Compiled by SEMA Editors
Power Automedia Acquires Xceleration Media
Power Automedia has announced the acquisition of Xceleration Media LLC. Financial terms of the purchase were not disclosed. James Lawrence, Power Automedia CEO, and Xceleration Media COO Chris Douglas, jointly announced the sale of Xceleration Media, a performance-oriented publisher of automotive print and digital titles that reaches more than 1 million automotive enthusiasts per year. Xceleration Media’s print and digital properties include Drag Racing Scene, OneDirt, Street Rod Life, Power & Performance, Gearheads4Life, AutoPressReleases.com and Cars & Parts magazines. Xceleration Media’s properties will compliment Power Automedia’s suite of 12 automotive titles. Power Automedia has not yet disclosed its future plans for the Xceleration Media titles and brands, but expects an announcement to be made prior to the 2017 SEMA Show.
American Powertrain Adds Original Parts Group Inc. to Dealer Network
American Powertrain’s products are now available at Original Parts Group Inc. (OPGI)—a leading supplier and manufacturer of restoration and high-performance parts for classic GM vehicles. This agreement is the first time that replacement transmissions will be available through OPGI, which is now offering both five- and six-speed conversion kits for popular classics, including the GTO, LeMans, Chevelle, El Camino, Cutlass, 4-4-2, Skylark, Monte Carlo, Regal and GS. All OPGI catalogs are free and available by mail, phone (800-243-8355) or through the OPGI website.
 Goosic Speed Shop opened in 1962 in Phoenix. |
R&R Marketing Consultants Associate Bill Goosic and Family Inducted into the Arizona Motorsports Hall of Fame
R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. long-time associate Bill Goosic and his family were inducted into the Arizona Motorsports Hall of Fame, September 30, at the Sands Chevrolet Hall Of Fame Classic at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Arizona. In 1962, Everett and Thelma Goosic opened Goosic Speed Shop in Phoenix. Drag racers frequented the shop and the Goosics later expanded to three additional stores. In doing so, they networked with many drivers from all forms of racing, and became involved at legendary racetracks, such as Beeline Drag Way, Manzanita Speedway and Mel Larson’s Raceway.
 Billy Beane |  Frank Morgan |
Billy Beane to Keynote VIPAR Heavy Duty Annual Business Conference; Young Leaders Forum to Feature Northwood’s Frank Morgan
Successful baseball executive Billy Beane will provide the keynote address, “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game,” at the 2017 VIPAR Heavy Duty Annual Business Conference, October 15–20, at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. Beane, the executive vice president of baseball operations for the Oakland A’s, was the subject of “Moneyball,” the 2003 bestselling book by author Michael Lewis that was later made into a critically acclaimed movie starring Brad Pitt. Beane’s “Moneyball” philosophy has been adopted by organizations of all sizes, across all industries, to more effectively, efficiently and profitably manage their assets, talent and resources. Also, for the fifth consecutive year, the 2017 VIPAR Heavy Duty Annual Business Conference will feature a Young Leaders Forum and Lunch, Tuesday, October 17. The event brings together young industry leaders for networking and collaboration, and will include a presentation by Frank Morgan, adjunct professor at Northwood University on “Leadership for 2020 and Beyond.” His presentation will explore the “VUCA world” (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous), and help young leaders understand how to succeed in this new environment. In addition to the luncheon, a Young Leaders reception will be hosted with GenNext—an industry group composed of up-and-coming leaders of tomorrow in the aftermarket truck-parts industry.
Avery Dennison Makes Capital Investment in Liquid Crystal Specialty Films Developer Gauzy
Avery Dennison Corp. has made an investment in Gauzy, an Israeli-based developer and manufacturer of liquid-crystal-based materials, films, applications and solutions for a variety of end markets, including construction, automotive, consumer electronics, home appliances, the solar industry and more. Avery Dennison’s Hanita business division, which manufactures specialty films for a number of industrial and commercial applications, has established an agreement with Gauzy to collaborate on the development and marketing of a retrofit version of Gauzy’s switchable window film. Avery Dennison Hanita has identified opportunities in the architecture and retail segments for these solutions.
 Dwayne Fietzer received the Truck award for his ’55 F-100. |
ididit Announces Car Show & Open House Award Winners
Established in 1991 as a way to thank customers for their support and allow owners one last opportunity to drive and display their hot rods before winter, this year’s ididit Car Show & Open House, held September 16, featured more than 500 classic vehicles. This year’s winners included:
- Restoration: Jeff Miller, ’49 Buick Super
- Truck: Dwayne Fietzer, ’55 F-100 Ford Truck
- Best Interior: Don House, ’50 Ford Woodie
- Best Paint: Chuck and Val Tuttle, ’39 Mercury 99A
- Street Rod ’48 and Older: Greg Tobias, ’32 Ford Roadster
- Muscle Car ’49 and Newer: John Mamayek, ’63.5 Ford Galaxie Fastback
- Most Radical: Fred Clark, ’47 Chevy Fleetline
- Best Engine: Ron Beck, ’55 Chevy 210 Sedan
Bar’s Products Acquires Hy-Per Lube Corp.
Bar’s Products has purchased Hy-Per Lube Corp. With the acquisition, Bar’s adds the Hy-Per Lube brand of high-performance additives to its family of brands, including Bar’s Leaks and Rislone. Check out the full line of Bar’s Leaks, Rislone and Hy-Per Lube products later this month at AAPEX in booth #3616 and at the SEMA Show in South Hall booth #30309.
 Bruce Hendel |
VP Racing Fuels Appoints Bruce Hendel to Vice President North America Sales, Race Fuel and Consumer Products
VP Racing Fuels has announced the promotion of Bruce Hendel to vice president, North America sales, Race Fuel and Consumer Products. In this newly formed position, Hendel will be responsible for all North American sales efforts in support of both VP Consumer Products and Race Fuel business divisions.
Prestone Announces Partnership With the Petersen Automotive Museum
Prestone Products Corp. and the Petersen Automotive Museum have announced a partnership in which the Petersen will play host to multiple Prestone events throughout the year. In conjunction with Prestone’s 90th anniversary, the museum launched an exhibit on “The History of the Radiator,” which opened October 1. The exhibit features memorabilia from Prestone’s archives showcasing the history of liquid-cooled automobiles, how radiators have influenced vehicle design and the history of the service station. The Petersen Automotive Museum will also play an essential role in Prestone’s upcoming 90th Anniversary Car Rally, which will kick-off at the Petersen with a celebratory cruise-in, Tuesday, November 28. Guests will have the opportunity to view a variety of different custom and exotic cars, including the Petersen’s contribution to the rally—the ’71 De Tomaso Pantera that Elvis Presley shot while in one of his infamous tantrums. The rally will conclude at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where a selection of the vehicles will remain on display from November 26–December 10.
 Sonny Croughn |  Duane Mayer |
Sonny Croughn, Duane Mayer at Champion Oil SEMA Show Booth
Legendary car builder Sonny Croughn will make scheduled SEMA Show appearances at the Champion Oil Booth #24223, in an effort to bring awareness to the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. In addition, Duane Mayer, reality TV personality and renowned hot-rod builder, will sign autographs and promote his successful “American Hot Rods” business at the Champion booth.
Power Heavy Duty Welcomes Rodriguez Distribution Inc. as Newest Member
Rodriguez Distribution Inc. is the newest member company to join Power Heavy Duty. Started in 2008, Rodriguez Distribution is a heavy- and light-duty distributor of aftermarket parts and components. The company also distributes chemicals and shop supplies. Located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, Rodriguez Distribution serves the metro Newark and central New Jersey market areas.
Turn 14 Distribution Adds Orion Diesel Performance to Line Card
Turn 14 Distribution has added Orion Diesel Performance’s line of diesel pickup products to its aftermarket diesel offerings.
 Nearly 75 first responders took advantage of FREE training sponsored by NABC, State Farm and Caliber Collision. |
NABC’s FREE Program Provides Firefighters With Crash Course on How to Cut Up Complex Vehicles
The National Auto Body Council (NABC), Caliber Collision and State Farm teamed up with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to host a special First Responder Emergency Extrication (FREE) training program for 75 firefighters representing 14 fire and rescue companies throughout Virginia, Maryland and New York. NABC’s training program is designed to provide specialized instruction on the safest, fastest way to extricate accident victims from vehicles constructed with today’s high-strength materials and advanced technologies. The FREE event was sponsored by Caliber Collision and offered at no cost to fire departments as a community service program. Late-model vehicles for the training program were donated by State Farm. Training instruction and extrication tools were provided by Holmatro Rescue Equipment.
 Michael Murray |
Performance Business Media Hires Michael Murray as Brand Manager
Performance Business Media (PBM) has hired Michael Murray in a new role as brand manager. Murray will facilitate editorial opportunities and product placement for PBM’s growing list of clients. A demonstrated expert in automotive aftermarket media, Murray brings a wide array of knowledge and skill to PBM. As associate publisher of The Shop, a trade magazine dedicated to the aftermarket industry, Murray focused on comprehensive marketing strategies and long-term partnerships with top manufacturers and providers. As brand manager for PBM, Murray will continue to foster relationships between manufacturers and media, arranging original content opportunities, project builds and editorial outreach. After conducting market research, PBM identified missed opportunities between manufacturers and the weekend warriors who use and trust their products. Murray will work to bridge the gap between advocates and manufacturers in an ever-evolving world of social media and trends.
 The Red Bull Music Academy Festival Los Angeles is seeking vehicles with custom sound systems. |
Red Bull Music Academy Festival Los Angeles Seeking Vehicles With Custom Sound Systems
Japanese artist Ryoji Ikeda is preparing a large synth orchestra featuring 100 cars as part of the Red Bull Music Academy Festival Los Angeles, October 15, in downtown L.A. Organizers are seeking car owners with significant custom sound systems to participate in the event. Vehicles must be available to load in to the event, October 14, at 131 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, CA, 90012. Those interested can sign up online.
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