2011 NSRA Season Kicks Off Friday in Oklahoma City, OK

AMSOIL has been affiliated with the NSRA since 2007 when it became an official product sponsor of this long-standing organization. The National Street Rod Association (NSRA) is a group of loyal car enthusiasts with over 55,000 members nationwide. Some of the most beautifully restored vintage vehicles 30 years and older are owned by these members, with 12 events being put on each year throughout the country to showcase each of them. Events are now open to registrants with vehicles manufactured 1981 or earlier, so if you own a street rod this is the place to show it off.

The NSRA starts off the 2011 season Friday, April 15th with the Southwest Street Rod Nationals in Oklahoma City, and is expected to draw thousands of spectators throughout the weekend. While the street rods on display are the headlining event, a swap meet, Women’s World, children’s games and more round out entertainment options for the entire family. The Southwest Street Rod Nationals will also hold a free Revel ‘Make N’ Take’ event for kids to build their own model street rod at no cost to the first 75 participants.

Awards and dash plaques are given to the best rods, featuring the following ‘streets’ specific to each make or model:

HI-BOY HIGHWAY
This street welcomes all makes of cars that are considered fenderless hi-boys.

BOWTIE BOULEVARD
All models and years of Chevrolet cars are welcome to participate in this street.

BUCKET BRIGADE
Any type and make of 1927 and below bucket type of rod.

FABULOUS FIFTIES
Features all cars that are from 1950 to 1959 year of manufacture.

Mark your calendars now to attend any of the NSRA shows in the 2011 season and support your local street rod clubs.

AMSOIL + Tuners = High Profile Performance

AMSOIL is always on the lookout for sweet tuners, and owners of said tuners are always on the lookout for the best products. This is where our paths cross, and performance is taken to a new level for these impassioned tuner builders. Below are two hot rides currently in the national spotlight with feature coverage, and of course AMSOIL is under the hood.

The cover story for the July issue of DSport Magazine features a JDM Nissan Silvia S13, built by Mike Sullivan of Mishimoto Automotive. Originally meant to be a show car for SEMA, Mike decided to kick it up and use it to compete in drift and time-attack events as well. This led to a time constraint since it needed to be complete in time for SEMA, but through determination and sheer drive Mike pulled it all off. Enlisting the help of Kenny Strickler of Turbochargers.com, his crew stripped the car down to a bare shell and prepared it for the paint job. Meanwhile, work was being put into the cage, chassis and selection of aerodynamic packages and tires. An SR20DET engine was removed and upgraded for power increases, and hydraulic lifters were replaced to enable the use of higher-lift, solid-lifter camshafts. A few more tweaks later the completed project turned up at SEMA with Mishimoto’s trademark orange and black paint, ready for its close-up.

Next up is Tony Nguyen and his 93’ Mazda RX-7, featured in the July issue of Super Street. Nguyen is already a rising star in the tuner industry, and this latest feature is testament to his talent. The RX-7 is hailed as Mazda’s most legendary ride due to the design, engine format, lightweight chassis and all-around sports-car feel. Decked out in BASF Tungsten Pearl Silver Paint usually found on a Lexus, this Mazda is a head-turner. Running a 13B-REW motor, Nguyen has squeezed 345 horses out of a standard 276 horsepower engine by installing an A’PEXi AVC-R Turbo-boost controller, fuel pump and GReddy intercooler and pipes. Interior modifications include A’PEXi gauges that light up the seats, and a center console filled with switches and embedded gauges. Built exclusively for weekend street racing, the RX-7 is the manifestation of Nguyen's vision to leave a cloud of dust for everyone else to catch up to.

The five page spread in Super Street is resplendent with sponsor logos, but the shot above give you a glimpse of the start point. Tony sent us a very strong endorsement note to go with this story. Nice!

I have recently been running AMSOIL products on all my cars and I must say that this is the BEST product I have ever used hands down! I have used other competitors' products in my car, from synthetic oil to octane boosters and I must say there is no other product on the market that can compare to the quality of AMSOIL synthetic oils. I will continue to use AMSOIL products for the life of all my vehicles. Whether it is for normal day to day use or high performance race and drag applications AMSOIL is my #1 choice.

Thank you,
Tony Nguyen

2009 AMSOIL/Street Rodder Road Tour Gearing Up for Take-Off

After months of planning, routing, and anticipation the 2009 AMSOIL/Street Rodder Road Tour kicks off in Chattanooga, TN. As title sponsor of this ultimate road trip, AMSOIL is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the tour to the AMSOIL Center here in Superior, WI in June. But first, there are plenty more stops beforehand. Below is the tour schedule. Mark your calendars and plan on coming to see some of the most beautifully restored vehicles in the world all in one place. Lead by Jerry Dixie in a restored ’52 Chevy, the Road Tourians will be close behind as they wend their way around the country, attending various car shows and events throughout the summer. A sight to behold, definitely not something you can afford to miss if you are in any of these areas.

Coker Tire Tour, May 9-17

Kicking off the season with a car show and charity auction at Coker Tire in Chattanooga, TN, the tour starts tomorrow, May 9. From there, it is off to the Victory Junction Gang Camp in North Carolina with a stop in Charlotte in between. The final destination for this tour is Cruisin’ Ocean City, MD for a weekend of street rods, customs, and fun in the sun in this beach town.

Vintage Air Tour, June 13-21

One of the biggest each season, this leg of the tour heads from Vintage Air in San Antonio, TX to the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green, KY. With spectacular car collections to see and visits to local street rod shops, this part of the tour will continue on up north to…

The AMSOIL Tour, June 19-28

After leaving the Hot Rod Reunion, perhaps with still more street rodders on board, Jerry will lead the crew up through St. Paul, MN near the Back to the 50’s event happening that weekend. From there, it is up to the AMSOIL Center in Superior, WI, where local car clubs and enthusiasts will gather to welcome the street rodders before they make their way to the St. Ignace, MI Car Show. Made famous by the streets being filled with street rods at the Mackinac Bridge, this show features all types of vehicles as locals watch them cruising the historic streets of St. Ignace.

Merrill-Lynch Jones Group Tour, July 12-19

Without Woody’s Hot Rodz in Bright, IN, this years’ tour might not be possible…they built the Chevy being driven by Jerry on this years’ tour. Woody’s is the starting point for the next round, where they will head to Youngstown, OH for a party at Quaker Steak and Lube and a visit to the Classic Automobilia Showroom. From here, it’s onward to Syracuse, NY for the big car show.

August 6-15, 40th NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville

Bound to be a huge event, this leg of the tour kicks off in Louisville at the 40th NSRA Street Rod Nationals. From there on Sunday, it’s a cross country trek to Bonneville Speed Week in Wendover, UT.

September 11-20, NSRA Nationals North in Kalamazoo, MI

This leg brings more stops to the NSRA Nationals events happening around the country. The NSRA Nationals North in Kalamazoo promises to be a huge again, complete with hospitality tent for all tour participants. From there its westward to the NSRA Northeast Nationals in Burlington, VT with a stop at Gear Star Transmission for a party in Akron, OH.

Sherm’s Custom Plating Tour, September 26-Oct 4

Kicking off with a Friday night cruise in Escondido, CA near San Diego, this tour will make several stops at famous Los Angeles locations. From there, it is off to the NSRA Golden State Nationals in Sacramento, but not before stopping and visiting some of the biggest private car collections in the US on the way.

NHRA Museum Tour, October 10-18

Seattle, WA is the starting point for the final leg of this years’ tour. Art Morrison Enterprises in Fife, WA will host a party before the tour makes its way down to the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield, CA. With scenic travels through Washington, Oregon, and the redwood forest in northern California, this is the final tour of 2009. Stops at several shops and manufacturers in the street rodder business will round out the week, with the final destination being the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion.

This is the broad brush overview. And if your anywhere near the Northland, we'll be doing a Street Rodder Shindig on June 22, so... y'all come! (Stay tuned for details.)

2009 AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour Schedule Announced

As previously noted, AMSOIL has partnered with Street Rodder Magazine as Jerry Dixie and his crew of Street Rod enthusiasts embark on their annual cross-country tour. Beginning in May, the AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour will begin in Chattanooga, TN and end in October at the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield, CA. Tour dates are listed here with more details yet to come. As tour routes take shape, maybe you can pitch your lawn chairs along the route and give a wave as they stroll past.

Here's the first broadbrush outline so you can get your bearings on where we'll be.

May 9 – May 17
Coker Tire Tour
Coker Tire, Chattanooga, TN to Cruisin’ Ocean City, Maryland

Kicking off the tour with a car show and charity auction, this marks the beginning of the adventure. The ultimate destination of this leg is Cruisin’ Ocean City, where the beach town will be host to street rods, muscle cars and customs.

June 13 – 21

Vintage Air Tour

Vintage Air, San Antonio, Texas to the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion, Bowling Green, Kentucky

The Vintage Air Tour is one of the biggest of the season, and the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green, KY has proven to be worthy of many return trips.

June 19 – 28

The AMSOIL Tour

NHRA Hot Rod Reunion, Bowling Green, Kentucky to St Ignace, Mich. Car Show

Stopping at our very own home in Superior, the Tour is welcomed with a party at the AMSOIL Center before heading off to the famous St. Ignace Car Show in St. Ignace, MI.

July 12 - 19

Merrill-Lynch Jones Group Tour

Woody's Hot Rodz, Bright, Indiana to Syracuse, NY

Woody’s Hot Rodz built the Chevy Roadster for this years’ tour. Next is Youngstown, OH for a reception at the Quaker Steak and Lube. A visit to the Classic Automobila showroom, a drive through Pennsylvania, and then it’s off to Syracuse, NY.

August 6 - 15

40th NSRA Street Rod Nationals, Louisville, Kentucky to Bonneville Speed Week, Wendover, Utah

Starting at the NSRA Street Road Nationals event in Louisville, the Tour will spend the weekend here before heading next to Wendover, UT for Bonneville Speed Week.

Sept 11 – 20

Gear Star Transmission Tour

NSRA Nationals North Kalamazoo, MI to NSRA Northeast Nationals, Burlington, VT

The NSRA Nationals North is the next stop in Kalamazoo, MI, and promises to be a huge event again this year. From there it is off to Akron, OH for a party at Gear Star Transmission.

Sept 26 – Oct 4

San Diego, CA to NSRA Golden State Nationals, Sacramento, CA

A cruise kicks off this leg of the tour, and a number of stops will be made at famous locations in Los Angeles. From there, the Tour heads north to the NSRA Golden State Nationals event in Sacramento while making stops at some of the biggest private car collections in the country.

Oct 10 – 18

NHRA Museum Tour

Seattle, WA to California Hot Rod Reunion, Bakersfield, CAStarting at Art Morrison Enterprises, the NHRA Museum Tour kicks off with a party in Fife, WA. From there it is down to see the sights through Washington, Oregon and the redwoods of Northern California. The tour will wrap up at the final event, the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield, CA.

Sacramento Gears Up To Welcome 7th Annual NSRA Golden State Nationals

Another spectacular show headed by the NSRA is coming to Sacramento, CA for the 7th Annual Golden State Nationals event. Those in sunny California during the weekend of October 3, 4 and 5th should make it to this exciting event held at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds. Nearly the entire venue will be utilized, including the buildings to house manufacturer and dealer displays. An event no true vintage automotive enthusiast should miss, there is fun for the entire family with a model car contest, Tether Car demonstrations, NSRA safety inspections, and the National Street Rod Association Super Prize program. As always, for the ladies there is the Women’s World area with arts and crafts.

As a special feature exclusive to the Sacramento Golden State Nationals, there will be an appearance by the Munster Koach. Featured in the popular TV show The Munsters, it was built in 1964 by George Barris Kustoms and has since been restored by Advanced Restorations of Sacramento. Come see a piece of Hollywood history not to be missed. Get up close and personal with some of the most beautifully restored vintage automobiles ever to gather in one place.

What: Golden State Nationals
Where: Cal Expo Fairgrounds, Sacramento
When: October 3, 4, 5
Hours: Friday 8:30-5:00 PM
Saturday 8:30-5:00 PM

Sunday 8:30-2:00 PM
Cost: Adult: $14
Child 6-12: $5
Under 6: Free

AMSOIL is an official product sponsor of the NSRA.

Burlington To Host 15th Northeast Nationals

Another great event hosted by The National Street Road Association is rapidly approaching. September 19-21st brings the 15th Northeast Nationals to the Champlain Valley Exposition in Burlington, VT and once again it will be a weekend of excitement. With more than 53,000 members nationwide, the NSRA has drawn crowds of spectators to enjoy the scene as they gather to see pre-1978 manufactured vehicles.

Once again AMSOIL is a proud sponsor of this and other NSRA events. For those in the area who are able to make it, you won’t be disappointed. Over 1800 vehicles from all over the country travel to make this classic event to show off their hard work and passion. It’s truly the place to be for car enthusiasts of all ages. And unlike most NSRA gatherings, this one includes those heart throb muscle cars of the Sixties and early Seventies.

As with other NSRA hosted events, this one will feature fun for the whole family. Ladies can enjoy the “Women’s World” area, with a participant shopping shuttle on Friday and Saturday. The arts and crafts area can entertain both young and old alike, and live music, games and fun round out this exciting weekend.

Sneak Peak

This coming Saturday, April 26, the Street Rodder Road Tour will begin the first leg of its journey beginning at its birthplace at the new Roadster Shop facilities in Mundelein, Illinois. Assembled by the team at the Roadster Shop, the American Speed Company's Speed '33 all steel body will rest on a Roadster Shop chassis and be powered by the new Ford Racing Boss 302 450 HP motor, lubricated with AMSOIL synthetic motor oils and protected with Ea filters.

Street Rodder Editor Brian Brennan gave the AMSOIL blog team a sneak peak of the PPG Road Tour Roadster as it neared completion just before this weekend's launch. As in year's past, the car is a beauty. It'll be a shockin' rockin' fun ride for tour guide Jerry Dixey.

Visit the AMSOIL website for more information on AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants.