INDIANAPOLIS, IN (08.11.26) – The dB Drag Racing Association is proud to welcome back Deaf Bonce by Alphard Group as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 dB Drag Racing Finals, taking place October 3–4, 2026.

As we begin announcing the companies supporting this year’s Finals, we’re excited to start with a partner that has helped shape the sport for years.

After a full season of competition, the world’s loudest competitors will hit the lanes for the final event of the year, competing for Championship Trophies, Championship Rings, and ultimate bragging rights. The 2026 Finals will feature several formats of competition, including dB Drag Racing, Bass Race, Top Dog, Freestyle, and Psychlone.

It’s fitting that Deaf Bonce will once again be there to support the competitors when it all comes down to this final weekend. With a worldwide reputation for producing competition-proven subwoofers, amplifiers, and speakers built for serious performance, Deaf Bonce has become a familiar name in high-level car audio competition. Their continued investment in the car audio community and unwavering support of dB Drag Racing has made them an integral part of the Finals experience.

Vladimir Mukhin of Deaf Bonce shared:

“We’re proud to return as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 dB Drag Racing Finals. Every season leads to this moment, where the best competitors come together to push the limits of performance. We’re excited to support the competitors and be part of another unforgettable Finals weekend.”

We appreciate Deaf Bonce’s continued partnership and commitment to our competitors, promoters, and the entire car audio community.

And there’s even more happening in Indianapolis.

The 2026 dB Drag Racing Finals will be co-located with IASCA and ISPLL in Indianapolis, bringing multiple organizations of car audio competition together under one roof for an exciting weekend of competition.

The dB Drag Finals will feature concurrent competition locations in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Spruce Grove, Alberta. Competitors at both locations will compete against one another through the Term-LAB measurement system, allowing competitors in different locations to participate in the same Finals competition and compete for the same Championship titles and awards.

Stay tuned as we continue unveiling the outstanding sponsors and partners helping make the 2026 dB Drag Racing Finals the loudest weekend of the year.

October 3–4, 2026
Indianapolis, Indiana & Spruce Grove, Alberta

FT. MYERS, FL (08.10.26) – GENEVO America is thrilled to announce the addition of industry veteran David McKee as Director of Sales. Mr. McKee joins GENEVO with deep industry experience, having served as a Regional Sales Manager for K40 for eight years, prior to joining the company. In his new role, McKee will help lead the next phase of GENEVO America’s growth, building out the dealer network and expanding the brand’s footprint across the North American 12-volt market. 

“One of the advantages I see at GENEVO is that everything is done in house,” says McKee. “The technology, the engineering and the install technicians are all in the same building, so getting products to market, receiving feedback and providing updates is an incredibly efficient process. It was one of the most impressive aspects of the company that led me to sign on.” 

The high-end radar and laser detection brand was founded in the Czech Republic in 2011 and with its overseas success arrived in the North American markets early this year. GENEVO features the MAX portable detector, the PRO II and PRO II DUO installed radar detectors, and the LP laser defense system. The MAX and PRO II series both come with a bevy of features, including a GPS database of stationary speed and red-light cameras. This free database is updated monthly. 

McKee was impressed with GENEVO’s commitment to keep their customers informed and protected. “In a subscription-heavy world, our database will be free for life. I also like the exceptional level of support GENEVO offers. There are people available that support both the dealer and the end user. Its done right.” 

Ray Woolf, CEO of GENEVO America, praised McKee’s deep industry experience and track record of driving both technical and financial account performance. Partnering with McKee reflects Woolf’s collaborative dealer-first, mindset. “Now we can start talking about programs and numbers,” Woolf noted, “and be a little more out-of-the-box where it makes sense.” 

“I know the extensive training that he went through to perfect his craft and his art. It was a very clear decision for me to bring him on,” explained Woolf. “He thoroughly supports the vision of the brand. We are a 12-volt-first company, and that mindset shows up in everything from how we engineer our products to how we support our dealers. With David helping lead our growth, we think that approach will move the entire industry forward.” 

For more, visit www.genevo.com/us.

Attendees Will Be the First to Experience Exclusive Dodge Audio Concepts Designed to Celebrate a Shared Legacy

Pontiac, Mich. (Aug. 8, 2026) — Alps Alpine of North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) will return to Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge this August with an exclusive showcase that celebrates decades of performance heritage and offers enthusiasts a glimpse into what could come next.

Long before premium factory audio became commonplace in American performance vehicles, Alpine and Dodge shared a vision for delivering an unforgettable driving experience. Beginning in the mid-1990s, Alpine supplied factory audio systems for the legendary Dodge Viper, helping define the soundtrack of one of America’s most iconic performance cars. That relationship would grow over the years, with Alpine engineering premium audio systems found in numerous Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram vehicles.

Now, that legacy takes center stage once again.

Visitors to the Alpine display at Roadkill Nights will be the first anywhere to experience an exclusive preview of two early audio concepts created specifically with today’s Dodge enthusiast in mind. These concepts explore new possibilities for performance audio integration while celebrating the passion, power, and personality that define the Dodge brand.

Alpine isn’t announcing a new product.

Not yet.

Instead, attendees will receive an exclusive first look—and more importantly, a first listen—to ideas currently being explored by Alpine’s engineering team. These concepts represent Alpine’s ongoing commitment to pushing premium in-vehicle audio forward while honoring the performance heritage shared with Dodge enthusiasts.

“Roadkill Nights is where passionate enthusiasts come together to celebrate American performance,” said Mike Henhard, Senior Vice President of Mobility Sales and Engineering at Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “There couldn’t be a better place to share what’s inspiring our engineers and to hear directly from the people who live and breathe these vehicles.”

Because these are early concepts, they will only be showcased during Roadkill Nights. The event will mark the public debut, giving attendees an opportunity to experience them before anyone else.

Whether you’re a lifelong Viper fan, a modern Charger or Durango owner, or simply appreciate the evolution of American performance, the Alpine booth will offer something you won’t find anywhere else.

Experience It First.

Join Alpine at Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, where performance, horsepower, and premium sound come together for one unforgettable weekend.

Because some stories deserve to be heard before they’re told

Boomer Robinson-Premium Brand Marketing, Ryan Grubbs-Vault Marketing, Douglas Dustmann-Vault Marketing, Kevin Holden-Vault Marketing and Kam Frisbee-Falcon Sales/AM Merchandising (L/R) at Dave & Buster’s in Panama City Beach FL.

PORT SAINT JOE, FL (08.07.26) – Kevin Holden, Douglas Dustmann, Ryan Grubbs, Boomer Robinson and Kam Frisbee all convened in Port Saint Joe Florida this past weekend, August 1st-3rd.

“We went over the technology, procedures and materials of Vault Power’s Sodium Element 11 Batteries. As a group we got to see samples of new products and ideas for the future of Vault Power as a brand. It was all work and no play though as a group we did spend many hours seeing the beaches, ocean, lakes, and Panama City Beach Pier Park” Kam Frisbee, GM Falcon Sales/AM Merchandising related. Frisbee traveled from Washougal, WA.

Boomer Robinson, Premium Brands Marketing offered “It was a great time for all of us working to drive the Vault Power to meet in person and get to know each other. It allowed us to bounce ideas, techniques, and create friendships within the brand. Learning the safer aspects of Sodium and ways to expand possibilities for dealers with the golf cart market plus side by sides and marine can expand the battery category and industry sales overall.” Robinson covers the Carolinas.

Vault Power, renowned for its cutting-edge Sodium Ion and Lithium Phosphate battery lineup also offers pure virgin copper power cable and speaker wire along with installation accessories.

For more see vaultpower12v.com.

Thank you to Kam Frisbee and Boomer Robinson for contributing to this article.

STURGIS, SD (08.06.26) – The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has grown a lot since it started in 1938. In addition to racing and hill climbing events, the Black Hills offer the best scenic rides for iconic destinations such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Mountain and Devils Tower. If you want to get off the road, there are scores of Wild West and early Black Hills history museums and so much more.

Setup by 12volt exhibitors has been underway for a number of days with many displays larger than ever before. The motorcycle category has experienced rapid growth over the last several years and shows no sign of slowing down.

The 12volt Central staff looks forward to spotlighting the activities of industry members in Sturgis. The 12voltSTP tool makes it so easy with a smartphone. Snap and Txt an image, with a few words, to 318 469 2526. PRESTO…you could be in the news and 12volt 6-Pack.

Sturgis.com is the place to find everything and anything for that 86th Sturges rally. Dining, lodging, rides, shopping, camping, concerts, bike shows, races, bikini contest, tattoo contest and hundreds of Sturges events and helpful tips on what to do, what to see, how to pack and much more are on the website.

The 86th Sturgis rally is August 7-16, 2026.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (08.05.26) – Experience motorcycle audio like never before through MB Quart. Harley-Davidson Tuned speaker systems deliver more volume to the open road. The HC1-116DT 6.5-inch and HC1-57DT 5×7-inch systems are built tough and tuned harder for every ride.

Innovated with WideSphere™ Tweeter Technology for razor-sharp highs, feather-light fiber cones for responsive mids, and cutting-edge Neodymium magnets that drive deep, ground-shaking bass — these 3-way coaxial speaker systems redefine what LOUD SOUND means on two wheels.

To learn more, click here.

HOUSTON, TX (08.04.26) – Monday morning at 1 AM, August 3rd, Alex Restrepo and the House of Sound team of 4 rolled into Houston from the Nashville SLINGFEST 2026. House of Sound has been driving Slingshot Experiences in Houston for several years. Team members returning with Alex are Edwin Watson, Eber Flores and Walter Tobar.

The SLINGFEST NASHVILLE 2026 was hosted by Sloan’s Motorcycle-ATV at the Nashville Fairgrounds July 30-August 2nd.

“We landed in Houston at 1AM after the 780 mile trip. After a few hours of sleep we unpacked the tents, inventory and Slingshot specific installation products from the trailer. We definitely made Slingshots shine and sound great with audio systems, custom LED lighting and accents with custom pods and customization with amps along with DSP tuning on site for their Slingshots. We displayed and sold a lot Nemesis, DS18 and DB Drive products and our Limelight” Restrepo related.

All told, there and back, the House of Sound crew spent over a day on the highway.

“More and more Slingshot enthusiasts are upgrading their rides with aftermarket upgrades and we are looking for a great year as we drive business with our Slingshot experiences. We look forward to the SLINGFEST in Nashville in 2027” Restrepo concluded.

For more see houseofsoundtx.com.

TIGARD/CLACKAMAS, OR (08.03.26) – CarToys TiGARD hosted an IASCA SQ event on Saturday and Clackamas hosted a SPL event the following day on Sunday July 26th. At both events competitors and crowd members were excited that competitive car audio had returned to Oregon.

Competitor drawings were included with registration, show vehicle demos were on site, raffle prize awards were available, there were demos after qualifying runs and spectators were welcomed. The Car Toys has 5 locations across Oregon that are driving 12volt business.

Falcon Sales is a strong business partner with Car Toys Oregon and was on site spotlighting Alpine and Memphis Audio with demo vehicles along with Jorge Fornos and Kam Frisbee. Fornos attended both events with the Falcon SQ Alpine WRX. Frisbee attended the Sunday SPL show with Falcon’s Memphis Hummer. “It was a great weekend working with Car Toys and supporting the IASCA events to spotlight car audio competitions” Frisbee related.

David Sabrowski, Technical Director Car Toys Oregon, commented “We are very happy with the turnout at both the events and
support from Falcon Sales.

For more see cartoysoregon.com.

STOCKTON, CA (07.30.26) – A rep firm website that works like a dealer tool, not a brochure

Reliable Product Marketing (RPM), the manufacturers’ rep firm covering Northern California and Northern Nevada, has launched a fully rebuilt norcalrep.com. The site moves well beyond the standard rep firm line card, packing interactive system configurators, DSP education tools, and dealer sales resources into a single destination built around one goal: taking dealers to the next level of profitability with information and tools.

What dealers will find

The site is organized around how a retail store actually works. Sales staff get configurators and product knowledge they can use mid-conversation with a customer. Installers get technical tools covering time alignment, crossover behavior, and OEM integration signal analysis. Owners get stocking guidance, margin-focused programs, and the documentation that makes carrying a new line less of a leap.

On the site at a glance

• System Configurators. Guided build tools that walk a salesperson or installer through amplifier, DSP, and speaker pairings across the RPM brand portfolio, producing a coherent system spec instead of a parts list.
• DSP and tuning education. Interactive tools covering time alignment, crossover modeling, and OEM signal analysis, built so a dealer can learn the concept and apply it on the bench the same day.
• Learn RPM. Technical reference material, white papers, and product training that go deeper than a spec sheet, written for the counter and the install bay.
• Dealer Tools. Sales support resources, margin-minded stock programs, and dealer-facing documents designed to shorten the path from customer conversation to closed ticket.
• Brand coverage. Focal, ARC Audio, Gladen, Mosconi, Musway, Wet Sounds, Compustar, Momento, iDatalink Maestro, mObridge, Lucas, and Drone, all under one roof for Northern California and Northern Nevada.

Why we built it

RPM’s position is that a rep firm should make markets with its dealers, not just call on them. With roughly 30 years in the 12-volt industry, including years behind the counter and in the install bay as a retailer, principal Scott Baughman built norcalrep.com to put rep-level product knowledge in dealer hands around the clock, not just when the rep is in the store.

“A line card tells a dealer what we carry. This site shows them how to sell it, how to install it, and how to make money with it. That is the job.” – Scott Baughman, Reliable Product Marketing

The full set of configurators, dealer tools, and training resources is available now at www.norcalrep.com.

HOUSTON, TX (07.29.26) – Tuesday, July 28th, Alex Restrepo and the House of Sound team of 4 rolled out of Houston on the way to Nashville to extend the company’s Slingshot Experiences. House of Sound has been driving Slingshot Experiences in Houston for several years and recently have taken their activities on the road… most recently in Maggie‘s Valley North Carolina and the Fairgrounds in Toledo OH. Team members with Alex are Edwin Watson, Eber Flores and Walter Tobar.

This stop will be at the SLINGFEST NASHVILLE 2026 hosted by Sloan’s Motorcycle-ATV at the Nashville Fairgrounds July 30 -August 2nd. Reflecting from behind the wheel on the 780 mile 2-Day drive Alex related “We packed the trailer with tents, inventory and Slingshot specific installation products for installations on site. Once we get there we will set everything up and be ready for Thursday. We will be ready to make Slingshots shine and sound great. Slingshot enthusiasts will arrive and we will discuss the upgrades that they would like to do to their Slingshots with audio systems, custom LED lighting and accents, custom pods and customization with amps along with DSP tuning on site for their Slingshots.”

On Thursday through Sunday Slingshot enthusiasts will continue to check out activities and have the House of Sound crew make installations on their Polaris Slingshots. The crew will pack the trailer early on Monday and start the 780 miles back to Houston. All told, rhere and back, the House of Sound crew will spend almost a day and a half on the highway.

“More and more Slingshot enthusiasts are upgrading their rides with aftermarket upgrades and we are looking for a great year as we drive business with our Slingshot experiences” Restrepo concluded.

For more see houseofsoundtx.com.