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By NAPA
Hailie Deegan posted a hard-earned sixth-place finish Saturday night in the ARCA Menards Series West Oil Workers 150 at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. Piloting the No. 16
link hidden, please login to view Chevrolet for Bill McAnally Racing (BMR), Deegan worked through early handling challenges to finish just outside the top five in a demanding short-track event.
Deegan’s night began with a loose race car that made the opening laps difficult and caused her to lose a couple of positions early. Staying patient, she focused on maintaining track position and providing feedback as the race settled into longer green-flag runs.
At the halfway break, the BMR crew made minor adjustments to improve balance, and Deegan immediately felt more comfortable in the No. 16. With improved confidence, she raced aggressively in the second half, battling through traffic and holding her ground during multiple restarts to remain in contention near the front.
Deegan ultimately brought the Chevrolet home in sixth, capping a solid points night for the team. The race also marked her first return to a stock car since June of 2024, making Kern a valuable opportunity to get back behind the wheel and regain comfort with the high-horsepower, high-weight machine. Combined with teammate Mason Massey’s victory, the result highlighted the speed across the Bill McAnally Racing stable at Kern Raceway, with both cars showing race-winning pace. The momentum sets the stage for the next stop on the schedule as Deegan and the team turn their attention toward Phoenix.
“I had a lot of fun getting back to racing in my NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet for Bill McAnally Racing,” Deegan said after the race. “We had good speed throughout the weekend and if I just clean up a few things on my side, I think we will be competing for wins really soon.”
Start / Finish: 6 / 6
Points Standing / Total: 6th / 38 pts. (-9)
Next Race: Thursday, March 5, Phoenix Raceway
How to Watch or Listen: 6:00 p.m. ET on
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view brought together more than 500 store owners, managers, sales representatives, suppliers and support staff for its annual winter conference under the theme “All In!” One of the many highlights of the three-day event was an awards banquet recognizing supplier partners who demonstrated exceptional performance and commitment across the APH family of locations. “These awards honor the supplier partners who consistently invest in our stores, our people and our shared success,” said Corey Bartlett, CEO of APH. “When suppliers like East Penn align with our long-term vision and commit to being all in, they strengthen our entire organization — from the DC to the counter. That partnership makes all the difference.”
Award recipients were selected based on comprehensive input from store teams and support center staff, evaluating performance across multiple service and support categories. Members of APH’s leadership team presented the honors.
2025 Award Recipients
Supplier of the Year: East Penn Manufacturing Spirit of APH: Gates Corp. Rising Star: ATD Tools Outstanding Sales Support: N.A. Williams Outstanding Marketing Support: Valvoline Outstanding Technology Support: Autologue Computer Systems Outstanding Training Support: Standard Motor Products Auto Value Heavy Duty Supplier of the Year: Automann BENCO Equipment Supplier of the Year: Synergy Financial Resources Refinish Supply Co. Supplier of the Year: SEM Products The conference’s individual supplier honor, the Say Yes! Award, was presented to Jay Knopick, director of Midwest sales and service — traditional division at N.A. Williams.
“Jay exemplifies the results-orientated partnership that drives success across our store group,” said Kevin Mack, vice president of merchandising at
link hidden, please login to view. “His deep understanding of our business and unwavering commitment to our team sets the standard for supplier excellence.” APH’s conference serves as an annual planning session and collaboration event, uniting suppliers and store teams to chart the course for the year ahead. The “All In!” theme reinforced the shared commitment and strong partnerships that fuel growth across APH’s family of stores.
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By Counterman
The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies announced Bill Nolan’s induction into the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Hall of Fame. Nolan serves as president and CEO of PBS Truck Parts and chairman of the board at
link hidden, please login to view. He received the honor on Jan. 20 during the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week General Session in Grapevine, Texas. From Family Business to Industry Leader at VIPAR
The company began in 1952 as the Power Brake and Spring Company. Nolan’s family acquired the business in 1973. Nolan joined immediately, working part time in labor, delivery and counter sales roles.
He became financial controller in 1984. He assumed the role of president in 1989, succeeding his father. Under his leadership, the company became PBS Truck Parts. The business modernized operations and expanded to seven locations in Indiana and Michigan. It also strengthened its reputation as a family-owned distributor.
VIPAR Heavy Duty Growth and Network Expansion
Nolan has served on the
link hidden, please login to view Board of Directors since 1994. He has held the chairman role since 2011. During his tenure, VIPAR Heavy Duty experienced significant growth and transformation. The organization acquired Power Heavy Duty. It launched the Global Parts Network. It also developed a digital ecosystem to support members. The network expanded to more than 1,000 locations. It extended its footprint into Central and South America.
Remarks at HDAW General Session
Nolan opened his remarks by thanking his wife, daughters and sons-in-law. He also recognized peers and mentors who supported his career.
“I would like to thank my family and friends at VIPAR. I’ve benefited from the cohesive teamwork that has made VIPAR Heavy Duty a success over the years,” he said, mentioning David Rex, Elmer Bower, Harvey Peterson, Steve Crowley, and current VIPAR Heavy Duty President and CEO Chris Baer. “VIPAR is the backstop that helped keep our company independent. It has kept us in the game, and made us more competitive. The future looks bright.”
“Bill’s leadership has been instrumental not only to PBS Truck Parts, but to the entire VIPAR Heavy Duty network,” said Baer. “His deep industry knowledge, unwavering integrity and passion for supporting independent distributors have helped strengthen and elevate the heavy-duty aftermarket. Bill embodies the values of our organization, and his induction into the Hall of Fame is a well deserved recognition of his decades of dedication and impact to the industry.”
A Message for the Next Generation
Nolan credited the PBS Truck Parts staff for meeting every challenge. He closed with remarks aimed at future industry leaders.
“For all of you young people, it’s up to you. It’s up to you to keep networking with your peers, to develop long-lasting relationships, to become leaders of your organizations. Give it all you’ve got. The time will pass in the blink of an eye, but the friendships will last a lifetime. To distributors, keep getting better. Work on your succession plans. Do everything you can to remain independent. After all, we are the foundation of the aftermarket.”
About the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Hall of Fame
The Heavy Duty Aftermarket Hall of Fame honors leaders who advanced the heavy-duty aftermarket industry. The annual ceremony takes place during the HDAW Conference. The Auto Care Association, CVSN and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers own and operate the event.
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By Counterman
WIX Filters announced it received a 2025 Supplier Award for Outstanding Shipping Performance from the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. The award recognizes top-tier suppliers who achieved outstanding order fulfillment in 2025 by meeting or exceeding delivery targets.
The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance recognized WIX Filters at its 2025 Alliance Winter Shareholder Meeting. The meeting took place at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa in Aventura, Florida, in December.
Longstanding Partnership Supports Independent Distribution
For 25 years,
link hidden, please login to view has partnered with the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. Its network includes more than 140 distribution centers, 2,300 parts stores and 3,500 certified service centers. “The
link hidden, please login to view has thrived and grown over the past 25 years by helping independent distribution centers, parts stores and service centers achieve the highest standards of service,” said Carmina Lopez, marketing manager at WIX Filters. “This supplier award demonstrates how our top-quality filters and advanced supply chain strategies enable service professionals and retailers to succeed.” The post
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By Counterman
The
link hidden, please login to view announced a leadership transition that it said is designed to support long-term growth, continuity and execution. Effective January 12, 2026, Travis Springsteen joined Auto-Wares as chief executive officer, while Todd Leimenstoll will transition from president and CEO to executive chairman. As CEO, Springsteen will have full responsibility for day-to-day operations, performance and execution. The transition does not represent a change in ownership, strategy or culture. Auto-Wares’ leadership team remains in place, and the company said it will continue executing its re-envisioning plan focused on operational excellence, customer service and long-term growth.
Leimenstoll, who has spent more than four decades with
link hidden, please login to view and has served as president since 2008 and CEO since 2014, will remain actively involved with the company. As executive chairman, he will focus on governance, long-term strategy, and key industry, supplier, and customer relationships, while supporting Springsteen and the leadership team during the transition. “This is a thoughtful and positive evolution for Auto-Wares,” said Leimenstoll. “Travis is a people-focused leader with deep distribution experience and a strong track record of execution. After getting to know Travis and his background, I’m confident he is a solid fit with our outstanding leadership team and the right person to lead Auto-Wares forward. I look forward to supporting him in my new role.”
Springsteen brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across automotive, powersports and aftermarket distribution. Most recently, he served as president of Western Power Sports, where he led a large, multi-location distribution organization serving dealers across North America. Throughout his career, Springsteen has built high-performing teams, strengthened operations, improved inventory productivity, and led teams in both founder-led and private-equity-backed environments.
“Auto-Wares has a strong legacy, a talented team and deep customer relationships,” said Springsteen. “I’m excited to work alongside Todd and the entire organization to build on that foundation, support the great work already underway and help the company continue executing at a high level.”
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