STILLWATER, OK (10.11.2019) – KICKER returns to co-sponsor the 2019 Unified Car Audio Championships, held in the Louisville Expo Center October 12-13. The event will occupy the Broadbent Arena and Pavilion, taking up more than 110,000 square feet of indoor space. KICKER is proud to support the Unified judges’ hospitality suite and will have support staff in the lanes for anyone who requests it.
dBDRA’s Wayne Harris at the mic in 2018.
This marks the sixth consecutive year that three car-audio organizations have come together for their championship events, dubbed “Unified Finals.” More than 400 dB Drag Racing, IASCA and MECA competitors pre-registered. All three organizations are holding triple-point events in addition to the invitation-only finals, allowing any competitor to build up points for next season.
Brian Mitchell hosted Big Iron in 2018 with IASCA’s Moe Sabourin in the background.
“Many of our sponsors have been staunch supporters of the Unified Car Audio Championship for years now and we are proud to help gain some exposure for them and their products,” said Moe Sabourin, Director of Operations for IASCA Worldwide. “In turn, their support over the years has been a driving force in the growth of car audio competition, from competition teams to industry membership support of our organization’s missions.”
One lucky attendee will win this ‘Livin Loud’ Kicker system.
dB Drag Racing will continue competing in two locations simultaneously, via online streaming. The satellite location will be at Chris Alston’s Chassisworks in Sacramento, Calif., where competitors will run head-to-head against their Louisville counterparts for the North American Championships.
MECA plans on several events during the show, including a Sound Quality competition, a Show N’ Shine, and SPL competitions.
The Finals will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
81 Sound Quality League and 86 Sound Pressure League vehicles have pre-registered and are vying for World Championships in each class. This is the largest turn-out for Finals in MECA history.
Working with the dB Drag Racing and IASCA organizations, MECA is part of the annual Car Audio Championship event. Featuring the best sounding, best installations, and loudest vehicles in the USA and Mexico, this is the largest gathering of the high-level car audio systems in North Amerifca.
TRU Technology is the SQL Title Sponsor and will have a huge Team and booth display.
Ohio Generator, Sundown Audio, and XS Power are the SPL sponsors and have many competitors using their products. Sponsor logos will be featured on all awards.
Official MECA Team names are listed with the competitors results, displaying profiiency and excellence in the lanes.
Judging for Finals come from coast to coast, and Canada. Our distinquished Judge Team brings together the best ears, minds, experience,and engaged officials. The members will benefit from this dedicated crew:
SPL
Joe Ault (OH)
Bud Ballinger (KY)
Shannon Ballinger (KY)
Sunil Boodram (FL)
Victor O’Brien (AL)
Malani Puni (TN)
Mike VanMol (AL)
SQL
Cory Bradley (IN)
Grace Fitzpatrick (SC)
Mike Flanagan (MS) Russell Jones (FL)
Linda Kobayashi (CA)
Richard Papasin (CA)
Julian Ridi (CN)
Matt Roberts (SC)
Vinny Taylor (TN)
Commissioner Stern will be handling registration, memberships, and awards presentations. “We are excited to bring the car audio community together for this huge event. Our members have worked hard to earn their place at Finals, and we determine our World Champs, and present our Club Awards, including State Champion certificates in all classes.”
Thanks to our Members: Competitor, Retail, and Manufacturer for an outstanding season! Thanks to our Judges for doing the work!
EDMOND, Okla. — Petra Industries, the consumer technology authority and wholesale electronics distributor, celebrated their 21st annual Petra Hope In One Charity Golf Tournament held on October 3 at the Oak Tree Country Club in Edmond, OK. This year’s event raised $120,000 for the two chosen charity organizations, Whiz Kids of Oklahoma and Mercy Multiplied.
Hope In One has seen exponential growth in the two decades since its inception. Cumulatively, Hope In One has raised more than $1 million, with $240,000 being raised in only the last two years.
More than 140 people participated in this year’s tournament. The event began the evening of Wednesday, October 2, with a vendor reception and the annual Texas Hold‘em Tournament at Topgolf in Oklahoma City. The following day, golfers hit the links at the prestigious Oak Tree Country Club—an awards luncheon followed as Petra Industries presented the funds raised to both Mercy Multiplied and Whiz Kids of Oklahoma. Events concluded Thursday evening with a come-and-go mixer at Ranch Steakhouse.
“Each year Hope In One is more impactful and impressive than the last,” said Petra President Tate Morgan. “I’d like to thank our vendor partners for their generous support of both this year’s tournament and of Petra throughout the year. Giving back to the community is the cornerstone of any successful business, and I’m thankful for the dedication of our vendor partners who help make that happen.” This year’s recipients of proceeds raised by Hope In One were Wiz Kids of Oklahoma and Mercy Multiplied. Each of these organizations are dedicated to helping young people in need, and each charity received $60,000 for their cause. “Every year, we’re excited to see how Hope In One continues to impact our community, and beyond. Through Hope In One we are able to come together to serve a higher purpose, and it continues to thrill and humble me that we’ve seen another successful year that will impact the lives of those today and for generations to come,” said Petra Founder and CEO Bill Stewart.
Whiz Kids of Oklahoma is a non-profit that inspires schools, churches and community partners who feel called to support our city’s most vulnerable and empowers them to be difference-makers in the lives of children at-risk for school failure.
Mercy Multiplied is an international nonprofit Christian organization that helps young women break free from life-controlling issues and situations. They aim to help young women escape destructive cycles and discover purpose for their lives.
“We could not do what we do without the selfless support of people like you all in this room. You all are our Mercy family,” said Lauren Hobar, Director of Fundraising for Mercy Multiplied. “You guys are truly making a way for more young women to find freedom.”
Petra would like to extend a special thank you to the JASCO Giving Hope Foundation for their continued support of the Hope In One Charity Golf Tournament.
In addition, Petra would like to thank you their many generous sponsors for the event, including 3Plus®, AAMP, AfterShokz®, ALC®, Allsop™, APC®, AT&T®, Atrend®, Audio-Technica®, BIC America, BLACK+DECKER™, BOK Financial®, Bonni Hamje Company, Clarity®, Comelit®, Conair®, Consumer Cellular®, Crown, CyberPower®, Elite Brands, Equity Brands, ESI, ERP®, FedEx, Garmin®, Lickety Split®, GPX®, Hangman®, Higginbotham Insurance, HoMedics®, Hose Assemblies, Hotan, IC Intracom, iWalk®, Johnson Outdoors, Juvo® Products, JVC®, Market Solutions, Maxell®, Maxxsonics®, Metra®, Metra Home Theater Group, Midland®, Mohu®, Motorola®, Norazza, Nortek Security and Control, NSTE (Smartlabs), OmniMount®, Omron®, Optoma, Oro, Inc., Panasonic®, Paycom®, Pioneer®, Power Acoustik®, PRIME®, RK Black, Royal®, Sennheiser®, SiriusXM®, Skullcandy®, SkyBell®, Spectra, STANLEY®, Starfrit®, SureCall®, Switchmate®, TracFone®, Tram Browning, Uniden®, US BANK, Verbatim®, Voxx, VTech®, Whistler®, Wilson Electronics, and XPOWER.
AUSTIN, TX (10.08.2019) – The dBDRA would like to thank Incriminator Audio, Orion Car Audio and Sundown Audio for sponsoring competitor awards at for the 2019 North American dB Drag Racing Association Championship.
Incriminator Audio will be the exclusive ring sponsor for the 2019 dBDRA North American championship rings for the 5th year in a row! First Place winners at the event will receive custom personalized championship rings along with their 1st place trophy. The dedication and commitment that Incriminator Audio puts forth with the competitors is awesome! A huge thanks to the crew at Incriminator Audio.
Orion Car Audio is the exclusive trophy sponsor for the 2019 dBDRA North American Championship. The competitors in Louisville, KY and Sacramento, CA will go head to head to compete for the championship. Trophies will be awarded for 1st-4th place in 24 classes of competition including: dB Drag Racing, Bass Race, Top Dog, Psychlone and Bagger Beatz. In addition to the FINALS event, there will be an open entry 2020 Season Kick Off 3x event at each location. (independent of championship). Trophies will be awarded for 1st-3rd place in all classes. Huge shout out to Orion for acquiring the trophy sponsorship this year.
Sundown Audio will be the dBDRA 2019 Points Champion Sponsor. Each year the dBDRA awards a points champion award to the competitor that accrues the most points in each format of competition during the 2019 season. These competitors spend countless weekends in the lanes and this award is in appreciation of their efforts throughout the season. The 2019 awards will be presented for Eastern Region, Western Region and Canada. Thanks to Sundown Audio for their continued support of the competitors and all the teams out there!
On behalf of the dB Drag Racing Association and our members, the dBDRA would like to sincerely thank Incriminator Audio, Orion Car Audio and Sundown Audio for supporting the competitors!
The dBDRA would also like to extend thanks to all of the companies supporting the Car Audio Championship.
Show sponsors include: Pioneer Electronics, Sundown Audio, B2 Audio, Ampere Audio, Resilient Sounds, Lord of Bass, SoundQubed, Deaf Bonce, SounDigital, Limitless Lithium and Harley Davidson of Dothan. T-shirt sponsors include: XS Power, JL Audio, Tru Technology, Hybrid Audio Technologies, Crossfire, Avatar, Ohio Generator, Directronix, DC Audio, Slamology, 12 Volt News, Team Flop Box, Team Aint Loud, Team Imperial and TN Bass Racers.
MEMPHIS, TN (10.07.2019) – Memphis Audio played host to four of the premier dealers in the nation at the 2019 Memphis Audio Dealer Council meeting in Memphis Tennessee. The invitees were Audio Unlimited – Mobile, AL, Audio One – Virginia Beach, VA, Horizon Audio – Canton, OH, and Elite Audio Spartanburg, SC. These lucky winners qualified by winning the Memphis 2nd half golden ticket scratcher contest.
The winners were treated to an exclusive dinner at the third-generation owner of Memphis Audio, Arthur Fulmer’s home. The group had an opportunity to let loose, talk business and have a little fun with the Memphis team and enjoy Memphis’s world-famous BBQ. “Welcoming dealers into my home is something I’ve wanted to do for years. These are the people who keep our industry going and I couldn’t have been happier to host such a wonderful group of business owners and get to know them on a more personal level and how we as a manufacturer can help them succeed,” said Fulmer.
Left to Right: Tom Smith – Audio Unlimited, Nate McConohay – Horizon Audio, Joe Zelano – Elite Audio, Aaron Joseph- Horizon Audio, Jim Aiken & Dave Curtis – Audio one, Arthur Fulmer – Owner of Memphis Audio, Nick Lomonaco – President of Memphis Audio, Ellis Mathis – Regional Sales Manager Memphis Audio
The next day the group was welcomed at the corporate headquarters in downtown Memphis where they all had an opportunity to learn the inner workings of Memphis Audio. Nick LoMonaco, president of Memphis Audio lead the discussion which touched on a number of topics ranging from internet MAP pricing enforcement, product development, marketing support and more. LoMonaco took questions and feedback from the group. The real fun began when the council was provided with a confidential sneak peek at some of the amazing new products scheduled to be exhibited live at SEMA 2019 along with several projects currently in development.
“Having the opportunity to sit down with these guys and pick their brains about our industry provided us all with a wealth of insight and information. They are all so passionate about our business and the products that Memphis develops. They didn’t pull any punches and told us what they need for success in this industry, it was one of most productive Q&A sessions I’ve ever been a part of,” Said Nick LoMonaco.
After talking shop had commenced the crew let loose a little a Sun Studios for a tour of some of the history behind the amazing music scene and culture that is ingrained in the city of Memphis. After the history lesson the group was treated to dinner, drinks, and more drinks until it was time to head back to their home towns.
“This contest was designed to give us the opportunity to get to know some of our most crucial business partners on a more personal level along with receiving feedback about how we can position Memphis Audio for success in the future. I feel like we really did achieve everything we set out to do and more. I’m confident that myself and the rest of the Memphis team is walking away from this event with a great deal of knowledge along with a great group of new friends who we are also proud Memphis dealers,” said LoMonaco.
ERIE, PA (10.04.19) On Tuesday morning, October 1st, the Custom Audio Team left Erie and headed to the Davis Distribution Remote Start Expo at the Mountaineer Casino and Resort in New Cumberland, WV. Social media posts the day before let their followers know the store would be closed so the Team could attend a product training session.
Following the CompuStar session the Custom Audio Team, Sondralee- flanked by Adam and Andrew (R), pictured with very cool swag.
Sondralee Orengia, Custom Audio owner, and Team members Nick Portonova, Adam McDermit and Andrew Wiesen made the day trip. Orengia commented “The trip to New Cumberland was 150 miles each way. On the way down we had a couple hours to talk about store business, plans and what we expected to learn at the Davis Expo.”
The 1 o’clock CompuStar session on Tuesday was very well attended.
The Davis Distribution Remote Start Expo was set up with 3 separate time slots. During each time slot remote starter vendors made their presentations. CompuStar, Directed and VOXX brands were in the house. Custom Audio is a key CompuStar dealer and attended their 2 hour session.
Sondralee checked out some of the Firstech Drone ‘Your Car, Connected’ products.
“We learned about all of the new products and the lineup for CompuStar. This information will definitely help us with our product mix and direction we need to go with remote starters this season. There are so many options and opportunities for profit” Orengia offered.
Davis Distribution is also a Sony distributor and Andrew Wiesen checked out the new Sony Jeep demo.
Following the CompuStar training session at the Davis Expo the Custom Audio Team stopped at a Top Golf for some Team Building time prior to the 150 mile drive back to Erie.
After leaving the Davis Distribution Remote Start Expo 2019, the Custom Audio Team stopped at a Top Golf for some team building time on the way back to Erie.
“All in all it was a terrific day. We networked with other dealers and spent time with Rusty North and other Davis staff members. The Davis team did such a great job” Orengia concluded.
The Davis Distribution Remote Start Expo 2019, which concluded on Thursday October 3rd, included day long sessions in Blue Bell PA, New Cumberland WA and Indianapolis IN.
LONG BEACH, CA (10.03.2019) – After years of absence, Nakamichi Car Audio returns to the U.S. market through an exclusive agent. Nakamichi Car Audio is currently offered globally by dealers throughout Europe, Central and South America, and Asia & Oceania. The United States remains the one last major market for the company to supply. Long time 12-volt veteran Robin McNeal has been named as the brands National Sales Manager and is tasked with changing that.
McNeal brings with him a long history of executive sales positions with car audio companies including L.A. Sound, PowerBass, Retro Sound and Clarion.
Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager
“The first order of business is to put together a top-notch rep force to set up U.S. distribution,” McNeal noted. “Our goal is to offer the dealer reliable, high quality products and great service without sacrificing margin.”
Nakamichi currently has 7 head units available in the States. “I don’t see a need for 10 single DIN CD receivers,” stated McNeal, “Talking to dealers they prefer a short concise line up.”
The NA3605 is the flag ship multimedia model featuring a 6.8-inch capacitive touch screen with a 1080p wide viewing angle LCD with enhanced smart phone connectivity that supports Apple CarPlay™ and wireless connectivity for Android Auto™ at an MSRP of $469.95.
Nakamichi Car Audio will be on display at the upcoming Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center booth #11632 (North Hall).
The current Nakamichi Car Audio rep roster includes:
MILWAUKEE, WI / CHICAGO, IL (10.02.2019) – Summer has turned to Fall and Directed is working hard to get in front of technicians, sales people and business owners to prepare them for the coming remote start season. The recent Midwest swing prepared a large number of 12volt retailers for the Remote Start Season.
The Directed “Gear up for the Remote Start Season” in the Midwest got started on Monday, September 23 in Milwaukee at Dave & Buster’s.
Product Specialist Rep (PSR) Justin Gear was traveling hard conducting trainings in Milwaukee WI, Chicago NorthSide, Superstore ABT Electronics and Chicago SouthSide on consecutive nights the 4th week of September. “Long days and late nights…it was a tough week, but this is a critical remote starter market and my home market. So it’s great seeing old friends at the same time” Gear stated.
This Team worked the Directed Midwest swing. Directed’s Bob Hernandez and Justin Gear with Echo Sales members Mike Lewis, Rob Osheaski and Shelby Shimkus (LtoR) pictured at the Chicago SouthSide event.
Bob Hernandez, Regional Sales Manager, Distributor Channel-Northeast & Midwest US, added; “Our PSR’s are our Rock Stars…Gear trained over 250 people over the 4 day trip. Echo Sales did a stellar job working to have strong dealer turnouts at each event. Rob Osheaski, Mike Lewis & Shelby Shimkus, and our distributor partners, worked hard to get the word out and pack the house each night.”
Justin Gear addressing an audience of 12volt retailers In Chicagoland.
Distributor partners included Woofer Electronics, Mid-State Distributing and House of Electronics.
Highlighting the time-saving Directed T-Harness was on the training agenda.
Attendees got a first look at the Directed Smartstart Connect as well as the new DS4WS Bluetooth siren plus an update on the ever growing Directed lineup of OEM Integration Harnesses.
This wide-angle shot shows Justin Gear presenting to the crowd at the Chicago Southside event.
Hernandez added, “We’re not done yet… this week, October 1st and 3rd, we’re in West Virginia and Indianapolis working with our partner Davis Distribution. Then this weekend we are in Kansas City with Pioneer Music Company. Presence Matters… and we’re making our presence known!”
Chicago Northside at the GameStop venue during Justin Gear’s session.
STILLWATER, OK (10.01.19) – KICKER returned to the 4-Day Bikes, Blues and BBQ event September 25th-28h in the picturesque Northwest Arkansas region near and around the cities of Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville and Springdale.
The Kicker booth stayed busy with sales and on site installations by Hog City Customs.
During the weekend, Pig Trail Harley-Davidson of Rogers played host to the KICKER booth along with motorcycle-audio specialists Hog City Customs from Springdale. As authorized KICKER dealers, Hog City Customs sold and installed custom KICKER motorcycle sound systems on-site during the course of the show. The new audio upgrade kits KICKER recently released for Harley-Davidson bikes were hot items.
Bikers had an opportunity to check out Kicker’s latest gear for their rides.
Bikes lined the streets in Fayetteville during the event.
The annual four-day show was packed with events, parties, concerts, and planned rides in and around the Ozarks. Rides ranged from as short as seven miles to as long as 210 miles, extending as far north as Joplin, MO.
In addition to the planned rides, show-goers could attend a car-and-truck show on Saturday morning at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Later that day, the fifth annual Frisco Inferno BBQ Competition fired up in Rogers.
Inside, bikers checked out booths with apparel and more.
This huge tent was filled with a wide selection of bikes for sale.
Billed as “the world’s largest charity motorcycle rally that benefits women, children, and the underserved members of the Northwest Arkansas community,” the event has raised over two million dollars in its 19-year history.
AUSTIN, TX (09.30.2019) – The dBDRA has announced Bass Race for Cash – Winner Takes ALL at the Car Audio Championship in Louisville, KY. This will take place at the conclusion of the 3X event on Friday, October 11, 2019 in the Broadbent Arena. (approximately 9 pm)
Location: Kentucky Exposition Center Broadbent Arena 937 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY 40209
The cash pot is currently at $2,600 and will continue to grow as more competitors buy in with their chance to WIN. A huge thanks to the following sponsors: #ProjectSPL, Limitless Lithium, XS Power, Incriminator Audio, and Sundown Audio for supporting.
To be eligible to participate in Bass Race for Cash:
Must be entered in the 3X dBDRA event
Pay $100 entry fee to Bass Race for Cash
All entry fees are put towards WINNER TAKES ALL cash pot
Bass Race 129.9 dB rules apply
Competition will only have 1 winner
The judge may disqualify a contestant for any infraction of rules
By accepting prize, winner agrees to release the dBDRA, its judges, staff, host facility, including without limitation, from any and all liability, loss, damage or expense arising from or in conjunction with the competition.
All taxes, fees and other expenses not specified are the sole responsibility of the winner. Prize is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
For more information, message or email Jereme Creamer on Facebook or: soundofftechnologies@outlook.com. To enter the Bass Race for Cash event, you can PayPal Jereme in advance or pay CASH on site. ONLY CASH will be taken on-site.
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