In early February, 100 4x4 Off-Road vehicles gathered in Johnson Valley, CA to compete head to head in a grueling desert race through miles of dirt, sand and rocks in the King of Hammers event. Out of those 100 drivers only 43 made it to the finish over 120 miles away, including AMSOIL Sponsored drivers Brad Lovell with driver Bill Kuntz (AMSOIL #232) of Lovell Rock Racing. AMSOIL has been a sponsor of the Lovell’s for years, and they have never faltered in their efforts to maintain their champion status. In fact, Brad and AMSOIL #232 were only 28 seconds short of the first place finish coming in at an extremely close 2nd. Roger Lovell was also in attendance with AMSOIL #32 starting with a good run, but his team ran into fuel problems that ultimately sidelined their truck and dashed their chances of finishing. In a competition this fierce, anything can and does happen.

Also making it across the finish were Stephen and Brandon Watson of Off-Road Design. (left and below) Stephen approached AMSOIL in 2009 when he needed the AMSOIL edge in the Best in the Desert Vegas to Reno 1,000-mile endurance race. He ended up coming in 2nd place out of 11 competitors in that race, rightfully earning him his place in the King of Hammers Event. Weeks of preparation culminated in a 17th place standing at the end of KOH for the Watson brothers, which is pretty good out of 100 entrants. More than halfway through the desert run, Stephen and his co-driver Brandon ended up in an 8-10 truck pileup at the top of the dreaded Sledgehammer trail. After helping to winch the other trucks out of their way, driver Brandon crawled his way up out of the nasty hole that caught the others…no winching necessary. They ended up completing the race without a single mechanical issue, thanks in part to AMSOIL drivetrain and power steering fluids.

Off-Road Designs’ placement in this King of the Hammers also earned their spot in next year’s KOH event, where they will join Lovell Rock Racing in another attempt at clinching the title…or at the very least, making it across the finish again after covering miles of damaging terrain. This year’s event is barely over, and we already look forward to the opportunity of getting AMSOIL out on this punishing proving ground once again.

Click images to enlarge

Photo Credits: Image at top right courtesy race volunteer Amanda Stroder; start of the race pic courtesy of Chaplain Steve Hanson; finish line image at bottom courtesy Scott Riley of Bighorn Graphics.

Project Stunner Heading to Motor City

Project Stunner is a suitable name for Trent VanArsdalen’s latest build, a blue and butterscotch 2010 Chevy Camaro SS. One of 8 builders selected by GM to take the reins and translate an American classic into his own definition, Trent delivered and Project Stunner was born. Since it’s unveiling at SEMA 2009 Trent and crew have traveled to various shows to make their mark on the industry. Most recently, Project Stunner attended the World of Wheels event in Indianapolis where it took home awards for Best in Class and Outstanding Custom. From the 22’ blue hoop rims to the amber LED halo lights, nothing about this ride is standard. AMSOIL lubricants are also installed, adding one more detail that establishes the fact that Trent and crew settle for nothing but the best.

Up next is a trip to Detroit, MI and the Autorama event held at Cobo Center. Trent and Project Stunner will be in attendance, no doubt turning heads and getting people talking. The photos speak for themselves, but if you are in the Detroit area stop by and see what Project Stunner says to you.

• Friday, February 26: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Saturday, February 27: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
• Sunday, February 28: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

Gate
General Admission – $ 18.00
Children 6-12 – $5.00
At O’Reilly Auto Parts:
General Admission – $ 15.00
Children 6-12 – $4.00

All That Jazz In Chicago

The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America, and this year marks its 102nd event. Held at the McCormick Place complex, over 2.7 million square feet of exhibit hall is filled with the latest in the automotive industry. From concepts and hybrids to sports cars and sedans, there is something for every lifestyle on display.

AMSOIL is under the hood of at least three custom rides in some high-profile booths. First up, Rick Bottom of Rick Bottom Designs and his 2010 Camaro are on display in the GM booth (above left). AMSOIL has had the pleasure of working with Rick on several of his rides, and each never fails to deliver less than stellar results. Rick was one of 8 esteemed builders selected by GM and awarded a 2010 Camaro to build on their behalf for the SEMA Show 2009. This goes to show the talent Rick holds and his commitment to the vision brought to life in each of his high-profile rides.

Next, BRS Auto Design and their Orange Scion xB will be on display in the Scion booth. BRS Auto Design is a design firm that produces its own line of body kits and accessories, and delivers custom body work to the tuner market. Their work has appeared on numerous magazine covers and shows, and they continue to steadily grow with no signs of stopping. When it came to ensuring the engine performed as great as the rest of the car looked, they looked to AMSOIL to provide what they needed.

Last but certainly not least is Fox Marketing with a Lexus IS C on display in the Lexus booth. AMSOIL has worked closely with Brian Fox of Fox Marketing in a partnership that has reaped great benefits. His Lexus IS C has made the rounds in several booths at a variety of prestigious events.

If you're in the Chicago area, it’s not too late to make an appearance at this exciting event over the weekend. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see what the very near future holds in the automotive industry.

Friday: 10:00 AM-10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM-10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM-8:00 PM

Admission: Adults $11
Seniors and children 7-12: $7
Children 6-under Free

Big Weekend at Indy

Indianapolis is gearing up to host at least two big events this weekend, February 12-15. First up is the Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo, a premier event focused on the Powersports Industry. AMSOIL will be in attendance to see the latest and greatest in this market, while making its own mark in the lubricant niche. Exhibitors and attendees are admitted by registration only, so while this event is not open to the public these industry shows prove to be invaluable in building AMSOIL awareness in several different markets.

Also headed to Indianapolis the same weekend is the World of Wheels event held at the Indianapolis State Fairgrounds. Trent Van Arsdalen of Trent’s Trick Upholstery will be in attendance with his show-stopping 2010 Camaro SS. Trent reached out to AMSOIL back in November as he was preparing his Camaro for the SEMA show and looking for a lubricant capable of handling such power. His custom upholstery business has won him several well-deserved awards, making his rides increasingly popular within the automotive world.

Also at the World of Wheels event, the Indianapolis chapter of Harley-Davidson will present the All-American Motorcycle show featuring customs and restored bikes. Motorama 1962 and Gauge Magazine will also feature traditional rods, customs, bobbers, tuners and more on display throughout the weekend. Open to the public, the World of Wheels show is brimming with exhibits, displays and even a few celebrity appearances. Mark your calendars now and make it to Indianapolis to see firsthand what all the buzz is about.

LC Fabrications Fuses Quality with Originality

Jeremy Cupp, President of LC Fabrications, has been on the AMSOIL radar for quite some time now. In February 2009 his custom-built Panster won the Editors’ Pick for best in show at the Easyriders Invitational and his TT Deluxe was honored with the VQ award at the same event. The VQ is equivalent to an Emmy in the world of motorcycling, and Cupp is well-deserving of such an award. With acute attention to every detail on his custom builds, Cupp can start with practically nothing but the parts lying around in his garage and turn it into an original bike unlike anything else in the world. AMSOIL has featured some of his works in national advertising, and each build never fails to turn heads.

Cupp’s innovative mind has led to the creation of several custom bikes, each with their own stamp of originality. From the leatherwork to the frame, fender and bolts in between, Cupp tweaks each part until it fits his vision. He uses AMSOIL exclusively in each build to ensure the engine can take the many miles ahead of it when it hits the road. In addition to the Panster and TT Deluxe (left) that have already made the rounds on the bike scene, Cupp has poured his talent into a custom Bonneville-style bike named ‘Bonnie’, the Birmingham Bee-Liner, and the one that started it all, the Outcast. His website showcases each and tells the stories of how they came to life.

Never one to worry about the fame and fortune that comes afterwards, his pride comes from the end result of a job well done. Whether a simple build or one more complex, Cupp states in his own words, “It’s not about being better than the next guy or spending a fortune on paint, it’s about the need to create, the love for anything mechanical, and having a true passion for what you do.” It’s these beliefs in his own passion and talent that will catapult him to even higher success, and AMSOIL looks forward to being there with him each step of the way.

The TT Deluxe featured here will be on display at the Triumph annual dealer's convention in Orlando Mid-February.

2010 AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge Update

A few weeks back AMSOIL announced the title sponsorship of the 2010 Engine Masters Challenge in conjunction with Popular Hot Rodding Magazine. This event puts over 30 talented engine builders in one place to see who can build the most cost effective, efficient engine. After a series of dyno tests that measure torque, horsepower and performance the top engine builder is ultimately crowned 2010 AMSOIL Engine Master. With many contingency sponsors and $5,000 in cash and prizes going to the winner, the stakes are high. Like a Super Bowl ring, though, the real prize is the recognition it brings.

If you or someone you know has a talent for engine building, it's not too late to apply to be a participant in this challenge. Applications are due no later than February 15th, so now is your chance to be part of this exciting event and show your stuff. Full rules, details and application can be found here on the Popular Hot Rodding website.