Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties National Vendor Presentation Yields Large Turnout

Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties sales reps were trained in new products from the world's best aftermarket companies. Additionally, dealers in attendance were given an up-close look at new products at the Dealer Showcase and also had the opportunity to receive an autograph from Parts Unlimited's top athletes and meet legendary American V-Twin builders.

With the Wisconsin State Capitol as its backdrop, Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties dealers converged on Monona Terrace in Madison, Wis., for the annual National Vendor Presentation (NVP) this past week. Spanning over seven days, Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties sales reps were trained in new products from the world’s best aftermarket companies. Additionally, dealers in attendance were given an up-close look at new products at the Dealer Showcase and also had the opportunity to receive an autograph from Parts Unlimited’s top athletes and meet legendary American V-Twin builders.

Not only was the dealer turnout a substantial increase from last year’s NVP, but vendors also expressed an increase in enthusiasm and energy amongst the Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties dealers.

“Dealers in attendance were excited to learn about the new products offered by our vendors, giving them an edge over their competitors,” said Greg Blackwell, vice president of sales for Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties. “Vendors could sense the excitement on the show floor, and we know that energy will translate back to their dealerships.”

To cap off the Dealer Showcase, a special autograph session was hosted with some of Parts Unlimited’s most successful and well-known athletes like Ryan Villopoto, Jason Britton and Justin Soule. Also in attendance were established American V-Twin builders Tank, Don Hotop, Cory Ness, Roland Sands, Brian Klock, Paul Yaffe, Carl Brouhard and Jerry Covington.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.