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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 6^th and 7^th, 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 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.

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!

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!

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.