The following article was published on TheShopMag.com.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (12.30.25) – Minnesota-based Northern Tool + Equipment is partnering with RACER Network to launch a first-of-its-kind television series highlighting the next generation of tradespeople — namely, high school CTE (career and technical education) students. A new four-episode series will follow Tennessee’s LaVergne High School CTE juniors and seniors as they participate in the Legends Challenge: Student Build from Northern Tool — transforming a Harley-Davidson Nightster into an XR750-inspired flat-track racer with hands-on mentorship from racers and builders.

“The work these students are doing belongs on the big screen,” said Frank Crowson, chief marketing officer at Northern Tool + Equipment. “RACER Network fans—and motorsports diehards everywhere—are going to see real talent, determination and teamwork on display. This is a serious challenge; even seasoned pros would be pushed to finish a build like this in just 174 days.”

The series is anticipated to air in 2026. Updates can be found on social media and Northern Tool’s YouTube channel.

Continue reading this article here.

ABILENE, TX (12.23.25) – Kingdom Audio is a proactive 12volt retailer in Abilene, TX. Willie Johnston and Drew Whitten are industry veterans driving business in the 12volt industry along with automotive services.

12volt Central Studios staff members noticed terrific posts that the company is making with PowerBass products which prompted a call to the company. In a call with Drew Whitten he indicated that the way to reach consumers today is social media and not through radio and TV channels. The striking posts utilized graphics of products available from PowerBass and the company created the graphics and added in their logo and contact information.

“All members of the 12volt industry definitely need to work together and utilize all the tools available to let consumers know what we offer to max the safety and enjoyment in their rides” Whitten stated.

Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP, related “We provide the logos and images of products for all of our dealers in our dropbox. It’s terrific to see retailers, like Kingdom Audio, utilizing those tools for visibility and to drive business locally.

Kingdom Audio and Whitten Automotive are family owned businesses rooted in the Abilene TX community. The companies prioritize customer satisfaction and strive to exceed expectations from each service. The company also utilizes resources from
other vendors to create social media posts.

Stay tuned for more.

Contact whitten2auto@yahoo.com for more.

Article written by Jackson Chen for engadget.com.

NEW YORK, NY (12.23.25) – Faraway road trips just got a lot easier, at least for the passengers. Sony Honda Mobility, the joint venture between the two Japanese conglomerates created to produce electric vehicles, announced that its Afeela EV will come with PS Remote Play. While playing video games in a car may be a niche feature, it means drivers will have something to do when parked, and passengers can chip away at their favorite RPGs during long drives.

According to the announcement, the Afeela will be able to run your PS5 and PS4 consoles remotely through the infotainment system’s integrated display. You can even grab your DualSense controller from home and get right back into the game after jumping in your Afeela. Sony Honda Mobility said a 5Mbps broadband connection is required to play, and a 15Mbps rate will deliver a smoother experience.

Read the full article at engadget.com.

NAMPA, ID (12.22.25) – The Idaho Center, in the Boise suburb of Nampa, was Livin’Loud during the 2025 KICKER AMA ArenaCross Saturday night December 20th. Area KICKER retailer Sound Hound Stereo, with Byll, Darin and Michelle, were in the KICKER booth with Maddog_Media’s Lorin Morrell.

Morrell, who orchestrates the AMA ArenaCross events, related “It was a great night of action. Saturday night the arena was packed. The Pit Party drew enthusiasts onto the track to get the evening started. The line was backed up to the lobby as people waited to get onto into the Pit Party. Meeting riders and checking out their bikes was enjoyable for all. The KICKER booth in the lobby area had tables with products displayed for car, truck, marine and motorsports. Some of the products were the first time on site at an ArenaCross.”

Continuing “Adding to the evening was a big upgrade in the PA system with 16 KICKER KMTC Marine Tower speakers being driven by KICKER Amps with Zach behind the Mic announcing action on the track. Plus Having Byll, Darin and Michelle in the house for their Sound Hound store was terrific. Their store in Caldwell is only 8 miles from the Idaho Center in Nampa. They certainly did connect with a lot of people and enthusiasts from the area. They reconnected with several from last year and made appoints for jobs in the coming days” Lorin added.

The Sound Hound Stereo team connected with many people and handed out over 200 cards in addition to quoting several jobs. Sound Hound Stereo is celebrating our 30th Anniversary this year. KICKER is a go to brand in the store. Auto, truck, marine and motorsports products are all hot categories in Idaho and KICKER has products in all those categories… Bullfrog portables too. Participating with KICKER again and Livin’Loud at the AMA ArenaCross was certainly a Win Win.

The AMA ArenaCross sponsored by KICKER continues with Round 3 in Loveland, CO January 3rd 2026.

Visit kicker.com for more