RAY EVERNHAM AND JEFF RYAN

Nov. 15. Motorsports icon and NASCAR Hall of Famer Ray Evernham has acquired Mooresville-based JRi Shocks for an undisclosed amount. Evernham will be involved in all areas of the business, including marketing and sales strategy, new product design and operations. JRI founder, Jeff Ryan, will continue to play a key role in the organization as both a partner and the vice president of engineering.

“Since retiring from the competition side of NASCAR, I have been itching to find an opportunity to continue using my experience in business and engineering, so when JRi was presented to me it was a natural fit,” said Evernham, who has worked with Ryan for more than 30 years.

JRi Shocks, which Ryan launched in 2007, manufactures high performance shock absorbers for drag racing, motorcycle, off-road, short track, stock car and street performance, as well as planes, boats and trains.

“What really drew me to JRi is the work Jeff and his team are doing outside of racing. From street performance to off-road, they are creating some of the most functional, highest quality shocks on the market. I am really looking forward to working with Jeff to take JRi to the next level,” Evernham said.

Evernham will focus on customer service, expanding product offerings and continuing to gain market share in the aftermarket shock industry.

“With Ray Evernham as the owner and with same shared disciplines, JRi will be able to focus on product innovation and achieve our ultimate goal of delivering the best products and services to our customers. I am looking forward to writing JRi’s next chapter while building on our current performance with a dedicated team in place that has been chosen to pilot the future trajectory of the company,” Ryan said.