AACF Extends Deadline for Humanitarian Award, RANDYS Appoints New VP, Turn 14 Announces Giveaway Winners

Automotive industry news roundup includes award nominations, executive hires, and product giveaways.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 5:40am

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The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has extended the nomination deadline for its Humanitarian Award, sponsored by NEXUS North America. RANDYS Worldwide has appointed Nick DiBlasi as its new Vice President of Product Management. Parts distributor Turn 14 Distribution announced the winner of its Can-Am Maverick X3 giveaway and launched a new Ford Mustang GT SEMA build giveaway. Marketing agency Kahn Media has also launched a specialized division called The Garage Agency to serve the collision repair industry.

Why it matters

These industry updates showcase the continued innovation, growth, and community engagement happening across the automotive aftermarket. The AACF award recognizes humanitarian efforts, the RANDYS hire signals product development priorities, the Turn 14 giveaways build brand awareness, and the Kahn Media launch expands marketing services for collision repair shops.

The details

The AACF Humanitarian Award recognizes individuals, companies, associations or groups who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment to improving lives through humanitarian efforts. Nominees should exemplify compassion, selflessness and a strong sense of social responsibility. RANDYS Worldwide's new VP of Product Management, Nick DiBlasi, will lead product development across the company's growing family of brands. Turn 14 Distribution's Can-Am Maverick X3 giveaway was its first dedicated powersports vehicle project, built in partnership with Bilstein. The company has now launched a new giveaway for a customized Ford Mustang GT. Kahn Media's new The Garage Agency will provide specialized marketing services like website development and SEO for collision repair shops.

  • The AACF Humanitarian Award nomination deadline has been extended to March 17, 2026.
  • The AACF Humanitarian Award will be announced and awarded at the MEMA Vision Conference on April 15, 2026 in Dearborn, Michigan.
  • Nick DiBlasi joined RANDYS Worldwide as VP of Product Management on March 9, 2026.
  • The Turn 14 x Bilstein Can-Am Maverick X3 giveaway winner was announced in 2025.
  • The Turn 14 Distribution x Aeromotive Ford Mustang GT SEMA Build giveaway runs from March 1 to June 30, 2026.

The players

Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF)

A non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to automotive aftermarket industry members and their families in times of crisis.

NEXUS North America

The sponsor of the AACF Humanitarian Award.

Nick DiBlasi

The new Vice President of Product Management at RANDYS Worldwide.

RANDYS Worldwide

A supplier of branded drivetrain, suspension, towing and undercar products to the vehicle aftermarket.

Avid Cycles of Georgia

The winner of the Turn 14 x Bilstein Can-Am Maverick X3 giveaway.

Turn 14 Distribution

A parts distributor that announced the winner of its Can-Am Maverick X3 giveaway and launched a new Ford Mustang GT SEMA build giveaway.

Kahn Media

A full-service marketing agency that has launched The Garage Agency, a specialized division serving the collision repair industry.

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What they’re saying

“The opportunity to accelerate product development to expand our relationships with our customers is real, and Nick is exactly the kind of leader who will answer that call.”

— Kevin Kaestner, President and CEO of RANDYS Worldwide

What’s next

The judge in the AACF Humanitarian Award case will decide on the winner at the MEMA Vision Conference on April 15, 2026.

The takeaway

These industry updates demonstrate the continued innovation, growth, and community engagement happening across the automotive aftermarket, from recognizing humanitarian efforts and expanding product development to building brand awareness through giveaways and launching specialized marketing services.