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		For Immediate Release


	“50 Years of American Racing Wheels” Exhibit Rolls into the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum


	Display highlights company’s influential history; runs from Oct. 20, 2006 through Jan. 28, 2007


	POMONA, Calif. (Oct. 19, 2006) – The history of American Racing Equipment (ARE), one of the most dominant wheel companies in the automotive aftermarket, will be presented in a special exhibit at Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California.


	“50 Years of American Racing Wheels” is set to run at the motorsports center at the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., from Oct. 20, 2006 through Jan. 28, 2007.


	“We’re proud of our 50-year history, and the role we’ve played in American car culture and motorsports,” said Eric Carr, vice president of Marketing and Product Development at American Racing. “Having the exhibit at the Parks Museum is a real honor.” Eric added that the exhibits will feature race cars, hot rods and other vehicles, along with company memorabilia and artifacts.

	“Everyone knows American Racing,” said Tony Thacker, Executive Director of the Museum. “With their rich 50-year history and countless innovative styles, they are, without question the most famous wheel company in the industry. American Racing’s significant story is one the Museum is very pleased to tell.”

	Innovation has been ARE’s calling card since company founder Romeo Palimides rolled out the first wheel in 1956. Much of that




		American Racing's dragster wheels were the most popular choice during the heyday of front-engine dragsters in the '60s. Wheels like this will be on display in the new exhibit. National Dragster photo.

innovation will be on display, both for racing and street applications. Legendary ARE wheel lines, such as the venerable Torq Thrust, will be featured along with some cars you will not want to miss. Since American Racing Wheels cover the gamut, from street rods to dragsters to muscle cars to imports to trucks/SUVs, several vehicles will be featured highlighting their classic wheels. Vehicles in the exhibit include:


		- Greer, Black, Prudhomme front-engine dragster - Chi Town Hustler Funny Car - 1949 "Rat Pack" Packard Fastback - 1963 Chevy Impala SportsRoof

	“50 Years of American Racing Wheels” is one of two new exhibits currently on display at the Museum. “Faster: 1960s Photographs of Pomona Drag Racing,” running through Aug. 25, 2007, features dozens of dramatic vintage drag race images shot by National Dragster photographers. Exhibit was originally developed by the California Museum of Photography, and is presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California.




	Don "The Snake" Prudhomme with his first dragster, the Greer-Black-Prudhomme car which is equipped with American Racing wheels. Parks Museum photo.


	The new exhibits are the latest in a series of special Museum attractions. Past exhibits have included California Custom Cars; The World’s Fastest Indians; 60 Years of SO-CAL Speed; Track Roadsters: The Road to Indy; A Salute to Parnelli Jones; 100 Years of Ford Racing; Edelbrock: A Performance Legacy; and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme.

About American Racing Equipment, Inc.

American Racing Equipment, Inc. (www.americanracing.com) is a global consumer products firm specializing in stylish high performance vehicle wheels and accessories for enthusiasts and racing industries. Since 1956, American Racing Equipment has been a driving force in the aftermarket wheel industry. In 2006, American Racing celebrates 50 years of market leadership, with a diverse range of wheels and brands for most of the current motor vehicle wheel market segments.

About Platinum Equity

Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com) is a global M&A&O® firm specialized in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets, including information technology, software, telecommunications, logistics, manufacturing, health care products, and entertainment distribution. Since its founding in 1995 by entrepreneur Tom Gores, Platinum Equity has acquired more than 65 businesses and built a multibillion-dollar portfolio of operating companies. In 2005, Platinum was named the 18th largest private company in the United States by Forbes magazine.

About the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum

Named for the founder of the National Hot Rod Association, the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California houses the very roots of hot rodding. Scores of famous vehicles spanning American motorsports history are on display, including winning cars representing 50 years of drag racing, dry lakes and salt-flat racers, oval track challengers and exhibits describing their colorful backgrounds.

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., PST. Current NHRA members are admitted free. Admission for non-members is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors 60 and older, $4 for juniors six through 15, and free for children under the age of five. Auto Club members receive discounts on admission and at the gift shop: show your card and save. The Museum is also available for private parties, meetings, corporate events, weddings and special group tours. The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located at Fairplex Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. in Pomona. For further information on special exhibits, museum events or directions, call 909/622-2133 or visit http://museum.nhra.com.