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By Counterman
WIX Filters is expanding its support for World of Outlaws by adding sponsorship of the Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision to its previous years’ backing for the NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.
“World of Outlaws is truly ‘The Greatest Show on Dirt’, offering fans some of the most adrenaline-pumping, tire-spinning, nitro-burning open-wheel racing on the planet,” said Carmina Lopez, brand manager for
link hidden, please login to view. “We’ve expanded our sponsorship with World of Outlaws to showcase how our filters leave our competition eating our dust and guide drivers all the way to their own checkered flags.” Starting Lineup and Fan Drawings
WIX Filters will present the starting lineup at the track and on DIRTVision, the exclusive live streaming home of the World of Outlaws, for the nightly feature in both circuits. This builds on WIX Filters’ continued sponsorship of the third heat at every Sprint Car Series race night.
At select events, dirt racing fans can take a selfie with the WIX Filters sprint car and enter drawings for swag, including a racing pennant signed by the top drivers in both series.
Additionally,
link hidden, please login to viewwill be featured as a sponsor on every World of Outlaws event broadcast on CBS Sports Network and DIRTVision. Technical Sponsor and Filters for Motorsports
WIX Filters has served as a technical sponsor of World of Outlaws racing teams dating back to the circuit’s inception in the late 1970s. This experience enables WIX Filters to offer oil and air filters designed to stand up to the high RPMs and demanding conditions encountered throughout the world of motorsports.
Support for DIRTcar HP Engine Builders Program
WIX Filters is also supporting the DIRTcar HP Engine Builders program for dirt track racing’s premier divisions. This initiative promotes collaboration between aftermarket parts manufacturers, dirt track race car builders, suppliers and sanctioning bodies to help improve engine technology and support the development of the sport.
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By Counterman
The curtain has closed on
link hidden, please login to view’ 2026 Annual General Meeting, which was held March 20-23 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in Nashville. The successful event brought together nearly 300 APA shareholders, TruStar members, and supplier partners for several days of collaboration, strategic discussion, relationship building and recognition. The meeting opened with a lively welcome reception that gave attendees the opportunity to reconnect with industry colleagues and set the tone for a productive weekend, APA said. Date Night followed, providing suppliers with the opportunity to host shareholders and members for dinner and continue conversations in a more relaxed setting, helping strengthen relationships across the APA community.
Throughout the weekend, attendees also participated in scheduled one-on-one sessions featuring fast-paced, 20-minute meetings between shareholders, members, and supplier partners. This structured format encouraged productive discussions and allowed participants to connect with multiple partners while making the most of their time together.
In addition to these networking opportunities, attendees heard valuable updates on the state of the automotive aftermarket from Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association and Simeon Gutman, managing director of Morgan Stanley. Jason Popillion of Cyphernova also delivered a presentation exploring the expanding role of artificial intelligence and its growing influence across the automotive aftermarket.
APA President Steve Tucker welcomes the almost 300 attendees to the group’s annual conference and awards program. Bill Hanvey, Auto Care Association president and CEO, was a featured speaker at the APA event. The meeting concluded with the annual awards dinner, recognizing outstanding performance and long-standing commitment across the organization. The award winners are as follows:
Supplier Awards:
APA Supplier Champion Award – Gina Williams of Bosch
APA Supplier of the Year Award – FCS
Distinguished OE Partner Award – Denso
Outstanding Marketing Partner Award – DRiV
Cornerstone Award – Mevotech
Technology Award – Autologue
Content & Catalog Excellence Award – DRiV
Shareholder Awards:
Ambassador Award – Brown & Sons
Milestone Award – 50 Years – JR Auto Parts
Milestone Awards – 40 Years – H&H Wholesale Parts, Metric Auto Parts
Milestone Award – 30 Years – POJA Warehouse
New Member Recognition – Lang’s Auto Parts, Atlantic British, Prime Auto Parts, DEPSI Auto
“Bringing nearly 300 attendees together in Nashville created a tremendous environment for collaboration, meaningful conversations, and celebrating the strength of APA and TruStar,” said Steve Tucker, president of
link hidden, please login to view. “Meetings like this don’t happen without a great deal of planning behind the scenes, and I want to thank our APA staff, especially Jan Larson, our director of marketing, for delivering such a successful and engaging event for our shareholders, members, and supplier partners.” APA extends its sincere thanks to all attendees, presenters, and sponsors who contributed to making the 2026 AGM a resounding success. The organization looks forward to building on the momentum from this event as it continues to support its network throughout the year.
APA/TruStar’s 2027 Annual General Meeting is scheduled for March 12-16, in Charlotte, NC.
Supplier Partner Awards
Evening Reception – Entertainment
One-On-One Sessions
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view honored the suppliers shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket at its 15th annual 2026 Partnership Event, Thursday, March 12, in Atlanta. This gathering has long served as a milestone moment that brings together the industry’s most valued partners to celebrate shared achievements, align on strategy, and deepen the relationships that drive the business forward. “Our Supplier Partnership Event isn’t just a celebration, it’s a reflection of what we believe at NAPA: that the most successful businesses are built on a foundation of trust and collaboration,” said Danny Huffaker, senior vice president product & marketing. “Bringing our partners together each year is how we align on our plan to win and strengthen our relationships. We’re grateful to our partners for their continued investment in NAPA and for their shared commitment to innovation that is defining the future of our industry.”
Among the evening’s honors, the Spirit of NAPA Award carries a particularly rich legacy. Established more than 30 years ago, it recognizes an individual who truly embodies NAPA’s values, work ethic, and commitment to deep, lasting partnership.
The full list of this year’s winners is below:
Spirit of NAPA Award, Premium Guard Inc. (PGI)
Spirit of NAPA Award Recipient – Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) is honored with the Spirit of NAPA Award for demonstrating exceptional overall performance, deep partnership, and a sustained commitment to NAPA’s success. Through industry-leading service levels, strategic investment in dedicated NAPA sales support, and strong collaboration on new product launches and market expansion, PGI has consistently aligned its efforts with NAPA’s goals.
Following one of the most significant product transitions in NAPA’s history, PGI stepped up in a meaningful way, working cross-functionally with our teams to support training, sales enablement, and market adoption. Their partnership has helped expand product coverage, drive market share growth, and ensure NAPA remains well positioned to serve customers across our network.
Through performance, collaboration, and shared commitment, PGI truly embodies the Spirit of NAPA.
Partnership Award, Chris Pruitt
Partnership Award Recipient – Chris Pruitt Chris Pruitt is recognized for decades of leadership. Over a remarkable 31-year career at East Penn Manufacturing, Chris helped guide the company through significant growth while strengthening its relationship with NAPA at every level.
Under his leadership, East Penn consistently supported key NAPA initiatives that drove market share growth through innovative and collaborative programs. Chris also demonstrated a deep commitment to giving back, proudly supporting the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund through fundraising efforts that honored those who have sacrificed for our country.
Known for his accessibility and collaborative spirit, from the store level to the executive team, Chris fostered a culture of open communication and true partnership. Now serving as Chairman of the Board, he leaves behind a legacy defined by trust, integrity, and a long-standing relationship between East Penn and NAPA built to endure for years to come.
Service Award, Valvoline
Service Award Recipient – Valvoline Valvoline is recognized for delivering exceptional service performance to the NAPA network, maintaining industry-leading fill rates and dependable on-time delivery. Their reliability and responsiveness ensure NAPA customers consistently receive the products they need when they need them.
Catalog Award, CRC
Catalog Award Recipient – CRC CRC is recognized for excellence in catalog content and data quality, demonstrating exceptional completeness, correctness, and reliability in product information. Their commitment to maintaining high standards ensures NAPA teams and customers have the accurate information they need to confidently identify the right products.
Quality Award, Old World Industries (OWI)
Quality Award Recipient – Old World Industries (OWI) Old World Industries (OWI) is recognized for its outstanding commitment to product quality and transparency, working closely with NAPA to provide comprehensive testing data and detailed quality documentation. Their proactive collaboration and dedication to continuous improvement help ensure the reliability and performance that NAPA customers expect.
Innovation Award, Milwaukee
Innovation Award Recipient – Milwaukee Milwaukee is recognized for driving innovation and growth within the NAPA network through the launch of more than 600 new SKUs in 2025 and the creation of exclusive trade in promotions that generated significant incremental sales. Their continued investment in new product development and sales enablement demonstrates a strong commitment to innovation and partnership with NAPA.
Indirect Supplier Award, The Variable Agency
Indirect Supplier Award Recipient – The Variable Agency The Variable Agency is recognized for its exceptional partnership and creative leadership in the brand transformation of Carlyle Tools. Through strategy, distinctive visual identity, and powerful storytelling, TVA helped reimagine Carlyle as a modern professional tool brand designed to resonate with the next generation of technicians.
Marketing Award, Dorman
Marketing Award Recipient – Dorman Dorman is recognized for outstanding collaboration with the NAPA marketing teams, investing in innovative campaigns and strong social media engagement that increased visibility and traffic at NAPA for the Dorman brand. Their commitment to creative marketing initiatives continues to expand awareness of Dorman products among technicians and customers across the industry.
Sales Award, Dorman
Sales Award Recipient – Dorman Dorman is honored for delivering exceptional sales growth with NAPA, generating significant incremental revenue through strong product innovation, inventory support, and close collaboration with NAPA teams to capture new opportunities and serve customers more effectively.
Market Disruptor Award, Carlyle Tools Suppliers (ISS, Great Neck, Clore, Homak, FNA)
Market Disruptor Award Recipient – Carlyle Tools Suppliers ISS, Great Neck, Clore, Homak, and FNA are recognized for their partnership with NAPA in relaunching the Carlyle Tools brand—bringing together product expertise, supply chain strength, and collaboration to create a differentiated professional tool offering that is reshaping expectations in the market.
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By Counterman
Applications are now open for the Federated Car Care Scholarship Program. Applicants can apply at
link hidden, please login to view. The application deadline is March 31. Qualified candidates must select “Federated” on the online application. Federated Car Care Scholarship Program Details
Fisher Auto Parts funds the Federated Car Care scholarships in memory of Art Fisher. Art Fisher founded Federated Auto Parts and the Federated Car Care program. The program offers scholarships to active Federated Car Care Centers. Eligible centers must purchase from a Federated member.
“We are very pleased to continue offering scholarships to the children and employees of Car Care Center members, supporting their pursuit of higher education,” said Bo Fisher, chairman and CEO of Fisher Auto Parts. “The University of the Aftermarket Foundation makes the application process easy and efficient, and we urge interested students to submit their applications as soon as possible. We are excited to recognize a new class of deserving
link hidden, please login to view scholarship recipients for the 2026-27 academic year.” Eligibility and Award Administration
The
link hidden, please login to view administers the scholarships. The foundation will award several scholarships to eligible applicants. Eligible applicants include employees and children of active Federated Car Care Center members. Applicants must attend accredited two- or four-year colleges. Eligible programs include ASE/NATEF certified automotive, heavy-duty, or collision training programs. Licensed and accredited vocational schools also qualify. High school students graduating in 2026 may also apply. Application Process and Consideration
Federated participates along with more than 30 scholarship organizations. These organizations award scholarships through the foundation’s central website. Each completed application receives consideration for every matching scholarship. Applicants only need one application at AutomotiveScholarships.com.
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view successfully hosted SunSplash 2026, welcoming 600 attendees, including shareholders, members, customers, supplier sponsors and APA/TruStar staff, to the Dominican Republic from Jan. 23-27 for the organization’s biennial incentive trip. SunSplash is a long-standing APA/TruStar tradition designed to reward customers of shareholders and members for their performance and engagement. Participating companies determine how many trips they would like and then extend those invitations to valued customers, including shop owners and service technicians, as they see fit. This year’s event took place at the Dreams Onyx and Breathless Punta Cana resorts, providing attendees with a shared experience that balanced relaxation, networking and celebration.
Originally scheduled to be held in Jamaica, SunSplash 2026 required a last-minute change in destination due to Hurricane Melissa. Thanks to the swift efforts and leadership of Jan Larson, APA/TruStar’s director of marketing, the event was successfully relocated to the Dominican Republic in a short timeframe, ensuring minimal disruption for attendees, APA said.
The trip concluded with SunSplash’s signature final-night group dinner and cash giveaway celebration. During the event, 20 randomly selected winners each received $500, a highlight that has become a staple of the SunSplash experience.
“SunSplash is about more than travel. It’s about recognizing the relationships that drive our industry forward and creating meaningful opportunities for our shareholders, members, and their customers to connect outside of the day-to-day business environment,” said Steve Tucker, president of
link hidden, please login to view. APA/TruStar will host the next SunSplash incentive trip in 2028, with plans currently set for Cancun, Mexico.
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