Automotive Industry Veteran Earl Richey Owen Sr. Passes Away

Earl Richey Owen Sr. passed away January 14, 2012, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born November 23, 1927, in Whitewright, Texas.

In 1952, he started Earl Owen Co. after working at various downtown upholstery shops. He started with one sewing machine, a table and two parking spaces. Owen's special talent for customer service and natural business savvy propelled his fledgling business. When a customer needed seats covered the next day, Owen would go to the lot, take the seat out of the car, return it to his shop, cover it, take it back to the lot, bolt it down to the vehicle and it would be ready for the fleet the next morning.

As the business grew, Owen became interested in selling auto accessories. Knowing that suppliers were reluctant to sell accessories directly to seat cover shops, Owen contacted the president of Maldevar Mats. After many conversations, Owen finally convinced him to supply rubber floor mats to Earl Owen Co, under the condition that Owen pay him upon delivery. Owen agreed, kept his word and showed other suppliers he could sell the merchandise and pay his bills on time.

Today, Earl Owen Co. is one of the largest suppliers of auto and truck accessories and equipment in the Southwestern United States. Owen attended the SEMA Show in Las Vegas every year and was constantly stopped by people who were eager to learn about him and emulate his success. Despite his achievements, he remained humble, kind and loyal. His favorite hobby was work and he traveled at the urging of his wife. They enjoyed more than 20 cruises and went everywhere from Hawaii to Dubai.

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Line your wheel well; protect your truck and get a more finished appearance with Rugged Liner’s new wheel well liners.

Rugged Liner WWF15004 2004-2012 Ford F150 Rear Inner Wheel Well Liners

• 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 Ford F-150 (5.5ft, 6.5ft, and 8ft beds)
• Will not fit dually

You want to make your truck look better than others and you want it to last longer than others. Perfect! That’s exactly what these wheel well liners will allow you to achieve.

Rugged Liner’s new wheel well liners (Part # WWF15004) enhance your truck’s appearance by covering the inner wheel well, taking the focus off of the exposed frame rail, leaf springs, and shocks. 

Not only does the wheel well look good, it does protect any parts that would normally be exposed (such as the frame rail, leaf springs, and shocks) from rocks, salt, dirt, road debris, and weather elements. 

These wheel well liners are made with the same material (and same thickness) as the liners used by GM. They can be installed in 15 minutes, and tire removal is OPTIONAL! 

The liner only requires four screws. 

Rugged Liner offers a lifetime warranty!

Buy these for your F-150 by clicking here!

Don’t have a Ford F-150, but want these wheel well liners? Click your truck below:

• 2011+ GMC 2500-3500HD (will not fit dually) 
• 2007-2011 Chevy 1500 (all) or 2007-2010 Chevy 2500/3500 (will not fit dually)
• 2011+ GMC All 2500 (all) or 3500HD (will not fit dually) 
• 2011+ Chevy 2500 (all) or 3500HD (will not fit dually) 

While you’re purchasing a wheel well liner, go ahead and browse the other products from Rugged Liner; click here and find the lining you need.

PowerandPlay.com should be your first and only stop for your vehicle's accessories!

Can’t see through the fog? Get more powerful fog lights from Vision X!

-          - Fits 2007-2011 GMC Sierra

If your factory fog lights just aren’t cutting it, replace them with these off-road lamps. The Vision X Fog Light Kit is custom made for your vehicle and allows you to – get this – DOUBLE the output of your factory fog light and TRIPLE the output of factory headlights. These 4” round LED lights are the high-powered beams you need to keep you going when fog is ahead.

Don’t worry about being rough with your vehicle, because these aren’t made with wimpy materials; they are protected by a rugged die-cast 6061 machined aluminum cover and a strong, shatter-proof borosilicate hardened glass lens…that’s what you call protection.

Your new Vision X lights will be protected from dust and you could even submerge your lights under water and you would never even notice a difference in performance. This Vision X Fog Light Kit (Part # XIL-OE0711GSUM4010) comes with two brackets, two LED lights, and a plug and play harness; it’s already there and all you have to do is mount them. Purchasing this kit keeps you from having to search for those additional accessories to simply replace your fog lights. The kit is easy to install and the system bolts right into the factory mounting, so there is no drilling required.

There’s no reason for you to put this off until later when you need brighter, more efficient lights now!

While you’re purchasing this fog light kit, go ahead and browse the other products from Vision X by clicking here; we will help you find the lighting you need.

PowerandPlay.com should be your first and only stop for for your vehicle's accessories!

DeeZee DZ 95051 Cargo Management Storage Racks Truck Accessories

DeeZee DZ 95051 Cargo Management Storage Racks Truck Accessories: "DeeZee 95051 Cargo Management Ladder Rack
• Heavy duty 1/8 in. Thick Steel Tubing
• Protective Black Powder-Coat Finish
• Provides excellent storage facility for ladders and other gear
• No Drill Installation
• Made from high quality aluminum and fully welded construction
• Easy to install
• Mounting kit sold separately
• 750lb capacity
• Universal design fits all full size trucks (with 6 ft or 8 ft beds)"

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Prevent premature turbo wear and failure with a new Turbo Timer for your truck.

- Fits 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 Dodge Cummins applications

Your truck is equipped with turbo and you don't want to mess ANYTHING up. It is your truck, so of course you want to take care of it. With a turbo timer like this one from EDGE, you can prevent turbo wear and failure. This turbo timer (Part # 98612) is designed to automatically execute the cool-down period that is required to prevent damage to your turbo. Simple, really! It's easy to install and uses the EAS system that allows connection to multiple accessories to CS and CTS platform.

Edge has created this turbo timer that also allows lubricating oil from the engine to circulate properly, meaning that the turbine won't burn the lubricating oil that would otherwise be trapped within the charger with the turbine rotating at high speed. That was a long sentence, but basically, bad stuff won't happen.

Turbo timer for other applications: Universal Turbo Timer (Part # 98604)

Like this turbo timer and want more products from Edge? Daisy-chain multiple Edge accessories! It's easy to add more from PowerandPlay.com by clicking here: more Edge products.

PowerandPlay.com should be your first stop for quality truck accessories!

More hauling capacity with a new Dee Zee ladder rack? I'm in!

- Fits all full size trucks!

A new steel ladder rack to manage your cargo has arrived, it fits your truck bed, and it adds a whole second layer of hauling capacity. Hello, Dee Zee Cargo Management Ladder Rack! Conveniently get more storage with this heavy duty ladder rack from Dee Zee (Part # DZ 95051). The installation is easy, and requires – wait for it – no drilling!

A 750 lb capacity makes sure you can portably store everything you need including ladders, construction equipment, lumber, kayaks, and other long loads, without taking up space in your truck bed. It’s made with heavy duty 1/8” thick steel tubing and coated with a black powder-coat finish so you can be stylish AND efficient.

While you’re purchasing a ladder rack, go ahead and browse the other products from Dee Zee or click here, and find everything you need for your truck.

PowerandPlay.com should be your first stop for quality truck accessories!

Drive worry-free. Protect your truck with Rocker Panels from Putco!

- 2009-2010 Ford F150

Let’s say you have a Ford F-150 that you want to keep protected. What happens to it when you come across debris, fallen branches, or rocks in the road you are traveling on, but you don’t see them in time to completely avoid them? Well, you could imagine a large repair bill and a waterfall of tears, or you could imagine worry-free travels with Putco Rocker Panels!

It’s easy to protect your vehicle with rocker panels by Putco (Part # 9751433). They’re installed with pre-applied 3M tape. Really, all you have to do is put them on; there is no bolting or drilling required. It’s that simple. And hey, when you protect your ride, you are also adding style with this functional, practical, and appealing design that is super durable. Trees, rocks, and debris are no problem. Mission "No Tears Because my Truck is not Scratched" complete.

Isn’t that comforting? Do you want more comforting products from Putco? Maybe you don’t have a 2009-2010 Ford F150, but you want this same protection for your vehicle. Check out Putco’s page here for more applications and more products from Putco.

PowerandPlay.com should be your first stop for quality truck accessories!

SEMA’s Business Technology Committee - Boosting Profit Through Standardized Parts Data

Bob Moore is the co-founder and current chairman of SEMA’s Business Technology Committee and a tireless advocate for the use of standardized data and building a shared data system.

As the co-founder and current chairman of SEMA’s Business Technology Committee (BTC), Bob Moore is also a tireless advocate for the use of standardized data and building a shared data system. He has been working in the automotive aftermarket since 1976 and is a partner with Jerry McCabe in J&B Service, a consulting company that specializes in the automotive specialty-equipment market. Moore is a member of the SEMA Board of Directors, serves on its executive committee and serves as a volunteer for a variety of industry organizations. He spent some time with SEMA News recently to discuss progress the association is making with respect to business technology.
SEMA News: When we spoke last year (see “A Few Words With Bob Moore” in the December 2010 issue of SEMA News), you were adamant about the need for the industry to embrace data standards, particularly the Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES) and the Aftermarket Catalog Enhanced Standard (ACES). Could you refresh us about those systems?

Bob Moore: ACES and PIES are the formats that the replacement-parts industry has adopted for sharing data. Even the acronym PIES refers to sharing: Product Information Exchange Standard. It is a way to share information about the products themselves between trading partners. While the standardized formats make it very easy to translate information into an electronic document, ACES and PIES do not assure valid and accurate data. They are just standardized ways to publish and share information. Accuracy is absolutely up to the creator of the product, who is also the creator of the data.

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SEMA Sets July 13 as "Collector Car Appreciation Day"

July 13, 2012, will mark the third commemoration of Collector Car Appreciation Day to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils this year announced July 13, 2012, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA and its councils are again working to secure a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. The industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to the collector car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

“In the previous two years, the U.S. Senate helped launch national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing resolutions at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. By taking part in these events around the country, these automotive enthusiasts and related businesses ensured that their passion was honored and recognized.” 



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WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose Challenger Ready for Barrett-Jackson

The WD-40/SEMA Cares Dodge Challenger, which was featured at the 2011 SEMA Show, will be auctioned on January 20. From left to right: Joel Ayres of Bedslide/Takit LLC, Mike Spagnola of Street Scene Equipment, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting and Luanne Brown of eTool Developers

The WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose Dodge Challenger SRT8, designed by Chip Foose, will take the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, on January 20. All proceeds from the Challenger auction will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp children charities.

The custom ’12 Challenger has power, style and performance to spare and is complimented by its distinctive Foose look with the help of leading automotive specialty-equipment manufacturers. The vehicle was prominently featured in the Main Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2011 SEMA Show.

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Stand Out in Style with the Platinum Oval Step Bar from Westin

The Westin Platinum Oval Step Bar is a durable step bar designed specifically for your application and stands the test of time. The step bar is made from mild 21 stainless steel, so it can handle the abuse. It also comes in either polished stainless steel (Part # 21-3620) or black powder coated (Part # 21-3625) finishes, which gives your truck that slick, custom look that you’ve been wanting. The oval step bar is designed to accommodate most stake pockets, but the drill mount hardware is included just in case. Installation is easy because in most cases no drilling is required, so you spend less time in the garage and more time out on the road. So, with a mission to provide its customers with high demand products that work, look good, and last, the Westin Platinum Oval Step Bar is another quality product from Westin.


21-3620 – Westin Platinum Oval Step Bar; polished stainless steel finish (fits the Dodge Durango, Year 2011 and up)

21-3625 – Westin Platinum Oval Step Bar; black powder coated finish (fits the Dodge Durango, Year 2011 and up)



Got a different truck? Check out Westin’s page for more applications.
Step it up with PowerandPlay.com.

Get the Best of the Best with CURT Class I Receiver Hitch

The CURT Class I Receiver is custom designed for your application. The hitch has a black powder coated finish and an all-welded construction, which gives your vehicle that custom look, helps resist against rust and corrosion, and gives you the durability that you’ve come to expect from CURT. The hitch is also designed with WeatherTite construction which helps to protect against rusting from the inside out by sealing the hitch crosstube. A bolt-on installation means there is no welding required. The hitch has a limited lifetime warranty, so it guarantees the level of performance that you have come to expect from CURT. CURT Manufacturing, Inc. stands for excellence in their products and recognizes that the customer is king, so the CURT Class I Receiver is just another addition to that commitment.


11097 – CURT Class I Receiver (fits the Hyundai Elantra Sedan, Year 2011 and up)


Need a different hitch? Check out CURT’s page for more applications.
PowerandPlay.com is your home for hitch and towing accessories.

Jack It Up with 5” Suspension Lift Kit from Skyjacker

The Skyjacker 5” Suspension Lift Kit is a lift kit that is designed with the truck enthusiast in mind. The kit lifts your truck’s suspension an additional 5”, giving it the added clearance you need for everything from racing to regular street driving. The kit includes CNC machined steering knuckles, so you know it has a design that meets and exceeds industry standards. Installation is very low maintenance since it doesn’t require cutting the upper front differential housing mount. The lift kit also has a limited lifetime warranty, so it guarantees the level of performance that you have come to expect from Skyjacker. So, with a philosophy of providing the best designed, advanced engineered and most innovative suspensions that the truck industry has ever seen and used, the Skyjacker 5” Suspension Lift Kit is just another great product from Skyjacker.


D4510K – Skyjacker 5” Suspension Lift Kit (fits the Dodge Ram 2500/3500, Year 2010 and up)



Have a Ford or Chevy? Check out Skyjacker’s page for many more applications.
PowerandPlay.com is the home for all your lifting needs.

Get a Side Bar That’s Durable Enough for Your Truck with the Widesider Oval Side Bar from Big Country Truck Accessories

The Big Country Truck Accessories Widesider Oval Side Bar is a side bar that offers a durable, safe side step that can take the punishment. It has a 6” wide surface which gives you a rugged custom look and offers easier, safer entry and exit from your truck. The stainless steel construction will take whatever you or the road dishes out. Finally, the side bar has a lifetime warranty so you are guaranteed the durability and performance that you’ve come to expect from Big Country Truck Accessories. So with looks and durability to match, the Big Country Truck Accessories Widesider Oval Side Bar is just another great product from Big Country Truck Accessories.

396806 – Big Country Truck Accessories Widesider Oval Side Bar; polished stainless steel finish (fits the Chevrolet Colorado, Year 2004-10)


Have a different truck? Check out Big Country’s page for many more applications.
Check out PowerandPlay.com for all your Big Country Truck Accessories needs.

Polish It Up and Shine with Dayliner Liquid Grilles from Putco

The Putco Dayliner Liquid Grilles are a chrome grille insert that takes you to a whole new level of cool. The billet grille has an aluminum construction and features a polished chrome mirror finish that will leave bystanders breathless. They include LED lights that are embedded directly into the grille, which means you have additional lighting to see and be seen with. The LED’s are rated at 50,000 hours and are weatherproof, which means you have durability to match your looks. Installation is easy because the chrome grille just slips over your factory grille and includes instructions for easy wiring into your vehicle’s running lamp or low beam assembly. So with a history of taking pride in offering you the highest quality and greatest selection of automotive accessories on the market, the Putco Dayliner Liquid Grilles are another quality product from Putco.


280531 – Putco Dayliner Liquid Grille (fits the Ford Super Duty, Year 2011)


Not a fit for your truck? Check out Putco’s page for many more applications.
Make PowerandPlay.com your home for great products like this from Putco.

Gryphon Investors Acquires Majority Stake in K&N Engineering

Private equity firm Gryphon Investors has acquired a majority interest in automotive air- and oil-filtration product manufacturer K&N Engineering. According to a release, Jerry Mall, one of the original founders of K&N, along with current management will continue to hold a significant investment in the company. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

K&N Engineering was founded in 1964 and currently has offices in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

"K&N is the leading performance filter brand in the automotive space, known for its authenticity and a tremendous reputation for quality," said Gryphon Managing Partner David Andrews. Keith Stimson, Gryphon Partner and head of its Consumer Products and Services Group, added, "Auto enthusiasts have sworn by K&N products for more than 40 years, and we look forward to working with K&N's talented management team to further build its brand in the United States, while accelerating its international expansion."

According to a release, this is Gryphon's second investment in the automotive aftermarket sector. The firm previously owned MSD Ignition.

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Husky Liners 07987 Headlite Guard Clear Truck Accessories

Husky Liners 07987 Headlite Guard Clear Truck Accessories: "Husky Liners 07987 Husky Headlite Guard - Clear 24"x36" Bulk
Husky Liners 07987 Headlite Guard Bulk Kit
• Urethane film kit and install kit
• Virtually invisible
• Impact-resistant film
• Curves and contours to the lights on your vehicle; no wrinkles or bubbles…just a perfect fit
• Keeps vehicle looking new for a longer period of time
• Specific to your vehicle…no trimming to install
• Does not distract from clean lines of vehicle lights
• Protects vehicle lights from damage
• Minimizes pitting and cracking of lights
• Easiest to install on the market; no need for training or a professional
• Removable without damaging surface
• UV inhibitors reduce yellowing effect
• Measurements: 24" x 36""

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Keep Those Head Lights Covered with the Headlite Guard Bulk Kit from Husky Liners

The Husky Liners Headlite Guard Bulk Kit is a protective film that is designed specifically for your application. The film is a clear protective cover made from durable urethane to protect your headlights from whatever the road throws at them. It is designed with UV inhibitors, which means that your headlight is protected from the yellowing effect that comes from the sun and debris. Installation is easy because the film is precut especially for your vehicle, so no trimming is required. So with a mission to meet and exceed customer’s requirements by excelling in engineering and customer service, the Husky Liners Headlite Guard Bulk Kit is another quality product from Husky Liners.

07987 – Husky Liners Headlite Guard Bulk Kit (24”x 36”)

Looking for a specific application? Check out Husky Liners page for much more.
PowerandPlay.com is your home for Husky Liners.

PowerandPlay.com: Land-Speed Icon Burke LeSage Passes Away

PowerandPlay.com: Land-Speed Icon Burke LeSage Passes Away: "Burke LeSage (middle), the first paid employee of SEMA, was involved in dry-lake racing for more than 35 years—dedication that resulted in an unrivaled series of accomplishments.

SEMA Hall of Fame member and legendary land-speed racer Burke LeSage passed away November 7 at the age of 76. "

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Hot Rodders of Tomorrow: Helping to Bring New Blood into the Aftermarket

SEMA News—December 2011

EVENTS
By Chad Simon

Up for the Challenge

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow: Helping to Bring New Blood into the Aftermarket

Providing young automotive enthusiasts with an opportunity to develop and showcase their talents while being exposed to the automotive aftermarket industry, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow launched in 2008 at the Race & Performance Expo in St. Charles, Illinois, and has been invited to compete at the SEMA Show every year since its inception. The organization’s goal is to reach out to high-school students before they graduate in order to provide much-needed future talent for the automotive specialty-equipment market.
“My primary concern is that the people at the racetrack and in this industry as a whole are getting older,” said 40-year industry veteran Jim Bingham, chairman of Hot Rodders of Tomorrow and also president and CEO of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom and a SEMA Board of Directors member. “You don’t see much young blood, and I wanted to create an avenue for bringing youth into the automotive aftermarket.”
The purpose of the competition, the finals of which are held annually at the SEMA Show, is to offer opportunities for students to build and develop teamwork, demonstrate their enthusiasm and ingenuity and build their confidence and commitment to excellence. Teams of five auto technology students and an instructor from invited high schools across the country compete to properly disassemble and reassemble a small-block Chevrolet engine with aftermarket components in the least amount of time. The team with the quickest total time, including added penalties, wins. The competition engines have been built to replicate the real-world, high-performance engines found in today’s musclecars and hot rods.

The idea for the organization came to life during the first year of a local consumer show called the Race & Performance Expo. Tim Freeman, an area businessman, asked Bingham to help him put together an engine challenge for the show. So, after Freeman successfully recruited five local high schools for the engine challenge, Vic Edelbrock, with Bingham’s help, decided that he wanted to expand the concept across the country, starting with the first Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge held at the Race & Performance Expo in 2008.
A total of five teams competed during the 2008 season. The series has since grown to 70 teams in 2011, with six divisional winners and four wildcards that were invited to compete at the third annual “Showdown at SEMA” national championship in Las Vegas.

Edelbrock was initially responsible for getting the organization invited to the SEMA Show in 2009. Four teams were invited the first year. That grew to six in the second year, and Hot Rodders of Tomorrow came to the SEMA Show with 10 teams this year, the most ever.

Qualifying teams typically finish the challenge in the 35-minute time frame. All teams are encouraged to finish the engine build, regardless of time; however, once a team hits the 60-minute range, the instructor may help.

Time-added penalties are assessed when participants commit errors, which include dropping components, improper disassembly and poor sportsmanship. There are five judges, each following an individual student, and they score everything from the use of torque wrenches to proper assembly.

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Sponsoring Companies
• Accel
• Aeroquip Performance Products
• Airaid
• A Plus Distributing
• ARP Automotive Racing Products
• Auto Meter
• Be Cool
• Begler’s Performance
• Carlisle All-GM Nationals
• COMP Cams
• Dart
• Dee Zee
• Edelbrock
• Edge
• Energy Suspension
• Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets
• Hawk Performance
• Hedman Hedders,
• K&N
• Moroso
• Motive Gear
• Motor State Distributing
• Mr. Gasket Co.
• MSD Ignition
• Painless Performance Products
• Parts Pro Performance Centers
• Proform
• PRW
• Race & Performance Expo
• Royal Purple
• Russell
• Speed Pro
• Tennessee Speed Sport
• Trans Dapt Performance Products
• Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom

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PERFORMANCEPARTS.COM CONTINUES SPONSORSHIP WITH THE CONTINGENCY CONNECTION FOR 2012

PerformanceParts.com
198 Industrial Park Drive
Piney Flats, TN 37686
Phone (800) 585-0683
Fax (888) 778-9750

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11:00 A.M. EST
December 30, 2011 Phone: (800) 585-0683
Email: info@performanceparts.com
PERFORMANCEPARTS.COM CONTINUES SPONSORSHIP WITH
THE CONTINGENCY CONNECTION FOR 2012
PINEY FLATS, TN, DECEMBER 30, 2011 - PerformanceParts.com is a proud sponsor of the Contingency Connection for 2012. We continue supporting the company that allows us to get our name where it needs to be, reaching a large volume of racers and fans at various tracks throughout the country. PerformanceParts.com is able to market “at the track with our customers,” and stay linked directly to engine builders and machine shops, thanks to the exposure provided by the Contingency Connection. PerformanceParts.com looks forward to participating in the race marketing program, as well as the engine builder program, and we look forward to another great year with the Contingency Connection!

-End-