TAMPA, FL (03.29.22) – DOW Technologies, the leading independently owned technology distributor, was recently awarded four Quest for Quality Awards in CE Pro’s 12th annual competition. DOW received awards in this prestigious competition for the second year in a row.
CE Pro’s Quest for Quality Awards recognize the services offered by distributors and manufacturers that supply custom integrators. The Awards are open to distributors across the nation with winners determined by votes from CE Pro’s readers.
DOW Technologies won a first place Platinum Award for the Best Customer Service category. This was an improvement from the Silver award that DOW won in the category the prior year. DOW won Gold Awards for the Best Technical Support and Best Supply Chain Response categories. In the Best Shipping Policies category, DOW was awarded the Silver Award. This year DOW also received “Category Kudos” acknowledgment (those who performed well in the voting) in three categories: Best Website, Best Training Programs, and Best Dealer Programs/Incentives.
“We’re very excited to have taken the Platinum Award in the Best Customer Service category this year,” stated senior vice president Dave Elkin. “Our focus has always been on providing top level service as a significant differentiator for why integrators partner with DOW. This reinforces the great effort our team has made in this difficult environment.”
“It is a true honor to have been recognized again in this year’s Quest for Quality Awards,” stated president & ceo John Yodzis. “With the difficulties we’re all facing in the industry, our team is working really hard to support dealers with deeper inventory, knowledgeable technical support, and fast shipping. We’ve made a lot of beneficial changes over the past year, and we’re going to continue innovating and striving to be the best.”
SEATTLE, WA (03.29.22) – AudioControl will be unveiling new products and hosting training seminars for attendees at the 2022 KnowledgeFest Indianapolis, being held at the Indianapolis Convention Center April 1st – 3rd in Booth #510.
Many New Products in Booth 510 AudioControl will be showing new models and enhancements to the all-weather ACX line of amplifiers, perfect for automotive as well as a vast array of non-traditional installations that represent new opportunities for dealers. Imagine offering high-performance, invisible audio systems to classic car owners or exceptionally durable solutions for recreational marine applications, UTVs, food trucks, tour vans and more. Attendees will see new, more powerful, compact ACX amplifiers, signal processors and an all-new multi-zone Bluetooth source unit/controller along with the new Epicenter Micro and multi-function ACR-U controller. Learn how these products are ideally suited to both existing and completely new clientele.
Training Seminars AudioControl will be hosting one training seminar per day covering how to maximize system performance with AudioControl’s newest solutions (Friday), how to achieve success in any vehicle using best-in-class OEM interface solutions (Saturday), and how to effectively utilize the proper tools, strategies, and methods—including the AudioControl DM-RTA—to achieve powerful, predictable, and profitable results in every client vehicle (Sunday).
“We are excited to bring these new products and training sessions to KnowledgeFest Indy,” stated Matthew Palumbo, Mobile Audio Sales Manager at AudioControl. “Our expanded lineup has been engineered to solve challenges that installers face bringing precise, powerful sound to customers regardless of the vehicle or existing OEM system, and they represent important opportunities for our dealer partners to diversify grow their businesses.”
Friday, April 1st, – 1:45-2:45pm Meeting Room: 128 New Products & New Opportunities (as noted above)
Saturday, April 2nd, – 5:30-6:30pm Meeting Room: 128 LOCs, LGDs, & DSPs Oh My! Take an in-depth look at the LOC, LGD, and Epicenter product lines from AudioControl. Not sure when to use an Epicenter in an OEM integration installation? Do you know the difference between The Epicenter and AccuBass? What is the difference between the LC1i, LC2i, and LC2i Pro? Are you an expert at setting up The Epicenter? What about dialing in an LC2i Pro? Do you know what the different colors/models of LGDs mean and when to use each? Join us for a fun session where you will learn all of this and more.
Sunday, April 3rd, – 9:30-10:30am Meeting Room: 128 Achieve Predictable Results using AudioControl! Testing audio system performance is important in every vehicle receiving an audio upgrade. This course offers a comprehensive guide to utilizing a simple DM-RTA checklist along with documenting results. Learn to better offer the most appropriate equipment for each vehicle and to best accommodate each listener’s expectations, along with best practices for using the powerful DM-RTA to test, troubleshoot and validate performance—these are the keys to making every vehicle sound great!
COLUMBUS OH (03.28.22) – Consumer Electronics rep firm End Result presented its popular consumer electronics dealer and manufacturer showcase. Marking its 18th event, The End Result Show took place on Friday, March 18 at the Bridgewater Conference Center in Powell, OH—a location that was easily accessible for dealers located in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
The one-day event, designed to motivate and educate retail sales teams, was entitled A Time for Transformation to Revive, Survive, and Thrive. “Delivering that theme was absolutely what we delivered at The End Result Show as we move forward in 2022. With Rusty North on the road and Nicole in the office we had such a strong team to coordinate the event. My wife Lori in the home office too,” stated Ed Dalesandro, Principal of End Result and organizer of the show.
The End Result Show was a full day from the opening bell until the curtain dropped.
Continuing, Dalesandro stated, “We had a total of nearly 200 industry members on site. Our vendor partners really stepped up with support including key brand staff members, displays, spot on training sessions and engaging presentations on the event floor. Turnout from 12volt and Home AV dealers in the territory was strong and many commented on their positive take aways from the show. Keynote speakers Allison Lopez-CEO and Co-Founder, along with Dr Frank Viggiano, made much needed and well received presentations to help dealers position their companies in their respective markets. Dr Viggoano is a Professor Emeritus, CES Innovations Judge plus radio and TV reporter in Pittsburgh. On the 12volt side Jeff Peters and Ken Ward-Hertz Audison, Nick LoManoco-Memphis Audio, Ignacio Ayala-Race Sport Lighting and Jason Proios-Nakamichi Car Audio were in the house and worked with dealers.”
Ed Dalesandro Result End Principal
Jeff Peters commented, “Spending quality face-to-face time with 12volt retailers was so valuable. They had a chance to have live demos on Hertz and Audison displays. The new Hertz marine display, featuring LED lighting, really grabbed eyeballs on the show floor. The dealers at the End Result Show came with the purpose of learning and growing their business. That is so important in the brick and mortar retail world today.” Peters made these comments to 12volt Central Studios staff.
Ken Ward conducted live acoustic tuning demos outside on Friday. Saturday morning he conducted a session that took a ‘deep dive’ into OEM integration and tuning acoustics session that lasted 4 hours. Saturday rain and cold limited everything to the indoor classroom.
Nick LoManoco from Memphis Audio offered, “The End Result show was terrific. Dealers came looking for information and we delivered. We answered questions about our new DSP unit and provided demos. The Powersports category is so strong and we had our side by side on site for demos. There were about 30 in the Memphis Audio training session and all were very engaged.”
Jason Proios was in the house with Nakamichi Car Audio and met with dealers about existing products and showed prototypes on the way. In addition he reworked an in-store display for End Result to place in the territory with a Nakamichi dealer.
Ed Nuttall, Team Nutz in Pittsburg, took a crew plus 2 demo vehicles that took part in the Ken Ward tuning sessions. “The End Result Show really delivered again across the board. Mike Gosnik’s Focus and Tom May’s Mustang on display showed all at the event top line system installations and sound performance. Staff Ryan Davis, Vanessa Pielin, my wife Nina and I made the 185 mile trip from Pittsburgh and took so much learned back to the store.”
Adam McDermit and A. J. Wiesen, with Custom Audio in Erie PA, made the trip to The End Result Show. McDermit related, “Shows like the End Result Show are meant to inspire and motivate. Whether on not you learn something or not it gets you excited for our industry and relights that spark. It gives us ideas on how to sell and utilize upcoming products in our business.”
Wiesen offered, “I have to be honest, I was star struck meeting Ken Ward! The live tuning gave me insight as to how Ken’s processes work. Now I can take those processes back to our business. I was also happy to see others who do what I do and have that enthusiasm that I have.”
Ignacio Ayala is flanked by Rusty North (L) and Ed Dalesandro as he presented the Race Sport Lighting Rep of the Year 2021 Plaque to End Result on the show floor.
After a full day of activities on the show floor and training sessions concluded all were invited to a special networking social event that included dinner, abundant refreshments, casino night and more that a few toasts to Ed Dalesandro, vendors and all who worked so hard to made the event a tremendous success. Ed’s wife Lori, with her daughter beside, worked virtually non-stop for weeks to help Ed, Rusty and Nicole pull everything together.
After the jam-packed show day everything had to be cleared from the area. Many dealers lent their support to pack and haul boxes and displays out of the Bridgewater Center. Dalesandro thanks all with a special tip of the End Result hat to Marty Mohr of Automania, along with his son Mathew plus Ed Nuttall with his crew from Team Nutz.
Dalesandro concluded, “These are crucial times for brick and mortar independent dealers that are trying to adapt to survive and thrive again. As a rep in the consumer electronics industry, I feel it’s my job to provide dealers with the tools they need to be successful and compete in this moving target of a world. It will take ‘out of the box’ thinking to maintain customer flow and this could be a boom for all of us but it must be carefully orchestrated and well-thought-out.”
Lastly Dalesandro stated, “I feel The End Result Show 2022 delivered. Thank all… especially wife and daughter.”
There was Tom Brady like talk as The End Result 2022 Show wrapped. 2023 will tell.
DES MOINES, IA (03.28.22) – “I am pleased to announce we have hired a new Territory Manager for the Mountain States area. Ira comes to us from the Omaha area with extensive retail background in 12-Volt. I look forward to personally introducing him in the territory in the very near future!” – Tom Kolar, Vice President of Sales and Marketing – 12-Volt Division. Ira has been in the 12-Volt industry for over 10 years managing a bay. One of the biggest joys for Ira is seeing the smile on the customer’s face once an install is completed regardless if it was a large or small job.
Ira George
When Ira isn’t working, he is still involved with cars. “I enjoy rebuilding old cars in my spare time in my garage or in a shop space.” He also enjoys traveling with his wife and kids whether it is a quick road trip or cross-country journey.
“I’m looking forward to getting out and visiting the stores to meet new faces and start to build strong partnerships with all of you very soon!” – Ira George – Territory Sales Manager – Omaha, Nebraska.
For inquiries regarding Mid-State Distributing-12-Volt Division, please contact Tom Kolar at t.kolar@m-state.com or 800-798-5965 x 661 at the Omaha Branch.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.28.22) – In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage will host a Measuring Session for the all-electric ’22 Ford F-150 Lightning. The event will allow SEMA members to have a close-up experience with Ford’s first ever all-electric F-Series truck.
New F-150 Lightning features will include:
SuperCrew Four-Door Cab
Four-Wheel Drive
5.5-Foot Cargo Bed
Extended-Range Battery Option
Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 Technology (ADAS)
This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited.
SHREVEPORT LA (03.026.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Cutting Edge Audio won the NavAtlas prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 171 on Friday morning, March 25th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 4.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 171st time on Friday morning March 25th. The Wheel landed on the NavAtlas space and the Cutting Edge Audio slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out to Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA and spoke with Ronnie. He was excited and very happy to hear a NavAtlas prize will be heading his way. “That’s great news on a Friday morning. Look forward to receiving the NavAtlas prize” he said.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, AIS, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and USASpec. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL and 12volt Specialist in Newark DE. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, April 1st.
CHARLEROI, PA (03.25.22) – SEMA is continuing its partnership with the 10 high school auto shop programs into the 2021-2022 school year, as they were affected by COVID-19 mandated school closures. The 10 builds, that began in January 0f 2020, are to be completed late this spring and be auctioned off through the program partner.
On Thursday, March 24th, Todd Ramsey visited the Mon Valley Career & Technical Center. Students at the high school auto tech program are customizing a 2002 Jeep Wrangler TJ SEMA Build vehicle.
The Mon Valley class gathered Thursday morning for this image in the work area. Chris Mance, Automotive Instructor, leans on the Jeep windshield top right. Todd Ramsey is pictured in the khaki shirt on the left and Ed Nuttall is pictured in the blue shirt.
“We met with Chris Mance, the Automotive Instructor, and 12 students in the shop area. In discussions with the students they were very engaged and asked questions about careers continuing in the automotive field after graduation. Chris is a very driven instructor and what they are doing in their shop is pretty damn fantastic,” Ramsey related to the 12volt Central Studios.
They shop class gathered in the lobby as the Jeep was positioned for an Open House at the school.
Mance related, “The meeting Thursday morning with Todd was absolutely terrific. It was an opportunity for him to see the SEMA Build program in action. His in-person presence in the shop at our school really grabbed the attention of our entire shop class. In addition he has arranged the delivery of some parts, bumpers and hood scoop, that we needed for the Jeep.”
Mance continued, “To have Ed Nuttall at the meeting was such a bonus as members of the shop class got real world answers about career opportunities in aftermarket tech world.”
Ed Nuttall, Team Nutz Pittsburgh 12volt retailer, accompanied Todd to the meeting. “Our business is only about 40 miles from the Mon Valley Center and this was a great opportunity for me to get some insight into the possibility for future employees. It’s no secret that the 12volt industry has been dealing with a shortage of quality techs in our shops for some time. Seeing the top quality approach being taken by Chris with his students was very encouraging. Also seeing that SEMA is working to encourage students to pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket industry was tremendous,” Nuttall related to the 12volt Central Studios.
Team Nutz is a very proactive 12volt retailer in the area that regularly exhibits at the Pittsburg International Auto Show and other large automotive consumer shows. At those events the company connects with annual high school sponsored student tours. Many Mon Valley shop students were familiar with the Team Nutz store in Pittsburgh.
Todd Ramsey, Ramsey Consulting, has been contracted since September 2021 to manage the SEMA Hight School Build initiative. For more see ramseyconsultinggroup.com or email Byron Bergman at SEMA Member Services – byronb@sema.org
Automotive Technology at Mon Valley Career and Technology Center provides students with a comprehensive, 3-year program designed to prepare students to confidently enter the automotive industry. Faculty and staff strives to exceed the needs and expectations of the industry by teaching core skills and techniques along with the soft skills needed to excel in the automotive setting.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.25.22) – Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUVs) are the fastest-selling type of vehicle in the United States, accounting for 45% of passenger vehicles sold in 2021. They are also the most common type of vehicle on the road, accounting for almost one in four vehicles on the road, according to the new “CUV Market Snapshot” from SEMA Market Research.
The report, which helps businesses better understand the CUV market and identify opportunities, provides detailed analysis on the CUV landscape, opportunities for the aftermarket, accessorizer profiles, and an outlook for the future.
As vehicle preferences among Americans change, light trucks (pickups, SUVs, CUVs, and vans) are becoming a larger share of the overall vehicle population. OEMs are shifting production away from passenger cars to more profitable light-truck platforms, largely driven by CUVs.
Additional key findings from the SEMA report include:
Consumers spent $7.7 billion on specialty-equipment parts for CUVs in 2020 – more than was spent on SUVs.
Off-roading is an emerging opportunity segment within the CUV market. Thirteen percent of CUVs modified in 2020 were taken off-road, and vehicle manufacturers are introducing new options to their CUV lineups specifically aimed at off-road enthusiasts.
Electrification is coming to the CUV market. Forty new electric CUV models are slated to be released in the next three years.
By 2035, 59% of new CUVs sold are expected to be electric, hybrid, plug-in, or fuel cell.
47% of CUV accessorizers research parts using social media or online videos.
There are currently more than 130 CUV models on the road, and more than 170 models projected to be sold from 2022-2028.
CUV accessorizers can be found in any age group. The diverse spread of makes and models make these vehicles a match for almost anyone.
CUVs are the fastest-selling type of vehicle in the United States, according to SEMA’s new “CUV Market Snapshot” report.
The complete “CUV Market Snapshot” is available to download for free at www.sema.org/research.
This report is the focus of the upcoming SEMA webinar “CUV Market Snapshot – Emerging Opportunities” on March 31.
MT. GILEAD, OH (03.25.22) – Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI), manufacturer of Hot Shot’s Secret and international distributor of high performance lubricants, announces the company’s 25th anniversary. The company owned by CEO Chris Gabrelcik began modestly as a home-based business in 1997. Gabrelcik, who holds certifications as a Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS) and Oil Management Analyst (OMA), initially developed lubrication solutions for major industrial clients. The company’s mission was to solve real world industry specific problems unaddressed by the market with the highest quality lubricant solutions.
In 2003, Gabrelcik was approached by Navistar International, manufacturer of the Power Stroke engine for Ford Motor Company, to help determine why HEUI injectors in the 6.0 and 7.3-liter Power Stroke engine were consistently failing prematurely. Gabrelcik discovered the issue was stiction, a sticky varnish that was occurring on the oil service side of the injectors and formulated the ideal lubricant solution; a powerful oil additive that removed stiction and provided lubrication that could restore HEUI injectors to full operation nine times out of 10.
The formula, Hot Shot’s Secret Stiction Eliminator, was branded at a time when hot shot truckers were busy transporting FEMA trailers to the Gulf Coast to assist with the Katrina hurricane clean-up. Today, Hot Shot’s Secret has developed into the fastest growing performance lubricant brand in the USA and boasts over 50 high performance oil and fuel additives for diesel- and gas-powered vehicles, race products including racing oil, transmission fluid, gear oil, and oils and fluids for specialty needs —import, heavy duty and more. Diesel Extreme and Everyday Diesel Treatment soon followed Stiction Eliminator and Hot Shot’s Secret quickly became known as the “Diesel Experts.”
In the past 25 years, LSI has grown both organically and through acquisition adding multiple divisions – LSI Chemical, Frantz Filters and Fluid Recovery. Sixty employees operate at their headquarters and recently acquired shipping distribution center in Mt. Gilead, OH. In 2014, LSI purchased Frantz Filters and Fluid Recovery. In 2017, Hot Shot’s Secret incorporated motorsports sponsorships and the brand spread by word of mouth as diesel race champions using Hot Shot’s Secret products chalked up wins. To keep up with growth, LSI greatly expanded the company’s bottling and blending capabilities by building a new facility that included offices, manufacturing, blending, R&D, sales and marketing. In 2020, LSI formed LSI Chemical, a division with a focus on developing high performance additives to be marketed to downstream refinery operations and private label, and to market Hot Shot’s Secret internationally. In a few short years, LSI Chemical under the leadership of Todd Cawley has established 16 distributors in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Central and South America. Last year, LSI invested in a new 24,000 square foot distribution / shipping hub to accommodate 50 plus SKUs of Hot Shot’s Secret and LSI Chemical product lines.
Hot Shot’s Secret products are now sold at many mass merchandisers and major auto retail establishments such as Walmart, Tractor Supply, O’Reilly Auto Parts, AutoZone, at top truck and travel centers – Pilot, TA/Petro, Love’s, as well as independent dealers and retailers and performance shops in this continent and via distribution centers abroad. Powered by science, LSI has become known as an expert in the field of nano lubricant technology and develops problem specific solutions for multiple markets including motorsports, automotive, off-road, import, fleet, RV, heavy duty transportation and oil and gas refinery.
“At LSI, we only create products that are the best they can be for their designed purpose which is the primary difference between our company and larger manufacturers. Our success has been afforded by staying true to this principle, working with the brightest minds in the industry and being forward thinking about consumer needs and industry trends. Lubrication Specialties is poised to grow again this year with expanded retail distribution of the Hot Shot’s Secret brand and continued growth in independent performance dealers and online sales. This is an exciting time for our company, and we are looking forward to the challenges of the next 25 years.”
-LSI President Brett Tennar
Last year, LSI launched the Steve Sommers Overnight Drive Show, a live call-in late night trucking show that airs Monday – Friday from midnight to 5 a.m. and sponsored Firepunk Diesel’s S10 that holds the world record for the fastest diesel on the planet – 3.998 seconds in the 1/8th mile.
FT. WORTH, TX (03.24.22) – The Progressive American Flat Track 18-round schedule for the 2022 season made its second stop at the Texas Motor Speedway for the Texas Half Mile in Ft Worth TX on Saturday March 19th. The American Flat Track 2022 season is set to bring the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series to new venues in new markets as well as a return to the major motorcycle rallies.
KICKER was on site in the entryway underneath the stands with Lorin Morrell and an expanded event presence as the 2022 season rolls forward. KICKER is the Official Audio Sponsor for 2022 and the Presenting Sponsor of the AFT Singles Category.
KICKER set up under the stands with products, Street Glide and RZR. Local retailers’s banner and Street Glide in the booth.
“We had the 10×20 KICKER tent set up with 4 tables featuring a wide variety of KICKER products on display. Also at this event area KICKER Rep Pete Daley, Marketing Pros, was in the house and arranged for local KICKER dealer Expert Car Audio to be in the booth. Store owner Jim Constantin showed off his Street Glide with Full Kicker system. The loaded Street Glide was Livin’ Loud and really turned heads,” Morrell related.
Constantin offered to The 12volt Central Studios, “The event was a great way for my shop to connect with bike enthusiast and show our work with the Street Glide. The KICKER saddle bags really got a lot of attention. Pete and I talked with so many people and passed out lots business cards…..KICKER lanyards too. Sunday morning I checked my email and had 3 people want to talk about jobs.
Jim Constantin’s Street Glide was spot lighted in the booth.
Concluding, Morrell stated, “Spending time with so many was an opportunity to get a lot of insight from enthusiasts about systems on their bikes and opportunity to put KICKER products in their family vehicles.”
Ideally balanced in its March-October dates, coast-to-coast locations, and blend of eight Half-Miles, five Miles, two TTs, and three Short Tracks, the ‘22 slate is set to establish Progressive AFT as a highlight attraction at some of the world’s biggest motorcycling events.
The circuit continues with Progressive AFT rounds reinstated as key components of the massively popular Laconia Motorcycle Week and Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Finally, the 2022 Grand National Championship battle will come full circle with a return visit to Daytona Beach during Biketoberfest for the Volusia Half-Mile III season finale. In addition, several other events will have a similarly celebratory feel with high-profile showdowns on holiday weekends including Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
The KICKER rig, with Lorin Morrell behind the wheel, traveled from Volusia FL to the Texas Motor Speedway in Ft. Worth.
The annual legendary Midwest events, the Springfield Mile doubleheader, Peoria TT and Lima Half-Mile, all return on the same weekends while four events will move to new weekends in 2022. After a rain-out in 2021, the Texas Half-Mile moves to a new date in March to be a part of IndyCar weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. The New York Short Track and Port Royal Half-Mile will both move to new weekends in July, and Cal Expo will play host to the Sacramento Mile in August.
A number of fan and rider favorite venues are back following temporary absences. The Red Mile, Laconia Short Track and Black Hills Half-Mile last took place in 2019 and are set to make their triumphant return to the calendar in 2022.
The Castle Rock TT, meanwhile, is back following a lengthier pause. The ‘22 edition will mark the 28th inclusion of the adrenaline-fueled race on the Progressive AFT schedule and a return to the Pacific Northwest for the first time since 2014. The event is sure to be one of the most unique events on the tour thanks to a collaboration with Thor Drake, renowned for his ability to curate motorcycle art, racing and culture and deliver highly entertaining events such as The One Moto Show and The Wild One.
There will also be two new additions to the slate: I-70 Half-Mile in Odessa, Missouri, and the Cedar Lake Short Track in New Richmond, Wisconsin. The stop in Odessa is Progressive American Flat Track’s first in Missouri since 2005 while the race in New Richmond will be the series’ first in Wisconsin since 2003.
The complete 2022 Progressive American Flat Track schedule follows:
March 10, 2022 – Volusia Half-Mile I, Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL
March 11, 2022 – Volusia Half-Mile II, Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL
March 19, 2022 – Texas Half-Mile, Texas Motor Speedway, Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX
April 23, 2022 – I-70 Half-Mile, I-70 Motorsports Park, Odessa, MO
May 28, 2022 – Red Mile I, The Red Mile, Lexington, KY
May 29, 2022 – Red Mile II, The Red Mile, Lexington, KY
June 11, 2022 – Laconia Short Track, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, NH
June 25, 2022 – Lima Half-Mile, Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, OH
July 2, 2022 – New York Short Track, Weedsport Speedway, Weedsport, NY
July 16, 2022 – Port Royal Half-Mile, Port Royal Speedway, Port Royal, PA
July 30, 2022 – Peoria TT, Peoria Motorcycle Club, Peoria, IL
August 6, 2022 – Black Hills Half-Mile, Black Hills Speedway, Rapid City, SD
August 13, 2022 – Castle Rock TT, Castle Rock Race Park, Castle Rock, WA
August 20, 2022 – Sacramento Mile, Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA
September 3, 2022 – Springfield Mile I, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
September 4, 2022 – Springfield Mile II, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
September 24, 2022 – Cedar Lake Short Track, Cedar Lake Speedway & Arena, New Richmond, WI
October 15, 2022 – Volusia Half-Mile III, Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL
Online ticket sales for all rounds will be available in the coming weeks on AmericanFlatTrack.coms. To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit the official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
Portions of the above text was edited from the original 2022 Progressive American Flat Track Scheduled press announcement.
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