Thu, 06/29/2017 - 11:42

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

Thu, 06/29/2017 - 11:31

Compiled by SEMA Editors

torc
Round 6 action of TORC: The Off-Road Championship presented by AMSOIL returned to action last weekend at Crandon International Off-Road Raceway.

TORC: The Off-Road Championship: Johnny Greaves, Brad Lovell, Kyle Kleiman Victorious at Crandon; TORC Announces New Broadcast Partnership with beIN SPORTS

Round 6 action of TORC: The Off-Road Championship presented by AMSOIL returned to action last weekend at Crandon International Off-Road Raceway. In the closing laps of PRO 4, Johnny Greaves edged Keegan Kincaid in an all-out brawl to the checkers with Chad Hord finishing third. Sporting the biggest field in the TORC Series truck ranks, PRO 2’s Brad Lovell defeated Luke Johnson on the opening lap. An opening lap red flag shuffled the deck almost immediately in PRO Light; however, Kyle Kleiman rose to the top. With his fourth consecutive win, Kleiman is starting to put a stranglehold on the top spot in the championship chase. The TORC Series will return to action, July 15–16, in Bark River, Michigan, for rounds 7 and 8.

New for 2017, TORC: The Off-Road Championship fans can access television broadcasts of PRO UTV, PRO Light, PRO 2 and PRO 4 racing via beIN SPORTS. Expanding the network’s programming, beIN SPORTS has added TORC as a premier motorsports property. The station will feature 26 weeks of 90-minute shows featuring all TORC racing rounds from the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Visit the beIN SPORTS website to view the schedule. Returning to the broadcast booth will be Robbie Floyd, along with decorated motocross and off-road racers Ricky Johnson and Grant Langston offering in-depth analysis and commentary. Kate Osborne will return to report from the pits.

torrence
Steve Torrence powered his Top Fuel dragster to victory last Sunday at the 11th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park.

Torrence, Beckman, Butner and Tonglet Notch Victories Last Sunday at Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals

Steve Torrence powered his Top Fuel dragster to victory last Sunday at the 11th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park. Jack Beckman (Top Fuel), Bo Butner (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners in their respective categories at the 12th of 24 events on the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Torrence secured his career-best fourth victory of the season with a 3.743-second pass at 331.45 mph in his Capco Contractors dragster to defeat Doug Kalitta on a holeshot after he ran a 3.736 at 331.36 in his Mac Tools dragster. Torrence remained atop the points standings with the victory, and Leah Pritchett is second in the standings after a semifinal appearance. Beckman earned his 26th career victory and second of the season with a 4.073 pass at 311.85 in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T during the final round to defeat Robert Hight, who ran a 6.673 at 98.53 in his Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS. Beckman remains in third place in the points standings behind teammates Ron Capps and Matt Hagan, who both fell in the quarterfinals. Points leader Butner secured the victory in Pro Stock after driving to a 6.601 at 210.50 in his Jim Butner’s Auto Chevy Camaro to knock off Greg Anderson on a holeshot after running a 6.581 at 210.87 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevrolet Camaro. Butner added to his lead in the points standings, becoming the first three race winner in the Pro Stock category this season. Anderson remains in second place with his fourth runner-up appearance of the year. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Tonglet emerged victorious with a 6.824 at 195.76 in his Nitro Fish Racing Suzuki to defeat Matt Smith’s pass of 6.882 at 195.31 in his Victory Polaris Magnum. Tonglet notched his 13th career victory and third of the season. Tonglet jumped to first in the Pro Stock Motorcycle points standings and Eddie Krawiec fell to second after falling in the first round. The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues with the Fallen Patriots NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by K&N Filters at Route 66 Raceway, July 6–9.

motorsports
Motorsport.com has teamed up with FIA Formula E series partner TAG Heuer to launch a new video series that goes behind the scenes of the all-electric championship. 

Motorsport.com Teams With TAG Heuer to Launch FIA Formula E Video Series

Motorsport.com has teamed up with FIA Formula E series partner TAG Heuer to launch a new video series that goes behind the scenes of the all-electric championship as it gears up for its New York City debut. The FIA Formula E championship will race in Brooklyn, New York, July 15–16, in what will be the first-ever FIA-sanctioned motor race ever held in the five boroughs of New York. TAG Heuer is a founding partner of the FIA Formula E Championship, and Motorsport.com’s parent company, Motorsport Network, announced in January this year that it had acquired a financial stake in the all-electric championship. The new video series aims to educate new fans about the championship. Along with the group’s motorsport titles, the video series also will be featured on Motorsport Network’s global automotive site, www.motor1.com along with www.motorsport.tv.

Motul Named Official Motor Oil of Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen International has announced a new partnership with Motul, naming the French producer of high-performance motor oils and industrial lubricants as the “Official Motor Oil” of the famed upstate New York circuit. The multi-year deal includes an on-site presence for Motul during the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, June 29–July 2, and the United States Vintage Grand Prix, September 8–10, in addition to signage and ticket allotments. The agreement takes effect immediately.

Thu, 06/29/2017 - 11:31

Compiled by SEMA Editors

torc
Round 6 action of TORC: The Off-Road Championship presented by AMSOIL returned to action last weekend at Crandon International Off-Road Raceway.

TORC: The Off-Road Championship: Johnny Greaves, Brad Lovell, Kyle Kleiman Victorious at Crandon; TORC Announces New Broadcast Partnership with beIN SPORTS

Round 6 action of TORC: The Off-Road Championship presented by AMSOIL returned to action last weekend at Crandon International Off-Road Raceway. In the closing laps of PRO 4, Johnny Greaves edged Keegan Kincaid in an all-out brawl to the checkers with Chad Hord finishing third. Sporting the biggest field in the TORC Series truck ranks, PRO 2’s Brad Lovell defeated Luke Johnson on the opening lap. An opening lap red flag shuffled the deck almost immediately in PRO Light; however, Kyle Kleiman rose to the top. With his fourth consecutive win, Kleiman is starting to put a stranglehold on the top spot in the championship chase. The TORC Series will return to action, July 15–16, in Bark River, Michigan, for rounds 7 and 8.

New for 2017, TORC: The Off-Road Championship fans can access television broadcasts of PRO UTV, PRO Light, PRO 2 and PRO 4 racing via beIN SPORTS. Expanding the network’s programming, beIN SPORTS has added TORC as a premier motorsports property. The station will feature 26 weeks of 90-minute shows featuring all TORC racing rounds from the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Visit the beIN SPORTS website to view the schedule. Returning to the broadcast booth will be Robbie Floyd, along with decorated motocross and off-road racers Ricky Johnson and Grant Langston offering in-depth analysis and commentary. Kate Osborne will return to report from the pits.

torrence
Steve Torrence powered his Top Fuel dragster to victory last Sunday at the 11th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park.

Torrence, Beckman, Butner and Tonglet Notch Victories Last Sunday at Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals

Steve Torrence powered his Top Fuel dragster to victory last Sunday at the 11th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park. Jack Beckman (Top Fuel), Bo Butner (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners in their respective categories at the 12th of 24 events on the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule. Torrence secured his career-best fourth victory of the season with a 3.743-second pass at 331.45 mph in his Capco Contractors dragster to defeat Doug Kalitta on a holeshot after he ran a 3.736 at 331.36 in his Mac Tools dragster. Torrence remained atop the points standings with the victory, and Leah Pritchett is second in the standings after a semifinal appearance. Beckman earned his 26th career victory and second of the season with a 4.073 pass at 311.85 in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T during the final round to defeat Robert Hight, who ran a 6.673 at 98.53 in his Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS. Beckman remains in third place in the points standings behind teammates Ron Capps and Matt Hagan, who both fell in the quarterfinals. Points leader Butner secured the victory in Pro Stock after driving to a 6.601 at 210.50 in his Jim Butner’s Auto Chevy Camaro to knock off Greg Anderson on a holeshot after running a 6.581 at 210.87 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevrolet Camaro. Butner added to his lead in the points standings, becoming the first three race winner in the Pro Stock category this season. Anderson remains in second place with his fourth runner-up appearance of the year. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Tonglet emerged victorious with a 6.824 at 195.76 in his Nitro Fish Racing Suzuki to defeat Matt Smith’s pass of 6.882 at 195.31 in his Victory Polaris Magnum. Tonglet notched his 13th career victory and third of the season. Tonglet jumped to first in the Pro Stock Motorcycle points standings and Eddie Krawiec fell to second after falling in the first round. The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues with the Fallen Patriots NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by K&N Filters at Route 66 Raceway, July 6–9.

motorsports
Motorsport.com has teamed up with FIA Formula E series partner TAG Heuer to launch a new video series that goes behind the scenes of the all-electric championship. 

Motorsport.com Teams With TAG Heuer to Launch FIA Formula E Video Series

Motorsport.com has teamed up with FIA Formula E series partner TAG Heuer to launch a new video series that goes behind the scenes of the all-electric championship as it gears up for its New York City debut. The FIA Formula E championship will race in Brooklyn, New York, July 15–16, in what will be the first-ever FIA-sanctioned motor race ever held in the five boroughs of New York. TAG Heuer is a founding partner of the FIA Formula E Championship, and Motorsport.com’s parent company, Motorsport Network, announced in January this year that it had acquired a financial stake in the all-electric championship. The new video series aims to educate new fans about the championship. Along with the group’s motorsport titles, the video series also will be featured on Motorsport Network’s global automotive site, www.motor1.com along with www.motorsport.tv.

Motul Named Official Motor Oil of Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen International has announced a new partnership with Motul, naming the French producer of high-performance motor oils and industrial lubricants as the “Official Motor Oil” of the famed upstate New York circuit. The multi-year deal includes an on-site presence for Motul during the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, June 29–July 2, and the United States Vintage Grand Prix, September 8–10, in addition to signage and ticket allotments. The agreement takes effect immediately.

Thu, 06/29/2017 - 11:29

With each passing day, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act builds momentum in the nation’s capital. As you no doubt know by now, the RPM Act confirms that it’s always been legal to convert a street car into a race car for use solely at the track.

In the past year, SEMA members and racing enthusiasts have sent more than 250,000 letters to the U.S. Congress demanding that motorsports be protected from government overreach. The overwhelming response has encouraged more than a quarter of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to join as bill co-sponsors. However, there is still much work to be done. In addition to writing to your legislators using the quick and easy electronic format available at www.sema.org/rpm, there are several things SEMA members can do to ensure that the RPM Act becomes law.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/06/taking-it-to-the-streets

Thu, 06/29/2017 - 11:29

With each passing day, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act builds momentum in the nation’s capital. As you no doubt know by now, the RPM Act confirms that it’s always been legal to convert a street car into a race car for use solely at the track.

In the past year, SEMA members and racing enthusiasts have sent more than 250,000 letters to the U.S. Congress demanding that motorsports be protected from government overreach. The overwhelming response has encouraged more than a quarter of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to join as bill co-sponsors. However, there is still much work to be done. In addition to writing to your legislators using the quick and easy electronic format available at www.sema.org/rpm, there are several things SEMA members can do to ensure that the RPM Act becomes law.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/06/taking-it-to-the-streets

Thu, 06/29/2017 - 11:15

By Della Domingo

press conference
Hosting a press conference can be an effective way to reach a large number of media.

Applications to be included on the official SEMA Show press conference schedule are now available. Hosting a press conference can be an effective way to reach a large number of media; however, they do require a great deal of time and effort, and are not suited for every type of news announcement.

Here are a few tips for exhibitors who are interested in hosting a 2017 SEMA Show press conference:

  • The application deadline is Friday, July 28. Upon submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email. Be sure to follow up if you do not receive an email confirmation.
  • All applications will be reviewed and the final schedule will be announced in September. Note that submitting an application does not guarantee inclusion on the official schedule.
  • The success of your press conference is based on a variety of different factors, one of the most important being the amount of outreach to the media done prior to the Show. Be prepared to invest a considerable amount of time and effort into the planning of your press conference.
  • Press conferences are just one of the many ways exhibitors can attract media and generate coverage at the SEMA Show. Other ways include entering the New Products Showcase, posting a release to the Online Media Center and participating in social media using the hashtag #SEMA2017, all at little to no cost!
  • View the full list of all the SEMA Show PR opportunities.

Press conference applications will be accepted until Friday, July 28. If you have questions, contact SEMA PR.

Thu, 06/29/2017 - 11:15

By Della Domingo

press conference
Hosting a press conference can be an effective way to reach a large number of media.

Applications to be included on the official SEMA Show press conference schedule are now available. Hosting a press conference can be an effective way to reach a large number of media; however, they do require a great deal of time and effort, and are not suited for every type of news announcement.

Here are a few tips for exhibitors who are interested in hosting a 2017 SEMA Show press conference:

  • The application deadline is Friday, July 28. Upon submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email. Be sure to follow up if you do not receive an email confirmation.
  • All applications will be reviewed and the final schedule will be announced in September. Note that submitting an application does not guarantee inclusion on the official schedule.
  • The success of your press conference is based on a variety of different factors, one of the most important being the amount of outreach to the media done prior to the Show. Be prepared to invest a considerable amount of time and effort into the planning of your press conference.
  • Press conferences are just one of the many ways exhibitors can attract media and generate coverage at the SEMA Show. Other ways include entering the New Products Showcase, posting a release to the Online Media Center and participating in social media using the hashtag #SEMA2017, all at little to no cost!
  • View the full list of all the SEMA Show PR opportunities.

Press conference applications will be accepted until Friday, July 28. If you have questions, contact SEMA PR.

Thu, 06/29/2017 - 11:15

By Della Domingo

press conference
Hosting a press conference can be an effective way to reach a large number of media.

Applications to be included on the official SEMA Show press conference schedule are now available. Hosting a press conference can be an effective way to reach a large number of media; however, they do require a great deal of time and effort, and are not suited for every type of news announcement.

Here are a few tips for exhibitors who are interested in hosting a 2017 SEMA Show press conference:

  • The application deadline is Friday, July 28. Upon submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email. Be sure to follow up if you do not receive an email confirmation.
  • All applications will be reviewed and the final schedule will be announced in September. Note that submitting an application does not guarantee inclusion on the official schedule.
  • The success of your press conference is based on a variety of different factors, one of the most important being the amount of outreach to the media done prior to the Show. Be prepared to invest a considerable amount of time and effort into the planning of your press conference.
  • Press conferences are just one of the many ways exhibitors can attract media and generate coverage at the SEMA Show. Other ways include entering the New Products Showcase, posting a release to the Online Media Center and participating in social media using the hashtag #SEMA2017, all at little to no cost!
  • View the full list of all the SEMA Show PR opportunities.

Press conference applications will be accepted until Friday, July 28. If you have questions, contact SEMA PR.

Thu, 06/29/2017 - 11:15

By Della Domingo

press conference
Hosting a press conference can be an effective way to reach a large number of media.

Applications to be included on the official SEMA Show press conference schedule are now available. Hosting a press conference can be an effective way to reach a large number of media; however, they do require a great deal of time and effort, and are not suited for every type of news announcement.

Here are a few tips for exhibitors who are interested in hosting a 2017 SEMA Show press conference:

  • The application deadline is Friday, July 28. Upon submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email. Be sure to follow up if you do not receive an email confirmation.
  • All applications will be reviewed and the final schedule will be announced in September. Note that submitting an application does not guarantee inclusion on the official schedule.
  • The success of your press conference is based on a variety of different factors, one of the most important being the amount of outreach to the media done prior to the Show. Be prepared to invest a considerable amount of time and effort into the planning of your press conference.
  • Press conferences are just one of the many ways exhibitors can attract media and generate coverage at the SEMA Show. Other ways include entering the New Products Showcase, posting a release to the Online Media Center and participating in social media using the hashtag #SEMA2017, all at little to no cost!
  • View the full list of all the SEMA Show PR opportunities.

Press conference applications will be accepted until Friday, July 28. If you have questions, contact SEMA PR.

Thu, 06/29/2017 - 10:56

Compiled by SEMA Editors

barret jackson
Barrett-Jackson and Prestone are teaming up this summer for a one-of-a-kind restoration build named “Project Prestone,” featuring an ’87 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe.

Barrett-Jackson, Prestone Team Up for “Project Prestone” Restoration Build

Barrett-Jackson and Prestone are teaming up this summer for a one-of-a-kind restoration build named “Project Prestone.” The project car, an ’87 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe, was unveiled at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, along with the restoration plan that will see the completed vehicle auctioned at Barrett-Jackson’s 2018 Scottsdale Auction in January. At the completion of Barrett-Jackson’s 2017 Northeast Auction, the vehicle will be transported to Scottsdale, Arizona, and set up within the Barrett-Jackson Collection Showroom, where a majority of the restoration build will take place. Over the summer months, the showroom division manager and team will complete a variety of work on the restoration build that includes replacing and upgrading the stock suspension, brakes and exhaust. The ’87 Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe will also have a rebuilt transmission, new sound system and graphics package. The restoration build will be completed at the Las Vegas Auction, October 19–21, 2017, and will be on display during the show. The vehicle will also be included at the Prestone trailer display at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, October 31–November 3, 2017, along with various events in Arizona that Barrett-Jackson will attend. Contributing partners include Chevrolet Performance Parts, Detroit Speed Inc., MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust, Summit Racing, Stanley Black & Decker, Mac Tools, Direct-Lift, BFGoodrich, Adam’s Polishes, The Eastwood Company, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering and Wilwood Engineering.

yokohama
Yokohama Tire Corp. has announced a new partnership with Horsepower Adventures. 

Yokohama Tire Corp. Forms New Off-Road Partnership With Horsepower Adventures; Names Rick Alonzo Senior Director of Supply Chain and Logistics

Yokohama Tire Corp.  announced a new partnership with Horsepower Adventures (HPA), a specialized off-road driving experience company operating on Mexico’s Baja peninsula. Yokohama is now the Official Tire of HPA, and its GEOLANDAR tires will be featured on all of HPA’s high-performance, purpose-built tour vehicles and support vehicles as they traverse Baja’s landscape. Yokohama’s HPA sponsorship also includes branding at the iconic, 50-room Horsepower Ranch Resort, located in the mountains above Ensenada, Mexico. Yokohama also has announced that Rick Alonzo has joined the company as senior director of supply chain and logistics. He will report to Yokohama COO Jeff Barna. Alonzo joins Yokohama from Roche Diagnostics, where he was a director of global supply chain management.    

Rancho Extends Promotion on Lift Kits, Shocks Purchases Through Summer

The Rancho “Summer of Savings” mail-in rebate promotion—an extension of the successful spring promotion—will offer truck and Jeep owners Visa Prepaid cards worth up to $300 until August 31. The products featured in the promotion include qualifying Rancho quickLIFT Loaded assemblies; RS9000XL, RS7000MT, RS5000X and RS5000 series shocks and struts; RS7000MT and RS5000 series steering stabilizers; and qualifying Rancho lift kits. To learn more about specific product purchase combinations, visit www.gorancho.com. Submissions must be postmarked by September 30, 2017, to qualify.

ritzdorf
Gerot Ritzdorf



Avery Dennison Appoints Gernot Ritzdorf to Vice President of Sales, Label and Packaging Materials, North America

Avery Dennison has announced it has appointed Gernot Ritzdorf to vice president, sales, label and packaging materials (LPM), North America. In this role, Ritzdorf will lead the business’ field sales, technical sales, customer service and technical support teams for LPM. Gernot brings 12 years of experience in the company, with various roles, including leading both regional and global sales organizations. Previously, he held the role of vice president, sales, for LGM Europe. Most recently, he served as vice president, global accounts.

Quaker State Vehicle
The Quaker State “Best in Class Challenge” vehicle was restored by the students at Jordan Vocational High School in Columbus, Georgia.

Quaker State’s “Best in Class Challenge” Vehicle Sells for $65,000

The Quaker State “Best in Class Challenge” vehicle, a ’96 Ford Mustang, sold for $65,000 last weekend at the Barrett-Jackson Northeast auction at Mohegan Sun. The six-week automotive education competition featured high-school auto-shop classes across the United States charged with the task of tuning, restoring and customizing a pre-owned car into a pristine, creative representation of their school. The Mustang, restored by the students at Jordan Vocational High School in Columbus, Georgia, is no stranger to the auction block. Back in April, the students proudly auctioned the revamped vehicle at Barrett-Jackson’s West Palm Beach event, which sold for $50,000 before being donated back for auction at Mohegan Sun.

DENSO Awards Battle Creek Student Scholarships

DENSO has renewed its commitment to support and provide educational opportunities for the communities it serves in West Michigan. DENSO Manufacturing Michigan (DMMI) in Battle Creek has awarded scholarships to four outstanding students through partnerships with the Battle Creek Community Foundation (BCCF) and the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center (BCAMSC). Scholarship resources come from the DMMI Scholarship Fund, which DENSO established in 1997 to assist children of employees with the rising cost of higher education. The 2017 BCCF scholarship recipients are Jayson Butler and Calder Lachance of Lakeview High School, and Ian Mullis of Saint Philip Catholic Central High School. Butler plans to attend Michigan State University and major in chemistry this fall. Lachance will study political science at the University of Michigan and Mullis will begin engineering studies at Kellogg Community College. A selection committee from the BCCF chooses winners based on student activities and work experience. The BCAMSC scholarship promotes math and science education and excellence, recognizing outstanding graduates with financial assistance for college expenses. Staff at the BCAMSC selects two outstanding students for the scholarship each year. Lachance and Ana Singh, also of Lakeview High School, received this year’s scholarships. Singh will attend Calvin College to study biology and Spanish.

reiss
Jason Reiss

Power Automedia Expands Editorial Department, Hires Jason Reiss as Executive Editor, Technical Content

Power Automedia has announced the return of Jason Reiss, who joins the editorial department as executive editor, technical content. His responsibilities will include managing and leading technical content across the Power Automedia publications, as well as editor of EngineLabs.com. Reiss returns to Power Automedia with roughly 15 years of experience in automotive journalism. His previous experience with Power Automedia includes time as editor of EngineLabs, along with contributions to the company’s other magazines. Reiss’ work has also been featured in other titles, including Hot Rod, Super Chevy, Race Pages, Fastest Street Car, Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords and 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords.

Evans Cooling Partners With Automatic Distributors

Evans Waterless Coolant will now be sold through Automatic Distributors—a wholesale distributor of more than 75,000 powersports parts and accessories headquartered in Bangor, Maine. Automatic Distributors will make Evans’ coolant technology available to ATV, UTV, Motocross, PWC/marine, snowmobile, street bike and utility trailer owners.

simmons
John Simmons

NPW Expands Staff in Miami With Addition of Vice President of Purchasing

National Performance Warehouse’s (NPW) President and CEO Larry Pacey has tapped industry veteran John Simmons to enhance the NPW Purchasing Group. Simmons brings with him a wide range of experience in the traditional, performance and truck accessories categories. He formally held positions as the corporate merchandise manager for Whitlock/WSR Corp, president of VSI and, until recently, VSI/Meyers operations manager with Meyer Distributing’s acquisition of VSI. Simmons has been involved in various industry associations and groups and was awarded the Auto Merchandising News (AMN) “Man of the Year Award” in 1988.

KAMM Industries Acquires SpeedStrap

KAMM Industries—parent company of PRP Seats—has announced the acquisition of SpeedStrap, maker of the SpeedStrap recovery strap and premium tie-downs and accessories for off-road vehicles. KAMM plans to keep the SpeedStrap name and suite of products to sell alongside the PRP brand at shows and events as well as on www.speedstrap.com.

Sentury Tire North America Announces Partnership With King’s Tire Wholesale

Sentury Tire’s GroundSpeed tire line will now be available in California through King’s Tire Wholesale (KTW), which has multiple distribution centers in California that will provide tires to their many retail partners. The GroundSpeed line manufactured in Thailand, will move production to the new USA plant and R&D Center in LaGrange, Georgia. The factory groundbreaking is scheduled for 2017.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.