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  • Yokohama Tire Named Official Tire of Crandon International Raceway

    SANTA ANA, CA. – (June 14, 2019) – Yokohama Tire continues to add to its impressive off-road racing legacy. The tire maker announced today it has partnered with Crandon International Raceway, making Yokohama the “Official Tire” of the legendary off-road facility.

    “Yokohama is proud to have finalized our exciting new partnership with iconic Crandon International Raceway,” said Fardad Niknam, Yokohama senior director of consumer product planning and product marketing. “The partnership is another significant stake in our off-road racing activities, and it’s at one of the sport’s most recognized and iconic venues. It’s the ideal place to highlight our rugged GEOLANDAR® line of light-truck tires.Fittingly, 2019 represents the 50th anniversary of Crandon, as well as Yokohama Tire in the United States.”

    The agreement begins at the upcoming Crandon Forest County Potawatomi Community Brush Run races and includes the rebranding of the track’s famous red and white barn, as well as other track signage and on-site hospitality.

    In addition to its partnership with the largest short-course off-road facility in the world, Yokohama is also supporting several trucks in the rapidly expanding Pro 2 category of the upcoming 2019 Lucas Oil Midwest Short Course League season. Yokohama’s durable GEOLANDAR M/T® G003 tire will be on several Pro 2 entries, including longtime Crandon fan favorite and 2011 Crandon AMSOIL Cup winner Chad Hord.

    Hord is set for a two-race Crandon effort, piloting his potent #9 Yokohama/Ponsse-backed truck recently reworked by veteran crew chief Kyle Greaves. 

    Pro 2 entries, including the #23 Chevy of veteran racer Kevin Hanegraff and the two Fast Motorsports Group trucks of #40 Scott Voge and #42 Bob Brand, will also be on the M/Ts.

    “Since 2016, we have worked hard to grow our corporate partnerships, especially with internationally recognized brands like Yokohama Tire,” said Crandon President Cliff Flannery. “In today’s environment, housing world-class events like those at Crandon is much more complicated than even five years ago. This announcement means we must be doing something right, and Yokohama is really working with us to create a real promotional partnership that goes beyond hanging up some banners.” 

    The Crandon International Raceway partnership adds to the extensive list of 2019 North American-based motorsports activities both on- and off-road for Yokohama. This includes the Subaru Motorsports USA partnership, IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Yokohama, the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama, Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle USA, 24 Hours of Lemons, Spec MX-5 Challenge, TrophyLite, One Lap of America, Yokohama NORRA Mexican 1000 and Yokohama Sonora Rally.

    About Yokohama Tire Corporation

    Celebrating its 50th year in the U.S., 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 an extensive sales network throughout the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation is a leader in technology and innovation. The company’s complete product line includes 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 broad product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com,www.yokohamatruck.com or www.yokohamaotr.com.

    Connect with Yokohama Tire Corporation:

    www.facebook.com/yokohamatire

    www.twitter.com/yokohamatc

    www.youtube.com/user/yokohamamotorsports

    www.instagram.com/yokohamatire

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

    About Crandon International Raceway:

    For 50 years, Crandon International Raceway has provided fans with dirt-throwing, high-intensity action and history-making performances. Located just outside of the tiny hamlet of Crandon (and 100 miles northwest of Green Bay), Crandon’s purpose-built, 400-acre facility is the finest on earth and has long hosted the largest crowds in short-course off-road racing history. Featuring more than 2,600 grass camping sites, fans enjoy two big weekends of racing each year, including June’s Brush Run event and Labor Day weekend’s 50th Anniversary Crandon International Off-Road World Championships. Both events feature Lucas Oil Midwest Off-Road Racing League Pro and Sportsman divisions. For more information please visit www.crandonoffroad.com.

  • RUGGED RIDGE ANNOUNCES NEW HD STUBBY BUMPERS FOR 2007-2019 WRANGLER JK/JL APPLICATIONS

    Trail-Proven Design and Innovative New Features for the Serious Off-Roader

    Suwanee, GA (June 11, 2019) – Rugged Ridge®, a Truck Hero Inc. company and leading manufacturer of high-quality Jeep®, truck and off-road parts and accessories, today announced the release of its new HD Stubby Front Bumper for 2007-2018 Wrangler JK and 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler JL models.

    HD Series Front Bumpers are constructed from durable 2.5mm thick plate steel formed into a classic off-roading inspired design that blends muscular angles with subtle contours. The result is a radical departure from typical bumper designs. The innovative mounting brackets conceal the hardware on the inside of the bumper for a clean appearance.

    Each Rugged Ridge HD Series Front Bumper features two integrated tow hooks that are capable of supporting recovery shackle usage. Additionally, the lower fascia of the bumper is fitted with T-shaped notches on either side to serve as lifting points for a Hi-Lift jack.

    All HD Bumpers are finished in a tough satin black powder coat and can be fitted with optional tubular HD Over-Rider or HD X-Striker for a more aggressive style.

    The Rugged Ridge HD Series Stubby Front Bumpers are covered by an industry-leading five-year limited warranty and are available online and through select Jeep and off-road accessories retailers nationwide.

    For more information on these, or any of Rugged Ridge’s complete line of high-quality Jeep and off-road products, or to find an authorized retailer, please contact Rugged Ridge at 770-614-6101 or visit www.RuggedRidge.com.

    Part No.DescriptionMSRP
    11540.32HD Bumper, Stubby, Front; 07-18 JK, 18-19 JL$444.43
    11540.61HD X-Striker; 07-18 JK, 18-19 JL$177.77
    11540.62HD Over-Rider Bar; 07-18 JK, 18-19 JL$99.99

    ABOUT OMIX-ADA, INC.

    Omix-ADA®, Inc. is the world’s largest independent manufacturer and wholesaler of Jeep®, truck and off-road parts, accessories and floor liners. For two decades, Omix-ADA has designed, tested and manufactured more than 20,000 of the highest quality restoration and replacement parts and accessories. The Omix-ADA family of brands, Rugged Ridge® and Alloy USA®, are distributed throughout the USA and in more than 90 countries worldwide. For more information, please call Omix-ADA, headquartered in Suwanee, GA at 770-614-6101 or visit http://www.omix-ada.com.

    Omix-ADA is a subsidiary of Truck Hero whose product offering includes: hard and soft truck bed covers, truck caps, bed liners, floor liners, steps, suspension kits, Jeep® parts and off-road accessories. Truck Hero’s industry leading family of brands includes Advantage, A.R.E., BAK, BedRug, Extang, Husky Liners, N-FAB, Omix-ADA, Retrax, Rugged Liner, Rugged Ridge, Superlift, TruXedo, UnderCover and an online retailer, RealTruck. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA USA LLC. 

  • Nexen Tire Builds Custom Jeep Gladiator to Honor Deserving Purple Heart Recipient

    • Nexen Hero program kicked off May 15 announcing a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport S equipped with 35-Inch Nexen Roadian MTX Xtreme Off-Road Mud Terrain Tires will be given to a deserving Purple Heart recipient
    • Legendary car builder Kenny Pfitzer of Zero to 60 Designs in Corona, Calif. selected to lead project following his legendary build of a 2019 Dodge Challenger for Nexen Tire’s “American Muscle for American Heroes” campaign
    • Custom 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport S features several high-quality aftermarket parts from Mopar and partner companies in addition to one-of-a-kind Nexen Tire and Purple Heart graphics

    DIAMOND BAR, Calif., (June 5, 2019) — Nexen Tire America Inc., a worldwide leader in high-performance, passenger, SUV / light truck and winter tires, has announced the details of the fully-customized 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport S which will be given away National Purple Heart Day, Aug. 7 to a combat-wounded veteran as part of the Nexen Hero program. Featuring Nexen 35-Inch Roadian MTX Xtreme Off-Road Mud Terrain tires, the giveaway is sequel to the highly successful ‘American Muscle for American Heroes’ program that ran last year. Just like last year’s program, Nexen Tire and The Purple Heart Foundation have teamed up for a second time to honor a well-deserving Purple Heart recipient – this time with a customized 2020 Jeep Gladiator.

    Purple Heart recipient and retired Marine Cpl. Steven Diaz was selected by the Purple Heart Foundation as the first program’s recipient of a custom 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T 392 Scat Pack equipped with Nexen Roadian HP Street Sport All-Season radial tires. The program is designed to show Nexen Tire’s gratitude for the safety and security provided by U.S. service members and veterans, and Diaz exemplified the traits worthy of a giveaway like the one organized by Nexen Tire. Diaz was severely wounded by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) explosion while conducting combat operations in Iraq in 2005. The incident left him with the permanent effects of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and a seizure disorder. Steven is now medically retired from the military and has used his experiences and recovery process to dedicate himself to helping other veterans suffering from similar injuries. He co-founded an organization called Hidden Wounds which helps “Heroes battle the invisible war at home” and he currently serves as its chief operating officer and program manager.

    This year’s program features an iconic vehicle that has been one of the most exciting vehicle launches in decades. With the help of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Nexen Tire America was able to purchase one of the first publicly available 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport S’s in the nation. Waiting for the Gladiator was legendary car builder Kenny Pfitzer of Zero to 60 Designs who took his original knowledge of the first campaign to spearhead the Gladiator build. This year’s program includes five 35-inch Nexen Roadian MTX Xtreme Off-Road Mud Terrain tires which have been paired with GRID GD5 off-road wheels finished in a gloss graphite milled hue. The build also features several genuine Mopar performance and off-road parts, which have been specifically designed for the all-new Gladiator. The exterior of the Gladiator features bold Purple Heart and Nexen Tire graphics designed to help bring awareness to the nation’s Purple Heart recipients and Nexen Tire America’s dedication to honoring the nation’s wounded veterans.

    Companies and products partnering in the build include:

    • Nexen 35-inch Roadian MTX Xtreme Off-Road Mud Terrain Tires
    • LINE-X PLATINUM bedliner featuring UV stability and a lifetime warranty
    • GRID G5 Off-Road Wheels
    • Katzkin Automotive Leather seats
    • Mopar Steel tube-door kit
    • Jeep Grab Handles
    • Jeep 2-inch lift complete suspension kit featuring Fox Racing shocks
    • Mopar Map kit for interior
    • Jeep three-piece Rubicon front bumper
    • Mopar grill and winch guard
    • Mopar winch guard light mounting bracket
    • Mopar 7-inch off-road LED light kit
    • Rubicon auxiliary switch bank
    • Mopar-brand upgraded floor mats
    • Program promotion by Ignite Design & Advertising, Inc. and DRIVEN360 Integrated Brand Marketing & Communications Firm
    • Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

    “The incredible success of the American Muscle for American Heroes program helped Nexen Tire bring national awareness to the sacrifice of Purple Heart so we are excited to announce the details of the Jeep Gladiator which will be presented to another deserving Purple Heart recipient,” said John Hagan, executive vice president of sales for Nexen Tire America Inc. “The nation’s wounded veterans have given so much to the country that it was our privilege to bring together an incredible group of patriotic build partners to create one of the most incredible Jeep Gladiators in the country for a select Purple Heart recipient.”

    The Nexen Hero nomination period runs May 15 to July 24 and the recipient will be announced August 7, National Purple Heart Day. Nominees must be a member of Military Order of The Purple Heart and the Jeep Gladiator recipient will be selected by members of the Purple Heart Foundation based on a variety of factors including heroism, sacrifice and an ongoing commitment to their community.

    For more information on the Purple Heart Foundation, visit https://purpleheartfoundation.org.

    Please visit  http://www.nexentireusa.com/nexenhero to nominate a Purple Heart recipient and for official giveaway rules.

    For all media inquiries, please contact media@nexentireusa.com

    About Purple Heart Foundation:

    The Purple Heart Foundation is a 501(c)3 Veteran Service Organization that fundraises for programs, services and resources that benefit veterans and their families. Over the past 60 years, the Purple Heart Foundation has funded academic scholarships, the MOPH National Service Officer program, research efforts and resources regarding veteran issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, grants for service dogs, and much more.  The Purple Heart Foundation’s Mission is to holistically enhance the quality of life of all veterans and their families, providing them with direct service and fostering an environment of camaraderie and goodwill among combat wounded veterans.

    About Nexen Tire:

    Inspired by Nexen’s global family of drivers to engineer superior performing tires – from championship-winning Formula DRIFT drivers, rock-climbing off-road enthusiasts to everyday commuters – Nexen Tire utilizes proprietary technology and the highest quality standards in the industry to guarantee world-class products backed by unrivaled customer support for the life of each tire. As a worldwide leader in high-performance, passenger, SUV / light truck and winter offerings, the company is second-to-none in research, development and state-of-the-art manufacturing. And as part of a select group of tire manufacturers worldwide that are specified as standard fitment on original equipment vehicles, Nexen delivers premium products at a sensible price.

  • Yokohama Tire Delivers Ultimate Off-road Performance and Comfort with the All-new GEOLANDAR X-AT™

    SANTA ANA, CA. – (May 28, 2019) – Rugged gets redefined with Yokohama Tire’s new GEOLANDAR X-AT™extreme all-terrain tire. Designed for pickup trucks, Jeeps and SUVs, the X-AT goes on sale July 1 with 27 sizes planned, ranging from 15 to 22 inches.   

    “The GEOLANDAR X-AT delivers it all,” said Bob Abram, Yokohama’s senior manager of product planning. “It offers ultimate off-road performance without sacrificing any on-road comfort, making it a great performance upgrade for a variety of pick-up trucks and SUVs, no matter how or where they’re driven.”

    Abram added the X-AT is backed by a 45,000-mile limited treadwear warranty and will include load range F sizes for heavier carrying capacities.  Plus, it features a dual sidewall design, which allows the consumer to choose the appearance they like the best. “With the GEOLANDAR X-AT, Yokohama now has one of the most complete light truck tire lineups in the market.”

    Benefits for the GEOLANDAR X-AT include:

    — Gripping off-road traction is achieved by dynamic, large shoulder blocks that are varied in length to create a biting edge and promote mud- and stone-ejection. Also, the angular center blocks provide extra strength and grip.

    — Off-road durability and improved puncture resistance are assured thanks to Yokohama’s GEO-SHIELD™technology, which features multiple sidewall plies, a high turn-up carcass and a full nylon cap.

    — Long tread life is a lock with Yokohama’s new HD2 compound. It’s made of a special triple-polymer blend engineered for reliable long tread life and impressive cut- and chip-resistance.

    — A quiet, comfortable ride is guaranteed due to the zig-zag grooves that interrupt airflow to limit pattern and road noise.

    About Yokohama Tire Corporation

    Celebrating its 50th year in the U.S., 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 an extensive sales network throughout the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation is a leader in technology and innovation. The company’s complete product line includes 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 broad product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com, www.yokohamatruck.com orwww.yokohamaotr.com.

    Connect with Yokohama Tire Corporation:

    www.facebook.com/yokohamatire

    www.twitter.com/yokohamatc

    www.youtube.com/user/yokohamamotorsports

    www.instagram.com/yokohamatire

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

  • American Powertrain Adds XL Wide Universal Crossmember to the X-Factor Line

    Cookeville, TN, May 13, 2019 – American Powertrain has now added XL Wide Universal Crossmembers to their X-Factor product offerings. This new X-Factor crossmember, available in silver or black, adjusts from 40″-46″ wide for wider full frame cars and trucks. The crossmember fits Tremec 5-speeds T-5, TKO and all Tremec 6-speeds using a GM mount. 

    Made in the USA using modular construction, this X-Factor crossmember is constructed from steel and aluminum making them incredibly light, exceedingly strong, and perfect for street or track applications. Each model is adjustable to fit a wide range of transmissions and vehicles. All X-Factor crossmembers come with a lifetime warranty against breakage.

    American Powertrain, a TREMEC Elite Distributor located in Cookeville, TN, manufacturers and sells ProFit modern overdrive transmission systems, Science Friction clutches and flywheels, Hydramax hydraulic clutch systems, X-Factor crossmembers and thousands of powertrain accessories for muscle, sports, street rod and race cars.   For more information, visit American Powertrain at americanpowertrain.com, watch this video, or call 931.646.4836.

    ABOUT AMERICAN POWERTRAIN™
    American Powertrain™     exists to help muscle car owners equip their cars with modern drivetrain technology, offering overdrive transmission systems, hydraulic clutch kits and a wide range of drivetrain related parts from diff to block. Since American Powertrain opened for business, we have quickly become the world’s largest TREMEC dealer. Our installation parts and systems are proudly made right here in America for unmatched quality. Our staff of highly experienced enthusiasts has years of experience helping car owners and builders make the right drivetrain choices.

  • The Mint 400 and UTV World Championship to Operate Independently in 2020 and Beyond

    Martelli Brothers chart a new path for the future of the two largest desert races in the sport

    April 29, 2019 – San Diego, Calif. — The Martelli Brothers announced today The Mint 400 and the UTV World Championship races will be sanctioned and operated independently in 2020 and beyond. The decision comes after nearly a decade of work in the sport as race promoters. Moving forward, their in-house team of off-road industry veterans will manage all aspects of their events including marketing, film and TV content production and race operations.

    While The Mint 400 and UTV World Championship will no longer be exclusively part of the Best in the Desert points series, the races will continue to operate on similar dates as previous years, and under similar rules and specs for the race vehicle classes. The Mint 400 will move to Friday and Saturday racing in 2020. Entry fees will remain unchanged for 2020 and an early registration period will begin this summer at a discounted rate. The complete entry fee and payout schedule for both races will be released this summer.

    “We’ve had a fantastic relationship with Best in the Desert and we’re grateful for all their hard work. We learned a lot from Casey and we miss him dearly,” said Matt Martelli, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Owner of The Mint 400 and UTV World Championship properties. “Moving forward, we want to implement our ideas and make off-road racing more visible to the world. This sport is dollar-for-dollar the greatest thrill ride on the planet. We have proven our capabilities on the marketing, media, and event management side, now it’s time for us to take control of our future.”

    Matt and Josh, who founded the motorsports production group Mad Media in 1995 purchased The Mint 400 in 2011 after producing groundbreaking television coverage of the storied race for several years. They brought the Mint to Casey Folks and his Best in the Desert series shortly after acquiring it, where the event ran for eight years. In that time, the Martelli/BITD team grew the event from a one day race with 200 entries into a four-day off-road festival with 550 entries and two days of racing – making it the largest desert race in North America. The UTV World Championship was developed in house as well in 2014, and has become the Super Bowl of UTV racing for the past five years, boasting over 400 entries in 2019.


    “One of the greatest things about off-roading is that it takes you down uncharted roads into new and exciting territory,” said Josh Martelli, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of The Mint 400 and UTV World Championship properties. “That’s exactly what happened with us. When we were asked to cover the Mint in 2010 and again in 2011 we were pumped – and put everything we knew at the time into those TV shows. Eight years later with the help and support of this incredible industry, we’ve grown two events into world class races with the highest level of competition coming from all over the world. But we didn’t do that alone. We are extremely grateful for the support we’ve had along the way and humbled by the feedback from our racers, partners and race fans.”

    Bringing race operations in house will allow the Martellis to continue to develop their own race formats, rule book, class specs, timing and scoring system, race courses, and to renew their commitment to driver safety through their own emergency operations program. More details about the move will be published to The Mint 400 and UTVWC websites in the coming months. The Martelli Brothers welcome racers, volunteers, and media to share their ideas and feedback with them by emailing ideas@themint400.com. 

    Click here for a brief FAQ at the bottom of our news post regarding the announcement.

    About The Mint 400
    Known as “The Great American Off-Road Race™,” The Mint 400 is the most celebrated, prestigious, and challenging off-road race on the planet. The annual 400 mile marathon between the top off-road racers in the world includes over 550 race teams in 50 classes of off-road vehicles, competing for two days. Established in 1968, The Mint 400 is steeped in American lore. Thousands of racers and celebrities from around the world have attempted to tame the brutal Nevada desert, but less than half of them have ever finished the Mint. An entire week of events lead up to the famed off-road contest in and around Las Vegas, including a vehicle parade down the Las Vegas Strip, a drivers meet and greet, a pit crew challenge contest, the Miss Mint 400 beauty pageant, massive parties, a qualifying race, and a huge ten-block “contingency” off-road festival on Fremont Street East. Over 40,000 spectators gather each year to watch the world’s best off-road race teams do battle at The Mint 400!

    About The UTV World Championship
    The UTV World Championship is the world’s biggest UTV race on the planet – with over 400 entries in 15 classes. The massive event draws the best UTV racers in the world who battle in both short course and desert races to decide who is the best UTV racer in the sport! The race features an ultra exciting side-by-side land rush start and intense door to door racing all the way until the checkered flag. There are multiple events that lead up to two days of race action including a kick off party, jump contest, pit crew challenge, and massive UTV “contingency” off-road festival!  The UTV World Championship has the biggest TV, online, and school media coverage in the sport of UTV racing.