AMSOIL 2017 Year in Review (Part 1)

Jamie Jarvi|Dec 29, 2017 1:31 PM

Here at AMSOIL, 2017 delivered a whirlwind of activity from start to finish. From new and reformulated products that further solidified our status as the leader in synthetic lubricant technology, to the loss of our beloved founder Al Amatuzio, it’s been a year of highs and lows unlike any other in our history.

Let’s take a look back at where we’ve been as we enter into 2018 with big things on the horizon. Special thanks to my fellow blogger Lindsay Premo for helping track down all this information.

January:

We launched reformulated Heavy-Duty Metal Protector, protecting scores of vehicles and equipment from the effects of rust and corrosion.

February:

We revamped our diesel line of synthetic motor oils to exceed new API CK-4 requirements. Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil represents the top tier of AMSOIL protection, while AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil provides diesel owners with an upgrade over other synthetic and conventional oils.

We took a little trip out west to Hammertown for the King of the Hammers. Team AMSOIL racers Brad and Roger Lovell once again dominated the Smittybilt Every Man Challenge, taking first place for the second year in a row.

March:

AMSOIL 20W-50 Zero-Turn Synthetic Hydrostatic Transmission Fluid and AMSOIL 10W-40 Synthetic Small-Engine Oil are introduced, rounding out the commercial-grade product line.

March saw the multi-year reign of Tucker Hibbert fall as Kody Kamm sailed to an overall season victory in the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series. With the new rule change for the 2017-18 season that bans engine modifications, will Kamm be able to repeat? We’re getting close to finding out.

April:

AMSOIL Founder and Chairman of the Board Albert J. Amatuzio passed peacefully in Duluth, Minn., surrounded by family. The industry mourned the loss of a true visionary who launched an entire synthetic oil revolution that forever changed the automotive world. He changed the lives of countless people. Read some of their stories here.

The 2017 Spring Carlisle event took place, bringing out the masses for one of the largest car shows and swap meets in the nation. AMSOIL is the Official Oil of the Carlisle Events series, which holds several events throughout the year focused on specific auto enthusiast groups.

We launched new and reformulated brake products to better meet the needs of modern brake-system maintenance and operation. New AMSOIL DOT 3&4 Synthetic Brake Fluid, AMSOIL Dominator DOT 4 Synthetic Racing Brake Fluid and AMSOIL Brake & Parts Cleaner join the product family.

The second-annual Ultimate Callout Challenge brought out the big guns in the diesel performance industry, drawing together top diesel builders in Indianapolis for a dyno shoot-out, sled-pull and drag race. Heavyweight Lavon Miller took the title in 2017 and is likely the one to watch in 2018. You may remember him from his days of holding court in the Diesel Power Challenge.

May:

AMSOIL 15W-60 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil hit the market, giving Victory and Indian Scout owners a premium alternative to higher priced manufacturer-branded oils. This long-sought-after product hit the masses just in time for Laconia Bike Week, proudly presented by AMSOIL.

Cruisin’ Ocean City took over the Ocean City, Md., boardwalk over Memorial Day weekend with more than 3,500 registered vehicles and scores of spectators. As the Official Oil of this event, we had the honor of awarding a six-foot trophy to the 2017 Best of Show winner. Check out the full story and pics here.

June:

AMSOIL hosts the AMSOIL Northland Law Enforcement K-9 Foundation event at the AMSOIL Center in Superior, Wis. Community members gathered on the AMSOIL grounds for a live demonstration and up-close look at the law enforcement vehicles and equipment that keep us safe. Founded in 2013 by Al Amatuzio due to his love for our canine friends, the Northland K-9 Foundation was established to create a fund for local law enforcement to build and expand highly skilled K-9 units. Learn more about this worthy cause here.

In June we saw the new and improved TORC: The Off-Road Championship kick off in the Midwest with a total revamp of the series. The growth of the Pro 2wd class, new racers in Pro 4×4 and the continuation of the UTV class made for a more exciting race season. 2018 is sure to be even better.

The 2017 Diesel Power Challenge commences, bringing together the nation’s top diesel builders for a head-to-head competition involving dyno testing, drag runs, a fuel economy challenge and more. 2016 champ Charlie Keeter defended his title, earning himself another giant trophy for his collection and a check for $1,500 along with a $500 shopping spree from AMSOIL.

Whew. These are only a few highlights in the first half of the year, and there’s plenty more we can cover. We will do just that in Part II of the AMSOIL Year in Review coming up next, so stay tuned.

Watch Now: Experts Debate Controversial Snocross Rule Change

Lindsay Premo|Nov 17, 2017 9:54 AM

Race fans, be prepared for a little less “braap” this AMSOIL Championship Snocross race season.

My father taught me a lot about sports. Which collegiate hockey team was the best (it’s the UMD Bulldogs…sorry, Minnesota Golden Gophers), the numbering system for the positions in baseball (6-4-3 double play anyone?), how downs and yardage work in professional football (and that we will always love the Minnesota Vikings), among others.

One of the most important lessons he taught me came during a lackluster season for one of our favorite teams: “This is a rebuilding year. Things will come back around.”

That appears to be the case this season for AMSOIL Championship Snocross.

No more engine mods

As part of an effort to level the playing field in the Pro Class, International Snomobile Racing, Inc. (ISR) has implemented a new rule for the upcoming season that requires all race sleds to essentially be stock. That means teams can no longer modify the engine, pipes or chassis.

They can, however, modify the shocks, skis, handlebars and aftermarket silencers. The sled may also be reinforced and strengthened with added material.

We’ve seen this before in motorsports. In motocross, all competitors, both amateur and pro, compete with limited-build bikes within a few horsepower of each other. More recently, the TORC Series implemented new restrictions to its Pro 2wd class to increase the field of competitors.

That’s the same idea here. With two of the teams in the Pro Open class bowing out at the end of last season, the field was shrinking. This new rule change is designed to encourage more Pro Lite racers to move up to the Pro Open class to fill those gaps.

Yay or nay?

As with any change in sports, this move has its advocates and detractors. Proponents argue that this will open the door for more riders to move up and hopefully lessen the expense of snowmobile racing, in turn fueling its future. The sled manufacturers will also be encouraged to build better race sleds, which benefits riders in all classes.

Opponents argue that this will make the racing less interesting for fans, with the loudest (and may I mention my favorite) class being the little 120s. They also argue that it will stifle innovation in the sled industry.

Two big industry players at opposite ends of this issue include Steve Scheuring of Scheuring Speed Sports and Tom Rager Jr., Race Manager at Polaris.

We sat down with a few key players in this world to hear what they have to say. Hear their thoughts in the video above.

What are your thoughts? As with any change, it will take a year or so to see how everything shakes out. This could eventually be a turnaround for the world of snocross racing. Or maybe it won’t be.

The only way to find out is to drop the flag on the season and start racing. The AMSOIL Championship Snocross season kicks off Thanksgiving Weekend at Spirit Mt. in Duluth, Minn.

I hope to see you there!

Tag: championship