World of Wheels Showcases America's Favorite Pasttime

This past weekend Motorhead Madness returned to Duluth in the form of the World of Wheels Car Show at the Duluth Entertainiment and Convention Center. The World of Wheels is just as the name suggests... it's all about cars.

The Baby Boomer generation had the privilege of growing up in an era where cars were plentiful and affordable. Nearly all of us had our first car by the time we were old enough to get a license. So a car show like this isn't just about cars, it's about memories. And it's about nostalgia.

Car shows provide an opportunity for car collectors and owners to showcase their passions. This weekend's event was no exception as more than 150 vehicles were on display in the three main halls of the DECC. Attention to detail is clearly the hallmark of a real car buff, whether its a Studebaker, Mustang, Camaros, Corvette, '32 Duece or a rat rod.

Like most classic car shows there was the usual swap meet where people with parts can help supply car builders with original equipment add-ons, etc. There were radio-control racers in the far end of Pioneer Hall gearing up for some serious competition on a complicated road rally style track. And there were a couple Fifties pin-up girls who seemed willing to have their pictures taken draped over the hood of your favorite car. Plus a few race cars from the local dirt tracks in town.

In short, there was something for everyone. Tip of the hat goes to Peerless Autobody of Duluth for sponsoring this annual event.

Looking for the right motor oil to take care of your vintage car? Be sure to check AMSOIL Z-Rod, a specialized oil that not only protects parts when you're on the road, but protects your engine from rust and degradation while it's in storage.

TORC Off Road Season to Kick Off April 5-6 at Primm

If you've never seen short-course off road racing, you're missing something. The Off Road Championship Series (TORC) has to be one of the most fasten-your-seatbelts and hold on excitement you'll find anywhere. In harmony with the coming of spring, and baseball, the first weekend of TORC racing action is fast approaching, April 5 & 6. Here's a link to more information about our relationship to TORC and another to a YouTube video that gives you an up close and personal perspective. The latter is a bit long and if you can't watch it all, be sure you take in the first three minutes to capture the flavor.

Motorcycles: Let's Do Some Numbers

The March 2014 edition of Lubes N Greases magazine had a column by Steve Swedberg on the motorcycle market called, Two-wheelers Love Oil Too!  He begins with a little history and the numbers are revealing.

One hundred years ago, when World War I broke out, Indian was the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the U.S., producing 20,000 bikes a year. The war resulted in an increase in production with the young Harley-Davidson selling half of its products to the army.

But it's the current numbers that are especially fascinating. In a single recent year China built 27 million motorcycles and India another 15.4 million. That amounts to more than 116,000 motorcycles a day between the two countries. By way of contract, the U.S. built 500,000 units, or 1369 a day.

The author primarily uses the numbers to set up the real purpose of his article, to discuss the lubrication requirements of motorcycles and, more specifically, the differences between motorcycle oil and oil for cars. 

One of the new kids on the block as far as U.S. manufacturers are concerned is Erik Buell Racing (EBR) of East Troy, Wisconsin. For the past 30 years, one thing has remained constant in Erik Buell's life: his drive to create motorcycles on his own terms. The end result was the astonishing new EBR 1190RX that Buell and his new company unveiled in October at the American International Motorcycle Exposition (AIM Expo) in Orlando, Fla.

The new superbike is the culmination of decades of dedication, innovation and teamwork. Said Buell,  “We have been working to create a pure rider’s machine and a true world brand. From the heartland and the heart of America, these are extraordinary motorcycles that discerning riders everywhere will be passionate to own.”

Because this was his first production engine design he felt it important to make a statement about innovation. “There is a package of technology in the powertrain aimed at making it a very ‘green’ superbike,” said Buell. “The results are a high-horsepower engine that also has a wide and flat powerband, with huge torque, yet very smooth and easy to ride at part throttle, gets 51 mpg on the EPA drive cycle, makes only 25 percent of permitted HC+NOx exhaust emissions and, incredibly, only 6 percent of CO emissions. These are spectacular numbers.”

Earlier this year the new EBR 1190RX was featured on the cover of Sport Rider magazine. It's also the top prize in the AMSOIL Building Legends Sweepstakes. By year's end someone will be the proud owner of the remarkable piece of two-wheel technology. Here's the link to our entry form.

Stay current with news about Erik Buell Racing here at amsoilracing.com.

Attention to Detail Exemplified in John Wargo's Copper Topless Corvette

John Wargo has an eye for style, as demonstrated by his latest project to hit the car show scene. This Copper Topless Corvette turned heads most recently at the Detroit Autorama show that brings out the most awe-inspiring rides to Motor City. Wargo only seeks out the best in performance parts for his projects, which is why he sought out AMSOIL for his lubrication needs. After sponsoring a few of his distinctive projects with product for SEMA the past few years, AMSOIL knows what Wargo is capable of when he’s behind the reins of a show-stopping project build. This Corvette is a solid testament to his talent.

Up next for the Copper Topless Corvette is a prime spot at the Hot Rod & Restoration Show in Indianapolis March 26-28.

Yes'm. It's a beautiful thing.

It's Bike Week in Daytona

This week a number of us are in Daytona for Bike Week. AMSOIL has been presenting sponsor of the rally since 2011 when it celebrated its 70th year. This year's event runs through to this coming weekend, and if you're there or planning to be there, you will connect with us at any of these corporate locations throughout the 10-day event:
- Beach Street Welcome Center (AMSOIL information only)
- Riverfront Park on Beach Street (AMSOIL product only; Passport stamp location)
- Destination Daytona (AMSOIL product only)
- Daytona International Speedway (AMSOIL product and oil change location)

Spring Daytona Bike Week is the larger of two major rallies at Daytona, coinciding as it does with spring break for many schools. Like Disneyworld in Orlando, it is a mecca requiring at least one visit in a lifetime, though it's an annual ritual for many. Biketoberfest, the smaller of the two Daytona motorcycle events, is scheduled for Oct. 16-19 this year.

It's a rally that sees a full gamut of different bikes -- Harleys, Yamahas, Hondas, Buells, Victorys. Whatever you ride, AMSOIL has the lubricants needed to help it operate at peak performance.

Oh, yes... and while we're on the topic of motorcycles, let's not forget that AMSOIL is giving away a new EBR 1190RX this year. Be sure to enter our Building Legends Sweepstakes!

Americans Love The Outdoors

Pete Maina, co-host of The Next Bite television show.

Rugged individualism and a strong work ethic were two values that are often identified with the American way. From the earliest settlers onward the sense of destiny wasn't a given. People believed you had to work for it, and through many generations the nation increased in wealth and stature.

But there's another strong value that runs side by side with those early fundamentals. We're a nation who loves the outdoors. Whether it's hiking, camping, skiing or snowmobiling, we're enthusiastic about getting out in the open air, both actively and leisurely. As the song goes, "Give me land, lots of land, and sunny skies above... don't fence me in."

According to a 2011 study by the Outdoor Foundation 50 million Americans participate in running, jogging or trail running. More than 45 million Americans are fishing enthusiasts. 42 million enjoy biking of one kind or another and a similar number enjoy camping.

The 39-page Outdoor Recreation Participation Report 2011 went into great detail regarding the demographics of outdoor activity. It explored outdoor activities by age, as well as by race, geography and family type. It also outlined the economic impact of all this activity.

Based on the numbers a good portion of you who are reading this are into fishing, whether freshwater, saltwater of fly fishing. It might useful to know that AMSOIL has a good selection of marine products to help maintain your fishing craft, whether a trailer boat, pontoon or serious off-shore adventure boat. Whether you're fishing for blue gills, walleye or tuna, we have products that will make sure you get back safely to harbor so your concern will only be with how to fix your catch afterwards, and not with regard to whether you'll get home before dusk.

Meantime, get out and enjoy the sun.

A Force to Be Reckoned With: AMSOIL-Lubed Chrysler 300c Lands AFX Magazine Feature

Juan Rosales poured years of hard work into making his 2005 Chrysler 300c one of the best on the scene, and his perseverance has paid off. As he was preparing for the 2012 SEMA show his search for the best products to achieve his vision led him to AMSOIL. A ride that looks this good has to perform even better, so we got on board and sent him some product to make that happen. AMSOIL is under the hood and gives this feature vehicle the performance edge it’s capable of.

After again attending the SEMA show in 2013, Rosales continues to land media coverage and add to his award collection. Most recently he landed a feature article in the digital publication AFX Magazine, which details the extensive mods and illustrates the uniqueness of his build. Rosales’ quest to keep his ride one step ahead of the competition keeps him constantly in the hunt for the best in performance modifications. He’s indeed a force to be reckoned with as he endlessly perfects his ride that is unofficially, yet fittingly, known as ‘Unfinished Business.’

You can check out the full story here. Lots of great shots. Thanks for the shout out, Juan.

Time to Decide Who Goes to Top Truck Challenge 2014

The Four Wheeler Top Truck Challenge has to be one of the toughest challenges a truck can experience, and the most fun a driver can have this side of Paradise. The editorial staff of Four Wheeler magazine loves it, too. It's a jaw-dropper watching what some of these drivers will do to capture that crown.

The magazine makes it a point of letting their readers decide who goes and who stays home. It's a finite field, and a lot of folks across the continent are eager to be selected.

Sometimes the only way out is with a winch.

Here's a link to the potential candidates, though you can also run to the store and pick up a copy of the April 2014 edition at most mag stands. You'll find every kind of carriage here, from a '63 International Harvester Scout to a '96 Dodge Ram 1500. There's even a 2012 VW Bug in the mix. Be sure to check out Brad Daffin's rumpled '78 Ford F-150. He put it through the paces as an alternate last year and wants his turn to take a shot.

They hail from all over. Quite a few Canadians in the hunt again, and even though the majority are from the Western half of the country (it is a California event) there's still an Alabama team and a Floridian seeking your votes. There's even a Hilo, Hawaii contender.

This is one challenge in which if you don't like to get dirty, you'd best just stay home.

Free Oil Change Reminder Service

Historically, when motorists get their oil changed the lube shop places a sticker on the windshield with information regarding when to come back to have it changed again. If you change your own oil, it may be helpful to discover that we have a reminder service that can send you an email to let you know it's time for an oil change.

A special feature of this reminder email is that you can set it for whatever parameters you want within in your comfort zone. Even though the 3,000 mile oil change has been long demonstrated to be a myth, many people are uncomfortable going further because "Pa always changed his oil at 3,000 miles and that's how I was taught."

Times have changed though. Most auto manufacturers have significantly longer oil change intervals in their owners' manuals. According to the article Stop Changing Your Oil! at Edmunds.com the shortest oil change interval that a few automakers are recommending is 5,000 miles. Nearly half of today's 34 automakers now use oil monitoring systems to let people know when to change their oil, including all three U.S. manufacturers.

One thing you want to do is learn how to check all your fluid levels periodically, including oil. And to set up that reinder service, whether for three months, six months or one year, visit us at AMSOIL.com. You'll find the Free Oil Change Reminder Email link on the right of your screen just below the Why AMSOIL? link.