August 7, 2008 - Daytona Beach, Florida. In the wake of the cancellation of the NOPI Nationals and the Atlanta Motor Speedway’s decision to forego any type of auto sound competition at the drag event they will be producing on NOPI’s dates, IASCA announces its plans for its competition season finale formally and formerly known as the “World Finals”.  With suggestions and input from its membership base, industry proponents and various international affiliates, the newly designated IASCA North American Championships will be held annually at the Spring Break Nationals, starting with the 2008 Championships being held at SBN in March 2009.  

“We have given this careful consideration” says Paul Papadeas, President of IASCA and SBN EXPO Group. “On many levels this makes perfect sense. SBN is a well attended car audio focused event that serves consumers and trade participants and soundoff competitors from both factions. The newly expanded Ocean Center has enough space to host a regular TKE IASCA competition that anyone can enter, the Invitational IASCA North American Championships, the Tuner Jam car show and exhibits from both car audio manufacturers and automotive aftermarket suppliers all under one roof.  Also planned for 23^rd annual SBN is an IASCA Worldwide Summit bringing industry and our international affiliations together for trainings, and to discuss the marketing phenomenon called soundoff and its effectiveness around the world.  With all activities at SBN focused into one venue, instead of being scattered about on the beachside and parking lots, we’re able to deliver a more concentrated marketing message to the end users than ever before.

Renaming the IASCA Finals to the “IASCA North American Championships” may take getting used to for some. The action will give due respect to the rest of the IASCA world and their autosound challenge efforts. Our ultimate goal one day soon will be to realize a true world class competition event.

Another prospect for the invitational will be something that has eluded soundoff competition for years; prize money for the winners. We plan to return at least 50% of all invitational entry fees back to the winners and, if sponsorship and attendance of the event is strong, this number could increase dramatically. “It’s time to focus on what pulled us out of the slump almost 20 years ago; Soundoffs were a great marketing tool then and the same holds true today. The only difference is our approach, focus and control of its growth” cites Papadeas.

Expect more information from IASCA and SBN within the next few weeks. Stay tuned to iasca.com.