Friday, December 28, 2007
2007 Year in Review
Beginning in January we became an official sponsor of the National Street Rod Association. The NSRA hosts street rod events in various parts of the country for people who are passionate and nostalgic about cars. The organization is like an extended family of vintage car lovers.
After a chance meeting at the Mid-America Truck Show in Louisville, AMSOIL became affiliated with another passionate lover of street rods, Boyd Coddington. Coddington, whose unique approach to building hot rods had a major impact on the hot rod scene, had been invited to Tulsa to help resurrect a 1957 Plymouth Belvedere at an event called Tulsarama, the 100th anniversary of Oklahoma statehood. The car had been buried in a vault in 1957 and the crew from Coddington’s show American Hot Rod was gathered to get it started. The intention was to install AMSOIL synthetic motor oils and Ea filters on the car as part of the process, but alas, despite the good intentions the car proved to be an unsalvageable rustbucket, having set underwater for years or even decades.
The Coddington / AMSOIL relationship was only just beginning, however, as Boyd and Jo Coddington united their team around a groundbreaking Bonneville build. Their aim would be to set a new record for the fastest pre-1934 roadster, 3 liter/blown gas/modified with Jo Coddington at the wheel. The building of the AMSOIL/Coddington roadster, dubbed “Salt Fever,” was filmed in August and shown on TLC’s American Hot Rod in September.
Another great partnership that formed in 2007 was the AMSOIL sponsorship of the Four Wheeler Top Truck Challenge, a grueling week-long experience in which off-road vehicles and their drivers are pushed to the limits. It was the 14th year Four Wheeler magazine assembled its crew to host this challenging competition which is covered extensively in the magazine as well as online and in a DVD.
The third annual Diesel Power Challenge was conducted in June as well, in Salt Lake City. AMSOIL has been an advertiser in Diesel Power magazine from the first issue, recognizing the growing popularity of the diesel truck market. The Diesel Power Challenge put a group of reader selected diesel trucks through the paces for two days, including a “tie-breaker” event related to fuel economy. It isn’t just about power, though these vehicles have more power than ever.
Yet another new relationship formed in 2007 was our sponsorship of Fred Hayes and the Hayes Diversified Technology (HDT) motorcycles that again set records at Bonneville. Hayes owns numerous world and national speed records on motorcycles. In September HDT set four more records on diesel motorcycles. Hayes’ current aim is a 100 m.p.g. /100 mph diesel motorcycle that is environmentally friendly, economical and potent. HDT is a company on the move.
Last but not least, AMSOIL became sponsor of the Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge this year. The Third Annual Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge featured the 410-inch Small Block engine. Eight engine builders participated in the final competition, first displaying their work at the Mopar Nationals in Columbus, then later having their engines put through the paces at Comp Cams in Tennessee. Ken Lazerri and Fuss Flagle of Indy Cylinder Heads won the competition this year by three hundredths of a point, unseating the two-time reigning champ. This year’s 2008 competition will feature a 440-inch based spec engine.
In the meantime, hope your 2007 was as exciting as ours. And may your 2008 be even better.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
NSRA Schedule for 2008
April 4,5,6
Oklahoma City, OK
Western Street Rod Nationals
April 25,26,27
Bakersfield, CA
Street Rod Nationals South
May 2,3,4
Knoxville, TN
Mid-America Street Rod Nationals
May 23,24,25
Springfield, MO
Street Rod Nationals East
June 6,7,8
York, PA
Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals
June 27,28,29
Pueblo, CO
Street Rod Nationals
July 31, Aug 1,2,3
Louisville, KY
Richmond Nationals
August 22,23,24
Richmond, VA
Street Rod Nationals North
September 12,13,14
Kalamazoo, MI
Northeast Nationals
September 19,20,21
Burlington, VT
Golden State Nationals
October 3,4,5
Sacramento, CA
Southeast Nationals
Oct 10,11,12
Tampa, FL
Friday, December 14, 2007
The Dyno Results Are In!
Friday, December 7, 2007
PRI Show Has It All
The show not only covers every component for racers, it covers every kind and style of racing from go-karts to NASCAR and everything in between.
Boyd and Jo Coddington were impressed by the scope of the racing industry, having their first racing adventures at Bonneville this summer. Yesterday afternoon they presented their story of the Salt Fever Bonneville build and in the evening were the featured speakers at a special AMSOIL Dealer meeting. For all who attended it was a memorable evening with two really influential and generous people. Much like A.J. Amatuzio and AMSOIL re-defined the standards for quality in the oil industry, so Boyd Coddington re-defined the hot rod scene with his creative, passionate approach and love of cars.
If you’re a racing enthusiast, be sure to follow the AMSOIL racing teams on our racing blog or visit the racing section of our site, which is jam packed with racing news, photo galleries, video racing footage, and more. If you are a racer using AMSOIL lubricants and filters, send us your photos and tell us your story. Perhaps we’ll be able to add you to the testimonials section of our site.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
PRI Celebrates 20th In Sunny Orlando
Any number of AMSOIL sponsored racers are in town wearing their AMSOIL colors. In addition, Boyd & Jo Coddington flew in from the West Coast to present a seminar entitled, “Boyd Coddington Builds a Bonneville Hot Rod.” The famed hot rod stylist broke new ground this year with the “Salt Fever” AMSOIL/Coddington Bonneville Roadster. Later today Boyd and crew will re-tell their story at an AMSOIL Dealer meeting in the Convention Center.
Mopar Muscle magazine announced the winners of their 2007 AMSOIL Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge at one o’clock in the press room. After thanking all the sponsors who make it possible, the magazine presented first prize to Ken Lazerri and Russ Flagle of Indy Cylinder Heads who won the competition by three hundredths of a point. Publisher Jim Foos and Editor Randy Bolig also extended an invitation to Mopar engine builders to participate in the 2008 AMSOIL Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge which will feature a 440-based spec engine.
Coddington fans from Oklahoma come over to greet Boyd and express their enthusiasm for his TV show and his work.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
AMSOIL Presence at PRI
Here are just a few of the AMSOIL related events and presentations taking place.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Hot Wheels® Design Award goes to AMSOIL-lubed Coupe
Sykora’s car was one of four to receive awards presented by Hot Wheels®, who was a prominent sponsor of this year’s SEMA in conjunction with its 40th anniversary.
photo used with permission courtesy Fox Marketing
Thursday, November 8, 2007
HDT Land Speed Record is Now Official
Byron Schmidt of Hesperia, CA, set a new record for the 750 MPS D class of 103.321 miles per hour, breaking the old 101.617. HDT CEO and founder established a new record of 110.432 for the 750 MPS DB class, shattering the old record by more than five miles per hour.
Perhaps even more significantly, these motorcycles were operating with a mixed fuel that was 20% biodiesel. Considering that the day the rolled off their assembly line, before modifications, these were 30 horsepower engines, you might begin to get a little impressed at the engineering behind this achievement. AMSOIL lubricated, of course.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Homeward Bound ~ SEMA Day Four
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Lights! Camera! Action! SEMA Day Three.
Editors and publishers can be pretty jaded after two or three decades. The stories that will make an impact tomorrow are not often recognized today. But according to Steve Von Seggern, publisher of Four Wheeler magazine, the story that was unveiled at the Injen booth at 2:10 p.m. this afternoon was pretty exciting, one of the two most exciting things at this year's show.
In a nutshell, here's the story:
AMSOIL and Injen Partner to Introduce the Injen/AMSOIL Power-Flow Diesel Intake System
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
AMSOIL announces the launch of a new Ea air filter specifically designed for newer diesel engines. To get that product to market in a complete assembled kit, AMSOIL has partnered with Injen Technology. The product will be marketed as the Injen/AMSOIL Power-Flow Diesel Air Intake System distributed by both AMSOIL Dealers and traditional Injen channels.
The new series of intakes features the innovative patent pending Variable Induction Technology, Diesel Power-Box and the dry media Ea nanofiber technology air filter from AMSOIL.
Be sure to catch all the details by doing a Google news search for >AMSOIL Injen<
In other news, Boyd & Jo Coddington spent a portion of the afternoon in the South Hall signing posters and meeting with their fans in the booth that has been home to the AMSOIL/Coddington Bonneville rodaster these past several days. There was a good deal of excitement with media coverage that included internet TV and more.
As usual, SEMA is a gigantic coming together of movers and shakers in the automotive industry. A lot of deals were done today, and many more introductions were made that may yet come to fruition. The industry is moving forward with forcefulness and the energy here has been palpable.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Day Two: Tens of Thousands
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Gentlemen, Rev Your Engines. It's Showtime!
Monday, October 29, 2007
SEMA Eve
Sunday, October 28, 2007
SEMA Show Straight Ahead
Today, setups that are keeping everyone busy. With forklifts, cranes and crates everywhere, the Las Vegas Convention Center has the feel of backstage before a Broadway opening.
This morning AMSOIL staff placed seven products in the New Products Showcase. Tomorrow they roll the last cars into place -- including the AMSOIL/Coddington Bonneville Roadster -- and roll out the carpets. What’s exciting is knowing that the best is yet to come.
AMSOIL products on display in this year’s SEMA NEW PRODUCTS SHOWCASE 2007
1. AMSOIL Signature Series 0w-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
2. AMSOIL Severe Gear 75w-110 Synthetic Gear Lube
3. AMSOIL SAE 0w-20 Synthetic Motor Oil
4. AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver
5. AMSOIL Ea Air Filters for Racing & Street Rod Apps
6. AMSOIL Crankcase Breather Filters
7. Injen/AMSOIL Power-Flow Diesel Intake System
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Boyd & Jo to Make Appearance at SEMA
Fans of the show, or the AMSOIL synthetic lubricant products featured in the car, might want to check out this new AMSOIL/Coddington Race Team T-Shirt at http://www.amsoil.com/products/clothing/coddington_tshirt.aspx
Thursday, October 11, 2007
SEMA 2007 Just Around the Corner
This is the 41st Anniversary of the SEMA Show, promising to consume more Las Vegas real estate than ever. In the next few weeks we'll be making a few announcements here on the blog, and starting October 29th hope to share some of the sites and sounds of SEMA 2007, live from Las Vegas.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Weather Dampens Spirits at Bonneville
44 records were broken in just 2½ days.
The AMSOIL/Coddington car never made its record run attempt, having had to qualify for licensing first. Their top speed achieved for qualifying was 184 MPH. They were poised to attempt the record run after installing taller gears and adding back more boost.
Next stop for the team is a one day event at El Mirage Dry Lake in California which has been home to Land Speed Racing and the SCTA. Vehicle inspections begin on the day prior to the race (Saturday) and the racing begins early Sunday morning. The AMSOIL/Coddington team is going to participate and record its times in an effort to prove that the car was built to go over 200 MPH. After this the Car will head to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas for our AMSOIL featured vehicle display and autograph signing.
Jo Coddington was ready to pull out all the stops. Still, it was a great adventure.... with more to come.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Taking Another Crack at Bonneville
For a second time this year Boyd Coddington brought his rig and crew to Bonneville to take another shot at the record books in their 1927 Model T Ford with AMSOIL the primary sponsor. There was no filming for cable TV. This week the single aim is a land speed record.
Yesterday Jo Coddington qualified for her high speed license to go over 200. At the time of this report, after having achieved a 184 in qualifying, the team was in good position car to attempt its record breaking runs. The record is 199. Weather permitting, we’ll report the final results on Monday.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Sacramento Here We Come
The host organization, NSRA, defines a street rod as a modernized vintage vehicle that must be of pre 1949 manufacture. These vehicles are equipped with the latest options available on the newest model vehicles, including but not limited to disc brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, and tilt steering wheel. Most of those attending have updated the engines and drive train to enable the owner to cruise down the highway in comfort and safely maintain the speeds traveled by more modern vehicles. All vehicles must be driven on to the grounds.
Friday, September 28, 2007
HDT Turning Heads with AMSOIL
The new HDT motorcycles are diesel machines combining both power and environmentally friendly performance efficiency. We’re talking about a bike that gets 100 miles to the gallon AND can do 100 mph.
The HDT team was out on the Bonneville Salt Flats earlier this month striving to establish new national and world records. Displaying the AMSOIL colors while going through the paces at Bonneville, they offered up quite a number of very strong endorsements with virtually no prompting. “We noticed an increase in horsepower right away when compared to Delvac 1,” said Fred Hayes, founder/CEO of HDT. “What was quite surprising was the condition of the engine after a 50-mile run-in and over 120 full-throttle dyno runs. The camshaft bearings, the small and large end rod bearings, didn’t even look like they had been run. During that series of dyno runs, we registered the highest horse-power and torque readings ever.”
Dave Anderson, AMSOIL Technical Product Manager, had flown to Bonneville to witness and participate in the pursuit of new land speed records. (See 4 and Sept. 6 Updates) Hayes said to Anderson, “Our testing proved that AMSOIL Series 3000 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil provided better cam bearing lubrication, better transmission operation and less blow-by than our previous oil. We picked up just over one horse power at the rear well.” This is a 3.7% increase and worth a 1 tooth higher gear ratio. “In addition, it appears that overall coolant temperature was down about five degrees.” That is roughly a 2.5% decrease in operating temperatures.
Very few bikers would be opposed to increased horsepower with lower operating temps, simply by switching over the lubricants.
“With over a year of testing, we have found that AMSOIL products continually outperform all other lubricants. AMSOIL provides improved performance, increased fuel economy, lower oil consumption, and significantly reduced engine wear in all operating conditions.”
Look for more on this unfolding story.