NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver David Ragan will help kick off the 2011 SEMA Show as a speaker at the New Products Breakfast.

UPS—the official logistics provider of NASCAR—will feature its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver David Ragan at this year’s SEMA Show. Kicking off the day speaking at the New Products Breakfast, Ragan will also be at the UPS booth the morning of Tuesday, November 1, to sign autographs.

“We’re excited to bring David Ragan to the 2011 SEMA Show,” said Kristin DeBates, corporate marketing manager for the UPS automotive segment. “It’s the premier show for auto enthusiasts, with an audience that appreciates the sport and logistics of racing just as much as our UPS racing team does.”

A 25-year-old native of Unadilla, Georgia, and owner of David Ragan Ford in Perry, Georgia, Ragan has won multiple pole awards this season and captured his first Sprint Cup Series win at Daytona International Speedway in July.

“For those involved with NASCAR, UPS trackside services is a logistics model that ensures all shipments arrive to the track on time every week and is crucial to the success of each weekend’s event,” said DeBates. “UPS takes the same commitment it applies for NASCAR and leverages it for all of our customers. For SEMA members in particular, we can help them understand how logistics can be a competitive advantage for their businesses.”

To participate in the autograph opportunity with David Ragan, visit UPS’ booth at the SEMA Show, #11827, in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, between 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 1.

	The U.S. government is teaming up with SEMA to assist U.S. manufacturers in developing new overseas customers. Pictured here is SEMA member Injen Technology’s Vice President of Sales Ed Rossi (third from the left) and the company’s President Ron Delgado (second from the right) meeting with potential customers at the recent SEMA China Business Development program in China.

The U.S. Department of Commerce named SEMA as one of the five recipients of the Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) for 2011. As a result, SEMA will receive $500,000 in matching funds over the next three years to support U.S. manufacturers that export automotive specialty-equipment products to booming emerging international markets. The grant is intended to stimulate U.S. exports of specialty-equipment products as part of the Administration’s National Export Initiative, which aims to double U.S. exports by 2014 in support of several million U.S. jobs.

“SEMA is pleased to partner with the Commerce Department to expand the association’s initiatives bringing together U.S. manufacturers with distributors and retailers in the fastest-growing markets in the world,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “The fact that SEMA has been selected for an MDCP award from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) reinforces the value of our growing Business Development Conference program and provides financial support to members seeking to participate in this and other association export initiatives.”

SEMA was selected from among nearly 50 applicants based on a number of factors, including export success, performance measurement, partnership potential with the DOC’s International Trade Administration (ITA) and compatibility with ITA priorities, creativity, institutional capacity and program sustainability following the grant period.

For more information about the Market Development Cooperator Program, visit www.trade.gov/mdcp. For more information on SEMA’s international programs, contact SEMA’s Director of International and Government Relations Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Chip Foose to Design, Build WD-40/SEMA Cares Vehicle

According to a recent release from Moton Suspension, AST Suspension acquired Moton in European court. Since the announcement, the Moton USA headquarters has moved from Atlanta, Georgia, to Plano, Texas. Moton parts are self-contained in their original cabinetry and will continue to stay separate. AST Suspension, Plano, TX; 972-242-3700.

Mast Motorsports has introduced an Owners Rides section of its website, www.mastmotorsports.com. The new destination invites users with vehicles equipped with a Mast Motorsports component to upload pictures and details to the site, including vehicle name, specifications, the story behind the build, dyno numbers and time slips. Mast Motorsports, Nacogdoches, TX; 866-551-4916.

	The Marx Group and Marx Group Advisors added Erin Hartman (left) as marketing coordinator and Moddie Stone as business operations manager and sales coordinator

The Marx Group and Marx Group Advisors added Erin Hartman as marketing coordinator and Moddie Stone as business operations manager and sales coordinator. The company reports that the addition of new staff coincides with its continued growth in both divisions, which has resulted in an expansion of office space by more than 1,150 sq. ft. at its headquarters in San Rafael, California. Hartman will provide marketing, public relations and social media support for The Marx Group and Marx Group Advisors. Stone will manage and oversee the daily functions of both divisions and provide assistance in sales and accounting. The Marx Group, San Rafael, CA; 415-453-0844.

Shurhold Industries’ line of professional-grade automotive chemicals and handheld tools are now available through Amazon.com. “During our history, we have sold Shurhold merchandise in more than 30 countries on six continents,” said Shurhold President Barry Berhoff. “We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Amazon that will further extend the reach of our products and tools to car enthusiasts.” Shurhold Industries, Palm City, FL; 800-962-6241.

Roush Performance announced that industry veteran D. Mark Trostle will head its automotive design team, based out of the company’s design studio in Livonia, Michigan. With more than 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, Trostle will apply his expertise to Roush’s OEM studio projects, specialty vehicle group’s restoration and future model programs for the Roush Performance line of high-performance vehicles and vehicle components. Roush Performance Products, Plymouth, Township, MI; 800-59-ROUSH.

Edelbrock sold its suspension product line to QA1—an acquisition that will add more than 100 part numbers to QA1’s shock absorber, spring and tubular suspension product offerings. According to the announcement, Edelbrock added suspension products in 1994 with a limited line of components for Camaro and Mustang applications. Since then, the product line has grown to include anti-hop bars, K-member braces, Panhard rods, strut tower braces, subframe connectors, sway bars, toe links, torque and trailing arms as well as a variety of other products for popular musclecar and late-model applications. The acquisition includes all manufacturing equipment, raw materials, current and future product designs as well as any existing inventory. Edelbrock, Torrance, CA; 310-781-2222.

	Venchurs Inc. hired Pat Muldoon as vice president of product development engineering for Venchurs Vehicle Systems.

Venchurs Inc. hired Pat Muldoon as vice president of product development engineering for Venchurs Vehicle Systems. Muldoon will develop new vehicle programs, including high-profile image vehicles, limited-production specialty models and more. He was formerly involved in the senior management of product development engineering at Chrysler’s Mopar Division and had a hand in developing many of Mopar’s most iconic and outrageous vehicles, such as the V-10 drag-pack Challenger and the Mopar Ram Runner. Venchurs Inc., Adrian, MI; 517-263-8937.

The Petersen Automotive Museum has opened a new exhibit highlighting the accomplishments of racing legend and restorer Phil Hill. According to the museum, the exhibit was created in collaboration with Hill’s son Derek and will be on display through November 26, 2011. “Phil Hill: The Life of a Legend” will include photos, memorabilia and trophies from Hill’s life, as well as the vehicles that he raced and restored. Vehicles include the Ferrari 250 TR that he drove to victory at Le Mans in 1958; the ’66 Chaparral 2-E he drove to victory in his final race; the ’31 Pierce-Arrow in which he learned how to drive; the ’27 Packard that earned Best of Show at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance; and several other four-wheeled machines highlighted throughout Hill’s career. Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation, Los Angeles; 323-930-CARS.

Piston Driven Manufacturing and SEMA have reached an agreement allowing Piston Driven to manufacture and sell officially licensed SEMA merchandise nationally as well as at the SEMA Show. Piston Driven’s current line of officially licensed American merchandise includes brands such as GhosTracks USA, Car Craft, Motorcyclist, Bates, B&M and Hurst. All of the merchandise is designed to embrace the passion motoring enthusiasts have for cars, drag racing, motorcycles and automotive nostalgia. “We are very excited to have been chosen to represent SEMA,” said Tim Sousamian, founder of Piston Driven Manufacturing. Piston Driven Manufacturing, Newport Beach, CA; 714-774-9444.

	Michael Sype has been assigned to lead Tenneco’s Rancho product development team.

Michael Sype has been assigned to lead Tenneco’s Rancho product development team. After serving in increasingly responsible engineering roles within Tenneco’s OE business, Sype joins the Rancho engineering team with a strong background in product development, program management and production. He also served as a senior ride-development technician for projects conducted at the General Motors Milford Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan. Sype will be based in Monroe, Michigan. Tenneco, Monroe, MI; 734-243-8000.

McCullough Public Relations was selected as the pubic relations firm of record for DCM Manufacturing Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dreison International Inc. McCullough will coordinate all media relations for DCM’s key brands, including Maradyne High Performance Fans, Maradyne Mobile Products and Maradyne Marine Products. The agency is responsible for press-release writing, feature story coordination, product placement, on-site trade show representation and organizing company media events. McCullough Public Relations, Uniontown, OH; 330-244-9980. Dreison International Inc., Cleveland, OH; 216-265-8006.

EngineQuest appointed Jill Cabral as general manager and Eric Haugland as national accounts manager. Cabral will report directly to Scott Stolberg, president and CEO of AAEQ, EQ’s parent company, while Haugland will report directly to Cabral. As general manager, Cabral will oversee sales, marketing and purchasing for EQ. She has more than 25 years of aftermarket experience and has worked at AAEQ since 2006 in purchasing and administration. Haugland has more than 25 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, remanufacturing, machine shop and metal industries. He worked for AAEQ from 1999–2009 in sales, marketing and motorsports and rejoins the company after working for several years as national sales manager for a distribution company supplying engine builders. Haugland will be responsible for EQ’s motorsports program and sales to national accounts.

Parrot Inc. announced that it is an associate member of the Genivi Alliance, a collection of companies from the in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) value chain for the development and adoption of open IVI reference platforms. According to the company, it will provide expertise in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, telephony, multimedia and mobile Internet access to the Genivi Alliance. Parrot’s involvement will contribute to the Alliance’s efforts in reducing the development time and costs of future open IVI platforms. Parrot Inc., Southfield, MI; 248-354-5400.

	Michael Sype has been assigned to lead Tenneco’s Rancho product development team.

The world’s oldest surviving production Bentley was sold during the Gooding & Co. auction at Pebble Beach for $962,500. The vehicle is the ’21 Chassis Number 3 (matching-numbers car) with original aluminum coachwork and brass brightwork. This Chassis Number 3 was purchased 90 years ago by Bentley’s very first customer, Noel Van Raalte. According to a Bentley Motors release, the true test of the 3.0L came with wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in 1924 and 1927.

Rostra Precision Controls Inc. announced that Thomas P. Petrillo has moved to chairman of the board of Rostra and has named John Hanighen as his successor as CEO. According to Rostra, Hanighen brings more than 30 years of automotive aftermarket experience driving sales and marketing in the commercial markets. He joins Rostra from Genuine Parts Co., where he was vice president of commercial marketing with NAPA. Rostra Precision Controls, Laurinburg, N.C.; 800-782-3379.

Carlisle Brake and Friction has formed the Hawk Performance Products Group, consisting of the Hawk Performance, Cragar, Black Rock and Unique brands. Hawk Performance is currently the official brake pad of SCCA, NASA, Richard Petty Driving Experience, Skip Barber Racing School and Ron Fellows Performance Driving School. In conjunction with the announcement, the Hawk Performance Group also launched its new line of rotors, the Quiet Slot Rotors. Hawk Performance, Solon, CA; 440-528-4000.

	Bully Dog Technologies has hired Isaac Ronquillo as its North American sales representative.

Bully Dog Technologies has hired Isaac Ronquillo as its North American sales representative. He will have primary sales responsibility for the western and northeastern United States as well as Canada and will work alongside Desia Anderson under the direction of Vice President of Sales Scotie Selman as part of Bully Dog’s national light-duty sales team. According to Bully Dog, Ronquillo has earned a great reputation as a versatile salesperson who excels in customer relationship building and sales growth. Bully Dog Technologies, American Falls, ID; 877-285-5936.

Tire Group International (TGI) announced that it was named the fourth-largest Hispanic-owned exporter in the United States by Hispanic Business magazine. “We are very excited and honored by the ranking,” said Tire Group International CEO Tony Gonzalez. “It’s a true testament to the hard work and effort of our entire team, The Winning Team.” According to the company, it is one of the fastest-growing companies in the worldwide wholesale distribution of tires and is South Florida’s largest independent tire wholesaler.

Fisher Auto Parts acquired a 259,000-sq.-ft. warehouse and an 80,000-sq.-ft. mezzanine in Staunton, Virginia. The company plans to redevelop the space to serve as the its new warehouse complex while its corporate office will expand at its current location. The company reports that the new warehouse will be modernized with environmentally friendly improvements, such as energy-efficient lighting and material-handling equipment.

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. announced that it has launched the company’s largest promotion ever, the Ultimate Ride Sweepstakes. Running through January 2, 2012, the 17-week Ultimate Ride Sweepstakes will award one winner a set of Toyo tires each week, while one person will win the Grand Prize—a custom ’11 Dodge Durango. A registration form, official rules, contest odds and prize descriptions are available at www.toyotires.com/sweepstakes. Toyo Tire, Cypress, CA; 800-442-8696 or 888-444-8696.