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Category: Press Release

  • ROUGH COUNTRY’S NEW 04-06 JEEP LJ LONG ARM LIFT KITS

    Dyersburg, TN – Rough Country recently introduced a new addition to their ever expanding line of Jeep lift kits. The new Jeep 04-06 LJ X-Series Long Arm Kits are available in both 4 and 6” configurations. Available at an unbelievable value, these kits deliver great features such as high clearance Y-link front design, high clearance four link design in the rear, rebuildable x-flex joints, heavy duty steel control arm mounts, front and rear adjustable track-bars, and high performance 2.2 shocks for a great ride. Customers already sporting a 4 or 6” Rough Country lift kit will have the option to purchase a long arm upgrade kit at a fraction of the cost. As always, Rough Country includes their 100% satisfaction guarantee and “If you have a problem, we will fix it” warranty.

    For more information on the new 04-06 Jeep LJ Long Arm Suspension Lift kits, please contact Rough Country Suspension Products at http://www.roughcountry.com or call 800-222-7023. You may also contact Rough Country to find an authorized Rough Country dealer near you, or visit the “Dealer Locator” link at http://www.roughcountry.com.

    About Rough Country:

    Formed in early 1970’s, Rough Country Suspension Products was one of the founders of the off-road industry and today is one of the fastest growing manufacturers and marketers of lifted suspension packages and off-road accessories for both 2wd and 4wd trucks and SUVs. Rough Country Suspension Products is owned by Heckethorn Products. Heckethorn Products has a storied history in the automotive aftermarket that includes inventing the first steering stabilizer for military Jeeps in the 1950s. As a complete supplier, Rough Country Suspension Products offers retailers, jobbers, and consumer direct customers an opportunity to purchase the products that the market is demanding.

  • SEMA Mourns the Loss of Industry Pioneer Dick Wells

    The specialty-equipment industry mourns the passing of one of its most dedicated and active volunteers, Dick Wells, who died January 18 from complications following heart surgery in November. He was 75.

    His contributions to SEMA and influence within the specialty-equipment industry are immeasurable. Wells was highly active in SEMA initiatives throughout his career and helped nurture the industry during its formative years.

    He was the first editor of National DRAGSTER when it was launched in 1960 by the NHRA. Soon after, he became managing editor of Hot Rod magazine and later publisher of both Hot Rod and Motor Trend.

    As director of special events at Petersen Publishing, Wells was also instrumental in producing the first SEMA Show in 1967 at Dodger Stadium.

    Named SEMA Person of the Year in 1977, Wells was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1993, received the International Specialty Car Association Founder’s Award in 1994, and was among those honored in 2001 with the NHRA’s Pioneer Award.

    Wells remained a key editorial, marketing and historical adviser to SEMA to the end.

    “There are only a few folks you can identify as foundation stones in the realms of SEMA and NHRA, and Dick Wells was one of them,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “His life was all about drag racing, street rodding and the industry behind the hobby. Dick was particularly unique in having held influential positions in race sanctioning bodies, the automotive media and the industry’s trade associations.

    “In those walks, Dick made many important contributions and many, many friends. The industry family he so loved is mourning his loss.”

    Plans for services have not yet been announced. Additional details will be posted to the SEMA website as they become available.

  • Superchips Announces Additional 2008 Dodge 4.7L Vehicle Coverage

    Sanford, FL – For over 26 years of performance tuning, Superchips is known for dominating the streets, tracks and trails with impressive results. Now you can add the 2008 Dodge Ram, Dakota, Durango and Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee 4.7L V8 engines to the list. The Dodge Gas Flashpaq (part no. 3865), Cortex (part no. 3950) and Jeep Flashpaq (part no. 3875) deliver Superchips tuning for impressive horsepower and torque to the wheels, but it’s the improved drivability and performance that have owners excited.

    The workhorse 4.7L is now even more exciting for street, tow and trail uses with Superchips tuning. Flashpaq, Cortex and Jeep Flashpaq all include multiple performance and towing tunes while working out of the box with most cold-air intakes and cat-back free-flowing exhaust systems.

    The performance tune provides enhanced throttle response and shift adjustments at WOT, torque management at WOT, optimized shift firmness, raise rev limiter and noticeable drivability improvements. The gains are substantial with the Superchips 93-Octane performance tune serving up to 54 max horsepower and 67 lb-ft of max torque when equipped. The trucks gain up to 38 max horsepower and 30 lb-ft of max torque when equipped with Superchips 87-Octane performance tune.

    Superchips tuners include many useful features including working as a diagnostic scan tool, real-time in-cabin vehicle sensor display, vehicle performance data logger for 0 – 60 and ¼ miles times, recalibrate for tire diameter and axle gear changes, recalibrate for transfer case gear changes, adjust cooling fan settings and real-time idle up for running accessories. Cortex also includes an exclusive limited 2-year powertrain warranty.

    Superchips has the number one engine and model coverage in the industry offering a complete line of hand-held programmers for most late-model cars, trucks, and SUVs including: Ford, GM, Chrysler/Dodge, Nissan/Infiniti and Jeep. All Superchips programmers are available for purchase in retail stores and online wherever automotive performance products and accessories are sold.

    For more information contact:

    Superchips, Inc.
    1790 E. Airport Blvd
    Sanford, FL 32773
    Ph: 407-585-7000
    www.superchips.com

  • Joe Bacal Survives First-Corner Hit to Win Laughlin Desert Challenge

    Bacal and Lexus Take a Beating but Never Falter in Fast-Paced Race

    LAUGHLIN, Nevada, January 18, 2009 – In a heart-stopping beginning to his second year in off-road racing, Joe Bacal put his Lexus LX 570 ahead of his closest class rival as they raced flat out to the first corner at the SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge 2010 season opener on Saturday, only to feel the full force of competition slam into him as he headed for the apex.  Rival competitor Justin Matney left a major wound in Bacal’s Lexus as he pushed his way through, but the adrenaline-fired Bacal re-passed Matney shortly after and was never headed again en route to another Stock Full-class victory this past weekend.

    This is not to say Bacal never looked back.  “This is one of the most difficult races I’ve done,” said Bacal.  “The longer races like Baja require a more conservative approach to make sure you finish.  But this was a sprint race and pretty much flat out—I didn’t even have time to wipe my visor.  It was crazy but the Lexus is a rocket ship.”

    And like Bacal, apparently hard to break.  Despite considerable damage sustained in the crash, Bacal, co-driver Bob Ditner and the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Lexus continued unabated after the first-corner dust-up—important because the other competitors weren’t letting up.  After their Saturday triumph, Bacal and Ditner duplicated the feat on Sunday in the second and final round of the Laughlin event.

    The two-race format gives competitors a chance to race on Saturday and repair/refresh their vehicles for the second round on Sunday.  The event is the first on the 2010 SCORE calendar and Bacal’s back-to-back victories give him a large lead in the Stock Full class championship after just one race weekend.  “It’s the best possible way to begin the new season,” noted Bacal.  “I have to thank Bob (Ditner) and my team for such a great start.”

    Significantly, Bacal and his BF Goodrich-shod Lexus also extended their perfect finishing record.  This was their fourth event since the JTGrey team began its off-road racing campaign with a surprise win at the Baja 500 last year.  The LX 570 has been severely thrashed on the tough desert courses but has finished every time, remarkably with zero flat tires in over 1500 miles of hard desert racing.  Bacal has driven every mile.

    Joe Bacal and his JTGrey team race next at the Mastercraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, March 12-14.

    # # #

    For more information and updates on Joe Bacal, visit www.controlamidchaos.com.

    Bacal and the JTGrey Racing team acknowledge the following companies for their outstanding products, services and support:

    • Cancer Treatment Centers of America (primary sponsor)
    • Lexus (LX 570, original parts)
    • BF Goodrich (tires)
    • Toyota Racing Development (wheels, performance parts)
    • King Shocks (suspension components)
    • KC HiLiTES (lighting)
    • Head First Design (graphics and marketing support)
    • ARB and Old Man Emu (off road accessories)
    • Débaufré Swiss Watches
    • Sparco (seats, safety equipment)
    • Mechanix Wear
    • Geiser Brothers Racing (vehicle build and prep)
    • Powertank (CO2)
    • Tomo Therapy (Joe’s radiation treatment)

    About JTGrey:

    JTGrey Performance Driving, LLC was created in 2007 by Joe and Teresa Bacal to provide expert high-performance driving services (on and off-road) to the auto industry and related companies such as parts suppliers, print advertising and marketing agencies and the commercial and feature film industries, among  others.  The company is based in Phoenix, Arizona.

    JTGrey Racing was created by Joe and Teresa Bacal in 2008 to support Joe’s off-road racing efforts and is also based in Phoenix.

  • Yokohama Tire Corporation’s 2010 Motorsports Program Looks Like a Winner

    Tiremaker seeks to continue ’09 success with teams in off-road and ALMS, plus expanded “eco-racing’ with orange oil-infused tires in the GT3 Challenge and new GTC series

    FULLERTON, CA (Jan. 18, 2010) – In 2009, Yokohama Tire Corporation had many major motorsports successes, including repeat championships in off-road racing’s SCORE and SNORE series, and a season-long, strong run in ALMS. However, Yokohama’s most newsworthy motorsports accomplishment was to shatter the eco-racing barrier by introducing the orange oil -infused ADVAN® ENV-R1™, the first true environmentally-friendly tire used in a racing series.

    All that and more will continue in 2010 as Yokohama’s motorsports program shifts into high gear, according to Mark Chung, director, corporate strategy and planning.

    “From the historic introduction of our orange oil compound ENV-R1 race tires in the Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama series to the repeat off-road desert series championships for Heidi Steele in SCORE and her husband Cameron Steele in SNORE, 2009 was a banner year,” Chung said. “And we expect even greater success in 2010. For example, we’ll be introducing an even more eco-friendly tire for the Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama at Sebring in March, one that will further reduce the petroleum use in the tire. The orange oil technology in the ENV-R1 reduced petroleum inputs by 15 percent and increased recyclability while performing at the same level as previous compounds. All the Porsche GT3 racers raved about it. The new tire will be even better.”

    All told, Yokohama will participate in six race series during 2010, ranging from sports cars to off-road trucks. Series include:

    Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama

    This is the second year Yokohama is sponsoring the seven-race series. A new and improved version of the ENV-R tire will be the series’ spec tire and will be on a fleet of Porsche 911 GT3 race cars at leading U.S. tracks such as Sebring, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and Road Atlanta.

    Once again, there will be a field of up to 35 cars vying for championships in two divisions: Platinum (for 2010 GT3 Porsches only) and Gold (2005½ – 2009 GT3 Porsches).

    The series begins at the 12 Hours of Sebring, March 18-20. For details, visit http://www.imsachallenge.com/ .

    2010 Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama Schedule

    • March 18-20: 58th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, Sebring International Raceway, Sebring, Florida
    • May 21-23: Monterey Sports Car Championships, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, California
    • June 26-27: New Jersey Race, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, New Jersey
    • July 9-11: Utah Grand Prix, Miller Motorsports Park, Salt Lake City, Utah
    • August 6-7: Mid Ohio Sports Car Challenge, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio
    • August 20-27: Road Race Showcase, Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
    • September 29-October 2: 13th Annual Petit Le Mans, Road Atlanta, Braselton, Georgia

    American Le Mans Series (ALMS)

    The big news this season is that Yokohama and RSR are partnering to field a Jaguar XKR GT2 entry, which will run on ADVAN A005® racing slicks. The No. 33 machine will be piloted by Trans-Am racing legend Paul Gentilozzi and sports car veteran Marc Goossens. They’ll be battling against the likes of Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Corvette, Viper and Ford. Plans are for more Jaguar XKR GT cars to be added to the lineup during the season, as the team is in the process of building additional cars around the strong and rigid Jaguar XKR production vehicle that underpins the XKR GT racer.

    The nine-race series begins with the 12 hours of Sebring, March 18-20, and travels to many top courses, including Sebring and Road Atlanta, where Yokohama is the “Official Tire.” For details, visit the ALMS web site at http://www.americanlemans.com/ .

    ALMS GT Challenge (GTC) Class

    Yokohama’s orange oil-infused race tires will be campaigned in this new class within ALMS. The GTC class provides another rung on the ladder series within ALMS. A field of approximately 10 cars will compete at all ALMS events, including the endurance races such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans. More details are at http://www.imsaracing.net/ .

    2010 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) Schedule

    • March 18-20: 58th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, Sebring International Raceway, Sebring, Florida
    • April 16-17: Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Long Beach, California
    • May 20-23: American Le Mans Series Monterey presented by Patrón, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, California
    • July 9-11: Larry H. Miller Dealerships Utah Grand Prix, Miller Motorsports Park, Salt Lake City, Utah
    • July 23-24: American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix, Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, Connecticut
    • August 5-7: Mid Ohio Sports Car Challenge, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio
    • August 20-22: Road Race Showcase, Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
    • August 27-29: Mobil 1 Grand Prix of Mosport, Mosport International Raceway, Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
    • September 29-October 2: 13th Annual Petit Le Mans, Road Atlanta, Braselton, Georgia

    SCORE International Off Road Racing

    Yokohama-sponsored Heidi Steele, the three-time titlist and defending Class 6 SCORE (Southern California Off Road Enthusiasts) champion is back, along with her husband, Trophy Truck class veteran Cameron Steele, a two-time SCORE Person of the Year and TV commentator. Other Yokohama-sponsored drivers competing this season include Justin “Bean” Smith, Brent Parkhouse, Josh Daniel, Adam Ashcraft and Rick St. John.

    In 2008, Heidi etched her name in off-road history by being the first woman to win two major truck championships in one season – the Best in the Desert and SCORE. She also was named Dirt Sports magazine’s 2008 Driver of the Year, becoming the first female to win the coveted award. Heidi’s Ford Ranger runs on off-the-shelf Geolandar M/T+® tires.

    Cameron’s ride is the No. 16 800-horsepower Geiser Brothers Chevrolet truck, mounted with 37-inch Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S® R tires specially engineered for extreme off-road conditions. At press time, the Steeles were at the first race of the season, the SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge. The next race is the San Felipe 250 in Baja Mexico, March 12-14. For details, go to http://www.score-international.com/ .

    2010 SCORE Desert Championship Series Schedule

    • January 15-17: 16th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge, Laughlin, Nevada
    • March 12-14: 24th Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, San Felipe, Baja, Mexico
    • June 4-6: 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 500, Ensenada, Baja, Mexico
    • September 10-12: 15th SCORE Terrible’s Primm 300, Primm, Nevada
    • November 17-21: 43rd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, Ensenada to La Paz – Peninsula Run

    SNORE

    Two-time Unlimited Truck Class defending series champion Cameron Steele will pilot the 800-horsepower Geiser Brothers Chevrolet truck fitted with specially-engineered 37-inch Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S® R tires at every SNORE (Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts) event during the six-race 2010 season. Also returning is Steele’s Desert Assassins teammate Justin “Bean” Smith (riding on Yokohama Super Diggers). Smith won the Class 12 season title last year.

    First race is the Battle at Primm, February 19-21. Details can be found at http://www.snoreracing.net/ .

    2010 Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts (SNORE) Schedule

    • February 19-21: Battle at Primm, Primm Nevada
    • March 25-28:General Tire Mint 400, Las Vegas, Nevada
    • May 7-9: Dusty Times 250, Caliente, Nevada
    • July 30-Aug 1: KC HiLiTES Midnight Special, Ridgecrest, California
    • October 29-31: SNORE 250, Primm, Nevada
    • December 10-12: Rage at the River, Laughlin, Nevada

    Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series

    Yokohama is expanding its off-road activities by being an associate sponsor of the Lucas Oil Series. The eight-race series combines the Midwest tradition of short course off-road racing with a West Coast influence and features seven classes. The season kicks off March 6-7 at the Lake Elsinore Motorsports Complex in Lake Elsinore, California. For more information, visit http://www.lucasoiloffroad.com .

    2010 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series Schedule

    • March 6-7: Lake Elsinore Motorsports Complex, Lake Elsinore, California
    • April 10-11: Speedworld Off-Road Park, Surprise, Arizona
    • May 22-23: Primm Valley Motorsports Complex, Primm, Nevada
    • June 26-27: Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele, Utah
    • August 7-8: Lake Elsinore Motorsports Complex, Lake Elsinore, California
    • September 18-19: Speedworld Off-Road Park, Surprise, Arizona
    • October 23-24: Primm Valley Motorsports Complex, Primm, Nevada
    • December 11-12: Firebird Raceway, Phoenix, Arizona

    Celebrating its 40th anniversary in the United States, Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global manufacturing and sales company of premium tires since 1917. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation is a leader in technology and innovation. The company’s complete product line includes the dB Super E-spec™ – the world’s first tire to use orange oil to reduce petroleum – as well as tires for high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, and off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama’s extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.

    Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the “Tire Safety” section at www.yokohamatire.com.

  • Warn Industries Partners with Benchmade Knife Company

    Two Strong Brands Collaborate to Provide Quality Tools for the Off-Road Enthusiasts

    Clackamas, OR (11/30/09) – Warn Industries, the leader in truck and powersports vehicle products, announces a partnership with Benchmade Knife Company. High quality edged tools manufactured by Benchmade Knife Company will become available in early 2010 bearing the Warn logo. These tools will deliver superior performance and provide great value for customers.

    “We are very excited about the partnership with Benchmade. Their history of producing the best knives in the world couples extremely well with WARN’s industry leading off-road technology. We believe that putting these two great brands together will result in world class products and exciting new options for our combined customer base,” comments John McCalla, President at WARN. “WARN is one of the world’s most recognized names in the off-road community,” said Greg Mooney, President of Benchmade Knife Company. “This partnership will help expand the Benchmade brand intonew markets and reach new consumers.”

    Four new products are set to launch in 2010 and incorporate a variety of different mechanisms, materials, and price points. They will be available at www.warn.com (select branded apparel). They include:

    Model 583-1/587-1 – Large and Small AXIS® Assist Folding Knives:

    Designed for maximum utility, the 583-1 is a great folder for any situation. The tanto blade shape, AXIS® Assist locking mechanism, and machined G10 handle is sure to feel natural in the palm of yourhand. Made in USA.

    • MSRP – 583SBK-1 $165 black ceramic coated blade
    • MSRP – 587SBK-1 $145 black ceramic coated blade

    Model 9 CB-1 Utility Hook:

    The new 9 CB-1 Carabineer Hook is a great accessory for any outdoorsman. This new safety cutter has the ability to cut up to ½” diameter of rope and features a retractable safety blade cover. A carabineer clip and bottle opener completes the package. Made in USA.

    • MSRP- 9 CB-1 $25

    Model 30110-1 Houdini AET (Automotive Escape Tool):

    Be prepared for any situation that could put you or your family in harm’s way by always having your Houdini™ AET nearby. It’s the keychain that could save your life. Includes a seatbelt cutter, LED flashlight, spring-loaded glass breaker, and safety whistle.

    • MSRP 30110-1 $25

    About Benchmade

    For two decades, Benchmade Knife Company has been committed to designing and manufacturing world-class sports cutlery and superior edged tools. We continually strive to provide high quality edged tools that will deliver unparalleled performance and exceptional value for our customers.

    About Warn Industries

    Warn Industries is the world’s most recognized brand in off-road products such as hub locks and vehicle recovery winches. The company designs, manufactures and markets a full line of off-road equipment and accessories that enhance the performance of four-wheel-drive and powersport vehicles. Warn Industries has employees in and around Portland, Ore., Livonia, Mich., and the Netherlands.