Author: A.J. Hecht

A.J. Hecht is the managing editor of THE SHOP and host of the In Gear with THE SHOP podcast. Have an idea, a tip, or a question you’d like to see answered? Contact A.J. at ahecht@cahabamedia.com.

Big Oak Garage’s Will Posey Receives Goodguys Trendsetter Award

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association presented Will Posey, owner of Big Oak Garage in Hokes Bluff, Alabama, with its Trendsetter Award today during the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) reception at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the hot rod association announced. The award is given to rising young builders in the hot-rod and… Continue reading Big Oak Garage’s Will Posey Receives Goodguys Trendsetter Award

SBN All-Female Build Debuts at SEMA Show

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) All-Female Build project, a Ford Bronco 4-door Wildtrak made its debut at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the organization announced. With support from the entire community, women volunteers ranging in ages and skill sets wrenched on the vehicle, the organization said, and volunteers outfitted the Bronco with a full slate of… Continue reading SBN All-Female Build Debuts at SEMA Show

Tommie Estes Named USAC Competition Director

USAC has named Tommie Estes as its competition director for USAC’s Circle Track division, the sanctioning body announced. Estes will lead the USAC Silver Crown National Championship in all forms of competition and be an advisor to USAC National Series Director Kirk Spridgeon, who will continue to oversee USAC’s AMSOIL National Sprint Car and NOS… Continue reading Tommie Estes Named USAC Competition Director

RaceTec Pistons Joins AFR, SCAT Crankshafts Family of Brands

RaceTec Pistons has joined the Air Flow Research, SCAT Crankshafts and Procar by SCAT family of brands, the company announced. RaceTec Pistons was founded in 2007 by Wayne Brooks, a former owner of JE Pistons, and provides pistons designed and machined in-house for high performance engine applications. “RaceTec Pistons has a fantastic brand, strong team,… Continue reading RaceTec Pistons Joins AFR, SCAT Crankshafts Family of Brands

Hypertherm Associates to Formally Close Russian Operations

Hypertherm Associates, a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting products and software, is planning to formally close its legal entity in Russia, the company announced. The announcement follows a decision in March of this year to suspend business because of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. “The continued humanitarian crisis and unpredictable business environment have caused… Continue reading Hypertherm Associates to Formally Close Russian Operations

SEMA New Product Award Winners Announced

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced its Best New Products Award winners at the 2022 SEMA Show. SEMA’s annual New Product Awards competition recognizes outstanding achievements in the development of products being introduced to the automotive specialty-equipment market at the SEMA Show, the organization said. Products are judged in 18 award categories, and each… Continue reading SEMA New Product Award Winners Announced

Baja Designs, Turn 14 Distribution Win SEMA Manufacturer, Channel Partner of the Year

Baja Designs Inc. was named SEMA Manufacturer of the Year and Turn 14 Distribution was named SEMA Channel Partner of the Year at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, the organization announced. Announced at the SEMA Show Kick-Off Breakfast before the SEMA Show floor opened, the awards represent outstanding commitment to the $51… Continue reading Baja Designs, Turn 14 Distribution Win SEMA Manufacturer, Channel Partner of the Year

SEMA Show Battle of the Builders Narrowed to Top 40

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has revealed the Top 40 builders in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, the organization announced. Battle of the Builders is a competition to honor and recognize builders at the premier automotive trade show, the SEMA Show. The 2022 Battle of the Builders Top 40 (by category): Hot… Continue reading SEMA Show Battle of the Builders Narrowed to Top 40

SEMA Recognizes Top Vehicles for Aftermarket

SEMA announced the best new vehicles for personalization to kick off the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The SEMA Awards are presented to exhibiting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) annually to recognize automakers for supporting the aftermarket with vehicle platforms that encourage customization. With a new category this year for electric vehicles, the SEMA… Continue reading SEMA Recognizes Top Vehicles for Aftermarket