WILLIAM NIAURA, manager of technology – coordination and marketing, is responsible for coordinating the inter-company logistics and launch of the Praxis line of aftermarket suspension systems. He has worked for Bridgestone Firestone for ten years, and has been involved with the Praxis program for more than three years.
Prior to this assignment, Niaura was a section manager at Bridgestone Firestone Research, where he was responsible for air-spring research efforts, as well as for developing active damping systems utilizing controllable fluids.
Niaura has cultivated a longstanding hobby in competitive sports car racing, competing in multiple stock and street-prepared autocross classes for more than 12 years. He has held SCCA national and regional competition licenses, and raced for seven years in Improved Touring A and C classes. In addition, Niaura participated in SAE's collegiate Formula-car competition for three years. He is a former president of the Akron Sports Car Club.
A native of Chicago, Niaura earned a bachelor's degree in materials science, and a master's degree in polymer science from the University of Akron.
DEAN TENER, manager of vehicle engineering and design, is responsible for the overall design and development of the Praxis Advanced Suspension system. He has been employed by Bridgestone Firestone for 16 years. In this position, Tener analyzes the ride and handling performance of an existing vehicle, establishes performance targets for Praxis air suspension systems, designs suspension components to meet these targets, and tunes the suspension to perform to high standards of performance, durability and safety.
Prior to his current assignment, Tener managed the Ride and Handling Technology Team, performing computer simulations of vehicle handling, measuring vehicle ride and handling, and analyzing cornering force properties of street and race tires.
A native of Akron, Tener is a graduate of the University of Akron, with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering specializing in vehicle dynamics.
Tener has a longstanding history in automotive racing. A graduate of the Bondurant School, Tener competed in SCCA Regional, National and Endurance events in ITA, ITB, SRF, and SSC classes in the Central and Northeast Divisions. He currently maintains his driving proficiency by serving as a volunteer instructor at Porsche Club, BMW Club and Track Time driving schools.
BRIAN VINSON, senior project engineer, vehicle dynamics, is responsible for suspension system development and design. He has been associated with Bridgestone Firestone in this position for the past 18 months.
Previous to joining Bridgestone Firestone Vehicle Systems, Vinson worked for DaimlerChrysler for 12 years, the last 9 as a vehicle dynamics engineer on Dodge Ram Trucks.
A native of Scranton, Pa., Vinson is a graduate of the University of Detroit, with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
Vinson is a motorsports enthusiast, participating in SCCA road racing for the past 10 years and as a SCCA ProRally driver for the past six years. Vinson was a National Production Class champion in 2000.
MORT ALBERT, senior engineer, suspension design, is responsible for the design and optimization of the mechanical components of the Praxis suspension system. He has been with Bridgestone Firestone, and held this position since 2002.
Before joining Bridgestone Firestone Vehicle Systems, Albert held various design positions at Theken Surgical; Ideas, Inc. and Diebold, Inc.
A native of Akron, Albert is a graduate of the University of Akron, and holds a bachelor's of science degree in mechanical engineering.
Albert served as a member of the 1996-97 SAE Mini-Baja team, which garnered three 1st place finishes. He also participated in the 1995 and 1996 Formula SAE competitions. Albert has been tuning a 1993 Mazda RX-7 TT for the past 8 years, successfully campaigning it at local autocross events, lapping days and driver schools.
TONY DUNCAN, senior project engineer, is responsible for the development and tuning of the Praxis suspension system. He has held this position since 2003 and has been with Bridgestone Firestone for 10 years.
Before his Praxis assignment, Duncan worked at Bridgestone Firestone as a tire/suspension engineer, responsible for vehicle handling and noise/vibration/harshness problem diagnostics. He also was responsible for performing and coordinating tire testing in a variety of situations, including snow, mud and wet/dry handling and traction.
A native of Cincinnati, Duncan is a graduate of Purdue University, and holds a bachelor's of science degree in mechanical engineering. Duncan served as a member of the 1993-94 SAE Formula Car team at Purdue.
Duncan has spent eight years as an owner/driver of a SCCA ITA Mazda RX-7 and is currently preparing to race a SKUSA 125cc Shifter Kart.
RYAN CMICH, design engineer, is responsible for the mechanical design of components, reverse engineering, and prototype fabrication. He has held this position since 2003.
Before his Praxis assignment, Cmich held positions in contract and applications engineering along with a co-op at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
A native of Cleveland, Cmich is a graduate of the University of Akron, and holds a bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering. He also has associates in drafting from the Medina County Career Center in Medina, Ohio.
Cmich spent five years as a member of Akron's Formula SAE Collegiate Racecar Design Team; leading the program the last two.
His competitive motorsport experience includes five years of Formula SAE competition driving, and various SCCA autocrosses. He is now preparing to race a SKUSA 125cc Shifter Kart.
Albert
1979 Mazda RX-7
1993 Mazda RX-7 TT
2000 Audi A6 Avant Quattro
2000 Audi A6 2.7T
Cmich piston count 23
1994 Acura Integra
1998 BMW M-roadster
1999 Audi A4 1.8T
1992 Mazda Mx-3
1987 Oldsmobile Toronado
Duncan piston count 35
1966 Ford Fairlane 500: restored, lowered, Hi-po 289, auto converted to 3-speed manual converted to 4-speed manual, nodular 9-inch rear end, reworked suspension, GT bucket seats and console.
1989 Ford Mustang 5.0 LX: stock.
1983 Mazda RX7 GS Race Car: Mods upon mods upon mods.
1985 Volkswagen Golf GTI: Bilstein dampers. Most fun street car I have ever owned.
1984 Chevy K10 Pickup: Virtually EVERY mechanical item on vehicle replaced because OE parts failed. 305 V8 replaced with built 400 small block. Auto transmission replaced with 4-speed manual. Only vehicle I have owned that originated in a dry climate (west Texas). Only vehicle I have ever owned that failed a speedo cable due to rust.
1979 Mazda RX7 GS: Parts car. Painted by previous owner (metallic white) with a roller and brush.
1987 Mazda RX7 Turbo: Eventually died of cracked exhaust manifold and leaky injectors.
1982 Mazda RX7 GSL: Winter beater and parts car.
1983 Mazda RX7 GSL: Parts car.
1946 Ford 2N utility tractor with loader: Ugly but runs fantastic. Don't know what I would do without it.
1983 Mazda RX7 GS: Daily driver.
1954 Dodge M37 Military Pickup (Powerwagon): Unbelievable weight and traction. Will pull anything out of anywhere. Found 1 inch of gravel, slime, metal bits, and bearing material in the oil pan. Engine rebuild quickly followed.
2003 Subaru Impreza WRX: LOTS of Praxis derived suspension mods. Vishnu Stage 0. Relocated brake pedal. Reworked driver's seat. Adjustable short shifter. Big hood scoop.
1974 Jeep CJ5: Multiple jeeps assembled into one vehicle and cleverly cobbled together by previous owner. Currently being uncobbled.
2002 CRG 125cc shifter kart: Quickest thing I have ever driven.
Tener piston count 34
2001 Audi S4 bi-turbo. 1.3 bar chip, short shifter, BBS wheels w/ Bridgestone S-03 tires.
1999 Honda Civic Si "Vader". Supercharger, Hondata ecu, header, H&R coilovers, Centerline forged wheels, roll bar, gutted interior, urethane motor mounts, performance clutch, aluminum race seat, 6-point harnesses for both driver and passenger, custom brakes, much more.
1987 Toyota MR-2. HKS turbocharger (#1 of five imported into US). Bought car new and drove it daily for 13 years.
1986 Toyota MR-2. SCCA SSC and ITA racecar.
1992 Jeep Cherokee. Towed the racecar.
1998 Dodge Ram 1500. Towed the racecar better.
1991 Buick Regal POS w/auto (because wife’s broken foot would not press clutch pedal in)
1988 Toyota MR-2. bone stock.
1987 Toyota MR-2. bone stock.
2002 Subaru WRX. Bridgestone S-03's, hand fabricated exhaust, manual boost controller.
SpecRacerFord. tube-frame racecar. SCCA national competitor.
1995 Dodge Neon. SCCA SSC national competitor.
1994 Mazda Miata.
1984 VW Rabbit GTI. SCCA ITB and daily-driver.
1983 VW Rabbit GTI. SCCA ITB endurance racer.
1984 Dodge Colt Turbo. Autocross and daily-driver.
1985 Toyota Corolla GTS
1975 Porsche 914 2.0 ASP autocross and daily-driver. Dellorto carbs, Big bore cylinders/pistons, Bilstein, Weltmeister, etc.
1973 Porsche 914 2.0 bone stock
1972 Porsche 914 1.7 cleverly lightened via acid-dip (salt)
1972 Opel Manta. Artfully re-attached front of car with pop rivets.
1978 Ford Fiesta. Daily driver and my first autocross car. XR-2 block, Weber, cut springs, custom exhaust, Momo, etc.
1974 1/2 MGB. My first car. It was slow, but at least it was unreliable. Waxed weekly (a trend I never repeated).
Niaura piston count 24
1970 Porsche 911
1987 Porsche 944
1987 Porsche 944 Turbo - RIP
1987 BMW 750il – winter beater
1991 BMW 525i
1995 BMW M3
1998 Mercedes E-320
1987 Toyota MR-2
1988 Toyota Supra
1969 Datsun 1600 Roadster
1999 Nissan NX-2000
2002 Nissan Maxima
1982 Honda Civic Wagon
1983 Honda Accord hatchback
1984 Honda Accord sedan
1988 Honda CRX Si – ITA Race Car – died at Mid Ohio
1991 Honda CRX Si – ITA Race Car – Died at Watkins Glen
1999 Honda Accord coupe – needed a turbo
1979 Ford Fiesta – ITC Race Car – First (And only) car I rolled
1982 Ford Mustang GT – owned for 5 days, bought BMW, Never looked back
1987 Merkur Scorpio – this was actually a disguised pickup truck
1988 Dodge Dakota Pickup
1986 Chevy 1-Ton Van – named pooh
Vinson piston count 44
1970 Triumph Spitfire w/ 6 cylinder GT-6 engine: First car, bought at age 14 for $250, came in baskets, learned bodywork, engine rebuilding, and electrical repair skills, parked against guardrail on New Year's Eve at 35 mph, BEFORE the party, patch of ice and swing axle to blame
1976 Triumph Spitfire: needed complete frame replacement after rolling down parent's driveway into large oak tree, first autocross experience in this car, hello SCCA
1973 Triumph GT-6 Autocross/hillclimb car: First of the race cars, great place to put engine from vehicle number 1, won autocross championship in it while running most of season with 2 plug wires swapped, found out mouse had made nest in pressure plate during storage when using car for first hillclimb, major clutch slippage, revived pressure plate with gasoline fire …
1974 Mazda RX-4: Great beater street car, stopped running one day, never to run again.
1974 Chevy Camaro: Bought for $250 to drive when Spitfire #2 needed engine rebuild, made excellent mosquito sprayer, did not have reverse gear, girlfriend was horrified of looks
1973 Volvo 145 Wagon: Used to commute to Roos Racing School job
1979 Subaru Wagon 4x4: Girlfriend's (now wife) first car, fell in love while teaching her to do reverse doughnuts in mall parking lot during snowstorm, hood became structural member when LF strut tower rusted out and broke, once called a "rolling trash can" by local constable
1979 Mazda RX-7 ITS Racecar: Got me through driver's schools and first 3 years of racing, ran on junkyard engines and recycled Spec Racer tires, took to engineering school in Detroit to help me with my studies, great fun but I’m lucky to still be alive.
1980 Mazda RX-7 streetcar: Actually one of the nicest cars I owned, destroyed driver’s door when car rolled off parent’s patio, catching open door, once carried fraternity brother from Detroit to Buffalo in the trunk.
1973 Volvo 142 ITB Racecar: Traded RX-7 for it with a "friend", too rusty to ever race, used parts on another car that I raced with a real friend
1986 Dodge Daytona Turbo Z: Fast commuter
1980 Fiat X-19: Only Italian car owned
1973 Volvo 144: Bought from Granny with 75K original miles ... SWEET!
1987 Honda CRXsi: Bought from Dad after brother used taxi instead of brakes
1984 VW Gti: One of my favorite rides
1974 Datsun 260Z: Nice body, needed restoration
1989 Peugeot 405MI16: This is the one I wish I still had, great handling, ride, steering, but French ...
1986 Nissan Stanza Wagon: The "ice cream truck", bought for $250, drove then sold for $2500 profitmobile
1986 Toyota MR2: Lowered, Tokiko's, ST swaybars, cool
1986 Audi 5000TQ: H&R springs, Koni's, TSW wheels, chip, fast but made me furious
1980 Datsun 280zx ITS racecar: Reasonably competitive, lots of mods
1988 VW Gti 16v SCCA Rallycar: The beginning of my prorally career, only car in US to win National Championship in 3 different decades, helped me win 2000 Production Class Championship
1998 Jeep Wrangler: DCX lease, the last of the "before kids" cars, towed jetski very well
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser: DCX lease vehicle, early production car drew much interest
2002 Subaru WRX Wagon: Cool car, no mods, does not fit 3 child seats in back
1992 Volvo 740 Wagon: Sitting in garage waiting for the Chevy LT1 and 6-speed installation
1990 Audi V8 Quattro: H&R springs, Bilstein's, 17x8 OZ wheels with Bridgestone S0-3, For Sale!
1993 Toyota Supra Turbo Rallycar: 350 wheel horsepower in the woods!, way fast and way fun to drive, rolled it once at Lake Superior Rally, saw 120mph at STPR rally on gravel, real lousy at snow rallies
1990 Ford Econoline Dually Van thingy: AKA "La Penguina", needed something to haul stuff and people to rallies, used to haul a competition balloon team that looked like a penguine, tacky brown interior with 70’s flair, 460 gas motor, 8mpg, rides nice with the Bilsteins
2003 Dodge SRT-4 Rallycar: Part of "Dodge factory" rally team, not as fun as Supra but much better in wet conditions, built from bare shell, real rally suspension and all appropriate mods