LAS VEGAS, NV (03.12.2021) – Kingpin University will resume in-person training with an Advanced Laser course, to be held April 24-26 at its new retail and training facility at 1610 Raiders Way in Las Vegas. A maximum of 12 attendees will be required to follow mandated protocols and the learning environment will be augmented and equipped to ensure a safe learning experience. The three-day course marks the grand opening of the new Kingpin University training facility as well as the first in-person training course since classes were paused in March 2020 due to COVID-19.
“Of course, our first priority is to keep everyone safe,” said Jason Kranitz, president and lead instructor for Kingpin University. “We will adhere to the safety protocols that are laid out by our city, county and state, as well as some common-sense practices. All participants will be required to mask up, wash hands frequently and observe social distancing. Workstations will be wiped down before and after every use. We want everyone to leave with new knowledge but with the same good health.”
The Advanced Laser course is intended for intermediate- to advanced-level professionals who have experience using a laser cutter or CNC and want to improve their skill and creativity. Over three days, students will gain additional familiarity with CAD (Computer-Assisted Drawing) software, learning to convert ideas into machine-compliant drawings. Hands-on measuring and assembly will improve manual skill alongside software knowledge. The class project will be a take-home display that professionals can use to showcase their store’s capabilities to customers. In addition, the course will instruct attendees on how to bill profitably for laser and CNC labor and materials. Tuition for the in-person course is $999.
Those who are less experienced are invited to take a live online course as a prerequisite to the in-person course. Entitled “Step One: The Drawing,” this virtual course on March 27-28 teaches professionals how to get started using a laser or CNC cutting machine. It focuses on the software required to turn ideas into drawings and then onto finished work, adding value to jobs and building profitability for the store. Students receive an in-home, follow-along packet prior to the course, plus trial software to use on their own computers. Cost for the two-day course is $299.
All virtual and in-person attendees will receive special pricing on laser cutters through a partnership with Spectrum Laser, a nationwide laser-cutting machine supplier based in Las Vegas. This includes attendees of future courses including the Street Rod and Fab Design in-person course, scheduled for May 14-17.
To sign up for courses or get more information in Kingpin University courses and products, visit kingpinuniversity.com.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL (03.12.2021) – DS18 has officially partnered with Tint World Automotive Styling Centers, a leading window tinting and automotive accessory franchise.
DS18 CEO, Sasha Susterman, has secured a new venture for the internationally recognized franchise, as authorized sellers and installers of ALL DS18 products.
DS18 will now have the exciting opportunity to show Tint World customers their shared passions in great customer service and love for all things LOUD.
DS18, the official Jeep Sound Systems vendor, also specializes in a variety of other audio segments which include a vast and complete line of Mobile, Marine and Pro Audio. This new partnership with Tint World extends full access to all DS18 products, services and support.
With over 80 retail locations worldwide, Tint World makes it even more accessible for audio loving customers to get their DS18 gear at a moment’s notice.
HOLLY HILL, FL (03.12.2021) – Metra Electronics is presenting three different product training sessions for installers at the virtual KnowledgeFest West Live event. KnowledgeFest is hosted by the Mobile Electronics Association and the online event from March 19 to 21 will take place for the West Coast audience, with events hosted from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM Pacific Time. Metra Electronics will host a different session each day to cover LED headlight bulb replacement, motorcycle lighting, and integration solutions for Jeep Wrangler. Attendees can connect with Metra on their virtual booth page and register online now for these training sessions, which will be hosted by Jason Anderson, Metra’s VP of Product Research and Development. Attendees will also have the ability to post questions or comments in the live chat section of the training session and receive answers from Metra’s technical support or sales team. The upcoming training sessions are as follows:
“LED Headlight Replacements” – Friday, 3/19/21 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM Pacific Time Attendees will learn about Metra’s different LED lighting solutions for replacing automotive headlight bulbs and how to upsell each feature. This session will explain what makes an LED lightbulb last longer, compare features of the latest models, and demonstrate how to properly install and adjust the newest Pro Series headlight bulbs from Heise.
“Installing RGB Lighting on Motorcycles” – Saturday, 3/20/21 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM Pacific Time Attendees will see firsthand how Saddle Tramp’s new RGB lighting kit, the BC-RGB-K1, can instantly transform the look of a motorcycle with significantly less installation time. Metra will review all of their RGB LED lighting options available and demonstrate how the new RGB LED strip light kit for Harley-Davidson is installed, plus show off unique features available in the Metra RGB smartphone app. RGB motorcycle lighting is a popular upgrade, so any installers looking to reduce time spent on these projects then won’t want to miss this informative training session.
“Integrating with Jeep Wrangler JL” – Sunday, 3/21/21 from 2:40 PM to 3:40 PM Pacific Time Metra’s newest integration package from Axxess makes the installer’s job much easier when replacing the radio with select Pioneer modular in-dash receivers. This training session will show installers how to retain important vehicle information and features on the Pioneer touchscreen using the AXPIO-JL1 dash kit, integration package, and its included replacement backup camera. Installers will see a real installation on a 2019 Jeep Wrangler JL and a demonstration of how they can upgrade the radio without losing audio controls on the steering wheel, HVAC gauges on the screen, heated and cooled seats, and other personalization options that were shown on the factory screen.
Registered attendees will be able to log in to the event website and register for Metra’s training sessions at knowledgefestwest.live. Metra’s online booth will also be open to attendees to view starting March 19 at metraelectronics.knowledgefestwest.live.
AMARILLO, TX (03.11.2021) – Rounds 9 and 10 on Friday and Saturday, March 5th and 6th respectively, wrapped the KICKER AMA ArenaCross schedule for 2021. The track at the Amarillo National Center was set for the riders.
Massive screens above the track at the Amarillo National Center displayed a KICKER product ad.
KICKER was represented on site by maddog_media and Lorin Morrell. “Both nights people in the stands were enthusiastic as the riders made their way around the track. The Texas Governor announced that Friday the statewide Mask Mandate would end the following week. The COVID-19 Pandemic certainly is limiting on site events but the Amarillo National Center took social media precautions throughout the event. KICKER was definitely Livin’Loud” Morrell related.
KICKER Athletes @jeraldlarue56 and @jttiffany are #livinloud Jammin’ to linked BF400 & BF200 Bullfrogs.
A KICKER wide selection of KICKER products were set up under a tent in the lobby area. Attendees checked out the Lifestyle, Marine and Audio products with the Kicker BullFrog grabbing a lot of attention.
The Kicker RZR was Livin’Loud with on the track demos.
Kevin Campbell, speaking for KICKER, commented “We have enjoyed more than ten years of partnership with Tod Hammock and Cycle City Promotions, the producers of KICKER ArenaCross, and with each year we’ve faced and overcome challenges along the way. However, nothing like this year of postponements and rescheduling due to the Pandemic. Tod and his crew did a fantastic job, and despite the adversity, they managed to make the season a rousing success. I look forward to working with Tod on next season as well as some awesome upcoming Enduro-X events.”
Riders took practice laps during midday Friday, March 5th.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL (03.11.2021) – The new DS18 Korean Half Bridge amplifiers are shipping with MORE power, MORE options and all coming on a smaller frame.
These new amps are designed for serious audiophiles that demand the most wattage for window breaking bass. These competition amps are designed to uphold the highest efficiency all while producing obscene amounts of pure power for subs in the SPL system.
The H-KO2 is a new offering from DS18 to push smaller subwoofers to the maximum all while using half-bridge Korean monoblock power. Korean amps are traditionally knows to be beefier and use the highest quality components compared to their Brazilian full-bride competitors.
Korean amps are known to have te highest signal to noise ratio of all amplifiers available and have prove through the ages to perform the best for SPL and loud bass in general.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (03.11.2021) – Months of intense preparation and eager anticipation will at last be rewarded as the 2021 Progressive American Flat Track season is just days away from its spectacular Daytona Bike Week launch. The 17-round battle royale to determine this year’s Grand National Champion will officially begin doubleheader style, with this weekend’s Volusia Half-Mile I & Volusia Half-Mile II presented by Daytona Dodge on Friday, March 12, and Saturday, March 13 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida.
Riding high on two consecutive GNC triumphs, Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) returns as the championship favorite in the premier Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle class. That said, he’s been forced to dig deep to overcome the legendary Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), who scored career wins #49 and #50 at Volusia Speedway to open the 2020 season.
Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750) and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) ranked third and fourth, respectively, a year ago, each grabbing the checkered flag in the process. The two are back for a second season with their respective squads and should only continue to grow in that capacity.
And Robinson is not alone at a Mission Roof Systems outfit that’s quickly developing into a paddock power with the addition of Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) alongside Brandon Price (No. 92 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750).
Former roadracing champions turned flat track aces JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and James Rispoli (No. 43 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R Rev X) stand as the series’ greatest hopes to prevent an Indian season sweep of the top spot on the podium. Beach took his Yamaha MT-07 DT to a pair of wins in 2019, while Rispoli proved to be a dominant force on his Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R en route to the 2020 AFT Production Twins title.
AFT Singles
Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) has managed to outperform even the most unrealistic expectations thus far in his short Progressive AFT career. Now entering just his second full season as a professional, Daniels is brandishing the #1 plate in his AFT Singles title defense with an ocean deep pack of rivals itching for a chance to prove themselves against the sport’s newest superstar.
Daniels famously failed to qualify for the Main Event in last season’s opener at Volusia, only to strike back the following evening with a timely victory that set the stage for the remainder of the season.
The rider who walked away with opening night honors while Daniels watched from the fences was Australian Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), who blossomed into a championship runner-up in 2020. Whale should prove even more formidable this season as he joins the category’s all-time winningest rider, the newly hyphenated Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), on the official KTM squad.
Premier-class race winner Henry Wiles (No. 17 American Honda/United Rentals CRF450R) will lead a stout three-rider effort for Turner Racing/American Honda that also features Cole Zabala (No. 51 American Honda/United Rentals CRF450R) and Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/United Rentals CRF450R).
Meanwhile, a stacked class of rookies is primed to spring into action, headlined by the highly touted Kody Kopp (No. 143 Smartop/Jones Honda/Latus Motors CRF450R).
AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines
With reigning AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines champion Rispoli stepping up to Mission SuperTwins duty, the fight for the #1 plate begins anew.
Cory Texter (No. 65 G&G Racing/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) wore the number all through the 2020 season and is well positioned to make another run at it this season. In many ways, Texter was even more impressive during last year’s championship runner-up campaign than he was when he actually took the title in 2019.
Texter split last year’s Volusia HM wins with fellow championship hopeful Ryan Varnes (No. 68 RVR/RoyBuilt Don’s Kawasaki Ninja 650). Two additional 2020 race winners — Ben Lowe (No. 25 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield Twins FT) — are back as well. Lowe is now armed with an XG750R while Lewis’ Royal Enfield FT should have been well served with a full offseason of development following its impressive 2020 debut.
Another threat lurking within the field is the now full-time AFT Production Twins-focused Chad Cose (No. 49 Voodoo Ranger/Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) whose 2020 campaign yielded a staggering seven podium finishes.
While Rispoli may have moved up to Mission SuperTwins, the premier class returned the favor in the form of the talented duo of Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Cycles/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07). Gauthier and Bromley each have the potential to upend the established AFT Production Twins power structure; they are both recent AFT Singles champions, skilled all-around racers, and come in hardened following a year of bar-to-bar battle with the greatest riders in the sport.
Beyond the on-track action and the multitudes of Bike Week activities, Progressive American Flat Track will welcome in the new season with live music at the venue and an appearance by the weekend’s Grand Marshal, Isle of Man TT legend and DAYTONA 200 rookie Michael Dunlop.
Spectator safety remains the top priority and Progressive AFT has worked closely with local health and government officials toward those ends. For more on the specific precautions being undertaken, please consult the Progressive AFT Events Health & Safety FAQ.
Tickets are available for purchase now at this link. General Admission Grandstand and Turn 1 General Admission Grandstand (walk-in only) tickets are $33 in advance (children 12 and under are free in both GA areas with the purchase of an adult admission). The few remaining Premium General Admission Grandstand tickets, centrally located in the highest rows along the front stretch, are $60 in advance ($20 for children 12 and under). A $10 multi-day discount is available for each pair of Friday/Saturday GA tickets purchased in advance.
Thursday-Sunday weekend camping passes are also available in four tiers (Premium Reserved Covered, Premium Reserved, Reserved Hook-Up, and General Admission).
Gates will open for fans on both Friday and Saturday at 4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.
Live coverage of the entire weekend’s racing activities will be available on any device for only $1.99 a month via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold with on-track activity beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT each day.
The Volusia Half-Mile I & II presented by Daytona Dodge will air back-to-back on NBCSN on Saturday, March 20, starting at 12:00 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. PT. The broadcasts will include exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and the expert commentary of Progressive AFT legend Chris Carr.
BOCA RATON, FL (03.10.2021) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers recognized its leading franchise owners during its 13th annual International Franchise Convention in February.
Tint World’s convention pivoted to a virtual event due to safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its virtual nature, the event still included vendor training, Q&A sessions and the annual awards ceremony.
The conference featured keynote speakers Cordell Riley, a top franchising professional who has spent 20 years helping businesses thrive, and Dorien Morin-van Dam, a marketing specialist that works with various entrepreneurs, eCommerce and international brands.
Charles Bonfiglio pictured during the virtual Tint World International Franchise Convention
“This year’s event is a little different from previous years because we had to host it virtually,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “While we were not able to enjoy being in person, we were dedicated to giving our franchisees the same experience as in years past. Our franchise owners still were able to enjoy vendor training and several Q&A sessions geared toward enhancing their knowledge.
“With that said, our franchisees are always looking for ways to improve and better their companies. Despite the challenges, we were able to thrive in 2020 without losing a single franchise. We look to building on that momentum moving forward in 2021.”
Tint World presented these awards at the 2021 Tint World International Franchise Convention:
Top Gun Franchise Award: Santiago and Dominica Rojas (Massapequa Park, New York)
Franchise Ambassador of the Year Award (U.S): Austin Gurba (Olathe, Kansas)
Franchise Ambassador of the Year Award (Canada): Robert Lebovic (Pickering, Ontario)
Franchise Mentor of the Year Award: Jason Heller (Wilmington, Delaware)
Local Marketing Impact Award: Dee Patel (Chamblee, Georgia)
Rookie of the Year Award: Greg and Melissa Alan (San Marcos, California)
Most Improved Franchise Award: Mark Eastland (Hutto, Texas)
Brand Ambassador Vendor of the Year Award: AAMP Global
Manufacturing Vendor of the Year Award: Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc.
Best Performing Franchise Award: Todd and Michelle Simms (St. Petersburg, Florida); Jason Hempel (Katy, Texas)
Outstanding Growth Award: Sam Jowkari (Missouri City, Texas); Tom and Drew Nixon (Charleston, South Carolina); Scott Lemmon (Cumming, Georgia)
Social Media Achievement Award: Todd and Michelle Simms (St. Petersburg, Florida); Santiago and Dominica Rojas (Massapequa Park, New York); Michael Richards and Dylan Thiel (Grapevine, Texas); Randy Silver and Austin Silver (Cary, North Carolina); Pete and Barbra Muller (Longwood, Florida); Jeff and Penny Rackley (The Colony, Texas); Arif Notta (Dallas, Texas); Chris and Michelle Mays (Port Charlotte, Florida); Greg and Melissa Alan (San Marcos, California); Sohail and Talha Khan (Livonia, Michigan); LeRoy Schubert (Sterling, Virginia); Jian Guan (San Diego, California); Michael Richards and Dylan Thiel (Rowlett, Texas); Todd and Michelle Simms (Palm Harbor, Florida)
METAIRIE, LA (03.10.2021) – Oracle Lighting has won its legal battle against a Chinese-based manufacturer of imitation products after a failed appeal process by the defendant.
According to Oracle Lighting’s attorney, the defendant appealed the lower court’s decision in a last-ditch effort to circumvent Oracle Lighting’s patent based on their argument that they had developed the design prior to Oracle Lighting. However, the defendant withdrew the appeal following an appeal hearing in which the Appeals Court judge told the defendant that their position “can hardly be supported”.
Shortly after Oracle Lighting unveiled its VectorLED Grill System at a trade show in 2017, Chinese knockoffs began appearing. “After nearly a year of work designing and developing this product, it was honestly heartbreaking to find knockoff products pop up online,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Director of Product Development at Oracle Lighting. “I had seen this happen before to other manufacturers in our industry and decided that we were not going to stand for this blatant design theft. We worked with our IP attorney, Jeffrey Banyas of Edwin A. Sisson, Attorney at Law, LLC, to develop and execute a strategy to take action against the overseas knockoff producers. I knew it would not be easy but I had no idea where this journey would take us.”
The court’s decision included an order for the defendant to immediately cease infringing upon Oracle Lighting’s patent. The court also ordered the defendant pay significant monetary damages to Oracle Lighting and ordered that the defendant pay certain court costs associated with the litigation. In doing so, the court also rejected the defendant’s arguments that they had come up with the design for this particular grill prior to Oracle Lighting filing its design patent application.
“In order for us to file litigation against the infringing company, the Chinese court explained that we had to first complete a ‘notarized purchase’, which basically translates to us having to conduct our own sting operation,” Hartenstein continued. “Our attorney assisted us in hiring private investigators overseas who, after months of investigation, used a cover story to gain access to the factory and, with hidden cameras, obtained evidence of the counterfeit parts. The entire operation had to be covert because these factories producing knockoff goods are often designed to be packed up and moved overnight, making them hard to pin down. Once our legal team in China presented this evidence to the judge, the court issued a demand to the factory to shut down production and the nearly two-year-long litigation process began. This was a massive undertaking for our company but I pursued this in the hope that it provides insight for other small businesses trying to protect their intellectual property rights overseas. It was not easy but these results demonstrate that even overseas counterfeiters can be held accountable. Oracle Lighting takes our intellectual property rights very seriously and we are willing to do whatever it takes to prevent the blatant theft of our patented designs.”
Banyas explained that Oracle Lighting asked his firm to develop and implement a plan to protect its products against overseas knockoffs and counterfeits. “This was no easy task as those who deal in illegal products often take extensive measures to insulate themselves from liability and accountability,” he explained. “Through our firms’ extensive network of private investigators and international law firms, we identified the factory making the knockoff products and obtained all of the evidence we needed to enforce Oracle Lighting’s Intellectual Property Rights. We thank the Suzhou Intermediate People’s Court for giving us a fair day in court and we hope that this decision serves as a strong example to other American companies that they can enforce their Intellectual Property Rights in China, and they do not simply have to accept lost market share to Chinese knockoffs and counterfeit products as an inevitable cost of doing business. I applaud the folks at Oracle Lighting for bucking that trend, and I am proud to have spearheaded the efforts that lead to these successful results.”
Designed for use on the Jeep Wrangler, Oracle Lighting’s innovative Vector Grill has earned the company awards from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), including a 2018 Global Media Award and a runner-up award for the SEMA Best New Exterior Accessory Product of 2019.
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
AVON LAKE, OH (08.10.2021) – Design Engineering, Inc. has introduced a new Interior Insulation Kit (# 050295) for the increasingly popular 1990-2005 first (NA) and second (NB) generation Mazda Miata models.
The Miata floor kit features DEI’s proven Under Carpet Lite material that insulates the cab from heat and blocks noise for a cool, comfortable ride.
As an added level of noise and vibration control, customers are encouraged to install DEI’s Mazda Miata Vibration Damping kit (# 50600).
“Whether your padding is worn out or you just want to upgrade your Miata’s interior, our DEI under-carpet kit does the trick,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “CNC-cut to precisely match the vehicle floor, it offers easy installation and years of trouble-free use.”
DEI’s Under Carpet Lite material is 1/2″ thick and engineered using multilayer construction to block heat and absorb engine and road noise. Pre-cut for an easy fit in 1990-2005 first (NA) and second (NB) generation Miata models, the material installs quickly on the vehicle floor to provide premium thermal insulation and reduces road and tire noise.
For more information about the Miata Interior Insulation Kit and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.
PALMYRA, PA (03.09.2021) – DAS Companies, Inc. has announced the addition of a rugged line of vehicle recovery and adventurous Overlanding products, including accessories, from Off Terrain. Perfect for the Off-Road, Trucks, Jeeps, and 4WD vehicles, this heavy-duty line was specifically designed for the adventurous spirit in all of us.
The lineup is unique and includes products such as Recovery Ropes, Winch Kits & Ropes, Abrasive-free Shackle UHWMPE, 4WD Recovery Kits, ATV Towing Kits, 4×4 Winch & Accessories. Providing peace-of-mind that comes with knowing that you are prepared to handle situations that confront you when out venturing off the beaten path.
DAS now stocks and sells Off Terrain recovery and Overlanding products and accessories as the exclusive national distributor across the lower 48 states with inventory warehoused in east and western distribution hubs. “This Brand offers a great opportunity for our dealers. Strategically, the Off Terrain line will expand their existing 12Volt businesses with complementary products and allow dealers to reach new customers. It’s a natural extension that will attract additional vehicles into their bays,” stated Rex Berfield, National Sales Manager, DAS Companies, Inc.
Off Terrain Managing Director Tom O’Mara is incredibly excited about the DAS collaboration and said, “We have worked hard to design Overlanding gear to withstand long seasons, variable weather, and terrains of all kinds. Our gear is tough enough to handle your demands as a gear-head or outdoor enthusiast, but priced within reach – that was very important to us,” said O’Mara. “Partnering with DAS will expose this exciting and growing category to thousands of new dealers all over the country.”
Look for products and installations at your favorite car audio installer and 4×4 overland install shop.
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