Slammin' and Jammin' Still King!

06/02/2010

For immediate Release: 

After all these years Slammin and Jammin is still the king of the mini truck shows. Held over Memorial Day Weekend in Lebanon, TN this years event was a great success despite some poor weather and the economy. Over 800 cars for the custom car show filled the fairgrounds for a weekend of sights, sounds, and entertainment. USACI was on had with an SPL and SQ event that brought 50+ cars and kept a large crowd of spectators entertained. The temperatures were high but were eclipsed by the large SPL numbers generated by the Tennessee competitors.  Fourteen competitors scored 150dB or higher during the two days of competition. Loudest of the weekend in the Standard SPL classes was Brandon Woodroof of Mount Juliet, TN with his 155.6. The loudest Local Class competitors were Jan Gregory with a 153 and Speed Creations with a 151.9  Darrell Kitts enjoyed his first ever competition with a first place victory in the Street Beat 5 category with a  whopping 151.3dB. Darrell’s system was built by Extreme Car Audio in Knoxville, TN.  Todd Crowder of TCA Audio in Benton, AR took top honors in the SQ category while Reginald Anderson of Clarksville, TN took home the gold in the modified SQ division with his brand new SQ install by Sonus Car Audio.  

 

Of the multitude of vendors on the midway Kinetic Audio was the only 12-volt company to take advantage of the opportunity to bring their products to the mini truck scene. USACI was in charge of the sound, stage and entertainment via the Outlaw Roadshow and the main stage was decorated with a custom 24 foot long by 10 foot high Kinetik backdrop. The Rod Shows/USACI stage was the center of attention all weekend as games, prizes, and giveaways were conducted by Ralph Randall of USACI and Erik Harbor of Kinetik. In all it was a great weekend and a lot of new faces were introduced to the world of 12-volt!

 

 

If You Build It... Customers Will Come!

06/02/10

 

Bryan Moon “Moonie” has been in the 12-volt industry for over 20 years. Starting as a competitor/enthusiast at the age of 15 and building his system in the driveway of his mom’s house, Brian’s infatuation with car audio soon became an obsession. He started with a custom paint business but decided to dedicate his shop and his time to 12-volt full time in 1996. Brian built competition cars for his customers and used USACI competitions coordinated by Mike Jaffe to build his business into the premier shop in Southeastern New Mexico.

 

In 2009 Brian experienced his first competition as a competitor during Spring Break Jam in Padre Island. Having been his first event as a competitor the experience gave Brian a whole new outlook on how to build and promote his business with sound off events. “I learned a lot and continue to do so. I have learned a lot of tricks of the trade in the competition lanes and have been able to put that knowledge to work in my daily business.” Brian Stated. “I recommend any business owner to take turn in the competition lanes and learn for himself/herself what I am talking about”. Shortly after the Padre event Brian began working on ways to get more out of his own local events. After several shows and much experimenting he hit on right the formula. Lots of Fun and always something going on. “We have barbeque cookouts, after parties, giveaways, and anything that is fun and keeps the competitors and spectators  excited” Brian States “that excitement turns into dollars at my cash register!” he continued.

 

Brian’s last event was a USACI 3X at his shop and despite plenty of rain he still hosted 80+ cars and a couple hundred spectators. At previous event with better weather Brian drew in 60+ cars and over 1000 spectators, in some cases drawing the unwanted attention of city officials.  

Brian built his business, his reputation, and his USACI events and the result, the customers came with it! 

 

Sonus Car Audio Hosts First Tennessee PMQ!

06/02/10

 

Sonus Car Audio in Clarksville, TN will be hosting the first and possibly only chance for Tennessee and Kentucky competitors to earn point for prize money at the 2010 USACI World Finals. The event will be held this Sunday June 6 at their shop located at 1273 Northfield Dr Clarksville, TN 37040. Saturday is a 3X event at Big Daddy’s in Memphis and then on to Sonus on Sunday for the PMQ. Great chance to hit two events in Tennessee and get multiple points in the same weekend. For more information visit http://www.sonuscaraudio.com/

 

Form the Sonus Web Site: The Italian translation for Sonus means sound.  In America it will be used to describe the most advanced car audio sales, service, and installation facility in the United States. Using state of the art product and industry leading installation and fabrication processes, SONUS will set the standard in which other shops are to be compared. Point blank, prepare yourself for the Anti-Car Audio experience.

 

Come experience it for yourself this weekend at the USACI PMQ event at Sonus Car Audio!

 

 

 

South Arkansas Sound - Off Tour Kicks of 2010

04/20410

 

USACi and Definitive Audio Designs announced an agreement to bring several high quality SPL and SQ events to competitors and consumers in the Arkansas Area in the form of an events series. The series is meant to promote 12-volt sales and brings together several key Arkansas Retailers in a unified effort to accomplish that goal. All events are USACI sanctioned and will include both SW and SPL. There are single points, double point, and Triple Points events with the Hot Springs event being a Prize Money Qualifier (PMQ) Event. Competitors who attend that PMQ event, to be held at the local airport, will earn points to be eligible for prize money at the 2010 USACI finals. As an added incentive Definitive Audio Designs will be giving every competitor a free T Shirt and has contracted for the construction of two SPECIAL AWARDS to be give at the end of the series to the Best of Show Champions. Competitors must attend at least three of the events to qualify for the Best of Show awards. For more info on Definitive Audio Designs visit http://www.definitiveaudiodesigns.com . For more series info www.usaci.org

 

     USACI & Spring Break Jam Set Records

 

Friday, March 19, 2010 23, 2010 – USACI and Heat Wave Inc. once again teamed up to produce one of the aftermarket industries premier events. The 11th Annual Spring Break Jam was held at the South Padre Island Convention Center on March 6th and 7th 2010 and again set the standard for cross industry promotional events. With the economy in tatters, other Spring Break events moving to closer dates, and naysayers citing that Spring Break Jam is during Canada week, not the highest “Peak Week” of spring break, Heat Wave promoters and USACI had a lot of negativity to overcome. Shortly after the gates opened on day one of this all out automotive spectacle, all worries were put to rest.

The entry gate staff was taxed to their limits within minutes of opening the gates on Saturday. Parking overflowed the allotted spectator space and the beach, usually reserved for Spring Breakers and tourists, became the largest parking lot on Padre Island. Thousands of spectators packed in to see and experience all the Spring Break Jam had to offer. Not only were there thousands of spectators, but each and every one a pre-qualified 12 volt and automobile customization enthusiast. Unlike other Spring Break season events held during the peak week of College Spring Break, Spring Break Jam is before “peak week" and draws their huge crowds almost exclusively from the local market. “We do a ton of advertising and promotion in the weeks building up to this event” stated David McDonald, president of Heat Wave Inc. “We bring in actual consumers who hear and see our advertising, are excited about what we have to offer, and attend our event to experience the incredible sights and sounds the car show and USACI sound off have to offer. These are not drunken Spring Breakers, they are consumers who come to be inspired and leave with the intent to go out, buy product, and be part of what they have just experienced!” he continued. “As an added bonus to the huge show, hotel rooms are easily accessible at pre spring break rates and fine dining at any of the islands incredible eateries does not require an hours long wait to be seated! All the benefits of a Spring Break even without the hassles!

Spring break Jam 2010 was filled with over 7,000 spectators, 482 custom show cars, 100 USACI “Ground Pounder” SPL and Sound Quality cars, and nearly 50 12-volt and aftermarket booth vendors and sponsors. “This is a great way to start off our season” boasted Ralph Randall, USACI President. He continues “Spring Break Jam is a truly one of the greatest events in existence today for our industry and we are excited to be an integral part of it’s success”

 Heat Wave Inc and USACI join forces for 6 of the most popular automotive aftermarket events in the USA including Spring Break Jam, the infamous Texas Heat Wave, and the ever popular Texas Showdown. With plans for expanding the schedule, expanding their joint efforts, and adding more event dates every season, this dynamic duo of Heat Wave and USACI is sure to be at the forefront of the automotive aftermarket industry for many years to come. This writer is only one of many who look forward to years of fun and excitement courtesy of USACI and the Heat Wave!

 

 

    Heat Wave Kicks off Prize Money for 2010

 

Friday March 19, 2010. Earlier this season USACI announced that 2010 would be the first year of an ongoing effort to build prize money back into the USACI World Finals. We would like to thanks David Mc Donald and Heat Wave for making this first contribution by upgrading the Spring break Jam to a prize money qualifier event. Their donation of $500 to the prize money account for 2010 not only gets the prize pot started, but makes Spring Break Jam the first of a select number of “Cash Qualifier” events.

 

Each state will have a limited number of “Cash Qualifier” events available. A competitor who places first at one of these events qualifies for the cash prizes at finals. If a competitor does not place first in their class they may compete at other qualifiers to qualify by placing first or, if they are unable to take a first, can qualify by attending at least 3 qualifier events during the season regardless of placement.

 

At World Finals the prize money will be split amongst “Cash Qualified” competitors who place or win their class. If a competitor places in the top three at finals and is not “Cash Qualified” then that competitor’s share of he prize money stays in the pot and is distributed to the other “cash qualified” winners.

 

We at USACI are really excited to be able to put this program in motion and we want to express our sincere thanks to Heat Wave for getting the ball rolling. As an added bonus will be offering membership and booth space discounts to manufacturers who donate to the prize pot. USACI will also math all prize money contributions for the first $5000.00.

 

2010 is going to be a great year and with promoters like David McDonald out there supporting the competitors, prize money for the winners at finals will once again become the standard.

 

 

    Battery Limits Take Effect  4-20-2010

 

Friday, March 19, 2010 23, 2010 – USACI, in an effort to lower the cost of the average competition car build and in a continued effort the level the playing field has instituted changes in the he number of batteries allowed in certain competition class’s in 2010.

We all know that amplifiers can be rated improperly, modified, and otherwise converted to produce more power than what they are intended to. For years USACI, using power ratings to define classes has had to deal with that very problem. Vehicles with one 500 watt amp in the 0-600 class with 24 batteries to support the actual power output of the equipment. This made for an uneven playing field and created huge costs for competitors to keep up. You either bought the super expensive 500 watt amp and thousands of dollars in batteries or you were not competitive.

In an effort to address this issue USACI has placed strict limits on the size and number of batteries that can be used in the lower wattage classes. This change is meant to limit amplifier output by limiting the available power supply while at the same time limiting the cost to the competitor. The logic behind the change is that if you are limited on power output and cash expenditures then winning depends more on the best product and the best system build rather than who can afford the most batteries or the biggest “Cheater Amp”. USACI will evaluate the effects of these changes after the 2010 season to determine the effectiveness of this approach and if further change are warranted.

These changes go into effect on April 20, 2010. For a complete listing of USACI power classes and battery limits click on www.usaci.org and visit the rules section

 

USACI Brings 12-Volt to the Aftermarket Masses

02/26/2010

  

USACI is partnering with some of the best event promoters in the U.S. to bring 12-volt to the forefront of the automotive customization market. For 2010 USACI will be at all Texas Heat Wave events (6), Scrapin the Coast, Showfest, Slammin and Jammin, Import Face Off (21), Street Pounders Lifestyle Events (12), Do It Big Motorsports Events (4), Blood Drag, Siknic, Turkey Drag, Lakefront Tour, Bear Cave Cruisers, and hundreds of other incredible automotive specialty events and car shows coast to coast. By contacting and involving local retailers in each and every market we visit USACI takes advantage of the huge crowds these event pull in to promote 12-volt and custom audio to the masses.

                                        

Many of our partner shops come out and set up booths, bring show cars, and promote their business at these events for a fraction of what it would cost to do independently. This forward marketing exposes automotive customizing enthusiasts who are already pre qualified by their attendance at these events to the 12-volt industry and all it has to offer. This grass roots promotional program is the cost effect and has more return than just about any other promotion program available to retailers and 12-volt manufacturers today.

For more information about these and other great ways to promote your shop or company contact USACI today at usacms@aol.com

 

USACI to Kick Off Season with 4X at Spring Break Jam 02/18/2010

USACi announced today an agreement with Heat Wave Inc that will raise the stakes for competitor points at the Spring Break Jam event in South Padre Island, Texas. The Spring Break Jam, traditionally a USACI Regional Event will this year be credited as a Four Times Points (4X) event. Competitors throughout the season compete for points in order to obtain an invitation to the USACI World Finals and to win State and Regional Championships. The addition points will give competitors that make the trek to South Padre a head start on their points quest and as well as add to the already high level of competitors normally found at the event.

  

“Spring Break Jam has always been USACI’s premier Spring Break Show and with the addition of extra points along with other exciting developments to be added later it will continue to be one of the industries most attended events” stated USACI President Ralph Randall. Competitors and guests are invited to attend the Spring Break Jam to be held March 6-7 2010 at the South Padre Island Convention Center. Don't miss the official after Party Saturday March 6 at Mooncussers located directly behind the event host hotel.

 

USACI Thailand Kicking off 2010 02/13/2010

USACI Thailand has already held their first event of 2010 in Thailand with great success and are planning many more. The first Thai competition of 2010 had more than 100 competitors registered in the competition. USACI Thailand is overjoyed with the success of USACI in their country and expects their future USACI events to continue to grow in attendance and popularity. USACI Thailand has plans and producing at least 20 large scale USACI events in 2010.  This is the 5th year of USACI in Thailand.

    

USACI sends one international SQ and SPL judge to every event in Thailand to help train judges and promote USACI and car audio in Thailand. USACI will then send a judge from our USA headquarters to help with the Thailand National Finals event in November.

USACI would like to thank our Thailand Director, Mr Bolipat Silapichit for all of his hard work and dedication. We hope to see some Thailand competitors at the USACI World Finals in the near future.

 For more information visit http://www.usacithailand.com/

    

USACI 2010 SQ Rules Completed -02/08/2010

 

USACI has listened to the comments and suggestions from our members and gone back to the drawing board to "reinvent" our approach to the USACI SQ program. With the help of competitors and retailers USACI has written a brand new SQ Competitor Rule Book and introduced a new program that makes SQ infinitely fairer for the competitors and more profitable for the retailers who build SQ cars. USACI has been running car shows for years and decided to take some of the ideas that make car shows so fun and integrate them into the SQ competition. One of the new features is the “WOW” section of the score sheet that awards points to cars that “Catch the eye” of spectators and potential future car audio customers. Combine this with a new vehicle classing system based on modifications to the vehicles rather than the competitors experience level or shop affiliation and you have a road map to the future of car audio competitions. Competitors with larger budgets and who do more modifications to their vehicles are paired with like competitors. Competitors who prefer to keep their vehicle closer to the stock look and feel are paired against others with the same preferences. "By classing in this manner we make sure that we are judging apples to apples" stated USACI President Ralph Randal. "This makes the playing field equal to all and makes the winner the one with the best system, not the one with the largest budget" he continues. USACI is excited to be able to introduce this new program for the first time at the USACI Spring Break Jam event in South Padre Island Texas on March 6th and 7th, 2010.

 

The new re-designed SQ score sheet and the 2010 Rule Book are now available to view and download on our web site at www.usaci.org. t us know what you think!

 

USACI CES 2010 Report

Despite what could be interpreted as foot slow traffic for most of the event USACI was able to meet and talk to a lot of retailers about shows and the future of USACI. Several manufacturers sat down with USACI and renewed their support for the organization in 2010. All the USACI staff had a great time at the show and we look forward to following up with all the potential new members we met. Special thanks to Mike Jaffe for being the “Early Bird” and handling the booth traffic Friday and Saturday. USACI Director Jenissa Lillard also helped with the booth and working the show (She got there later J.)

 

Thanks also to Memphis Car Audio for all the “Rockstar” energy drinks. That stuff kept the USACI staff on their toes!

 

 

USACI Announces ""Get One Free" Dealer Incentive Program.

12/01/2009

 

For years USACI has endorsed “multiple events” in local markets as a much more effect tool to build business than just doing one show each season. USACI statistics show that multiple smaller events build more excitement, create more awareness, and generate more revenue than one larger event each year can. In response to this information USACI has decided to implement the “Three and Free” program for the 2010 season. Under this new program a USACI retailer would register for at least three sound off events at his/her store. Upon confirmation of the three events USACI will send the retailer a free $150 retailer membership package and give the retailer a fourth, 2X points event absolutely free!  Along with the 100% free promotional event the retailer will also receive three consumer memberships for free as well. At their discretions the retailer can either sell or give away the free memberships to customers who compete and represent their business. Any retailer wishing to take advantage of this program can contact USACI at 479-750-0505 or contact your local regional director. A full listing of directors can be found at www.usaci.org

 

 

USACI Announces "SQ FREE FEE" Dealer Incentive

11/20/2009

 

Under a new program designed to entice retailers to help grow the Sq marketplace USACI has announced today the launch of their new “SQ Free Fee” campaign. Under the new program USACI retailers who hold SQ events would be offered “Free Show Fee” if they work to bring in a minimum of 20 paid SQ entries for their event. This new program is designed to offer retailers a way to promote their business, host a USACI sanctioned event, and all the time earning a full refund of their USACI event fees. “I am truly pumped up about this new motivation program” stated USACI president Ralph Randall. “We can help a retailer build his business, build our business, and do it in a way that cuts the expense to the retailer. I think a lot of shop owners and managers will take this opportunity and use it to build support for Sq in their markets as well as expand their marketing opportunities”. he continued.

 

USACI designed this program to meet the needs of the mobile electronics retailer and offer them a cost free way to build business and customers. USACI is proud to be able to support our retailers in this manner.  For more info on USACI visit www.usaci.org or call 479-750-0505.

 

 

USACI Announces "SQ Team Discount Program"

10/29/2009

 USACI has announced today they will offer “Retailer Group Discounts” on entries at the 2010 USACI World Finals. Competitors who are part of a group that qualifies for this program will get up to $100 per car deducted from their 2010 World Finals fees.

 To participate in the program a USACI retailer must first contact USACI and register his team for the program. Once registered the retailer must put together a team of at least 5 local Sq competitors (customers from his shop) and work with them to attend events and earn points enough to qualify for the 2010 USACI World Finals. Once all 5 or more competitors have their required finals points USACI will send them a “Special Invite” that includes free indoor parking and free electrical hookups for the 2010 finals. This is an average savings of over $100 per car and a minimum $500 savings per team.

 This program gives the retailer yet another tool to entice Sq competitors and bring them into the world of 12-voilt competition while generating income and building awareness for their business. For more info on USACI visit www.usaci.org or call 479-750-0505.

USACI to Honor IASCA and MECA SQ Points.

10/23/2009

USACI announced today plans to recognize points from both IASCA and MECA competitions in Sound Quality classes. USACI will count points from MECA and IASCA for those competitors who live in states with few or no USACI SQ events. If a competitor lives in a state with no USACI events then that competitor may use 100% of their points from the other organization(s). In states with USACI SQ available a competitor may use a percentage of their points from either IASCA or MECA toward the USACI finals. This percentage will vary depending on the number of USACI events and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.  USACI's goal with this program is to drive more competitors to local SQ events regardless of the sanction body, allow more opportunities for Sq competitors to attend the World Finals, and befit all the by allowing the competitors compete and earn points without being forced to travel hundreds of miles every weekend. We at USACI hope this program will foster interest in the sport and perhaps open to door to more interaction between the competitors and managers from the various organizations.

 

USACI Announces “First one Free” Sq Program

10/22/2009

 

Under a new program designed to build awareness and create excitement in the SQ arena USACI has announced today the launch of their new “First Time Free” campaign. Under the new program first time Sq competitors at any USACI sanctioned and administered event would get their entry fee Free of Charge. This new program, the first of many to be announced is part of a comprehensive package aimed at bringing new competitors into the sport and getting them “hooked” on car audio. “We are excited to be able to offer this program to our retailers and new competitors” stated USACI president Ralph Randall. “We know that once these people get a chance to experience the excitement of competition first hand they will come back and help not only the sport, but the industry grow” he continued.

 

USACI expects to offer this program for the remainder of the 2010 season and possible beyond depending on the programs success

USACI National Member Meeting
10/20/2009

USACI Members Meeting
11/21/2009
9am to 3pm

Golden Corral
4507 N College Ave
Fayetteville, AR 72703-5212
(479) 443-0433

USACi will buy breakfast! Bring Lunch Money.
 

New USACI Web Site
10/13/2009

Welcome to the new USACI web site. We are still working on changes and upgrades so check back often. If you find something not working or have an idea to improve the site feel free to let us know. Our members are our inspiration!

Finals is behind us. On with 2010!
10/13/2009

With a great finals fading in the rear view mirror here at USACI we are already working on the 2010 programs, rules changes, and even the 2010 Finals. We hope to have even more organizations join us in 2010! Over the next couple of weeks we will be posting rules changes, class changes, and show listings for 2010. Open discussion is already taking place on the USACI forums and we encourage our members to participate. You input is vital to our decision making process. 

Thank you to everyone who made 2009 a great year. With your help 2010 will be even better!

Ralph Randall

Soundstream to sponsor the after show party!
The Unified World Finals of USACi and the dB Drag Racing Association is pleased to announce that Soundstream will be sponsoring the “After Party” at the 2009 World Finals in Tulsa, OK on Oct 3-4. Soundstream has been actively involved with both sound off organizations for many years and was quick to jump on board with this year’s event. According to Grizz Archer, Product and Marketing Director for Soundstream, “We are grateful for the participation of all competitors in this tough economy. In less than 2 years, we have added over 70 new members to Team Soundstream – just domestically - to help grow the industry and generate more brand awareness. We would like to reward the competitors by sponsoring the after party. We look forward to meeting everybody at the after party and having a blast!”

Soundstream has a few contests planned for the party such as, the Coolest Tattoo, Ugliest Vehicle and Biggest Piercing contest, to name a few. According to Celise Harris, Marketing Director for the dBDRA, “The after party is one of the most highly talked about events at the World Finals and with Soundstream involved, the competitors are sure to have a great time. We are very thankful for the continued support of Soundstream.”

For more info on the show or to inquire on exhibitor space, please contact one of the representatives at either USACi or the dB Drag Racing Association.

Hybrid Audio Technologies Once Again Dominates at the USACI Spring Break Regional Event - South Padre Island

Atlanta, GA – Just four months ago, as the 2008 competition season was coming to a close, Jorge Juaristi was crowned the USACi Mexico National Champion, winning the coveted Sound Quality Best of Show. With the 2009 season upon us now, it was time to immediately re-establish that Hybrid Audio Technologies is the brand of choice of super high-end and competition mobile audio systems, and we did just that with three outstanding placements, and the Sound Quality Best of Show at USACi’s South Padre Island regional event.
 


PRESS RELEASE
USACi (United States Competition Association International) hosts a successful Regional event every year at the beautiful South Padre Island, TX. Cars from all over North America show up every year. Following Jorge Juaristi and David Seal’s hardware collection from the 2008 South Padre Island event, Team Hybrids, the official competition team of Hybrid Audio Technologies, returns with three of our USACi Team to dominate the competition.

Steve Anderson’s beautiful Lexus featuring a new build from Hybrid Audio Technologies dealer TC Audio (Benton, AR) edged out the reigning USACi World Champion in his class for a commanding first place victory in the Intermediate Consumer division. If that wasn’t enough, Anderson also took top award honors of the event as the Sound Quality Best of Show. Steve is not new to ‘hardware.’ He was runner up at the USACi World Finals in 2008. This season, the car looks very strong in the lanes. Steve uses the Legatia L61-2 two-way component set in his vehicle.

Andy Farris made his debut to organized competition in his Mazda Miata. Hybrid Audio Technologies dealer Performance Audio (Tyler, TX) completed his build a week before the big show on Padre Island. Andy entered the Intro-Consumer class and clenched the win with another first place victory for Team Hybrids. Andy uses the Legatia L631-3 Pro three-way component set is his vehicle.

2008 USACi Mexico Champion Jorge Juaristi drove across the border to bring home a second place finish in the highly contested Consumer Q division, a sound-only class, with a completely flat equalizer curve (Jorge is experimenting with some new changes in his car for 2009…looks like he’s on to another successful season!) Jorge uses the Legatia L841-3 three-way component set in his vehicle.

“I am very proud of the USACi team and our continued domination in organized competition” exclaims John Sketoe, the Team Hybrids – USACi Coordinator. “2009 will be a banner year for the Team as we have expanded to cover the majority of the USACi classes, so be on the look-out for us at shows around the country!” Team Hybrids is the official competition program of Hybrid Audio Technologies. For more information, or to inquire about how to join Team Hybrids, to purchase Hybrid Audio Technologies products, or to inquire about protected dealer territories or US and international distribution and representation availability, please contact us at info@hybrid-audio.com info@hybrid-audio.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling 1 (770) 888-8200.

Report from IFO.
Of our last 3 IFO events and not counting the cancelled San Antonio one, all three have had the biggest turnouts from all previous years at each location (Montgomery, Houston, and Dallas). There have been 6 Montgomery shows since 2003, 5 Houston events since 2005, and 4 Dallas events since 2005. We have exceeded all prior attendance figures at these venues! USACI has also had a great turnout at IFO in these venues. As USACI members get word of the great value of these events our attendance has been on the rise. This past weekend in Baytown had near 50 entries. Not bad for January! We expect IFO and USACI to continue to grow together in 2009.

USACI Introduces “Trunk” and “Dealer Select” Classes for 2009
In an effort to reach street level consumers and grow sales for their retailers USACI has developed a new “Trunk” class that will cater to the average consumer who may not normally compete. This class incorporates USACI’s already popular Outlaw SPL Rules in such a way as to allow competitors with “daily drivers” and systems in their trunks to have a place to play, compete, and grow their systems. “We designed this class to grow the average consumers interest in car audio” Stated USACI President Ralph Randall. The new “Trunk” class has been partnered with the new USACI “Dealer Select classes to provide the local competitors the classes that fit for them. “Dealer Select” will be comprised of two classes to be custom designed by the shop hosting the event. The classes will be different at every event and will be custom tailored to the needs of the local customers as seen by the hosting retailer. The host can limit the class to Local Only or even to his own customers. Options will include power classes, woofer classes, clamped power classes, music only or tones only classes or MSRP classes. By catering to the needs of the local shops USACI will continue to provide the 12 volt industry with an exceptional cost effect way to promote industry growth and retail sales.

2009 Rules Posted
The USACI web site rules section was updated today with the 2009 rules. Pro Stock and Super Modified divisions were condensed to better reflect participation in those divisions. Street Beat and port wars rules were modified to address continued conflict in those classes. For the most part the remainder of the rulebooks, both SQ and SPL, will remain unchanged for 2009. USACI feels refinements to the rules in recent years have brought us a set of rules that work well for our members. We will continue to monitor changes in competition and make subtle changes as needed. Thank you to our members for help make the USACI rules the best in the industry.