SEMA Feature of the Week: 742 Marketing Goes Big at SEMA

Jeff Maldonado is a busy man with one eye aimed towards the future. As President and CEO of 742 Marketing, he’s a force to be reckoned with among car builders at SEMA, national-level car shows and beyond. It all started in room 742 at Westwood College back in 2001 amongst seven college friends with a passion for the automotive lifestyle. Since then Maldonado has become the last man standing and worked steadily at growing the company into what it is today. His hard work and perseverance paid off; he recently made the cut as one of SEMA’s prestigious “35 Under 35” young rising stars and shows no signs of stopping.

AMSOIL was approached by Maldonado in 2012 with some of the most impressive SEMA project vehicles we’ve ever seen. We hooked him up with some product, and then marveled at the end results when we saw what he was working with up close and personal. For SEMA 2013, the AMSOIL and 742 Marketing partnerships expanded with 20 show-stopping vehicles running AMSOIL and bearing the logo. Even at a show the magnitude of SEMA, 742 Marketing rides always manage to catch the attention of spectators constantly surrounded by eye candy. We caught up with Maldonado as he was tying up last-minute SEMA preparations, gaining insight into the mind of the man who knows his way around an industry full of cutthroat competition. How did he get there? His motto says it all: #DOWORKSON.

AMSOIL: Why do you think SEMA has become such a destination for vehicle builders like yourself?
JM: As a builder, a driver & enthusiast the SEMA Show has become more than an exhibit to display our work; it’s now an outlet to meet new clients for our business. Getting chosen by such companies like AMSOIL to feature at the show is such a privilege and accomplishment to a hard work that goes into building a show/race/exhibit ride. The SEMA show is not a destination...it’s a builder’s ultimate goal to be able to attend.

AMSOIL: It’s hard to stand out among all the impressive show cars at SEMA and on the car show scene. How does 742 Marketing manage to stay ahead of the game?
JM: "If you don't look ahead you won’t get ahead"- Jeff M. That'S our staff's mentality in this game. Being able to be different in our builds, our crew, our styles and the way we market our vehicles is what makes us different. Keeping positive and not letting the negative get to us is what puts us one step ahead. It's not always about the car.....it's the driver and what drives us to stand out.

AMSOIL: What made you choose AMSOIL as the go-to lubricant for these high-performance, high-profile cars? Any favorite product?
JM: This is our 3rd year working with AMSOIL and we haven't heard any complaints from their sponsored rides. AMSOIL is a company that understands our marketing efforts and knows the amount of work and exposure that comes from our builds in the show scene. That only puts us in position to represent AMSOIL 100% not only at SEMA, but throughout the year. All AMSOIL products are and have been the best.... but if we had to pick 1 it would have to be the synthetic oil.

AMSOIL: You see a lot of amazing show-worthy cars in your daily job. Any stand-outs or all-time favorites?
JM: In the 5 years we have been doing this we have encountered some clean, mild and just out of this world builds, but the builds that have made the most impact for 742 and its movement have to be: SEMA 2010 both Widebody tC's, SEMA 2011 Sonoma truck with Chrysler 300 front end, SEMA 2012 KONIG FRS - TEAM REVO'S CARBON Z - FUSCION'S SCION IQ. As for 2013…you will need to wait till SEMA to see what we have in store.

AMSOIL: We're looking forward to it! If you could choose any vehicle in the world to customize and make your own, what would it be and why?
JM: A long time goal for me personally has to be a Maserati.

AMSOIL: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment in the “automotive lifestyle” realm you’ve created?
JM: That's a trick question (laughs). I have a few but in different aspects of the word. Business-wise I have to say being awarded the SEMA’ 35 Under 35’ award has been my biggest accomplishment. Personal-wise I have to say creating a good track record of my work that has led to the awards the cars and the future of the Lifestyle brand.

AMSOIL: Lastly, do you have a favorite quote or motto that describes you?
JM: Yes! #DOWORKSON

AMSOIL can be found installed in the following 742 Marketing show cars headed to SEMA 2013. 

2005 Suzuki GSXR 600
2013 Silver Scion FRS
2013 Red Scion FRS
2012 Toyota Tacoma
1993 Honda Civic CX
2005 Scion xA
2014 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO
2012 Scion IQ
Scion TC Custom Turbo
2011 Scion XB R58.0
2013 Subaru BRZ
2013 Subaru WRX Sedan
2004 Infinity G35 Coupe
2010 Scion Xb
2012 Chevrolet Corvette
2007 Infiniti G35X Sedan
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
2010 Hyundai Genesis
2008 Scion XB

Stay tuned for photos and updates from the SEMA show floor, and come visit AMSOIL booth #24661 if you are attending SEMA 2013.

SEMA Feature of the Week: Project Diabetes Revolution 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer

Andre Darville is a 20 year old Aerospace Engineering student with a flair for vehicle modifications that will soon take him to SEMA for the second time to promote diabetes awareness. Most recently Andre poured his talent into to a project build near and dear to his heart: the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR. Titled ‘Project Diabetes Revolution’, Andre plans to use this build to draw awareness to diabetes and the people who suffer from this disease. His message is powerful, and he is again using his SEMA project to take his message global using the mighty SEMA Show as his platform. As a feature vehicle for AMSOIL, Andre had this to say about his mission:

“I want this car to be a symbol for all the brave people fighting diabetes to keep fighting. I want this project to be even greater than my previous ones. I want this car to symbolize hope, and the will to keep fighting. All I am asking from you is to see what I am seeing, to see the vision that has inspired me to give back and for those with diabetes to have a reason to never give up and motivate them to keep going every day. Project “REVOLUTION” is in their honor to show that people do care.”

In conjunction with spreading his message, Andre aimed to create the ultimate performance car capable of turning heads everywhere he goes. In the competitive show-car arena this can be a daunting task, but Andre is proving to be up to the challenge. AMSOIL is installed throughout, putting the engine up to par with the performance requirements he is seeking. We caught up with Andre to get his take on the project, and it’s coming along nicely.

What drew you to this make/model for SEMA? What has you ‘jazzed’ about this particular build? 

Andre Darville: The 2014 Mitsubishi Evolution is a beast of a vehicle. It is AWD with an amazing amount of horsepower and little weight. It is a factory built race car, I love that it can be a performance race track vehicle and also a head turning show car.

 How many times have you been to SEMA? 

AD: This is my second year going to SEMA. I brought my Diabetes Awareness Dodge Charger last year.

Why do you think SEMA has become such a destination for vehicle builders like yourself? 

AD: I feel SEMA is the ultimate for every builder. It gives praise to the builder in letting you know that your vehicle is one of the top in the country and deserves to be showcased in front of industry vendors.

What is it about this vehicle that makes it ‘you’? 

AD: I was able to fit monster X33's from XIX Wheels on the car they are 20x10 concave series wrapped in 255/35/20. I have so much grip on the road it’s amazing, and it fills in the wheel gap perfectly while still looking amazing. The new hood from Extreme Dimensions also makes the vehicle stand out greatly with the flat black and Red Hood vents. I have people stop and take pictures of the car all the time.

What made you choose AMSOIL for your engine?

AD: AMSOIL has every product that I need to take great care of my vehicle. The choices are amazing. I know that AMSOIL makes reliable and the best lubrication products for our vehicles and I wouldn’t trust any other company.

Any favorite AMSOIL product?

AD: My favorite product is the motor oil. Every time I go in for an oil change and I tell them I have my own AMSOIL, they say “man you’re lucky, where can we get some of that?”

If you could choose any vehicle in the world to customize and make your own, what would it be and why?

AD: I don’t think I can limit myself to just one. I want to do this as a job; build amazing cars for companies that will be shown at shows all across the world. You can give me any car and I will find ways to make it look amazing.

Do you have a favorite quote or motto that describes you?

AD: My favorite quote that I came up with, which is my Instagram name, is STRIVE2LIVE. I strive to live to the fullest. I strive to live and be the best I can. There can be many meanings to this quote and I have passed it to many. STRIVE 2 LIVE and beat Diabetes!



AMSOIL Under the Hood: 
AMSOIL 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
AMSOIL Antifreeze and Engine Coolant
AMSOIL Dominator Coolant Boost
AMSOIL Synthetic DOT-4 Brake Fluid
AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver

Thanks, Andre. Enjoy the show. And be sure to stop by booth 24661 to say hello.

Jerry Dixey and the 2013 AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour Car Happy To Be Home

Word on the street is that the 2013 Street Rodder Road Tour '51 Ford has finally returned to its roost after a summer of logging over 16,000 miles. The AMSOIL Road Tour Chauffeur Jerry Dixey once again led eight individual tours to various events and the kind of bucket list sites that street rod enthusiasts only dream about.

It should be noted that Jerry Dixey may look like he's living the dream as he leads various groups of Road Tourians here, there and everywhere. But it's not a totally carefree existence. There's a heckuva lot of work that goes on behind the scenes as he prepares routes and destinations and lodging and food stops for every one of these tour legs. He really never rests because he also has to stay attuned to potential road construction detours and other unexpected diversions along the way.

On the other hand, this guy sure has driven some spectacular vehicles over the years. And he’s done his fair share of travelling as well, beginning with a hitchhiking road trip to Woodstock for that Summer of ’69 spectacle way back when. No doubt he’s already sifting ideas for his next adventure.

For the record, Jerry managed to average 25 mpg with this year’s AMSOIL Street Rodder custom Ford featuring the new Ford EcoBoost twin turbo V-6 from Ford Racing and Performance. The car was built by the crew at Honest Charley Garage with a Fatman chassis. The sprayed on PPG Golden Dream gold was applied over an extensively modified sheetmetal body. This fabulous car will be on display in the outdoor Foord Racing Booth at this year’s SEMA Show.

And while you're there, stop by the AMSOIL Booth and visit with us as well. Booth 24661.

Ride on!

AMSOIL Super Chevy Best of the Best: Double Header Weekend Results

Chevrolet has one of the largest fan bases of nearly every make and model in the world. Throughout the year a dozen Super Chevy events showcase Chevs from the stylish late Fifties to early Seventies era. At each show the editors of Super Chevy magazine have been selecting the top Chevys in five categories. The public then votes for their favorite from each and at the end of the year, one from each category is chosen to be the Best of the Best.

The weekend of September 27-29 saw the AMSOIL Super Chevy Best of the Best search continue in two cities in the first-ever double header weekend. Bristol, Tenn. and Houston, TX hosted Super Chevy events that drew out hundreds to witness the drag racing, swap meet and car show excitement found only at the track. The AMSOIL Super Chevy Best of the Best search continued in both cities, rounding up 10 more finalists to join the final vote less than two weeks away.

The 2013 Super Chevy voting roster is nearing capacity, with just one more event before the public vote determines the final Best of the Best Chevys of the entire season. Winners will be announced in all 5 Best of the Best categories: Camaro, Tri-Five, Chevelle, Full-Size and Nova. Bragging rights and a $500 AMSOIL shopping spree are on the line, and competition is fierce. Check out the double-header weekend results below, and then check back soon for details on the final vote here or at AMSOILRacing.com and the AMSOIL Facebook page.

Bristol, Tenn. round:
Camaro
Roger Pauley
‘69 Camaro SS

Chevelle
Ann and Michael Boyte
‘72 Monte Carlo

Chevy II/Nova
Ed Davis
‘67 Nova SS L79

Fullsize
Dwight L. Bower
‘64 Impala SS Restored

Tri-Five
Joe and Josh Bailey
‘56 210 Hardtop

Houston, TX round:
Camaro 
Patrick Grigsby
’72 Camaro RS

Tri-Five 
Wayne Hicks
’55 Bel-Air Sedan

Chevelle-El Camino-Monte Carlo 
Kevin McElroy
’66 El Camino

Full Size
Danny Licatino
’65 Impala SS

Nova 
Laurie Vontur
’66 Nova

AMSOIL SEMA Feature of the Week: Scott Hubbard’s Mazda3 I-Sport Sedan

Scott Hubbard knew his 2010 Mazda3 I-Sport would be his first project vehicle as soon as he laid eyes on it in 2009. After purchasing his own at the end of that year, Scott set out to create a unique second-gen Mazda3 unlike any other on the car show scene. He succeeded, and now boasts ownership of a tricked-out Mazda3 sedan with modifications not seen on any other of its kind. Testaments to his hard work are the best-of awards he holds from Hot Import Nights Fontana, MazFest and Extreme Autofest San Diego 2013.

The list of mods is extensive, but one that immediately catches the eye is the Vertical Doors Inc. kit installed on the vehicle. To this day, it is still the only second-gen sedan in the country with this particular modification. The tuner scene is rampant with builders constantly on the grind trying to create the next big thing, and Scott has found a way of standing out among them.

Scott’s Mazda3 is now headed to SEMA for the first time, slated for a feature vehicle spot for the SteelCraft Company. In keeping up with his commitment to performance and style, AMSOIL is installed throughout. We caught up with Scott as he prepared the finishing touches before SEMA kicks off at the end of this month, and here is what he had to say.

AMSOIL: What drew you to this make/model for SEMA? What has you ‘jazzed’ about this particular build?

Scott Hubbard: I had always wanted a Mazda for my next car. I decided to go out one day and test drive some with my mom and wound up buying a 2010 Mazda3 I-Sport Sedan that same day, I had no intentions of mod’ing the car when I bought it. It wasn't until I started working for Vertical Doors Inc/ShopSFM, that I started mod’ing it. There weren't a whole lot of sedans being heavily modified, so there wasn't much to reference from. But seeing that no one had really touched the platform I decided to put my own spin on a car you typically wouldn't see at Shows. I'm jazzed about my build because nobody has a sedan quite like mine, and it’s so unique that if you saw it on the road you would instantly know that's the Mazda Project Car.

How many times have you been to SEMA?
SH: I have been to SEMA once before as a spectator, but this year will be the first time I have shown the Mazda Project car at SEMA. Going as a spectator and just seeing the event is what gave me the drive to do everything I could to get it into the event this year.

Why do you think SEMA has become such a destination for vehicle builders like yourself?
SH: When I think of SEMA I think of it as the Hall of Fame of show cars. It is not only a chance to show off all the hard work put into cars by their builders, but also a great way to get free parts in the process.

Any special features to this vehicle unique to you? What is it about this vehicle that makes it ‘you’?

SH: I want to say the most unique features to the project car would be the prototype Vertical Doors Inc. Kit, the HEXIS Satin Metallic Blue/Matte Black two toned vinyl wrap and the Oracle angel eyes. These three mods are what make the car truly unique and express my personality. My goal was to make a car that stood out from the crowd, and I feel these three mods helped accomplish that.

What made you choose AMSOIL for your engine?
SH: I chose AMSOIL because when I think engine fluid I have always viewed AMSOIL as being one of the top of the line products you could use on your vehicle. I was interested in being a part of the AMSOIL experience and repping you guys at SEMA!

Any favorite AMSOIL product? 
SH: Of course AMSOIL synthetic motor oil, and the P.i. Performance Improver.

If you could choose any vehicle in the world to customize and make your own, what would it be and why?
SH: I have always loved the 1993 RX-7 FD and am planning on buying the next generation Mazda RX-7 whenever it finally comes out. When I think imports I think RX-7. While I am still a huge fan of the Nissan GTR, I am a Mazda Enthusiast at heart and would feel at home driving around in a RX-7 FD or Future generation RX-7.

Lastly, do you have a favorite quote or motto that describes you?  
SH: If you can dream it you can do it!

AMSOIL under the hood: 
Synthetic 5W-20 Signature Series Motor Oil
Absolute Efficiency Oil Filter
Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Signature Series ATF
Antifreeze and Engine Coolant
DOMINATOR Coolant Boost
Synthetic DOT-3 Brake Fluid
P.i. Performance Improver

Kaase Captures Fifth Engine Masters Crown

The builders who assembled at UNOH this past week for the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge each arrived with different aims. Many to experience the challenge, others to show their stuff, and some to match wits with the best of the best. A half dozen made it to the final six in the quarantine, five survived the cut to compete on Day 5. Only one would take home the title Engine Master. And in the end it was Jon Kaase with a Ford Mod motor powered by a FAST XFI 2.0 EFI system. It was a thing of beauty to look at and a beast on the dyno.

The finishing order for the top five went like this:
1) Jon Kaase Racing, 2961.7 points.
2) Accufab Inc., 2931
3) B.E.S. Racing, 2863.7
4) School of Automotive Machinists, 2858.6
5) Also B.E.S., 2853.7

These are veterans who know how to make a machine hum. They're also friends who watch each other and fine tune their skills for the future.

A lot of the builders specialize in certain kinds of engines. After his final run we Jon Kaase about the motors he builds and if he has a favorite as well as his motivation for selecting the Ford Mod motor.

"To be honest, some engines are popular for a while and then they’re not so you better have a wide range of things that you can do because the bills still come. You might like to work on top-end stuff everyday but it might not come in every day," Kaase said.

"I’ve never worked on a mod motor and I don’t know if I’ll ever work on anymore, but the only reason we’re working on that mod motor now is that by the rules it looked like the most competitive piece. There’s a pretty big carat out there this year and we’re not screwing around this year, we’re wanting to win. There’s been years we always wanted to win but we might have picked a Pontiac or something else and come to have a good time. We’re trying to have a good time but we’re trying to win this one."

That afternoon, checks were awarded to the top three. Jon Kaase achieved the goal he'd set for himself, and compensated accordingly with a check for $66,500.00. Congratulations, Team!

This event would not have been possible without the wonderful assistance of the University of Northwest Ohio, the staff of Popular Hot Rodding and all the great teams of builders who make this event such a highly regarded event.

Two Down, Three to Go

The School of Automotive Design is out of the cell and the engine for Also B.E.S. has been wheeled in. The students and staff of UNOH are busy with the hookups. The third run of the day will be taking place soon. The last two teams after John Lohone's Also B.E.S. will be John Milhovetz's Accufab team and last, but never least, Tony Bischoff with his B.E.S. group.

I've just discovered we can post scores after all, so here are the number Jon Kaase generated to open the day: 721 peak horsepower and a sizzling 675 ft-lbs of torque with 600 lb-ft at just 3200 rpm! Kaase’s effort bumped yesterday's score a remarkable 45.2 points to 2961.7.

Massingill's School of Automotive Machinists, with a Chevy LS engine, reached 773 peak horsepower and 679 lb-ft of torque. Their final score came to 2858 points.

Mapping enables pilot to find the optimal decision points.

John Lohone, captain of Also B.E.S. from Southeastern Indiana, has been working on engines since he was 12 or 13. "It’s always what I’ve wanted to do," says Lohone. "There's a lot of people that don’t know what they want to do in life and that’s always what I wanted to do." Lohone has proven he's excelled at his passion by being one of the finalists here this year.

During Also B.E.S.'s 27 minute run a regulator on the dyno failed. There's a pause in the action as they replace the faulty unit. As soon as this team finishes, the first teardown will begin.

John Lohone (center), captain of Also B.E.S., like others here came to win.

Jon Kaase Sets the Bar

Jon Kaase makes beautiful engines that exhibit eye-popping numbers.

The final day of the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge is underway. Jon Kaase has just completed his run and set the bar for the four teams of engine builders that will follow. We can't divulge his scores but during the course of nine dyno pulls each one improved over the previous and that final pull knocked it out of the park.

Nevertheless, we've only just begun.  Judson Massingill and the School of Automotive Machinists is now setting up in the cell. All action today will be in Dyno Cell #2.

At last night Engine Builder Banquet a number of awards were handed out, including $1,000 prizes from AMSOIL for the Torque Monster and the Horsepower King. The winner of both prizes was David Freelander of Montreal's Freelander Race Engines/Oakley Motorsports. Rob Orava accepted the awards on Freelander's behalf because the team captain had to return to Saudi Arabia. Orava was quite familiar with AMSOIL long before this competition as he has been an AMSOIL Preferred Customer for quite some time.

As title sponsor AMSOIL has provided the each builder with lubricants in advance to experiment with before selecting what they believe will be the optimal viscosity. Here is a page of AMSOIL synthetic racing oils that these teams chose their oils from.

Meantime, we've got ignition in cell #2 and the Massingill Team is on its way to giving us their first run. That rumbling growl is music to our ears.

Winding Down on Day Four at the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge at UNOH

Kaase's 409 cu. in. Modular Monster

The last of the Big Guns are getting ready to run as we near the end of another dramatic AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge. In less than two hours we’ll know who the six finalists will be, and at tonight’s Builder’s Banquet they’ll find out in what order they’ll be going on Friday.

The biggest change this year has to do with how the dynos are scored. According to Ed Zinke, publisher of Engine Masters magazine, “When they pull a dyno run they don’t have to tell us in advance whether it’s going to be a test or a qualifying pull. They have their entire time frame to pick the score that they want. So some can come and shoot for a couple of quick pulls and make some changes or others are making changes along the way.” As a result many of the teams are making more pulls. Once the meter is running, they have 27 minutes to make as many adjustments as they choose. Why 27 minutes? “Kind of an arbitrary number,” Zinke explained. “That’s really what it came down to. Honestly, it was my son’s hockey and football number.”

Bret Bowers: Always lookin' good.

Judson Nagel and Judson Massingill have yet to run, but at this point John Milhovetz has held the lead since racking up a boatload of points in his mid-day run Tuesday. On his heels is John Lohone and his team Also B.E.S. Lohone, who has been building engines since he was 12 or 13 said earlier today, called the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge a highlight of his career "because this is a test of people building engines. We’re just testing engines. We’re not testing drivers, we’re not testing chassis set ups or track conditions, it’s engines and that’s my passion."

At this point the engines in quarantine belong to Accufa
b, Kaase, B.E.S., Also B.E.S., Almost Kaase and Greg Brown Race Engines. Bradley Built and the School of Automotive Machinists are getting set up in Dyno Cells 1 and 2.

Hold on to your hats.

Racing Engine Design team in the control center.

A view from inside the dyno cell just before the action begins.

Wesley Roberson pointing out how the score can be improved.

Another Strong Day of Dyno Runs at the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge

Student rolls Joe Carroll's #6 engine to the staging area.

The bustle and excitement on the University of Northwestern Ohio is palpable when the AMSOIL Engine masters Challenge is in town. As we were winding down toward the late afternoon of Day 3 it was apparent that some things never change and some things will always be new. One of the unchanging features is an engaged student body of volunteers assisting the nations leading engine builders with hookups, teardowns and many other matters related to the Engine master Throwdown. A new feature this year is a rules change that has produced some interesting results.

The rules change of note is that instead of competitors doing three warm up dyno runs and three actual runs, the builders this year have 27 minutes to do as many runs as they would like and to choose their best three from whatever should come. It's intriguing because some builders know what they want and set up for those three top tier efforts. Others, however, get a chance to do three runs, then tinker, do another run, tinker a little more and keep making modifications till their time runs out. It has certainly made an impact on the strategy.

Publisher Ed Zinke

Ed Zinke, publisher of Popular Hot Rodding and Engine Masters magazines, noted that he's been keeping track of the dyno scores these past several years and the total numbers of torque and horsepower pulled since AMSOIL took over the reigns as title sponsor are quite astonishing. Check out these numbers:

2010
Torque   16,650
Horsepower   15,126

2011
Torque  21,938.9
Horsepower   18,008.5

2012
Torque   19,568.2
Horsepower  19,165.1

Total to Date
Torque:  58,037.1

Putting together a winning engine means a lot of attention to detail.

HOW THEY STAND
After three days of competition the six engines currently residing in the locked quarantine area are as follows, listed in order of highest numbers and most stout performance.

#23  John Milhovetz, Accufab Inc.
#20  Greg Brown, Greg Brown Race Engines
#38  Mark Dalquist, Throttle's Performance
#13  Ron Stanislawck, RCS Racing Engines/RCS/ AMS Vortech
#37  Chris Henderson, Henderson Power Sports
#11  Adney Brown, Performance Crankshaft Inc.

How they finish will be another story. At the end of tomorrow the teams left standing will remain through Friday for the playoff finals and, of course, an awards ceremony where only one team will be again be declared Engine Master.

Engines in quarantine cannot be touched or tinkered with.

AMSOIL Top Truck Challenge Now Airing on Motor Trend TV

Back in June ten competitors and their trucks descended on Hollister Hills, CA for a week of brutality called the Top Truck Challenge. They endured a series of tests aimed at causing maximum destruction to their rigs, all in the name of clinching the title of Top Truck Challenge Champion. Four Wheeler Magazine hosted the event, and AMSOIL was on hand to provide lubricants to e
ach competitor so their engines could withstand the beating. While we couldn't prevent the broken parts and destruction caused by huge water-filled holes, boulders, and the dreaded Tank Trap, we could ensure their engines were up to par for the task.

Motor Trend TV is now streaming coverage of the 2013 Top Truck Challenge with a new video posted each day this week. See for yourself why the Top Truck Challenge is one of the most grueling off-road competitions in the world. Here are just a few images to whet your appetite.

AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge Is On at UNOH

One of last year's star contenders.

We're back at the University of Northwestern Ohio for the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge presented by Popular Hot Rodding. As in years past, it's an experience unlike any other. Engine builders from around the country gather for a week of competition in a head-to-head dyno shootout with the ultimate build going home with the title Engine Master. After four solid days of dyno runs, six finalists will each give their best on a final day of nail biting excitemen. Though the event is but a week in length, 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. And from what we've been hearing, more builders have asked rules-related questions than ever before, so we're expecting some of the most innovative engine designs ever this year.

Over $85,000 in contingency cash is on the line, so there's a pretty serious bit of gamesmanship going on. As in years past, Clarence Barnes is on hand as Master of Ceremonies to keep the show going while teams wait their turn to attack their targets.

The first team on the dyno this year was headed by Midwesterner Mark Dalquist of Throttle's Performance who drove all night to be there. After three dyno Dalquist's numbers set the bar. By day's end, he was still in first place, a good place to be heading into Day Two.

To get a feel for the action here check out this video from UNOH and the AMSOIL Engine Masters Dyno Challenge 2013.

SEMA Feature of the Week: “Stroker” --The Custom Shop’s 1966 Pro-Touring Chevelle

John Wargo of The Custom Shop first approached AMSOIL back in 2009 as he was preparing his 1968 Camaro RS and 2007 Cadillac Escalade for SEMA. Wargo wanted the engine to perform on par with the rest of the vision he was creating, and we liked what we saw so we got on board and provided him with AMSOIL products to accommodate his request. Since that time Wargo has returned to SEMA each year with more custom rides and sought out AMSOIL for his lubrication needs. The attention to detail he puts into his builds is impressive, enough to catch the attention of heavy-hitters like Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Nissan and Toyota. Wargo has had the honor of doing SEMA projects for those companies in the past, and is indeed a force to be reckoned with in the pursuit of creating and designing one-of-a-kind show cars like none other. A regular on the car show scene, Wargo has earned Best of Show awards and landed magazine covers and features on numerous occasions. This will be his 15th year in a row at SEMA.

Wargo is currently putting the finishing touches on a 1966 Pro-Touring Chevelle, just one of his latest projects slated for a feature spot at SEMA 2013. We reached out to Wargo to get some insight on what it takes to prepare for a show of this magnitude, and here’s what he had to say.

What drew you to this make/model for SEMA?
JW: I have always liked the body style of the ‘66 and ‘67 Chevelle.

What is is that has you jazzed about this particular build?
JW: The Dual Quad EFI Holley Terminator system on an ATK Performance 408 Stroker LS3 motor did 630HP on the dyno!

Why do you think SEMA has become such a destination for vehicle builders like yourself? 
JW: It’s where all the Big Dogs bring their cars to show them off, and also the magazine coverage you can get there.

What is it about this vehicle that makes it ‘you’?
JW: Firestone air ride suspension, the motor I stated earlier is BAD. It’s going to have a great Sony audio/video system and custom interior as well.

What made you choose AMSOIL for your engine?
JW: With any high performance motor and transmission you have to keep it protected, and AMSOIL has always been a great product for that.

Any favorite AMSOIL product?
JW: The motor oils, but we have run AMSOIL in all of our customers' cars for years. My company, The Custom Shop, has been in business for 25 years and has been building some of the best and baddest custom cars in the mid-west. 161 Magazine features, 16 covers, and so many “Best-of” trophies we can’t even count them all.

If you could choose any vehicle in the world to customize and make your own, what would it be?
JW: We have built a lot of really cool cars over the years for customers and for ourselves so I really don’t know. You can see our custom builds at www.customshop.org

Lastly, what’s your favorite band and song?
JW: Guns and Roses Sweet Child o’ Mine!

AMSOIL under the hood: 
AMSOIL 0W-30 Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil
Absolute Efficiency oil filter
Multi-Vehicle Signature Series ATF
Severe Gear 75W-90 Gear Lube
Anti-freeze & Engine Coolant
Dominator Coolant Boost
DOT-3 Brake Fluid
Racing Grease
P.i. Performance Improver

The AMSOIL Great American Circle Track Tour Nears the Finish Line

The AMSOIL Great American Circle Track Tour kicked off in June, making its way to several racetracks throughout the western United States and covering thousands of miles in the process. At the helm of the tour is Circle Track Magazine Tech Editor Bob Bolles, who is well-versed on the inner workings of the racing community. Bolles offers insight gained by years on the racing scene through articles and face-to-face interaction with fans and racers alike. This in-depth coverage of America’s love for grassroots circle-track racing is unparalleled from any other source.

Micro Sprints at Atomic Motor Speedway

Since its inception in 2010, the AMSOIL Great American Circle Track Tour has visited 73 race tracks and engaged over 220,000 racers and fans. At each stop, Bolles has the unique opportunity to talk shop with racers, promoters and fans to keep his finger on the pulse of the racing scene. His findings are shared with a larger audience through Circle Track Magazine and online coverage, which plays in important role in the growth and development of the racing community.

There are only two stops remaining on the 2013 AMSOIL Great American Circle Track Tour, so if you are in the area don’t miss the chance to see the AMSOIL Great American Circle Track Tour RV rolling into town. We caught up with Bolles a couple months back to see how the 2013 tour was unfolding and what a typical day at the track looks like for him. Read the article here, and then mark your calendars to usher out the final two legs of the 2013 AMSOIL Great American Circle Track Tour. For those who can’t make it, you can still find extensive coverage of each stop in the pages of Circle Track Magazine and on their website.

October 5 Irwindale Event Center Irwindale, CA

October 12 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande, AZ

Piggy-Backin' in the Rockies. You don't see this every day.

What's the most unusual kind of racing you've ever seen?

Racing Thrills Both Racers And Fans Alike

High flyin' with Brad Lovell

According to historians the Olympic Games began in Olympia, Greece around 776 B.C. Competition was at the heart of the games, as it is today. Who can run the fastest, jump the furthest, lift the heaviest weights... all for the glory of the moment.

Modern Olympics, both winter and summer, continue this tradition on a global scale as athletes push the boundaries of what's possible and break new ground in unbelievable ways. Swimming, skiing, speed skating, ski jumping, discus and more. Today, though, the scale of the Games themselves is itself a phenomenon as the stadiums get ever larger and the media coverage broader.

But what's at the heart of it is something very simple and elementary: competition. Children make boats out of sticks and race them in a stream. Friends gather to watch, rooting for the red stick or the blue stick or the balsa wood cork.

Short track off road racing is a thrill a minute.

This basic principle of competition quite naturally evolved in new directions during the machine age. Tractor pulls prove who's got the most diesel muscle. Snowmobile racing prove whose got the best machine, or which riders have the most skill and courage. And across the continent nearly every day of the week you can find cars, bikes, motorcycles or ATVs going head to head in circles or through the trees. It's in our blood.

One reason companies like AMSOIL support racing is because racing puts equipment to the test like nothing else. Lab testing is useful, but the real world environments that racers explore offer a new degree of testing.

At amsoilracing.com we like to share what our race teams are doing. Stay current with the events we sponsor. Check out the cool videos. Read the racer interviews. And bookmark us.

Racing can be fun, but it's also serious business. It's one of the ways we improve our products. We apply what we learn from the teams we partner with because we're in competition, too. We want our lubricants to be the best they can be. We were first in synthetics, but we can't -- and don't -- rest on our laurels.