Continental and Hoosier Announce Strategic Alliance Partnership

FORT MILL, S.C. and LAKEVILLE, Ind., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The convergenceof the high-performance street tire and race tire industries took asignificant step forward today as Continental Tire and Hoosier Racing Tireannounced a strategic alliance based on a shared vision for motorsportsmarketing and race proven technology. By engaging the companies at themarketing, business and R&D levels, the alliance will allow both companies todrive new growth prospects, technologies and have the potential to ultimatelytransform a variety of motorsports platforms."This partnership will open the door for endless opportunities, which willbenefit both companies," said Bill Caldwell, Vice President of Sales andMarketing, Continental Tire. "The combination of Continental's expertise is inperformance street tires, and Hoosier's industry leading technology in racetire development will allow both companies to compete in new market segments.""The exchange of technologies will result in increased levels of performancein future product developments for both companies," said Joerg Burfien,Director of R&D - Americas, Continental Tire.The alliance will consist of Continental and Hoosier being strategic partnersfor advanced performance solutions and motorsports integration. A team ofindustry veterans has been formed and will be the driving force behind thecollaborative marketing, product development and implementation process. Bothcompanies will invest substantially into resources for the marketing, businessdevelopment and delivery of specific products. "We are working together because we believe it benefits both organizations byaffording opportunities for deep collaboration in marketing and businessdevelopment, allowing us to rapidly deliver high quality products to consumerswho are simply demanding the best tire for their investment," said DennisSherman, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Hoosier Racing Tire. "Togetherwe are better."With sales exceeding 24 billion Euro in 2008, the Continental Corporation isone of the top automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems,systems and components for the powertrain and chassis, instrumentation,infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers,the corporation contributes towards enhanced driving safety and protection ofthe global climate. Continental is also a competent partner in networkedautomobile communication. The corporation currently employs approximately133,000 at nearly 190 locations in 35 countries.Hoosier is the largest race tire manufacturer in the world. Hoosiermanufactures and distributes a complete line of racing tires for most types ofracing, including road, drag, oval, and kart applications. For additionalinformation on Hoosier Racing Tire and its line of high performance racingtires, log on to www.hoosiertire.com. Online media database: www.mediacenter.continental-corporation.com;North America online media database: www.CTNAMedia.com , www.CTNAMedia.mobi. Hoosier Website address: www.hoosiertire.comSOURCE Continental Tire North America, Inc.Dana Zamalloa, Manager, PR and Communications, Continental Tire North America,Inc., +1-704-583-8165, dana.zamalloa@conti-na.com, or Mariellen Fagan,Director, Communications, Crowl, Montgomery & Clark, +1-330-494-6999, ext.201, Fax: +1-330-494-6242, mfagan@crowlinc.com, or Paula Nate, PR Manager,Hoosier Racing Tire Corp, +1-574-784-3152, Fax: +1-574-784-2385,pnate@hoosiertire.com

The Quest for Lower Lap Times

My personal quest for lower lap times started in 1991. At age 64 it continues today. The answer of how to shave time off of laps is varied but it always comes back to the driver’s performance.
Something we are all guilty of is buying expensive "trick" parts to increase output or improve handling of the racecar. The desired result is rarely achieved. I can speak as a real authority in this arena.

Save your money on the car upgrades and consider investing it by hiring a professional driving coach such as E Paul Dickinson. You will be more than happy with the result.

When I read the attached article, it made so much sense to me I felt it had to be passed along.
The article, "Put Me in, Coach" is a reprint first published in PCA's Club Racer News written by Rob Pecori. It describes his weekend at The Glen this past May with Professional Driving Coach E. Paul Dickinson. Rob, an accomplished 20 year instructor and PCA and NASA racer, shaved 4 seconds a lap. The article details the process.

I have known both Rob Pecori and E Paul Dickinson for 18 years. I have great regard for Rob’s abilities. I have had him as both a PCA instructor and have raced against him. I was amazed at Rob shaving 4 seconds at the Glen. I would have not thought it possible.

E. Paul Dickinson was my first PCA instructor back in 1991 ...I got lucky. His enthusiasm and fearless in-car instruction kept me coming back and wanting more. He is a Six-time SCCA National Champion who has a gift that he is more than capable of sharing with others.

Please take the time to read the attached article ……The lap times you reduce may be your own.

Clark

Click here to access the link to Rob's article & read more about E. Paul

I am the STIG Decals

"I am the Stig" vinyl decals now available. Your choice of color and layout or get all three for one price. http://www.apexperformance.net/CartGenie/prod-1893.htm

Bell Discontinues 280 Detent Shields.

In 2006, Bell Racing began to switch the product line over to the newer SRV mechanism as a replacement for the detent style shield system. They have continued to sell detent style replacement shields for older models still in service. Going forward, they are not going to reorder the detent style shields.

Detent to SRV Conversion Kit
Customers who have older models that use the 280 detent style shield will still be able to buy replacement clear shields by ordering a 280 Clear SRV shield and a Detent to SRV Conversion Kit. The part number for the conversion kit is as follows:

2016034 – Detent to SRV Conversion Kit

Apex Performance Offical Trackside Supplier for Dark Side Driving Events

Apex Performance becomes official trackside supplier for Dark Side Driving Events. http://darksidede.com/Links.html.

If you haven't participated in one of the Dark Side Driving Events, check it out.

Chatterbox Now Available

We've added Chatterbox to our product line-up. If you instruct, these are a must to communicate with your students. The CB-50 Tandem Pro model is the most popular model for instructor/student setups and features a true stereo sound, an audio input to listen to your favorite songs, and a cellular phone input to keep in touch with friends.

Counterfeit HANS Pro Series Anchors

Received from the Hans folks - FYI...

August 18, 2009
To: All Authorized HANS Device Dealers
Subject: Counterfeit HANS Device Pro Series Post Anchors

All authorized HANS Device dealers need to be aware we have discovered counterfeit Pro Series post anchors on a helmet purchased direct from Impact Racing Products. Preliminary investigations suggest that counterfeit parts may have been supplied with other helmets provided by Impact. We are seeking to find out the source of the counterfeit anchors and to establish how widely they may have been distributed. It is possible that counterfeits may have been installed on other helmets, either factory-fitted by a helmet manufacturer or by racers installing replacement parts during equipment changes. To ensure all racers have confidence in their safety equipment, HANS is implementing a program to replace any counterfeit post anchors free of charge. We will replace any set of Pro Series post anchors that we suspect of being counterfeit at no charge to the racer. The replaced post anchors in question will have to be returned to HANS for inspection. HANS will cover mailing costs in both directions. We are taking this action and notifying you because we have serious concerns as to their safety and functionality. At this time, there is no indication that the Sport Series post anchors with the black plastic base or earlier post anchor designs with the round head have been counterfeited. If racers want to check their Pro Series post anchors, one quick test is to touch a magnet to the post. The posts used in all our designs since July 2005 are magnetic. The posts on the counterfeits we have seen are not magnetic. Our earlier designs used a non-magnetic material for the post, so a non-magnetic post is not necessarily a counterfeit, but it is a reason why a racer should contact us for more information.We have a special website link, www.hansdevice.com/anchor-replacement, set up for racers to go to determine if there is cause to suspect the anchors installed on their helmet. The racer will be required to answer a few questions to determine if they should suspect the post anchors they are using. They will also be required to supply us with information such as brand and model of helmet, from where and when they purchased the anchors/helmet with anchors. We will also need the serial number of the device they use. The suspect anchors will be required to be returned to HANS for further inspection. If your customers have any questions, please direct them to the website link above or direct to HANS at (888) HANS-999 (426-7999) or (770) 457-1046. If you have any questions, please contact us immediately. Thanks.Howard BennettDirector of Sales and Technical Services

New Location for Apex Performance

What a summer! We have finalized our relocation from Pennsylvania to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina (10 miles south of Myrtle Beach). Our new location provides extra warehouse space and a warmer climate to operate. Our new address is:

207 Elk Hunt Court
Unit B
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Phone: 843-299-0997
Toll free: 866-505-2739

Gforce has introduced a brand new special - Buy a G-FORCE Racing Gear driver package and receive up to $100.00 in free product! Here's the link or call us to take advantage of this special offer. It will be for a limited time.

http://www.apexperformance.net/CartGenie/prod-1848.htm

Hybrid-Pro RAGE Now available!

Hybrid Pro RAGE - $695 - Now in stock. If you drive various models of cars and sit at various degrees, the Hybrid Pro Rage is the answer. One model fits all angles - just choose your size.

New Composite Model - Weighs about a lb. More than the Hybrid Pro. Minimalistic design offers the same great protection. New SSG (Side Stabilizing Gusset) Load Path for unbeatable angular protection. Device is designed to work WITH you, not against you. Patented Seatbelt Anchoring System (SAS) for incredible security - the harness controls your motion.

SFI 38.1

http://www.apexperformance.net/CartGenie/prod-1751.htm

OMP Carrera Boot in Road & Track Magazine

OMPs Carrera Vintage Racing Boot is featured in the latest issue of Road and Track Magazine.

The Carrera is made of supple leather with an aramid liner and has a Vintage look.

http://www.apexperformance.net/CartGenie/prod-1741.htm

PCA Clash at the Glen

Apex Performance attended the PCA Clash at the Glen this past weekend. After racing in and attending mostly NASA events ( All 944 Cup) for the past 5 years, it was nice to get back to a really well run PCA event. Like what seems to be the majority of racers, PCA Club Racing is where we started. My hat is definitely off to the Zone 1 organizors and endless volunteers. Thanks for your efforts.

My observations as a spectator: The amount of track time seemed ample I heard no complaints from any racers. The car groupings seemed logical and the split starts worked
as designed.

44 Cup had its own run group made up of SP1,2 and 3 cars. It was really nice to see old friends and make some new ones. I had emailed Frank Celenza numerous times but we had never met until this weekend.

DD showed up with 3 Trophy Girls on Saturday morning. ( PT Barnum at his zenith). Anyway they attracted a ton of attention and were a great addition to the ambiance.

Here are most of the pics I took when I could remember to take offf the lens cap.

http://www.apexperformance.net/cartgenie/prodList.asp?scat=367

OMP Suit Sale

Save HUNDREDS on two fantastic OMP models:

ELITE - 2 Layer Light Suit
Was $899
NOW $499 & free shipping*

Available in Red, Blue or Black


TECNICA LIGHT- 3 Layer Ultra Light Suit Was $1,525
NOW $1,199 & free shipping*

Available in Red, Black, Blue, Silver & White

*Free ground shipping - US 48

(Promocodes are not valid on the Elite or Tecnica Light Suits)

5.11.09 Bell Driver Helio Castroneves Claims 2009 Indianapolis 500 Pole

5.11.09 Bell Driver Helio Castroneves Claims 2009 Indianapolis 500 Pole

After facing an offseason of adversity, 2 time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves returned to Indianapolis to claim the 2009 pole with a four lap average speed of 224.8 miles per hour.

Castroneves withdrew his earlier 3rd place qualifying effort and waited for the 15 MPH wind to calm down to attempt a 2nd qualifying effort securing the 3rd Indy 500 pole of his career taking the top spot from teammate Ryan Briscoe.

"This place is magic," said Castroneves, a two-time Indy winner. "It's just amazing. ... We just had to keep working through the weather, working through the day. Ryan and I were really strong. When he (Briscoe) went out there at the end, I was thinking I didn't really want to have to go out [again]."

Less than a month after being acquitted of tax evasion charges, Castroneves returned to his first love – racing. "Many times during the trial I was thinking about it," he said. "I knew what I loved [is] racing, but I realized even more that's my life. And just to be here is a dream come true and I appreciate that every day when I wake up in the morning. I enjoy life. Now I enjoy it even more. But I have to say that what I learned from the trial, probably my mind is much stronger and my skin is a little bit thicker now."

Helio Castronves wears the Bell T6 Interceptor. Other Bell drivers qualifying for the 2009 Indianapolis 500 include 2006 Rookie of the Year Marco Andretti (8th), 2005 Rookie of the Year Danica Patrick (10th), Alex Lloyd (11th) and 2005 Indy 500 Champion Dan Wheldon (18th).

LOEB DECLARES HANS DEVICE SUPPORT – WRECKS SOLIDIFY TESTIMONIAL

LOEB DECLARES HANS DEVICE SUPPORT – WRECKS SOLIDIFY TESTIMONIAL Atlanta, Georgia (April 22, 2009) – World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb says the HANS Device has been the most significant safety feature introduced in WRC during the past 10 years. Speaking recently, Loeb stated that out of all the safety improvements that have been made in WRC, the HANS Device was his favorite innovation. “The most important safety improvement to me is HANS.” He added, “Nowadays I don’t think about wearing it but if I drive without it I feel strange – I feel loose.”FIA WRC racer, Bernardo Sousa, validated the truth of Loeb’s position when he walked away from a 75 mph (120 kph) crash that destroyed his FIAT Abarth Grande Punto during April’s Rally Portugal.Vojtecha Stajf also paid testament to the safety a HANS Device can provide when he survived a 90+mph (150 kph) crash that shredded his Subaru Impreza WRX STi during this month’s European Rally Cups Race in the Czech Republic. Stajf said that his HANS Device and the rigidity of the roll cage saved him from serious or fatal injury. Video Footage of both wrecks is available via http://www.youtube.com/user/HansDevice. The HANS Device is the best selling head and neck restraint as proven by more than 75,000 racers worldwide and continues to be #1 for performance, #1 for vision and #1 for winners.

FREE Chrome Shield with BELL Helmet

BELL has introduced a cool special - Receive a free Silver or Gold Chrome shield when you purchase an Ultra, Pro or Racer Series Helmet. The Silver & Gold sale runs April 6 through May 1, 2009. Silver or Gold SRV shield will be included at no additional cost when ordering one of the following BELL helmet models:

Ultra Series: T6 Interceptor, Dominator
Pro Series: GTX, M4 Pro, Vortex.2, Vortex.2 TFA, Vortex.2 FA, Kart 2 Pro
Racer Series: BR-1, BR-1 FA, M4, M4 TFA, K-1 Sport

As always, ALL helmet orders also receive a FREE helmet bag & cotton headsock and FREE ground shipping to US 48.

Pilot shoes clearance

Piloti is discontinuing some of their models and introducing new models by Summer 2009. We've listed all of the discontinued models we have in stock at reduced prices.

DataToys Video Recorders

We've been looking for a heavy-duty digital video recorder and found it!

The XM-DVR Pro is the highest quality digital video recorder on the market. Designed for extreme conditions and housed in a tough anodized aluminum enclosure, it's a complete recording solution.

• Highest Bit Rate on the Market at 10 mbps
• Better than DVD and Broadcast Quality
• Records two full channels of audio and video
• Professional grade MPEG2 compression

Used by: Red Bull Racing F1, Hendrick Motorsports, RealTime Racing, Discovery Channel; Iditarod: Toughest Race on Earth.

Features:

• Highest quality digital video recorder on the market
• Easy installation – Plug, Record, Play!
• Highest Bit Rate on the market at twice DVD
• Professional DVD grade MPEG2 Compression
• Records two full channels
• Powered by vehicles electrical system
• Durable and light weight
• Waterproof IP68 connections and cameras
• Made in the USA

HANS CONGRATULATES JIM DOWNING ON BOB AKIN AWARD

HANS CONGRATULATES JIM DOWNING ON BOB AKIN AWARD
Atlanta, Georgia (February 5th, 2009) – Jim Downing, a driving force behind the HANS Device, has been honored by the Road Racing Drivers Club with the 2008 Bob Akin Award. The Bob Akin Award is given to those who have an exceptional history of success in motor sport. Jim Downing is a five time IMSA champion. He is known to most racers as a developer of the HANS Device. “When you talk about contributions to the sport, Jim is a guy who played a major role,” said Archie Urciuoli as he presented the award. “Jim, thank you for your great contributions.” The company that Jim Downing helped create is certainly behind Jim’s efforts. “HANS Performance Products congratulates Jim on his award,” said CEO Mark Stiles. “After all that he’s accomplished, it never ceases to amaze us that he still continues to be acknowledged for his dedication to motor sport. The racing safety industry continues to benefit from his experience and owes Jim a huge debt.”

The HANS Device is worn by more than 75,000 racers worldwide and continues to be the #1 choice for performance, #1 for vision and #1 for winners.

Details and information about HANS Performance Products are available at www.hansdevice.com or by calling 1-888-HANS-999 or 770-457-1046.HANS, the Safetyform shape and their derivative styles are trademarks of HANS Performance Products

Why do you need a right side net?

Driver nets provide an essential part of the safety system in angular impacts. The idea is to provide a confined area for the driver to move around in while limiting the amount of movement that you can have in an angular impact.

The Right Side Net is a mandatory piece of safety equipment in our rule book. Even if you use a head & neck restraint and head-wrap seat, we highly recommend using a right side net as well.

Take a look at the link below from our site - Watch the video link and checkout how the impact does not seem severe, yet the in-car video shows the severity of the impact. The head-wrap portion of the seat flares out - think about what happens to the head and shoulders when the body moves around a second or third time.

http://www.apexperformance.net/CartGenie/pg_Right%20Side%20Nets.asp

New product - CTEK Battery Charger Comfort Indicator

1/27/09 - CTEK Comfort Indicator Puts Driver Peace of Mind In Plain View Connection Accessory Launched To Help Motorists Avoid Battery Failure

CTEK, the leading worldwide innovator and supplier of lead acid battery chargers has launched the Comfort Indicator, an accessory that can be mounted on or in the vehicle dashboard, or even left securely under the bonnet, that provides a simple and immediate indication to the charge levels of the battery.

Using a simple ‘traffic light’ system, the CTEK Comfort Indicator allows drivers to identify the state of their battery without having to go through the inconvenience of attaching an independent battery tester, which can be expensive and complicated to use, or even having to go to a garage for levels to be read. This means drivers can now know when their batteries need charging and therefore avoid battery failure.

The Comfort Indicator’s green light reveals that the battery is fully charged and does not need attention whereas an yellow light demands attention and indicates that battery charging is recommended to avoid stratification – a harmful process which reduces the life and efficiency of a battery. A red light indicates that a battery needs to be charged immediately, not only to be able to start the vehicle but to avoid the danger of the battery being permanently damaged through excessive discharge leading to sulphation – the biggest battery killer.

Peter White, CTEK Sales & Marketing Manager for UK and Ireland, commented:
"The Comfort Indicator is a simple but extremely effective device that can be easily and permanently attached to the vehicle battery and lets the driver know the charge levels of the battery at any given time - meaning action can be taken before it is too late. It has also been fitted using the unique CTEK Comfort Connect system that allows it to be attached to the appropriate CTEK charger permitting easy access to the battery for it to be charged."

With thousands of drivers set to face misery this Winter due to battery problems as the result of batteries that have slowly discharged over time, the CTEK Comfort Indicator offers peace of mind for motorists and helps avoid the inconvenience and potential expense of a flat battery.

http://www.apexperformance.net/cartgenie/prodList.asp?scat=314

Apex Performance 2009 Title Sponsor for 44 Cup Series

November 18, 2008 - ApexPerformance.net, Premier Racing Outfitters has signed on to be the Title Sponsor once again for the 44 Cup series for 2009. Apex Performance has supported the series since its inception in 2002. Located just outside Pittsburgh, PA, Apex Performance specializes in auto racing safety equipment and is a distributor of ARAI, BELL, COOL Shirt, Corbeau, ESS Fire Systems, G-Force, HANS, OMP, Piloti, Pyrotect, Racetech, Recaro, Safety Solutions, Schroth, Traqmate and many others. The 44 Cup series continued to grow in 2008 by 20% over 2007, the 4th straight increase in as many years and consists of seven chapters.

Linda Powell from Apex Performance commented, “We’ve watched the 44 Cup grow over the past seven years and look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with such an outstanding series. Being racers ourselves, we are able to offer our knowledge and support of the latest racing safety equipment available to keep everyone safe.”

http://www.apexperformance.net/cartgenie/pg_44cup.asp

HANS SLIDING TETHER GAINS MORE INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

Atlanta, Georgia (January 22, 2009) - Australian, German, French and Mexican patent offices have formally registered HANS Performance Products' sliding tether design. Known as Vision Advantage PLUS™, the system gives HANS Device users an unrivalled range of unlimited vision. Registration formally recognizes the uniqueness of the design.CEO Mark Stiles said, "We knew the Vision Advantage PLUS sliding tether system was special. It is very gratifying that more and more patent offices around the world are validating our design. "The Vision Advantage PLUS sliding tether system permits improvements in left and right visibility by allowing easy but controlled rotation of a racer's helmet. The result is over four times the field of view versus competing head and neck restraints. Since being introduced over a year ago, more and more HANS Devices have been specified with Vision Advantage PLUS. Circle track and drag racers alike have recognized that they can get class leading head and neck restraint performance without compromising on lateral vision. Mark Stiles added, "Bracket racers in particular like the results they get from the combination of proven HANS Device performance and unrestricted side-to-side vision. It helps them win." The HANS Device is worn by more than 75,000 racers worldwide and continues to be the #1 choice for performance, #1 for vision and #1 for winners.

HANS devices can be sourced through Apex Performance.net, Premier Racing Outfitters. http://www.apexperformance.net/cartgenie/subcategory.asp?category=29

GoPro Camera - Rollbar Mounts

Rollbar mounts are now available for GoPro Cameras - they expand from 1.4 to 2.5" in diameter and features orientation adjustment mounts for various positions. They retail for $29.99. Here's the link: http://www.apexperformance.net/CartGenie/prod-1722.htm

Also available are suction-cup mounts for the same price - Product Dimensions: 6 x 3 x 4.5 inches. The suction cup mount has enough holding power to stay on an airplane at 150mph, proven. http://www.apexperformance.net/CartGenie/prod-1723.htm

We highly recommend the rollbar mount for those doing any type of competition or driver ed so your vehicle passes tech without any issues.

DefNder Now in Stock

We've got the latest head & neck restraint on the market. When we tried it at the PRI show in Orlando in December, we were impressed. It's very comfortable, comes with its own carrying case, mounting template and accessories for easy installation.

The DefNder is SFI 38.1 approved and one size fits all. The DefNder is adjustable to fit various racers starting from the legal racing age & suits different seating angles. It has rear tethers and side motion control tethers for angular impacts.

DefNder is in stock now at Apex Performance.