Midwest Truck & Auto Parts Inc. has acquired the assets of Richmond Gear from Regal Beloit Corp. for an undisclosed amount. Richmond Gear manufacturers ring-and-pinions, transmissions and traction-control devices for the racing and high-performance off-road aftermarkets. Midwest’s acquisition also includes the Powertrax and Lock-Right product lines. Midwest Truck & Auto Parts Inc., Chicago, IL; 800-934-2727.

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. will continue as the official tire of the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) through 2015. Toyo Tires stated that it has enjoyed a long association with NASA. The Toyo Proxes RA1 became the spec tire for select racing classes in 2002. Toyo Tires also announced that it will return as the title sponsor of the NASA Championships at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course. Toyo Tires will increase the payouts in its NASA contingency program. Toyo Tires U.S.A. Corp., Cypress, CA; 714-236-2080.

HushMat has added Vincent De Stefano, who has more than 28 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry, to its sales team. He has worked in almost every level of the retail, from salesman to national positions. Tim McCarthy, founder of HushMat stated, “We are pleased to have Vincent join us as a key member of our sales team. Vincent’s skills and 28 years of experience in virtually every level of sales is a great addition for our company.” HushMat, Olathe, KS; 913-599-2600.

ASA Automotive Systems (formerly ASA Tire Systems) announced that it has implemented more than 100 new systems so far in 2011, with more than 1,100 new users at more than 300 locations nationwide. ASA provides software systems and services to independent tire dealers and automotive service centers. According to the company, with the installation of 100 new systems, ASA doubled the new-system installations it reported in 2010. ASA Automotive Systems, Merrimack, NH; 603-889-8700.

Aeromotive Inc. named legendary racer and engine builder Chuck Samuel as the new crew chief for the Aeromotive Ford Mustang Pro Mod. “Chuck and I have been friends for a long time,” said Steve Matusek, Aeromotive founder and president. “He’s been a great resource and a wealth of knowledge for us over the years, but we feel that we have a package with this new car that can be extremely competitive and possibly do some things that will get everyone’s attention.” Aeromotive Inc., Lenexa, KS; 913-647-7300.

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association announced that it closed the 2011 season on a high note with the 1st annual Fall Del Mar Nationals at the Del Mar Fairgrounds over Thanksgiving weekend.

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association announced that it closed the 2011 season on a high note with the 1st annual Fall Del Mar Nationals at the Del Mar Fairgrounds over Thanksgiving weekend. The first-time event attracted more than 1,000 cars and a bustling holiday weekend crowd. The toy drive at the event produced more than 2,000 toys for the needy children of San Diego County. In addition, more than $2,500 was raised in support of the Camp Pendleton “Wounded Warriors” detachment. The 2nd annual Goodguys Fall Del Mar Nationals is scheduled for November 23–25, 2012.

PlastiKote has entered the world of social media by adding a new Facebook page and a Twitter account in an effort to communicate more directly with its customers. The new Facebook page features the latest news and product information, and Plastikote reports that it will soon add helpful tips, how-to videos and special promotional contests for fans. In addition, Twitter followers of PlastiKote will be kept up-to-date on the company’s latest news and happenings.

McCullough Public Relations was retained as the public relations firm representing the automotive and manufacturing divisions of GOJO Industries. GOJO develops products and programs to kill germs on hands and solve skin-care-related problems for a variety of markets, including manufacturing, automotive, construction, healthcare, food service, food processing, education, government and military. McCullough Public Relations, Uniontown, OH; 330-244-9980.

Mota Motors appointed digital automotive marketing veteran Ken Potter as the company’s chief revenue officer. Potter joins the Mota team as the company prepares to launch a used-vehicle certification program. Potter served as vice president and general manager of automotive at CarsDirect.com for 10 years and, according to Mota Motors, is a pioneer of using the Internet to create a transparent informative process for consumers.

Extech Instruments relocated its headquarters to an all-new facility in Nashua, New Hampshire. According to the company, the move was made to accommodate strong growth and to serve customers better in the years ahead. In addition, Extech announced the move, along with the Billerica, Massachusetts, operations of parent company, FLIR Systems’ Commercial Systems division to 9 Townsend West, Nashua, New Hampshire 03063-1233 USA. Extech’s toll free number remains unchanged: 877-2-EXTECH (398324). The new local number is
603-324-7800.

Carlisle Events announced a business and sponsorship partnership with Gumout Performance Products (a division/brand of ITW Global Brands) that begins with Spring Carlisle (April 25–29) and continues through Fall Carlisle (October 3–7). By partnering with Carlisle Events, the Gumout collection becomes the official performance product line for all 10 Carlisle-based events in 2012. Additionally, Gumout has agreed to be the presenting sponsor of the Carlisle Ford Nationals, June 1–3, at the Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Fairgrounds. Carlisle Events, Carlisle, PA; 717-243-7855.

Heri Automotive received a 2011 Automotive Communications Award (ACA) in the Business to Business awards category for the company’s new corporate image campaign.

Heri Automotive received a 2011 Automotive Communications Award (ACA) in the Business to Business awards category for the company’s new corporate image campaign. To support its 2011 aftermarket product launch, Heri Automotive worked with The Marx Group to develop a new corporate identity. The new campaign included a branding strategy, logo, website, video, sale support materials and distinctive packaging. The ACAs, sponsored by the Women’s Board and supported by the Automotive Communication Council, honor companies/agencies that provide automotive information through outstanding advertising, marketing and public relations efforts. The Marx Group, San Rafael, CA; 415-453-0844.

Edge Products partnered with United Pullers to act as the title sponsor of the Edge Pulling Series for the 2012 season. The series will include all of United’s events held in the Rocky Mountain region. According to Edge Products, Weekend on the Edge will become an official United Pullers event in 2012 and will serve as the flagship national show within the Edge Pulling Series. Edge Products and United Pullers hope to continue growing the sport in the Rocky Mountain region and provide pullers from across the nation with a sanctioned series that can accommodate competitors within a variety of categories. Edge Products, Ogden, UT; 801-476-3343.

Konig American President and CEO Ricardo Guevara announced his retirement. Joseph Schaefer, who has served as Konig’s general manager for the past 15 years, assumes the role and responsibilities of president, and Raymond Chan of YHI International, Singapore takes Schaefer’s place as Konig American’s general manager. Guevara remains chairman of the company, which he founded in 1981 as the exclusive North American importer of Konig Racing Seats from Germany. In 1991, Guevara expanded the company’s product lines to import wheels, including the popular Tuner wheel model, which Konig hails as its first major success. Konig, Plainview, NY; 516-822-5700.

Wilwood Disc Brakes hired Joe Kubiak and Robert Roese as sales and technical consultants. According to Wilwood, Kubiak has an exceptional background in the automotive racing and performance aftermarket industry, which includes working at BMR Suspension, Braille Battery and Summit Racing’s Atech Motorsports. At Wilwood, Kubiak will focus on sales development activities and participation in Wilwood’s trade show events. Roese has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive racing and performance aftermarket industry, including time at Magnuson Products and Vortech Engineering. He will be involved in Wilwood’s sales development activities and support of Wilwood’s participation in trade events. Wilwood Engineering, Camarillo, CA; 805-388-1188.

Continental Tire the Americas, Fort Mill, SC

Continental Tire, MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer’s (MLS) community outreach initiative, and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) have joined forces to benefit the environment. Through the BEF Solar 4R Schools program, the partnership will provide a $50,000 solar installation to a school in the community of MLS Cup 2011 winner the LA Galaxy. Continental Tire the Americas, Fort Mill, SC; 704-583-3900.

Bosal North America appointed Brent Raschke as product engineer for its automotive carriers and protection systems division. Raschke is responsible for product and vehicle application development and testing for Bosal’s tow-hitch program. He will also be responsible for development of the company’s aftermarket exhaust and windstop programs. He has been a project engineer at Bosal since early 2010 and is based out of Bosal International North America’s research and development facility in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Bosal USA Inc., Budd Lake, NJ; 973-428-9822.

Jon Titman, whose industry background spans nearly three decades, opened Prestige Automotive Accessories, according to a company announcement. The New Carrollton, Maryland-based, restyling center is a full-line automotive accessory installation and distribution facility. The company serves new-car dealerships throughout the Washington, D.C., northern Virginia and Baltimore markets. In addition to his experience in manufacturing, distribution, installation and sales, Titman has long been involved with SEMA and its Professional Restylers Organization (PRO). Titman received the PRO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 in recognition of his service on the PRO Select Committee and contributions to the restyling industry. Prestige Automotive Accessories, Landover Hills, MD; 301-459-1755.