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Team Hybrid Showed Up in a Big Way at SEMA 2023

Team Hybrid Showed Up in a Big Way at SEMA 2023

No other import team has accomplished what Team Hybrid has at SEMA and beyond.

November 16, 2023

As they are known to do, our friends at Team Hybrid showed up at SEMA 2023 in spectacular fashion. Eight Team Hybrid vehicles were on site covering a lot of real estate in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Not only did they bring their usual A-game on the vehicle front, but they were impossible to miss with placements inside South, in front of Central and in-between North/West halls.

Team Hybrid didn’t just show off their exquisite rides. BFGoodrich also called on Team Hybrid to be the first import team to help them debut their newest performance UHP tire in South Hall. Set to launch in North America in 2024, the BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A is an on-road, high-performance tire that required a display vehicle worthy of its SEMA unveiling. Team Hybrid President James Lin selected their 2013 Nissan 370Z for the high honor of showcasing this latest tire product that aims to open new doors in performance driving.

Team Hybrid President James Lin with their 2013 Nissan 370Z.

Not only that, NRG Innovations launched a co-branded Team Hybrid SEMA steering wheel in their booth that was installed on the 370Z in South Hall. These accomplishments speak to the performance levels Team Hybrid vehicles reach in all aspects, and it’s why they’ve kept reaching new heights for almost 29 years with no signs of stopping.

No other import team has accomplished what Team Hybrid has at SEMA and beyond. They bring the best out of every build bearing their name, consistently representing every product they use to the fullest. The AMSOIL logo is usually front and center on their rides, letting spectators at every event know vehicles of this caliber rely only on the best oil.

Check out the SEMA 2023 builds below for a glimpse at what makes Team Hybrid the best import team.

2013 Nissan 370Z

This custom Kandy-Red 370Z was selected to usher in the launch of the upcoming BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A tire.

2013 Nissan 370Z

2000 Mitsubishi Mirage 2-Door EVO

This 800HP, Varis widebody 2-door Evo is truly one of a kind in the world.

2000 Mitsubishi Mirage 2-dr

1994 Mitsubishi EVO III

This right-hand drive Japanese Classic is not something we see every day here in the US and Canada.

1994 Mitsubishi EVO III

1991 Nissan Pao

This is a Japanese Classic made between 1989–1991 with only 31,352 produced.

1991 Nissan Pao

2016 Dodge Challenger

Possibly the only supercharged – widebody – targe-top Dodge Challenger in the world, but for sure the only one of its kind at SEMA 2023.

2016 Dodge Challenger

2017 Dodge Challenger

Female built widebody Dodge Challenger and worthy contender in the SEMA Battle of the Builders.

2017 Dodge Challenger

2008 Infiniti G35 Sedan

This widebody with chameleon paint was also the 1st Place Infiniti winner at SpoCom Anaheim 2023.

2008 Infiniti G35 Sedan

2017 Honda Civic

This widebody Honda Civic FK7 was also the 3rd Place Honda winner at SpoCom Del Mar 2023.

2017 Honda Civic FK7

 

Snowshoe GNCC – One of America’s Toughest Races

Snowshoe GNCC – One of America’s Toughest Races

Mud, blood and beer.

From my experience this past weekend in Snowshoe, W.Va., those three words pretty much sum up the AMSOIL Snowshoe GNCC.

  1. Mud: Class winners often disappear for lengthy amounts of time back to their trailers to clean up for the podium.
  2. Blood: One of the most grueling courses in event history. It’s no wonder racers despise that long drive up to the top of the mountain, even seasoned pros like Kailub Russell.
  3. Beer: There certainly was no shortage. In one of the rowdiest race crowds I’ve ever seen, there was always a beer to be offered and a friend to be made. It made for one of the most entertaining events I’ve been to in quite some time.

 

How it started: The Blackwater 100

In the mid-70’s, a local preacher reached out to promoter Davey Coombs in hopes of putting on a motorcycle race in Davis, W.Va., to draw people and dollars to the area.

Coombs devised a course that began in town and ventured off into the surrounding harsh environment. Finishing just one of the four 25-mile laps was considered an accomplishment.

The Blackwater 100 dissolved in 1993, but Coombs went on to create the GNCC Series, with the Snowshoe event celebrating the Blackwater’s heritage.

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A race like no other

Nestled nearly 4,500 feet above sea level, Snowshoe Mountain Resort provided a unique setting for the AMSOIL Snowshoe GNCC in its 13th year.

Racers lined up in the heart of the village on Snowshoe Drive and started on the asphalt (unique to all other GNCC events). After they left the village, racers traversed down one side of the mountain through rock gardens, massive tree roots and the infamous Howard’s Hole (where you’ll find the mud and the beer) only to climb back up to the other side of the mountain.

This event saw sections of trail that hadn’t been touched since 2008. Coupled with the above-mentioned obstacles, the few miles racers hit on the open ski slopes offered a moment to relax before racers kicked themselves back in gear.

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Fans like no other

They call them “Mud Fleas.”

They wait in the wings of Howard’s Hole with their coolers and high spirits. When an ATV or dirt bike rider falls victim to a mud hole, they come to the rescue, freeing them to continue racing. They tell them what lines to take, cheer them on and certainly know how to have a good time.

But, most importantly, they love their state and they love GNCC racing.

In the end, Walker Fowler and his Yamaha took the checkers in the ATV class, while Kailub Russell won the dirt bike class on his KTM.

Be sure to check out our GNCC Snowshoe highlights on our Instagram and our Facebook album for all the sights and sounds #TeamAMSOIL found this past weekend on the mountain.

Your Mid-Summer Team AMSOIL Update

Team AMSOIL Update

Summer is in full swing, race fans! Which means Team AMSOIL is busy, busy, busy. Let me take a moment from taking in all the exhaust fumes and evaluating my farmer’s tan to let you know what we’ve been up to and where we’re headed.

On the Track

AMSOIL GNCC

AMSOIL GNCC wrapped up racing for the summer June 6-7 in Dunkard, Pa., a new stop on the circuit. #TeamAMSOIL members Chris Borich and Team Babbitt’s Josh Strang found themselves atop the podium heading into the summer break.

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Be sure to catch our recap from the Snowshoe GNCC here.

Swap Moto at Milestone

The second of three AMSOIL Swap Moto Race Series kicked off this past weekend at Milestone MX Park. The Terra Firma Series will run through August. Racers who compete in this mini series are eligible to win AMSOIL products and gift certificates as part of our partnership with the entire series.

Take a trip around the Expert track below.

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In the Staging Area

Sprint Week

Eight races, 10 nights. The USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Championship expands to its largest schedule for its 32nd running this year. Racing starts this Thursday in Gas City, Ind. and runs through Saturday in Haubstadt, Ind. The drivers take Monday and Tuesday off to gas up for the remaining stretch.

We followed along last year with Chad Boesplug during Sprint Week. Check out the video below.

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Expedition Colorado

Veteran off-road racers (and brothers) Brad and Roger Lovell are at it again. This year, Expedition Colorado starts near Grand Junction, Colo. and heads toward Moab, Utah. The route then heads southeast through the San Juan Mountains, ending in Lake City, Colo.

Check out all the scenery from last year’s trip below.

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As always, stay up to date on all the AMSOIL action via FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

We’ll see you at the races!

AMSOIL Expedition Colorado is Back – and You’re Invited

AMSOIL Expedition Colorado is Back – and You’re Invited

Can a 1943 Jeep survive this?

Remember when we asked that question? It’s been almost a year since the first AMSOIL Expedition Colorado, which sent veteran off-road racers Brad and Roger Lovell on a 550-mile trek from Colorado Springs, Colo. to Moab, Utah. Here’s a recap in case you missed it:

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Well, the Lovells are back at it. But this time they’re retracing their steps from Moab back to Colorado Springs. And this time they’re inviting you to join them. Well, kind of.

Last year’s expedition drew an overwhelming response from viewers. As a way to further bring you along for the ride, the Lovells will be planting prizes from their sponsors along this year’s 615-mile course. After their trip is completed they will release a GPS map with the coordinates of all of the geocache locations.

Prizes include…

  • Two sets of BFGoodrich tires
  • A WARN Zeon winch
  • A $500 gift certificate from yours truly (AMSOIL INC.)
  • A pair of $250 Rugged Radios gift certificates
  • An ARB 4×4 Accessories recovery kit

Pack your GPS and a lunch. You might also need a tent and a raincoat because finding the prizes won’t be easy. Once a prize is collected, the recipient must post a picture on either Facebook or Instagram using #expeditioncolorado to let others know the prize is claimed.

Keep your eyes on the AMSOIL Community website Aug. 3 for the release of the route with coordinates of the prize locations. Until then, stay up to date on all the planning for AMSOIL Expedition Colorado on Facebook. To see some of the AMSOIL products the Lovell’s use in their off-road vehicles, go here.

Finally, be sure to sign up for AMSOIL Signature Series videos sent to your inbox. Subscribers will get the video documenting this year’s expedition before it’s made public.

AMSOIL Racing & Events Update

AMSOIL Racing & Events Update

Hi, race fans!

Your resident AMSOIL racing and events expert here with a breakdown of what Team AMSOIL has been up to “On the Track” and what’s to come in our “Staging Area.”

On the Track

Sprint Week

Indiana Sprint Week kicked off Friday, July 20 at Kokomo Speedway. In total, seven USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car races were held in nine nights with the finale held at Tri-State Speedway. In the end, Chris Windom was crowned Indiana Sprint Week Champion shortly after capturing June’s “Eastern Storm” title. He’s just the third driver to capture both in the same season.

Want to know what it takes to succeed in this die-hard world of racing? Check out the AMSOIL Signature Series episode featuring last year’s Sprint Week here.

AMA Amateur National Championship

The premier amateur motocross event in the world kicked off Monday, July 30 at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. The week started well for AMSOIL Factory Connection Honda as Jo Shimoda won Moto 1 of the 250B class.

Tune in to our social media channels to stay up to date on how the team fares the rest of the week:

AMSOIL Expedition Colorado

Last year’s AMSOIL Expedition Colorado was such a hit that Brad and Roger Lovell are retracing their steps this year from Moab, Utah, back to Colorado Springs, Colo. And this time, they’re inviting you along for the ride. The Lovells will be planting prizes from their sponsors along the 615-mile course. After they finish the trip, they’ll release a GPS map with coordinates of all of the geocache locations.

Keep your eyes on the AMSOIL Community website Aug. 3 for the release of the route with coordinates of the prize locations.

Be sure to sign up for AMSOIL Signature Series videos sent to your inbox. Subscribers will get the video documenting this year’s expedition before it’s made public.

In the Staging Area

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

The 78th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally begins today, Aug. 3 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 12. As the Official Oil of Sturgis, the AMSOIL booth will be located on Main Street, just east of Junction Ave. AMSOIL will be offering oil changes at two different locations: Mad Dog Custom Cycles and X-Treme Bikes. Be sure to stop by our booth to register to win a $150 AMSOIL product gift certificate awarded each day.

Tune in to our Instagram Stories to see all the action live from the rally.

Car Shows

AMSOIL is the Official Oil of Carlisle Events and Hot August Nights. Carlisle Truck Nationals begins today, Aug. 3, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 5 in Carlisle, Pa. This celebration of trucks includes monster-truck shows, truck-themed competitions, a truck midway and more.

Hot August Nights begins Monday, Aug. 7 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 12. This week-long festival is dedicated to classic cars and rock n’ roll. Events include controlled cruises, an auction, drag races, autocross, drifting and more.

As always, stay updated on all the AMSOIL Racing and Events action through our social media channels.

Until next time, we’ll see you at the races (and events)!