Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/743349
BY DAVE MCMAHON EDITOR IN CHIEF LeMans Corp. kicked off its 2017 season in grand style once again in Madison, Wisconsin, at its annual National Vendor Presentation Product Expo. And after showcasing the largest collection of vendors ever at the Monona Ter- race Convention Center in late August, Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties dealer partners learned they are in for an even better treat in the coming year. First, there's the return to Indy. That's right, Parts and Drag dealers will converge on the industry's favorite gathering spot — Indianapo- lis — on Feb. 18-19, inside Lucas Oil Stadium. The centrally located Indy show replaces its successful two regionals held in recent years, including Atlanta and Philadelphia last year. "Everybody's pumped about going back to Indy," Jeff Derge, VP of sales for Parts Unlim- ited/Drag Specialties, told Powersports Business. "Everybody loves that city. It's a great place for a show, and that's why we're going to do one there. We're jumping in a little early at Indy, and we're going to get dealers filled up when they're ready to go." Year 1 in Indy figures to include a vendor number similar in size to the Madison NVP. LeMans Corp. will continue its traditional August NVP in Madison. "We're really happy and excited about where we're headed and how we're doing our shows. We make them better every year," Derge added. "I can't tell you how happy LeMans is with the whole team. Our event team is without question the best in the industry." And that crew will be relied on even more in 2017, as Derge and Jim Matchette, Drag Specialties national sales manager, told PSB that dealers across the country will experience a new level of care next year. "We're going to be taking the product training to the dealers next year. We're going to every part of the country so that dealers can have easy access to training on all the top brands in the industry," Derge said. A Drag Specialties tour and multiple Parts Unlimited tours will begin following the Indy NVP. "Instead of having them jumping through hoops and going to certain events, we're taking the training to the dealers this time," Matchette said. "It'll be all summer long. The Drag Spe- cialties tour will be more than 24 stops, and the Parts tour will be more than 30 stops. And we'll have a separate helmet and apparel tour that will be about 36 stops." "We want to make it as cost-effective as possible for dealers to be able to get their staff trained on product," Derge said. "And you're right, when I made the announcement in front of the vendors, I had a hard time getting out of that room. They all wanted to be on the tour." Most tour venues will be at locations (not dealerships) that can host approximately 75 attendees. "We're going to continue to push and stay the course of what we believe in — and that's all of our dealers," Derge said. "And we take care of them with the No. 1 sales team in the industry, and, as far as I'm concerned, all industries," he added. "It's also the most educated and the most dedicated rep force in the industry." PLAYING TO A PACKED HOUSE The 2016 NVP got off to a rollicking start, with vendors presenting their 2017 product lineup to Parts and Drag reps for two days. By night, reps, vendors and LeMans employees took to the stage at the Majestic Theatre in downtown Madison for the third annual NVP/Michelin Power Jam. A wide range of talent graced the stage, with budding and seasoned musicians FOCUS PSB PG&A 18 • November 7, 2016 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com Parts/Drag launches product training tours for 2017 See Parts/Drag, Page 19 (From left) Drag Specialties rep Mike Merritt, Robert Smith, owner of Hill Country Custom Cycles in Spicewood, Texas with son Tyler, and Drag rep Chad Zimmerman during a break in the action at the NVP in Wisconsin.