Dynamat Earns “Trusted by RFK Racing” Designation

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.

SEMA Strengthens Executive Leadership to Advance Member Value and Industry Growth

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.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.

Car Toys Oregon Hosted An IASCA Show Weekend

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.

For more see cartoysoregon.com.

SEMA Fest Announces 2026 Musical Lineup Featuring The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World, 311 And The Alive

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.03.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), producers of the SEMA Show, today announced the musical lineup for SEMA Fest, taking place Friday, Nov. 6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Headlined by multi-platinum punk rock icons The Offspring, the lineup also features anthemic alt-rockers Jimmy Eat World, genre-blending rock reggae outfit 311, and California rock band The Alive. Together these chart-topping, arena-caliber acts will bring their catalog of massive hits to SEMA Fest, delivering the ultimate intersection of high-octane and high-decibels, a one-day celebration of the long-standing bond between music and car culture that closes out SEMA Week with an unforgettable public experience.

Early bird pre-sale tickets are available July 15, with the general on-sale kicking off this Friday, July 17, at 10 am PT via www.semafest.com. General admission and VIP concert access tickets are available, as are combined tickets, offering entry to both SEMA Fest and SEMA Show Friday public access. This exclusive bundle gives automotive enthusiasts rare access to the world’s largest automotive aftermarket trade event – typically reserved for industry insiders – alongside performances from some of today’s biggest bands.

“SEMA Fest represents where our industry is headed, at the crossroads of innovation, lifestyle, and cultural relevance,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “By bringing together the world’s premier automotive gathering with iconic music, immersive automotive experiences, and enthusiast access, we are creating a powerful platform that expands the reach of car culture, strengthens engagement with new audiences, and sends SEMA Week out on a high-energy, high-impact note.”

SEMA Fest serves as the official “closing ceremony” of SEMA Week, transforming the world’s premier automotive trade show into a massive public celebration and extending the energy of the SEMA Show into a day-long experience.

The day begins inside the Las Vegas Convention Center, where attendees can explore the SEMA Show floor, including 2,000-plus exhibiting brands and vendors, thousands of custom builds, and the latest in automotive products and technology.

As the day continues, the action moves outdoors for the legendary SEMA Cruise and high-intensity motorsports demonstrations that keep the excitement building throughout the afternoon.

Then, as the sun sets, attention turns to the SEMA Fest Stage, where live music and automotive adrenaline come together in one immersive environment. The automotive excitement continues into the evening with featured vehicle displays and motorsports performances that keep car culture front and center through the final encore.

2026 Musical Lineup
Multi-platinum punk rock icons The Offspring bring decades of Southern California punk-rock energy to SEMA Fest. Formed in Garden Grove in 1984, the band is known for their generation-defining hits such as “Self Esteem,” “Come Out and Play,” “The Kids Aren’t Alright,” and “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy).” Widely credited with helping revive mainstream interest in punk rock during the 1990s, The Offspring has sold more than 45 million records worldwide.

Jimmy Eat World adds its signature anthemic alternative-rock sound to the lineup. The band broke through globally with “The Middle,” which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks chart and became one of the defining rock songs of the early 2000s.

311 brings its unmistakable blend of rock, reggae, funk, and hip-hop influences to the main stage. The band has released 14 studio albums, sold more than 10 million records in the United States, and remains known for crowd favorites such as “Down,” “Amber,” and “All Mixed Up.”

The Alive rounds out the bill with a fresh California rock sound rooted in surf, skate, and hard-driving live performance. The band cites influences including Black Sabbath, Nirvana, Rush, and Queens of the Stone Age, making them a fitting addition to a lineup built on energy, edge, and attitude.

Featured Experiences
The evening’s adrenaline will be amplified by world-class automotive demos, including drifting demonstrations from OPTIMA and the high-energy Globe of Death.

Supercar Saturdays Florida returns to SEMA Fest with a curated showcase of rare hypercars and exotic vehicles following its debut SEMA Fest appearance in 2025, where it presented an exclusive hypercar and supercar display.

For the latest updates, follow @SEMAFestOfficial on social media or visit www.semafest.com.

Cobra Electronics Introduces RAD 390: Affordable Radar Detection for More Confident Everyday Driving

CHICAGO, IL (08.03.26) – Cobra Electronics has expanded its RAD Series lineup with the launch of the Cobra RAD 390. This radar detector delivers reliable performance at a competitive price; making road awareness more accessible for everyday drivers, and is now available at the most accessible retailer, Walmart.

As part of the RAD family, the RAD 390 continues Cobra’s commitment to delivering practical, reliable technology for everyday drivers. Designed to balance performance and value, the RAD 390 alerts drivers to nearby speed monitoring signals, including police radar and laser, helping them stay informed on the road. With enhanced detection range over previous generations, it gives drivers earlier visibility into potential speed checks and more time to respond, whether they’re commuting to work, heading out on a road trip, or navigating unfamiliar highways.

Jonas Forsberg, CEO of Cedar Electronics, stated, “Drivers shouldn’t be forced to choose between advanced detection capabilities and user-friendly operation. The RAD 390 is engineered to prioritize the capabilities drivers look for: better detection range and reduced false alerts, resulting in quieter, more accurate performance. By presenting these features in a simple and uncomplicated package, the RAD 390 enables drivers to remain informed without unnecessary complexity, offering a practical solution that’s perfect for everyday driving needs.”

Accessible Protection, Built for Everyday Driving

The Cobra RAD 390 is engineered for drivers who want straightforward, effective protection without unnecessary complication, whether it’s the daily commute, weekend errands, or long-distance travel.

  • Improved sensitivity provides earlier alerts and greater awareness of speed monitoring signals compared to previous models
  • Next-Generation Filtering: Advanced anti-falsing technology helps reduce alerts from vehicle safety systems like collision avoidance, minimizing distractions
  • Seven-Segment LED Display: A clear, easy-to-read display keeps drivers informed at-a-glance while keeping focus on the road
  • Redesigned Adhesive Mount: A more secure, low-profile mounting system keeps the device stable and discreet on the windshield
  • Firmware Update Compatibility: Ongoing updates help optimize performance and keep the device current as road technologies evolve

Together, these features deliver reliable radar and laser detection that empower more informed driving, backed by Cobra’s long legacy in radar detection technology.

The RAD 390 joins Cobra’s expanding RAD Series lineup alongside the recently launched RAD 490i and flagship RAD 700i, offering a more accessible entry point for everyday drivers. While the RAD 490i introduces premium features like Bluetooth® connectivity, app-based alerts, and an OLED display, the RAD 390 focuses on delivering essential performance and enhanced detection range in a simplified, cost-effective package. Like all RAD Series models, it is built on Cobra’s legacy of continuous improvement, with firmware updates and advanced signal processing designed to keep pace with evolving road technologies.

Priced at $119.95, the Cobra RAD 390 makes reliable radar detection more accessible than ever. The entire Cobra RAD lineup is available at both Walmart store locations and on Walmart.com, making it easy for shoppers to find them at their local store or choose convenient curbside pickup or delivery. Walmart+ members may also be able to take advantage of added convenience, including free delivery from store on eligible orders, free shipping with no order minimum on many items, and same-day delivery options in select markets.

To learn more please visit cobra.com.

House of Sound On Site At The SLINGFEST Nashville

NASHVILLE, TN (07.31.26) – Wednesday, July 29th, Alex Restrepo and the House of Sound team of 4 rolled out of Houston on the way to Nashville to extend the company’s Slingshot Experiences. House of Sound has been driving Slingshot Experiences in Houston for several years and recently have taken their activities on the road… most recently in Maggie‘s Valley North Carolina and the Fairgrounds in Toledo OH. Team members with Alex are Edwin Watson, Eber Flores and Walter Tobar.

The House of Sound crew had their tents set up on Thursday.

This stop is the SLINGFEST NASHVILLE 2026 hosted by Sloan’s Motorcycle-ATV at the Nashville Fairgrounds July 30 -August 2nd.

“We arrived in Nashville very early Thursday after the 780 mile trip. The trailer is packed with tents, inventory and Slingshot specific installation products for installations on site. We will be ready to make Slingshots shine and sound great. We are already making installations and discussing the upgrades that enthusiasts would like to do to their Slingshots with audio systems, custom LED lighting and accents, custom pods and customization with amps along with DSP tuning on site for their Slingshots” Restrepo related.

Lighting and accessories were spotlighted for enthusiast to check out.
E-bikes are also in the booth available for sale.

Continuing, Alex said “For Nashville we brought some E-bikes to sell. At these events the venues are so large attendees will buy an E-bike to ride around the parks and then enjoy it at home.”

On Thursday through Sunday Slingshot enthusiasts will continue to check out activities and have the House of Sound crew make installations on their Polaris Slingshots. The crew will pack the trailer early on Monday and start the 780 miles back to Houston. All told, there and back, the House of Sound crew will spend over a day on the highway.

Big jobs underway early.
Lots of upgrades on this Slingshot already.

“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” Restrepo concluded.

This Slingshot will rock with audio upgrades also!

For more see houseofsoundtx.com.

Driving Force Action Endorses Tom Tiffany for Wisconsin Governor

WASHINGTON, DC (07.31.26) – Driving Force Action is endorsing Tom Tiffany for governor of Wisconsin, the SuperPAC’s first endorsement of the 2026 election cycle. The endorsement is reflective of Tiffany’s impressive track record as a champion of the automotive and motorsports industries, along with his unwavering belief in American manufacturing, especially that borne of Wisconsin.

“Driving Force Action seeks candidates who cherish our individual freedoms, recognize the immense economic value of the automotive aftermarket industry, and understand the importance of our nation’s automotive heritage. That’s Tom Tiffany. and we’re proud to endorse his candidacy for Wisconsin governor,” said Lauren Wilbor, Driving Force Action’s national spokesperson.

Driving Force Action is a project of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) to mobilize the nation’s automotive aftermarket industry and the 70 million U.S. automotive enthusiasts in the 2026 midterm election. Candidate endorsements are based on voting records, public statements, and responses to a candidate questionnaire. Driving Force Action’s evaluations do not focus on party affiliation, but rather candidates’ efforts to:

• Strengthen American automotive manufacturing and domestic supply chains
• Expand opportunities in the skilled trades
• Protect local motorsports facilities and off-road access
• Reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens that hinder small businesses’ ability to thrive

To learn more, visit www.drivingforceaction.org.

Feel the Difference in Sound with BRUTUS BRL POWER

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (07.31.26) – ALL-NEW BRUTUS BRL amplifiers push amplifier technology and audio performance into LOUDER dimensions of powerful playback. With innovative amplification performance and a modern chassis footprint, BRUTUS BRL was engineered to maximize power efficiency while making clean output to drive subwoofers and speakers to their full potential in sound quality.

Every BRUTUS BRL amplifier is innovated with a built-in VU Meter and Intelligent Power Management System — while Ultra-Fi MOSFETS are designed for high output power and thermal dissipation through a proprietary coupling method.

In addition, BRL amplifiers feature a Class-D chipset, making them more efficient and allowing for a wide frequency range overall. Dominate the audio game with BRL PERFORMANCE.

To learn more, click here.

Reliable Product Marketing Launches norcalrep.com, A Dealer Resource Built to Drive Profitability

STOCKTON, CA (07.30.26) – A rep firm website that works like a dealer tool, not a brochure

Reliable Product Marketing (RPM), the manufacturers’ rep firm covering Northern California and Northern Nevada, has launched a fully rebuilt norcalrep.com. The site moves well beyond the standard rep firm line card, packing interactive system configurators, DSP education tools, and dealer sales resources into a single destination built around one goal: taking dealers to the next level of profitability with information and tools.

What dealers will find

The site is organized around how a retail store actually works. Sales staff get configurators and product knowledge they can use mid-conversation with a customer. Installers get technical tools covering time alignment, crossover behavior, and OEM integration signal analysis. Owners get stocking guidance, margin-focused programs, and the documentation that makes carrying a new line less of a leap.

On the site at a glance

  • System Configurators. Guided build tools that walk a salesperson or installer through amplifier, DSP, and speaker pairings across the RPM brand portfolio, producing a coherent system spec instead of a parts list.
  • DSP and tuning education. Interactive tools covering time alignment, crossover modeling, and OEM signal analysis, built so a dealer can learn the concept and apply it on the bench the same day.
  • Learn RPM. Technical reference material, white papers, and product training that go deeper than a spec sheet, written for the counter and the install bay.
  • Dealer Tools. Sales support resources, margin-minded stock programs, and dealer-facing documents designed to shorten the path from customer conversation to closed ticket.
  • Brand coverage. Focal, ARC Audio, Gladen, Mosconi, Musway, Wet Sounds, Compustar, Momento, iDatalink Maestro, mObridge, Lucas, and Drone, all under one roof for Northern California and Northern Nevada.

Why we built it

RPM’s position is that a rep firm should make markets with its dealers, not just call on them. With roughly 30 years in the 12-volt industry, including years behind the counter and in the install bay as a retailer, principal Scott Baughman built norcalrep.com to put rep-level product knowledge in dealer hands around the clock, not just when the rep is in the store.

“A line card tells a dealer what we carry. This site shows them how to sell it, how to install it, and how to make money with it. That is the job.” – Scott Baughman, Reliable Product Marketing

The full set of configurators, dealer tools, and training resources is available now at www.norcalrep.com.

SiriusXM Announces “SiriusXM Sports Pass,” A New All-in-One Audio Subscription for Sports Fans

NEW YORK – July 29, 2026 – SiriusXM has announced SiriusXM Sports Pass, a new subscription plan built for sports fans whose season never ends. SiriusXM Sports Pass will keep fans connected to the teams, hometown voices and sports conversations they love by bringing together SiriusXM’s unmatched sports audio lineup into one low-priced subscription. Listeners will get every live game and event SiriusXM carries, along with local sports talk, exclusive sports channels, national sports voices, expert analysis and podcasts.

Launching September 1, as the college and NFL football seasons get underway, SiriusXM Sports Pass will be available to new subscribers in the U.S. for only $5 per month, or $49 for the year. SiriusXM’s full sports programming lineup will also continue to be available in our most popular subscription plans, including Platinum, All-Access and Music and Entertainment. This will include the recently announced 23 local Audacy sports stations, including WFAN in New York, as well as the addition of ESPN LA 710, all joining the SiriusXM lineup on September 1.

Sports remains one of SiriusXM’s strongest competitive advantages and an increasingly important driver of engagement, with more subscribers tuning in to sports than ever before. The average U.S. sports fan spends six hours and 26 minutes a day listening to audio – over two hours more than the average American[1]. SiriusXM Sports Pass is built for that always-on fan, bringing live games and the daily sports conversation together in one place, wherever they listen.

“Every new channel, artist performance, live event, and creator collaboration advances our vision for the future of audio: making SiriusXM a home for fandom, where listeners can go deeper into the things they love and feel part of a lasting community,” said Jennifer Witz, Chief Executive Officer, SiriusXM. “SiriusXM Sports Pass brings that vision to life for sports fans by putting every game and event we carry, hometown voices, national personalities and the daily sports conversation into one simple, affordable subscription. No matter who you cheer for or where you listen, it brings you closer to the teams and voices that matter most to you.”

SiriusXM Sports Pass will feature hundreds of channels and podcasts between the in-car and SiriusXM app experience, including:

Live Game and Event Broadcasts

Every home and away NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL game broadcast; every NASCAR, IndyCar and Formula 1 race; PGA TOUR events and golf’s major championships; WWE Premium Live Events including WrestleMania; soccer matches from the U.S. and abroad; tennis; college football, basketball, baseball, softball, hockey and lacrosse; and more.

Exclusive SiriusXM Sports Channels

  • Mad Dog Sports Radio
  • SiriusXM NFL Radio
  • MLB Network Radio
  • SiriusXM NBA Radio
  • NHL Network Radio
  • SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
  • SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation
  • F1 on SiriusXM
  • SiriusXM College Sports Radio
  • SiriusXM ACC Radio
  • SiriusXM Big Ten Radio
  • SiriusXM SEC Radio
  • SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio
  • SiriusXM FC
  • WWE Radio
  • SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio

National Sports Media Brands

  • ESPN Radio
  • ESPN Xtra
  • ESPN Podcasts
  • Fox Sports on SiriusXM
  • NBC Sports Radio
  • Westwood One Sports
  • VSiN

Local Sports Stations

  • WFAN (New York)
  • ESPN LA 710 (Los Angeles)
  • 97.1 The Fan (Los Angeles)
  • 104.3 The Score (Chicago)
  • 95.7 The Game (San Francisco)
  • 105.3 The Fan (Dallas)
  • 95.7 The Fan (Houston)
  • 92.9 The Game (Atlanta)
  • 106.7 The Fan (Washington, D.C.)
  • The Team 980 (Washington, D.C.)
  • SportsRadio 94WIP (Philadelphia)
  • WEEI 93.7 (Boston)
  • 104.3 WQAM (Miami)
  • 97.1 The Ticket (Detroit)
  • 97.3 The Fan (San Diego)
  • 105.1 The Fan (Portland)
  • 105.7 The Fan (Baltimore)
  • ESPN 1320 (Sacramento)
  • 93.7 The Fan (Pittsburgh)
  • 96.5 The Fan (Kansas City)
  • 92.3 The Fan (Cleveland)
  • 105.7 The Fan (Milwaukee)
  • 92.9 ESPN (Memphis)
  • WGR 550 Sports Radio (Buffalo)

While listeners will get access to every live game and event broadcast both in their car and on the SiriusXM app, certain channels – including some local sports stations and team-specific play-by-play channels – will only be available via the app and in vehicles with SiriusXM with 360L radios.

For more information on SiriusXM’s extensive sports programming, please visit www.siriusxm.com/sports