STILLWATER, OK (06.22.2021) – KICKER returns to music events for the first time since COVID as the title sponsor of the 25th annual KICKER Country Stampede, at Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kan., June 24-26.
More than 40 bands will perform during the three-day event, with over a dozen featured on the Main Stage alone. This year’s headliners are Riley Green, Sam Hunt and Luke Combs, along with Ashley McBryde, Maddie & Tae, Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, Kentucky Headhunters, and a host of others. The attendance is expected to exceed 160,000 fans this year, placing it among the largest country-music festivals in the nation.
KICKER plans to bring the completely revamped XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) tractor-trailer to serve as the cornerstone of the KICKER booth area. The 82-foot big rig houses a full showroom of KICKER products in addition to the legendary Boom Room, which returns to life following major upgrades. A larger, louder enclosure is now suspended in a custom steel framework, built to withstand the torture emanating from a massive 40,000-watt power plant of amplifiers. A dozen KICKER Q-Class L7 15-inch subwoofers, in addition to an array of 11-inch compression-driver, KM-Series Tower Speakers, deliver tons of bass – and fun – to countless thousands of rabid music fans.
Under the XRV’s awning will be a trio of KICKER-equipped UTVs, featuring a range of powersports speakers, amplifiers, and customized subwoofer enclosures. The SSV Works-equipped Polaris RZR features a KICKER Stage 5 audio kit featuring a 10-inch subwoofer, coaxial speakers and two weather-proof amplifiers.
Select KICKER lifestyle gear will be for sale all weekend, including phone chargers, personal-audio gear, and select wearables. Show-goers will also be able to register for a daily giveaway of a KICKER Bullfrog wireless speaker. Winners will be announced via email, at the KICKER XRV and on social media. Before each performance, each artist will receive a gift basket filled with KICKER gear.
SHREVEPORT, LA (06.22.2021) – Unique Auto Sound & Security received the JBL WIND2 Prize in Lindenhurst NY. Sean Kafaierad commented “Mike, we received the prize and I can’t wait to start using it. JBL makes such great products and this portable JBL Bluetooth speaker can be used in so many places.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Six months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
Sean Kafaierad gives a big thumbs up as he holds the JBL WIND2. Sean is pictured behind the counter in his Lindenhurst NY Unique Auto Sound & Security store.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 131st time on Friday morning June 11th. The Wheel landed on the JBL space. The Unique Auto Sound & Security slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
The JBL WIND2 12volt Spin-To-Win Prize 131 ready to ship from the 12volt Central Studios.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, DAS/Off Terrain, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, June 18th.
DETROIT, MI (06.22.2021) – The surge in demand for new vehicles has been driven by trucks and crossovers — and electric vehicles.
New data from Experian reveals that new vehicle registrations for electric vehicles are up 95% during the first four months of 2021. The entire market isn’t languishing as its up 36% overall. The jump pushed the market share for EVs to 2.3% — a jump from 1.6% for the same period in 2020, Automotive News reported.
Surprisingly, not every maker is enjoying the stratospheric rise. Tesla Inc., the top seller of electric vehicles around the world, saw registrations decline on three of its four vehicles during the period. Only the Model Y rose, much of that attributed to the fact it had just begun production at the end of last February.
According to Experian, Model Y sales jumped from 2,260 during the first four months last year to 53,102 units for the same time this year — a 71% jump. Once the company’s best-selling vehicle, the Model 3 is down 12% and the Model S and Model X are down 63% and 75% respectively.
Where are the EV buyers?
Unsurprisingly, California was the leader, accounting for 38% of EV registration. However, that number is down from 45% from the same period in 2020 — despite a 64% jump in the number of vehicles registered through April.
Other warm weather states, Florida and Texas, took the No. 2 and No. 3 spots in registrations at 7.2% and 5.9 percent. That said, California is helping to lead the way to the overall increase, according to Experian.
In the first quarter — excluding April results — electrics accounted for 7.53% of all vehicles sold in California. For all other states, it was 1.6%. The firm also noted that EV buyers are more likely to buy another one when they buy a new vehicle — and that loyalty is rising.
Among luxury brands, 65% of EV owners bought another in 2018. That figured jumped to 71.8% in 2020. In mainstream vehicle brands, 53.9% bought another EV in 2018. That number jump nearly 10% in 2020 to 63.7 percent.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (06.21.2021) – KICKER was the presenting sponsor of the 2021 OKC Mile, an American Flat Track race at magnificent Remington Park in Oklahoma City, on June 18th and 19th.
Remington Park and Casino was the site of the American Flat Track OKC Mile.
Friday with racers on the track.
KICKER was set up outside and inside the grounds at Remington Park. Saturday nights event was sold out. RZR’s and motorcycles were set in place for members of the crowd to experience the latest from KICKER Performance Audio. Lifestyle and marine products were also on display.
Kevin Campbell, KICKER Director of Marketing, welcomed the crowd for Saturday’s OKC Mile.
Each day, KICKER supported AFT riders Cory Texter and sister Shayna Texter-Bauman as they took on the OKC Mile. KICKER also featured live demonstrations of its motorcycle and powersports audio systems, installed in a custom Harley-Davidson Road King and Polaris RZR. KICKER powersports systems are designed for maximum reliability, sound quality and volume, all without over-burdening the factory charging systems.
KICKER demos were set up outside.
Racers on the track during Saturday’s OKC Mile.
“At KICKER, we deliver the kind of products that excite – that make your heart race when you hear your favorite song through our equipment. Members of the crowd experienced that at Remington Park” stated Kevin Campbell, KICKER’s Director of Marketing. “Now approaching our 50th year of developing high-performance audio, our “Livin’ Loud” trademark is a perfect fit for the passion of the athletes and teams of American Flat Track racing.”
The outside KICKER booth after set up on Friday.
Numerous demos were also set up inside.
AFT racers exceeded 140 miles-per-hour in the straightaways and 90 mph in the corners at the OKC Mile. The sport remains perhaps motorsport’s purest test of man and machine.
With more than 75 competitors racing nights, the thrilling American Flat Track race format brings thousands of spectators to each of 17 race dates throughout the year.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.21.2021) – Businesses throughout the country are taking a stand against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) claim that it is illegal to modify street vehicles and convert them into dedicated race cars. The $2 billion racing industry is pushing back by seeking passage of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act of 2021 (H.R. 3281), a bipartisan bill which clarifies the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete, and protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars.
“The inconsistency of the EPA’s stance around converting street cars to purpose-built track vehicles has not only constrained long-term investment in the industry but it is creating added complexity/concern for our customers,” said Chris Douglas of Edelbrock Group, a company that has been manufacturing performance parts since 1938. “The RPM Act is the first step in protecting and preserving our industry for future generations—now is the time for action.”
In 2015, the EPA endangered the motorsports industry when it introduced a proposal that would have put an end to racers’ ability to modify street vehicles into dedicated race cars, a practice that has taken place for 45 years since the Clean Air Act was introduced. Although the EPA formally withdrew the proposal, the agency has since maintained that street vehicles cannot be converted into race cars—an assertion that has left the motorsports industry in a state of flux. Passage of the RPM Act will make clear that the Clean Air Act does not apply to street vehicles that have been converted into race cars used exclusively in competition, giving the industry the confidence and clarity that it needs.
As advocates for the motorsports industry, Performance Racing Industry (PRI) is also pushing for the RPM Act. “Businesses are at risk,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, PRI president. “Racers and businesses deserve a law that clarifies that it is legal to convert a street vehicle into a dedicated race car. PRI will continue to fight to preserve what is an American tradition until the RPM Act is passed.”
Introduced by U.S. Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA), the RPM Act currently has the support of 65 cosponsors, including 19 Democrats and 46 Republicans. Dedicated race cars, which represent 0.07% of vehicles in operation, are trailered to and from the racetrack and have little effect on the environment. Yet for thousands of amateur racers, starting with a street-legal vehicle and using race products to convert it into a dedicated race car is the only affordable way to get into the sport. In order to protect racers and ensure that racers can continue to legally modify their vehicles into race cars, the RPM Act—which was introduced to Congress last month—must be passed into law.
“Many of our customers and employees are avid racers who build dedicated vehicles for competition,” says Al Noe, Summit Racing Equipment’s chief marketing officer. “Our customers trust us to deliver the parts they need so they are ready to race; they can also trust us to fight for their right to build and race these vehicles. The RPM Act is vital to ensuring a vibrant future for motorsports and our industry as a whole.”
The RPM Act was first introduced as a bill in 2016. Over the years, it received strong legislative support, and although versions of the bill have passed the House Energy & Commerce Committee, it was never fully voted on before the end of any Congressional year. Because the bill has already been subject to committee hearings before the House and the Senate, the 2021 RPM Act is well positioned to become law this legislative year.
The racing community is urged to continue to voice support for the bill by visiting www.saveourracecars.com.
This article was written by Juan Torres for sema.org
DALLAS, TX (06.21.2021) – Nemesis Audio, maker of competition speakers and amplifiers since 2014, is shipping a new 6.5″ Hectic Series subwoofer.
The subwoofer which falls under the “Hectic” series, is an upgrade of the Original NA-6.5H. The new Version 2 handles 500 watts RMS power, and comes with a 2″ flat wire voice coil. The NA-6.5Hv.2 is available in D4 or D2 Ohms.
Nemesis Audio was established in 2014 and has risen to be an industry leaded in the high performance audio products world. All products go through rigorous testing to ensure only the highest level of quality is achieved. Nemesis products are designed and engineered in the U.S.
SHREVEPORT LA (06.019.21) WTF…Win This Friday. D’s Garage won the ZZ-2 wireless CarPlay and Android Auto interface Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, June 18th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Six months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 132nd time on Friday morning June 18th. The Wheel landed on the ZZ-2 space. The D’s Garage slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We reached out and spoke to David G. and gave him the good news….which he was surprised and happy to hear. David had not used the ZZ-2 interface before and said he was looking forward to checking it out when he receives it. 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, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, DAS/Off Terrain, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 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 and 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 and Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, June 25th.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (06.18.2021) – 2021 Slamology is a wrap! The dBDRA would like to thank all the competitors, judges, sponsors and Slamology crew for a great weekend. The dB Drag Racing lanes stayed busy all weekend with competitors and spectators. According to Wayne Harris, President of the dBDRA, “We knew the competitors were anxious to get back in the lanes to compete but the turnout was beyond expectations with 115 entries. The dB Drag lanes were non-stop all weekend long!”
The dB Drag Racing competition area and lanes were jammed. (Photo Credit: Heather Kollar)
Competitors waited in the lanes by their turn at the meter. (Photo Credit: Heather Kollar)
All formats of dBDRA competition qualified on Saturday prior to 4pm and then elimination rounds of Bass Race proceeded. Bass Race is competition of skill as the goal is to get as close to a 129.9 dB, 139.9 dB or 149.9 dB without an overshot. The competition was a super close race with several ties and competitors winning within 1/10 of a dB!
Team members pushed to eliminate vehicle body flex for competitors. (Photo Credit: Heather Kollar)
It was great to see so many new competitors in the lanes with over 35 first time dB Draggers entering the competition. Many of them entered the Freestyle format, where the competitor can place the sensor (microphone) anywhere in front of the B-Pillar. The competitor is allowed doors open or closed, 2 runs back to back, and the highest of the 2 scores is recorded. A first time dB Drag competitor won the Super Street X Freestyle class as well as the Psychlone DEMO class!
Time for a new windshield for this Team DirectroniX Competitor. (Photo Credit: Heather Kollar)
Members of the dB Drag Racing judges team gathered for a group shot. (Photo Credit: Heather Kollar)
On Sunday, the lanes were taken up by dB Drag Racing Elimination rounds where several World Records were also established. The loudest recorded dB Drag score of the weekend (and for the USA) was Extreme NL competitor, Team Soundcheck with a score of 183.1 dB! Several windshields were shattered over the weekend as the SPL and the HEAT was intense! Congrats to everyone on a great show.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.18.2021) – The automotive specialty-equipment industry has largely weathered the pandemic, with many companies reporting sales growth over the past year and anticipating continued growth in the coming months, according to new SEMA Market Research.
Findings from the new “SEMA State of the Industry—Spring 2021” report indicate that the majority of businesses saw significant sales growth during the pandemic: 66% of manufacturers, 60% of distributors, and 40% of retailers/installers reported increased sales compared to 12 months ago, and nearly three-fourths of all manufacturers and distributors expect sales to increase over the coming year.
Filled with data on how the pandemic has impacted businesses in the automotive specialty-equipment industry, the 63-page market research report helps companies understand how the market is performing. Key findings from the report include:
The specialty-equipment industry saw minimal staffing disruption because of the pandemic, with most maintaining or growing staffing levels. Additionally, 83% of manufacturers, 77% of distributors, and 63% of retailers/installers plan on hiring more staff over the coming year.
Many companies selling in the pickup, sports car, and classic segments reported double-digit growth in the past 12 months.
Manufacturers saw sales increase across many channels, especially direct-to-consumer through their company website and at independent specialty retailers.
The industry saw growth across a variety of product categories. Manufacturers and retailers saw significant sales growth in performance categories especially, including intake and suspension products.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, retail sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers hit $139.5 billion—its highest level in U.S. history. Despite the pandemic, consumers continue to work on their cars.
According to a survey of Americans conducted by Hertz, over 80% of Americans plan on taking a road trip this summer. This means a lot more driving, and potentially a lot more potential engagement with the specialty-equipment industry.
At a time when most countries, like Japan and the European Zone, are experiencing economic contractions, the U.S. is showing strong growth after the disruption from the pandemic. This strong growth is expected to continue through the rest of 2021, as the services part of the economy fully reopens.
To learn more about the current state of the specialty-equipment industry and outlook for the future, download the new “SEMA State of the Industry—Spring 2021” report at www.sema.org/research.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.18.2021) – Now shipping, all-new for 2021, Hifonics ZEUS Theta amplifiers utilize compact space with higher sound quality components. Built from a tradition powered by the gods, crafted and designed specifically in remembrance of Mr. Tremendous, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Ted Henricks, ZEUS Theta amplifiers capture the pulse of Hifonics and the inspiration that Ted left on Hifonics as a brand. ZEUS Theta amplifiers carry on Ted’s mission of perfecting customer service to others with incredible sounding audio, bringing out every detail that might be hidden away in any song that demands POWER FROM THE GODS.
Sam Dattalo, Vice President of Sales, said, “We have created an amplifier line that signifies the heart of what Ted Henricks had brought to Maxxsonics USA every day – going above and beyond in superior quality. The ZEUS Theta lineup exemplifies a comprehensive array of seven models featuring four monoblocks, two four-channels, and one robust five-channel amplifier. Every ZEUS Theta amplifier features a compact footprint to meet market demand while bringing out the best in every song with an aluminum heat sink for heat dissipation for an overall better sound.”
ABOUT THE ZEUS THETA AMPLIFIER LINE
Featuring a small, compact design that brings out clarity and depth from every song, ZEUS Theta amplifiers produce audio in rich details with ultra-levels of undistorted sound in every beat. Bringing out BIGGER bass, maintaining steady mids, and reaching higher trebles, every ZEUS Theta amplifier creates sound in an immersive experience.
FEATURES INCLUDE:
AMPLIFIER CROSSOVER Variable Electronic 12dB per octave
LOW NOISE PRE-AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT Maximum low voltage signal from the source unit comes into the amplifier circuit with minimal distortion
RCA INPUTS Nickel-plated, high-temperature, impact-resistant RCA inputs feature hex screw terminals that allow for secure connections
ELECTRONIC EQUALIZER Control of amplifier output with on-board electronic crossover to tailor specific frequencies to speakers and subwoofers
OUTPUT DEVICE TECHNOLOGY PWM MOSFET power supply creates stable power through the PC board with minimal heat generation
HEAT SINK Aluminum Hifonics heat sink creates superior heat dissipation for better sound
“While remaining cool and efficiently creating stable power through the PC board, every ZEUS Theta amplifier has a compact and sleek design that assures fitment into any vehicle installation. These amplifiers are extremely compact and provide ample space where you will need it most. The result from our incredible Hifonics engineering team is a powerful and compact line of amplifiers that deliver quality sound in a smaller space.” concluded Dattalo.
Continually pushing the boundary for getting things done in an above and beyond manner while inspiring the best in others to do the same, Ted Henricks exemplified superior quality in every aspect of the job. Every ZEUS Theta amplifier is crafted with that parallel precision, attention to detail, and 110% dedication to your audio, as Ted brought to the job, every single day. ZEUS Theta amplifiers are SHIPPING NOW to authorized online retailers ONLY.
Full line details are available on the Hifonics website at hifonics.com
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