KICKER Returns to Slamology for 20th Anniversary

STILLWATER, OK (06.06.23) – Now in its second decade of sponsorship, KICKER® will once again attend and put its brand name with Slamology – one of the largest car-audio events in the country. The 20-year show will take place June 10-11 at Lucas Oil Raceway near Indianapolis, and it will also observe the unveiling and playing of the highly anticipated KICKER “Gates” Bronco.

The KICKER-built Bronco, which pays homage to Alma Gates’ “Beast” from 20 years ago, houses a 30,000-watt system with nine 12-inch KICKER SoloX subwoofers. KICKER’s booth area will also feature four other extreme builds, including Andy Magill’s famed “Cookie Monster,” Slamology founder Donnie Babb’s magazine-worthy Mazda® truck, and the “Bone Shaker” rocket-powered big rig from Canada. The booth will be located on the south side of the show in Audio Vendor Row, where full-tilt demo sessions will regularly occur.

“It’s truly astounding that we’ve made it to our 20th annual event,” said Babb, president of GaugeMagazine.com and Slamology. Lucas Oil Raceway Park has proven to be the perfect venue for our continued expansion. We invite you to join us on Friday night free-of-charge for our 20-year birthday anniversary block party.”

In addition to Slamology’s well-earned reputation as a first-class car show, it is also known to be the premiere car-audio event on the planet, with more than 2,000 vehicles already committed to attend.
Simultaneously, USACi, MECA, IASCA and Bass Wars will all have independent, multi-point car-audio competitions, featuring hundreds of the world’s best Sound Quality and SPL competitors vying for much-desired championship points, trophies and prizes.

Slamology anticipates attendance in excess of 20,000 spectators. The show also features live, local bands on stage, along with a tattoo competition, auto-limbo, a hydraulic contest, big-rig show, bikini contest and more.

For more information, consumers can visit slamology.com online.

KICKER Marine Audio Joins Formula 1 Powerboat Championship Official Series Audio Sponsor

STILLWATER, OK (06.01.23) – KICKER Marine Audio will join the Formula 1 Powerboat Championship at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, June 1-3, 2023 as part of the LOTO Powerfest event. In conjunction with OPA (Offshore Powerboat Association) the annual event will feature some of the fastest boats in the world, including offshore and circuit boats. The Powerfest excitement will take place in front of Shady Gators waterfront bar and Camden on the Lake Resort at the 7-mile marker.

“The performance boater that is drawn to this type of event is definitely the KICKER Marine Audio customer who expects the same kind of performance from his or her boat’s sound system,” says Jeremy Bale, Brand Manager, “We are pleased to partner with Formula 1 Powerboat on this and other events to bring KICKER into the sport. ‘Go Overboard’ is our marine slogan and that certainly fits the Formula 1 and Powerfest profile!” he adds.

F1 Race Ride Experience Boat

The Stillwater, OK-based company has been “Livin’ Loud” for 50 years and will be a welcomed addition to all the festivities planned in various locations. As the “Official Series Audio Partner,” KICKER will have an active display of its marine components and sound systems, participate in the Friday Night Street Party and will again add its sponsorship to “F1 Race Ride Experience” for the second consecutive year. The 2-seater pace boat for the race series is also used to provide rides to VIPs, dignitaries, media and sponsors, to help introduce the excitement of racing to the public. Promoted via social media and at the events, the rides share the thrill of boating at dragster-like speeds of over 100 mph and is used as an educational tool to introduce youth to the sport. KICKER Marine Audio’s logo will be placed on the boat and safety gear, providing excellent visibility throughout the race.

Tim Seebold, F1 Powerboats managing director, brings the F1 Series to his hometown of the Lake of the Ozarks where powerboating is the most popular summer activity. Seebold states, “I’m proud to bring our championship caliber powerboat racing home to the lake area and look forward to an exciting weekend of racing and entertainment. We are also grateful to our sponsor, KICKER Marine Audio for adding its powerful sound and support to the championship.”

Feel the thrill of racing in the F1 Race Ride Experience!

Contrasting disciplines of Offshore Powerboat racing and F1 racing will complement each other, treating fans to the nonstop racing action. The larger offshore boats from 30’-50’ long, are capable of speeds of over 180 mph on a larger racecourse, while the F1 boats are 17’ agile Formula boats, reaching speeds of 120 mph and are capable of cornering while pulling over 5 G’s on the smaller course set up off Lazy Gators Point.

Spectators will have the opportunity to view all the racing action from land and water. Land viewing and VIP locations are at both Shady Gators and Camden on the Lake Resort. Boaters can view on the water outside of the racecourse’s safety zone, stretching between the 4 and 7-mile markers.

The events kick off at the Driver Registration/Meet and Greet Party at Horseshoe Bend Restaurant, located off Hwy HH Thursday evening at 6 PM. Friday’s activities start at 8 AM in the teams’ pit and vendor booth area. The impressive display of horsepower at the Friday Night Street Party allows fans to get up close and personal with the drivers, teams, and colorful race boats. Saturday begins with 9 AM testing, Opening Ceremonies at 11 AM, followed by racing which concludes just after 4 PM. The awards ceremony party will wrap the event at 6 PM at The Encore Lakeside Grill and Sky Bar Restaurant.

For more event information, visit Formula 1 Powerboat Championship or LOTO Powerfest. For information on KICKER Marine Audio, visit www.kicker.com/marine-audio.

Mobile Solutions Introduces KICKER L7 Solo-Baric Subwoofer Templates

TEMPE, AZ (05.31.23) – Mobile Solutions announces the introduction of KICKER-Approved L7 Solo-Baric mounting and grille templates. The Solo-Baric line of high output subwoofers feature a unique mounting pattern that can be difficult to replicate without a template, let alone flush mount them without gaps. Mobile Solutions now offers a line of Smart Templates™ just for the L7S square subwoofers (including sizes 8”-15”) to help fabricators achieve that perfect mounting pattern and flush mount option, all with the ease and repeatability known from the Smart Templates family.

Features of the L7S Solo-Baric Smart Templates:
• Mounting ring and flush mounting templates
• Press grille templates (inside ring and center)
• Made from durable shatter-resistant plastic
• Designed to hang on slat or grid wall
• Pre-aligned 1/8” mounting holes
• Engraved center lines & vertical index marks
• 4 sizes from which to choose (L7S8, L7S10, L7S12 & L7S15)
• Priced from $59.99/set (8” model) to $74.99/set (15” model)

Each Size 4 Piece Set Includes:
• Top and Bottom flush mounting template
• Two Pressed grilled templates

Also available – Complete Kit with all 4 Sizes:
• 4 Sets of 4 Templates for each Subwoofer Model
• (16 total pieces)
• $249.99

Bryan Schmitt, CEO and founder of Mobile Solutions commented “We are pleased to work with KICKER on this important project because the geometry of getting square subwoofers mounted without gaps and visual faults is challenging. Our Smart Templates solution for the L7S Solo-Baric subs makes life easier for fabricators and technicians installing KICKER square subwoofers!”

Watch Mobile Solutions’ Facebook, Instagram and website for more information on new and exciting fabrication tools and supplies, as well as MasterTechExpo.com for the 2024 MasterTech Expo education program details slated for March 3-6, 2024 at Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona.

The KICKER Monster Truck Event at Red Rock Park Arena

GALLUP, NM (05.22.23) – The KICKER Monster Truck event on Saturday, May 20th, featured two events at the Red Rock Park Arena under a sunny sky. The setting for the event is very unique as many attendees are seated on a hillside looking down at the track.

KICKER was setup at the entry way at the Red Rock Park Arena.

“This venue brings enthusiasts together in a very unique setting. KICKER has sponsored events at this venue before. Attendees on Saturday were very enthusiastic and all were definitely Livin’Loud’” Lorin Morrell stated.

Attendees seated on the hillside had a great view of the track from above.

The track area during setup.

KICKER was set up under a tent along the entrance to the Red Rock Park Arena. Tables were stacked with a wide variety of the latest products with the KICKER RZR located close to the event track for demos.

Before the action on the track attendees spent time on the track at the pit party.

This amazing post shows a rider flying high. This post by w_wilson1994.

Continuing “With afternoon and evening action on the track we were busy throughout the day. Pre-race pit parties have become popular activities at these events. Attendees can spend time walking around the track, check out vehicles that will soon be in action plus meet the drivers. Meeting drivers and asking them about their rides creates a lasting impression with attendees.” Morrell stated.

“KICKER is sponsoring, and participating, in many consumer events. That visibility and direct connection with consumers is creating awareness for traditional car and truck audio products plus marine, motorcycle, Powersports and lifestyle products” Morrell concluded.

Visit kicker.com for more.

KICKER Plays Host in Nationwide Dealer Training

STILLWATER, OK (05.16.23) – KICKER played host to more than a dozen dealers and rep firms this past week (May 8-11) during a two-day training and tour of KICKER Headquarters.

The group was also the first to experience a demo of the new KICKER Ford Bronco, equipped with nine 12-inch SoloX L7X subwoofers and 36,000 watts worth of KICKER Warhorse amplification (anticipated release in late 2023). The group was the first to experience the vehicle outside of KICKER employees and will play for the first time in public at Slamology (Lucas Oil Speedway, Indianapolis) in mid-June.

“The Bronco was incredible, and so was the entire experience,” said Remy Viator of Showtime Electronics (Knoxville, Tenn.). “I was impressed with how well organized the company is and was blown away by everyone’s welcoming attitude.”

The 22-person class also got hands-on training with the SoloX reconing process, and later Global Training Manager Aaron Malin led the group on an extensive tour of the facility, including a chance to audition speakers in the company’s listening labs.
The week also included in-depth discussions with Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing Tom Heath, as well as the Vice President of Product Strategy Bart Deal.

Viator was impressed with the information and pace of the training.

“I thought there was going to be a lot of sitting around in front of a whiteboard,” he said. “The fact we moved around a lot made it even more enjoyable.”

Visit kicker.com for more.

KICKER Was Livin’ Loud at the Progressive American Flat Track in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, CA (05.15.23) – The Progressive American Flat Track hosted the first mile race of the season with the 58th Legendary Sacramento Mile at the California State Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 13th. KICKER was Livin’Loud with a selection of products under the tent plus a loaded Polaris RZR. Lorin Morrell and Dana Doyle were in the house to get all set up and connect with racing enthusiasts throughout the event.

Morrell, who orchestrates KICKER at American Flat Track events, rolled 600 miles from Lake Havasu AZ towing a trailer filled with everything to showcase the KICKER lineup at the event. Dana Doyle-Doyle Sales, the KICKER area representative, came in from close by Folsom CA to work the event.

Early on Saturday KICKER was setup for the Sacramento Mile.

Enthusiast lined up to watch racers on the track.

“We were setup and ready well before the gates opened at 2 in the afternoon. The KICKER tent, with a wide selection of products on the tables, along with the ZRZ that was Livin’Loud with demos drew enthusiasts all during the event. Racers ran practice runs through the afternoon and the racing began at 7pm following the opening ceremonies” Morrell related.

Dana Doyle stayed busy under the tent connecting with attendees during the day.

Lorin Morrell (L) and Dana Doyle with one of the many products on display under the KICKER tent.

Doyle stated “During the event attendees really were drawn to power sports products as there is a lot of motorcycle action in the area plus marine too. There are a lot of pickups on the road and many people checked out the new KICKER down-firing loaded enclosures. No doubt events like this really puts the KICKER brand and products in front of the right audience. By the end of the day I had directed probably 10 attendees to KICKER dealers in the area.”

The loaded KICKER RZR let attendees see the many possibilities they could add to their UTV.

Racing on the track lasted into the night.

By 11:30 pm Morrell and Doyle had all packed into the trailer which capped the long and very busy day. The next Progressive American Flat Track Race is in Lexington KY on May 27th. KICKER is a sponsor of the 2023 Progressive American Flat Track series.

Visit kicker.com for more.

KICKER Powered Down-Firing Subwoofer Enclosures Now Shipping

STILLWATER, OK (05.11.23) – The perfect marriage of power and performance, KICKER has announced its first-ever PTRTP Powered Down-Firing Loaded Enclosures, available in a 10- and 12-inch model and now shipping.  All enclosures come with a built-in, power-matched amplifier and convenient remote volume control. The enclosures are available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online.  Soon to be introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live show, PTRTP Powered Down-Firing Loaded Enclosures will retail at $449.99 and $499.99.  PTRTP Enclosures are also available at www.kicker.com.

Loaded into each enclosure is an active, KICKER CompRT shallow-mount subwoofer, equipped with Forced Air Cooling to enhance the woofer’s efficiency and durability. A bumped top plate allows for full voice-coil clearance and excursion in a shallow-mount woofer, while the large-diameter, progressive-roll spider ensures increased linearity, better overall sound quality and outstanding bass reproduction.

Next to the active woofer is a reFLEX passive radiator, providing a significant bass upgrade without increasing overall depth of the already thin enclosure. The down-firing design allows the enclosure to fit in tight spaces, yet still deliver peak performance. Standing only about six inches high, the PTRTP is built to fit anywhere – from behind the seat of a pickup to the back of a hatchback. The rugged enclosure design has the added benefit of allowing items to be stacked on top of it, if mounted in a trunk or cargo area. The enclosures are carpeted and custom embroidered with the KICKER logo.

Featuring up to 500 watts of power and a best-in-class input sensitivity, PTRTP built-in amplifiers accept input voltages ranging from as little as 125 millivolts to as much as 40 volts, ensuring its compatibility with virtually any factory or aftermarket radio or source without the additional expense of a line-out converter.

Visit kicker.com for more.

KICKER Audio Went Overboard in Lake Havasu City at Desert Storm Events

LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ (04.24.23) – KICKER stretched West from Stillwater, OK to join dealers and fans with festivities at Desert Storm, running April 19-23, on Lake Havasu and in Lake Havasu City, AZ.

The KICKER XRV rolled out of KICKER HQ for the 1100 mile trip to Lake Havasu AZ. Jeremy Wynn, Events and Promotions Manager, was behind the wheel and Steven as the navigator as the XRV hit the road.

This was the 7th year with KICKER participating in Desert Storm. KICKER first started at Desert Storm with a 10×20 booth with River Dave and Wired 4 Sound. The last 4 years KICKER has been onsite as the Title Sponsor with a much, much larger presence at the downtown Street Festival and on the lake with the Poker Run and boat parades through the days and evenings Friday and Saturday.

The Havasu Downtown Street Festival drew thousands to check out a variety of boats and vendors.

Tracy Focht related “Another amazing show in Havasu! The weather was perfect with a perfect vibe from the crowd. The people who attend Desert Storm are always happy, and just want to have a respectful good time with their friends and family. Thanks again to Elite Audio in Lake Havasu plus Eliminator Boats for showcasing the 27’. Also thanks to 187 Customs for allowing us to bring the Firedock of Street Outlaws that was a hit. Plus a big thank you to Frank and Annette Zepeda, owners of the BoomToon, for treating us like family.”

Continuing “The staff at Murfco provided strong assistance and equipment throughout the event. Desert Storm has grown into a family event and we love them all out there. We look forward to 2024!”

Dan Murphy’s Murfco is the Southern Nevada, Arizona and SoCal Rep Firm for KICKER.

The KICKER XRV drew attendees throughout Desert Storm to check out demo vehicles and the BoomRoom with 40,000 watts driving a wall of 15” subs.

This @havasuorbust post shows helicopters keeping up with powerboats.

Focht concluded “We feel this grass roots event is the perfect event to work directly with both boat manufacturers, dealers and end consumers. This allows us and our dealers to learn more about what customers are actually looking for and where the the target market is headed. Each year we work diligently to better our approach and showcase KICKER at the event.”

Jeremy Wynn offered “It’s so great to see attendees in and around the KICKER XRV. They definitely see and Hear, in the BoomRoom, KICKER was definitely Livin’Loud. Having Carlos Jimenez on site to connect with members of the crowd in the XRV BoomRoom worked out very well.”

Throughout the city the grounds were packed as attendees enjoyed the perfect weather and a wide variety of exhibits.

Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media, is on site at many KICKER consumer events…including Desert Storm. Morrell related “The attendance at this year’s Desert Storm looked like an increase from last year. I was busy across the venue, including driving a filming boat on the lake, and got the feeling this year was bigger to 2022. We will watch for the attendance estimates to be released.”

Elite Audio in Lake Havasu showcased the 27’ Eliminator Boat.

From the first night kick-off vendor party, to the hustle of the street party, to the Poker Run and the family atmosphere throughout the event Desert Storm 2023 at Lake Havasu City was amazing. Lasting friendships were created with extended families at Desert Storm. At Desert Storm 2023 KICKER went overboard and was definitely Livin’Loud.”

Visit kicker.com/marine-audio for more.

The KICKER AMA ArenaCross 2023 Series Rolled Into Little Rock

LITTLE ROCK, AR (03.27.23) – The KICKER AMA ArenaCross 14-City Series rolled into the Barton Coliseum on Friday March 24th. Arch Street Audio, a strong KICKER dealer in Little Rock, was in the house with owner Rocky Carter and JC Bradburg. The Arch Street Audio team connected with attendees throughout the evening.

“It was terrific to have the Arch Street Audio crew at the event and in the KICKER booth in the lobby. They really know their stuff when it comes to seeing all the opportunities for consumers to install KICKER gear in their rides.” Lorin Morrell, who orchestrates the KICKER AMA Arenacross Series events, related.

Rocky Carter (L) and JC Bradburg from Little Rock based Arch Street Audio flank Lorin Morrell in the KICKER booth in the Barlow Coliseum lobby.

The KICKER booth was in the lobby area and virtually everyone attending the event had to pass by and see the selection of products displayed on the tables. Arch Street Audio placed a large company banner on the back wall in the booth to put the company’s brand in front of enthusiasts attending the event.

Brad Ganz, KICKER Sales Manager for the territory, was in the booth with his wife and 3 children…who are triplets. Rocky Carter offered “It was super to see Brad and his family drive to Little Rock to work in the booth. While in the booth he learned firsthand what enthusiasts are looking for when they come into our store. He saw that UTVs, marine, bikes and pickups owners are our customers in the area.”

Brad Ganz, KICKER Regional Manager, traveled with his wife and triplets to attend the event. Rocky Carter and JC Bradburg from Arch Street Audio are on the right

KICKER KMX athlete Jerald LaRue (2nd L) and Monster Jam Freestyle Team members came to the booth and are with Rocky Carter (L) and Lorin Morrell (2nd R).

Continuing Carter stated “We also saw several attendees brought their 14 to 16 yearolds to see about gear for their future rides. JC spent time with them and connected with those future customers. We gave out a large box of our T-shirts plus company stickers and business cards. We are certainly ready to participate in a future event with KICKER.”

A very busy Pit Party got the action started very shortly after the doors opened. Attendees walked the track and had an opportunity to meet the riders and check out the motorcycles they would be riding around the track and flying high over the mounds. As soon as riders left the starting gate the track was red hot as riders and attendees were Livin’ Loud.

Kyle Peters flying high and taking the checkered flag in this amazing  @arenacross image.

The lucky fan who caught the KICKER T-shirt with the Bullfrog certificate carried her young son to pick up the prize from Ricky Carter and Lorin Morrell (R).

Morrell added “Once again the stands were filled with enthusiasts who were excited to see the riders circle the track and cheered when the riders flew high off the track mounds. In addition to the action on the track wrapped KICKER T-shirts were tossed into the crowd during race breaks and track maintenance periods. A special KICKER T had a certificate wrapped inside for a KICKER BullFrog prize to be picked up at the KICKER display in the lobby. The lucky lady who caught the KICKER T with the certificate carried her young son to the booth and was smiling from ear-to-ear when she saw her prize. Rocky and I placed the Bullfrong in her hands. We told her she would be Livin’Loud with KICKER.”

The challenging track at the Barton Coliseum was set for riders.

Crowd members also participated in flag-waving sessions as Wes Kain was on the PA system exciting members of the crowd to wave checkered flags for a chance to win KICKER Lifestyle products. All the winners smiled with Kicker prizes in their hands.

For the last 5 AMA KICKER ArenaCross events a KICKER dealer from the area was under the KICKER tent in the lobby and connected with attendees. Those 4 dealers-MB Customs 303 in Denver, Tunes and Tint in Amarillo, Expert Customs in Tulsa, Star City 12Volt in Salem joined Arch Street Audio to create traffic in their stores that will stimulate future business and make the cash register ring.

The 2023 AMA KICKER ArenaCross in Little Rock AR on Friday, March 24th wrapped the very successful 14-City Series that saw enthusiasts Livin’Loud with KICKER.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Elite Electronics Received KICKER 2022 Dealer of the Year Award for the South Central Region

MILWAUKEE, WI (03.22.23) – Elite Electronics, based in Milwaukee, recently was named KICKER 2022 Dealer of the Year for the South Central Region. Area representative Tom Ebeling, Tree Associates, presented owner Muhammad Choudhry with the award certificate at a dinner recently.

The Elite Electronics location in Milwaukee, WI.

“Elite Electronics has received the KICKER Dealer of the Year for this territory multiple times. He and his staff operate a very proactive store in Milwaukee that draws from across the surrounding area. They have been a very supportive KICKER dealer for well over a decade and put customer satisfaction at the top of their daily objectives,” Tom Ebeling related.

Muhammad Choudhry holds the Elite Electronics KICKER 2022 Dealer of the Year Award. Tom Ebeling (C) presented the award during the dinner meeting with Mohammad Armand from Armando Sounds.

Choudhry commented to The 12volt Central Studios, “The KICKER brand supports our company with products that provide the features and performance consumers are looking for today. We have been a KICKER dealer for well over a decade. Additionally, they back everything up with excellent service and Tom at Tree is definitely very supportive. We look forward to a very strong 2023 with an eye to receiving the next KICKER of the Year Award for this region.”

Ebeling, based in Chicago, works very closely with dealers across his territory. At the Albawadi Restaurant in Niles IL, where he presented Elite with the KICKER award, they were joined by Mohammad Armand. His 12volt store, Armando Sounds in Chicago, has also received a KICKER Dealer of the Year award.

Concluding, Ebeling offered, “Armando Sounds recently relocated to a new location three times the size of their previous store. Both of these dealers are great retailers that represent the future of our business. Elite Electronics represents the best in Milwaukee and Armando Sounds represents the best in ChicagoLand.”

For more visit kicker.com for more.