Feb. 9, 2004 – Pirelli/Metzeler plan big Indy showings

Dealers visiting Indianapolis for the Expo will see a number of new offerings from Pirelli and its sister firm Metzeler. The Italian brand again plans to show its Diablo and Diablo Corsa high-performance street/trackday radials, the value-priced MT66 Route OE-replacement metric-cruiser tires; and the dirt-minded MT83, MT32, and MT410. Pirelli will be located in Indy Booth #1708.

Dealers also will hear about Pirelli’s new MX-event truck at Indy, along with details on how to participate when the truck comes to their area for a race event in 2004. Pirelli says the new truck is loaded with tires, specs, facts and information on Pirelli’s full range of MX and off-road tires.

The other brand under Pirelli ownership is Metzeler, which also plans to use the Indianapolis trade show to introduce new tires for the 2004 season. Debuting will be three new additions to Metzeler’s ME-880 V-twin tire line, bringing the total to 56 front and rear sizes. The new tires include two ME-880 narrow-stripe whitewalls and a new 160/60-18 upgrade rear for 2004 Harley-Davidson bikes.

Another tire Metzeler plans to reveal is the Roadtec Z6 sport-touring radial, which replaces the MEZ4. Metzeler is in Indy Booth #1716.

WHITE BROS. ADDS HYDRAPAK
White Brothers, Yorba Linda, Calif., says it is now the exclusive distributor for Hydrapak, a manufacturer of performance oriented personal hydration systems.
“Since 1996 Hydrapak has been providing performance hydration backpacks and waist packs to the outdoor industry worldwide,” said Matt Lyon, Hydrapak president. “We feel this product is a perfect fit for the powersports market and the off-road motorcycle/ATV enthusiast.”

Based in Berkley, Calif., Hydrapak focuses exclusively on the development of hydration products. Currently distributed throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, the company claims the number two position in the hydration system market.

“We’re committed to growing White Brothers line of distributed products and seeking out the very best in aftermarket accessories for our dealers,” said Mike Bell, White Brothers’ COO. “We feel Hydrapak meets the criteria we look for in companies to join us under the Performance Source umbrella and are excited to have Hydrapak as a member of our team for 2004.”

SMITH OPTICS HIRES SALES MANAGER
Smith Sport Optics, Inc., Ketchum, Idaho, hired Scott Robinson as sales manager for international and Internet sales, responsible for executing strategic business plans to achieve sales and margin goals in each division.

Robinson will work with international distributors to increase market penetration, brand marketing and overall sales worldwide. Other responsibilities include developing an online sales strategy, including implementing consumer promotions for accessories and replacement lenses in conjunction with Smith’s existing retailers.

An experienced finance professional, Robinson most recently worked at Savier as the director of finance and operations, handling budgeting and forecasting as well as day-to-day operations for a global distribution network.

Robinson owned his own accounting business for more than six years, and worked as a CPA consulting small businesses on financial planning and management. He has also served as a senior auditor at Ernst & Young.
Smith Sport Optics, Inc. was founded in 1965 with the creation of the first goggle featuring a sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam. Smith products are sold in more than 50 countries through powersports, sporting goods and specialty stores. For more information visit www.smithsport.com.

SNAP-ON & HONDA SIGN HARDLINE
SNAP-ON and American Honda have signed on to offer the year-old Rollastand from Hardline Products to their dealer base.

Designed for Sportbikes and cruisers, the Rollastand takes the place of a center-stand, allowing the bike’s wheels to rotate freely while the vehicle stays in position. Assists in cleaning front and back wheels or maintaining chains.

For more information about Hardline Products, call 805/581-4700.

DIAMOND GOES TO GLOBAL AND P3
Global Motorsports and P3 Racing have signed on to carry the complete line of parts and accessories from Florida-based Diamond Powersports Inc.

Diamond says Global Motorsports purchased $85,000 worth of its products last year, and says it anticipates that sales from Global will account for more than $250,000 in revenue during 2004. In 2003, P3 Racing purchased $102,000 in parts and accessories from Diamond, which anticipates sales from P3 Racing to exceed $150,000 in revenue in 2004.

CHANGES AT IFW
Intersport Fashions West, the California-based distributor of Firstgear, Gericke, Schuberth, Held and Oxtar product, as well as Honda and Suzuki branded gear, was sold by German conglomerate Eurobike to The Fairchild Corporation of Dulles, Va., in October 2003.

Eric Steiner is the president of Fairchild, and the CEO of the subsidiary in charge of IFW. Under his direction, Fairchild recently placed Elizabeth Rickstraw as senior vice president and general manager of IFW. Steiner and Rickstraw will be at the Dealer Expo in Indianapolis (Booth #509).

Another recent hire involves Pete Pendleton, who joins IFW as director of sales. Pendleton formerly worked as director of sales at White Brothers.

Tom Monroe, IFW national sales manager, recently told Powersports Business Fairchild is bringing money into IFW – recognizable, he said, by the new $100,000 spiff program offered to sales representatives. “Last year,” Monroe said, “under the $10,000 program, they got $100; this year they could get $1,000. So we’re expecting a lot more interest from the reps.”