On December 1st, 2010 MasterCraft Safety stunned the motorsports industry with their press conference at the IMIS show in Indianapolis, Indiana announcing their acquisition of Impact. The official announcement of the asset-based purchase came as a surprise to racers and industry folks however it was extremely well received. With MasterCraft Safety's introduction of the suspension seat to the niche off-road community in 1970, the company immediately became an innovative leader and safety advocate for the off-road racing and recreational four-wheeling markets. Over the last 40 years, MasterCraft Safety has continuously evolved and has strived to expand its presence and improve driver safety through pioneering suspension seat designs, the addition of occupant restraints and driving suits, and now through the acquisition of Impact. In his book, Racing Safely, Living Dangerously, Bill Simpson recalls the first time he met, Rick Mears, prior to the two becoming close friends. Simpson’s initial impression was that Mears was “just another one of those blankety-blank off road racers.” Many years later, Simpson ironically handed over the reins of his company to another blankety-blank off-road racer: Robbie Pierce. Much as Simpson tested his own products early on (most famously lighting himself on fire while wearing a Nomex race suit), Robbie Pierce competes in a SCORE Trophy-Truck class in the SCORE International desert racing series, a sanction best known for the grueling and legendary Baja 1000. “In all honesty, the off-road racers of today do not get the credit they deserve,” explained Simpson. "A racer is a racer and that common thread is all is takes to understand the needs of all the different circuits out there. This acquisition is combining a powerful wealth of safety expertise in a broad range of motorsports.”
With a history deeply rooted in racing and a unique sense of understanding driver needs, Robbie Pierce was the ideal choice to carry forward Bill Simpson’s vision and legacy. “As a racer, Robbie understands the inherent dangers of competing and the importance of safety equipment. Drivers rely on my products every time they strap into their race vehicle and that is a reality both Robbie and I share and something neither of us take lightly,” remarked Bill Simpson. MasterCraft Safety acquired not just the inventory and product designs of Impact, but also the real estate. Impact's manufacturing facility is situated on 3.5 acres located in the heart of “Gasoline Alley” in Brownsburg, Indiana and their retail location is located inside Roush Yates Performance Parts - in the center of NASCAR country in Mooresville, North Carolina. The full-line of Impact products will continue to be proudly made in the USA, in the birthplace of the famed Indy 500, and will complement MasterCraft Safety’s manufacturing in Santee, California. As dirt meets asphalt, look for MasterCraft Safety’s style and influence to find its way into a host of new Impact products while the company's legacy will continue through the development of entirely new safety solutions catered towards the existing MasterCraft Safety audience. Throughout the evolution of this acquisition, gradual changes will be made as operations are slowly integrated. For the time being, both brands will operate separately, maintaining a focus on the loyal racers and enthusiasts who have created the identity of each individual company.
