The 2017 lineup of Petty’s Garage Mustang builds will include a limited run of 43 builds that feature a silver scheme to celebrate “The King” Richard Petty and his 80th birthday in July 2017.
Petty’s Garage continued its partnership with Ford Motor Co. to exclusively build 500 “King Edition” Ford Mustang GT models. Included in the ’17 lineup is a limited run of 43 builds that feature a silver scheme to celebrate “The King” Richard Petty and his 80th birthday in July 2017.
This is the third year that Petty’s Garage and Ford have joined forces to build the King Edition Ford Mustangs. The popularity of the vehicles continues to grow each year, and the ’17 builds will be the largest to date.
Petty’s Garage will be the exclusive builder of four, one-of-a-kind Mustangs. The high performance shop will build a naturally-aspirated, non-supercharged model with the look and feel of the Petty’s Garage Mustang but at a lower introduction price.
Petty’s Garage will also introduce a new King EcoBoost model. With the addition of the Petty's Garage race spoiler and signature center exhaust system, the EcoBoost mirrors the look of all other Petty's Garage Mustangs and doesn’t sacrifice on power.
The King and Premier editions will carry on the Petty tradition of unmatched speed and performance with Premier builds that will produce up to 825 hp. All vehicles will be available nationwide with the non-supercharged Petty’s Garage Mustangs starting as low as $35,000. The 670 horsepower Mustangs will include full warranty through Ford. The 825hp model will offer a third-party powertrain warranty for three years/36,000 miles.
The 2017 lineup of Petty’s Garage Mustang builds will include a limited run of 43 builds that feature a silver scheme to celebrate “The King” Richard Petty and his 80th birthday in July 2017.
Petty’s Garage continued its partnership with Ford Motor Co. to exclusively build 500 “King Edition” Ford Mustang GT models. Included in the ’17 lineup is a limited run of 43 builds that feature a silver scheme to celebrate “The King” Richard Petty and his 80th birthday in July 2017.
This is the third year that Petty’s Garage and Ford have joined forces to build the King Edition Ford Mustangs. The popularity of the vehicles continues to grow each year, and the ’17 builds will be the largest to date.
Petty’s Garage will be the exclusive builder of four, one-of-a-kind Mustangs. The high performance shop will build a naturally-aspirated, non-supercharged model with the look and feel of the Petty’s Garage Mustang but at a lower introduction price.
Petty’s Garage will also introduce a new King EcoBoost model. With the addition of the Petty's Garage race spoiler and signature center exhaust system, the EcoBoost mirrors the look of all other Petty's Garage Mustangs and doesn’t sacrifice on power.
The King and Premier editions will carry on the Petty tradition of unmatched speed and performance with Premier builds that will produce up to 825 hp. All vehicles will be available nationwide with the non-supercharged Petty’s Garage Mustangs starting as low as $35,000. The 670 horsepower Mustangs will include full warranty through Ford. The 825hp model will offer a third-party powertrain warranty for three years/36,000 miles.
Governor Maggie Hassan signed into law legislation to re-establish the authority of the Bureau of Trails to permit larger off-highway recreational vehicles at Jericho Mountain State Park.
Legislation to re-establish the authority of the Bureau of Trails to permit larger off-highway recreational vehicles at Jericho Mountain State Park was signed into law by Governor Maggie Hassan.
Under New Hampshire law, “Off highway recreational vehicle means any mechanically propelled vehicle used for pleasure or recreational purposes running on rubber tires, tracks, or cushion of air and dependent on the ground or surface for travel, or other unimproved terrain whether covered by ice or snow or not, where the operator sits in or on the vehicle.”
Governor Maggie Hassan signed into law legislation to re-establish the authority of the Bureau of Trails to permit larger off-highway recreational vehicles at Jericho Mountain State Park.
Legislation to re-establish the authority of the Bureau of Trails to permit larger off-highway recreational vehicles at Jericho Mountain State Park was signed into law by Governor Maggie Hassan.
Under New Hampshire law, “Off highway recreational vehicle means any mechanically propelled vehicle used for pleasure or recreational purposes running on rubber tires, tracks, or cushion of air and dependent on the ground or surface for travel, or other unimproved terrain whether covered by ice or snow or not, where the operator sits in or on the vehicle.”
Vaughn Gittin Jr. in the Monster Energy/Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR took the victory and lead in the Formula DRIFT Round 4: The Gauntlet Pro Championship standings.
Vaughn Gittin Jr. Takes Formula DRIFT Round 4: The Gauntlet Win and the Pro Championship Lead
Formula DRIFT presented by BlackVue returned to New Jersey for Round 4: The Gauntlet where Vaughn Gittin Jr. in the Monster Energy/Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR took the victory and lead in the Pro Championship standings. The event found Ken Gushi in the GReddy Racing/Nexen Tire SR by Toyota 86 against two-time Formula DRIFT champion Chris Forsberg in the NOS Energy Drink/Hankook Tire Nissan 370Z in the semi-finals. Forsberg took the win to move him into the finals and on the podium for his third consecutive event. Gushi moved into the fourth spot for the championship. Rookie Alex Heilbrunn in the RTS Monster BMW M3 faced off against the 2010 Formula DRIFT champion Gittin on the other side of the bracket in the semi-finals. The speed and consistency of Gittin was too much to overcome for the rookie; however, Heilbrunn ends up in third place for his first-ever Formula DRIFT Pro Championship podium. The finals were a battle of champions with Gittin versus Forsberg. Gittin edged out his opponent for his second victory of the season to move into the top spot in the standings. The 2016 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship will continue to Round 5: True North, July 15–16, 2016, at Autodrome St. Eustache in Canada.
“8 Meters,” a new documentary produced by Kahn Media, explores what really happened on the final laps of the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“8 Meters:” Triumph, Tragedy and a Photo Finish at Le Mans
In a war fought by titans of industry—one from Michigan, the other from Maranello—on the roads of rural France, the battle for sports car supremacy came to a head in 1966 when three of Ford Motor Company’s GT40s beat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the closest endurance racing finish of all time. Exactly half a century later, “8 Meters,” a new documentary produced by Kahn Media, explores what really happened on those final, fateful laps.
In 1966, three Ford GT40 race cars crossed the finish line at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a photo finish, with the black and silver car driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon neck-and-neck with the blue car driven by Ken Miles and Denis Hulme, handing Ford and America its first victory. Yet moments later, amid mass confusion from the crowd and the drivers themselves, officials led McLaren and Amon to a makeshift podium to claim victory, while Miles—who had already won Daytona and Sebring that year—lost his shot at the Triple Crown of Endurance racing.
Questions have gone unanswered—did Grand Prix drivers Amon and McLaren outdrive Shelby’s development driver Miles, or were other forces at work? “8 Meters” examines the legends, stories and historical footage to sort out what happened with the people who were there. The film features Chris Amon, Mario Andretti, Miles’ crew chief Charles Agapiou, Shelby team photographer Dave Friedman, Ford racing engineer Joe Macura, author AJ Baime, author Preston Lerner and archival footage of motorsports icon Carroll Shelby.
“8 Meters” also reveals historical footage from the development of the Ford GT racing program and a rare behind-the-scenes look at the young men who risked everything to bring America its first Le Mans championship, thanks to rare photos captured by Friedman before he went on to a tremendously successful career in Hollywood. The film was shot at locations around the world, including The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles; Irvine, California-based Superformance LLC; New Zealand; Michigan; and Willow Springs International Raceway.
Tanner Foust took the win ahead of teammate Scott Speed last Sunday at Daytona.
Double Podium Redemption for Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross in Daytona
Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross (VARX) fought back from the team’s worst event in recent memory to earn a one-two finish last Sunday at Daytona, with Tanner Foust taking the win ahead of teammate Scott Speed. Last Sunday’s result marked the team’s second double podium of the 2016 season, cementing their position on top of the Red Bull Global Rallycross field. Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross will be back in action for another doubleheader at MCAS New River, July 2–3.
VP Named Official Fuel of Speed Society
Officials with Speed Society have announced an agreement naming VP Racing Fuels the Official Fuel of Speed Society and its website. Speed Society is a vertical content publisher/aggregator that delivers high-quality content to millions of automotive enthusiasts daily. With the agreement, VP will have a high-profile presence on Speed Society’s website and its various social media channels. VP also will be the exclusive fuel supplier for Speed Society’s fleet of cars that are taken to multiple events throughout the year, including three 2,500hp Lamborghinis, an Alpha 10 GTR and a ’69 Camaro.
Charles Hull picked up the win by running a 4.88 at 155 mph in his Mustang powered by a Bennett Racing in VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw category.
NMRA Returns to National Trail Raceway
Despite a forecast of high heat and humidity, drivers from across the country dove into competition at the 13th Annual NMRA Ford SuperNationals at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio, June 9–12. The spectacle marked a return to the Buckeye state track after a several-year hiatus.
VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Charles Hull and Ronnie Diaz who met in the final, with Hull picking up the win by running a 4.88 at 155 mph in his Mustang, while Diaz lifted to a 5.76 at 152 mph.
Edelbrock Renegade: Chuck Bartholme, who recored a 7.76 at 175 mph in his Mustang defeated Valerie Clements, who had run strong all weekend but ran into trouble in the final round and limped down track.
G-Force Racing Transmissions Pure Street: The undefeated Teddy Weaver was 9.76 and 137 mph at the stripe to land the lead qualified spot in G-Force Racing Transmissions Pure Street, and he kept the momentum to oust Derek Downs in the final after a 9.72 at 137 mph to 10.06 at 131 mph match-up.
ProCharger Coyote Modified: Joe Guertin earned the event win over Tommy Annunziata uncontested, with an 8.10 at 169 mph.
American Racing Headers Factory Stock: James Meredith in his Mustang Mach 1 defeated Dan Ryntz in a 10.62 at 124 mph to 10.88 at 121 mph fight, marking him as the second undefeated racer through four races in the six-race series.
Race Pages Coyote Stock: Drew Lyons defeated Shane Stymiest in a 10.35 at 128 mph to 10.45 at 126 mph showing.
Detroit Locker Truck and Lightning: Vinnie Telesco outran Nina Gusler by stopping the clocks at 10.62 on his 10.58 index while Gusler turned on the red and dipped under with a 12.77 on her 12.78 limit.
Exedy Racing Clutch Modular Muscle: Donnie Bowles picked up the trophy by clocking a 10.10 on his 10.10 index in his final-round race against Charlie McCulloch, who was right there with a 10.99 on his 10.98.
Roush Performance Super Stang: Marvin Knack dispatched John Mummery by clocking a 12.16 on his 12.08 dial-in while Mummery clocked an off-pace 10.98 on his 10.72 dial-in after spinning off the line.
Flex-A-Lite Open Comp: Wes Dalrymple earned the trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle after laying down a 10.89 on his 10.87 dial-in, while Dennis Corn cruised to a 9.75 on his 9.72 for the runner-up spot.
Race Pages Ford Muscle: Chris Parisi won with a 15.07 on his 15.00 index as Danny Towe was runner-up with a 12.06 on his 12.00 index.
Livernois Motorsports EcoBoost Battle: Bill Putnam pulled out a victory over Brad Gusler in the final, 11.27 to 11.58 for the second time in 2016.
QA1 True Street, presented by Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords: Lonnie Tibbs was the overall winner with an 8.28 average, while Jason Wagoner was the runner-up with a 9.72 average. Kevin McCotter was the 9-second winner; Cyrus Hutchison was the 10-second winner; Kimberly Walter was the 11-second winner; Casey Shotwell was the 12-second winner; Mark Storts was the 13-second winner; Gaston Brown was the 14-second winner and Chris Parisi was the 15-second winner.
Race Pages Bracket: Gary Varney over Travis Gayheart in Fast Ford; Richard Jordan Jr. over Jenni Merrick-Cree in Quick Ford; Chris Parisi over Daniel Imhoff in Street Ford; and Bryan Parker over Jon Pickering in Nostalgia Ford. Then, the Trick Flow Specialties Super Ford Showdown pitted Gary Richmond against Gary Varney, and Richmond took the trip to the winner’s circle.
With only two races remaining in the series’ 2016 tour, the chase to the championships is on, with the next stop being the 11th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-legal Drag Racing, July 28–31 at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois.
Vaughn Gittin Jr. in the Monster Energy/Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR took the victory and lead in the Formula DRIFT Round 4: The Gauntlet Pro Championship standings.
Vaughn Gittin Jr. Takes Formula DRIFT Round 4: The Gauntlet Win and the Pro Championship Lead
Formula DRIFT presented by BlackVue returned to New Jersey for Round 4: The Gauntlet where Vaughn Gittin Jr. in the Monster Energy/Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR took the victory and lead in the Pro Championship standings. The event found Ken Gushi in the GReddy Racing/Nexen Tire SR by Toyota 86 against two-time Formula DRIFT champion Chris Forsberg in the NOS Energy Drink/Hankook Tire Nissan 370Z in the semi-finals. Forsberg took the win to move him into the finals and on the podium for his third consecutive event. Gushi moved into the fourth spot for the championship. Rookie Alex Heilbrunn in the RTS Monster BMW M3 faced off against the 2010 Formula DRIFT champion Gittin on the other side of the bracket in the semi-finals. The speed and consistency of Gittin was too much to overcome for the rookie; however, Heilbrunn ends up in third place for his first-ever Formula DRIFT Pro Championship podium. The finals were a battle of champions with Gittin versus Forsberg. Gittin edged out his opponent for his second victory of the season to move into the top spot in the standings. The 2016 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship will continue to Round 5: True North, July 15–16, 2016, at Autodrome St. Eustache in Canada.
“8 Meters,” a new documentary produced by Kahn Media, explores what really happened on the final laps of the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“8 Meters:” Triumph, Tragedy and a Photo Finish at Le Mans
In a war fought by titans of industry—one from Michigan, the other from Maranello—on the roads of rural France, the battle for sports car supremacy came to a head in 1966 when three of Ford Motor Company’s GT40s beat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the closest endurance racing finish of all time. Exactly half a century later, “8 Meters,” a new documentary produced by Kahn Media, explores what really happened on those final, fateful laps.
In 1966, three Ford GT40 race cars crossed the finish line at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a photo finish, with the black and silver car driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon neck-and-neck with the blue car driven by Ken Miles and Denis Hulme, handing Ford and America its first victory. Yet moments later, amid mass confusion from the crowd and the drivers themselves, officials led McLaren and Amon to a makeshift podium to claim victory, while Miles—who had already won Daytona and Sebring that year—lost his shot at the Triple Crown of Endurance racing.
Questions have gone unanswered—did Grand Prix drivers Amon and McLaren outdrive Shelby’s development driver Miles, or were other forces at work? “8 Meters” examines the legends, stories and historical footage to sort out what happened with the people who were there. The film features Chris Amon, Mario Andretti, Miles’ crew chief Charles Agapiou, Shelby team photographer Dave Friedman, Ford racing engineer Joe Macura, author AJ Baime, author Preston Lerner and archival footage of motorsports icon Carroll Shelby.
“8 Meters” also reveals historical footage from the development of the Ford GT racing program and a rare behind-the-scenes look at the young men who risked everything to bring America its first Le Mans championship, thanks to rare photos captured by Friedman before he went on to a tremendously successful career in Hollywood. The film was shot at locations around the world, including The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles; Irvine, California-based Superformance LLC; New Zealand; Michigan; and Willow Springs International Raceway.
Tanner Foust took the win ahead of teammate Scott Speed last Sunday at Daytona.
Double Podium Redemption for Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross in Daytona
Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross (VARX) fought back from the team’s worst event in recent memory to earn a one-two finish last Sunday at Daytona, with Tanner Foust taking the win ahead of teammate Scott Speed. Last Sunday’s result marked the team’s second double podium of the 2016 season, cementing their position on top of the Red Bull Global Rallycross field. Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross will be back in action for another doubleheader at MCAS New River, July 2–3.
VP Named Official Fuel of Speed Society
Officials with Speed Society have announced an agreement naming VP Racing Fuels the Official Fuel of Speed Society and its website. Speed Society is a vertical content publisher/aggregator that delivers high-quality content to millions of automotive enthusiasts daily. With the agreement, VP will have a high-profile presence on Speed Society’s website and its various social media channels. VP also will be the exclusive fuel supplier for Speed Society’s fleet of cars that are taken to multiple events throughout the year, including three 2,500hp Lamborghinis, an Alpha 10 GTR and a ’69 Camaro.
Charles Hull picked up the win by running a 4.88 at 155 mph in his Mustang powered by a Bennett Racing in VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw category.
NMRA Returns to National Trail Raceway
Despite a forecast of high heat and humidity, drivers from across the country dove into competition at the 13th Annual NMRA Ford SuperNationals at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio, June 9–12. The spectacle marked a return to the Buckeye state track after a several-year hiatus.
VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw: Charles Hull and Ronnie Diaz who met in the final, with Hull picking up the win by running a 4.88 at 155 mph in his Mustang, while Diaz lifted to a 5.76 at 152 mph.
Edelbrock Renegade: Chuck Bartholme, who recored a 7.76 at 175 mph in his Mustang defeated Valerie Clements, who had run strong all weekend but ran into trouble in the final round and limped down track.
G-Force Racing Transmissions Pure Street: The undefeated Teddy Weaver was 9.76 and 137 mph at the stripe to land the lead qualified spot in G-Force Racing Transmissions Pure Street, and he kept the momentum to oust Derek Downs in the final after a 9.72 at 137 mph to 10.06 at 131 mph match-up.
ProCharger Coyote Modified: Joe Guertin earned the event win over Tommy Annunziata uncontested, with an 8.10 at 169 mph.
American Racing Headers Factory Stock: James Meredith in his Mustang Mach 1 defeated Dan Ryntz in a 10.62 at 124 mph to 10.88 at 121 mph fight, marking him as the second undefeated racer through four races in the six-race series.
Race Pages Coyote Stock: Drew Lyons defeated Shane Stymiest in a 10.35 at 128 mph to 10.45 at 126 mph showing.
Detroit Locker Truck and Lightning: Vinnie Telesco outran Nina Gusler by stopping the clocks at 10.62 on his 10.58 index while Gusler turned on the red and dipped under with a 12.77 on her 12.78 limit.
Exedy Racing Clutch Modular Muscle: Donnie Bowles picked up the trophy by clocking a 10.10 on his 10.10 index in his final-round race against Charlie McCulloch, who was right there with a 10.99 on his 10.98.
Roush Performance Super Stang: Marvin Knack dispatched John Mummery by clocking a 12.16 on his 12.08 dial-in while Mummery clocked an off-pace 10.98 on his 10.72 dial-in after spinning off the line.
Flex-A-Lite Open Comp: Wes Dalrymple earned the trip to the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle after laying down a 10.89 on his 10.87 dial-in, while Dennis Corn cruised to a 9.75 on his 9.72 for the runner-up spot.
Race Pages Ford Muscle: Chris Parisi won with a 15.07 on his 15.00 index as Danny Towe was runner-up with a 12.06 on his 12.00 index.
Livernois Motorsports EcoBoost Battle: Bill Putnam pulled out a victory over Brad Gusler in the final, 11.27 to 11.58 for the second time in 2016.
QA1 True Street, presented by Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords: Lonnie Tibbs was the overall winner with an 8.28 average, while Jason Wagoner was the runner-up with a 9.72 average. Kevin McCotter was the 9-second winner; Cyrus Hutchison was the 10-second winner; Kimberly Walter was the 11-second winner; Casey Shotwell was the 12-second winner; Mark Storts was the 13-second winner; Gaston Brown was the 14-second winner and Chris Parisi was the 15-second winner.
Race Pages Bracket: Gary Varney over Travis Gayheart in Fast Ford; Richard Jordan Jr. over Jenni Merrick-Cree in Quick Ford; Chris Parisi over Daniel Imhoff in Street Ford; and Bryan Parker over Jon Pickering in Nostalgia Ford. Then, the Trick Flow Specialties Super Ford Showdown pitted Gary Richmond against Gary Varney, and Richmond took the trip to the winner’s circle.
With only two races remaining in the series’ 2016 tour, the chase to the championships is on, with the next stop being the 11th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-legal Drag Racing, July 28–31 at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois.
Televised on the Velocity Network, the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition featured some of the best builders at the SEMA Show as they competed for the title of SEMA’s Top Builder.
Applications for the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition are now being accepted at www.semaignited.com. This one-of-a-kind automotive competition features top builders from across the nation that have a display, feature or booth vehicle at the SEMA Show. Participants will showcase their vehicles during the annual event and a panel of top automotive experts will narrow it down to an elite 10. Finalists will then vote among themselves to be named the winner.
New this year will be the introduction of “Young Guns” (under 35) who will be singled out for special recognition. Builders with vehicles from all market segments are encouraged to enter. For more information and to enter the competition, visit www.semaignited.com.
Televised on the Velocity Network, the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition featured some of the best builders at the SEMA Show as they competed for the title of SEMA’s Top Builder.
Applications for the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition are now being accepted at www.semaignited.com. This one-of-a-kind automotive competition features top builders from across the nation that have a display, feature or booth vehicle at the SEMA Show. Participants will showcase their vehicles during the annual event and a panel of top automotive experts will narrow it down to an elite 10. Finalists will then vote among themselves to be named the winner.
New this year will be the introduction of “Young Guns” (under 35) who will be singled out for special recognition. Builders with vehicles from all market segments are encouraged to enter. For more information and to enter the competition, visit www.semaignited.com.
Televised on the Velocity Network, the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition featured some of the best builders at the SEMA Show as they competed for the title of SEMA’s Top Builder.
Applications for the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition are now being accepted at www.semaignited.com. This one-of-a-kind automotive competition features top builders from across the nation that have a display, feature or booth vehicle at the SEMA Show. Participants will showcase their vehicles during the annual event and a panel of top automotive experts will narrow it down to an elite 10. Finalists will then vote among themselves to be named the winner.
New this year will be the introduction of “Young Guns” (under 35) who will be singled out for special recognition. Builders with vehicles from all market segments are encouraged to enter. For more information and to enter the competition, visit www.semaignited.com.
MAHLE Motorsports Pistons Featured in 2.3L EcoBeast
MAHLE Motorsports forged pistons are featured in Ford's 2.3L EcoBeast.
Ford Racing’s EcoBeast short block, which powers the all-wheel-drive 2016 Ford Focus RS, includes forged pistons from MAHLE Motorsports. The pistons have a 9.5:1 compression ratio designed to handle more boost and have the durability to handle the demands of enthusiasts and racers.
Samuel Kieffer Named Purchasing Analyst at the AAM Group
The AAM Group has recently named Samuel Kieffer as purchasing analyst—a newly created position intended to bolster engagement between AAM-member warehouses and manufacturing partners. The role reflects AAM’s commitment to the growth of its stakeholders through the identification of performance challenges and the implementation of strategic solutions based on each company’s overall goals. Kieffer previously served with Mitsubishi of Brazil as a junior product analyst in field services, where he analyzed product failure, tracked solution deployment and worked to increase dealership adoption of vehicle recalls. He also managed Mitsubishi’s eight-person South American Dakar Rally race support team for three years.
Patricia Stewart
IDDEA CA LLC Go Rhino/Big Country Appoint Director of Marketing
IDDEA CA LLC, DBA Go Rhino Products, Big Country and Go Rhino Public Safety have announced the appointment of Patricia Stewart as director of marketing, reporting to IDDEA CA LLC General Manager Peter Taylor. Stewart has directed the development and execution of integrated marketing initiatives in support of products and services throughout the product lifecycle. She has also led the development of sponsorship, incentive programs and launched products in many categories with distribution that includes both the domestic and international markets, according to IDDEA CA LLC. Beginning her career in the automotive aftermarket arena, Stewart spent 22 years in a variety of strategic and tactical marketing positions for Truck Accessories Group, LEER, Pace Edwards, Century and Raider brands, developing a wide range of brand-building initiatives and dealer-focused marketing strategies to support sales and marketing.
VP Racing Fuels Launches New Branded Apparel Program
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced a new program to promote VP-branded apparel, promotional items and novelties. As part of the program, Barker Specialty is partnering with VP to host a new e-commerce site and serve as a one-stop shop for purchase of an expanded line of hats, t-shirts, promotional items and more. Among the new items are several “Mad Scientist” and VP Monster Truck-themed products, including a VP Monster Jam T-Shirt, a Monster Truck plush toy, Monster Truck pennant and Mad Scientist bobblehead.
American Force Wheels Launches New Muscle Market-Focused Website
American Force Wheels recently launched a new mobile-friendly, feature-rich website supporting its subsidiary brand American Force Muscle. The website includes a gallery section, which allows enthusiasts around the country to browse photographs and videos in their local area. Visitors may also upload videos and photos, which must be approved before posting to the site. This special feature allows enthusiasts to connect on a grassroots level by scheduling local meetups or car and truck shows to showcase their rides.
Jonathan Lee
Betts Company Appoints Jonathan Lee to New Role as Chief Technology Officer
Betts Company has announced that Jonathan Lee has joined the company in the newly created role of chief technology officer. Reporting to Bill Betts, president of Betts Company and its three divisions, Lee will play a key role in shaping the company’s technology strategy as it embarks on its next phase of growth and leadership in spring manufacturing and the heavy-duty transportation industry. Lee has more than 21 years of technology consulting industry experience. Before joining Betts, he served as senior principal at Infor, advising Fortune 1000 firms in the area of strategy, revenue enhancement, user experience and customer experience. Lee also has experience as director of strategic services at CMTC—a consulting firm specializing in manufacturing and distribution—and as a vice president at Manex Consulting. He previously worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers, SAP and Grant Thornton/Hitachi in the areas of strategy and technology for manufacturers and distributors.
PPG’s upgrades enhance the company’s resources and capabilities for training painters, distributors and body shop and collision-repair professionals to successfully use PPG’s array of automotive refinish coatings.
PPG Enhances Training Facilities
The Automotive Refinish business unit of PPG has expanded and improved several of its business development centers to state-of-the-art levels. The upgrades enhance PPG’s resources and capabilities for training painters, distributors and body shop and collision-repair professionals to successfully use the company’s array of automotive refinish coatings. Two business development centers in particular—PPG’s Allison Park, Pennsylvania, facility—just minutes from the company’s global headquarters in Pittsburgh, and the Baltimore center—have undergone extensive renovation. The Allison Park building has been completely remodeled and expanded from 2,400 sq. ft. to 9,000 sq. ft. It now includes two classrooms (30 and 16 seats, respectively), a new conference and break room, two new GFS downdraft spray booths, an 18x30-ft. mixing room, a downdraft prep deck and twin 20hp Kaeser compressors. The Baltimore facility space has been expanded to 7,020 sq. ft. from 5,520 sq. ft. Improvements include a second classroom, a new extended GFS downdraft spray booth and twin 20 hp Kaeser compressors.
I-CAR to Help Collision-Repair Professionals Expand Skills and Efficiencies in Production Management
The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), has announced the launch of the second level of coursework covering ProLevel 2 requirements of the Production Management Role curriculum. This new set of courses is designed to enable those who manage shop production to improve their efficiencies, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to ultimately drive more powerful and profitable business practices. The new curriculum is part of I-CAR’s Professional Development Program, and builds on the ProLevel 1 curriculum for Production Management that was introduced in 2015. Registration opens July 11 for the courses, which will be delivered in one of three ways: online training, in-classroom courses, or computer-based courses offering virtual interaction with live instructors.
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