George Lee Lane has passed away. Lane was born and raised in Southwest Michigan, where he met his lifelong wife and partner Janet and raised their two sons, Doug and David.
From humble beginnings to building an automotive powerhouse, Lane was a true pioneer. He had an unparalleled passion for cars and racing. To feed this passion, he made frequent trips to the Detroit area to purchase performance parts for himself and his friends. This ultimately led to his first startup, a part-time speed shop operated out of his garage.
As this venture began to flourish, Lane started selling these parts to local racers and hot-rod enthusiasts. His business grew quickly, and in 1964, Lane Automotive was formed. Not long after, in 1970, he launched Lane’s wholesale division, Motor State Distributing. This division brought performance and racing parts from manufacturers across the country to locally owned speed shops and retailers throughout the Midwest.
Lane later launched Allstar Performance—a brand focused on specialty racing parts and equipment. Over its 57 years in business, Lane Automotive has grown into a multi-generational company, which has been led by Lane, his children, and most recently, his grandchildren. Under Lane’s leadership, his company has grown to serve performance automotive enthusiasts around the world.
Regardless of the company’s growth, however, Lane remained heavily involved in the racing and hot-rod scene, and could often be found at local tracks on race day. He helped to support local tracks and racers, as well as to standardize many safety and certification practices across various sanctioning bodies. For this, Lane was honored with his induction into the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2001.
Heavily involved with helping to promote and expand the automotive aftermarket industry, Lane saw the value and importance of supporting the industry’s organizations, shows and conferences through membership and participation.
Even after he formally retired, Lane continued to be actively involved with the company. He was a fixture at the annual Lane Automotive Car Show, and a regular at Cars and Coffee events, where he could often be found swapping stories with customers he had known for decades.
As of press time, no funeral arrangements have been announced.
Due to the ongoing health emergency in the District of Columbia and around the world, the 2021 Washington, D.C., Auto Show will be unable to open during the previously-scheduled March 26–April 4 time frame. Show organizers are working closely with the District government and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to find dates later in the spring to host the event.The 2020 show, which commenced before the COVID-19 pandemic, was one of the best-attended shows in the event’s history, and featured more than 600 new vehicles from nearly three-dozen auto manufacturers. Further details about the auto show's programming, including updates on scheduling, participating manufacturers, media and industry-related events, and much more, will be announced in the coming months.
Air Lift Company Announces Acquisition of Flo Airride
Air Lift Company has announced that it has acquired air tank manufacturer Flo Airride Mfg. Flo Airride specializes in the lowered truck market, specifically air tanks. Under the terms of the acquisition, all business operations will move from Flo Airride’s Oklahoma facility to Air Lift's Lansing, Michigan-based, headquarters. In addition to acquiring Flo Airride, Air Lift Company will gain the rights to Slam'd Magazine, a publication created to build a community of engaged automotive enthusiasts around the world. Air Lift Company will also welcome former Flo Airride-owner Mike Alexander to the Air Lift Performance team as the Air Lift performance brand manager. Alexander has worked for almost two decades within the automotive aftermarket, beginning his custom automotive career in the print publishing world and later as the Director of Marketing at AccuAir, before founding Slam'd Magazine in 2014 and Flo Airride in 2016. Air Lift Performance is currently transitioning the production of Flo Airride tanks to their Lansing, Michigan facility. The team anticipates that sales of Flo product will begin in February of 2021.
Joseph Wright
DENSO Products and Services Americas Names Operations Director
DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc., an affiliate of DENSO Corp., has named Joseph Wright its new director of Americas Operations. Wright is responsible for overseeing all DENSO shipping and receiving operations across North America, including DENSO’s warehouse and distribution centers in California and Indiana.
Wright brings more than 20 years of experience in warehousing, transportation, global logistics, procurement and production to the position.
"We’re excited to have Joseph join our team and propel us to a higher level of operational excellence," said Kazu Yanagawa, vice president of DENSO’s Supply Chain Management Group. "In addition to our superior products, the DENSO brand stands for unbeatable customer service. Joseph’s acumen and experience will help us continue to build on all these strengths."
Mid America Motorworks Unveils 2021 Catalog Featuring 12,500 Parts and Accessories For Classic Air-Cooled Volkswagens
Mid America Motorworks has announced the debut of its 148-page full-color 2021 catalog, which features more than 12,500 parts and accessories for owners and lovers of classic air-cooled Volkswagen models. The catalog—along with its accompanying site—focuses on a family of air-cooled Volkswagen models including Beetle, Super Beetle, Bus, Karmann Ghia, Thing and Type 3. A record 18,638 parts and accessories are offered within the catalog, with another 9,547 showcased on the Mid America Motorworks site. The 28,285 total parts and accessories range from a $1.99 screw to a $6,000 ready-to-install motor.
Cometic Gasket has announced the acquisition of Klotz Synthetic Lubricants, according to published reports. Klotz Synthetic Lubricants was founded in 1959 by John C. Klotz Jr. in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The company specializes in racing, high-performance, and traditional lubricants, and markets include automotive, karting, marine, motorcycle and RC categories. As part of the acquisition, Brad Kruckenberg has been appointed as the new president for Klotz Synthetic Lubrication. At the same time, company founder Klotz will continue in a leadership role as Chairman Emeritus. The business will continue to engineer, formulate and package its purpose-built lubricants out of its Fort Wayne headquarters.
MAHLE Motorsport Introduces 2021 Racing Components Application Guide
MAHLE Motorsport has introduced a new 2021 Application Guide. The guide offers a complete listing of all PowerPak and PowerPak Plus Piston Kits offered for domestic and import applications and features more than 35 pages of tech information for quick and easy ordering that includes motorsport ring sets, rails and expanders per bore.
LSI Chemical Expands Distribution to China, Signs Pioneer New Material Technology Co. Ltd.
LSI Chemical has announced on the heels of signing distribution in South Africa, a new major distribution partner—Pioneer New Material Technology Company Ltd., located in Luoyang, China. The addition of Pioneer represents a strong partner as the world’s third largest MoS2 manufacturer. Pioneer boasts an independent import and export license and a complete customs clearance system to ensure the smooth flow of domestic and foreign products. Pioneer is now authorized to distribute the entire line of LSI Chemical fuel and oil additives in China. Now, in addition to the company’s own manufactured products, which includes lubricating grease for automotive manufacturing, Pioneer will have access to fuel and oil additive technology to improve lubricants and fuels upstream at refineries in the Chinese market and abroad.
VP Racing Fuels Strengthens Distribution in Alabama, Georgia and Florida
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced that Davison Oil will no longer distribute VP products. Boswell Oil has been named the sole VP distributor for the state of Georgia, as well as for the areas of Alabama south of Birmingham. VP Southeast continues to service the state of Florida.
Engine Parts Group Announces Addition of NPW
Engine Parts Group, also known as Engine Pro, has announced the addition of NPW Companies as its newest member. NPW is a Florida-based automotive parts distributor with 30 warehouse locations and more than 50 store locations across the US. NPW had recently purchased Engine and Performance Warehouse Inc. (EPWI), a founding member of the Engine Parts Group.
Larry Magee
Parker Retires and Magee Elected AACF Board of Trustees
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) announced the retirement of Lynn Parker, and the selection of Larry Magee as President of the Board of Trustees. Magee has been involved with the Foundation for over 25 years, and currently serves on the Foundation’s Executive Committee, Recipient Review Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and Golf Committee.Parker served on the AACF Board for over 20 years and as AACF Board President the last 3 years.
“Lynn has been a dedicated and passionate volunteer and will be truly missed; we wish him the best in his new adventures,” said Joel Ayres, Executive Director of AACF.”Ayres went on to say, “AACF is fortunate that Larry will be stepping into this leadership position, his experience with the Foundation and many years in the aftermarket industry will be make this a smooth transition.”
During his career in the aftermarket Magee held CEO/President positions with several companies including Bridgestone/Firestone, Heartland Automotive, and Magnolia Enterprise Group.
For more information or to get involved, contact Joel Ayres at joel@aacfi.org.
Chevrolet Names First Sports Car Racing Program Manager
Chevrolet has named Laura Wontrop Klauser as its newly created sports car racing program manager as the manufacturer continues its shift toward an engineering-based approach throughout its motorsports programs. In her new position, Klauser will oversee the engineering and technical aspects of Corvette Racing on behalf of Chevrolet. Klauser, who resides in Detroit, currently manages the Cadillac DPi-V.R and Camaro GT4.R programs in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Caliber Announces the Appointment of Aylwin B. Lewis to Board of Directors
Caliber has announced the appointment of Aylwin B. Lewis to its Board of Directors, effective January 25. Lewis, the former chairman, president and chief executive officer of Potbelly Corp., and a former top executive at Kmart, Sears and Yum! Brands, brings a long track record of leadership and performance to Caliber’s Board of Directors. In addition to the position on Caliber’s board, Lewis currently serves on the boards at Marriott International, Voya Financial and Chef’s Warehouse. In the past, Lewis has held board roles with Halliburton, Kmart, Red Robin, Sears, Starwood Hotels and the Walt Disney Company. As part of Caliber’s board, Lewis will help oversee and guide the company’s 1,200+ service centers that restore 1.5 million vehicles and customer lives each year and support more than 21,500 teammates and the communities they serve.
Brake Parts Inc. received Uni-Select's
highest supplier recognition, the
Diamond Award.
Brake Parts Inc. Receives Uni-Select Diamond Award
Brake Parts Inc. (BPI), part of the First Brands Group, was recently honored by Uni-Select with its highest supplier recognition, the Diamond Award, during Uni-Select’s AutoXPO Virtual Trade Show and Convention.
First Brands Group was chosen as the Uni-Select supplier of the year recipient for demonstrating true leadership of a supplier partnership. First Brands Group excelled in the ability to provide products, both national and private branded, throughout the Uni-Select Canadian network at all levels of distribution, from distribution center locations to automotive service providers. In addition, First Brands Group supported the in-field efforts of Uni-Select members and corporate stores to drive sales and product support.
In past years, BPI has been recognized for excellence by Uni-Select with the Diamond Award, two Golden Ally Awards for sales growth and marketing and the Innovator of the Year Award.
LSI Chemical Signs Pioneer New Material Technology Co. Ltd.
LSI Chemical has announced a new distribution partner located in Luoyang, China. Pioneer New Material Technology Company Ltd. is now authorized to distribute the entire line of LSI Chemical fuel and oil additives in the country. In addition to the company’s own lubricating grease for automotive manufacturing, Pioneer now has access to LSI’s fuel and oil additive technology for the Chinese market and abroad. The news comes after LSI announced NanoTech Petroleum as its new South African distributor.
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Mac Tools and Kalitta Motorsports Extend 20-Year Partnership
Kalitta Motorsports and Mac Tools have announced that one of the longest running sponsorship relationships will continue into its 20th NHRA season through a multiyear extension agreement. Doug Kalitta, one of the winningest Top Fuel racers in NHRA history, will continue to race the red-and-white 300-mph Mac Tools Top Fuel dragster throughout the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season. Kalitta, along with the rest of the Kalitta Motorsports team, will continue their commitment to building the Mac Tools brand, raising product awareness with fans and technicians while engaging with Mac Tools’ distributors across the country. Throughout the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, Kalitta Motorsports will highlight its Top 20 Mac Tools Moments. Additionally, the team designed a commemorative logo which will be featured throughout the season.
Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) will compete in a 550-hp electric SUV
inspired by the GMC HUMMER EV.
Chip Ganassi Racing to Enter Extreme E With GMC
GMC has announced a new multiyear sponsorship with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) for the team’s first electric racing venture in the inaugural Extreme E season in 2021. CGR will compete in a 550-hp electric SUV inspired by the GMC HUMMER EV. Noted off-road racers Kyle LeDuc and Sara Price will serve as drivers for CGR in the series. The Extreme E five-race global championship will take place in some of the world’s most remote locations and promotes the adoption of electric vehicles.
Season 1 Extreme E Calendar:
Desert X Prix: AlUla, Saudi Arabia: April 3-4
Ocean X Prix: Lac Rose, Senegal: May 29-30
Arctic X Prix: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland: August 28-29
Amazon X Prix: Para, Brazil: October 23-24
Glacier X Prix: Patagonia, Argentina: December 11-12
Drivers will compete in full-sized stock cars utilizing a 625-hp
NASCAR Yates spec engine and the same chassis components as
ARCA and the NASCAR Truck Series.
40 Races For Inaugural BMR Drivers Academy Season
Bill McAnally Racing (BMR) has released the 40-race schedule for the inaugural BMR Drivers Academy, which begins on March 26, at the All American Speedway in Roseville, California. The series will compete at five NASCAR National and Weekly Series tracks across the state. There are 16 two-day events on the calendar, which will visit oval tracks like Irwindale Speedway (Irwindale, California) and Kern County Raceway Park (Bakersfield, California). Road courses include Sonoma Raceway (Sonoma, California) and Thunderhill Raceway (Willows, California). The roster of drivers includes standouts from grassroots motorsports across North America. Drivers will compete in full-sized stock cars utilizing a 625-hp NASCAR Yates spec engine and the same chassis components as ARCA and the NASCAR Truck Series.
After races 14, 24, and 30, the points leader will be awarded an opportunity to compete in the Bill McAnally Racing Toyota for a 2021 ARCA event. Drivers that win race events in the Drivers Academy during the season will also receive one entry per win towards a drawing for the opportunity to compete with BMR/MHR in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Phoenix in November. Races will be streamed live to a worldwide audience via SPEED SPORT TV. For more information, visit www.bmrdriversacademy.com.
Honda Performance Development (HPD) and Honda Motor Company
have announced a new scholarship program to support the Formula
Regional Americas series and the Super Formula Championship
based in Japan.
HPD Announces Super Formula Scholarship
Honda Performance Development (HPD) and Honda Motor Company have announced a new scholarship program to support the Formula Regional Americas series and the Super Formula Championship based in Japan. HPD and Honda Motor will award the 2021 champion of the Formula Regional Americas series with a scholarship—value of up to $600,000—to participate in the 2022 Super Formula series season.
The Formula Regional Americas (formerly F3) is an FIA-supported series promoted by Parella Motorsports Holdings and sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing. The internationally known Super Formula series is the top level of open-wheel racing in Japan and features a high downforce Dallara chassis powered by 500+ hp engines.
This is the upcoming Ford F-150 Raptor, and video confirms that at least one Raptor variant will pack a 5.2 V8 engine straight from the heart of the Shelby GT500, and will make between 725 and 750 hp, according to sources. The engineer was overly cautious when it came to accelerating, and even went as far as cutting through subdivisions to get back to Roush (the same Roush that helped develop the GT500).
One source said “Honestly, we had to counter RAM once we knew they installed the HellCat in the TRX”. The team is allegedly looking to beat the Ram TRX at all costs.
This is the upcoming Ford F-150 Raptor, and video confirms that at least one Raptor variant will pack a 5.2 V8 engine straight from the heart of the Shelby GT500, and will make between 725 and 750 hp, according to sources. The engineer was overly cautious when it came to accelerating, and even went as far as cutting through subdivisions to get back to Roush (the same Roush that helped develop the GT500).
One source said “Honestly, we had to counter RAM once we knew they installed the HellCat in the TRX”. The team is allegedly looking to beat the Ram TRX at all costs.
Established in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame recognizes people who have contributed a significant body of work to the industry over a long period of time, and is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association. It is designed to honor the leaders, innovators, creators and enthusiasts who have helped transform small, burgeoning businesses into an industry worth more than $44.6 billion annually.
Nominate an individual who epitomizes the essence of ingenuity in action, before the Friday, March 19, deadline.
To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.semahof.com or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.
Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.
Social Media Customer Service Specialist Pedal Commander is hiring a social media customer service representative responsible for answering customer service inquiries on a variety of social media networks, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The preferred candidate will be fluent in Spanish and/or French, both written and spoken.
Account Executive Goodguys Rod & Custom Association is hiring an account executive responsible for selling print and digital advertising, event exhibitor space and sponsorship activations. This position requires exceptional customer relationship management, pre- and post-sale. Prospecting, cold-calling and lead follow-up are required.
Sales Manager ECUMaster is hiring a sales manager responsible for inside and outside sales, both wholesale and retail; managing wholesale relationships; inventory projections; overseeing order fulfillment; and maintaining website content, including copywriting. Sales experience is required.
SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.
Join the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) as they host a Facebook Live Chat with Kathryn Reinhardt, senior marketing manager at 4 Wheel Parts, and a member of the SEMA Board of Directors, February 9, 12:00 p.m. (PST).
Reinhardt has worked in the aftermarket automotive industry for more than 15 years, and has a proven track record of accomplishments, both in her career and as a volunteer for the association. In addition to her professional career experiences, Reinhardt is the chairwoman of SEMA Cares, and she plays an active role in the success of many SEMA councils and networks, earning her recognition as 2015 SEMA Person of the Year, 2015 YEN Vanguard Award winner, 2014 SBN Woman of the Year, and 2014 LTAA (now TORA) Chairman’s Award.
As host of SBN’s Live Chat, Reinhardt will share detail about her start in the industry, inspirational stories about the women she met along the way and give advice on knowing what you want and how to ask for it.
George Lee Lane has passed away. Lane was born and raised in Southwest Michigan, where he met his lifelong wife and partner Janet and raised their two sons, Doug and David.
MAHLE Motorsport Introduces 2021 Racing Components Application Guide
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