2008 AMSOIL Year in Review

For many, 2008 will be remembered as a year of wreckage in the U.S. financial markets, with subsequent consequences rippling out in concentric circles of turbulence throughout the world economy. At AMSOIL, 2008 is will be remembered as a year of milestones as we completed our expansion into the AMSOIL Center in January and marked our 35th Anniversary in July, eager to embark on the another 35 years looking forward. It was a joy to share the moment with Dealers and friends of the AMSOIL family from across the continent at our Convention here in Duluth/Superior.

Early in the year, AMSOIL was saddened by the loss of legendary hot rod builder Boyd Coddington. A true inspiration, Boyd’s many accomplishments spoke of his passion for his work. AMSOIL was fortunate to be able to partner with him during the months before his passing, and appreciated his commitment to his relationships and his craft. Boyd was truly a loss to the both the industry and those who knew him personally.

In March, AMSOIL announced its sponsorship of the 2008 Street Rodder Road Tour. Led by Jerry Dixie, these enthusiasts love sharing their passion as they travel around the country in their classic street rods. On their way to the Back to the 50’s event in St. Paul, MN in June, AMSOIL hosted a party at the AMSOIL Center. AMSOIL founder and President/CEO A.J. Amatuzio welcomed the Road Tourians, and Jo Coddington made an appearance. The event attracted hundreds of street rodders and local enthusiasts. It was exciting for AMSOIL to be a part of this event. The year ended with AMSOIL becoming title sponsor of this annual event.

Springtime brought more excitement as AMSOIL continued its sponsorship of the 2008 Diesel Power Challenge, a two-day competition held in Salt Lake City. Diesel builders put their trucks through the paces in a competition fit for only the toughest. The Four Wheeler Top Truck Challenge was another event AMSOIL was proud to be a part of. This week long event puts drivers and their trucks through rigorous events that test even the mightiest Four Wheelers.

In 2008 AMSOIL became the Official Oil of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally as well as the 2009 Daytona Bike Week. The AMSOIL presence in these motorcycle scenes is huge and continues to grow.

For the second year AMSOIL had the privilege of being a sponsor of the National Street Rod Association, participating in events from coast to coast. Their August Street Rod Nationals in Louisville is the granddaddy of car shows and the standard by which all others are measured.

Through our Dealers AMSOIL reaches a myriad of trade shows and events in nearly every market where there is an engine that needs lubrication. The biggest of all these shows is the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, a mecca for the performance automotive enthusiast. As is the custom, numerous new products were introduced again this year, including AMSOIL Brake Fluid, AMSOIL Power Steering Fluid, new Ea Filters, a new 10W-30 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil and a fabulous new line of synthetic racing oils, brand name Dominator. We also introduced a new line of co-branded AMSOIL/Injen Air Intake Systems for gasoline powered cars and received a 2008 Global Media Award for this system.

2009 at AMSOIL promises to be an even better year with still more new products in the pipeline and expectations for continued growth due to continued demand for our products, especially in these times when motorists and enthusiasts want to protect their investments for the long haul. May your best days be still ahead as well.

2009 AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour Schedule Announced

As previously noted, AMSOIL has partnered with Street Rodder Magazine as Jerry Dixie and his crew of Street Rod enthusiasts embark on their annual cross-country tour. Beginning in May, the AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour will begin in Chattanooga, TN and end in October at the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield, CA. Tour dates are listed here with more details yet to come. As tour routes take shape, maybe you can pitch your lawn chairs along the route and give a wave as they stroll past.

Here's the first broadbrush outline so you can get your bearings on where we'll be.

May 9 – May 17
Coker Tire Tour
Coker Tire, Chattanooga, TN to Cruisin’ Ocean City, Maryland

Kicking off the tour with a car show and charity auction, this marks the beginning of the adventure. The ultimate destination of this leg is Cruisin’ Ocean City, where the beach town will be host to street rods, muscle cars and customs.

June 13 – 21

Vintage Air Tour

Vintage Air, San Antonio, Texas to the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion, Bowling Green, Kentucky

The Vintage Air Tour is one of the biggest of the season, and the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green, KY has proven to be worthy of many return trips.

June 19 – 28

The AMSOIL Tour

NHRA Hot Rod Reunion, Bowling Green, Kentucky to St Ignace, Mich. Car Show

Stopping at our very own home in Superior, the Tour is welcomed with a party at the AMSOIL Center before heading off to the famous St. Ignace Car Show in St. Ignace, MI.

July 12 - 19

Merrill-Lynch Jones Group Tour

Woody's Hot Rodz, Bright, Indiana to Syracuse, NY

Woody’s Hot Rodz built the Chevy Roadster for this years’ tour. Next is Youngstown, OH for a reception at the Quaker Steak and Lube. A visit to the Classic Automobila showroom, a drive through Pennsylvania, and then it’s off to Syracuse, NY.

August 6 - 15

40th NSRA Street Rod Nationals, Louisville, Kentucky to Bonneville Speed Week, Wendover, Utah

Starting at the NSRA Street Road Nationals event in Louisville, the Tour will spend the weekend here before heading next to Wendover, UT for Bonneville Speed Week.

Sept 11 – 20

Gear Star Transmission Tour

NSRA Nationals North Kalamazoo, MI to NSRA Northeast Nationals, Burlington, VT

The NSRA Nationals North is the next stop in Kalamazoo, MI, and promises to be a huge event again this year. From there it is off to Akron, OH for a party at Gear Star Transmission.

Sept 26 – Oct 4

San Diego, CA to NSRA Golden State Nationals, Sacramento, CA

A cruise kicks off this leg of the tour, and a number of stops will be made at famous locations in Los Angeles. From there, the Tour heads north to the NSRA Golden State Nationals event in Sacramento while making stops at some of the biggest private car collections in the country.

Oct 10 – 18

NHRA Museum Tour

Seattle, WA to California Hot Rod Reunion, Bakersfield, CAStarting at Art Morrison Enterprises, the NHRA Museum Tour kicks off with a party in Fife, WA. From there it is down to see the sights through Washington, Oregon and the redwoods of Northern California. The tour will wrap up at the final event, the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield, CA.

AMSOIL Becomes Title Sponsor of the AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour

Once again, AMSOIL has partnered with Street Rodder Magazine, having signed on for the next 3 years as the Title Sponsor of the AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour. Jerry Dixie will once again lead the tour, only this time in a 1952 Chevy Hardtop. Built by Woody’s Hot Rodz out of Bright, Indiana, the 2009 Road Tour car is built to showcase the quality of parts developed within the street rod market. With added features such as climate controlled heat and air conditioning, this car will be built to endure the entire trip of over 20,000 miles across the country.

The Street Rodder Road Tour started in 1996, with a new car build each year. Street rod enthusiasts gather at different stops along the tour, some of which are fortunate enough to make all the rounds. Events are held in each city the tour stops in, resulting in good times and great memories. Spectators everywhere watch as groups of anywhere from 10 vehicles to larger groups around 70 travel the country. The Tour is indeed a sight to behold as it moves from city to city, and AMSOIL is proud to be a title sponsor of this unique adventure.

As tour dates and details are finalized they will be announced here at the AMSOIL Promotions Blog or visit http://www.streetrodderweb.com/

NSRA Announces 2009 Schedule

AMSOIL is pleased to announce another year of partnership with the National Street Rod Association. Founded in 1970, the NSRA is an organization of street rod enthusiasts with a passion for their rides. To be defined as a street rod, a vehicle must be of pre-1948 manufacture that has been modernized in some way (engine, air conditioning, or power steering, to name a few) but still has the ability to be driven under its own power.

The NSRA will host 12 national street rod events in 2009. As an Official Product Sponsor AMSOIL is proud to be a part of these family oriented events for street rod enthusiasts. See the schedule below, and be sure you don’t miss the sights and sounds of vintage street rods as they roll through a town near you.

Southwest Street Rod Nationals
April 3rd, 4th & 5th, 2009
State Fair Park
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Western Street Rod Nationals
April 24th, 25th & 26th, 2009
Kern County Fairgrounds
Bakersfield, California

Street Rod Nationals South
May 1st, 2nd & 3rd, 2009
Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center
Knoxville, Tennessee

Mid-America Street Rod Nationals
May 22nd, 23rd & 24th, 2009
Missouri Entertainment & Event Center
Springfield, Missouri.

Street Rod Nationals East
June 5th, 6th & 7th, 2009
York Expo Center
York, Pennsylvania

Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals
June 26th, 27th & 28th, 2009
Colorado State Fairgrounds
Pueblo, Colorado

Street Rod Nationals®
August 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th, 2009
Kentucky Exposition Center
Louisville, Kentucky

Richmond Nationals
August 28th, 29th & 30th, 2009
Richmond Raceway Complex
Richmond, Virginia

Street Rod Nationals North
September 11th, 12th & 13th, 2009
Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Northeast Nationals
September 18th, 19th & 20th, 2009
Champlain Valley Exposition
Burlington, Vermont

Golden State Nationals
October 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2009
California Exposition & State Fair
Sacramento, California

Southeast Nationals
October 9th, 10th & 11th, 2009
Florida State Fairgrounds
Tampa, Florida

AMSOIL Lubed and Hot Blue

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." ~ John Quincy Adams

John Pangilinan is no stranger to winning car builds. His first project car, a 2000 BMW 3-series, won over 40 awards, including NCCA Best BMW nationwide in 2003. The BMW gained national and international media coverage that included magazine features in over a dozen titles with numerous covers. From the start his work became a source of inspiration for other builders.

At the 2008 SEMA Show earlier this month Pangilinan’s AMSOIL lubricated, hot blue Scion won 1st place in the annual Scion Tuner Challenge. The award consists of a trophy, gear from Sparco, and $10,000 cash.

The car will be at the upcoming LA Auto Show and Detroit Auto Show. After that, the Scion will go tour across the country for various events as a display vehicle. It will also be featured in Max Power UK and Modified Magazine with details on the build.

Pangilinan, a veteran builder with 8 years under his belt, knows that a winning build requires both styling and performance. Thanks, John, for recognizing the contributions AMSOIL synthetic motor oils and drive train fluids can make toward achieving your endgame.

Las Vegas Dealer Meeting a Success

At the end of a long day with a multitude of miles under your feet walking a major show like SEMA, you would think the evening would be a nice time to kick back and relax. Technical director Dan Peterson and director of aftermarket products Karl Dedolph consider it only the start of a typical day here in Las Vegas. Evenings offer additional opportunities to share the AMSOIL story and tell what's new.

Actually, Karl and Dan conducted two meetings yesterday. In the afternoon, they presented a technical seminar on gasoline additives at the Las Vegas Convention Center which was attended by show goers, editors and AMSOIL Dealers. In the evening, they held a meeting for AMSOIL Dealers at the Distribution Center here.

The agenda was packed with DJ introductions, announcements, an overview of AMSOIL performance products, sales testimonials, Q&A, and previews of coming attractions. Attendees began arriving at 5:00 p.m. Pizzas were ordered, followed by good conversations until 7:00 when the meeting started, continuing till 9:15, with good conversations and informative exchanges taking place later still.

Feedback from the attendees was that it was fun and informative, with lots of Dealer participation. The Jim Cleary and staff did a great job with preparing the facilities and in hospitality. As they say, you should have been there.

Photos: Tech director Dan Peterson; photos by Karl Dedolph.

AMSOIL, Injen Win 2008 SEMA Global Media Awards

A voting panel panel of editors and journalists representing 25 countries selected the Injen/AMSOIL Intake System as one of ten winning products in its category for the 2008 Global Media Award.

The SEMA Global Media Awards Program recognizes that automotive personalization and customization is growing worldwide. Though the appeal of making cars and trucks fit one’s lifestyle has strong roots in the U.S., this enthusiast attitude is universal.

SEMA introduced the awards program in 2004 and now it is a staple of the SEMA Show here in Las Vegas. The program enables SEMA member companies to get recognition in new, worldwide markets.

Shortly after the opening of the show on Tusday, AMSOIL announced the introduction of 148 new Injen AMSOIL intakes serving 150 new vehicle applications. The co-branded intakes feature intakes manufactured by Injen with AMSOIL Ea dry media filters with nanofiber technology. AMSOIL and Injen announced their first co-branded products at SEMA in 2007, for diesel trucks. Two months ago the companies introduced 15 new models for gasoline powered vehicles. It was one of these gasoline intakes that was featured in the New Products Showcase and caught the eye of international press.

For the next ninety days, the 148 new models introduced here this week will be available only through AMSOIL.

Top right photo: Marketing director Roger Tibbetts of Injen with Ed Newman, director of advertising at AMSOIL.

SEMA Show Razzles and Dazzles

It's election day, USA, and simultaneously the opening day of the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas. SEMA has announced that 120,000 attendees pre-registered, and when the doors opened the show floor aisles were quickly congested. Despite the negative flavor of news media reports about the economy, you can see here that business is thriving for many and despite concerns in the auto industry, there's plenty of enthusiasm on display here this week.

No matter who gets elected, people will continue to be passionate about their cars. That's why AMSOIL is present at SEMA 2008, because nothing is more exciting than performance and style.

If you can't be here in person, you can be sure plenty of these cars will be appearing in magazines in the months ahead, so you'll still get a chance to see what we're up to. These are showcase examples of what the performance market is all about.

Today AMSOIL announced the introduction of 148 AMSOIL/Injen gasoline air intakes for 150 new applications as part of the start of today's show.* In addition, nearly two dozen tuner vehicles are on display wearing the AMSOIL emblem including cars featured by Lexus and Nissan. When it comes to performance, AMSOIL delivers and here in the heart of the performance scene it is exciting to see AMSOIL recognized as an integral part of what it means to bring a car to its optimum.

At the end of day one, despite the economic hardships endured by some, there is a vibrant mood on the show floor. People will continue to own vehicles and will continue to desire that their vehicles express their values.

Tomorrow... the show continues.

* Check out the Injen/AMSOIL announcement here

Much Anticipated SEMA Show Now Here

It’s Monday and the show floor is a scrambling mass of crates, carpets, cars and energy as near 2000 companies assemble their booths for the 2008 SEMA Show. There are many car shows, but there is only one SEMA, a Mecca for performance car enthusiasts.

Though there have been rumblings of a number of “no shows” due to the economy, the three main halls look to have ample goods and services on display to give any enthusiast a rush.

Rodders, tuners, trucks and late models are all on display, putting on the dog. As customary, if it has something to do with cars, or in the coverage of the car scene, it's here. The quantity of vehicles decked to the nines is not yet announced but it is well beyond what a normal human can take in, a-pleasin’ both aesthetically and from an engineering standpoint.

Quite a few vehicle builders were proud to be associated with AMSOIL this year. Here are a few images from Vegas, with the aim of whetting your appetite for more. And tomorrow, it's Showtime.

Ultimate Road Trip Well On Its Way with Help from AMSOIL

For most people, the idea of picking up and leaving on a road trip that spans North, Central and South America seems an unlikely dream. For Karen Catchpole and Eric Mohl, (a writer and photographer, respectively) it is their reality and they are living it out right now on the Trans-Americas Journey.

Embarking on such an endeavor takes a tremendous amount of time and effort getting necessary preparations in place. A vehicle that can handle such a feat is also required. AMSOIL is a proud sponsor of their trip, providing them with high-performance lubricants, filters, transmission fluid, an oil by-pass filtration system and an Injen air intake system. For a road trip that will cover over 100,000+ miles, it only makes sense to have the best everything in their new Silverado truck. That is why AMSOIL stepped up to help them achieve this goal, to make sure they have the protection and performance they need by providing them with lubricants that make it happen. One benefit sure to be appreciated is not having to stop every 3,000 miles to change their fluids, wasting time that could be better utilized taking in the experience they have worked so hard to create.

The trip started in 2006, and is leading them on a 3 year, 100,000+ mile cross-country and cross-continental journey through all 23 countries in the Western Hemisphere. Along the way, they are sharing their experiences through articles in various publications. Best of all for Catchpole and Mohl, they’re living the experience of a lifetime, stopping in little corners of the world that most will never see. From well-known places such as New Orleans, LA to little-known places like the Top of the World Highway in Poker Creek, AK, they are truly gaining an experience unlike any other. This is just the North American/Canadian leg of the tour so really, they’ve only just begun. After their adventures up north, their journey will next take them down to Central and South America.

AMSOIL is keeping up with them and their progress... and we'll keep you posted.

Shake, Battle and Roll

The December Four Wheeler magazine is now on the news stands with its annual in depth coverage of the Top Truck Challenge, the true meaning of shock and awe. With ample quantities of photos, Ken Brubaker’s coverage is vividly detailed. It makes you wish you were there.

There were nine trucks and seven events, with near thirty pages of story, including descriptions of each competition, the nitty gritty on each competitor in each event and an assortment of live action finish line quotes. “Oh man, what a rush,” said Brandon Lammers after the Frame Twister. For the same event, Clayton Kraatz said, “I’ve been waiting 16 years to do that. That was awesome. That was worth the whole entire trip.”

The first day's events included The Tow Test, The Frame Twister, and The Mud Pit, a ride that John Griffin noted you can’t get at Disneyland.

Day two featured The Obstacle Course, The Hill Climb and The Mini Rubicon. If you know the Four Wheeler staff, they ain’t kiddin’ around with these obstacle courses and tests. The goal in The Hill Climb, for example, is not to see how fast you can make it, but whether you can make it at all... though yes, there are extra points for fast. But it’s one tough hill and only three trucks made it all the way before either breaking or flipping over.

The Mini Rubicon was also a bit more frightful this year. You’d think a four wheeling enthusiast would not have too much trouble with a 125 foot strip of rocks, but these psycho course builders stay up nights thinking of ways to make it impossible, and for most they succeeded. Only two, Kraatz’s Warthog and Naeger’s Buggy, completed this third event of day two.

The Tank Trap consumes all of day three out there in Hollister, California’s hill country. This is an obstacle course that brings competitors to their knees.

As a sponsor of the event again this year, AMSOIL enjoys seeing equipment put to the ultimate tests. This is how AMSOIL formulates its own premium synthetic lubricants. The company is serious about extreme performance. It’s fun to watch four wheeling to the max like this. And fun to read about six months later. When you read the mag staff’s “favorite moments” you can tell they’re having the times of their lives out there.

The coverage ends with an application to be considered for next year’s event. If you like the idea of putting it all out there, of seeing what you and your equipment are made of, maybe you should take the next step. Readers will vote, and maybe we’ll see you next year... at the 2009 TTC.

AMSOIL Dealer Wins Memorable Experience at NASCAR Bank of America 500 Race

This summer at the AMSOIL 35th Anniversary Convention, Dealers were given an opportunity to enter a drawing sponsored by WIX Filters for tickets to the NASCAR Bank of America 500 Race. As guests of AMSOIL and WIX, the winner received two tickets plus exciting perks such as pit clearance, a walk-through of the NASCAR garages, and all access passes at the races. Held at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC, the main event happened on Saturday, October 11th.

AMSOIL Dealer Charlie Koch from Lowden, IA won the drawing and with son Tim in tow experienced the weekend of a lifetime, a trip they won’t soon forget.

Charlie had never been to a NASCAR race before, and Tim had never attended a night race though he is a serious racing enthusiast. “It was a great, great experience…even for a person who hasn’t been previously associated with NASCAR. The WIX folks went above and beyond the call of duty to entertain us on both Friday and Saturday night races… Saturday nights’ race was certainly the highlight,” Said Charlie, who recently achieved Direct Jobber level with his AMSOIL Dealership. “I’ve been a livestock person all my life, and got associated with gear heads once I got involved with AMSOIL in 2004.”

This weekend’s NASCAR event was certainly a big one. Jessica Simpson performed a one-hour concert before the race, with many other celebrities in attendance. Jeff Burton (Chevy #31) ended up taking the win at Saturday’s race, followed by Kasey Kahne (Dodge #9). Rounding out the top 5 was Kurt Busch (Dodge #2), Kyle Busch (Camry #18), and Jamie McMurray (Ford #26), respectively.

Congratulations to Charlie Koch for his exciting win to attend the NASCAR Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup Race!

PHOTOS

Top Left... Charlie Koch and son Tim.

Right: Charlie with Keith Wilson, Executive VP and GM, WIX Filter Corporation in the WIX Suite

Hottest Tuner of All Time?

“Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
~ John W. Gardner

The 10th anniversary edition of Import Tuner magazine features one super-jammin’ Integra with the headline, “Why This Integra Is The Best Tuned Car EVER.” It’s certainly got the look, and the feel, and the power. And it’s lubricated with AMSOIL.... which means this gold Integra is golden inside and out.

The feature story, which begins on page 70, highlights why Chris Rios’ turbocharged Acura Integra DC2 is a perfect pick to represent the past ten years of the Import Tuner scene. According to Ric Faderoga the Acura Integra is to tuners as Muhammed Ali is to boxing. Besides being reliable, sporty and affordable, it’s “filled with an infinite amount of tuning potential.”

Rios, who grew up watching his dad and uncle building cars in Boston, bought this ’94 Integra DC2 the minute it came into production. “It was love at first sight.”

The car is featured on the cover of this month’s Import Tuner (Congrats, Chris!) with full details within about the features that make this ride special. Attention to detail is what puts top tuners in the driver’s seat... and gets them on the covers of top mags. AMSOIL synthetic lubricants are certainly a contributing variable not to be overlooked when you have an investment like this one to protect.

Or as Perry Paxton so aptly put it, "Excellence is in the details. Give attention to the details and excellence will come."

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

Sacramento Gears Up To Welcome 7th Annual NSRA Golden State Nationals

Another spectacular show headed by the NSRA is coming to Sacramento, CA for the 7th Annual Golden State Nationals event. Those in sunny California during the weekend of October 3, 4 and 5th should make it to this exciting event held at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds. Nearly the entire venue will be utilized, including the buildings to house manufacturer and dealer displays. An event no true vintage automotive enthusiast should miss, there is fun for the entire family with a model car contest, Tether Car demonstrations, NSRA safety inspections, and the National Street Rod Association Super Prize program. As always, for the ladies there is the Women’s World area with arts and crafts.

As a special feature exclusive to the Sacramento Golden State Nationals, there will be an appearance by the Munster Koach. Featured in the popular TV show The Munsters, it was built in 1964 by George Barris Kustoms and has since been restored by Advanced Restorations of Sacramento. Come see a piece of Hollywood history not to be missed. Get up close and personal with some of the most beautifully restored vintage automobiles ever to gather in one place.

What: Golden State Nationals
Where: Cal Expo Fairgrounds, Sacramento
When: October 3, 4, 5
Hours: Friday 8:30-5:00 PM
Saturday 8:30-5:00 PM

Sunday 8:30-2:00 PM
Cost: Adult: $14
Child 6-12: $5
Under 6: Free

AMSOIL is an official product sponsor of the NSRA.

We Have A Winner

Last week we saw the completion of the AMSOIL/Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge. Eight engines were put through the paces and one came out on top: Indy Cylinder Head. Again.

In 2007 the competition was pretty tight, since the rules heavily weighted cost as a variable. With different parameters, Russ Flagle and crew were able to flex their muscles to demonstrate what 35 years experience can do in terms of MOPAR engine-uity. From cylinder heads, crankshafts, rods, and bearings to short blocks, big blocks and everything in between, these guys know engines.

Without pressing him to give away any secrets, we asked Russ Flagle the key to his success. “The key to our success in this (competition), it was our head. It’s also an engine we like. We’ve got a lot of experience with this 451 cu. inch.”

Flagle also praised AMSOIL. “Your oil worked out great... We bought some up here and broke the engine in with it before we went down there, so it’s had nothing in it but AMSOIL from the start.”

Located on Indianapolis’s southeast side, Indy Cylinder Head employs 26. Their target customers are usually bracket drag racers, muscle car people and Good Guys people. Their business is pretty evenly divided between competition and street vehicles.

Congratulations to a great team. Here’s how their numbers stacked up at the Comp Cams facility last week.

Indy Cylinder Head
Manifold vacuum; 4.0
After initial start-up, confirmed timing at 35 degrees.
First Qualifier; 754.0/601.0—changed, nothing except letting heat get into intake before making second pull.

Second qualifier; 756.5/605.7; changed to a new set of spark plugs—same heat, and backed-off timing to 32.

Third qualifier; 748.9/599.9—Bumped timing up to 38

Fourth Qualifier; 754.3/603.1—put timing back to 35

First scored; 758.01/601.6—No changes made before second scored pull. Allowed engine to cool for 10 minutes.

Second Scored; 751.5/602.1—adjusted lash from 24 to 30

Third scored; 756.5/599.1

Read all the details in upcoming issues of Mopar Muscle magazine.

Fourth Annual Engine Challenge: Pictures From Memphis

Well, the week a lot of folks have been waiting for is now complete. Eight engines were put to the test at Comp Cams in Memphis for the AMSOIL Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge.

Randy Bolig, editor of Mopar Muscle magazine, sent us daily notes and a few choice photos from each of the dyno sessions this week. Having worked with Randy these past two years, it is hard to imagine anyone with more passion for this kind of thing... except maybe our eight contenders for this year’s prize.

The teams come from all points of the compass. They are seriously consumed with making engines perform to their utmost. For sure it has to be a privilege to be among the chosen few who make it to this final destination, the Comp Cams test facility.

Each 440-based spec engine was run on the same Rockett Brand 93-octane fuel while at the dyno, lubricated with AMSOIL premium synthetic motor oil.

Here are the notes Randy sent me from a typical pull. We’ll release our winner’s name as soon as we’re permitted.

Chenoweth
MANIFOLD VACUUM 4.1
First three qualifiers with timing at 35 degrees jets are XX;
680.1/553.9;
678.2/551.3;
676.5/554.9

Made first three qualifiers back-to-back with no changes

After third qualifier, checked lash—found a couple rockers with excessive lash.

Fourth Qualifier; 682.8/550.9
After fourth qualifier; added2-inch Plastic Super Sucker spacer.

First scored; 686.1/553.5
Made second scored pull immediately following first; 684.4/553.7
After second pull, changed from 1050 carb to 1150

Third scored pull; 686.2/556.7
After third pull, changed timing to 38
Fourth pull netted 698.5/561.0
Fifth pull was identical

Seventh pull 695.8/567.3

JMS Racing... In search of the perfect setup.

Burlington To Host 15th Northeast Nationals

Another great event hosted by The National Street Road Association is rapidly approaching. September 19-21st brings the 15th Northeast Nationals to the Champlain Valley Exposition in Burlington, VT and once again it will be a weekend of excitement. With more than 53,000 members nationwide, the NSRA has drawn crowds of spectators to enjoy the scene as they gather to see pre-1978 manufactured vehicles.

Once again AMSOIL is a proud sponsor of this and other NSRA events. For those in the area who are able to make it, you won’t be disappointed. Over 1800 vehicles from all over the country travel to make this classic event to show off their hard work and passion. It’s truly the place to be for car enthusiasts of all ages. And unlike most NSRA gatherings, this one includes those heart throb muscle cars of the Sixties and early Seventies.

As with other NSRA hosted events, this one will feature fun for the whole family. Ladies can enjoy the “Women’s World” area, with a participant shopping shuttle on Friday and Saturday. The arts and crafts area can entertain both young and old alike, and live music, games and fun round out this exciting weekend.

Kalamazoo To Host 29th Street Rod Nationals North

Once again the rodders will be assembling in Kalamazoo for their annual shindig. The gathering of pre-1949 vintage street rods will be held at the Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds this coming weekend, September 12-14. This is the largest automotive participation event in the region and despite gas prices being up a little this year, there will be a vibrant quantity of very cool cars on hand.

The National Street Rod Association (NSRA), with headquarters in Memphis, TN has more than 53,000 members worldwide. Vehicles will be driven from all parts of the United States to make this a truly unique gathering of vintage automobiles featuring nearly every make, model and style of pre-1949 manufactured vehicles. AMSOIL is proud to be a sponsor of the NSRA, with products that both enhance performance and protect the engines. AMSOIL also carries Mother’s products which add that special pizzazz when the car you’re passionate about is put on display.

Spectators will be treated to the sights and sounds of some of the best constructed, most beautiful vintage automobiles ever to gather in one place.

In addition to classic cars, the Street Rod Nationals North will also include over 120 manufacturer displays representing leading automotive specialty and aftermarket suppliers, as well as a “Women’s World” area with arts and crafts. Designed to be a true family event, if you’re in the area, check it out.

Report From Sturgis

The 2008 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has now come and gone, but what an event it was. Being “Official Oil of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally” gave AMSOIL a lot of additional visibility this year. Enthusiasm for AMSOIL products continues to bust through the roof. The traffic in the corporate booth was great as many new leads and customers will be linked to the AMSOIL Dealer network.

The weather was hot in the beginning of the rally but pleasant overall with temperatures in the high 80s and low humidity for most of the rally. Many rally attendees stopped by the AMSOIL booth to sign up for a chance to win a free case of oil and filters for their bikes. This generated a great deal of interest and a reason for people to stop by. We also displayed an HDT Diesel motorcycle, drag bike and hill climb bike in the AMSOIL booth. All of these bikes stopped people in their tracks and provided more reasons to visit.

For the second year, AMSOIL sponsored the “Rumble in the Hills” hill climb and once again it was a huge success. Hundreds of spectators watched as riders climbed straight up the hill. AMSOIL also provided a free case of oil to the winner of the AMSOIL “King of the Hill” shootout. This shootout involved the top five riders from the two day event. They each raced the hill an additional two times to be crowned the AMSOIL “King of the Hill.” One never knows where you’ll see an AMSOIL banner in the media or on YouTube, especially with MTV and the Discovery Channel on hand taping these races.

Many times, AMSOIL staff walking in downtown Sturgis with their AMSOIL shirts proudly displayed were stopped by people saying things like, “AMSOIL, great stuff! “AMSOIL, I run it in all my toys!” “AMSOIL is the only oil I use.” Moments like these are especially gratifying.

AMSOIL looks forward to the 2009 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and to promoting AMSOIL even more. It’s just one more reason AMSOIL motorcycle oil sales continue to soar. Now, it’s on to Daytona as the “Official Oil of Daytona Bike Week.” See you there!

Emotional Connection

Congratulations to Huy Nguyen, whose '02 Honda S2000 is featured on the cover of this month's Modified Magazine. Spiffed to the hilt with a full array of engine modifications to its F20C 2-liter VTEC engine, Nguyen had to bounce back from a painful setback when the original Civic he'd intended to modify got stolen right in front of his home.

To his credit, the Virginia native poured his energy and passion into the s2000 featured in the magazine. Holding back nothing, he gave attention to every detail, inside and out, including the all important AMSOIL lubricants which keep this very hot car running smooth and cool.

Full feature story in the October issue of Modified.

One of the highlights of the year for Four Wheeler Magazine's editors and publishers is the annual Four Wheeler Top Truck Challenge. Vehicles and drivers from all across North America descend upon the outback of Hollister, California, for the most grueling competition on four wheels. A dozen reader selected teams make their appearance here and it is a wonder of devastation for many.

AMSOIL is pleased to sponsor events like this that put equipment to the test. It’s where our products excel.

The November issue of Four Wheeler magazine, with full coverage from Hollister, is now on news stands everywhere fine four wheeling mags can be found. Here’s the cover shot. Enjoy the contents and the competition. When you go on the ride of your life, be sure to protect your engine and other moving parts with AMSOIL engine oils, filters, tranny fluid and gear lubes. We don’t, however, have anything that will keep your sheet metal from being stripped, yet.

Blown Outa Proportion

Paul Sykora's pet passion has been making the rounds. In July the ’37 Ford Coupe, which won a 2007 Hot Wheels Design Award, was displayed at the GoodGuys Nationals in Columbus. Paulie put together a nice sign listing all his sponsors with a full color AMSOIL logo prominent. We like that kind of appreciation.

From there, the Coupe was transported to the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville KY, a highlight among the 10711 cars there. To many, the coupe was the hit of the show. Among the photos here we see a camera crew interviewing Sykora for their video and Street Scene magazine.

Sykora's email to AMSOIL, describing the photos he sent us, included this comment: "The last one doesn’t need a caption. It's me and Chip Foose standing next to the car, which he liked by the way." We're sure he did.

If you wish to see this work of art and engineering in person, the car is scheduled to be in Florida the rest of the year. You will find it at the Daytona Dream Cruise in Oct, the NSRA Nationals in Tampa (also October), and the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona in Nov.

High School Biodiesel Project Nears Destination

A group of Rhode Island students, under the guidance of science teacher Ross McCurdy, have undertaken a cross country journey called the Coast to Coast Biodiesel Pickup Project. Inspired by Charles Lindbergh’s solo flight across the Atlantic, the Ponaganset High School Alternative Energy Team chose a westward route, driving the entire way to California without refueling, using only the biodiesel they could carry on board their pickup.

Frequently wearing AMSOIL hats and shirts, McCurdy and students Zane Lewis, Wylie Smith, and Seth Keighley are within striking distance of their destination, fifty miles east of Los Angeles. In addition to AMSOIL Ea oil and air filters, the vehicle is lubricated with AMSOIL 15W-40 Synthetic Diesel & Marine Oil, AMSOIL ATF universal automatic transmission fluid and AMSOIL Severe Gear for the differentials.

When McCurdy first contacted AMSOIL for assistance he wrote, "We are doing this to promote biodiesel and other renewable energy by driving an American vehicle capable of safely and reliably making the trip. Our diesel pickup is similar to the majority of personal diesel vehicles used in the United States; it will be great to have more of these vehicles using American made biodiesel."

He added, "I've been using AMSOIL in my own car since new in 2002 and it runs great. Getting the best fuel economy and miles between oil changes are very important for our trip, which is why we want to run AMSOIL in our biodiesel pickup. Brandon Irons at AMSOIL was a big help today in recommending AMSOIL in the transmission and differentials, as well as the motor, to get the best mileage."

According to the Ponaganset Alternative Energy Team’s website, “Biodiesel is typically produced from plant oils such as corn, soybean, canola etc. and can be produced from fresh plant oils or from used cooking oils from restaurants such as fast food, Chinese, etc. Using the magic of chemistry, the oils undergo a chemical change called transesterification that removes the glycerin and thins it out so it has a lower viscosity and flows pretty much like regular petroleum diesel. There are a few big words here but it isn’t rocket science. The basic chemicals needed to make biodiesel are Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH, aka Drano) or Potassium Hydroxide, and methanol, which is used as go-kart fuel. It isn’t unusual for people to make home brewed biodiesel in their garage. A heads-up warning, KOH and NaOH are both caustic, which means they will burn things like skin and eyeballs (that is how Drano unclogs drains) and methanol is flammable and poisonous. Methanol is a different type of alcohol than the Ethanol found in beer, wine, and used in flex fuel vehicles. If ingested methanol can cause permanent blindness and death, so don’t drink it and don’t smoke while making biodiesel or working with any type of fuel. It is also good advice to not smoke at all ever, since it is really bad for the health all by itself.”

The Biodiesel Pickup they are driving is a 1997 GMC K3500 fuel injected, automatic transmission, 6.5L turbo-diesel with a six passenger, four door crew cab, an 8 foot pickup bed, and four wheel drive. The journey began this past Friday at 9:30 a.m. with fanfare from friends and family, plus media coverage. The final destination is Surfrider State Beach on Pacific Coast Highway 1 in Malibu.

Other sponsors of the project besides AMSOIL INC. included the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, Con Edison Solutions, Delta Consolidated, AAA Southern New England, TH Malloy, Newport Biodiesel, Tanury PVD, Chemart, Sgambato Service Inc, Hall’s Garage, Greeneville Collision RRF, among others.

PHOTO CAPTION: Ponaganset High School Alternative Energy Team takes advantage of photo op in front of an American landmark. Click to enlarge.