SPRINGFIELD, MA (4.20.23) – On Wednesday, April 12th, Cicada Audio set up on the event floor at the MassMutual Center in Springfield with dozens of other 12volt brands.
The Cicada Audio tent set up on the GoFast ME23 event floor.
Marty Deane, Cicada Audio Director of Sales, related, “We had recently partnered with GoFast Solutions so the timing was super to get Cicada Audio rolling in the territory. Under the tent in our booth we showcased a great Harley build from InFocus Mobile Audio. Owner Justin O’Neil and Harley owner Andy LaBranche brought the Harley from Windham NH which is about 100 miles away.
Attendees gathered around for a demo of Andy LaBranche’s Cicada Audio loaded Harley from InFocus Mobile Audio.
In the booth the Harley drew attendees from across the event floor when the volume was cranked. The modified Harley was on an old frame and motor with 2014 and up electronics. For the GoFast a Cicada Audio was added to the system.
“Andy’s Harley was definitely rockin’ with clarity as a 4-speaker system driven by Cicada Audio amplifiers,” Justin from InFocus Mobile Audio stated.
“The GoFast ME23 was definitely a good event for Cicada Audio. Our area rep Art Rickless was in the house and we were able to deliver information about our brand to attendees and definitely provided demos through the day,” Deane added.
Marty Deane Cicada Audio Director of Sales
Rickless, A.I.R. Associates, commented, “There was definitely the feeling of energy in the MassMutual center as industry members connected with vendors plus their fellow dealers and friends. We have several dealers in the territory turning out bikes loaded with Cicada Audio and our riding season up here is just around the corner.”
MIRAMAR, FL (04.19.23) – JL Audio, the leader in premium, high-performance marine audio systems, announced the launch of its MediaMaster® Remote app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Designed to work with the latest JL Audio MediaMaster marine audio source units and network controllers, including the MM105, MM105-HR and MMR-40, the MediaMaster Remote app connects via Bluetooth Low Energy technology and offers comprehensive control of all system features and settings.
“These apps represent an exciting control upgrade for the vast number of vessels that feature the latest MediaMaster audio source units as standard or optional equipment,” said Stephen Leigh, Sr. Vice President, Electronic Engineering, JL Audio. “The wireless control functionality and display of music data offered by the apps is comprehensive, far exceeding the features found on typical wired controllers and key fob-style remote controls.”
The MediaMaster Remote app from JL Audio furthers the brand’s mission of providing the absolute best sounding and feature-rich audio solutions for boating, powersports and RV customers. JL Audio’s MediaMaster Remote app features a clean, intuitive user interface that mirrors the UI layout and menu structure of its MM105 source unit, MMR-40 network controller, and the JL Audio control apps for popular multi-function display (MFD) systems.
Main control functions of MediaMaster Remote mobile app include: · Power ON/OFF · Source navigation and selection · Stored presets · All volume level controls (master & individual zones) · All subwoofer level controls (master & individual zones) · All tone & balance controls (master & individual zones) · Source specific settings ·
The JL Audio MediaMaster Remote iOS and Android apps are available immediately for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. App functionality requires no additional hardware but requires the latest source unit software (version 1.0.1325) to be installed, which can be downloaded here: jlaudio.com/MediaMaster-Support
STILLWATER, OK (04.18.23) – KICKER Marine Audio brings premium sound to two large powerboating events on Lake Havasu, Arizona–Desert Storm April 19-23 and Super Cat Fest West, April 26-29. The two events take place on back-to-back weekends of boating action to bring performance boat enthusiasts to Lake Havasu City, a boating Mecca for the country’s West Coast.
KICKER Marine Audio again joins the new owners of Desert Storm for this 25th Anniversary event. KICKER is especially visible as presenting sponsor for the annual Street Party on Thursday, April 20. Jim Russell, an event producer for 30 years, co-owned the event with its founder, Jim Nichols, Sr., who several years ago, sold it to his daughter-in-law and son, Christina and Jim Nichols, Jr. After several years under their operation, Russell and Lake Havasu realtor and community leader Steve Tichnor wanted to ensure that the event stayed in Havasu, so they invested in buying it back.
Says Russell, “Thanks to the wonderful long-term sponsorship of KICKER Marine Audio, joining with new title sponsor, Anderson Powersports, we were able to acquire the event and make minor changes, making sure it stays in Lake Havasu. We are boating enthusiasts and this event has a place in the hearts of everyone in Havasu—it deserves to stay here and grow!”
KICKER Marine Audio has traditionally brought its XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle), a travel edition of its famous headquarters’ “Wall of Boom” to Havasu’s Main Street for the “Eye of the Storm” Street Party. KICKER’s Real Marine sound equipment will also be seen on many of the millions of dollars of state-of-the art performance boats that will be displayed from 1-9 PM, including boats like the DCB owned by Rod Voegele of California-based Gatorwraps, also located in Lake Havasu, and the Rinker Flotilla owned by Jeff Cuvelier of Elite Audio of Havasu. Both boaters and businessmen are big KICKER Marine Audio fans as Gatorwraps adds the visuals to many KICKER-equipped customer boats, while Cuvelier has installed KMA products for years.
“Jeff provides an excellent example of what KICKER can bring to the party,” says Jeremy Bale, KICKER Marine Audio brand manager, “His own Rinker boat and his customers can attest to the top-sound quality of KICKER and its excellent performance in the marine environment. We are pleased to add our continued support to this anniversary event.”
Eliminator’s new Speedster with KICKER Marine Audio and Jeff Cuvelier’s Rinker loaded with KICKER gear!
Jake Fraleigh of Eliminator Boats is also planning to bring a new Ferrari Red 27 Speedster with twin Mercury 400 engines loaded with KICKER sound equipment to the event. Fraleigh calls the open-bow boat “a perfect example of the company’s dedication to lifestyle, functionality and performance—both with speed and sound.”
The event is moving this year to Havasu State Park where the white sandy beaches of “Windsor 4” will serve as VIP headquarters. On Friday, April 21, the Parade of Power will travel from Thompson Bay to the Bridgewater Channel, passing under the London Bridge. Then, a Poker Run where Russell says “the waters will boil” with over 100 participants, led by the area’s First Responders and a KICKER Boat, will round out the day and end with a party for all participants.
On Saturday, April 22, the Sugrue’s Shoot Out event will run from 9 AM- 4 PM from the Site Six Launch Ramp. The ¾-mile closed course Shoot Out is being organized by Russ Wallach of RPM Racing Enterprises and promises to be an exciting event with the best fan viewing from the park’s surrounding bluffs. The King and Queen of the Desert top speed title awards will be presented at the party that evening with record breaking speeds expected.
Preceding the performance events on Wednesday, April 19 is the annual Kruisin’ for a Kause as volunteer powerboaters with big engines and big hearts take area residents with special needs on boat rides, culminating in a BBQ lunch with karaoke entertainment at Lake Havasu State Park.
The next weekend, Super Cat Fest West takes the annual Lake of the Ozarks event to Lake Havasu, thanks to event producer Alvin Heathman, joined by sponsor River Dave of River Dave’s Place. This boaters’ event boasts Title Sponsors KICKER Marine Audio, Eliminator Boats, Franko’s DLA-M44, Gatorwraps and Dixxon Flannel, the latter which will show its Dixxon Eliminator 28’ Fundeck, and new Eliminator 27’ Speedster. Other sponsors include Elite Sound; Ilmor Marine who will unveil a new power package; Horizon Motorsports, a local boat dealer sponsoring the Saturday night party; Hamilton Marine Finance; Detail Specialties; and Barrett Custom Marine. Private sponsors will also bring notable boats, like DCB and Mauricio & Angie Vivanco with their DLA-M44 DCB, Kenny Gonzales and his well-known 48 MTI, “Wave Adios” and many other high-performance cats.
Heathman says they are looking to get the town “more involved” as the event draws boats from across the country to explore Lake Havasu, which he sees as a similar boat culture to Lake of the Ozarks, “just with different scenery and smaller—but more concentrated. Lake Havasu is amazing in its own way—there is always something performance going on here—it’s a giant playground and I think it is the perfect setting,” he adds.
Since Heathman found logistics a bit more challenging in Havasu, he engaged a new development, Havasu Riviera Marina, to host the event. The marina has a new dock, boat ramp, well over 100 boat slips and can accommodate the many visiting boats and trailers for a three-day street party with food trucks, vendors and entertainment. “It will be like an offshore racers’ village,” says Heathman. He also plans a two-day fun run on land or water where people can explore on their own, visiting local businesses and bringing back receipts to turn in for poker hands. “It will be more casual—come and go as you please,” he says. The Friday and Saturday night parties include the popular Boom Bandits Entertainment group, along with awards, hot rods and boats—including the KICKER-outfitted “Boom Toon.”
The Saturday fun run and evening party will feature an auction for $5,000 in KICKER Marine Audio sound equipment for Super Cat Fest for Kids. The event benefits the “forgotten kids” of Lake Havasu and will give money directly to local schools for lunch programs that some underprivileged kids’ families cannot afford.
OCALA FL (04.17.23) – Reigning NHRA rookie of the year Camrie Caruso is off to a fast start this season, winning the NHRA Arizona Nationals and grabbing her second career No. 1 qualifier at the NHRA Winternationals. The third-generation drag racer is also making noise with new sponsors, including the addition of Big Jeff Audio, which will be the primary sponsor on her Chevrolet Camaro for the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, April 28-30, and an associate sponsor the rest of the season. Caruso is looking forward to introducing a brand-new sponsor to the NHRA and its massive consumer audience.
“This deal came together quickly, and I am looking forward to introducing Big Jeff Audio to the NHRA community,” said Caruso, who will be racing four-wide in Charlotte for the first time. “They are doing amazing things with not just car audio but side-by-sides, home audio and marine audio, Power Sports, and CCTV Needs. We are heading into the summer months, so now is the time to update your audio needs for the lake, pool, or your road trips. I can’t wait to show off the Big Jeff Audio Chevrolet Camaro in Charlotte. It is going to be an eye-catching car, and Big Jeff is going to make an impact in the NHRA, I know.”
Big Jeff Audio is a part of Big Jeff Online Inc., a family-owned business that has been thriving since 2014, initially starting out on eBay and Amazon. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, they have now expanded to offer a vast array of products on their site, including car audio and CCTV security systems, all backed by their authorization as an online seller. They have a website full of products for everyone at www.BigJeffAudio.com and have a large social media platform that you can see by searching BigJeffAudio on all major platforms.
“We have never done anything like this before, but after talking with Camrie we saw this as a great opportunity to introduce our company and customer service to a whole new audience,” said Jeff Goldman, president of Big Jeff Online, Inc. “We love working with our customers to give them the best audio service for their cars, boats, side-by-sides, or Power Sports. We have a tremendous online business. I know NHRA is all about the noise and thrill of the racing, and everyone at Big Jeff Audio is looking forward to bringing even more sound to the races and the pits.”
AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.14.23) – General Motors recognized Alps Alpine North America, Inc. as a 2022 Supplier of the Year. GM celebrated honorees at its 31st annual Supplier of the Year event in San Antonio, Texas, earlier this week.
GM’s Supplier of the Year award recognizes global suppliers that distinguish themselves by exceeding GM’s requirements, in turn providing customers with innovative technologies and among the highest quality in the automotive industry. This is the 11th consecutive (21st overall) time Alps Alpine has received the award.
“This year was marked with a mixture of challenges and triumphs, so it is with great appreciation and honor that we accept this award for Supplier of the Year,” said Cameron Hosner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Alps Alpine. “As we move forward, we vow our continued and unrelenting aim to deliver solutions that contribute to the creation of a brighter future for our customers, our partners, and ourselves.”
“We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding suppliers after yet another challenging year in the automotive industry,” said Jeff Morrison, GM vice president of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. “They overcame countless obstacles and exemplified what it means to be resilient, resourceful and determined. Beyond that, these suppliers demonstrated their commitment to sustainable innovation and to driving advanced solutions in collaboration with the GM team.”
Each year, GM’s Supplier of the Year recipients are selected by a global, cross-functional GM team for their performance in criteria such Product Purchasing, Global Purchasing and Manufacturing Services, Customer Care and Aftersales and Logistics.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.13.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. welcomes Mike Kenhard as the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and Vice President of Engineering at the headquarters location in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Mike Kenhard, Chief Technical Officer and Vice President of Engineering
Kenhard brings an extensive background in the automotive industry as well as a proven history of leading various teams through key company projects and initiatives. Throughout his career, Kenhard has championed growth and success both on a divisional and company-wide basis, using his skills as an effective communicator, manager, and strategic planner to promote positive change and desired company results.
“We are ecstatic that Mike has joined the Alps Alpine team,” said Robert Hill, President & CEO of Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “His technical expertise, experience, and drive will ensure that we continue to provide winning solutions to our customers and lead our expansion into new areas in our pursuit of Perfecting the Art of Electronics.”
Kenhard will oversee all engineering at Alps Alpine North America.
At last year’s Industry Awards Banquet, SEMA introduced SEMA Fest, an enthusiast-focused experience that connects automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry for a celebration of car culture and automotive lifestyle. Combined with the SEMA Show and officially called SEMA Week, the goal of the expansion is to create the most exciting automotive event in the world.
2023 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, October 31-November 3, Las Vegas Convention Center
During the planned five-year rollout period and beyond, SEMA will remain dedicated to producing the annual SEMA Show—the premier automotive trade show that puts the latest products from top companies in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers representing every segment of the specialty-equipment industry. Companies that would like to exhibit at the 2023 SEMA Show can get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.
Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show provides exhibitors with the aftermarket’s most valuable venue for creating more business, expanding brand awareness, introducing new products and engaging with automotive professionals.
Open to the automotive trade, the 2023 SEMA Show will take place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3. For more information on the 2023 SEMA Show or to exhibit, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
SEMA Fest, Friday-Saturday, November 3-4, Las Vegas Festival Grounds
SEMA Fest is an enthusiast-focused event that is open to everyone, including automotive enthusiasts and professionals. The two-day celebration will be held at a separate venue—the Las Vegas Festival Grounds—Friday and Saturday, November 3–4.
The festival will feature music and entertainment, craft food, automotive celebrities, drifting competitions, freestyle motocross and the world’s most innovative and advanced custom vehicles.
To register for SEMA Fest or for more information, visit www.SEMAFest.com.
The 26th Annual dB Drag Racing World Finals will occur from September 30, 2023 – October 1, 2023. Qualified contestants can compete at one of four venues: Owensboro, KY; Antioch, CA; Spruce Grove, AB; and Slovenia (pending). Participants at each venue will compete for Regional Championship honors and a shot at the World Championship title.
dBDRA World Finals competition formats:
• dB Drag Racing
• Bass Race
• Psychlone
• Top Dog
• Freestyle
Each location will complete a full competition. The winners at each venue will receive Regional Championship awards (trophies). To determine the “World Champion” for each class (and the Ring recipient), we will do the following…
dB Drag Racing – The two LOUDEST competitors in each class (overall) will go head-to-head to determine the World Champion. For example, if the loudest car in Street Stock 1K is in Slovenia and the second in California, those two competitors would go against one another to determine the World Champion. Or, if the 1st place winner is in Slovenia and the 2nd place winner is in Slovenia, then those two competitors will compete, and so on.
Bass Race – The WINNER of each class at EACH location will compete in a NEW contest. There will be four competitors in each class. For example, in the 129.9 class, the winner in California, the winner in Kentucky, the winner in Canada, and the winner in Slovenia will all compete for the ring and World Champion title.
Top Dog – The WINNER at EACH location will compete in a NEW contest. There will be a total of four competitors for the World Champion title.
Psychlone – All of the scores will be combined, and the highest-scoring competitor in each class will be the winner for that class. We will NOT conduct additional Psychlone runs. The scores from the regular competition will determine the World Champion.
Freestyle – All of the scores will be combined, and the highest-scoring competitor in each class will be the winner for that class. We will NOT conduct additional Freestyle runs. The scores from the regular competition will determine the World Champion.
Each World Champion will receive a ring.
This information is preliminary and subject to change. Additional information related to the Finals will be announced shortly, including the points requirements and cutoff dates.
The World Finals is an invitational event. The dBDRA invites contestants who acquire the requisite points and minimum competitor ranking based on score.
Please get in touch with the dBDRA for sponsorship opportunities.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (04.07.23) – On April 7th Mark is heading to Záhony, Hungary, to help his friend Slaven and his group take care of refugees. He needs your help to raise additional money to buy supplies here in the USA and in Hungary. If you can find it in your heart to donate to his cause, the Ukrainian cause, he will be purchasing items and supplies in the coming couple of weeks and even more once he arrives in Hungary.
On the Ukrainian cause, Mark Lieber, Project and Quality Manager at Maxxsonics, said, “As a human being I am deeply concerned with what is going on in Ukraine, the horrors that are being dealt to the people are beyond belief and imaginable. Though I am not able to stop Putin from committing these atrocities, I can do something to aid and provide comfort to the Ukrainian people inside Ukraine and fleeing.”
Below are some of the items your donations will be used to purchase:
Medical supplies including bandages, gloves, antibiotic ointments, trauma wound dressings, burn gel, emergency blankets, and children’s Tylenol
Hygiene supplies including toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and towels
Gasoline for transport vehicles
Toys for children and pets
Any excess items and cash that are donated will be released to hospitals, families in need, and to other charitable organizations for distributions.
Any amount will help. Follow the link below to join the fight and learn complete Mark Lieber GoFundMe details on how YOU can make an impact in supporting Ukraine.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (04.06.23) – Adventure demands sound with adrenaline around every turn and corner. Whether it is through sights and sounds along the trail ahead or the impact of the sound that you bring with you, it’s time to take on the winter trails like never before with the POWER and SOUND OF THOR!
Turn every outdoor adventure into a thrill ride of audio adrenaline that delivers more into your sound with THOR TPS soundbars.
Creating LOUD ADVENTURE with sound that’s designed for those that want MORE ATTITUDE, MORE POWER, and MORE CLARITY on every journey – THOR TPS soundbars transform songs with richer and sharper detail.
The TPS-10 and TPS-6 are powered, Bluetooth soundbars that are designed to be protected against the elements while featuring easy installation. Take on every narrow winding turn, steep sand dune, and lakeside beach or pond with higher-quality audio powered through undistorted listening levels.
Take on the trails with BIGGER power that provides clearer levels of listening. The THOR TPS-10 is a 10 speaker, Bluetooth soundbar that comes with an integrated amplifier including Super HPD (High Power Digital) technology.
Creating 200 watts of LOUD, undistorted sound, specialized high-efficiency midrange/bass drivers feature poly composite cones coupled with Butyl rubber surrounds that produce a clean sound. You’ll receive higher volume and deeper layers of listening throughout every genre of music or desired playlist.
For those that want a smaller, but still, a mighty soundbar that produces rich audio, the THOR TPS-6 is a 6-speaker version with the same features as the 10 (with just fewer drivers). All of your playlists will be heard from miles away with THOR TPS sound.
Still creating 200 watts of power for high-quality audio, Bluetooth “Memory Sync,” will remember the most recent device instantly on power-up, while large, center-mounted buttons are waterproof and provide easy control with riding gloves or while withstanding the conditions or elements.
Crave audio that brings LOUD adrenaline to EVERY outdoor adventure. Unleash undistorted levels of higher quality listening while taking on the trails with THOR TPS sound that add new dimensions of layers within every song. It’s time to embrace the POWER of THOR!
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