STURGIS, SD (08.06.26) – The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has grown a lot since it started in 1938. In addition to racing and hill climbing events, the Black Hills offer the best scenic rides for iconic destinations such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Mountain and Devils Tower. If you want to get off the road, there are scores of Wild West and early Black Hills history museums and so much more.
Soon, downtown Sturgis will look like this.
Setup by 12volt exhibitors has been underway for a number of days with many displays larger than ever before. The motorcycle category has experienced rapid growth over the last several years and shows no sign of slowing down.
KICKER began to set up and debut the XRV on Tuesday.
KENWOOD and Audio Edge will once again be working Sturgis together.
The 12volt Central staff looks forward to spotlighting the activities of industry members in Sturgis. The 12voltSTP tool makes it so easy with a smartphone. Snap and Txt an image, with a few words, to 318 469 2526. PRESTO…you could be in the news and 12volt 6-Pack.
The 12volt Central Studios will spotlight activities in Sturgis with posts in the 12volt 6-Pack!
Sturgis.com is the place to find everything and anything for that 86th Sturges rally. Dining, lodging, rides, shopping, camping, concerts, bike shows, races, bikini contest, tattoo contest and hundreds of Sturges events and helpful tips on what to do, what to see, how to pack and much more are on the website.
SCAPPOOSE, OR (08.06.26) – The 4th Annual Pro Automotive & Diesel Summer Car Show took place on Saturday August 1st at the Veteran’s Park.
“Bethany and I were at PAD Summer Car Show for the first time and had the Stereo King Jeep Gladiator Hot Wheels under our tent for all to check out. HWY 30 Cruisers was a host and the event featured classic cars, live music, a beer garden and local food vendors. Automotive accessories companies were also on site” Kevin Cornutt related.
Bethany Cornutt underneath the Stereo King tent and ready to give demos with the Gladiator Hot Wheels.
Such a wide variety of custom vehicles were on the event grounds.
Continuing “This is the type of community event we really like to attend as Stereo King. It brings together enthusiasts and communities. It rained like crazy mid-morning. The rain stopped in 30 minutes, we all dried off and got back to having fun.”
The Gladiator Hot Wheels was spotlighted under the tent and many climbed aboard for demos. Selfies too with family members by the 42” wheels. At event Stereo King handed out business cards and a special Event Pass card for in-store specials. Dash cams got a lot of interest from the crowd estimated at 400-500.
Stereo King handed out these event passes, offering special deals when attendee came into the store.
Amazing custom vehicles on site.
“This was our first time at the PAD Summer Show and we plan to return next year. To connect close to home with a few hundred members of the community is definitely a win” Kevin concluded.
LA MIRADA, CA (08.06.26) – Beat-Sonic USA, the North American branch of Japan-based Beat-Sonic, today highlighted its growing portfolio of plug-and-play car audio and vehicle electronics engineered to upgrade modern vehicles without cutting a single factory wire. Serving the United States, Canada, and Mexico since 2007 from its headquarters in La Mirada, California, Beat-Sonic USA designs products in Japan for specific vehicle platforms so that every kit connects directly to the factory wiring harness using OEM-style connectors.
Because Beat-Sonic products integrate through the vehicle’s existing harness, there is no wire cutting, no permanent modification, and no dealer required. Factory features that owners rely on — including the backup camera, steering wheel controls, and the OEM screen — remain fully functional after installation. The approach lets drivers add the technology they want while preserving the integrity of the vehicle and its original equipment.
Eric Kwon shows two of the company’s Encore plug-and-play Amplifiers.
The company’s S-Connect line of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces adds CarPlay and Android Auto to a factory screen without replacing it across Toyota, Lexus, BMW, and Porsche models. The S-Connect interface is the only CarPlay and Android Auto solution approved by Lexus USA — a distinction that reflects the engineering standards behind the company’s factory-integration approach.
Beyond smartphone integration, Beat-Sonic USA produces plug-and-play upgrades spanning audio, performance, and camera systems. Its Encore Series Class AB amplifier kits enhance factory sound without replacing the head unit or speakers across Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Subaru, and Mazda vehicles. The ShiftPower throttle response controller, with more than 3,000 vehicle applications, reduces accelerator lag across a wide range of makes including Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Chevrolet, Ford, RAM, Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes. The company’s camera solutions connect through OEM harnesses, with the newest and best-selling options being the CS15 front camera interface and the BCAM13 wide-angle front camera for 2022-and-newer Toyota trucks and SUVs.
The product range also includes stereo replacement kits, smartphone mirroring solutions for Toyota, Lexus, and Tesla, shark fin antennas, and dual wireless chargers for vehicles such as the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia. To support installation, Beat-Sonic USA publishes step-by-step videos for every product on its YouTube channel, and customers can choose professional installation at the company’s La Mirada facility or through a nationwide network of authorized installers.
TEMPE, AZ (08.05.26) – Mobile Solutions is once again raising the standard for automotive fabrication education with its Digital Design – Master Class, an immersive three-day, hands-on training experience designed to help fabricators, installers, custom builders, and shop owners confidently transition from traditional fabrication methods into today’s advanced digital design workflows.
Held Sept. 11-13 at Mobile Solutions HQ in Tempe, Ariz., the heart of this Master Class is an intensive Deep Dive into one of the most challenging and most valuable skills in modern fabrication: transforming a raw 3D scan into a clean, production-ready CAD model.
“Rather than simply watching demonstrations, students work side-by-side with industry-leading instructors through every stage of the process, absorbing proven workflows that eliminate guesswork, accelerate productivity, and dramatically shorten the learning curve,” said Bryan Schmitt, President of Mobile Solutions.
Through a comprehensive curriculum, students gain hands-on experience with today’s most advanced digital manufacturing technologies, including:
3D scanning
Autodesk Fusion CAD modeling
Parametric design strategies
Complete Scan-to-CAD workflows
Advanced surface and solid modeling
Production-ready body creation
3D printing calibration, slicing, and optimization
CNC routing and laser manufacturing strategies
Modern automotive interior design methodologies
CAD organization techniques for faster revisions and repeatable production
“For many professionals, converting scan data into an accurate CAD model is the single greatest obstacle to adopting digital fabrication,” Schmitt continued. “This Master Class breaks that barrier down through a structured, repeatable workflow that students can immediately implement in their own shops.”
Throughout the three-day experience, attendees follow a complete digital manufacturing workflow from concept and design to fabrication-ready production files. Each lesson builds upon the previous one, helping students understand not only the software, but the engineering mindset and design strategies behind professional digital fabrication.
Beyond the software, the Master Class also explores the principles that separate average designs from professional-level work. Students learn how proportion, balance, styling, engineering intent, and manufacturing strategy work together to produce parts that fit with OEM-level precision while maintaining exceptional aesthetics.
By the end of the Master Class, students will leave with:
A completed take-home project
A proven, repeatable digital design workflow
Confidence using Autodesk Fusion
A thorough understanding of Scan-to-CAD methodology
Hands-on experience with modern manufacturing technologies
Practical strategies to improve efficiency, consistency, and profitability
Whether you’re a fabricator, installer, custom interior builder, hot rod shop, car audio professional, or business owner looking to modernize your operation, the Digital Design Master Class provides the skills, confidence, and competitive advantage needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving automotive fabrication industry.
“Join us for three days of immersive, hands-on instruction and discover why the industry’s most successful builders are embracing digital workflows to deliver faster production, higher quality, and consistently better results,” Schmitt concluded.
Last year’s scholarship winners were honored at the 2025 SEMA Show.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.05.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced the winners of the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, which helps students pursuing automotive-related careers pay for college tuition and helps employees of SEMA member companies pay off student loans. This year, SEMA awarded a combined total of $100,000 in scholarship and loan forgiveness awards to 50 individuals.
The SEMA scholarship and loan forgiveness programs help foster the next generation of automotive industry leaders by supporting students and recent graduates as they begin their education and careers.
“We were impressed by the knowledge and passion for the industry that shined through the applications of this year’s winners,” said SEMA Project Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar. “By selecting 50 winners, we are supporting 50 careers that will have a positive impact on the future of the automotive aftermarket, and we couldn’t be prouder of the people we’ve selected to chart the course.”
More than $3 million has been awarded to deserving students since the program’s establishment in 1984. Online applications for next year’s awards will open Jan. 1, 2027, at www.sema.org/scholarships.
SEMA Scholarship Award Winners Recipient (Institution, Major) – Award Designation (if applicable)
Mark A. Alvarez (Pitt Community College, Automation Technology)
Jayden Amos (University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, Mechanical Engineering) – FLN Award
Aaron H. Bastian (Old Dominion University, Mechanical Engineering Technology) – Wally Parks Award
John Bedell (University of Texas at Austin, Aerospace Aeronautical)
Drake B. Bellessa (Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Electrical Engineering) – ETTN Award
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (08.05.26) – Experience motorcycle audio like never before through MB Quart. Harley-Davidson Tuned speaker systems deliver more volume to the open road. The HC1-116DT 6.5-inch and HC1-57DT 5×7-inch systems are built tough and tuned harder for every ride.
Innovated with WideSphere™ Tweeter Technology for razor-sharp highs, feather-light fiber cones for responsive mids, and cutting-edge Neodymium magnets that drive deep, ground-shaking bass — these 3-way coaxial speaker systems redefine what LOUD SOUND means on two wheels.
HOUSTON, TX (08.04.26) – Monday morning at 1 AM, August 3rd, Alex Restrepo and the House of Sound team of 4 rolled into Houston from the Nashville SLINGFEST 2026. House of Sound has been driving Slingshot Experiences in Houston for several years. Team members returning with Alex are Edwin Watson, Eber Flores and Walter Tobar.
Many Slingshot enthusiast want to go all the way with their upgrades!
The SLINGFEST NASHVILLE 2026 was hosted by Sloan’s Motorcycle-ATV at the Nashville Fairgrounds July 30-August 2nd.
“We landed in Houston at 1AM after the 780 mile trip. After a few hours of sleep we unpacked the tents, inventory and Slingshot specific installation products from the trailer. We definitely made Slingshots shine and sound great with audio systems, custom LED lighting and accents with custom pods and customization with amps along with DSP tuning on site for their Slingshots. We displayed and sold a lot Nemesis, DS18 and DB Drive products and our Limelight” Restrepo related.
E-bikes were also in the booth for sale.
When SLINGFEST 2026 wrapped on Sunday Slingingshot enthusiasts rolled down Broadway in Nashville.
All told, there and back, the House of Sound crew spent over a day on the highway.
“More and more Slingshot enthusiasts are upgrading their rides with aftermarket upgrades and we are looking for a great year as we drive business with our Slingshot experiences. We look forward to the SLINGFEST in Nashville in 2027” Restrepo concluded.
HAMILTON, OH (08.04.26) – Dynamat, the industry leader in premium sound deadening materials and thermo- acoustic insulation, today announced it has earned the official “Trusted by RFK Racing” designation following the adoption of the Dynamat Brand as a core component of RFK Racings crash repair kits used on race day. RFK Racing, one of the most storied and competitive NASCAR teams, selected Dynamat for its unmatched performance under extreme conditions — the same conditions that define every lap at the highest levels of motorsport. When seconds matter and a car needs to return to the track fast, RFK Racing’s crew relies on Dynamat to get the job done right.
“Being trusted by a team that competes at the pinnacle of the sport is the ultimate real-world validation,” said Scott Monnin, Owner and President at Dynamat. “RFK Racing demands products that perform without compromise. The fact that Dynamat is in their crash repair kit — on race day — speaks for itself.” Built for the Demands of Motorsport.
Dynamat is engineered to deliver exceptional adhesion, vibration damping, and structural integrity in high-heat, high- stress environments. Its inclusion in RFK Racing’s race-day repair protocol reflects the product’s ability to meet the rigorous standards of professional motorsport, where failure is not an option.
Key performance attributes that earned RFK Racing’s trust include: Fast-bonding formulation — critical for rapid pit-lane repairs under race-day time pressure Structural integrity — maintains bond strength under vibration, impact, and mechanical stress Extreme temperature resistance — performs reliably in the intense thermal environment of a race car Proven in competition — validated at motorsport’s highest level of competition.
The Dynamat Legacy in Performance For decades, Dynamat has been the go-to choice for automotive enthusiasts, professional builders, and now elite racing teams who demand the best in sound deadening, structural vibration and bonding technology. The “Trusted By RFK Racing” designation reinforces Dynamat’s position not just as a consumer brand, but as a performance-grade solution proven in the most demanding motorsport environments in the world. Dynamat products are available through Dynamat’s authorized dealer network and at dynamat.com.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.04.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced that Brian Pagel has joined the organization’s executive leadership team as Chief Revenue Officer, a strategic role focused on strengthening SEMA’s ability to serve its members, support industry growth, and advance the association’s long-term mission.
In this role, Pagel will work closely with SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola, the Board of Directors, and the executive leadership team to align business strategy with mission delivery, operational excellence, and long-term organizational sustainability. His responsibilities include supporting SEMA’s marketing, sales, membership, events, and revenue management functions, while helping ensure the association continues to invest in programs, services, and initiatives that benefit members and the broader specialty-equipment industry.
“Brian brings the experience, industry knowledge, and strategic mindset needed to help SEMA deliver even greater value to our members and the broader specialty-equipment community,” said Spagnola. “As a nonprofit association, our focus is on reinvesting in programs, advocacy, events, research, education, and services that help our industry succeed. Brian’s leadership will help ensure we are building the resources, partnerships, and opportunities needed to support our members today and into the future.”
Pagel brings extensive experience leading business development, strategic partnerships, events, media brands, and growth initiatives across the trade association and B2B event sectors. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President at Emerald, where he was responsible for business development tied to strategic association partnerships, new acquisition opportunities, and the management of a portfolio of 64 B2B trade shows, hosted buyer events, conferences, and companion assets. In that role, he managed a 200-person portfolio with 10 direct reports and $130 million in P&L responsibility, while driving sustained improvements in portfolio performance, including double-digit EBITDA growth in three of the past four years.
“I’m honored to join SEMA and support its work on behalf of the specialty-equipment industry,” said Pagel. “SEMA has a powerful mission, a passionate membership, and an important role in helping businesses innovate, grow, and succeed. I look forward to working with Mike, the Board, and teams across the association to strengthen member value, build meaningful partnerships, and ensure SEMA continues investing in programs and opportunities that move the industry forward.”
Pagel will help develop and implement a multi-year strategy aligned with SEMA’s organizational goals, establish performance metrics, support membership growth and retention, and work with department leaders on planning, goal development, and operational priorities. He will also help align member engagement and business-development efforts with SEMA’s marketing, communications, and brand positioning.
The appointment reflects SEMA’s continued commitment to strengthening its leadership team and ensuring the association is positioned to meet the evolving needs of its members and the industry. Pagel will report to Spagnola and serve as a key member of SEMA’s senior leadership team.
TIGARD/CLACKAMAS, OR (08.03.26) – CarToys TiGARD hosted an IASCA SQ event on Saturday and Clackamas hosted a SPL event the following day on Sunday July 26th. At both events competitors and crowd members were excited that competitive car audio had returned to Oregon.
Competitors fill the parking area in Tigard.
Competitor drawings were included with registration, show vehicle demos were on site, raffle prize awards were available, there were demos after qualifying runs and spectators were welcomed. The Car Toys has 5 locations across Oregon that are driving 12volt business.
Kam Frisbee on site with the Falcón Memphis Audio Hummer.
Jorge Fornos spotlights the Falcon SQ Alpine WRX.
Falcon Sales is a strong business partner with Car Toys Oregon and was on site spotlighting Alpine and Memphis Audio with demo vehicles along with Jorge Fornos and Kam Frisbee. Fornos attended both events with the Falcon SQ Alpine WRX. Frisbee attended the Sunday SPL show with Falcon’s Memphis Hummer. “It was a great weekend working with Car Toys and supporting the IASCA events to spotlight car audio competitions” Frisbee related.
David Sabrowski, Technical Director Car Toys Oregon, commented “We are very happy with the turnout at both the events and support from Falcon Sales.
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