Kalitta Motorsports, Dayco Announce Partnership, Distributor Agreement
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By Counterman
NEXUS Automotive International and Wolf Oil Corporation are celebrating 10 years of partnership. The companies call it a decade defined by collaboration, global connectivity and sustained international growth. Since joining
link hidden, please login to view in 2016, the network has grown into a global ecosystem connecting entrepreneurial aftermarket leaders across multiple regions. Today, link hidden, please login to viewand NEXUS work together in around 50 countries, combining international reach with local market engagement. NEXUS Academy and Events
Through active participation in NEXUS initiatives, Wolf Oil contributes to strengthening the aftermarket ecosystem while supporting the industry’s transition toward new technologies. As a partner within the NEXUS Academy, Wolf Oil plays a role in helping educate the aftermarket, sharing expertise that enables distributors and workshops to keep pace with rapid technical change. Beyond technical collaboration, the partnership is also built on relationships. Wolf Oil actively participates in global and regional NEXUS events, connecting with partners across markets and reinforcing the importance of personal connections in an aftermarket driven by trust and collaboration.
Franck Jolly on the Partnership
“Our ten-year partnership with
link hidden, please login to view demonstrates the strength of a truly global aftermarket community,” said Franck Jolly, global sales trademarks & marketing director at Wolf Oil Corporation. “Together, we combine international reach with local entrepreneurship, creating opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth across markets. Beyond business, NEXUS brings people together, and we are proud to contribute to a network that values collaboration, knowledge sharing and a long-term vision.” Gaël Escribe on Growth and Collaboration
“Ten years of partnership with Wolf Oil Corporation have proven that the most powerful growth comes from shared ambition,” said Gaël Escribe, CEO of NEXUS Automotive International. “By uniting global expertise with local ingenuity, we don’t just adapt to change; we drive it. Together, we’ve built more than a partnership. We’ve created a movement where trust fuels innovation and collaboration paves the way for the future.”
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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
Dennis K. Burke, Inc., a Northeast fuel and lubricant distributor, announced its new role as the regional distributor for Valvoline Global Operations. This partnership expands Valvoline Global’s distribution network and strengthens Burke’s position as a supplier of lubricants across the Northeast U.S.
Full Line of Lubricants Across the Region
Dennis K. Burke, Inc. will supply Valvoline’s full line of lubricants—including passenger car motor oils, heavy-duty engine oils, industrial lubricants and advanced fluids—to customers throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and parts of New York.
“We’re honored to partner with Valvoline Global, one of the most trusted names in lubrication,” said Ted Burke, president of
link hidden, please login to view. “This collaboration allows us to bring even more value to our customers by combining Valvoline’s product innovation with our distribution expertise and commitment to service.” Distribution Network and Technical Support
Founded in 1961, Dennis K. Burke, Inc. said its extensive distribution network and technical support team will ensure timely delivery, product availability and comprehensive support for Valvoline Global’s customers throughout the region.
“This partnership reinforces our shared dedication to quality, performance and helping businesses run smoothly,” added Burke. “Together,
link hidden, please login to view and Dennis K. Burke will continue to set the standard for excellence in the Northeast.” Expanding Market Share in the Region
“We’re proud to work with D.K. Burke, a company that shares Valvoline Global’s commitment to excellence,” said Michelle Allen, Valvoline Global vice president of North America sales – installer channel. “D.K. Burke’s legacy of exceptional customer service and first-class sales organization make them an ideal partner. Together, we’re combining our strengths to expand market share and deliver even greater value to customers across this key region.”
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By Counterman
Dayco is releasing the newest addition to its Ela serpentine belt lineup in North America. Part No. 6PK1742EE was developed specifically for a number of full-size pickup trucks and SUVs with an advantage over the OE design, according to Dayco.
Performance and Tension Decay
Based on SAE laboratory testing, the
link hidden, please login to view Ela belt is engineered for less tension decay than OEM counterparts. Results show it kept the belt tighter and more efficient for longer periods — a factor in maintaining accessory drive system performance over time. Executive Perspective
“We’re excited to bring this latest advancement in belt technology to the aftermarket,” said Jerry Reeves, head of product management,
link hidden, please login to view North America. “This isn’t just a new part number — It’s the longest ela belt on the market. And because of its length and complexity, it took significant development from our engineering team to create a new construction that would outperform the OEM belt.” Application and Coverage
With coverage for over 2.8 million vehicles in operation (VIO), it represents a high-volume opportunity for distributors and repair shops. Ela belts, also known as “stretch” belts, are designed for systems that do not utilize a tensioner, making belt elasticity and tension retention critical to maintaining accessory function, reducing slip and avoiding premature failure.
Features of Dayco ela belt Part No. 6PK1742EE
Design — Built for GM trucks with 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter engines, this Ela stretch belt is a main drive belt, which means it drives more than one accessory. It is the first Ela belt to drive more than a single accessory. Durability and stretch — A wear-resistant EPDM rib material, along with a highly elastic EPDM cushion rubber, surrounds a polyamide tensile cord, which allows for the proper tension maintenance properties needed to transmit the exact accessory load demanded for the drive. Tension decay performance — Engineered to stay taut longer, the belt delivers consistent performance and reduced noise. Exceeds OE specifications — Designed to perform better and last longer than the original belt. In Stock Through Dayco’s Distribution Network
Part No. 6PK1742EE is now in stock through Dayco’s distribution network. With growing demand for Ela belt replacements and a performance advantage over OEM, this belt enables channel partners to meet rising technician demand for alternatives.
For more information about Dayco’s line of serpentine belts and other aftermarket products, technicians and distributors should log on to na.daycoaftermarket.com.
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By Counterman
Dayco, engine products and drive systems supplier for the automotive, industrial and aftermarket industries, is the first to bring timing belt in oil (TBIO) technology to the N.A. automotive aftermarket with coverage for more than 2 million Ford and Lincoln vehicles with turbocharged engines.
Invented by Dayco as a solution for OEMs, a growing number of vehicles equipped with the technology are now hitting their service intervals, creating a massive opportunity for the aftermarket, the company said.
Unlike traditional dry timing belts, a timing belt in oil operates submerged in motor oil on the wet side of the engine. Dayco’s hybrid approach enabled OEMs to transform how engines are built. It is the result of rigorous OE-level design that combines the best of belt and chain performance inside the engine. TBIO gave automakers the flexibility to downsize, reduce vehicle weight, and improve noise, vibration and harshness characteristics—all while delivering lasting durability.
Similar to its OE counterpart, Dayco’s new aftermarket timing belt in oil offers exceptional strength, stiffness and wear resistance—even under the most grueling road conditions. With proven reliability, this innovation is designed for accurate timing, minimal elongation and optimal fuel efficiency, delivering a quieter, smoother and more responsive ride for modern vehicles,
link hidden, please login to view said. “As the original OE supplier and first to market in the aftermarket, we’ve leveraged our expertise in belt and chain technology to create this game-changing product,” said Audrey Harling, vice president and managing director, Dayco North America Aftermarket. “We are excited that our first timing belt in oil applications for the aftermarket are here, and we plan to launch additional part numbers to align with the growing number of timing belt in oil-equipped vehicles on the road.”
Dayco Timing Belt in Oil Product Features
–OE-matching tolerances for precise engine component timing and reduced power loss
–Superior oil and temperature resistance compared to belts and chains, extending service life and minimizing installation risks
–Improved system dynamics, reducing vibrations and enhancing responsiveness and fuel efficiency
Benefits for the Aftermarket
As advanced engines become more common across vehicle platforms, timing belt in oil systems will grow in popularity and unlock new opportunities for the repair industry, according to Dayco. Consumers likely aren’t aware their vehicle has a timing belt in oil. This presents an untapped avenue for repair shops and distributors to educate motorists and offer timely replacement with OEM-grade parts.
“With Dayco’s OE experience and first-to-market positioning, aftermarket distributors now have access to trusted technology that provides a competitive edge for meeting modern repair shop demands,” said Harling.
To learn more about Dayco’s timing belt in oil, contact your local Dayco representative, visit the company’s
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