Great Ideas In Automobile History: The Self-Starter

1905 Fiat. Note the crank under the nose.

For environmental reasons electric cars have been making a comeback, but most people forget that at one time electric cars were nearly have the vehicles on the road.... about 115 years ago. Unfortunately, they did not have enough battery power to get you very far, so long road trips were out. But they did have one advantage over their gasoline-powered competitors. They were easy to start. Until 1911, if you owned a car you had to crank it by hand in order to get it started. If you accidentally had the car in gear it might run you over if you weren't careful.

It was then that Charles Ketterling changed everything. Ketterling invented a gadget that helped resolve this dangerous enterprise of starting a car. He was able to make a battery deliver a powerful burst of energy that would turn the engine over and get it in motion. The 1912 Cadillac was the first car to employ the new device. Gas powered cars gained yet one more edge over electric cars whose limitations ultimately left them in the dust.

Photo Credit: (c) Can Stock Photo

What's the difference between a gasoline and a diesel engine?

There was a time when you knew the vehicle next to you at a stoplight was a diesel. The engine clattered and there was usually that acrid diesel smell. But times have changed and for all you know that quiet little car next to you at the intersection has a diesel engine under the hood.

Although the number of diesel cars on the road is still under a million, it's a fast growing segment of the industry. According to an article that appeared in Forbes last year, "Automakers are adding diesel vehicles because of higher Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, which will climb to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. Diesel engines are 20 percent to 40 percent more fuel efficient than equivalent gasoline engines." And they've gotten quieter, too.

We're all familiar with the name "diesel" but many people are not aware of what a diesel engine is or why it's different from the gasoline powered engines most of us drive. Here's a very brief tutorial.

1. The pistons in a gasoline engine compress a mixture of gasoline and air, which is ignited with a spark from a spark plug, while a diesel engine creates heat by compressing air only. The fuel is injected into the compressed air, where the heat ignites it.

2. Diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline engines because their compression ratios are higher. Diesel engines compress at ratios between 14:1 and 25:1, while gasoline engines compress at ratios between 8:1 and 12:1.

3. Diesel fuel is more efficient than gasoline due to its higher energy density. One gallon of diesel fuel contains approximately 147,000 BTU, while one gallon of gasoline contains about 125,000 BTU.

How all this plays out in the future is anyone's guess. But at least you'll know how the two kinds of engines are different and why many people are expecting the diesel market to continue growing.

Own a diesel? Here's more information on AMSOIL synthetic diesel oils.

Illustration credit: (c) Can Stock Photo

Stepping Back In Time: A Fun, Fun T-Bird Song

Cars and rock 'n roll have long gone hand in hand. From Chuck Berry's "No Particular Place To Go" to the Beatles' "Baby You Can Drive My Car,"cars have been a recurring theme in the music of our times. A half century back, when the So Cal beach scene was all the rage, Brian Wilson and Mike Love wrote the chart-climber "Fun, Fun, Fun." And what's not to like about a lively tune involving a girl and a T-Bird? The Beach Boys had a #5 single, and America had another fun song about cars.

The song is essentially a story about a teenage girl who tells her dad that she needs his car, which happens to be a Ford Thunderbird, so she can go to the library. As one might suspect by the title, she skips the library and heads off  to go cruisin'... probably catching eyes from some of the boys at the hamburger stand, radio blaring, and whipping it into gear to fly down the road "just as fast as she can." The other girls are jealous cause she drives like an ace, but in the end... well, dad's were young once so he eventually figures out what's really going on.

In a longer version of the song she may have been filling the gas tank so dad wouldn't know how many miles she was putting on the car. Unfortunately, because conventional motor oil is volatile, it boils off under high heat conditions. When dad noticed the oil level was low, he first suspected a leak. He then noticed the odometer had more miles than it ought to have, and his daughter lost her rights to borrow the car.

The Ford T-Bird was introduced to the market in 1955 and quickly became one of the cool cars of the era. The first generation of Thunderbirds cruised from 1955-57, the second generation from 1958-60 and the third from 1961-63. The first T-Birds were two-seat roadsters. But executives began to believe the car would achieve more sales as the full size car which was introduced in 1958. Sales were sensational, helped in no small part by being the first car model named Motor Trend Car of the Year. (Previous to this, Motor Trend name carmakers and not individual models.)

There have been eleven iterations of Thurnderbirds in all, the last one rolling off the assembly line on July 1, 2005. If you have one of these 2005 Thunderbirds, here's a link to the Lookup Guide at MyAMSOIL Garage with information regarding which fluids and filters you need for your car, including capacities. And whatever year you have, we hope you've had fun cruisin' in it.



Photo credit top right: (c) Can Stock Photo

Crandon Prepares for Big Labor Day Tradition: The TORC Series AMSOIL Cup

Earlier this month at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis.

With more than 2,000 camping spots already reserved and brisk ticket sales, it's evident that the town of Crandon was on to something good when they began nurturing an enthusiastic fan base to celebrate short-course off-road racing. Labor Day Weekend is all about making Crandon International Raceway "the place to be" as once again throngs descend on this remote Wisconsin town to see the TORC Off-Road World Championship presented by AMSOIL. This will be the 45th running of this end of summer classic.

For more information on the AMSOIL Cup and our AMSOIL Super Team visit amsoilracing.com. You can also follow this link for more details about the weekend ahead.

Chad Hord, high flying earlier this year at Crandon I. 

Buzz Kanter of American Iron Shares Details About His Vintage 1936 Harley VLH

Before the advent of railroads it took six months to traverse the continent from the east coast to the west. Whether you went by land, or by ship around the Straits of Magellan (the tip of South America), or by ship to Panama and over the mountains there -- no matter what route you took, there were good odds that you might not even survive the journey.

Then came the railroads. Eventually, the nation's trails became roads, and in the post-World War Two era the interstate highway system was established, a grid of highways connecting north and south, east and west.

It was during the in-between era though that the first "Cannonball" run took place. Or rather, a fellow named Erwin "Cannonball" Baker set out to establish a cross-country record for motorcycles on his Indian. It took him eleven days. Keep in mind that this was a half century before the highway system Eisenhower built. There were roads, but they weren't really good roads.

To this day we find motorcycle enthusiasts emulating Baker in an event that bears his name, Cannonball.

This year, Buzz Kanter -- editor-in-chief and publisher of American Iron magazine -- is preparing his vintage 1936 Harley flathead for the 2014 Cannonball Run. The plan is for Buzz to ride this motorcycle over 4,000 miles across the U.S. in September. Here's some recently posted video footage of Buzz discussing the ins and outs of his machine named Dirty Betty. In 2002 Kanter was inducted into the American Motorcyclist Association Hall of Fame.




For more information about the AMSOIL products for motorcycles, visit amsoil.com/motorcycle.

AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour Takes in Motor City

The 2014 AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour is over halfway through, and it’s been quite a ride so far for Jerry Dixey and crew. Participants just finished what might be the best round yet with the Autopalooza.org Tour taking them through the historic automotive sights and sounds only found in upper Michigan. A full week of access to museums, car collections and other famed automotive attractions awaited them as they made their way towards the final destination at the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit, Mich. The Woodward Dream Cruise has become one of the biggest car events in the world, drawing in over one million people and spanning over 13 miles. Road Tourians enjoyed VIP status at the heart of the scene under the hospitality tent awaiting their arrival. The view of endless custom street rods, hot rods, muscle cars and everything in between was excellent with prime seating for tour participants. At the end of the last day, the 1959 Impala leading the tour rolled down Woodward Ave to cheers and applause from spectators.

There is still time to register for any of the remaining excursions in the 2014 AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour. If you own a street rod this is the ideal opportunity to hit the open road with fellow enthusiasts. For those that don’t a street rod, be sure to check out the schedule and make plans to attend any of the stops along the way.

Just watching the river of cars flow by.

Change Your Oil – Your Trees Will Hug You For It

On the surface, oil mixes with environmental stewardship as well as water. Anyone who’s concerned about the environment is supposed to oppose oil, right? They’re supposed to view oil as a commodity one uses begrudgingly and only out of necessity.

Switching to a high-quality synthetic oil, however, can change one’s outlook. Premium synthetic lubricants – like AMSOIL synthetic motor oils – deliver surprising environmental benefits compared to conventional oils.

The first is extended drain intervals. The main benefit of driving longer between oil changes is obvious – less waste oil to dispose of. Say you drive 15,000 miles per year and change oil about every 5,000 miles. You have to buy, use and dispose of 15 quarts of oil each year (assuming your engine holds five quarts). If you switch to AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil, which carries a recommended service interval of 25,000 miles/one year (15,000 miles/one year in severe service), you only need five quarts of oil per year. (Make sure to check your oil periodically and top-off as necessary.) Not only do you enjoy the convenience of a once-a-year oil change, you significantly cut the amount of waste oil entering the supply stream. Imagine if every car and truck on the road used Signature Series and changed oil once a year. The reduction in waste oil would be staggering, and that’s not taking into account the benefits of sourcing less oil in the first place.

The air we breathe also benefits from AMSOIL synthetic motor oils. Conventional motor oils are more volatile than synthetics, meaning they boil off, or evaporate, more readily when exposed to extreme heat. When oil evaporates, it produces emissions that exit the tailpipe and enter the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils offer better resistance to volatility, helping cut emissions and air pollution.

AMSOIL synthetic lubricants also maximize fuel economy. Unlike their conventional counterparts, AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are engineered with pure molecular structures that allow their molecules to slip more easily over one another, resulting in less restriction to moving engine parts. Less restriction reduces the amount of energy lost to friction, increasing fuel economy and benefiting the environment.

Switching to AMSOIL synthetic lubricants and practicing extended drain intervals is a small step that, if we all take, can lead to big changes down the road.

For more information about our company, visit www.amsoil.com/about


IMAGE CREDITS:  (c) Can Stock Photo

Three Winners Will Get their Snowmobiles Upgraded at Hay Days

Josh Bretzman's '06 Sno Pro 440 

A couple weeks ago we announced a Sled Rehab contest in which three snowmobile enthusiasts would be given a sled rehab at Hay Days. Three sleds will receive a full sled makeover to include a custom graphics kit, skis, hand guards, clutch kit and premium AMSOIL products for snowmobiles.

Facebook fans and followers of AMSOIL Racing had the opportunity to post photos of their sleds along with a brief explanation as to why it needed of a transformation. The sleds were voted on and the top three vote-getters received an FXR clothing prize package valued at approximately $500.00 along with all the rest of the goods.

Tom TeBeest compares his sled to Betty White.

The partners in this giveaway include Scheuring Speed Sports, ISOC, Straightline Performance, Woody’s, C&A Pro Skis, Action Graphics, Rox Speed FX, FXR and Sled Head 24/7 with the total prize package valued at approximately $1,500. In addition to the upgrades mentioned above the winning snowmobiles will receive a custom sled wrap from Action Graphics and AMSOIL Interceptor, Chain Case Oil and Waterproof Grease. In short, these sleds will soon be ready for winter.


Overall winner Josh Bretzman says he loves his sled but doesn't have the time and money to fix it up. This is a great way to start the new season for Josh.

Thomas TeBeest says, "My TNT just doesn't 'DOO it for me anymore! This '08 MXZ TNT 500ss is still the best bang for your buck on the snow. It runs like a top, handles great and is a ball to ride! The new iron is sharp but how can I justify getting a new sled when this one has all I need including push-button electric start? And with only 3400 miles, it's barely broken in! The downside is it looks like every other MXZ on the trail. I mean, it is BONE stock except for the accessory windshield. Next to the new sleds it just begs for attention. It sure could use some new life!"

Thomas adds this kicker: "She's alot like Betty White... She may be gettin' old but she's still a heckuva gal-- she's just long overdue for a makeover! Hey AMSOIL -- pimp my ride!!!"

That's just what we'll be doing at Hay Days.

The third sled to get a makeover that weekend will be Traci Leonard's machine. "I moved to the U.P of Michigan 1 year ago primarily for my love of snowmobiling. I had a Firecat previously and bought a 2005 M6 when I moved here. I absolutely love it and ride at least 5 days a week 5 months of the year. It runs great but I would be more than ecstatic to get a new look and spunk to this nearly 10 year old sled. I am a girl and want to make a statement to all the male riders here in the U.P.!"

You can tell that this girl just wants to have fun.

Hay Days is just around the corner. Let it snow!

Some People Have All The Fun: Shock Therapy at Mercedes-Benz Superdome

For some reason monster trucks make an impact on children of all ages, 5 to 95. One can't help but wonder what it must be like to be sitting astride all all power, to have at your control that much horsepower.

AMSOIL Shock Therapy is not only a great product but is also the emblematic name for Sudden Impact Racing's stellar monster of a monster truck that has been competing since 2008. Here's some footage of the high-flying truck doing some freestyle acrobatics at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. How would you like to put yourself in that driver's seat?

Heavy Rain Can't Dampen Road Tourians' Spirits

Earlier this week the Detroit found itself on the receiving end of its hardest rainfall in a century. Nevertheless, despite somewhat hazardous conditions on certain highways and byways, the AMSOIL/Street Rodder Road Tour has had another exciting week as it traipses about the historic city of Detroit. The only thing really dampened were the carpeting and some of the contents of the less prepared vehicles.

As luck would have it, the entire day Tuesday was scheduled for a single location: Ypsilanti, Michigan. First stop, Kalitta Motorsportds.

There are not many drag racers more famous than Connie Kalitta and very few teams that have been as successful as his. And like many men of achievements there's a place to go where you can learn about their history and the qualities that made them heroic. During a tour of the huge race shop the Road Tourians were present as the team rigs were being loaded to head out to Minnesota to compete in the NHRA event at Brainerd. It was an up-close look at one of the best teams in professional drag racing and insight into what it takes to be successful in the sport.

Next stop, the Willow Run Airport and the Yankee Air Museum. The museum tells many stories from aviation history but goes in depth in telling the story of the Willow Run Assembly Plant that was built by Ford Motor Company and was one of the major airplane manufacturing facilities of World War II. The museum displays military aircraft from many conflicts including an F-15 and a Huey helicopter from the Vietnam War.

After a tasty lunch at the Sidetrack Bar and Grille the group hoofed it across the tracks to the Automotive Heritage Museum. The museum centers on products and vehicles built in and around Ypsilanti including the Hudson, Kaiser-Frasier products, GM autos including the Chevy II, the Corvair and the GM Turbo Hydromatic transmission were all part of Ypsilanti auto history. Ypsilanti was also the home of Preston Tucker of the Tucker automobile fame.

The Michigan Firehouse Museum just up the street became their final stop where they saw vintage firefighting apparatus from the earliest times up to present.

It's impossible to talk about the Yankee Air Museum without noting that AMSOIL was founded by a Lt. Colonel in the Duluth Air National Guard with significant achievements in that field. Al Amatuzio's greatest achievement, however, came about as result of his commitment to finding a way to bring jet engine lubrication technology into automotive applications, for which he was later inducted into the Lubricants World Hall of Fame.

Here's Al Amatuzio talking about the values that drove him and upon which AMSOIL has been founded:

Want to learn more? Visit www.amsoil.com/about

The Autopalooza.org Road Tour Kick-off

They don’t call Detroit the Motor City for nothing. This week the AMSOIL/Street Rodder Road Tour is cruising the highways and bi-ways of a city that really was at one time the heartbeat of America.

“By definition a Road Tour starts at an automotive event and continues during the week, as we travel and visit auto related shops, museums, and historic sites,” states Jerry Dixey, road tour director. “The week wraps up in a different city as we attend another car event. In 2012 we tried something different. We decided that it might work to stay in one city for the entire week and visit automotive related sites that were all within a day trip of the host city.” The concept came to fruition in conjunction with the annual Autopalooza celebration.

Autopalooza.org is, as their site explains, “A celebration of Southwest Michigan’s Automotive Heritage through a series of cruises, races and shows that take place over the course of a year.”

It’s become an August ritual. The Woodward Dream C
ruise, Back to the Bricks in Flint and many other activities that take place during that special week. And according to the people who watch the numbers more than a million people participate or come to watch. The logistical challenges for Dixey and the 100 Road Tourians would be many, but that’s what makes these devoted car fans special.

Saturday’s first stop was The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. Ford’s influence and impact is well documented here. Sunday’s trip to the Gilmore Car Museum created its share of oohs and ahs. From there it was on to the famous Baker’s Cruise in Milford, one of the longest running cruises in the nation, with almost 500 cars attend each and every weekend. The local folks enjoyed seeing our vehicles as much as we enjoyed seeing theirs.

Road Tourian Don Oskey even went home with a Best of Show award for his 1961 Ford Sunliner convertible. It was a perfect wrap up for their first weekend on the Autopalooza.org AMSOIL/Street Rodder Road Tour…. With a full week of delights still ahead.

Just a little stroll down memory lane.... with the Road Tour.

For more information about AMSOIL, visit amsoil.com/about

AMSOIL SEMA Feature of the Week: Doetsch Off-Road Jeeps

AMSOIL is preparing to make a big impact at this year’s SEMA show by way of several partnerships with some of the world’s most talented project vehicle builders. These builders have demonstrated a keen eye for detail and carry high standards for the parts and products used on their vehicles. They have earned their stripes in the specialty automotive industry, and SEMA is the ultimate destination to showcase their talent.

Dave Doetsch of Doetsch Off-Road has partnered with AMSOIL since 2011 on his award-winning Jeep projects that take their place at SEMA each year. His builds are not only show-worthy, but capable of hitting even the most perilous off-road trails or staving off enemies in the event of a zombie apocalypse (more on that below.) This fall he’ll be heading to SEMA with two new 2014 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon projects that are sure to capture the spotlight. We sat down with Doetsch recently to get a little background on what it’s like to be at the forefront of the off-road Jeep enthusiast community.

AMSOIL: We know you are talented in modifying and customizing impressive 4x4 Jeeps. How did you get started, and how long have you been perfecting your craft? 

Dave Doetsch: Jeeps have been in my life since early childhood. I bought my first Jeep, a 1979 CJ5, while in high school in the early 1990s. Since it broke down quite often (mainly from trail abuse) it afforded me the opportunity to understand the mechanics behind how a vehicle works. I was hooked and from there I have personally owned over 15 Jeep CJ/TJ/JK Wranglers over the years. When the current Jeep JK hit the market back in 2007, I knew Jeep hit a home run with the 4-door body style. It combined the function of a traditional Jeep, with the capacity to carry passengers and all of your gear comfortably. This allowed me to take adventures further and longer time-wise, since I could bring more supplies. After forming Doetsch Off-Road in 2009, we have gone on to work with the top brands in the automotive aftermarket, ensuring future generations were exposed to and could experience the same “Jeep Fever” that got me hooked as a child.

AMSOIL: Are you active in the 4x4 off-road groups?

DD: Being based in the Southwest means we have abundant access to some of the best rock crawling spots in the U.S. There are a ton of great enthusiast clubs located here, which also means we usually perform trail runs with multiple clubs present. There are several groups, such as Hero Off-Road and Copperstate 4-Wheelers, which support the off-road lifestyle and give back to our communities.

AMSOIL: You’ve partnered with AMSOIL on your SEMA projects since 2011. How many years have you been attending SEMA?

DD: 2009 was the first show that Doetsch Off-Road exhibited at (we debuted a Jeep called ‘Red Devil’ on behalf of TeraFlex Suspensions), though we have been attending the SEMA show since 2001.

AMSOIL: What is it about SEMA that makes it such a destination for project builders like you?

DD: Besides the exposure it brings for my own brand, I am able learn from the best in the business. Being able to meet with so many creative and successful manufacturers and industry attendees in one spot, can only happen at SEMA. I’m able to preview industry trends before they are actually trends, and hopefully be a part in actually making it a trend.

AMSOIL: You receive lots of media coverage. Any stand-out photo shoots or experiences in this realm?

DD: We usually attend the annual Hump N’ Bump off-road event in Logandale, Nevada immediately following the end of SEMA week. The landscape is a perfect backdrop for photo shoots for personal and professional use. The only slight issue, though, is that it’s an active 4-wheel drive event! There have been quite a few times over the years where we have had rollovers or “trail jams” because the event’s participants were trying to get a closer look at the SEMA Jeeps during our photo shoots. We now wait for the last group to clear before we begin, just to make sure everyone stays safe!

AMSOIL: What has been your favorite project build, and why?

DD: I would say my favorite build so far is one of the Jeeps I built for last year’s SEMA Show (2013). I produced a build called ‘Doomsday’, which was built for Bushwacker. The theme was a portrayal of the ultimate post-apocalyptic zombie assault vehicle. It was great doing this build since it wasn’t meant to be serious, though everything on it was functional including the 10+ SOG machetes, knives and axes that were incorporated all over it, just in case you had to defend against a zombie attack. Never hurts to be prepared.

AMSOIL: Why did you choose AMSOIL for the engine?

DD: In my opinion, AMSOIL has a great history in supporting the off-road aftermarket, and carries a product for literally every fluid that flows in my Jeeps – from brakes to transmission to engine oils. There’s no reason to use any other brands when you know that AMSOIL synthetics are the original.

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

DD: I think it’s pretty simple: “Jeep Addict”.

* * * * *
Discover more about AMSOIL and its history of innovation. Visit our About Us page.

A Sturgis Photo Album

The population of Sturgis, South Dakota is 6,627 for fifty weeks of the year. When the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, now in its 74th year, comes to town the population swells to near a half million. South Dakota estimates that the event brings $800 million dollars in revenue to the state annually. The value of all the memories generated has not yet been determined. Here are some photos the AMSOIL team has sent back to the office for the purpose of sharing.

If you're there, be sure to take your photo in front of our Selfie Wall. 

Details on the AMSOIL Facebook page.

Five Prize-Winning Sturgis Selfie Winners Captured at the AMSOIL Selfie Wall

Last Friday we mentioned that AMSOIL would be giving away $150 prizes for the best Selfie submitted each day from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. If you know someone on the scene (a half million strong) you might want to Tweet or text them to say "Get on over to the AMSOIL booth and grab a Selfie."

Here are our first five winners. Congratulations to...

Ralph Gallo

Evvster

Eldon Briggs

Ian Dempsey

Phil and friends

AMSOIL has been a leader in synthetic lubrication since 1972 and the company's motorcycle oils and premium filter products are distinguished by their excellence. Be sure to drop by the AMSOIL booth on Main Street just east of Junction Avenue. At the AMSOIL booth you will find information on how you can purchase AMSOIL products at wholesale, product information, motorcycle oil, oil filters, air filters and more. Or visit http://www.amsoil.com/motorcycles/ 

AMSOIL Announces Exciting New Sled Rehab Promotion

Do you have an old snowmobile that needs a facelift and a new heart? AMSOIL is pleased to announce the launch of a new social media promotion for snowmobile owners who will be attending the Sno-Barons Snowmobile Club Hay Days event in September. Titled Sled Rehab and taking place August 2-15, three lucky winners will receive a full sled makeover to include a custom graphics kit, skis, hand guards, clutch kit and premium AMSOIL products for snowmobiles.

Facebook fans and followers of AMSOIL Racing will have the opportunity to post photos of their sleds along with a brief explanation as to why it is in need of a transformation. Facebook voters will determine the winners, with before and after photos to follow. In addition, voters will later select a fan favorite from the top three winners to receive an FXR clothing prize package valued at approximately $500.00.

AMSOIL is proud to partner with Scheuring Speed Sports, ISOC, Straightline Performance, Woody’s, C&A Pro Skis, Action Graphics, Rox Speed FX, FXR and Sled Head 24/7 to make this promotion possible. The total prize package is valued at approximately $1,500 and will include a custom sled wrap from Action Graphics and AMSOIL Interceptor, Chain Case Oil and Waterproof Grease in addition to the aforementioned upgrades.

Check out the rules here and then show us your stuff. To vote visit amsoilracing.com/sled-rehab-promotion. Voting ends August 15 with winners to be announced on the AMSOIL Racing Facebook page by August 20. 

Take Your Sturgis Selfie at the AMSOIL Booth in Sturgis... and Share It with the World

It's that time of year again as hundreds of thousands of bikers from all over the world begin descends on the Black Hills of South Dakota for the 74th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Officially the rally starts Monday, but every biker's thoughts are attuned to the event long before, and this weekend many if not most are on their way.

In addition to being the Exclusive Official Oil of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, AMSOIL has also become the Official Oil of the Legendary Buffalo Chip Campground. Something new is on the docket for the Buffalo Chip crowd. Rounds 11& 12 of the TORC Series presented by AMSOIL will be held there during the rally, August 5-6 with racing action to be broadcast Sunday, August 10 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern on the NBC Sports Network.

And while your making the rounds next week, be sure to visit the AMSOIL Booth and take a photo of yourself in from our our Selfie Wall. Best selfies will win $150 in AMSOIL cash, which sounds like a pretty good deal. Here's what you need to do to win:

1. Visit the AMSOIL booth at Sturgis.
2. Take a photo in front of our selfie wall – with your bike, with your friends, etc.
3. Upload your photo using #SturgisSelfie to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
4. We’ll be picking one winner per day to win $150 in AMSOIL cash (to be used at a later date, NOT at Sturgis.)

Your photos will be shared via AMSOIL social media, but there will also be a landing page where your selfies will be housed. We'll post the link on Facebook, Twitter and on this blog.

And even if you're not up for a selfie, stop by and visit with us. See what's new.