HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Aug. 10, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The new Carroll Shelby Wheel Company, with headquarters in Huntington Beach, California, debuts today. Bringing together the considerable talents of two very experienced automotive professionals, Bill Madden and Ron Pushea, the Carroll Shelby Wheel Company appears to be on the performance fast track. Both principals have extensive experience in the automotive aftermarket and greet this new endeavor with enthusiasm and excitement.
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An American icon and motorsports legend, Shelby assumes the position of Board Chairman with Madden as President and CEO, and Pushea as Secretary/Treasurer. Hailed as 1959 "Sports Car Driver of the Year," Shelby sits on the top rung of the automotive legend's ladder. He is recognized the world over for his unprecedented achievements in the field of motorsports, and is probably the only person to have worked at a visible level with The Big Three automobile manufacturers. Recognition for his past accomplishments has come, in part, from being voted into a number of motorsports' Halls of Fame. This includes the prestigious "Automotive Hall of Fame," where he was the first inductee from the automotive performance industry.
"Initial projects," said Madden, "will be updated versions of the original GT500 wheels for the 2005/'06 Mustangs. These "Limited Edition Signature Series" wheels will be available through an exclusive automobile dealer network program."
Manufactured to the highest OEM standards, Carroll Shelby wheels will be available in three different finishes, in various sizes and offsets. Wheels are currently in production and are expected to debut and be available at the SEMA show to be held in Las Vegas, Nov. 1-4.
Madden's background includes upper management positions with Pirelli Tire in Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles, and Parnelli Jones Wholesale. He also spent time at American Racing Equipment, Ultra Wheel Co., AFX Wheels, and several other wholly owned companies. Madden is credited with re-introducing the 'Torque-Thrust' wheel at American Racing, and the development of the Platinum wheel line at Ultra. Both are top-selling items to this day.
Pushea joined Carroll Shelby Enterprises 40 years ago, in the Goodyear Racing tire division. Later, he became one of the first employees of the old Carroll Shelby Wheel Co., and rose through the ranks quickly to become Division Manager and Director of National Accounts. In 1990, he turned his interest and full attention to Prestige International. Today this company has become one of the most respected names in the wheel accessory aftermarket.
A preview special event for the automotive media is being planned for September, and a special rollout presentation will be made at SEMA exclusively for the FORD Dealer group.
For more Information, contact: Bill Madden -- 888/375-3716
Carroll Shelby is a registered trademark and/or intellectual property of Carroll Shelby and Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., and is used by Carroll Shelby Wheel Company Inc. under license.
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress and at NewsCom, www.newscom.com
