AMSOIL Gains Traction Amongst Premier Engine Builders
Builders compete for supremacy at the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge.
In 2010 AMSOIL seized the opportunity to become the title sponsor of an enginebuilder competition now known as the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge (EMC). Engine builders are among the most influential people in racing, making recommendations that have a direct impact on the performance of the vehicles that rely on them. Oil selection is one of these key recommendations. Through the Engine Masters Challenge, premier engine builders gain the opportunity to see and experience first-hand the capabilities of AMSOIL synthetic motor oils.
The EMC has evolved since Popular Hot Rodding passed the torch to Hot Rod magazine in 2014. One new twist is having different categories of engines compete on each day, a transition that began last year and has continued to evolve. This year’s engine classes included a Small-Block Shootout, Vintage, Big-Block Shootout and, for the first time, a Nitrous class. Ultimately, 25 engines were put through their paces during the week-long event.
The engine builders come from all across North America. They represent all levels of experience, from hobbyists to pros in the upper echelons of racing, from circle track and drag racing to tractor pulls and extreme marine applications. The University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) hosts this competition, which was designed, in part, to create content for hot rod magazines.
Events like the EMC have many benefits for all participants. The media gets something to write about, readers learn new performance tricks and sponsors strengthen ties to the builders. In addition, 40 UNOH students receive the privilege of working alongside many of the top engine builders in the country, gaining rare and invaluable experience. The school itself is a beneficiary of the halo effect generated by hosting the week-long competition. The builders have an opportunity to earn money if they win and gain visibility through the media coverage, which helps generate new business.
A major benefit for AMSOIL is the opportunity to work closely with top builders who all experience the capabilities of our products. According to AMSOIL Technical Product Manager – Powersports Len Groom, “The Engine Masters Challenge has been a great fit for AMSOIL. It allows us to validate our products in some crazy, extreme conditions. It also allows us to show these engine builders the advantages of using a high-quality synthetic. Influencing the engine builder is a key component since they hold all the power when it comes to recommending an oil for your race motor.”
Many builders were familiar with the AMSOIL name, but had not yet tried the products. Jesse Robinson of SKM Effects Engines in Summerstown, Ontario was one such builder. “Before Engine Masters, I was aware it was ‘The First in Synthetics,’ but I had never used it myself,” he said. “I love it; I love the stuff. My garage is stacked with it. And I try to promote it to my customers when they have a special need for quality oil that doesn’t seem to break down and protects really well.”
There were several new factors in this year’s competition. First, the school had new SuperFlow dyno equipment installed since last year. Initially promised to be an advantage, it caused delays the first day as the dynos were dialedin and confidence in the numbers was established. Dynamometers are extremely sophisticated pieces of equipment. Their primary functions include data acquisition and engine-control systems. Everything must be repeatable so that the information generated is reliable.
For the uninitiated, here’s how a dyno works. The equipment holds the engine’s power back and takes measurements while holding power. That is, the dyno operator runs the engine through its usable RPM band and measures the torque generated as it sweeps. Rather than use a transmission, the dynos at UNOH use water to provide resistance. Essentially, they’re pumping water instead of moving a vehicle down the road. The dyno measures the power the engine generates while pumping the water.
It’s definitely very different from race cars moving along a drag strip or around a track, but for the builders and journalists covering the competition, it’s exceedingly thrilling to see the innovations implemented to generate power.
This year AMSOIL sent three employees to the competition. In addition to Groom, who provides technical counsel related to the builders’ special circumstances, Advertising Manager Ed Newman and Photographer/Videographer Wyatt Gruben covered the event for social media and print usage.
One of the big takeaways from this year’s EMC was the striking evidence that our presence is making an impact. “In our seven years of sponsorship I have seen the competitors/engine builders transition from skeptical users to wholehearted supporters and endorsers of AMSOIL products,” said Groom. “It’s been exciting to see these guys gain confidence in our products.”
“The AMSOIL EMC provides benefits for Dealers as well,” said Newman. “Hot Rod magazine is one of the most widely read and influential publications among enthusiasts. Our involvement and the subsequent coverage reinforces our credibility. Their editors and writers have seen first-hand how seriously good our products are.”
Groom adds that furthermore, “Engine Masters has helped AMSOIL secure the approval of some of the premier engine builders in the U.S. This allows our Dealers to approach new accounts with real-life information from an influential third party, which gives potential customers peace of mind in selecting an AMSOIL product.”
2016 AMSOIL ENGINE MASTERS CHALLENGE WINNERS
Small-Block:
1st – Scott Main/MPG Heads
2nd – Greg Finnican
Big-Block:
1st – Joe Carroll/PTS Racing Engines
2nd – Bret Bowers/Atlas Performance
Vintage:
1st – Ted Eaton/Eaton Balancing
2nd – Chris Bennett/SAM* *School of Automotive Machinists & Technology
Nitrous:
1st – Zackary Nelson/SAM*
2nd – Bret Bowers/Atlas, Team 2 Horsepower King and Torque Monster awards both went to the School of Automotive Machinists.
ON THE BOX WITH JEREMY MEYER
There is enough glitz and glamour in Las Vegas to circle the globe a million times, but that doesn’t stop the automotive industry from trying to bring a little more each November.
The SEMA show is the epicenter of the automotive world each year and everyone spruces up their best projects to put on display for the world. Inside the AMSOIL booth the past few years, there has been plenty of gawking, and we were able to once again grab some headlines and some hardware.
Our friends at Creative Rod and Kustom (Pennsylvania) pieced together a 1968 Chevy* C-10* that artfully mixed the old (classic instrument gauges) with the new (LS3 Crate Engine). The truck drew a crowd, and was the recipient of the Chevy SEMA Design Award for Truck of the Year.
While Vegas can be overwhelming with its bright lights and glitter, classic cool ruled the day at the AMSOIL SEMA booth.
Check out pictures of the truck at amsoilracing.com/partnerships.
