People Places & Racing News

MOVERS & SHAKERS: MARTIN SANCHEZ, HARRY MILLER, CHRIS McCAULEY, DAVID HOBBS, JOE SCHOTT AND MORE

Tire Group International (TGI) opened a new sales office in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and hired Martin Sanchez to head up the new location. “TGI is always looking for quality people to add to its sales team, and the addition of Martin Sanchez gives TGI a presence in a market that has great growth potential for years to come,” said Tire Group International CEO Tony Gonzalez. “TGI has been more focused than ever on the mining and industrial segments, and our presence in Argentina will allow us to continue to grow these market segments.”

Holley Performance Products promoted Harry Miller to director of performance aftermarket sales. Miller most recently served as Holley’s regional manager for the Southeast territory. In his new role, he is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day aftermarket sales functions for all divisions of Holley Performance Products. Miller’s past experiences include owning and operating a jobber store, a WD business and a long career as a manufacturers’ rep for various aftermarket companies.

 

Harry Miller

 

OnSight Solutions (OSS) sold its 20th franchise to Chris McCauley of Duluth, Georgia. McCauley joins the company with a background in car sales and knows the benefits of an OSS program firsthand.

“I was the general sales manager with a Nissan dealership in South Carolina who utilized the OSS program,” McCauley stated. “I really liked the call to action it provided. Having been in car sales for over 15 years, I’ve tried many different sales tactics and nothing compared to the results we received once we implemented the OSS visual merchandising plan.”

McCauley has already hired salesman Dave Crain to assist in generating leads in the Atlanta market.

The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Foundation Inc. announced that veteran racecar driver David Hobbs is the honoree for the 14th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, set for March 13–15, 2009, at The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach. Hobbs is a commentator for SPEED TV and provides expert analysis for a variety of series, including Formula One, sports car and endurance racing.

Joe Schott’s ’32 Ford three-window coupe was named America’s Most Beautiful Street Rod (AMBSR) presented by Hushpower during the Goodguys 22nd West Coast Nationals in Pleasanton, California. Featuring a House of Kolor custom mix called “Oriental Blue” and Camel leather interior stitched by Lux Interiors, AMBSR was built by Mike and Randy Way of the All Ways Hot Rod shop. For more information, visit www.good-guys.com.

 

Joe Schott’s ’32 Ford three-window coupe.

 

Dynamat is the sponsor of the Dynamic Legends VIP and Honorees site at the 2008 NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion, set for October 10–12, at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California. Dynamic Legends VIP and Honorees section features special displays and past and present grand marshals and honorees of the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunions.

The Bridgestone Firestone facility in Graniteville, South Carolina, recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary in Aiken County. In recognition of the anniversary, the facility made a $5,000 contribution to the Aiken Technical College.

The Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) will hold its 41st annual convention on January 23–25, 2009, at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Trevose, Pennsylvania. The convention includes a variety of press conferences featuring speedways, race teams, racers and organizations sharing their plans with the attending media. The event also features networking opportunities and the annual NASCAR/EMPA Hall of Fame Awards Dinner.

 

Live bands from Alpine's "Rock the Dash" contest performed during Alpine's recent block party.

 

Alpine Electronics of America Inc. hosted a private, outdoor block party at its U.S. headquarters in Torrance, California, on August 23, to celebrate its 30 years of business in the United States and to thank its most enthusiastic aftermarket customers. Attendees were treated to live music from bands that participated in Alpine’s “Rock the Dash” online music contest. The party featured a golf simulator, dunk tank and rock-climbing wall, and raffles were held for Alpine products and other prizes.

  

  

 

The 2009 HURST/Hemi Challenger.

 

HURST announced that it partnered with Dodge to create the 2009 HURST/Hemi Challenger. Starting with the Hemi-powered Dodge Challenger, HURST takes it to the next level as a 500-plus-hp supercharged limited edition built and tuned by the best in the business. The collectible limited-edition musclecar with the looks, attitude and credentials to back it up will be available in four stages of performance trim through participating Dodge dealerships.

The details are iconic and impressive; the huge polished five-spoke HURST alloy wheels and the “Pistol-Grip” HURST shifter are inspired by the originals that helped make HURST the legendary brand that it is today. The HURST/HEMI Challenger makes its debut at the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Vehicle production is slated for early 2009.