SEMA News—September 2015

FAST FACTS

	Peter Clifford

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has promoted Peter Clifford, the organization’s longtime executive vice president and general manager, to president. Clifford succeeds Tom Compton, who retired from the NHRA following 15 years as president. Dallas Gardner, chairman of the NHRA board of directors, made the announcement to NHRA employees assembled at the organization’s headquarters. Gardner also thanked Compton for his years of service to the organization, which he joined in 1993 as vice president and chief financial officer. NHRA, Glendora, CA; 626-914-4761.

Matt Harris

Red Kap added Matt Harris of 40 Cal Customs as the second builder in Red Kap Craftsmen—a video series profiling custom builders who embody the brand’s core values of heritage, craftsmanship and passion. Harris was selected because he is a builder true to his craft, a devoted family man and a hardworking entrepreneur passionate about living the American dream. Red Kap will continue to add more Craftsmen to this program, each chosen based on authentic character, style and commitment. The Craftsmen series of videos began rolling out in August 2015. Red Kap, Nashville, TN; 800-733-5271.

Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. announced Team Nitto driver Shannon Campbell’s induction into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, with the distinction of being the first-ever rocksports competitor inducted. A member of the off-road community who excels as a driver, technological innovator and an ambassador for motorized off-pavement recreation, Campbell received a unanimous vote from the selection committee. Nitto Tire U.S.A., Cypress, CA; 800-648-8652.

	Devin Hart

Devin Hart, a seasoned executive with more than 20 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, joined The Marx Group as the firm’s new president and co-CEO. Hart also became executive vice president of Marx Group Advisors. Tom Marx, founder, president and CEO of The Marx Group since its inception, was named co-CEO and chairman. He will continue as CEO of Marx Group Advisors. The Marx Group, San Rafael, CA; 415-451-0166.

Tom Kenny, a 33-year tire industry veteran, replaced Dan Guiney as Yokohama Tire Corp.’s director of technical service. Guiney retired after 43 years in the tire business. During his 13 years with Yokohama Tire Corp., Guiney held leadership assignments in all aspects of customer technical support. He also served as chairman of the RMA Tire Policy Committee and represented Yokohama on the Tire and Rim Board of Trustees and the Tire Society. These responsibilities will be passed on to Kenny, who is also responsible for technical engineering and product service support. Yokohama Tire Corp., Santa Ana, CA; 800-423-4544.

CRP Industries Inc. named Scott Shea as its new chief operating officer. Daniel N. Schildge, CEO of CRP Industries Inc., noted that this was a newly created executive role in the company when he made the announcement. As COO, Shea will be responsible for supply-chain management, operations, the CRP Industrial Group and CRP de Mexico. Shea comes to CRP Industries after serving as the COO for Astriva LLC since 2010. CRP Industries Inc., Cranbury, NJ; 609-578-4100.

Federal-Mogul Motorparts expanded its Garage Gurus technical education network, adding regional training centers in Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Rancho Dominguez, California. Garage Gurus is a “Tech First” initiative designed to help repair professionals keep pace with the latest automotive technologies. Each training center offers more than 100 courses taught by the company’s team of more than 100 ASE-certified “Gurus.” Eight additional Garage Gurus training centers are scheduled to open later this year.

SEMA was recognized as a winner of Ragan’s PR Daily 2015 Nonprofit PR Award in the best marketing campaign category for its Seymour Profits—The Official Nerd of the SEMA Data Co-op marketing initiative. SEMA also won a PR Daily award for best social media campaign for the 2014 SEMA Show. Entries came in from around the globe, consisting of success stories from nonprofit organizations, the agencies that represent them and from individual PR specialists.

ECS Tuning LLC announced the acquisition of Turner Motorsport LLC. ECS hopes that the addition of Turner Motorsport will make it a premier destination for BMW parts online and enable both companies to offer a broader selection of high-quality engineered solutions and enhancements for the BMW marketplace. Will Turner, founder of Turner Motorsport, confirmed that the Turner Motorsport Racing team will remain unchanged, with ECS and Turner Motorsport continuing as primary sponsors. ECS Tuning, Wadsworth, OH; 330-825-4393.

RxSpeed announced the launch of RxSpeed for Business and its flagship Brand Dashboard—a secure login for manufacturers to access product and pricing information. This cloud-based solution was designed to help companies manage their digital catalogs while monitoring their online retailers and pricing. Manufacturers currently list products free of charge on RxSpeed.com and now have the ability to view their complimentary dashboard by verifying their contact information.

Luken Communications LLC announced an affiliation agreement between Luken’s latest network offering, “Rev’n,” and KFLA–Los Angeles (DMA 2). KFLA, a longtime affiliate of Luken’s Retro TV, launched “Rev’n” on July 1, 2015. Los Angeles-area viewers can find “Rev’n” over the air on channel 8.6, in addition to Retro TV on 8.3. “Rev’n” also added Valvoline Racing Radio to its programming lineup—a NASCAR talk show produced by Whitfield Media Group on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. (EDT) and Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. (EDT). Valvoline Racing Radio features Shawn Whitfield, executive producer and host; Casey Orr, host; and “Big Daddy” Kyle, producer. Luken Communications LLC, Chattanooga, TN; 423-468-5102.

Weld Racing Inc. awarded a $1,000 prize to Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) student Noah Geiger for his directional on-spoke wheel design. This was Weld’s first KCAI Performance Design Challenge contest, open to students enrolled in the virtual sculpture design program at KCAI. The contest was part of the KCAI Art of the Car Concours event held at the school’s Kansas City campus, which Weld sponsors. Geiger, a native of Rapid City, South Dakota, is a junior studying sculpture. Geiger designed his wheel to be coated in black except for the exterior face, which is polished. Weld Racing Inc., Kansas City, MO; 800-788-9353.

TruckVault Inc. announced the hiring of longtime industry professional David McInturf to work closely with its growing upfitter, commercial fleet and sport markets. McInturf previously worked with Bedslide as an independent rep, managed the southeast territory and then took on the role of vice president of sales and marketing. He later founded CargoGlide. He will work on TruckVault’s Southern California LE upfitter business and with key accounts in the company’s expanding commercial fleet and sport divisions.

Tint World expanded its location in Roswell, Georgia, with the addition of 12-volt industry veteran Calvin Thomas. A past finalist for Mobile Electronics magazine’s Installer of the Year award, Thomas brings decades of car audio, fabrication and integration experience to the Automotive Styling Centers location. Thomas has also been named one of the Top 100 Installers by Mobile Electronics. Tint World of Roswell, GA; 678-865-8468.

NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd. announced the acquisition of Wells Manufacturing L.P. and the Wells Vehicle Electronics business from UCI Holdings Limited. Wells is a global manufacturer and supplier of advanced vehicle electronics components for automotive original-equipment and replacement applications. NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd., Wixom, MI; 248-926-6352.