SEMA News—September 2012
INDUSTRY NEWS
Fast Facts
Source Interlink Media appointed of Marc Cook as the new editor in chief of Motorcyclist. Prior to joining Source Interlink Media, Cook served as the editor in chief of Kitplanes, a journal about amateur-built airplanes, from 2004–2012. Cook previously worked at Motorcyclist from 1999–2002, where he began as a senior editor, and worked his way up to executive editor. After his departure from Source Interlink Media in 2002, Cook continued to contribute to several of the company’s publications, including Motorcyclist, Motorcycle Cruiser, Sport Rider and Motorcycle Escape. In addition to his work in the magazine industry, Cook has written four hardcover books in the motorcycle realm, including Suzuki GSX-R: A Legacy of Performance in 2005 for the 20th anniversary of the GSX-R. Source Interlink Media, El Segundo, CA; 310-531-9900.
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During the Grand Opening Breakfast of the PRI Trade Show, 15-time NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car Champion John Force will join Dave Despain for a live version of the “Wind Tunnel TV” show that airs on the Speed Channel. “The Grand Opening Breakfast is a great racing industry tradition, and we’re excited to bring Dave back again. He’s an outstanding motorsports journalist and always brings out the best stories from the special guests. Add John Force to the mix, and we’re really going to have some fun,” said John Kilroy, producer of the PRI Trade Show. The PRI Trade Show takes place Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 29–December 1, 2012, in the North/South Building of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow. PRI, Laguna Beach, CA; 949-499-5413.
Woodward Dream Cruise launched a newly designed website that the company reports is easier to navigate and is its first redesign in five years. According to the Woodward Dream Cruise President Greg Rassel, the website, http://www.woodwarddreamcruise.com/, has a new look and is a more accurate representation of what the cruise is all about: family, fun and remembering the good times. The website will be updated regularly with event changes and fun facts.
Dee Zee Inc. has acquired the exclusive worldwide license rights of Invis-A-Rack. Dee Zee now handles manufacturing, marketing and distribution of the cargo-management system. Dee Zee Inc. is a manufacturer of light-truck accessories that distributes to all major aftermarket segments, including warehouse distributors, mass retailers, farm store retail chains, eCommerce and big-box retailers. Dee Zee will launch this new product line at the 2012 SEMA Show starting October 30, 2012 (SEMA Show Booth# 31037). Dee Zee, Des Moines, IA; 800-779-2102.
Rich Gengo of Piscataway, New Jersey, was named the third of four 2012 Mopar “Top Eliminator” winners for his ’51 Dodge pickup at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, July 6–8. Gengo was recognized in the Dodge Showcase display area during the three-day event. The Mopar “Top Eliminator” program shines a light on passionate and dedicated Mopar enthusiasts who display unmatched skill in modifying or preserving a classic or modern-day Mopar vehicle. Gengo will be honored by having his ’51 Dodge pickup showcased in the Mopar display area at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, October 30–November 2, 2012. The final Mopar “Top Eliminator” winner of 2012 will be selected via an online competition, with details released at a later date.
High-performance synthetic lubricant manufacturer Royal Purple has launched a new branding campaign on its website—The Royal Purple Outperformer Series. The three-part video series focuses on individuals who have prevailed over adversity to reach the top of their respective fields. Royal Purple’s first Outperformer video features 17-year-old NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Driver Dylan Kwasniewski of Las Vegas. Kwasniewski has committed himself to focusing on the 2012 K&N Pro Series West season this year. In eight starts, he has recorded two wins, three second-place finishes and eight finishes in the top five to lead the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West pointstandings. Royal Purple, Porter, TX; 281-354-8600.
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The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has announced an addition to its full-time staff, naming Butch Kummer to the newly created director of club racing. Kummer’s role with the organization will focus on the national office-operated programs, specifically the 2013 rollout of the Majors program. Kummer will work closely with the regions to put together those events and will oversee and guide the club racing technical department. In his position, Kummer will report to Terry Ozment, vice president of club racing. Initially, Kummer will split time working from both the national office in Topeka and his Woodstock, Georgia, home.
Meyer Distributing Inc. announced that it opened a new location in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The new cross-dock will have a direct feed from Meyer’s distribution center in Orlando. Meyer also opened a new cross-dock location in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Little Rock addition has a direct feed from the company’s hub in Jasper, Indiana, which houses more than 500,000 square feet of inventory. “The addition of the Little Rock cross-dock enhances our ability to offer logistical services throughout the region,” said Jason Braun, executive vice president of Meyer Distributing. “The new site has already been fully integrated with our distribution system and technology framework and will provide unmatched service to customers in this market.” Meyer Distributing, Jasper, IN; 800-MEYER-USA.
Edelbrock has launched a brand-new website optimized for mobile devices. According to the company, the site features an all-new look and utilizes the latest in HTML coding for quick download speeds. The website will include sections focused on new products, Edelbrock videos and a complete calendar of events that Edelbrock will attend throughout the year. One of the key features on the mobile website is a search-engine database for more than 3,000 Edelbrock and Russell installation instructions. Digital versions of various Edelbrock and Russell catalogs will also be available for viewing on any smartphone. It will also give the viewer the option to download the complete catalogs in a PDF format. Edelbrock, Torrance, CA; 310-781-2222.
Prolong Super Lubricants has appointed Jon Apogée to the position of marketing manager. Apogée will be responsible for all aspects of brand management, strategic marketing, website design and enhancement as well as search-engine optimization. His duties include providing direction and implementation of social media marketing and Prolong’s domestic sales. With more than 30 years of experience, Apogée has worked with Prolong since 2007 as an advertising and marketing consultant for his own company, Marketing Matters Inc.
The Tire Group International announced a partnership with Tire Warehouse Inc., a leading tire distributor focusing on the construction, industrial, forestry, earthmoving and agricultural segments since 1977. “Our new partnership with Transportation Resources Partners is positioning us to capitalize on strategic opportunities while continuing to grow our core business,” said Tony Gonzalez, CEO of Tire Group International. “We are pleased to welcome Harvey and Rick Malove, along with their team, to the Tire Group International family. By combining Tire Group International’s and Tire Warehouse’s experience and capabilities, we will further solidify our long-standing relationships with major OEMs and be able to expand our product offering to our valued customers.”
King Engine Bearings launched an official Facebook page for business customers and consumers at www.facebook.com/King.Bearings. “Facebook is another way for us to get closer to our customers and fans and obtain feedback on our products,” said Limor DePetro, director of sales and marketing. DePetro added that King will post contests and promotions through Facebook similar to those used for the company’s 50th anniversary “Hit the Bull’s Eye” promotion that concluded earlier this year.
Robert Kibbe, owner and creator of http://www.themusclecarplace.com/, and Dan Kahn, president of Kahn Media, are hosting a new podcast on the The Muscle Car Place podcast network. Known as “Cars For a Living,” the goal of the show is to provide a fun atmosphere where business owners, marketers and future entrepreneurs can talk, ask questions and share tips on how to grow, improve and succeed in the auto industry. The goal of the show is to help automotive enthusiasts turn their passions into income. The new podcast is available through iTunes, TheMuscleCarPlace.com and CarsforaLiving.com. Kahn Media, Reseda, CA; 818-881-5246.
