, has been elected to the Import Vehicle Community Executive Leadership Council. Schildge will play an active role in helping to develop and grow the organization to better serve the Import Vehicle Community. The Import Vehicle Community, formerly the Auto International Association (AIA), is the segment of the Auto Care Association that is focused on serving the needs of all businesses engaged in import nameplate products and services. Schildge was appointed CEO of CRP Industries Inc. in July 2008 after serving in a variety of capacities with the company, including COO. He is directly responsible for growing CRP sustainably.
 Mark Fowler |
Baer Brake Systems Hires Mark Fowler
Baer Brake Systems has announced the addition of Mark Fowler in technical sales. Fowler has more than 15 years of sales experience in the performance aftermarket, and has been involved in motorsports for more than 20 years. He has established himself in the industry with his keen ability to merge relationships with vendors and customers.
 Joey Logano |
NASCAR Star Joins Magnaflow as Brand Ambassador for 2016 Season
MagnaFlow has announced the latest addition to its lineup of brand ambassadors—NASCAR star and car enthusiast Joey Logano. The 2015 Daytona 500 winner will represent MagnaFlow at different events throughout the year, including the SEMA Show, and in select race markets this season. The events will be announced at a later date.
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