2010 Year In Review

2010 has been another good year at AMSOIL. From a dozen new product announcements to several new high-profile sponsorships, AMSOIL rounded out the decade with continued growth and much to be excited about going forward. Here are a few of the highlights of the year just completed.

Back in January AMSOIL again participated in the MPMC (Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council) Media Trade Conference in Covina, CA. This conference brings companies face to face with the members of the media who cover the industry, establishing a sound connection between the two. AMSOIL also announced its status as Official Oil of Laconia Bike Week, the oldest motorcycle rally in the country. This sponsorship puts AMSOIL front and center at the three largest motorcycle rallies in the country as the Official Oil of each.

AMSOIL-sponsored show cars landed some high-profile coverage in February, both in print and in placement. Big trade shows such as the World of Wheels, the International Powersports Dealer Expo, and the Chicago Auto Show all had AMSOIL-lubed rides on display. February also featured the King of the Hammers, a grueling desert race over 120 miles long. Industry heavyweights Lovell Rock Racing and the Watson brothers of Off-Road Design represented AMSOIL in this punishing race, both teams earning respectable finishes.

In March, AMSOIL witnessed the rumble of thousands of bikes descending on Daytona for the 69th annual Daytona Bike Week. The AMSOIL presence was impossible to miss, and further solidified our stance in the motorcycle industry. Shortly after, the NSRA Street Rod Nationals kicked off its start of the 2010 season in Oklahoma City. April brought new product launches, including the AMSOIL Quickshot SE that later won Best New Powersports Product award at SEMA in November.

The 2010 Diesel Power Challenge, an event that puts diesels through a series of challenges to test their power and performance, was a highlight of May. The 2010 AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour also hit the road that month, with Jerry Dixey leading the way across the country in a series of tours for street rod enthusiasts.

The Top Truck Challenge in early June is always one of the most anticipated events of the year for off road enthusiasts. With events like the Frame Twister, Mud Pit and Tank Trap it’s easy to see why. This challenge takes no prisoners, and AMSOIL is on hand to provide lubricants capable of taking such abuse. In addition to features in Four Wheeler magazine the Top Truck Challenge airs on The Outdoor Channel, garnering national attention. Laconia Bike Week also started in June, where hundreds of thousands of bikers flocked to New Hampshire for a week of excitement and rides along the scenic East Coast.

As usual August was a big month for AMSOIL with three large events taking place. First was the NSRA Street Rod Nationals gathering in Louisville, which brought in over 11,000 street rods on display. Next was the Mopar Nationals, drawing collector cars, muscle cars and enthusiasts for its 30th year. This event tied into the Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge that AMSOIL sponsors, with engine builders having their entries on display throughout the week at this show. Finally, Sturgis turned 70 and as temps climbed into the 100’s AMSOIL was on hand to help keep engines cool. As the Official Oil, the demand for AMSOIL was high and the temps were an excellent testimonial to the benefits our oil provides.

Hot Rod Drag Week is conducted each year in early September and history was made when Larry Larson and his Chevy II made the first 6-second pass in Drag Week history. In October AMSOIL was on hand at the University of Northwestern Ohio for the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge with many new friendships begun. Afterwards it was time to focus on preparing for SEMA in November, where AMSOIL introduced 7 new products into the New Product Showcase. The AMSOIL presence was abundant on the feature vehicles placed throughout the show.

These are but a few of the exciting things happening at AMSOIL, and we've only scratched the surface. AMSOIL Racing continues to stretch its shadow across new horizons and the best is yet to come. Look for more details, updates and more right here in the AMSOIL Events Blog, and keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter (@AMSOILINC) and YouTube. As we move out of 2010, we look forward to even greater success in 2011 with many exciting opportunities ahead.

2011 AMSOIL Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge Announced

Though the 2010 AMSOIL Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge just wrapped in September, the excitement is already building for the 2011 challenge. The rules were announced at PRI last week, and AMSOIL is heading into its fifth year as title sponsor. Already, online forums are lighting up with responses from engine builders around the country eager to get their names in the hat. With only 8 spots to fill, prospective competitors definitely need to bring their A-game in order to catch the eyes of the editors making selections.

For those unfamiliar with this event, each year a new set of rules is laid out for builders to consider when constructing their engines. This year only B or RB-block engines will be allowed, with a max value of $5,500.00. If builders go over this amount, they will be assessed a penalty of 10 horsepower for every $100.00 they go over. This helps level the playing field amongst the seasoned engine builders who do this for a living and those who build out of their homes or garages. The price of parts plays a large part in the big picture, so even those without an abundance of money or parts have a shot and taking the title. The ideas builders must come up with to stay within the guidelines of this rule result in some of the most innovative engines ever created.

The purpose of the challenge is to give these talented engine builders a platform to showcase their abilities. Participants receive nationwide coverage through the Mopar Nationals in August, as well as articles covering the event in Mopar Muscle Magazine. This is a rare opportunity to reach thousands of Mopar enthusiasts in need of their end result. A well-built engine can open many new doors for participants.

As in years past each engine will be on display throughout the week at the Mopar Nationals in August, and from there they will be shipped off to the Comp Cams dyno testing facility in Memphis to determine the winning build. If you have the wherewithal to build a solid engine with the most power, this is the challenge for you. Find full details and the application at Mopar Muscle Magazine and watch the AMSOIL Promotions blog for future updates on the 2011 AMSOIL Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge.

2011 Street Rodder Road Tour Schedule Announced

While still a few months from the official start date in May, the 2011 AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour schedule has been announced. Presented by Street Rodder Magazine, this will be the fourth year as title sponsor for AMSOIL. Editor Jerry Dixey will once again lead participants across the country to various events and car shows in a custom-built street rod. This tour never fails to turn heads as they cross the country, bringing nostalgia to those who lived in the eras when these vintage street rods were born.

As they hit the pavement, Jerry will keep those who aren’t along for the ride up to speed through regular blogs and articles for Street Rodder Magazine. See below for the full schedule, and plan on taking your street rod out on the open road this summer with the AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour.

Fleetwood Country Cruize-in Tour
May 27, 28, 29 -- NSRA Mid -America Nationals
Springfield, Missouri
To
June 3, 4, 5 -- Fleetwood Country Cruize-in
London, Ontario, Canada

Vintage Air Tour
June 11 -- Vintage Air Headquarters
San Antonio, Texas
To
June 18, 19 -- LA Roadsters Father Day Show
Pomona, California

The Golden Shine Tour
June 20 -- California Car Covers Showroom
Chatsworth, California
To
June 24, 25, 26 -- NSRA Rocky Mountain Nationals
Pueblo, Colorado

The Syracuse Nationals Tour
July 9, 10 -- Eastern Seaboard area
To
July 15, 16, 17 -- Syracuse Nationals
Syracuse Nationals

Shades of the Past Tour
Sept 3, 4, 5 -- NHRA US Nationals
Indianapolis, Indiana
To
Sept 9, 10 -- Shades of the Past
Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

The Lokar Midnight Tour
Sept 11 -- Knoxville, Tenn.
To
Sept 16, 17, 18 -- NSRA Nationals North
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Sherm's Custom Plating Tour
Sept 30, Oct 1, 2 -- Los Angeles, California
To
Oct 7, 8, 9 -- NSRA Golden State Nationals
Sacramento, California

NHRA Hot Rod Reunion Tour
Oct. 15 -- Art Morrison Chassis
Fife, Washington
To
Oct 21, 22, 23 -- NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion
Bakersfield, California

More information on both the 2011 and previous tours can be found on the Street Rodder website: http://www.streetrodderweb.com/roadtour/index.html

AMSOIL-Sponsored Top Truck Challenge Now Airing

Back in June, 10 rigs descended on Hollister Hills, CA to compete in the 2010 Top Truck Challenge, each attempting to clear insane obstacles such as the Frame Twister and Tank Trap in the fastest times possible. This event is the only one of its kind and has the ability to take out the most rugged of rigs, never failing to do so. As a primary sponsor AMSOIL was on hand to see what went down, having covered the action earlier this spring. The Top Truck Challenge is the ultimate proving ground for some of the most innovative off-road builds in the country and each one has AMSOIL installed.

In October it was announced here on the AMSOIL Promotions blog that the Top Truck Challenge was airing on the Outdoor Channel. If you haven’t been keeping up with this years’ series, there are only a couple episodes left to see how it all played out so be sure to tune in now. Top Truck Challenge is currently airing on Mondays (4:30pm ET, 7:30 ET, and 2:00AM ET) on the Outdoor Channel (Sep through Dec) Be sure to check your local listings for air times in your region.

In case you missed any of the action, 2010 and past events are also available on DVD by clicking here.

AMSOIL-Lubed Grand Sport Camaro Lands Photo Shoot

Back in September AMSOIL was approached by John Wargo of The Custom Shop as he was preparing his 1968 Camaro Convertible for the SEMA show in Las Vegas. As his project came together, he wanted to be sure the lubricants met the same standards he laid out for the rest of the build. AMSOIL accommodated his request and jumped on board as a product sponsor. Coined the Grand Sport Super Sport, the Camaro was a feature vehicle at SEMA with Holley Performance. It has since been making rounds generating steady media coverage with various photo shoots, including one at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats.

In the planning phases John and crew envisioned a high-end performance Camaro with a Corvette theme, intended to bring the muscle car and Corvette enthusiast together. Completing the vision from the original 1968 Camaro to the end result took about 10 weeks. With the exception of seat stitching and installation of the convertible top, all work was done in-house at The Custom Shop. Body modifications include a custom cowl hood, mesh grill, air ride system, with custom tail lights and exhaust system. Interior mods are also extensive, from the custom audio/video system with matching panels, to the interior panel kit and custom pedals on the floor. The custom show paint job with Pearl White color shift base, airbrushed with graphic design matches the carbon fiber and orange pearl theme to round out the completed design.

The Custom Shop spared no time or effort when it came to creating the end result as John envisioned it. AMSOIL is pleased to be a part of this project and looks forward to future updates on the Grand Sport Super Sport from The Custom Shop.

Team Hybrid: Making It Happen

Every serious import owner is on a never-ending mission to pull out all the stops in creating the best ride that eclipses any other on the scene. Team Hybrid is no exception, and in fact sets the standard for today’s performance automotive enthusiast. They have been steadily generating buzz by landing some high-profile magazine covers, most recently in the January/December issue of Performance Auto & Sound and PASMAG Overdrive. PAS Magazine features two magazines in one with a cover for both, and Team Hybrid made another mark in the history books by landing both covers for the second time. No other team has accomplished this, which goes to show how revered Team Hybrid is by the respect it receives both in print and on the street. AMSOIL is installed in some of their vehicles currently making headlines, including this one from owner Charleston Penesa.

Currently featured on the cover of the latest PASMAG Overdrive, Penesa’s 2006 Mitsubishi EVO IX engine modifications include a Buschur Racing 3076R turbo kit, 1000cc injectors, HKS Super Suction intake system and much more. In keeping up with these high-performance standards they use AMSOIL Series 600 Brake Fluid, AMSOIL Synthetic High Performance 10W-30 Motor Oil and AMSOIL Ea Oil Filter.

AMSOIL covered this feature in the Promotions blog back in July when it was up and coming, and has since followed Penesa and Team Hybrid as they continue pushing the envelope in the import circuit. Founder James Lin received one more testament to their team’s viability at the 2010 SEMA show, learning Team Hybrid was confirmed to be the most published team in Performance Auto & Sound Magazine history. As one of the top three best-selling enthusiast titles in the US and the number one title in Canada, this is no small accomplishment.

AMSOIL is pleased to lend support to such a talented team of enthusiasts. Team Hybrid has the ability to generate buzz and awareness for not only their rides and organization, but the companies that sponsor them. Look for the AMSOIL logo placement on the cover of PASMAG Overdrive and watch for future updates. As they make their mark across the import circuit, Team Hybrid is rising fast and showing no signs of stopping.

AMSOIL-lubed Challenge America Silverado Brings Recognition for Wounded Vets

One of the highlights of the SEMA Show, featured prominently in the GM booth, was Nic Ashby's Challenge America Chevrolet Silverado. In a post script to the show, the Victorious Project blog (http://thevictorious.org/) stated, "We’re all on Cloud 9 because SEMA was a huge success for Challenge America in promoting the needs of our veterans."

During the show the Challenge America team collected tons of video footage. Their aim is to raise awareness for the needs of wounded veterans. For many vets, the toughest battles are not those fought on the front, but rather the ones they must fight the rest of their lives when they return home. On this Veterans Day it is appropriate to honor all who have served. It is likewise a privilege to be associated with people like Nic who continue to give back in this manner.

In a note to us this week he wrote, "SEMA was a great show and thanks to all your votes and support we made it into the CHEVY booth and received a nice recognition from the North American President of General Motors."

About Challenge America: Challenge America answers the question of “When it happens, where do we go?” for returning injured military and their families by connecting to resources in the simplest way possible – at the local zip code level. We are working with communities across the United States in linking new and existing services and supporting the development of recreational, occupational and housing programs to better serve those who have sacrificed so much for us.

Challenge America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, Federal Tax ID 27-0868701.

SEMA Continues To Shine

It seems clear that the industry is thriving as you see the action unfold at this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas. From mobile electronics to off road gear, to street rod passion to the ultimate accessorizations, you can find all of it displayed in a spectacular array of light, color and sound here at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Organizations a-plenty share the benefits of memberships in an effort strengthen the foundations of their varied interests, from protecting the rights of street rodding to maintaining access for trail riders.

Ultimately, the show has been like any other trade show in that it serves the function of enabling manufacturers to connect with retailers, with the aim of improving the company's visibility in order to reach consumers. One difference, however, is that there is industry with this kind of glam, style and sheer sexiness. Check out the new Mustangs and Camaros? And all the brilliance in reflected in the paint schemes, chrome and chromatics.

SEMA leadership decided to create a new award to help highlight the vehicle manufacturers that make this industry possible. It was called "The Hottest Vehicles of the SEMA Show." The three awards went to the Hottest Pickup Truck, Hottest 4x4 and Hottest Car.

SEMA is also a place where new relationships are created, and announcements get made. Yesterday it was announced that AMSOIL has signed a multi-year agreement to be the official and exclusive oil of Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM World Championship, that begins January 8, 2011 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif.

The three-year agreement marks the company’s first partnership with the Monster Energy Supercross championship, though the company has had long roots in supercross and motocross beginning with its sponsorship of 2X national champion Mike LaRocco in the late nineties and ongoing relationship with Factory Connection racing.

As the sun burns off the morning haze here in the valley, SEMA will continue to shine as a place where things happen, and history is written.

Nic Ashby's AMSOIL-lubed Challenge America vehicle is featured in the GM booth this year.

SEMA 2010: Upbeat First Day Begins With Award for AMSOIL

Two years ago a cloud of uncertainty hung over the SEMA Show as the nation wrestled with the collapse of the housing market and the international banking crisis was emerging. Last year attendance was down slightly, but there were signs of hope for a rebound. In 2010 enthusiasm for the future has returned with full force, as attendance is higher than ever, there are more companies here with booths than ever, more new products in the New Product Showcase and more vehicles on display than ever. The auto industry is "back in the drivers seat."

Each year the first day of the show begins with a New Products Awards Breakfast and this was no different. Dave McClelland of Hot Rod TV and the Voice of SEMA led the program here at the Hilton Ballroom. He shared a personal anecdote about his grandson coming along to his first SEMA and how we can sometimes get a little jaded after three decades of attending, not realizing how significant this event is, after which the awards were presented.

There are fifteen awards and more than 1500 entries, which means the odds are long and the judges have a lot of work to do to narrow down their selections. One out of a hundred will receive the recognition that all have been striving for.

After a dozen awards had been presented, Dave McClelland introduced the Best New Powersports Product.... AMSOIL Quickshot SE. McClelland described the product's features and benefits. "AMSOIL Quickshot SE is a premium fuel additive formulated to thoroughly clean and restore peak performance in small engine and powersports equipment fuel systems. It also stabilizes fuel between uses and during short-term storage periods. Its revolutionary technology focuses on three major fuel-related issues plaguing small engines and powersports equipment: ethanol, water and dirty pump gas."

Needless to say, for AMSOIL this made for a great beginning to another exciting SEMA Show.

SEMA Opens Today

Walk this way!

Happy Halloween

AMSOIL Dealer Jacob Stafford found a way to promote his business at a local pumpkin festival that he attended with his wife and small children. We certainly appreciate his enthusiasm for AMSOIL. Thanks for sharing.

More New Products Headed to Showcase at SEMA

As mentioned in a previous entry, AMSOIL is gearing up for the 2010 SEMA show armed with several new products for display in the New Product Showcase (NPS). The NPS features new products introduced throughout the year and selects winners for the ‘Best of’ award in various categories. An added benefit, however, is having this platform to showcase the progress AMSOIL makes each year with every new product development. Below are the three additional submissions into this years’ New Product Showcase. Check back for updates on the 2010 SEMA show here in the first week of November.

AMSOIL Engine & Transmission Flush
Introduced in April 2010, AMSOIL Engine & Transmission Flush helps restore fuel economy and increase operating efficiency in gasoline & diesel engines and in automatic transmissions. It safely cleans sludge and build-up, thereby promoting lower operating temperatures and reduced oil consumption. The new product is potent enough to work in just one treatment, yet safe enough to use at every oil change. AMSOIL Engine & Transmission Flush is easily disposable with waste oil and compatible with both conventional and synthetic lubricants.

AMSOIL Synthetic Fuel Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid
Many of today’s vehicle manufacturers are now calling for a low-viscosity transmission fluid, and AMSOIL answered the call in 2010. Formulated with friction modifier additives, AMSOIL Synthetic Fuel Efficient ATF provides excellent friction durability. It is fully-fortified with anti-wear/extreme pressure agents, giving drivers peace of mind for up to 100,000 miles in normal service or 50,000 miles in severe service. It provides outstanding performance and protection, even in severe operating conditions.

AMSOIL Synthetic SAE 60 Motorcycle Oil
AMSOIL Synthetic SAE 60 Motorcycle Oil is recommended for early-model air-cooled V-Twin engines where a 60-weight motor oil is specified. SAE 60 motor oils are commonly used in Harley-Davidson® Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead and big-bore motorcycles. The result of extensive research, AMSOIL Synthetic SAE 60 Motorcycle Oil was introduced to the masses in July 2010. This new viscosity fills an important slot in our motorcycle oil lineup, featuring superior wear protection and heat resistance. It's designed for those who demand the absolute best in lubrication for their motorcycles.

Hot Cool-Blue Stang Project Car On Display At SEMA

With the 2010 SEMA show just days away, the AMSOIL/Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords 2011 Mustang GT is lookin' good. This special project Mustang that will be on display in the Source Interlink Media booth during the 2010 SEMA show in Las Vegas.

In just two months time, the MM & FF staff transformed the Kona Blue ’11 GT from a stock Mustang with 412hp, into a street-legal, drag race monster capable of over 650 horsepower and 10-second quarter-mile times. The new 5.0L Ti-VCT V-8 has been enhanced by Blow-By Racing with a Ford Racing Performance Parts supercharger kit with a custom tune. Then they installed a 175hp shot of nitrous from NOS in our own SIM Tech Center. Of course the powertrain benefits from AMSOIL fluids throughout. And with more air and gas going in, they installed Kook’s latest headers and exhaust system with catalytic converters and slick tail pipes.

Along with the go, the AMSOIL/MM&FF GT has plenty of show. Paul Holman of Visualfxpaint.com, sprayed the Roush wing, front fascia, and Cervini’s hood with a racy scheme including bright blue “real fire” effects. Amazingly, all the logos, colors and stripes on the body are hand painted!

With the paint complete, the GT was back in our SIM Tech Center in Tampa where the rest of the work was completed. The SEMA Stang rides on new Weld Magnum wheels with Moroso and Nitto rubber meeting the road. Strange brakes and coil-over struts compete the front suspension and BBR and BMR parts make up the rear suspension. There is even detail under the hood and a slathering of modification to the interior as well including Corbeau seats, a Maximum Motorsports roll bar, twin carbon fiber nitrous bottles and much more.

If you're "in the neighborhood" be sure to check it out. Booth 22743

AMSOIL Set to Showcase New Products at SEMA

It's hard to believe the 2010 SEMA show is but one week away. AMSOIL is once again poised to generate some buzz amongst those in attendance with several new products entered into the New Product Showcase. Each year Las Vegas draws thousands of manufacturers and companies to the largest automotive specialty products trade event in the world. The Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) attracts over 100,000 industry leaders from all over the globe seeking to gain knowledge of the latest developments in the industry. Here's a sneak peek of what AMSOIL has in store for this year's event.

AMSOIL XL Extended Life Synthetic Motor Oil
Launched in October, AMSOIL beefed up its XL motor oil family with a reformulated version of this long-standing product line. AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oils feature a longer drain interval of up to 10,000 miles or six months specifically for motorists seeking the convenience of fewer oil changes without compromising protection and performance. Its multi-viscosity formulation fits a wide range of applications, including API SN and ILSAC GF-5. The 5W-30 viscosity is also recommended for the new energy conserving specifications of GM dexos1™.

AMSOIL Quickshot SE

AMSOIL Quickshot SE was introduced in April, increasing small-engine performance and acting as a fuel stabilizer between uses or during short-term storage. Quickshot thoroughly cleans varnish and debris from the fuel system and focuses on the three major fuel-related issues small engines face: ethanol, water and dirty pump gas. Recommended for use in all two-and four-stroke gasoline powered engines including motorcycles, ATVs, boats, mowers, snowmobiles and more, AMSOIL Quickshot SE restores peak performance in small engine and powersports equipment.

AMSOIL Dominator Coolant Boost
AMSOIL Dominator Coolant Boost hit the market in July, aimed at improving efficiency and horsepower on the track. It provides racers and motorists with significantly lower engine operating temperatures, quicker engine warm-up times and advanced corrosion protection. Its tiered surfactant technology delivers quick and efficient heat transfer inside radiators and cylinder heads, resulting in reduced operating temperatures and more efficient operation.

This is only the beginning of what AMSOIL has in store. Check back soon for the second batch of AMSOIL products getting ready to hit the scene at the 2010 SEMA Show in November.

EMC: It's a Wrap!

When we posted Friday, it was three down and three to go in the finals at the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge. To recap, the day began with Myron Cottrell, Bret Bowers and last year's champion Jon Kaase. Each team had 15 minutes to make three passes, three minutes to evaluate numbers and 20 minutes to make adjustments before pushing the engine through three final passes from 2500 to 6500 rpm.

Scott Main of MPG Heads entered the dyno arena fourth, and it wasn't long before they knew there was going to be a problem making things come together, but with seconds to spare the Ford 404 Cleveland engine showed a little life and they went to work trying to get numbers.

Next up John Lahone and JL Reliable Engines was hooked onto the dyno, a Chevy 430 Small Block. Lahone was 18th alternate for this competition which begins with 40 selected teams and a gallery of extras in the wings. After their initial calculations the Lahone team determined to make two minor adjustments, one degree on the timing and one adjustment to the jet. When all was said and done JT Reliable was in first place with one team to go, BES Racing Engines headed by Tony Bischoff.

Bischoff (right), who looked pensive during the initial warm-up runs, brought in a Chrysler Gen III 417 Hemi. Among other things, the engine featured double spark plugs for each cylinder, not your everyday setup. Needless to say, the engine performed flawlessly, and he looked quite pleased afterwards.

It's not over till the engines are examined to make sure everything is according to spec. Bischoff's Hemi had no issues, looked great on the dyno as well as after teardown. Congratulations to this year's Engine Master, Tony Bischoff and the BES Racing Engines team.

Three Down, Three to Go

As we approach mid-day at at the University of Northwestern Ohio, the drama is building. Three teams have completed their dyno runs. The first on the block was TPIS… a Chevy engine that ran Wednesday, Myron Cottrell's #17.

Second up this morning was RED, Race Engine Designs, Bret Bowers and his Chevy build, #14. Last year's champ Jon Kaase Racing was third to the dyno cell, also a Chevy.

We can't talk about results thus far, but the excitement is building as we listen to the Scott Main's #11 gurgle to life. MPG Heads has a Ford engine on the block which there were able to get started with 15 seconds to spare. No one can predict what will happen, and certainly unpredictable is the norm at the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge.

5th to run will be JL Reliable, John Lohone’s Chevy engine, #19. 6th and last to run today will be Tony Bischoff’s Chrysler, BES Racing Engines, #12.

After each run, engines are rolled back to staging for teardown and inspection. The drama is building as we approach the last hours of a grueling week. Some big guns already went home empty handed, but most of the teams are sticking around to see how everything shakes out. There really is a whole lot of shaking goin' on.

Photo captions: Students prepare engines for teardown and final inspection (above) and Jon Kaase's valve cover (below).

Day Four AMSOIL EMC Winds Toward Close

What a week it's been. 38 teams of builders have been putting their engines through the paces and we're down to the last three runs. Right this minute Hot Heads Research is getting their Mopar hooked onto the dyno, tightening and tuning. On deck in the other dyno cell is Judson Massingill from the School of Automotive Design. The final contestant of the day will be last year's winner Jon Kaase of Jon Kaase Racing.

Tonight there will be an awards banquet for the builders while the top six engines remain locked in quarantine, untouchable till rolled out for the final day's runs tomorrow. Two teams will receive checks for $1,000 courtesy AMSOIL for highest torque and highest horsepower of the week. But tomorrow is the big prize... The numbers will tell the story.

We asked one of the students, Craig Buckets, to tell us a little about this school that hosts the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge, University of Northwestern Ohio. "We have an automotive program, a diesel program, an alternative fuels program and then we are actually back right now in the high performance program. I’d say right now we’ve probably got somewhere between 1,000-1,500 kids in the high performance area. We do just about everything as far as even in the high performance building. We do stuff like wiring stereo systems, pinstriping and airbrushing, anything involving power trains, engines, transmissions, rear ends, high performance steering & suspension set ups. We do welding, fabrication, chassis work, whatever. We’ll teach you how to mill stuff. The amount of equipment that we have here definitely helps us keep busy."

"This is just a great experience for the students. We get to talk to a lot of these engine builders and hopefully they will impart some of their knowledge to us, it’s just what you can squeak out of them. It just depends on what some of these guys are into. Some of the stock car racers are a little more into chassis building and getting all your steering stuff set up and they are not quite into the engines. Then we have other guys that are into doing engines and transmissions and all that drive train stuff."

Many of the instructors told us how really wonderful this experience is for the students, even beyond these walls. For example, last year's winner Jon Kaase stopped at the UNOH booth last year at the PRI Show to visit with the students. He then took them for a walk around the show floor and gave them insights into all the various things going on, sharing lessons with the appreciative students there.

Just a few minutes ago the Hot Heads teams got some rum luck as detonation caused two head gaskets to blow, with sparks flying and a a lot of excitement in the room. As we entered the dyno cell, was could see water pouring out in a stream... and Dan Miller's crew ended with a DNF. A dramatic moment here as the last two teams set their sights on pushing two more engines out of quarantine.

Oh no. Judson Massingill's Ford engine failed to run its paces. Never even got to run a pull. They're bummed. Two DNFs in a row. We're down to one final competitor, last year's champion... and we're setting up. Nothing is wholly predictable, however, and no one is taking anything for granted.

Till next, from UNOH and the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge.

AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge Is Firing On All Cylinders

We're here at the University of Northwestern Ohio for the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge presented by Popular Hot Rodding. It's an experience unlike any other. Forty engine builders from around the country bring their engines for a head-to-head dyno shootout with the ultimate build going home with the title Engine Master. It's King of the Hill and Super Bowl all rolled into one week, four solid days of dyno runs and one more day for the six finalists. But don't let the time frame deceive you. These teams prepare all year, constantly studying the finer points of the rules in order to see how and where each one can get their edge.

Fords, Mopars, Chevys, big blocks and small bocks, Fuel Injected and old school motors all compete on identical dynos under identical atmospheric conditions. Many competitors are simply here for the adventure, but others only have their eye on the prize.

The scale of the event is itself enormous as technical staff are flown in from various parts of the country to work alongside the Univerity technical experts. Students also assist in the process, helping uncrate, assemble, hook engines to dynos. All of it gives these young people an incredible opportunity to gain new insights into how to enhance performance on internal combustion engines.

The process runs like this. Engines are unloaded into the staging area in another part of the building. The crated engines are uncrated, placed on cradles on dollies. At the appointed time, each team’s engine is rolled to one of the two dyno cells where the engines are hooked up. No one is inside the room when the engine is run through its paces, watching the activity through a large window with shatterproof glass.

Dyno operator Sidney Bonnecarrere ensures that every run gets loaded and pushed through identical paces from 2500 rpm to 6500 rpm. Bonnecarrere does all the throttle work on all the dynos throughout the week with a detached objectivity. Each builder team and EMC staff watch from the control room where the measurement equipment spits out data.

After three warm up pulls, teams have three minutes to study the data, then fifteen minutes to make adjustments. When the allotted time is up, three more dyno pulls are completed and the numbers are final.

In another space there is a locked room where the top six qualifying engines are placed so that they remain untouched until Friday’s runoff. The first six engines may have been put in there Monday, but as scores mount, new engines are set in quarantine and other engines removed. Thursday night, there will be only the top six engines in this room, under lock and key till the next morning.

The competition director is Wesley Roberson of West Monroe, LA who has served with the NHRA since 1968. According to Ed Zinke, publisher of the performance group of magazines with Source Interlink, this competition is significantly different from timed engine building events. To see day by day action and constantly updated results, visit http://www.popularhotrodding.com/.

AMSOIL is represented this week by technical manager Len Groom and director of advertising Ed Newman.

Last NSRA Nationals Event of 2010

This weekend marks the final event for the NSRA Nationals events of 2010. Tampa, FL will host the 23rd Annual Southeast Street Nationals Plus at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Over 1600 pre-1980 specialty vehicles will be on display over the weekend, the largest automotive event in this area. Street rods, customs, pick-ups, restored muscle cars and more will be on hand to show how hugely popular this market is.

NSRA events offers more than just a view of spectacular cars. Drawing people of all ages, there is something to do for the entire family. The Women’s World arts and crafts show, model car display, vintage swap meet and trade show, plus games for the young and old alike ensure everyone in attendance has a great time. Don’t miss the Circle of Winners awards area on Sunday to see which cream of the crop vehicles take home an award.

What:
23rd Annual Southeast Street Rod Nationals Plus

When:
Friday October 8 8:30AM-5:00 PM
Saturday October 9 8:00AM-5:00 PM
Sunday October 10 8:30AM-2:00 PM

Where:
Florida State Fairgrounds
Tampa, FL

Cost:
Adult $14.00
Child 6-12 $5.00
5-Under Free
Discounts available to NSRA members, Military personnel, Senior Citizens & UPS workers with valid ID

AMSOIL Joins Forces with Deer & Deer Hunting TV

Fall is now upon us, and with it comes the start of the hunting season millions of enthusiasts wait for all year. This summer AMSOIL increased its visibility in the hunting market by becoming a sponsor of Deer & Deer Hunting TV. Deer & Deer Hunting also produces a high quality magazine and holds a strong online presence. Founded in 1977 by avid hunters, Deer & Deer Hunting has become the go-to place for hunters seeking to perfect their craft.

AMSOIL not only has lubricants for guns, we also take care of the ATVs and UTVs as well as the food plot equipment many deer hunters use.

The 2010 Deer & Deer Hunting television season kicked off with footage of publisher Brad Rucks taking a nice buck in Kentucky, bringing motivation to the team from the start. Be sure to tune into the Versus Network to catch this season of Deer & Deer Hunting TV, and let AMSOIL help you have a successful season. Check www.deeranddeerhunting.com for full details and schedule.

You can also follow the D+DH team on Facebook.

PHOTO: Executive producer Chris Hermans captures footage of an exchange between editor Dan Schmidt and hunting enthusiast Ted Nugent. Ted discussed ethics and the future of hunting in his standard tell it like it is style.

2010 Top Truck Challenge Now Airing on Outdoor Channel

The editors and publishers of Four Wheeler Magazine are into torture. That is, they spend eleven months of every year trying to dream up ways to torture vehicles in the annual Top Truck Challenge in Hollister, California. It has been described as a week of organized chaos, and it turns ordinary off roaders into heroes when they simply survive this grueling experience.

The Outdoor Channel is currently airing the Top Truck Challenge, beginning last Monday and going for the following several weeks at 7:30 EST. If you want to check it out, here's a link to their schedule. Or contact Four Wheeler Magazine to get the whole spectacle on DVD.

NSRA Golden State Nationals Headed to Sacramento

This weekend 2010 NSRA Golden State Nationals is slated for Sacramento, October 1-3. Held at the Cal-Expo Center, the NSRA Golden State Nationals is expected to draw over 1,600 street rods, muscle cars, custom cars and specialty vehicles from all over the country. Manufactured 30+ years ago, these rides have modern features added such as state of the art suspensions, four-wheel disc brakes and comfort features like air conditioning and cruise control.

In addition to the miles of cars available to view up close, several activities are scheduled aimed at people of all ages. A swap meet, live entertainment, tether car display and over $78,000 in Super Prize giveaways will round out the festivities, with the Circle of Winners ceremony to close out the weekend on Sunday.

If you're in the area this is a can’t-miss event. The usual Women’s World area and trade show offer a weekend full of something for the entire family. The NSRA Nationals always draw a large crowd. This is the region’s largest and most spectacular rod, custom and muscle car event.

What:
9th Annual Golden State Street Rod Nationals Plus

When:
Friday October 1st 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Saturday October 2nd 8:00 AM -5:00 PM
Sunday October 3rd 8:30. AM-2:00 PM
Where: Cal Expo-Sacramento, CA

Cost:
Adult $14.00
Child 6-12 $5.00
5-Under Free

Discounts available to NSRA members, Military personnel, Senior Citizens & UPS workers with valid ID

Summing Up: 2010 Hot Rod Drag Week

The event to determine the Fastest Street Car in America started at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio, then went to O’Reilly Motorsports Park in Indianapolis, IN, Milan Dragway in Milan, MI, Pittsburgh Raceway Park in New Alexandria, PA, and then back to National Trail from September 14 through the 18. The 1200 mile long drive took everything from daily driven hot rods to street-legal race cars over Midwest highways and back roads, followed by a few hours of drag racing each day. When all was said and done, Larry Larson rose to the top as the overall winner.

Larson’s ’66 Chevy II runs a 565 cubic-inch, twin turbo engine and laid down an unbelievable 6.95 at 209 mph quarter-mile pass on the last day. Again, this is after driving 1200 miles in the rain, on the same tires and with the same equipment as what he used on the track. The rest of the classes provided just as much excitement with great performances, gut-check travails on the road, and an overall family feeling and atmosphere. If you’ve never witnessed Drag Week for yourself, make sure to come out and at least watch in 2011.

We'll list the winners of all ten classes shortly, each one on the receiving end of a case of AMSOIL synthetic motor oil. Congratulations, Larry!

Hot Rod Drag Week is anything but a drag...

In addition to the car shows, the AMSOIL Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge, this was also Hot Rod Drag Week... and pretty exciting at that. Drag Week has been described as the Road Tour on Steroids.

Day one took the racers to National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio where HOT ROD’s Drag Week officially began with the drivers meeting at 9:00 a.m. The racing action heated up immediately. In the race to the first 6-second pass in Drag Week history, Larry Larson and his silver and purple Chevy II posted a 7.12 at 189 mph time, while Jeff Lutz’s black ’57 Chevy ran 7.41 at 179. Then they packed up and hit the highway to O’Reilly Motorsports Park in Indianapolis, Indiana for day two.

HOT ROD Drag Week was scheduled to run at the historic O’Reilly Motorsports Park in Indy, home of the NHRA U.S. Nationals, a few years ago but they got rained out. The participants all wanted to come back, so that’s where they went for day 2. The weather was perfect and the performances were amazing, as was the carnage. A group of Australians blew the engine in their ’71 Chevelle and spilled oil all over the track, then performed a quick engine change with a long-block from a local O’Reilly's store and got back on the road. Amazing.

Yesterday's action was at Milan Dragway in Milan, Michigan. The day started off wet but the track at Milan was dried and the cars began running at about 11:30 a.m. It’s a long drive to Pittsburgh Raceway Park, site of Day 4 of HOT ROD’s Drag Week. For all the latest results and more photos, go to HOTROD.com/dragweek.

Meet the Star of the 2010 AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour

The 2010 AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour kicked off May 15, and has since logged nearly 20,000 miles throughout the summer. Leading the tour this year is a custom-built ’27 Shadow Rods XL 27 Roadster Pickup, with Editor Jerry Dixey at the helm. AMSOIL has been a proud sponsor of this tour since 2008 and naturally, AMSOIL is installed throughout to ensure the engine lives up to the many miles ahead of it.

Built by Zane Cullen of Cotati Speed Shop, the Roadster has been turning heads across the country in all of its shiny blue-painted glory. Cotati did an excellent job of creating the vision, and proved the point that a street rod can still be built using today’s industry products and driven anytime, anywhere. One of the main focal points is the pick-up bed made from wood featuring a ‘floating’ platform and a race-inspired nose that also adds to the unique end result. Countless tweaks, customizations, and attention to every possible detail turned out one of the best road tour vehicles thus far.

For all the details on the 2010 AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour Roadster, pick up a copy of the November issue of Street Rodder Magazine. They feature story shows pictures of the shell they started with, and how they turned it into the showstopper it became. You can see the Roadster above as it just arrived in Burlington, VT for the NSRA event there this week.

And We Have A Winner

The results are in! The AMSOIL Mopar Muscle Engine challenge has come to a close. MRL performance and Promax Performance were the last two contestants on the dyno this afternoon and when the dust settled it looks like last year's winner Shurbon Performance has come out on top. His modified 340 made 511.3 HP which gives it the top honors at 1.504 HP per cubic inch. MRL and Promax put on a great show. Both put up very respectable numbers but just couldn't quite compete with the Schurbon team. Congratulations to all the competitors and thanks to the folks at Mopar Muscle Magazine for once again putting on a great event.

LEADER BOARD TELLS THE FINAL STORY...