By SEMA News Editors
S&W Performance Group to Cease Operations
Longtime chassis and suspension manufacturer S&W Performance Group will close following months of operational and fulfillment challenges. The company said it will continue working through remaining customer orders and processing outstanding refunds during this final stage, while preparing to wind down operations and conduct a final inventory sale in the coming weeks.
S&W Performance made the following announcement in an email to industry members:
For many months now, we have been aware of the challenges our customers have faced when trying to reach us, the delays on orders, and the frustrations surrounding communication and fulfillment. We have listened to the concerns shared across emails, phone calls, forums and social media, and we recognize that we have not met the standard that our community has expected from us. With that in mind, and after a great deal of reflection and planning, we have made the difficult decision to formally announce the closure of S&W Performance Group.
S&W has been a household name in the drag-racing community for decades, especially throughout the Eastern Pennsylvania scene and beyond. From full chassis and roll cages to suspension components, engine mounting solutions and countless custom applications, our parts have been used to build cars, win races, and support grassroots motorsports across the country. None of that would have been possible without the customers, fabricators, and supporters who stood behind this brand through every era of its existence. The loyalty shown to S&W over the years, even during our most difficult periods, is something we will always be deeply grateful for, and it is exactly why we owe everyone a transparent explanation of how we arrived at this point.
Several months ago, we issued a public apology regarding delays, pending orders and outstanding refunds...
We want to be absolutely clear on one critical point: all pending orders are still being actively worked on and fulfilled to the best of our ability. Refunds owed to customers with canceled orders are also being processed as we work through our records and outstanding requests. We sincerely appreciate the patience that many of you have shown during this time and we remain committed to resolving all open orders and financial obligations. If there are any changes, delays, or required updates regarding a specific order, customers will be contacted directly as we continue working through the queue.
Closing S&W is not a decision we take lightly...
As we begin this transition, we will be organizing a final inventory sale over the coming weeks. Remaining inventory will be offered at approximately 40% off to allow customers, shops and racers the opportunity to stock up on parts that may become difficult to source in the future. A continuously updated inventory list will be posted on the homepage of our website and we encourage those interested to check back regularly as availability will change on a daily basis while supplies last.
To everyone who has supported S&W Performance Group over the years—thank you. Thank you for your business, your loyalty, your patience and even your honest criticism when we fell short. We are truly grateful to have been part of your builds, your race programs, and your shops for so long. We kindly ask for your continued patience as we work through remaining orders and refunds during this final stage. Serving this community has been an honor, and while this chapter is coming to a close, we will always be proud of the legacy S&W leaves behind.
Due to our phone system not being operational due to the transition of building ownership with the new tenants, please feel free to reach us at support@swracecars.com or 484-239-7939 if you have any requests, inquiries or questions.
RANDYS Worldwide Appoints Nick DiBlasi as Vice President of Product Management
RANDYS Worldwide has appointed Nick DiBlasi as vice president of product management, effective March 9, 2026.
DiBlasi brings extensive experience in product management and strategy within the automotive and specialty-equipment markets. He will lead product development across RANDYS' family of brands--including Yukon Gear & Axle, USA Standard Gear, Zumbrota Drivetrain, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Carli Suspension, Cognito Motorsports, Dynatrac, Van Compass and BulletProof Hitches--with a mandate to accelerate innovation and meet evolving customer needs.
"The opportunity to accelerate product development to expand our relationships with our customers' is real, and Nick is exactly the kind of leader who will answer that call," said Kevin Kaestner, president and CEO of RANDYS Worldwide. "Nick brings deep product management expertise and a track record of delivering results in complex, multi-brand environments. We are proud to add this level of talent to the RANDYS team as we continue to grow and serve our customers."
"RANDYS has built something genuinely rare in this industry--a family of high-quality brands that installers and enthusiasts trust implicitly," said DiBlasi. "The opportunity to drive product development across this platform, backed by a passionate team is exactly the opportunity I came here for. We have significant runway ahead, and I'm excited to get started."
DiBlasi most recently served as vice president of product management at Race Winning Brands. He has a track record of building high-performing product teams, launching category-defining products and scaling development capabilities within complex, multi-brand organizations.
DENSO Names Lisa Michler Marketing and Communications Manager
DENSO Products and Services Americas, a subsidiary of DENSO Corp., has promoted Lisa Michler to marketing and communications manager. She will lead brand strategy and integrated marketing initiatives across the company's aftermarket automotive products and services, as well as its MovinCool and Robotics divisions.
Michler brings 24 years of experience at DENSO and extensive automotive marketing expertise. She will oversee brand positioning, customer engagement and communications strategy, while leading a cross-functional team supporting advertising, digital marketing, trade shows, sales promotions, sponsorships and corporate communications.
"Lisa's leadership, market insight and ability to translate complex product portfolios into compelling customer value make her a strong fit for this role," said Kelly Dickens, senior manager of national accounts and marketing. "Her experience and strategic mindset will be instrumental as we continue to expand our presence across both traditional and emerging markets."
Michler assumed the role February 23, succeeding Daniel Muramoto, who retired in December.
I-CAR Hosts 2026 Volunteer and Instructor Conference
I-CAR hosted its 2026 Volunteer & Instructor Conference in Orlando, bringing together collision repair instructors, volunteers, partners and council members for three days of education, collaboration and recognition.
Programming addressed grading alignment, event execution, digital tools, legislative updates impacting CREF fundraisers, the Registered Apprenticeship Program and the launch of a new CREF Donation Exchange Portal.
The conference also featured a presentation of the NABC Recycled Rides program. Since 2007, the initiative has donated more than 3,750 vehicles valued at approximately $67 million to individuals and families in need.
The event concluded with a Recognition Dinner honoring instructors and volunteers for excellence in 2025.
The Lon Baudoux Instructor of the Year Award recognized educators who have consistently delivered high-quality training experiences across the country:
- Northeast: Evan Bieber
- North Central: Ken Kempfer
- South Central: Calvin Cornehl
- Southwest: Gary Lutz
- Northwest: Jeffery "Jeff" Chillemi
The Johnny Dickerson Welding Award, recognizing instructors who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the craft, was presented to:
- Northeast: Nick Saltamanikas
- South Central: Garry Briscoe
- Southwest: Joe Velasquez
- Northwest: Josh Van Heel
Additional honors were presented to those who have made exceptional contributions to I-CAR's mission:
- Horizon Award: Todd Bonecutter, recognized for his emerging I-CAR leadership and dedication to advancing the industry
- Circle of Excellence Award: Gary Opferman, representing the pinnacle of instructional excellence across all regions
- Founder's Ring: John Melendez, honored for his outstanding and enduring contributions to I-CAR and the collision-repair industry
