Randy Ellis Hits Best in the Desert Race Armed with AMSOIL

AMSOIL can be found in some pretty tough proving grounds. High-performance racing vehicles endure grueling conditions and face elements that can wreak havoc on an engine. Randy Ellis of Randy Ellis Design, Inc. knows this firsthand and has reaped the benefits AMSOIL provides while participating in punishing events such as the AMSOIL-sponsored Top Truck Challenge.

Up next for Ellis is a trip to the legendary Parker 425 Best in the Desert Race taking place this weekend in Parker, Ariz. Yesterday the got all their gear in place and did final prep on location. He’ll have his rig in 29th position out of 100 as he aims to cross the finish line first. AMSOIL is under the hood and on display to ensure his engine is up to the challenge. Stay tuned!

Luxuries and Necessities

It's hard to imagine life before home computers, before cars, before air conditioning. What's interesting is how many of the items we take for granted as necessities used to be luxuries. And how the list has grown.

At one time we washed clothes down in the river, or by carrying water up from the spring. Clothes were dried on sunny days out on the line.

A Pew Research Study did a comparison of luxuries and necessities from 1996 to 2006. The list of things Americans "can't live without" has been growing, and in 2006 flat screen TVs and iPods were necessities for the first time in some homes. Undoubtedly smartphones will be on that list in the next study.

Do you nuke your food? Only 68% of Americans called their microwave oven a necessity, but that number is up by 36% from 1996 when 68% considered it a luxury. No one had cell phones listed as a necessity in 1996, but anyone who has worked a major trade show would be hard pressed to live without one.

One stat of special interest was that cars were the only item on the list that actually shrank slightly, to 91%. As urban communities grow, public transportation and bicycling are experiencing a resurgence. Nevertheless, for most of us the automobile or truck we drive is an essential part of our lives. Because this is so, it's necessary to take care of it. Check your fluid levels on a regular basis, maintain tire pressure, and make sure your air filter is clean. If you need help and want some reminders as to when you need to change your oil or take care of other maintenance matters, park your information at MyAMSOILGarage. Taking car of your car will help save you money so you can have a little extra cash for the next big thing we can't live without... How about that that trip around the moon you always wanted to take?

Automotive History Is Cool

Dan Stoner of Hemmings Motor News sent us a link to a cool website, the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA). The U.S. may be in its infancy by European standards, but there is a rich history here in every field of endeavor, from railroads and aeronautics to inventions and automobiles. (Note: From an anthropological point of view, when scratching through time to our early native residents, the continent holds second fiddle to no one.)

Many people are unaware that AMSOIL Headquarters, formerly the Berkshire Block, is listed on the Wisconsin Register of Historic Places. What's interesting is learning that automotive history is being documented and that records are being preserved of historic vehicles.

The oil industry has a history as well. There was a time when wagon wheels were lubed with whale blubber of beef fat. When the internal combustion engine came along, something a little more fluid was required. As engines progressed, the oils that kept the protected also progressed, an in 1972 Lt. Col. Albert J. Amatuzio succeeded in bring jet engine technology into automotive applications, an achievement that later landed him in the Lubricants World Hall of Fame.

The HVA website has a bundle of info for car buffs of all ages. In the manner that some people trace their family tree so, too, we can trace the genealogical roots of our favorite cars. How did the first diesels come about? Why were cars so large and stylish in the fifties and so aerodynamic but less visually exciting in the 90's. What kinds of cars did our 60's rock stars like Jimi, Janis and Jim drive? 

And if you own a classic car, what kind of oil should you put in it?

The answer to this last question is not blowing in the wind. You can find it at AMSOIL.com.

MPMC in Sunny California Offers Unique Opportunity to Tell the AMSOIL Story

The value of things varies from person to person. Hence the saying, "One man's junk is another man's treasure."

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) is just such an event. Representatives from manufacturing firms across the continent gather in a California hotel and tell their stories for three days to members of the media covering the motorsports industry. On the surface this sounds as boring as whittling matchsticks, but for the media and businesses, it is one of the most exciting events of the year. Why? Because the meetings are a catalyst for making things happen.

Today is the third day in which editorial staff from all over the world are meeting with racing and high performance parts manufacturers in a series of face-to-face, 30 minute meetings. When all is said and done, most journalist and manufacturers will have conducted 42 such meetings.

The reason MPMC works is because journalists need stories to write about. Manufacturers needs media to get their stories told to the wider audiences they want to reach. In an age where content is king it is a win-win for everyone.

When all is said and done, some of you will likely read some of the AMSOIL stories we told in magazines and on websites that you read.

One of those stories is not really new because it's essentially who we are. Another is our EBR Building Legends Sweepstakes.

We love telling our story. Follow us on Facebook so we can tell you more.

Spy Photos of the 2014 AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour Build

Somehow we got inside Hot Rods by Dean and captured these shots of the latest AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour car.... as it happens. How cool is that?

Expect great things in 2014.

Team Hybrid’s Mike Gutierrez Grabs International Attention with AMSOIL-lubed Mitsubishi

Team Hybrid is a tuner enthusiast group out of California almost 20 years in existence. Their members boast some of the hottest tuners on the scene today, and many of them land high-profile media coverage in magazines and websites around the world. Team Hybrid member Mike Gutierrez is no exception, recently selected for a sponsorship and his very own build page on Mishimoto’s website.

Mishimoto is a well-known tuner product hub that showcases some of the finest rides in the world bearing their well-known modification products. Landing a spot on their sponsorship roster and website is no easy feat, and only those who have what it takes are afforded such an honor. While at SEMA in November, Mike G.’s Mitsubishi Evo X also caught the eye of English blogger Adam Ivell of 6two1.com. While typically a website for Honda enthusiasts, after seeing what Mike G. had created Ivell picked up his camera for an impromptu photo shoot and posted a Mitsubishi to his website.

Of course, so much time and effort into a car like this would be wasted if the engine wasn’t protected with a lubricant like AMSOIL. That’s why Mike G. approached us for oil and peace of mind before he headed to Las Vegas to put his car in front of the automotive industry masses. We obliged, and the end result was stunning. After a long search for the exact right mods and the best products on the market, behold the final product of Mike G.’s vision.

Photos courtesy Team Hybrid
Thanks, guys. You rock!

UltimateMotorcycling.com Names AMSOIL-Lubed EBR 1190 RX #1 New Bike To Long For

Let's say you're into motorcycling, and you're dreaming of a new bike for 2014. One place to read about what's hot and most anticipated for the coming year is UltimateMotorcycling.com. Each year the major manufacturers puts on the market something new and exciting to drool about. BMW, Honda, Ducati and the rest have produced some appetizing new rides. At the pinnacle for 2014 is Erik Buell Racing's EBR 1190 RX, which Ron Lieback called "our number-one most anticipated bike of 2014."

Can you imagine owning this machine? If you missed it, last week AMSOIL announced that it will be giving away an EBR 1190 RX to one lucky winner in the Building Legends Sweepstakes.

There are a lot of praiseworthy motorcycles being introduced this year. You can read about ten of them at Ultimate Motocycling.

Has the Exceptional Cold Been a Problem for Your Vehicles?

Across the nation this week, harsh temps and frigid conditions made one thing very clear: winter takes no prisoners. This season’s arctic blasts have been doing more than giving people the chills. Stories of frozen pipes in houses and school closings are legion. While most people stayed bundled up safely indoors, their vehicles bore the brunt of these cold snaps. We heard countless stories of people who emerged from their warm homes to cars that wouldn’t start.

As an up-north company born in the land of beautiful summers and brutal winters, AMSOIL understands the need for options to prevent or correct these problems. That’s why we offer product solutions to either get you out of a bind, or stop it from ever happening in the first place.

Of the many benefits of AMSOIL synthetic motor oil for passenger cars, easier cold starts is one of the first that North Country motorists will notice. Because of their exceptionally low pour points, there is less strain placed on batteries which also have a depleted cranking power due to the frigid temperatures. 

Diesel owners have always known that arctic weather is problematic for their vehicles. AMSOIL synthetic diesel oils, like our gasoline counterparts, also help make cold starts easier. This won't solve the other problem associated with extreme cold. Diesel fuel is susceptible to gelling in the fuel lines. This problem can be especially serious for truckers out on the open road.

For this reason we recommend AMSOIL Diesel Cold Flow, a fuel additive formulated with an advanced deicer to enhance fuel flow and help prevent fuel filter plugging in cold temperatures. If it's already too late, and your fuel lines and filters are plugged, you will want to make sure you have a bottle of our Diesel Recovery Emergency Fuel Treatment on hand. You'll be ready if that situation should arise.

Even though snow and cold sound like fun for a lot of people, there are still oil related issues to be aware of when temperature extremes occur. Today’s snowmobile engines direct less oil to critical components, through narrower passages, for longer distances. Therefore, it is critical for snowmobile oil to flow freely in cold temperatures to ensure the oil reaches all area of the engine quickly to ensure maximum protection.

AMSOIL INTERCEPTOR remains fluid down to -72°F to ensure oil reaches critical components in the coldest weather, keeping your engine protected.

The forecast for this coming weekend is looking a bit brighter, but we all know from experience that Jack Frost will be back. If you had some hardships during this past blast, we're here to help you be ready for the next one.

Enter the Specialized Oil Sweepstakes Today! Montana Is Calling.

After factoring in the wind chill, AMSOIL headquarters in Superior, Wis. is currently experiencing air temps that rival those found on planet Mars. A good part of the nation is facing similar conditions, though not as extreme as those of us up north. Winter has officially arrived.

In these kinds of conditions, even snow enthusiasts start dreaming of heading out west to escape the throes of old man winter. AMSOIL has launched a new sweepstakes program to help one lucky winner do just that. Introducing the AMSOIL Specialized Oil Sweepstakes, taking place now through March 31, 2014. One lucky winner will receive a grand prize trip for two to Montana for a 4day/3night guided snowmobile tour in the winter of 2014-15. Included in the prize package are flights from the nearest airport, ground transportation from airport to lodge, 3 nights’ hotel accommodations, a 2-day guided snowmobile tour, sled rental and $500 spending cash. All the winner will need to do is pack and show up for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Entering is easy. Just pick up an entry form at any of the AMSOIL-sponsored events listed below, or complete our online entry form. The winner will be selected in April, and it very well could be you.

AMSOIL-sponsored events where entry forms can be found include:

▪ 2013-2014 AMSOIL Championship Snocross
▪ Canadian Snocross Racing Association (CSRA) Snocross Series
▪ 2013-2014 East Coast Snocross
▪ AMSOIL World Championship Derby

Read full contest details, rules and event dates here.

AMSOIL to Give Away New EBR 1190RX in Building Legends Sweepstakes

For the past 30 years, one thing has remained constant in Erik Buell's life: his drive to create motorcycles on his own terms. Buell and his company, Erik Buell Racing (EBR) of East Troy, Wis., established the lofty goal of bringing to market a world-class street superbike for under $20,000. The end result was the astonishing new EBR 1190RX, which was unveiled in October at the American International Motorcycle Exposition (AIM Expo) in Orlando, Fla.

Are you ready for this? Now through November 10, 2014 qualified contestants can enter to win their own 2014 EBR 1190RX courtesy of AMSOIL INC. The official drawing will take place December 1, 2014. People can register to win the EBR 1190RX at www.amsoilracing.com/buildinglegends, on the AMSOIL INC. Facebook page or on-site at any of the following events:

• Monster Energy Supercross
• AMSOIL Arenacross
• Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National
• Daytona Bike Week
• Sturgis Rally
• Laconia Rally
• Biktoberfest
• Lone Star Rally
• GNCC
• ATV MX
• TORC

In addition to the Grand Prize EBR 1190RX, AMSOIL is giving away a Buell-autographed motorcycle helmet (First Prize, $500 retail value) and three AMSOIL leather motorcycle jackets ($250 retail.)

Stay tuned for more features about the new EBR 1190RX, coming soon.

Aerogels Are Just One More Way Science Outdoes Nature

Modern chemistry and technical advances have produced some startling products in this past century. The kinds of things being developed on the nanotechnology level are mind-boggling. Another area where the most unusual things are happening is in the realm of aerogels.

Aerogels are a substance lighter than air.

Aerogels are synthetic porous, ultralight materials derived from gels in which the liquid part is replaced by gas. The resulting substance is lighter than air, yet retains a shape. The carbon grapheme aerogel is seven times lighter than air. In fact, one the process is completed, you have a substance that is 99.8% air and has a weight of sixteen one-hundreds of a milligram per cubic meter.

All the uses have not yet been fully determined but, like Velcro, it’s suspected that we’ll find increasing varieties of applications over time. NASA has already been using the new substances and this Wikipedia site shows other remarkable applications.

Organic synthesis is yet one more means by which science has re-shaped elements of nature to create products with performance capabilities superior to what can be found in nature, designing at the molecular level. Synthetic lubricants are one of the countless bi-products of modern chemistry that now see extensive use due to their many benefits.

The military began using synthetic oils for jet aircraft shortly after WW2 because of their high and low temperature performance capabilities. When Lt. Col. A.J. Amatuzio introduced this jet age technology to the passenger car market in 1972, many people thought it was too expensive and would never catch on. But as vehicles became more sophisticated, their lubricant requirements became equally sophisticated. AMSOIL was here to stay.

Find out why synthetic oils are now the fastest growing segment of the motor oil market.
 
Photo courtesy Wikipedia. Source: NASA