Knoxville Loves Antique Cars

It’s springtime in Knoxville, and the 26th annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals is coming to town. Between two and three thousand street rods are expected to be on display at the Chilhowee Park & Expo Center. Thousands more show up to see these vintage cars from across the USA as spectators are free to check out each vehicle close up, with no ropes or sectioned off areas.

As with other NSRA events, there are more than just beautifully restored cars. A trade show, swap meet, arts and crafts fair and daily entertainment round out the weekend. A special ‘Streets of Rods’ area will also be at this show this weekend, be sure you don’t miss it. In addition to this great event, Knoxville is home to more than 20 museums and 7 historical houses so there is plenty more to see when you're in the neighborhood.

Dates:

May 1, 2 and 3

Hours:
Fri: 8:00 AM-8:00 PM

Sat: 8:00 AM-8:00 PM

Sun: 8:30 AM-2:00 PM

Admission:
Adult $14.00

Child 6-12 $5

under 6 Free

French Pastries Are Sweet, AMSOIL Sweeter Still

Jorge Ferrin’s 2002 Subaru WRX is a eye-catcher. So much so that it has now been featured overseas in the April issue of the French auto mag ADDX.

Ferrin’s WRX had already been featured in a half dozen magazines and even a few films. Every facet of the car has undergone modifications and reveals unique features. “I felt I needed to take the car to a whole new level,” Ferrin said when describing his work.

The enginge is an EJ20 2.0L H4 with the following additions: EVOIII-16G turbo; Perrin fuel rails, front mount intercooler, big MAF intake, up pipe, down pipe, turbo inlet hose, oil catch can and radiator hoses; Mishimoto radiator; Beatrush radiator shroud; CryO2 intercooler sprayer; Deatchwerks 650cc injectors; Walbro 255lph pump; carbon-Ti exhaust; oil cap, radiator cap; Kartboy pitch mount and battery tie down; UR pulley set; plasma direct coils; turbo timer; carbon fiber engine covers; polished intake manifold, valve covers and alternator; Reese Tuning (297WHP). AMSOIL synthetic lubes and coolant make the power system complete.

“AMSOIL (synthetic oil) complements the performance of my car while protecting it,” Ferrin said.

The car’s interior, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, wheels and sound system all conspire to leave observers dazed and drooling. Nice work, Jorge. We can't wait to see where your car will show up next!

NSRA Widens the Field

The National Street Rod Association has announced that beginning in 2010 all NSRA events will be open to all vehicles older than 30 years behind current year. This is good news for owners of Sixties and Seventies cars who up till now were only able to participate in a couple events.

This year the NSRA turns forty with its 40th Anniversary in Louisville to be the stellar event for this family of enthusiasts. That will be a gathering you won’t want to miss.

Bakersfield Set to Host 23rd Western Street Rod Nationals

If you're into vintage cars and happen to be in the region, make plans to attend the 23rd Western Street Rod Nationals coming April 24-26 to Bakersfield, CA. As with all previous NSRA events, this one promises a weekend of fun for the entire family. The largest automotive participation event in the area, the Western Street Rod Nationals attracts vintage pre-1949 manufactured vehicles of all makes and models. With an expectancy of over 1,700 street rods with an accumulative value of over $65 million on display, this event is definitely a can’t-miss happening.

The 3-day event also includes a trade show, arts and crafts fair, swap meet and daily entertainment. This year will also include special areas called ‘Streets of Rods’, so if you are out here you shouldn't miss this exciting event. If you aren’t in the Bakersfield area, watch for upcoming announcements for other NSRA Street Rod events happening across the country in coming months.

The Details
33rd Western Street Rod Nationals

Where: Kern County Fairgrounds: Bakersfield, CA

When: April 24, 25, 26 2009

Hours

Fri: 8:30 AM-8:00 PM

Sat: 8:00 AM-8:00 PM

Sun: 8:30 AM-2:00 PM

Cost

Adult: $14.00

Child: 6-12 $5.00

5 and Under: Free

Hot Rod Announces Schedule for Drag Week V

AMSOIL has partnered with Hot Rod Magazine for the 2009 Hot Rod Drag Week V. An event that pits drag racing competitors against one another in a race against time, this years’ adrenaline fireworks are slated to begin September 13. Over the course of 6 days, participants in 8 classes will travel to four different race tracks on an 1100 mile loop where each track will hold a drag racing competition. The catch? Surviving on only the tools and provisions they have on board and clearing each track the fastest. That means no crew, no back-up, nothing but the car and supplies they drove in with.

This event spans three states, and all vehicles must be driven on their own power for the entire tour. A task not easily feasible, the winner will emerge with bragging rights as Hot Rod’s Fastest Street Car in America and a sweet prize package from sponsors of this event. Spectators are welcomed at each dragstrip to watch the competition heat up, free of charge.

The 2009 Schedule is as follows:

Test ‘n Tune
Sunday September 13
Muncie Dragway-Albany, IN

Day 1

Monday September 14

Muncie Dragway-Albany, IN

Day 2

Tuesday September 15

US 131 Motorsports Park-Martin, MI

Day 3

Wednesday September 16

Summit Motorsports Park-Norwalk, OH

Day 4

Thursday September 17

National Trail Raceway-Hebron, OH

Finals

Friday September 18

Muncie Dragway-Albany, IN

Sounds like fun to us. We’ll keep you posted.

AMSOIL Lubricates Three High Profile Cars in the Big Apple

The 2009 New York Auto Show is underway at the Jacob Javits Center in New York. This is one of the world's premiere events for showcasing the latest and greatest in the auto scene. Though some of the glam has been muted due to the rocky economic terrain for U.S. automakers, it's still a prestigious ten day event.

This year, John Pangilinan’s aggressive wide body SCION TC struts up front in the SCION booth running a full line of AMSOIL products. SCION introduced the new iQ at the show which is making this booth a huge media draw.

Over in the Lexus booth is the Fox Marketing/Artisan 625hp Twin Turbo Lexus IS F. Hip Hop Artist Jadakiss was on hand to promote his new TV show on MTV which comes out this summer, the IS F as a background. Jada then took a few shots with the car, hopped inside, and fell in love all over again.

A major source of buzz at the New York Auto Show this year has been the National Guard Black Ops 350Z. Here's the backstory on this tuner's dream car.

Sgt. Nicholas Ashby of the California Army National Guard (CAARNG) became part of the 2007 Hot Import Nights Tour with a rolling memorial he built for three fellow Guardsmen who lost their lives in Iraq. The Fallen Heroes car was a very popular attraction at the National Guard display among attendees and won more than 23 trophies throughout the season. In 2008, the National Guard and Sgt. Ashby built a tuner car that used the Citizen Soldier as an inspiration. "I built and designed the new Citizen Soldier Tuner to show the fine line of being a Citizen and a Soldier," said Ashby. For 2009, Sgt. Ashby is back with the Black Ops 350z that combines the spirit of The National Guard with the performance of a race car. At the heart of this striking beast you'll find AMSOIL synthetic motor oils lubricating all the moving parts to provide optimal performance throughout.

The Black Ops 350Z will be attending Hot Import Nights shows around the country throughout the year. If you get a chance, ask the personable Ashby how he combined his Passion for Cars and his Service to Country to create the Official Guard Tuner.

"The Guard can help you to find your passion in life. It's where I found mine." ~Sgt. Nicholas Ashby

'52 Chevy Gettin' Ready For Road Tour

It won't be long till we see the 2009 AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour criss-crossing the Continent in another eight-leg adventure led by the ever enthused Jerry Dixey who seems specially anointed for this task. Dixey, who's company Classic Automobilia features pedal cars and other nostalgic wares, somehow manages a remarkable quantity of details in assembling travel routes and station stops for the Road Tour. The kickoff for this year's tour is just a month away.

Street Rodder magazine is the host of the Road Tour, with AMSOIL title sponsor. The first order of business each year, even preceding destinations and travel routes, is selecting the year, make and model of the car that Jerry Dixey will drive as leader of the pack. For 2009 it will be a 1952 Chevy and as you can see from the photos, it is coming together nicely.

Some have asked how Street Rodder decides what car to build each year. There are several considerations in the decision. First, the editors are always trying to expand the street rod universe. Certain vintage cars have received so much attention that it is near impossible to break into the rodder scene with these cars because they're priced beyond reach, or impossible to find in their "raw" condition.

The choice of this year's 1952 Chevy was designed in part to give the editors a feel for learning how to work with newer cars. This selection also opens up a new breed of affordable, fun cars, pushing the envelope and opening new horizons.

From the initial conceptual drawing (below) to completed build there has been a lot of excitement being generated for this year's lead car in the 2009 AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour.

NSRA Kicks Off New Season in Oklahoma City

For street rod enthusiasts, Oklahoma City will be the place to be April 3-5 2009 for the 26th Southwest Street Rod Nationals event. There will be thousands of vintage automobiles of pre-1949 manufacture gearing up to assemble there this weekend. AMSOIL is excited to be associated with these enthusiasts.

AMSOIL has been a National Street Rod Association (NSRA)sponsor since 2006. The NSRA is an organization dedicated to the vintage street rod market and is the core of the sport by connecting enthusiasts coast to coast. With a membership across the country that truly loves their sport and the people they meet along the way, these events are an experience unlike any other.

A weekend event the whole family can enjoy, an anticipated 1,500-2,000 street rods will be on display. With the Women’s World corner, trade show, vintage auto parts swap and more, it is a great way to beat the winter blues. Thousands of spectators and enthusiasts alike will descend on Oklahoma City to see some of the most beautifully restored vehicles of their time.

Details:
26th Southwest Street Rod Nationals
State Fair Park, Oklahoma City, OK

Dates & Hours:
Friday April 3 -- 8:30 A.M-5:00 P.M.
Sat. April 4 -- 8:30 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
Sun. April 5 -- 8:30 A.M.-2:00 P.M.