IRVINE, Calif. (May 11, 2012) – Source Interlink Media (SIM) announced today the promotion of Jeff G. Holt to Editorial Director of the company’s American Motorcycle Group. The group consists of the iconic Hot Bike, the trendy Baggers and the one and only Street Chopper, as well as several special interest publications.

Holt, previously Editor-in-Chief of Street Chopper and Baggers, will direct all editorial planning for the group, as well as pilot the re-launch of Hot Bike slated for early 2013. Related changes will move both Hot Bike editors Eric Ellis and Jordan Mastagni to Baggers. New hire John Zamora will be appointed Editor of Hot Bike. Each staff member is an avid motorcyclist with excellent mechanical abilities, and each of them fulfills writing and photography duties.

“This restructuring was designed to provide leadership and team building for the America Motorcycle Group,” said Jim Adolph, Group Publisher for all of SIM’s motorcycle titles. “We think this will provide a fantastic environment for our staff to meet the challenges of today’s market.”

About Hot Bike Magazine:

Hot Bike Magazine, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, gets nearly one million readers the latest tips and techniques to turn their bikes into customized dream machines. With a core focus of Harley Davidson, Hot Bike’s features educate and entertain readers with Harley road tests, event coverage and reader profiles.

About Baggers Magazine:

Baggers Magazine, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, covers the hottest custom touring motorcycle creations, current model road tests, in-depth technical installations, new products, national rallies and touring stories. Attracting half a million readers, Baggers features everything Harley/V-Twin and Metric enthusiasts in the customizing realm desire and so much more.

About Street Chopper Magazine:

Street Chopper Magazine, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, pulls from its roots with a style and substance no other motorcycle magazine can match. With over 40 years in print, every issue is amassed with some of the world’s best motorcycle photographers covering the real lifestyle its readers are living, both on the road and in the garage. Street Chopper features top-notch event coverage and real-world DIY technology, fine-tuned for what today’s blue-collared craftsman are building.

About Source Interlink Media:

Source Interlink Media, LLC is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 75 publications, 100 Web sites, 800 branded products, 50+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, home theatre and other niche activities. The division’s strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (May 11, 2012) – HOT ROD, one of the most iconic titles in the world, is re-launching its entire brand across all media channels including print, online, video and social media platforms beginning immediately and continuing throughout the Fall. This re-launch is just the first part of creating HOT ROD’s new identity and emphasizes its focus on multimedia content delivery with brand extensions that include HOTROD.com, a mobile version of HOTROD.com, the “HOT ROD Then & Now” App for iPad, HOT ROD Live Radio, and HOT ROD TV, the oldest automotive show on the air and the one that started the genre, on Speed.

Founded in 1948, HOT ROD is the largest and oldest performance car magazine and is out to redefine the industry by doing things bigger, better, faster, louder. As HOT ROD builds up to its 65th anniversary in 2013, the editorial staff is pushing the envelope to reinvigorate readers by providing content that makes them say, “I can’t believe they did that!”

HOT ROD’s parent company, Source Interlink Media (SIM), has made a significant investment in all of the HOT ROD products, most notably with the revitalized print magazine that will launch with the September 2012 issue on sale July 10. The magazine will feature a 50% increase in editorial pages and an all-new design, both of which support a complete reinvention of the content.

“Our mission is to consider what we used to do—in fact, what every car magazine used to do—and to ask ourselves how we can make it bigger, better, faster, louder. Wilder ideas, more emotional presentations, pure entertainment,” said HOT ROD Editor-in-Chief David Freiburger. “At least a few times per issue, I want the reader to think, ‘I can’t believe they did that!’”

The first step in HOT ROD’s re-launch initiative is an all-new version of its web site, HOTROD.com. The web site sets the tone for the change in the magazine’s former print-centered design into one focused on providing daily news and making it easier for readers to join in the conversation. The new site also helps visitors quickly find articles and discover new content at each visit.

New sections of the site feature original video content from HOT ROD editors as well as videos curated from around the Internet by the editorial staff (Videos.HotRod.com, powered by Magnify.net). The first video (http://youtu.be/kr1YMRlRdx4) is already posted: Freiburger drove the 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 with Lingenfelter Performance modifications in the car’s first test to exceed 200 mph.

Featured content from sister publication HOT ROD Deluxe is also now available on HOTROD.com. HOT ROD Deluxe is the magazine that specializes in historic photos of hot rodding in the ’50s and ’60s.

HOT ROD is also focused on social media, approaching 100,000 Facebook fans and maintaining a vibrant presence on YouTube, Pinterest, Twitter and Google+. Updates from and access to these portals are now integrated throughout the web site, along with a new Disqus-powered commenting engine for easier fan involvement and near real-time conversations that can continue on social networks.

The re-launched HOTROD.com also includes:

• A new, dynamic navigation scheme that allows users access to the latest content from anywhere within the site.
• Simplified backend interface so that editors may push content items live more quickly.
• New contributor sections for each HOT ROD editor, so users may quickly find stories from their favorite authors.
• Easier access to information about HOT ROD events.
• Improved homepage promotion of key content.
• Improved photo galleries with easy access to high-resolution photos.

About HOT ROD Magazine:

HOT ROD Magazine, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, is the world’s largest performance automotive brand. With over six million readers, HOT ROD has delivered the performance industry’s most respected tech tips, product tests and events for over 60 years. This magazine’s unique style attracts veteran rod builders and general car fans alike.

 About Source Interlink Media:

Source Interlink Media, LLC is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 75 publications, 100 Web sites, 800 branded products, 50+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, home theatre and other niche activities. The division’s strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.

• SURFER
• POWDER
• CANOE & KAYAK
• SUP
• SKATEBOARDER
• MOTOR TREND
• MOTOR TREND CLASSIC
• AUTOMOBILE
• HOT ROD
• BOUND BY INK
• MODIFIED
• EUROPEAN CAR

Of these nominations,  SIM was honored with three MAGGIE AWARDS for the following:

CANOE & KAYAK
DECEMBER 2011
OUTDOOR SPORTS, BOATING & RECREATION/CONSUMER

MOTOR TREND
NOVEMBER 2011
AUTOMOTIVE & MOTORCYCLE/CONSUMER

AUTOMOBILE
DECEMBER 2011
THE BOOK OF MARMON
BEST SINGLE EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPH/CONSUMER

Please join us in congratulating the various teams behind these great brands that continue to drive excellence in all of our products!

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (May 2, 2012) – The new Chevy Camaro ZL1 exceeded 200 mph yesterday afternoon in Uvalde, Texas with the help of HOT ROD magazine’s David Freiburger, editor-in-chief, behind the wheel for Lingenfelter Performance.

Chevrolet began delivery of the most powerful street-legal Camaro it has ever produced, the 580-horsepower ZL1 edition, in early April. The car features a supercharged, 6.2L V-8 and advanced, electronically regulated traction and stability controls. Before the car was released, Chevrolet proved its road-racing merits at Germany’s Nurburgring 12.1-mile race track, where the ZL1 posted a lap time of 7:41:27, which is definitely “supercar” territory.

On April 18, 2012, performance specialist Lingenfelter Performance added a few of its engine modifications to the ZL1 and as a result, the car ran the quarter mile in 10.794 seconds at 134.36 mph at Indiana’s Muncie Dragway. This marked the first time the ZL1 recorded a run in the 10-second range. Stock production ZL1s can run elapsed times of 11.90s.
Yesterday, Lingenfelter Performance took the same ZL1 that had been tested in the quarter mile and ran it for top speed at the Continental Tire proving ground in Uvalde. With Freiburger at the wheel, the car ran 202.67 mph, earning the title of the first ZL1 to eclipse 200 mph. Stock production ZL1s run a maximum speed of 184 mph.

“What a rush! We ran 199.8 mph or 199.9 mph three times before finally getting over 200 mph, and the car was over 190 mph for 30 to 40 seconds each time,” said Freiburger. “We finally ran the 202 mph in a headwind in 90-degree heat. This car will definitely go faster on a better day.”

The ZL1 as tuned by Lingenfelter Performance makes 720 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels. The package of modifications used on the car is available to any customer, installed, for $11,945. It includes ported cylinder heads, a new camshaft, a supercharger pulley to provide more boost, a special air induction system, revised fuel-delivery components, and custom electronics tuning.

For more information, see http://www.Lingenfelter.comand http://www.HOTROD.com.

About HOT ROD Magazine:
HOT ROD Magazine, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, is the world’s largest performance automotive brand. With over six million readers, HOT ROD has delivered the performance industry’s most respected tech tips, product tests and events for over 60 years. This magazine’s unique style attracts veteran rod builders and general car fans alike.

About Source Interlink Media:
Source Interlink Media, LLC is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 75 publications, 100 Web sites, 800 branded products, 50+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, marine and other niche activities. The division’s strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (May 2, 2012) – Five cars and their owners took top honors in the second of 12 Super Chevy shows of 2012, which opened April 13. The AMSOIL Best of the Best Presented by Danchuk and Classic Muscle, held at Memphis International Raceway, named winners in the Chevy Tri-Five, Chevy Camaro, Chevy Chevelle, Chevy Nova and Chevy Full-Size categories.

“The quality of the show cars is so high that picking the top vehicles in each category comes down to the most minute details. The undercarriage has to be as highly detailed as the paint, the interior has to be perfect and body panel alignment must be spot on,” said Jim Campisano, editor of Super Chevy. “You can have 10 Camaros on hand that all have six figures invested in them. It makes our job as judges that much more challenging, but that’s why we call it the ‘Best of the Best.’”

This year’s Memphis winners are:
• Chevy Tri-Five: Don Bigham, Randall, Kan., ’57 Bel Air
• Chevy Camaro: Chris Morganelli, Atoka, Tenn., ’67 Pro Touring 400 SBC
• Chevy Chevelle: Poppa Hyde, Bartlett, Tenn., ’87 Monte Carlo Aerocoupe
• Chevy Nova: Mike and Sindy Helton, Hernando, Miss., ’69 Street Machine
• Chevy Full-Size: Jim Inman, Ward, Ark., ’62 Impala chopped top

Super Chevy will host 12 shows at various racetracks across the country. Editors will nominate the five top cars in each of the five categories and the magazine readers will select their favorites in each class by voting online at http://bestofthebest.superchevy.com.

At the end of the year, the 12 winners from each category will face off to see which car fans will pick as the AMSOIL Best of the Best Presented by Danchuk and Classic Muscle grand champion in each class.

“The AMSOIL Best of the Best Presented by Danchuk and Classic Muscle debuted in 2011 and we couldn’t be more excited for the second season of competition,” continued Campisano. “The amount of interest we got last year was amazing. We had thousands of online votes and the competition provided a truly unique way for the editors of Super Chevy and its readers to interact with one another. Now, with a year under our belts, we expect this season to be even more impressive. At the first two events of the year, we saw some amazing cars and we look forward to the rest of the year.”
 
The next Super Chevy show will take place in Dallas May 11 – 12.

About Super Chevy:                                                                         
Super Chevy magazine, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, has remained the world’s #1 Chevrolet enthusiast brand for over 40 years. Attracting nearly 2 million readers, Super Chevy covers all segments, from restorations, to muscle cars and hardcore racing. The addition of Chevrolet news, project cars and tech tips make it a must-read for all Chevy fans.

About Source Interlink Media:
Source Interlink Media, LLC is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 75 publications, 100 Web sites, 800 branded products, 50+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, marine and other niche activities. The division’s strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.

El Segundo, California (April 25, 2012) – Source Interlink Media, a division of Source Interlink Companies, Inc. (Source, www.sourceinterlink.com), announced today that it has acquired a majority interest in Carazoo, a subsidiary of Logix Americas Inc. Expanding its reach globally, this acquisition will position the Source Interlink Media brands to expand into a market where the demographics support a long term growth opportunity for the automotive sector.           

Joining the ranks of Yahoo!, eBay, Wal-Mart and Edmunds.com, Carazoo (www.Carazoo.com) was recognized by Cap Gemini as one of eight global entities that will influence the future of car retailing. The company provides dealer management software, website development and marketing services to a variety of automotive and motorcycle dealerships in India. It also operates carazoo.com, the preeminent automotive portal on “all things cars” for India reaching over 500,000 unique visitors per month.  

““This acquisition is very exciting as it will provide an established platform for rapid expansion in one of the fastest growing automotive markets in the world,” noted Chris Argentieri, President, Source Interlink Media. “Increasingly, our automotive manufacturing clients are taking a global view of both their manufacturing platform development and their marketing efforts. The acquisition of Carazoo is a major step forward in executing our strategy to provide international scale and reach as a valued marketing partner to advertisers with a global presence.  We know the management at Logix to be highly innovative and entrepreneurial with a global perspective, making them the ideal partners as we seek to leverage our brands and expertise overseas.”

Sanjay Soni, Director of Logix Americas, also noted “Carazoo is uniquely positioned in the Indian automotive market as both a consumer website and a platform for dealer marketing. The resources and relationships that Source Interlink Media will bring to this partnership will enable Carazoo to increase the pace of its already rapidly growing business and we look forward to expanding into several new areas of opportunity based on the combined expertise of both our companies.”

About Source Interlink Media:
Source Interlink Media, LLC is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 75 publications, 100 Web sites, 800 branded products, 50+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, marine and other niche activities. The division’s strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.

About Source Interlink Companies:
Source Interlink Companies is the leading publisher of magazines and on-line content for enthusiast audiences, as well as a leading sales and service distributor of magazines and provider of related in-store services across North America.  Through its sales and services initiatives, the Company is able to optimize its media properties through its vertically integrated distribution assets.  Source Interlink creates content for more than 70 publications, 90 websites, events, television, and radio. Its portfolio includes many respected brands such as Motor Trend, Automobile, Hot Rod, Automotive.com, Surfer and Intellichoice.

About Logix Americas Inc:
Logix Americas Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Logix Microsystems Limited, India. Logix is a provider of automotive solutions for customers in the United States, Europe and India. Its products are used by more than 800 customers worldwide including leading car manufacturers and are sold under the brand “Izmocars”.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (April 25, 2012) – For the 20th anniversary of the Four Wheeler Top Truck Challenge, the editors decided to invite all of the past Grand Champions to test their mettle against one another to determine who is truly the “best of the best,” as they square off over five grueling days of competition at the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area in California. If assembling the past champions wasn’t enough, as an extra twist, one lucky reader was voted by readers to go head-to-head to see if they can hang with these elite drivers.

As luck would have it, this year’s invited reader is Ron George, someone who is familiar with the competition. He placed third as a competitor in 2007. Readers were asked to submit entries and were then voted on by their peers. The Osceola, Iowa, resident earned the most votes and now has his shot at retribution.

This June, the following past champions will stand in George’s way:

Alex Sanders – Salem, Ark., 2011 Co-Winner         
Jason Gray – Amity, Ore., 2010 Co-Winner              
Dave Green – Red Deer, AB, CAN, 2009 Winner              
Jeremy Naeger – Bloomsdale, Mo., 2008 Co-Winner        
Brent Burton – Colstrip, Mont., 2006 Winner   
Brad Austin – Mustang, Okla., 2004 Winner                 
Brian Waddell – Vancouver, Wash., 2001 Winner         
Heath Biggs – Fayetteville, Ark., 1998 Winner                           
Shannon Campbell – Gilbert, Ariz., 1996 Winner                      
Anthony Fox – Port Orchard, Wash., 1994 Winner        
Steve Montpas – Roseburg, Ore., 2011 Co-Winner
Mike Karwath – Union, Ky., 2010 Co-Winner
Claton Kraatz – Calgary, AB, CAN, 2008 Co-Winner
Matt Thorson – Santa Rosa, Calif., 2007 Winner
Jerry Duffy – Twin Falls, Idaho, 2005 Winner
Toby Harrell – San Angelo, Texas, 2003 Winner
Sam Patton – Tulsa, Okla., 2000 Winner
Geby Wager – Kelowna, BC, CAN, 1997 Winner
Randy Ellis – Phoenix, Ariz., 1995 Winner
James Piatt – West Sacramento, Calif., 1993 Winner

The Top Truck Challenge consists of seven stages of competition: Hill Climb, Obstacle Course, Mud Pit, Frame Twister, Mini Rubicon, Tow Test and Tank Trap. The competitor with the highest aggregate score will be crowned the Top Truck Challenge Champion.

“We’re really looking forward to the 20th Anniversary Four Wheeler Top Truck Challenge,” said John Cappa, editor-in-chief. “We know the competition will be fierce this year – 20 of the 21 guys have won this event in the past. As for Ron George, he is the one person in the history of the competition who has gotten a chance to come back and rectify his past performance. Payback is certainly in the cards. There have been 190 competitors, only 22 past winners and co-winners, and just ONE person to get another chance, so with Ron as the wild card we should definitely be in for some exciting wheeling out in Hollister. ”
 
The Four Wheeler Top Truck Challenge will take place in early June and the event is closed to the public. However, fans can get daily updates at www.fourwheeler.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fourwheelermag.

About Four Wheeler Magazine:      
Four Wheeler Magazine, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, is the country’s oldest and most respected four-wheel drive enthusiast publication, with a readership of more the 2.2 million. Published monthly since 1962, Four Wheeler editorial includes basic-to-advanced DIY tech, worldwide events and after market trends. Vehicles covered range from late-model daily drivers to advanced trail rigs.

About Source Interlink Media:
Source Interlink Media, LLC is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 75 publications, 100 Web sites, 800 branded products, 50+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, marine and other niche activities. The division’s strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.

In leading SIM’s centralized marketing team, Payne will be responsible for streamlining both internal and external marketing solutions in order to deliver more efficient and collaborative ideas to SIM’s clients. Payne will report directly to Eric Schwab, Senior Vice President of Source Interlink’s Consumer Media Group and Integrated Sales.

“As SIM continues to set the industry standard as a content creation and media solutions company, a strategic approach to marketing becomes even more critical. Ryan’s expertise fits perfectly into our organization,” said Schwab. “We are developing all of our titles into multi-media brands, each with a footprint in virtually every media channel. Ryan has a proven track record of creating industry firsts and measurable results. We are eager for Ryan to apply his expertise to our organization.”

Prior to joining Source Interlink Media, Payne most recently served as Account Director at Team One Advertising in El Segundo, Calif., where he managed the Lexus National account and was responsible for web development and collateral. Payne has nearly 15 years of experience creating and managing integrated marketing campaigns across multiple mediums and has worked with Fortune Global 500 companies including Lexus, Kawasaki and Toshiba.

About Source Interlink Media
Source Interlink Media, LLC is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 75 publications, 100 Web sites, 800 branded products, 50+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, marine and other niche activities. The division’s strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.

Bonita Springs, FL (March 5, 2012) -  Source Interlink Distribution, a division of Source Interlink Companies, Inc. (Source, www.sourceinterlink.com), announced today that it has reached an agreement to become the subcontractor in certain service areas for Hudson Mid-Atlantic, a division of Hudson News Distributors, LLC (North Bergen, N.J.) This agreement will allow each party to optimize their people, processes and infrastructure across the Mid-Atlantic region.   Not only will it create efficient synergies for both companies, but will also improve retail service levels through faster delivery and improved in-store execution which should, ultimately, improve sales for the book and magazine categories. 

In making this announcement, Michael L. Sullivan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Source Interlink Companies said, “We are excited to further our business relationship with Hudson News by entering into this subcontract agreement.  Both our companies have a common interest, to provide premium services to our retail customers that focus on driving inefficiencies out of the supply chain while creating opportunities to grow sales.”

David Algire, President of Source Interlink Distribution, added, “We are in a perfect position to provide subcontracting services to Hudson News in the Mid-Atlantic market as we are already efficiently servicing these markets.” 

Ron Clark, Chief Operating Officer of Hudson News Distributors noted, “Based on other successful subcontracting agreements that our companies have put together in the past, we are confident in each other’s abilities to provide premium service at retail.  Our management team philosophies are in synch and we are both committed to providing creative solutions to drive the cost out of the supply chain and enhance distribution efficiencies and thereby grow single copy book and magazine sales.”

Initially, Source Interlink Distribution will provide pick/pack, delivery, merchandising and returns processing for specific chains (and stores, therein) in Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, Illinois and Indiana effective with product on-sale April 10, 2012.  Detailed information will be provided to publishers, national distributors and retailers over the next couple of days.

About Source Interlink Companies:
Source Interlink Companies (www.sourceinterlink.com) is the leading publisher of magazines and on-line content for enthusiast audiences, as well as a leading sales and service distributor of magazines and provider of related in-store services across North America. Through its sales and services initiatives, the Company is able to optimize its media properties through its vertically integrated distribution assets. Source Interlink creates content for more than 70 publications, 90 websites, events, television, and radio. Its portfolio includes many respected brands such as Motor Trend, Automobile, Hot Rod, Automotive.com, Surfer and Intellichoice

About Hudson News Distributors, LLC:
Hudson News Distributors Is one of the leading magazine and book wholesalers in North America. Family owned since 1918 by the Cohen family with over 450 million dollars in retail sales and 3,000 employees, servicing over 15,000 retail outlets in the Northeast. Retailers serviced by Hudson News Distributors range from the small independent customer to the national retail chain.