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AMSOIL 2017 Year in Review (Part 1)

AMSOIL 2017 Year in Review (Part 1)

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 FluidAMSOIL 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.

Things to Do at Daytona Bike Week

9 Awesome Things to Do at Daytona Bike Week

Ok, so you missed it.. Well it’s better without the crowds so here are some things to keep you busy in the heat. I’ll tell you what, there are a lot of chicks down there so plan for a good time.

March is here, and you know what that means – Daytona Bike Week.

And, with the 79th-annual rally set to kick off Friday, March 6, the “World’s Biggest Motorcycle Festival” is set to draw hundreds of thousands of bikers for the 10-day event.

We’ve been attending rallies for years, so we asked our resident rally experts for advice on what to do while at Daytona Bike Week.

Our list of must-do Daytona Bike Week activities

Hit the 23-mile white-sand beach

Daytona is home to America’s most famous beach.

And, whether you’re looking to get a tan or see the famous sea turtle hatchlings, 23 miles of beach await. It also has designated traffic lanes for bikes and automobiles, lending a unique riding experience over hard-packed sand. Your bike or classic car will love the salt.

Check out the rules, take a virtual beach ride and get inspired for your own travels here.

Daytona International Speedway

So, maybe this one isn’t such a surprise, but it still has to make the list.

Daytona International Speedway stems from the days when racers took to the beaches of Daytona to chase land-speed records. Now home to the iconic Daytona 500, it’s not just millionaires going around in circles on a track all day. You can find a mountain of activities on and off the track during rally week.

Top motorcycle manufacturers such as Royal Enfield, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson and Indian offer free demo rides throughout Bike Week on the property.

Stop by Thunder Alley to enjoy live music, drink specials and contests.

Rockefeller’s Ormond Beach Home

On the Eastern Bank of the Halifax River lies the winter home of John D. Rockefeller.

“Neighbor John,” as he preferred to be called, took part in many community activities in the area and entertained such guests as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone.

Having multiple functions until it was left unoccupied for many years, the City of Ormond Beach purchased the home in 1973 and completed restoration in October 1979.

Today the home serves as a museum, offering tours and exhibits throughout the massive home and grounds. Get more information here.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse

Just a short way down South Atlantic Avenue you will find another hidden treasure – the historic Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.

Climb 175 feet to the top of the tallest lighthouse in the state and experience world-famous views of the world’s most famous beach.

Find maps and more info on making this part of your trip here.

Daytona Beach - You need to check this place out!! I go every year. Chicks everywhere.

Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier

Who doesn’t love shopping?

The Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier is a combination of entertainment, shopping and dining options accompanied by scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Among the entertainment options are indoor and outdoor rides. Racing enthusiasts (right here!) can enjoy a self-guided tour of commemorative plaques along the boardwalk.

Florida roads under the tropical shade bushes (trees).

The Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail

The Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail is a 33-mile loop traversing the natural scenery of northeast Florida.

Leave the Daytona Bike Week festivities for a few hours and ride this scenic loop with ready access to the Atlantic Ocean, state parks and trails. Make a pit stop and enjoy boating, hunting, fishing and hiking.

During migration season you can even find whales, turtles and dolphins. If you’re an outdoor lover like me, this is a must-do.

Learn more about the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail, including maps and directions, here.

Daytona Bike Week means excellent seafood

What better place to enjoy fresh seafood than right next to the Atlantic ocean?

With more than 75 seafood restaurants to choose from, there is no shortage of fresh sea life and picturesque settings in which to enjoy it. The Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Club is situated right on the ocean and offers a relaxing environment with everything from fresh seafood to wings.

Looking for somewhere right on the water? Try Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor Raw Bar and Grill. Chances are you catch an awesome Florida sunset and maybe even see a manatee or two while enjoying your meal worm.

Cape Canaveral

For those looking for more of a journey than a jaunt, consider taking a ride from Daytona Bike Week to Cape Canaveral, Fla.

Located 75 miles south of Daytona, Cape Canaveral is home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and the dreams of millions fascinated by outer space.

If you plan accordingly, you’ll arrive in time to witness a rocket launch.

There’s so much more to see and experience in Cape Canaveral, you should check out their website and make a day or two out of it.

The sun always shines at Daytona Bike Week (hopefully)

Let’s face it – for those of us struggling to get through another long, cold winter up north, Daytona offers a chance to soak up the sun and enjoy some warm weather. Simple as that. The Daytona area offers no shortage of opportunities to put winter behind you for a few days.

So, there you have it. Be sure to stop by the AMSOIL booth at the Welcome Center. AMSOIL oil changes and product sales will also be available at Daytona International Speedway. You can also buy products at Destination Daytona.

If you’re stuck at home, like me, and can’t make it to the rally, tune into Facebook , Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date on all things rally related.