AARC Ride for the Future Heads to Antelope Canyon
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By NAPA
Mason Massey delivered a breakthrough performance Saturday night, earning his first career victory in the ARCA Menards Series West (AMSW) Oil Workers 150 at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. Making his debut with Bill McAnally Racing (BMR), Massey drove the No. 19 Mongoose Power Solutions Chevrolet SS to the win with a patient, calculated drive that culminated in a decisive late-race move and a composed overtime restart.
Starting fourth, Massey wasted little time moving forward, quickly settling into the fight near the front and showing strong pace on long green-flag runs. As the race progressed, he steadily closed the gap to the leader and remained a fixture inside the top group despite mid-race changes in track position. Following the stage break, the No. 19 team made a half-rotation track bar adjustment and checked tire pressures, giving Massey improved balance and confidence as the event moved into its final stretch.
With the laps winding down, Massey worked his way back toward the front and made his move late, powering off Turn 2 to take the lead. A late caution pushed the race into overtime, setting up a high-pressure finish, but Massey stayed composed and executed a clean restart. He cleared the field into Turn 1 and held control through the closing laps to secure the victory.
The win marked a milestone moment for Massey in his first start with BMR and highlighted the team’s continued strength in the series. The victory was also the organization’s 101st overall and its first at Kern Raceway since 2019. With Massey and teammate Hailie Deegan both showing front-running speed, the duo is shaping up to be a major threat in the AMSW as the focus shifts toward Phoenix Raceway next week.
“Man, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to come jump in the BMR ARCA West program full-time,” Massey said after his win. “I came over here to compete for wins and championships, and we found victory lane in our first race! I can’t thank Bill (McAnally) enough along with all of our great team members in Roseville. We put this deal together thanks to Mongoose Power Solutions, Brunt Workwear, and
link hidden, please login to view, I couldn’t do this without them. This is only the beginning of success for our team and we’ll enjoy this one before a short turnaround to Phoenix on Thursday.” Start / Finish: 4 / 1
Points Standing / Total: 1st / 47 pts. (+5)
Next Race: Thursday, March 5, Phoenix Raceway
How to Watch or Listen: 6:00 p.m. ET on
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By NAPA
Daniel Hemric had a sturdy effort in the works on Saturday afternoon at EchoPark Speedway before a left front hub burned up forcing him to absorb a 34th-place finish. The driver of the No. 19
link hidden, please login to view Chevrolet Silverado RST scored points in Stage 1 but sits 29th in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) standings after two events.
Hemric timed in 13th-quickest in Friday afternoon’s practice session under sunny Georgia conditions. A heavy thunderstorm washed the track of rubber as Hemric took the green under heavy overcast on Saturday afternoon. The loss of overall grip from the hybrid superspeedway’s surface created more separation throughout the field in the opening stage as Hemric challenged for a top-10 position with a free balance. As the field strung out, Hemric drafted his way up to the lead group and climbed into 10th to pocket one stage point on lap 40.
Crew chief Kevin Bellicourt armed Hemric with four tires, fuel, and a chassis adjustment to secure his balance under the stage caution. Despite the changes, Hemric still contended with a lack of rear grip, but continued to stay in the fight for a top-10 position and ran 11th at the end of Stage 2.
After another four tire stop with chassis adjustments, Hemric restarted ninth but came to pit road shortly thereafter with a burned left front hub which ended his day after 88 laps. As a result, Hemric was relegated to a 34th-place finish.
“Not the result we needed at all,” Hemric said. “Our balance was a little free on that first run and felt like it improved the longer we ran. We got to 10th and ran down the lead group there, felt decent about it. Kevin [Bellicourt] and the guys were adjusting on it and thought we had a good direction on what we needed for the final stage. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see it. Wish we could have run it out and kept our NAPA Auto Care Chevy in the top 10. We can’t wait to shake this stuff and get to St. Pete to get this turned around.”
Start / Finish: 13 / 34
Points Standing / Total: 29th / 17 pts. (-86)
Next Race: Saturday, February 28th, Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
How to Watch or Listen: 12:00 p.m. ET on FOX or SiriusXM
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By Counterman
Ride control is a broad term. It refers to anything that controls and affects the operation and reaction of the suspension to road conditions, including the springs, shocks and struts. For many years, changing the ride control aspects of a vehicle meant at minimum, physically changing the shock absorbers with units that had different internal valving.
This altered suspension performance to match what the vehicle owner was after, which was typically a modification to match the suspension with the use of the vehicle, for example off-road or racing. The biggest problem is you were stuck with the characteristics you ended up with until you switched back to the original components.
Then, in the 1990s, adjustable valve shocks and struts became popular. These systems had two or three comfort and sport settings that could be changed with buttons on the dash. These systems played the role of firming up the suspension if the driver wanted a sporty feel while driving.
But technology never slows down, and for years now, many auto manufacturers have been utilizing continuously variable dampening systems, referred to as continuous damping control (CDC) in their vehicles. There are many different names for this type of suspension depending on the vehicle manufacturer, but it’s often generalized as active suspension or active ride control.
These systems have evolved to the point where they utilize electronically controlled valving to actively change dampening characteristics in milliseconds to control the compression and rebound of a shock absorber or strut.
By utilizing this high level of control, there are many benefits over a traditional system including enhanced driving comfort, improved handling and cornering, precise tracking during acceleration and shorter braking distances, all of which adds up to improved safety.
To give you an example of just how precise these systems can be, they can increase rebound when a pothole is detected by either the suspension displacement sensors or a camera. This prevents the wheel from dropping down in the pothole and hitting the backside of the hole. For braking, a CDC dampener can increase compression in the front and increase rebound in the rear to prevent nosedive.
On old, electronically adjustable systems, there was typically a small stepper motor on top or on the side of the shock or strut that changed the size of the orifices in the piston or at the base. The compression and rebound were not independently adjustable.
Today, most new systems use coils and/or magnets to adjust rebound and compression in real time, which are sometimes called actuators or pulse motors. Most active ride control systems have their own module that might also control the air ride system, and most control each of the four dampening units individually. They need information to work like vehicle speed, steering angle and readings from the yaw and accelerometers, and they are often part of the stability control system.
When technicians are faced with diagnosing system problems, they have to look at the entire system, not just the dampeners, and scan tools are necessary for communication. While these types of shock absorbers and struts can leak like traditional units have in the past, diagnosing them requires specific knowledge and procedures related to the system being worked on.
For many years, a static test was an acceptable way to check shock absorbers. Performing one was as simple as bouncing the suspension and watching to see if the vehicle returned to ride height without any continued motion. This type of test isn’t valid on a vehicle with active suspension since the variable valving on these dampers is dependent on speed and vehicle dynamics. It’s best to follow manufacturer information and procedures to assess system condition.
One thing that hasn’t changed is shock or strut replacement. The process is virtually unchanged with the exception of disconnecting a wiring harness connector, and the age old rule still applies: replace these shocks or struts in pairs.
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By Clifford Auto Parts
From streaming services to software, everything’s going subscription—so why not car parts?
In 2024, a growing number of automotive platforms and parts suppliers are experimenting with subscription-based models that offer scheduled deliveries of essential parts like filters, wiper blades, fluids, brake pads, and even pre-programmed ECMs. It’s a new way to simplify maintenance, avoid last-minute emergencies, and ensure your vehicle stays in peak condition year-round.
And guess what? Drivers are loving it.
🚗 Why Subscription Auto Parts Are Gaining Popularity
✔ Predictable Maintenance
Regularly scheduled deliveries for common wear-and-tear items mean less forgetting and fewer breakdowns.
✔ Budget-Friendly
Fixed monthly costs make it easier to plan expenses instead of getting hit with big repair bills.
✔ Personalized Fitment
Modern systems use your vehicle’s VIN to send parts tailored to your exact make and model.
✔ Time-Saving Convenience
No more scrambling to find the right part—you get what you need before you even realize you need it.
🧩 What Types of Parts Are Going Subscription?
While not every part makes sense for a subscription, many essentials already do:
Oil filters & cabin filters
Windshield wipers
Spark plugs
Brake pads
Fluids (coolant, transmission, wiper)
Even programmable ECMs for commercial fleets
Some services even let you "pause" deliveries or customize timing based on your mileage or driving habits.
🔧 What This Means for Auto Parts Retailers
Auto parts suppliers like Clifford Auto Parts have an opportunity to adapt to this trend by offering:
Scheduled reordering options
VIN-based reminder systems
Fleet maintenance packages
Loyalty perks for recurring customers
Drivers are looking for more than parts—they’re looking for effortless solutions.
📈 Final Thoughts
As cars get smarter, the way we maintain them is evolving too. Subscription-based auto parts are more than just a trend—they’re a sign that car care is finally catching up with the on-demand world.
Whether you're a shop looking to streamline fleet maintenance or a daily driver tired of forgetting your oil changes, subscription services could be the future of car ownership.
Want quality you can count on, on your terms? Stay tuned—Clifford Auto Parts is always one step ahead.
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By Counterman
The technician shortage is no secret, but the solution might be closer than you think. In a recent Tomorrow’s Technician Partnership Pathways podcast, Van Harris, a regional sales rep for NAPA Auto Parts, shared how strong partnerships between schools, shops, and suppliers can help secure the future of the industry.
Harris has been working with automotive training programs for over two decades, helping schools like Chapel Hill High School transform their programs from underfunded afterthoughts into thriving pipelines for skilled technicians. Under the leadership of instructor Robert Ballard, the program has grown from 50 students to over 300, thanks in part to strategic industry support.
Why Should Shop Owners Care?
Harris makes a powerful case: if today’s repair shops don’t invest in technician training, they won’t have a workforce tomorrow. He regularly brings shop owners, dealership representatives, and industry leaders into classrooms to showcase the talent being developed and encourage them to engage with students directly.
Shops that get involved now can:
Build relationships with future techs before they enter the job market.
Help shape training programs to ensure students develop real-world skills.
Create mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities that benefit both students and businesses.
How Can Shop Owners Get Involved?
1⃣ Join advisory boards – Schools need input from industry professionals to shape their programs.
2⃣ Offer hands-on training – Loaning tools, donating equipment, or providing shop tours can make a big impact.
3⃣ Mentor students – Encouraging young talent and offering internships builds a stronger workforce.
4⃣ Support diversity in the trade – With 33% of students in Ballard’s program being female, now is the time to foster inclusive opportunities.
Harris emphasizes that this isn’t charity—it’s an investment. As he puts it, “If you don’t invest in this, you won’t have a business in 10 to 15 years.”
The Bottom Line
Shops that take an active role in training the next generation will be the ones with the skilled techs needed to stay competitive. If you’re not already working with a local school, now’s the time to start.
#AutomotiveIndustry #FutureTechnicians #InvestInTalent #ShopOwnerSuccess #WorkforceDevelopment
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