Compiled by SEMA Editors
into the Darryl Starbird Rod
and Custom Hall of Fame.
Classic Instruments’ Owner John McLeod Inducted to the Darryl Starbird Rod and Custom Hall of Fame
Classic Instruments owner John McLeod attended the 57th Annual Darryl Starbird National Rod and Custom Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was inducted into the Darryl Starbird Rod and Custom Hall of Fame. McLeod received the award for the impact that Classic Instruments has had on the hot-rod industry, continuously being the go-to company for top builders seeking one-off custom dashes.
LSI Chemical Signs New UK Distributor—GreenGlove Ltd.
LSI Chemical has announced a new European distributor—GreenGlove Ltd. GreenGlove is now the official United Kingdom and Ireland distributor for LSI Chemical, offering solutions to customers in the lubrication and fuel industries to help companies bring an improved, market-ready product to end-users. Additionally, GreenGlove is now an official distributor of the full line of Hot Shot’s Secret products available for retail throughout western Europe.
The Wheel Group Hires Gerry Geronimo as Marketing Manager
The Wheel Group (TWG) has announced Gerry Geronimo as its new marketing manager. Geronimo brings with him a great deal of experience in the field of marketing, brand management, sports marketing and more. His past positions were most recently leading the marketing efforts at Vision Wheel, and prior to that, he spent nearly a decade in multiple marketing functions at Wheel Pros as well as other companies outside of the industry. Geronimo will lead the marketing efforts for all 17 proprietary brands in The Wheel Group’s portfolio. As a key member of the management team, he’ll drive and expand on the current brands strategy and deliver on all growth initiatives for the company.
Matthew Gamble to Lead Banks Power Engine Program
Banks Power has announced Matthew Gamble as its design, assembly and testing manager for its DMAX engine programs. Gamble will help design, develop and launch the high-performance, turnkey variants of the Banks D866T engine in his new position. Engineered and developed in-house at the company’s Azusa, California, campus, the engines will feature Banks components, many integrated during an initial assembly at GM’s DMAX Ltd. plant in Moraine, Ohio. Gamble will also lead performance and durability demonstration events both in-house and remote, among other duties. He arrives at Banks from Edelbrock, where he managed the company’s cylinder head and water pump lines. Previously, the mechanical engineer managed 15 successful launch campaigns of Delta IV rockets at Rocketdyne and oversaw the health monitoring systems at Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.
NHRA Appoints Lonnie Grim National Tech Director
The NHRA Technical Department has announced the addition of Lonnie Grim as the new national tech director. He began his role on April 12, and will help continue toward the department’s goal of innovation and safety. Grim comes to the NHRA with more than 15 years of experience within the sport of drag racing. He most recently served as the competition/series tech director at the Professional Drag Racing Association. Grim joins the technical department led by NHRA Vice President of Competition Ned Walliser.
Daryn And Mandy Pittman Purchase Ultra Shield Race Products
Robert and Donna Bass have announced that Daryn and Mandy Pittman have purchased Ultra Shield Race Products, the manufacturer of race seats, harnesses, arm restraints, window nets, and more racing safety products in Flint, Texas. Robert and Donna Bass had founded Ultra Shield Race Products in 1987 by manufacturing tear-offs before the business progressed to include seats, belts, nets and more safety equipment.
Peter MacGillivray Joins MotorTrend Group Sales Team
MotorTrend Group has hired automotive aftermarket industry veteran Peter MacGillivray as a senior member to its sales team. MacGillivray’s focus will be representing the combined portfolio of brands such as MotorTrend, HOT ROD, and Four Wheeler, and original content across multiple media and events channels. MacGillivary returns to his roots at MotorTrend Group after 20 years to help expand and grow aftermarket partnerships.
Prior to joining MotorTrend Group, MacGillivray worked as vice president of events and business development for SEMA, and an executive with the Performance Racing Industry Show and Performance Racing Industry magazine. MacGillivray will maintain his current role as the marketing committee chairman and on the Revenue Growth Committee for the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation.
Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Celebrates Donald Schlenger
Aftermarket Charitable Foundation board
member Andy Dudash.
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation honored one of its original founders, Donald Schlenger, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
On May 3, Schlenger was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for serving and supporting the AACF for more than 40 years. Board member Andy Dudash was there to deliver the award and join Schlenger for lunch. Today, as an accomplished Bridge player, he enjoys reminiscing with his legion of friends and family and continues to play competitive bridge, often beating players half his age. Read more at about Schlenger www.facebook.com/AftermarketCharity.
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