MEMA Names Jackson Executive Director of Strategy and Research
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view has recognized Truck-Lite and ECCO as its latest suppliers to earn the VIPAR Heavy Duty Strategic Partner (VSP) designation. The two companies, both part of Clarience Technologies, join a group of suppliers that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting the organization’s distributors, fleets and strategic initiatives across the heavy-duty aftermarket. “Truck-Lite and ECCO bring exceptional value to our distributor network through their commitment to innovation, safety, and service,” said Larry Griffin, vice president of program management for VIPAR Heavy Duty. “Their strong support of fleets, investment in data quality, and product offerings that extend across key international markets align closely with our strategic priorities. We are pleased to welcome them as Strategic Partners.”
Designation Criteria and Program Support
Truck-Lite and ECCO earned the designation by meeting key criteria established by
link hidden, please login to view, including active support of fleets through the organization’s National Accounts Program. The companies also contributed product content to PARTSPHERE PIM®, VIPAR Heavy Duty’s product information management system, and delivered comprehensive product programs that serve both VIPAR Heavy Duty and Power Heavy Duty distributors. “We are honored that Truck-Lite and ECCO have been recognized as VIPAR Heavy Duty Strategic Partners,” said Brian Olsen, executive vice president and president, Visibility Solutions, at Clarience Technologies. “This designation reflects our shared commitment to supporting distributors and fleets with innovative, high-quality solutions. We value our partnership and look forward to continued collaboration to deliver value across the heavy-duty aftermarket.”
Benefits of VSP Designation
Suppliers that earn the VSP designation benefit from enhanced visibility and engagement opportunities, including special recognition and priority positioning at the IMPACT Conference. They also receive expanded branding across distributor touchpoints and increased networking and collaboration with the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies team and distributor members.
Truck-Lite and ECCO join the VSP group alongside Baldwin Filters, Donaldson Company, East Penn, Grote, Prestone, Tectran and Tramec.
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By NAPA
Mason Massey finished 12th in the ARCA Menards Series West 150 at Tucson Speedway after a strong overall day that saw him post the ninth-fastest time in practice and qualify third for the 150-lap event. He lined the No. 19
link hidden, please login to view Chevrolet up near the front of the field but immediately focused on tire management on a surface that produced heavy falloff throughout the run.
At the drop of the green flag, Massey gave up ground as the field quickly settled into long-run pace, focusing on managing tire wear on the abrasive surface. Much of the race was defined by heavy tire conservation, with large groups of cars running closely together while trying to preserve their equipment. The tightly packed field produced extended stretches of three-wide racing across multiple lanes, as drivers balanced saving tires with maintaining track position.
Throughout the race, Massey remained committed to a smooth, low-line approach while navigating traffic and the evolving pace of the field. As some of the leaders pushed harder to apply pressure, it forced drivers who were saving to pick up the pace and limited their ability to fully conserve tires.
In the closing stages, Massey got the caution he needed with 37 laps to go and set his sights on moving forward when the race went back green. He quickly worked his way back toward the top 10 before getting loose exiting Turn 4 and making hard contact with the outside wall. The contact resulted in handling issues over the final laps as he battled a tight feeling balance, and Massey ultimately brought the car NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet home in 12th.
“I thought we had a great plan going into the race with both us and Hailie (Deegan, teammate),” Massey said after the race. “My NAPA Auto Care team gave me a great car with speed and stability that gave me the ability to take care of the tires so well. I made the mistake coming off of turn four and hit the wall pretty good there. After that, the car wasn’t handling well. We didn’t have the balance and all I could do was limp it home. We’ll regroup and get after it again at Shasta.”
Start / Finish: 3 / 12
Points Standing / Total: 2nd / 118 pts. (-5)
Next Race: Saturday, May 2, Shasta Speedway
How to Watch or Listen: 11:30 p.m. ET on
link hidden, please login to view Mason Massey:
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Bill McAnally Racing / McAnally-Hilgemann Racing: link hidden, please login to view The post
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By Counterman
The Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG), an under-40 community of the Auto Care Association, announced its 2026 Next Step Program scholarship recipients for YANG programming at Auto Care Connect. The Next Step Program offers young automotive aftermarket professionals an opportunity to establish lasting involvement in the auto care industry.
The scholarship recipients will experience and engage in YANG programming at
link hidden, please login to view and Spring Leadership Days, part of Auto Care Connect week, all taking place May 11-14 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. 2026 Next Step Program Scholarship Recipients
Tiffany Auyeung, Genuine Parts/NAPA Shelby McLean, CRC Industries Dina Nikocevic, Parts Authority Samantha Schearer-Higdon, Schearer’s Sales & Service Inc. Joseph Pedorenko, TERREPOWER Scholarship Benefits and Networking Opportunities
The scholarship covers the entire cost to attend the 2026 Auto Care Connect week and provides access to networking opportunities for each of the scholarship recipients. The Next Step scholarship recipients can participate in up to 25 meetings and network with more than 450 veteran industry leaders during this three-and-a-half-day program. “Next Steppers” will experience up-close how the association and various aspects of the industry work.
YANG Programming at Auto Care Connect
The
link hidden, please login to view programming at Auto Care Connect is tailored to young professionals in the auto care industry to facilitate building connections with peers, learning from industry experts and coming together as one collective industry by sharing the best of ideas and solutions for today’s automotive aftermarket industry challenges. This in-person event provides industry-focused programming opportunities to enhance leadership skills and knowledge of the industry. The post
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By Counterman
The
link hidden, please login to view Commercial Vehicle and Heavy Duty (CVHD) Program celebrated Tectran, the 2025 Alliance CVHD Heavy Duty Hauler Award winner, at the recent Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) 2026, January 19-22 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, TX. As the largest North American gathering of heavy-duty aftermarket professionals, HDAW 2026 brought together thousands of executives, managers and industry leaders for four days of networking, collaboration and strategic discussion. “HDAW continues to be one of the most valuable events of the year for our Alliance CVHD Program,” said Mario Gonzalez, CVHD program manager for the Alliance. “It gave us the opportunity to bring our members together in one place, strengthen relationships with our partners, and have meaningful conversations about where the industry is headed. Each year, participation continues to grow, reinforcing the momentum and long-term value of the Alliance CVHD Program. And it was nice to share some hardware with one of our partners, Tectran.”
HDAW 2026
During the HDAW 2026 gathering, the Alliance CVHD Program recognized Tectran for its outstanding contributions and partnership throughout 2025 and shared the 2025 Alliance CVHD Heavy Duty Hauler Award at the booth. This annual award recognizes a channel partner that demonstrates exceptional support in the field, commitment to training and collaboration, and a shared vision for advancing the Alliance CVHD Program.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Alliance as the 2025 Heavy Duty Hauler Award winner,” said M. Jarod Scherer, president and CEO at Tectran. “The Alliance CVHD Program has been a strong partner for us, and we value the collaboration, trust, and shared commitment to supporting distributors and customers across the heavy-duty aftermarket. We look forward to continuing to grow together in the years ahead.”
The
link hidden, please login to view CVHD Program includes Auto Value Truck Parts, Bumper to Bumper Truck Parts, and All-Pro Truck Parts member brands and continues to deliver value through innovative technology solutions, industry expertise, and comprehensive marketing support. With a strong focus on IT driven tools for inventory optimization, distribution efficiencies, and eCommerce capabilities, the program remains well positioned to help members succeed in an evolving and competitive marketplace. Included at the Alliance CVHD booth was a demonstration of MyPlace4Parts, the Alliance CVHD program’s B2B eCommerce platform. For more information, visit
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view, provider of nationwide auto parts and tire delivery logistics, announced that Ben Yelowitz has joined the company as director of North America group sales. In his new role, Yelowitz will focus on building customer relationship and new business development with the automotive aftermarket program buying groups and working with their member WDs, helping strengthen PDX’s continued mission of delivering fast, dependable delivery service for automotive parts distribution across the U.S., the company said.
Yelowitz brings 52 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket parts distribution business to his new role, and is well versed in delivery logistics and transportation, PDX said. He has a strong background in the automotive aftermarket, supporting jobbers and WDs as well as dealer networks, OEM partners and aftermarket supply chain operations.
Most recently, he was new business development manager at GPC/NAPA Auto Parts. He also was CFO of POJA Warehouse LP, and president and CEO of Crest Auto Stores in Philadelphia, where he was known for his commitment to service, reliability and operational and financial excellence, PDX said. Yelowitz was also a prior long-term board member of
link hidden, please login to view, where he served as chairman, vice chairman and treasurer. “Ben’s experience and industry knowledge will be a strong addition to our team,” said Fred Frankel, PDX president. “We’re excited to welcome him to PDX and look forward to the impact he’ll make as we continue to grow and support our customers nationwide.”
“I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to PDX and contributing to the company’s continued success,” Yelowitz said.
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