PIAA Blog

The PIAA Advantage

2016-07-21T11:16:00-05:00

What makes PIAA different from the competition?

Well, the devil is in the details as they say. We work very hard and spend tremendous amounts of time and money to test and fine tune our products to make sure they will perform as expected for every driver and rider, every time. This dedication to achieve great lighting performance is what separates us from our competitors who might not have the time, resources, knowledge or will to go that extra mile.

Not many people know that it takes a tremendous amount of development to achieve SAE and ECE (E Code) compliance. Our dedication to compliance ensures that drivers who choose PIAA are getting a product that not only performs, but is safe to use on the road.

Why are PIAA lights so expensive?

We admit, PIAA lights aren't the cheapest lights on the market. We strive to use only the finest quality of components available to ensure top performance and consistency. All our products are assembled by hand by qualified staff. Therefore, most of the cost of our products is dictated by materials and the rest is made up of the sophisticated R&D work, extensive testing and other general expenses that all businesses must face.

Also, we make sure that you have everything you need to safely install the components on your vehicle, and this includes a pre-assembled wiring harness with relay, fuse, and switch.

Kyle Tasker Motorsports Joins the PIAA Team.

2015-04-06T17:44:00-05:00

No matter what the conditions are this race season, Kyle Tasker Motorsports will always be able to see the finish line thanks to PIAA USA Performance LED Bulbs and wipers. Kyle Tasker Motorsports is excited to announce that they will partner with PIAA USA for the 2015 season!

With the PIAA brand being so well recognized in motorsports, Kyle Tasker Motorsports is excited to bring the brand exposure to the asphalt. Kyle Tasker Motorsports will showcase the impressive quality of the PIAA brand products at three of Canada's largest motorsports events. The Victoria Day Speedfest weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, the Honda Indy on the streets of down town Toronto, ON. and at the GP3R in Trois Rivieres, Quebec.

"I am thrilled be working with such a well known brand within the automotive and motorsports industry. I believe that Kyle Tasker Motorsports can offer PIAA valuable exposure at some of Canada's largest motorsports events. Partnering with and using their products, PIAA USA will give us the visiual advantage on track." Commented Kyle Tasker.

Since 1963, PIAA has commited to manufacturing world-class driving lights that their customers could use with pride and confidence. Research and Development is at the heart of what PIAA does, and we take it very seriously. PIAA’s R&D technicians continually raise the bar on visibility products. With a race proven standard of quality and durability back by an industry leading warranty PIAA manufactures lamps and bulbs for virtually every vehicular application.

Kyle Tasker Motorsports will debut in the Canadian Touring Car Championship, May 15th-17th at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park for the Victoria Day Speedfest Weekend. For more information on the PIAA line of products visit www.piaa.com For more information on Kyle Tasker Motorspots visit www.facebook.com/kyletaskermotorsports

2015 Subaru WRX STI Wins in Debut at the Sno*Drift Rally with Driver David Higgins

2015-02-02T18:22:00-06:00

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Feb. 2, 2015 / -- The 2015 WRX STI made a perfect Rally America National Championship debut at the Sno*Drift Rally, with Subaru Rally Team USA driver David Higgins winning all 17 stages on his way to a dominating victory. The defending Rally America Champion Higgins, with co-driver Craig Drew, overcame the Sno*Drift Rally's treacherous snow and ice covered roads with aplomb, running trouble free and full of confidence by the performance characteristics of the new 2015 WRX STI rally car prepared by Subaru technical partner Vermont SportsCar.

Subaru vehicles not only swept the podium but also locked out the top five overall positions at the Sno*Drift Rally, a testament to the road gripping performance of Subaru Symmetrical All Wheel Drive® on the most demanding of road conditions.

"It's really impressive to run a full race with a brand new car and not have any problems or setup changes whatsoever. It's a testament to Vermont SportsCar's attention to detail and preparation" explained David Higgins. "The engineering and improvements that have gone into the new chassis are as evident on a rally stage as they are on the street. I think it's a brilliant car and I can't wait for the rest of the season!"

The Sno*Drift Rally was held on over 120 miles of snow and ice-covered roads in northern Michigan. Constantly changing weather and road conditions make this rally one of the most challenging in the series. Rally America rules also prohibit the use of spiked or studded ice tires at Sno*Drift, placing a premium on road traction and making grip levels treacherously variable.

"The Sno*Drift Rally is always such a challenge to even finish and stay on the road. It's one of those events that the biggest challenge is not the other drivers but the stages themselves. The conditions are always changing and the grip levels without spiked tires are so low and always different from one corner to the next," explains David Higgins.

Subaru Rally Team USA heads next to the high-speed gravel roads of The Rally in the 100 Acre Wood, held near Salem, Missouri on February 27-28.

Subaru Rally Team USA is managed by Subaru technical partner Vermont SportsCar. For more information please visit www.vtcar.com

Pastrana Flies Into 2nd Place In First Rally Back

2014-02-28T10:23:00-06:00

#199 Team of Pastrana and Beavis
The #199 Subaru WRX STI with Travis Pastrana and Co-Driver Chrissie Beavis drove a near flawless race to put themselves on the podium for Pastrana's first race back in almost four years. The #199 car battled through injury and a packed field to climb the podium once again. Travis Pastrana recently broke his leg and dislocated his ankle during his Nitro Circus live tour. With a pretty sturdy brace and some much needed ice, Pastrana was able to hit fast marks stage after stage. Eventually propelling him into a 2nd place overall finish behind Ken Block.

#75 Team of Higgins and Drew
David Higgins and Craig Drew had a mechanical failure that kept them off the podium for their first time in 22 consecutive races. A major feat for any professional racer, and a testament to the team. Higgins was in 2nd place overall when the failure stopped them on stage 9.

#425 Team of Yeoman and Schulze
The FY Racing team piloted by Yeoman and Schulze battled hard fought race to round out the podium in a solid 3rd place. With the new "rabbit" starting position, Adam Yeoman was able to stay out front in the clean air and bring the car in cleanly for a podium finish. The 2014 Rally America Series continues with the Oregon Trail Rally at the end of April. Hope to see you there!

Travis Pastrana Back With Subaru Rally

2014-01-22T12:58:00-06:00

It looks to be another exciting year for Subaru Rally Team USA, as well as their sponsor, PIAA. You’ll remember that Subaru Rally Team USA won their 3rd straight Rally National Championship last year. They did so at the Lake Superior Performance Rally (LSPR) event, going up against rival team led by Ken Block. Subaru has announced that defending five-time Rally America Champion David Higgins will have a new teammate for the 2014 Rally America Championship, former Subaru Rally Team USA driver Travis Pastrana. Both Pastrana and Higgins will be piloting their own cars during the season, which should thrill both fans and foes to no end. The pairing is perfect, as both drivers have given the team success over the years.

From NASCAR to Rally Racing

Pastrana got his start racing for Subaru Rally Team USA in 2004 and brought home 4 Rally America titles between 2006 and 2010. For the past two years Pastrana has been racing with NASCAR but now he’s heading back to where he got his start – rally racing.

“I’m so happy to be back with the team I’ve been most successful with in the past,” he recently said to reporters. “Rally racing is where my heart is and it’s a privilege to do it in a Subaru. The 2014 Rally America Racing Season

We’ll get our first test of how this team works together when both men compete in the 2014 Rally America season kicking off on January 24 and 25 in Atlanta, Michigan. The pair will drive WRX STI cars which have Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, built and maintained by Vermont Sports Car. The cars were unveiled just days ago at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. From there the teams will head to Salem, Missouri, over February 21 and 22 for the 100 Acre Wood race where we’ll get our first glimpse of how Pastrana and Higgins works together. If the excitement, thrills and spills of last season are any indication, rally racing fans everywhere should be in for one mesmerizing season!

PIAA Sponsorship of Vermont Sportscar with Travis Pastrana and David Higgins

At PIAA Corporation we’re proud to be sponsoring both Travis Pastrana and David Higgins as they gear up for another championship run in 2014. One thing that made it possible for Subaru Rally Team USA to do so well in their night races last season were the PIAA lights they had. Which made it possible for Higgins to pull away from the competition on the night stages. But if you’re not convinced, check out the footage of the Susquehanna Trail Rally and see then in action for yourself.

PIAA products aren't confined to the race course, either. Our lenses are computer designed to withstand the rough and tumble road conditions that you’ll find on the Rally America National Championship circuit, but also regular streets as well. They’re designed with you in mind as well, the average driver. With PIAA lights on your car you won’t have to worry about rock chips or a headlight going out on you in traffic. Check out the complete line of PIAA light kits, bulbs, wiper blades, and more.

For more information contact:
Justin MacLauchlan
Brand Manager
justinm@piaa-usa.com

A Stellar Racing Season For Subaru Rally Team USA

2013-11-12T13:19:00-06:00

The season was another to remember for Subaru Rally Team USA and one of their leading sponsors, PIAA. Much of the earlier action leading up to the win at LSPR took place at the Susquehanna Trail Rally.

The action rally took place in Germania, Pennsylvania, at the Susquehanna Trail Rally. Higgins and Drew lead the Subaru Rally Team USA and they were set on a victory. Already the team had two consecutive Rally America National Championships, and they looked poised to take a third as well.

Things got off to a rocky start on the first day when mechanical problems sidelined the team. Since the car wasn’t able to be repaired, and due to the time penalty, the team dropped from 2nd place all the way down to 21st, a devastating blow and not the way the team wanted to start the race.

Higgins and Drew started the next day with a mission: to reclaim as much lost ground from the day before as possible. It would prove to be an uphill battle, but one the men didn’t shy away from. Because the rest of the teams were racing at the top of the course and Subaru Rally Team USA was just fighting to get up the hill, it meant they had the course to themselves. If they were going to get back on top, now would be the time to do it.

They put the pedal to the metal and set out to get it done. Things got dicey at one point when they drove off the track, but luckily they were able to get back on the road quickly. Just a few feet extra in both directions and their day would have been over.

Their efforts were successful. They managed to reclaim 13 spots during the day, getting to the 8th spot overall. It was a testament to the men’s skills and determination that they were able to overcome such a devastating setback so quickly.

By the time the team started on Stage 12 they had their eyes on taking the 5th spot, something that seemed within their reach. The men know what they have to do and did it. The next stages went by quickly and Higgins and Drew win 5 of the 8.

By the time the second day is finishing up news arrives of how the team has performed. No one denies that they had an uphill battle, going from the No. 3 spot all the way to No. 21. Most in the crowd thought it impossible for the team to rally.

But that’s exactly what Subaru Rally Team USA did. Through sheer will, grit, and determination the men managed to claw their way back onto the podium, finishing the day out in the No. 3 spot. It was an incredible feat of racing!

X-Games in Munich

The next race took place in Munich, Germany, for the X-Games. What made the race so difficult was that it was back-to-back with a canceled Barcelona race, meaning there’d be a double-header. That’s tough both on the cars and the drivers, and ensures that the prize is anyone’s to take.

The race was going well, and looked in the bag, until just 3 turns from the finish. Subaru Rally Team USA’s car got spun around when hit from behind. The team would have taken 4th place, but instead they didn’t finish. The only consolation was that the offending car was disqualified, although that didn’t make too many people feel better at the time.

It was a minor setback, and one that didn’t dampen the amazing finish the team had in the national championship.

PIAA Sponsorship

At PIAA Corporation we’re proud to be sponsoring these great Subaru racing teams. We manufacture only the best racing lights and racing professionals all agree they’re top of the line. Footage of the Susquehanna Trail Rally that the team took part in will show how important those headlights were.

The team didn’t get up to Stage 12 of the race until well after dark. While it’s true that much of that part of the course had large flood lights, any driver can tell you those alone aren’t enough. The PIAA headlight bulbs and high performance lights that the team had enabled them to drive flat out in the darkness with safety and confidence.

PIAA's lighting products aren’t confined to the race course, either. Our lenses are computer designed to withstand the rough and tumble road conditions that you’ll find on the Rally America National Championship circuit. But they’re also designed to get you to and from your destination safely and effectively. After all, if one of the leading race teams in America uses them during grueling racing conditions, shouldn’t you be as well?

Check out the complete line of PIAA light kits, bulbs, silicone wiper blades, and more. There’s no better way for your car to race into tomorrow!

PIAA Lights the Way for a Third Consecutive Rally Championship

2013-10-30T11:47:00-05:00

Subaru Rally Team USA and PIAA Lights is a Championship Formula The final round of the Rally America circuit did not disappoint.

Lake Superior Performance Rally (LSPR) finished in dramatic fashion with Subaru Rally Team USA's David Higgins and co-driver Craig Drew crowned champions. This marks Subaru Rally Team USA’s 3rd straight Rally National Championship. It caps off a stellar year for the team, and one that’s likely to continue well into 2014.

It looked to be a neck-and-neck duel between Higgins and rival competitor Ken Block, the same two racers that have been battling all season. Block had to beat Higgins to take the season, and all the pressure was on him. The two teams drove all out as a result, and with disastrous consequences.

What was a really critical about the race were the night stages, and this is where Higgins made his move. By the time the last rays of daylight were fading away, Block was up by 8.6 seconds over Higgins. To take the day Higgins would have to hit the track all out, something that wasn’t easy, but became more so because of the powerful racing lights from PIAA.

The track was both slick and foggy, but with the PIAA lights on the car Higgins had the confidence outmaneuver Block in the pitch dark. And it’s not like that’s something that happened right away, either. The two battled it out over 2 night stages, but in the end Subaru Rally Team USA pulled off the win, thanks in no small part to their PIAA racing lights.

The PIAA lights were a big reason for their 13.6 second lead going into the next day, and something that ensured Block would have to take risks. It cost him, halfway through the rally Block rolled his car while pushing a little too hard trying to make up ground. Effectively taking him out of the race and ensuring Subaru Rally Team USA’s win, as the trophy on Subaru Rally Team USA’s mantle proves it.

PIAA Sponsorship

At PIAA Corporation we’re proud to be sponsoring these great Subaru racing teams. We manufacture only the best racing lights and racing professionals all agree they’re top of the line.

PIAA lights aren’t confined to the race course, either. Our lenses are computer designed to withstand the rough and tumble road conditions that you’ll find on the Rally America National Championship circuit. But they’re also designed to get you to and from your destination safely and effectively. After all, if one of the leading race teams in America uses them during grueling racing conditions, shouldn’t you be as well?

Check out the complete line of PIAA headlights, light kits, bulbs, wiper blades, and more. There’s no better way for your car to race into tomorrow!

Subaru Rally Team Wins 3rd Straight Overall Victory at the Oregon Trail Rally

2013-05-06T17:49:00-05:00

The PIAA sponsored Subaru Rally Team takes another overall win at the 2013 Oregon Trail Rally over this past weekend. With this win the cars pilot Dave Higgins and co-pilot Craig Drew have extender their lead in the season points standings and look well on their way to another Rally America Championship. Higgins has now won the Oregon Trail rally all five times he has entered included the last three year hatrick, all while PIAA lights were leading the way. On the first night with the PIAA hood pod and HID lights blazing through the night the; Higgins and Drew shot out to a commanding lead which created the ability to drive safety for the rest of the race to maintain the overall number one spot.

The 2013 Oregon Trail Rally had over 70 entries, which tops the most for a USA rally event this season. The OTR begins beautiful downtown Portland Oregon with a meet and greet in Pioneer Courthouse square. Then heads to Portland International Speedway for the First stages of the race. An early wake up call for the drivers as they head out to Hood River and Dufur Oregon where the rally concluded on Sunday with 5 stages the compiled more than 50 miles through the scenic Gorge region.

The PIAA Sponsored Subaru Team will now head to the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally (STPR) on May 31st in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.

At the third round of the GNCC series Team UXC racings Michael Swift challenged his competition with a revised machine.

2013-04-12T16:15:00-05:00

Team UXC Racing Steele Creek GNCC Shelbyville Tennesse. At the third round of the GNCC series Team UXC racings Michael Swift challenged his competition with a revised machine. “We had a difficult start to the 2013 season but at round three we shook the mechanical gremlin and took our Team UXC racing Can-Am Renegade Xxc to the top” says Swift. The Podium was stuffed with Can-Am machines but for the U2 Class the number 207 would take home the number one spot. “I think I was third on the first lap and got hung up behind a few other riders but put my head down to get to that number one spot. I then noticed I couldn’t see my fuel gauge and though I might be low on fuel. So i stopped on the third lap for a splash and a fresh pair of goggles” explained Swift.

This is where Swift would be passed by his closest competition. “After a tough battle I was able to regain the number one position near the finish line” says Swift. Being on the podium again was a great feeling for the Team UXC racing rider and with many thanks to his very valuable sponsors Swift took the time to give a shout out to his friend Josh Fredrick who was recently hospitalized due to a racing injury. “I just want to dedicate this race to my friend Josh Fredrick and our thoughts are with him as well as his family that are going through this with him” said Swift. Not only did the 207 Team UXC racing machine take first in its class but it also scored an impressive fourth place overall for the day.

Don Higbee also had a great day of racing and seems to be finally getting into the groove aboard his Can-Am Renegade 800. Higbee finished the day in fourth place in the 4X4 senior class and feels he is getting a grip on the pace and things he needs for his mental as well as physical toughness. “Our Can-Am Renegade performed very well today and I have nothing but great things to say about the entire package. The Custom Axis suspension works so good and our Maxxis Viper tires really help put the power of our machine to the ground.” explained Higbee. The Team UXC racings number 640 ran in the fifth place most all day after a great start and was able to take one more spot before the finish line. “I just have to keep in mind that I need plenty of hydration for these races and my physical performance is getting better because of it” said Higbee. Don is from Casper Wyoming and is the only rider that far west to commit to the entire GNCC series for 2013 and is currently also leading the points standings!

Just a few spots behind Don, Carl Vella and his number 319 Team UXC racing Can-Am Renegade 800 made his way into the checkers with an 8^th place finish. Vella continually gained ground on his competition from a first lap of 10^th to eight on the third where he would finish the day at Steele Creek. Carl’s Can-Am Renegade ran strong all day. “ The terrain at Steele creek was really challenging with the more mountainous course. I felt comfortable on the Team UXC racing Can-Am Renegade 800 Swift had prepared for me though and overall had a great day.” explained Vella. Having ridden a bone stock Can-Am Outlander in Ga and jumping on to a professionally prepped Renegade by Michael Swift here at Steele Creek Vella feels his results will be getting better for it as the season progresses.

Team UXC Racing moves into a short break with the next round of GNCC racing being the Big Buck at the Union South Carolina track known for its big creek jump and the chance for thick dusty conditions.

Team UXC Racing would like to thank their sponsors for the 2013 season:

CAN-AM BRP – MAXXIS – ROX Speed FX - CAN-AMTALK.COM - CUSTOM AXIS Shocks - SSI Decals – EVANS Coolant

FLY – HIPER - RICOHETTE - LEATT – DP Brakes – FASST - CARBO ROCKET – HMF - MOTO CONCEPTS - KAL-GARD – SPIDER Grips – OUTERWEARS – DIRTWORKS - THERMO TEC - FOURWORX CARBON - SANTOR DESIGN – SCOTT - MOTO PRO - TWIN AIR – PIAA - HI-TEC - AMERICAS MOTORSPORTS - DRIVEN POWERSPORTS - TIRE BLOCKS – R+B COMPONENTS - MIKE PENLAND RACING - WALSH

PIAA Sponsored GNCC Team UXC Finshes 2nd at River Ranch

2013-03-14T11:54:00-05:00

Team UXC Racing
GNCC Rd One: Moose Racing River Ranch

Rolling into the track in River Ranch Florida Team UXC racing had many things to celebrate and with a new season firing off in the sandy soil of central Florida it was time to make history. This year’s track would include many things similar to years past but according to many the dust had to be the biggest obstacle.

Team owner and racer Michael Swift spoke candidly about the team’s time in Florida right up to race day as well as his thoughts on his performance at the first GNCC of 2013. “We had a great week prior to the race, training and figuring out settings on our race rigs. Although we did fine tune the machines, for the most part we had our Renegade ready for battle. We spent all day Thursday with Custom Axis tuning the shocks and we are really happy with the results of that testing”. Swift is racing the U2 class this year and starting off on the third row in the morning race Swift was able to get into the second place spot right off the start. “The dust was absolutely horrible and it wasn’t until we ran into the trees and the darker soil and the dust thinned out that we could see what was in front of us” noted Swift.

Swift recorded the second fastest lap time of the morning for his effort on the first lap but in an instant his race had ended. “Out of nowhere we lost a belt” says Swift. “Preparation is the key and there are many individual things that go into Team UXC’s race program but sometimes it just doesn’t go like you want it too. Our Custom Axis shocks were working so good and the Rotax power in our Renegade was unstoppable but it wasn’t meant to be so we have to dig our heels in an push forward”. Encouraged by the great results of his limited time on the 2013 Can-Am Renegade XXC Swift says he is ready for the next round in Washington Ga.

Team UXC racings #640 Don Higbee however had a little better day as he finished second in the 4X4 senior class. Higbee who is used to wide open desert racing says he really enjoyed the terrain and just like his teammate he just wanted a little less dust.

“I just want to thank Michael Swift and all of our great sponsors because the G2 Can-Am Outlander was running flawless. Swift sets up my quad and I just couldn’t believe just how well it worked”. Higbee was able to grab second place off the start of the race and maintain it until the third lap when a few bottlenecks kept him slowed. “I rolled back to third for just a bit but after getting a great line I made my way back into second and turned on the gas until the end”. Don plans on racing all thirteen rounds of the years GNCC series and has his sights on a successful year.

Team UXC would like to thank each and every one of the sponsors who have put for the extra effort to make their program fast in 2013. “We are so happy and excited with our 2013 Can-Am Renegade XXC and this G2 chassis as well as our new shock program from Custom Axis” explained Swift.

The next round of the GNCC race series tips off in one week in Washington Ga at Aonia pass. GNCC’s The General is known for moderate dust with no rain and moderate to severe mud and slick clay combined with many pine trees if it rains. Team UXC racing is ready no matter what the conditions!

Team UXC Racing would like to thank their sponsors for the 2013 season:

CAN-AM BRP – MAXXIS – ROX Speed FX - CAN-AMTALK.COM - CUSTOM AXIS Shocks - SSI Decals – EVANS Coolant
FLY – HIPER - RICOHETTE - LEATT – DP Brakes – FASST - CARBO ROCKET – HMF - MOTO CONCEPTS - KAL-GARD – SPIDER Grips – OUTERWEARS – DIRTWORKS - THERMO TEC - FOURWORX CARBON - SANTOR DESIGN – SCOTT - MOTO PRO - TWIN AIR – PIAA - HI-TEC - AMERICAS MOTORSPORTS - DRIVEN POWERSPORTS - TIRE BLOCKS – R+B COMPONENTS - MIKE PENLAND RACING - WALSH

Subaru Rally Team Wins 100 Acre Wood Rally

2013-02-27T10:10:00-06:00

PIAA Sponsored Subaru Rally Team USA driver David Higgins battled through slowing obstacles to take the overall win by nearly nine minutes. The 100 Acre Wood rally in the Ozark Hills of Missouri has been called the fastest stop in the North American Circuit. This years winter storm blew in and covered the region in a thick layer of snow and ice making the conditions less than desirable. Along with the Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive platform and the PIAA HID lights, Higgins and no problem pulling away from the competition in the night stages. Along with the win Higgins also catapulted into the #1 overall points standing.