Champion power boat driver gets one year extension

AMSOIL INC, The First in Synthetics, and Bob Teague have come to agreement on a one-year contract extension for the 2009 off shore power boat season.

Teague, along with driver Paul Whittier, were one of the most successful off shore power boat teams in the world in 2008. The team won the SBI World championship, OPA Cat Lite High Points championship, the GEICO Triple Crown, OSS National champion, OSS High Points championship and set the POPRA World Speed Record in December.

“Bob Teague and Paul Whittier are the best in the business,” said Jeremy Meyer, AMSOIL Race Program Manager. “They find a way to win every time the #77 AMSOIL boat touches the water. AMSOIL has established itself as a winning formula in power boat racing due to the efforts of these two men.”

Teague and Whittier will primarily race in the Off Shore Super Series in 2009 and will add events in the SBI and POPRA as their schedule dictates.

“It doesn’t matter where the race is held at, we’ll be there, and we’ll win,” said Teague. “AMSOIL has been tremendous in increasing our horsepower and protecting our engines during these stressful races. We look forward to another successful year running the #77 AMSOIL boat.”

Teague's tentative 2009 schedule has him starting the year of in Biloxi, Miss. on March 27-30.

Until then, we'll see you at the races.

AMSOIL Re-signs with Factory Connection Racing

AMSOIL INC, The First in Synthetics, and Factory Connection Racing have come to agreement on a one-year contract extension for the 2009 Supercross and Motocross seasons.

AMSOIL has been the official oil provider of Factory Connection racing and the GEICO Powersports/Honda racing team since 1999. In 2009, the GEICO Powersports team will be led in the Supercross class by star rider Kevin Windham. The Lites class will boast one of the top teams in the sport, led by defending 2008 East Coast Lites Supercross champion Trey Canard. Joining Canard will be Dan Reardon, Blake Wharton and newcomer Brett Metcalfe.

AMSOIL will also take over as title sponsor of Factory Connection’s amateur program. Top amateurs Eli Tomac and Justin Barcia will lead the AMSOIL team in 2009.

“For the past decade, AMSOIL and Factory Connection have had a successful relationship,” said Jeremy Meyer, AMSOIL Race Program Manager. “Not only have we been successful on the pro level, but also on the amateur program. Factory Connection Racing has done a great job of cultivating young racers, bringing them through the lower ranks and giving them a chance to succeed on the professional level.”

“Factory Connection Racing is thrilled to continue its long-standing relationship with AMSOIL, said team owner Jeff Majkrzak. “AMSOIL’s superior products and support of our race team has been at the foundation of our success. We hope to continue this relationship for many years to come.”



Windham, along with Lites riders Canard and Metcalfe, will open up the 2009 Supercross series in Anaheim, Calif. this Saturday, January 3. SPEED will air the opening round live, starting at 10:00 pm EST.

Until then, we'll see you at the races.

ACSS Behind the Scenes - Christmas Wishes

With the holiday's upon us, most of the racing circuits are on hiatus until the New Year. The AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series recently held a national event in Ironwood, Mich. AMSOIL got a little festive this year, and went Behind the Scenes with several pro racers to discuss their favorite holiday gifts.



The AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series resumes its national schedule January 8-10 in Shakopee, Minn. You can order discounted tickets from ISOC until January 2.

Until then, we'll see you at the races.

Film Crew Follows Teague's Record Setting Weekend

Earlier this month, Team AMSOIL off shore power boat drivers Bob Teague and Paul Whittier set a world speed record at the POPRA Salton Sea Speed Week Kilo Event.

The AMSOIL boat set the record on the first day of trials with a 131.319, only to break it on Sunday with a new mark of 131.981.

The Salton Sea is one of the cleanest bodies of water in the world, and a film crew was on site to document the resurgence of area and the speed trials. They caught up with Bob Teague along the way.



Until then, Happy Holidays and we'll see you at the races.

AMSOIL Shock Therapy 2008 World Champion

The AMSOIL Shock Therapy Monster truck has become a fan favorite across North America, and now, the autograph lines will be getting longer as the title of World Champion has been added.

AMSOIL Shock Therapy driver Jon Zimmer took home the Monster Madness World Finals Racing Championship Trophy on September 27, 2008. in Calgary, Alberta with two impressive rounds of freestyle and racing.

On Saturday, Zimmer pushed the AMSOIL Shock Therapy to the limit by taking on everything that the Calgary Stampede could throw at him. Zimmer would edge past Public Disturbance, resulting in becoming the 2008 World Finalist Racing Champion.

On Sunday Zimmer returned with the AMSOIL Shock Therapy and again pushed his way to the finals, attempting to win the World Finals Championship in Monster Freestyle. As Zimmer suited up and climbed back into the truck after his introduction, he would put on an impressive "Freestyle". As the crowd watched Zimmer pull away to start, they saw teammate Killenger return in the Excaliber Monster Truck and park it just in front of the massive car, van, bus stack. John Killenger climbed out of the Excaliber truck and ran off the floor. The crowd seemed confused and did not expect the following to happen. In the blink of an eye, Zimmer blasted back out into the arena and noticed the Excaliber Truck parked in front of the bus stack. He then returned back towards the pit area and slid the truck around toward the bus stack. Zimmer hit the gas and proceeded with full momentum towards the stack, resulting in clearing not only the stack that contained two buses, vans and cars, but the Excaliber Monster Truck as well. The crowd went wild, Zimmer finished up his freestyle with huge air and crazy donuts.

"John Zimmer is one of the finest gentlemen in the business and one of the best monster truck drivers in the business today and it gives me great pleasure to announce after tallying up all the results from the shows this year that John Zimmer is the undisputed 2008 Monster Madness World Champion." Ralph Moore, President of Edge-Motorsports.

"We would like to thank AMSOIL for their support this year," said Sudden Impact Racing team owner Brandon LeGarde. "By using AMSOIL products, we are able to keep our trucks on the track, and out of the garage."




Sudden Impact Racing and the AMSOIL Shock Therapy will have a full schedule of racing in January, including a Checkered Flag production in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Until then, we'll see you at the races.

Scott Douglas on the Mend, Race Ready

It has been two and half months since the horrific practice crash in Chula Vista, Calif. that broke the left leg, knee and ankle of AMSOIL Super Team driver Scott Douglas. The doctor's prognosis made it sound as if his 2008 season would be over. Then, the suddenly the financial problems of CORR ended the season prematurely with the cancellation of the final two weekends of the season. Undaunted, Douglas stayed focused and worked endlessly at his rehab schedule.

By early November, he made a public appearance at the SEMA Show representing Kumho Tire at their track side display. His rehab was showing progress as his leg and knee had healed well enough for him to drive a street car and walk for limited amounts of time.

Thanksgiving weekend was another test for his healing leg as Scott and his wife Jackie went to the dunes with their sand car. The strength was coming back in his left leg enough to put his V8 powered buggy through the paces.

This past weekend Douglas was on hand at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando, Fla. making the rounds through the massive convention center. His ability get back to business as usual has amazed his family and friends.

The question that crosses everyone's mind is, 'If there was the final CORR race weekend in Chula Vista, would he be in the cockpit of the #7 AMSOIL Kumho Tire Sycuan Casino KC Hilites Ford-F150?'
"Definitely. Without a doubt," remarked Douglas during a recent interview from his El Cajon, Calif. home. "The doctors kept me on a tight rehab schedule, Jackie kept my spirits up, and suddenly I found myself getting around on my own. I've got quite a bit of titanium keeping everything together. I'm not 100%, my ankle is still very stiff, but after driving my sand car, I knew I could go out and compete for the PRO-4 championship. Unfortunately the CORR season ended prematurely. It's a shame because Bill Smith and Jason Schampers really worked feverishly to get our primary truck ready to race. The damage the truck sustained was incredible, but the truck was race ready by mid-October."

Officially, Douglas ended the 2008 CORR PRO-4 season with the second most points in the division, but finished third in the championship standings as Carl Renezeder and Rick Huseman tied for the top spot. Officially Renezeder was named the PRO-4 champion.

The 2008 race season saw Douglas Motorsports on the podium in eight out of twelve rounds of racing, including two wins, one runner-up and five third place finishes. Throughout the entire season, he qualified in the top three for every round of racing he started. The AMSOIL truck was consistently one of the fastest PRO-4 trucks all year long.

Douglas Motorsports also made the trip back to Crandon, Wis. for the traditional BorgWarner Labor Day weekend event. The familiar #7 AMSOIL Kumho Ford took the victory in Round 12 of the WSORR season, as well.

Scott, Jackie and the entire crew at Douglas Motorsports wish everyone a Happy Holiday season.

Until then, we'll see you at the races.

Wanderscheid Finds Podium in Rock River

This past weekend, the AMSOIL/Wanderscheid Racing team was in Rock Rapids, Iowa for the second round of WSA Pro Ice Racing.

The temperature in Rock Rapids was hovering around 38 degrees, so things were melting and track conditions became sloppy. In the first heat of 600 open qualifying, PJ Wanderscheid ended up third and finished the second heat in fifth. Track conditions were quickly deteriorating with the warm weather so race officials decided to call it a day. The track was down to dirt in spots, causing damage to the studs and carbides. With colder weather in the forecast, everyone hoped Sunday would be a better day for racing.

Sunday morning arrived and so did the cold. The temperature was around five below and about a ¼ inch of ice covered the region. The first heat of the day in Champ 440, Wanderscheid ended in second behind the Wahl sled driven by Brandon Johnson. The third and final round of 600 qualifying was the next race on the board, and PJ crossed the line in third. That qualified the AMSOIL sled seventh for the 600 Open final.

The second heat of the 440 Champ class brought some extra tuning by and they were able to cross the finish line first. The third and final heat of the day, Wanderscheid grabbed the hole shot and lead until two laps to go, when Dustin Wahl got around the #28 sled.

In the 600 open final, Wanderscheid grabbed the hole shot and came out of turn 2 with the lead. The #38 of Matt Schultz shot by us on the inside and the #22 of Brandon Johnson went by us on the inside. We hung close the #22 sled for most of the race but the 600 sleds are just to much for our 440 Champ sled to overtake. We ended the final in third.

"We are very happy with this finish considering out 440 was running in the 600 open class," said Wanderscheid. "The 600's have a distinct advantage, having about 20 more horsepower than our 440 sled. But we use this as a test for the AMSOIL World Championship Derby, where we will all have to run the 440."

Due to the oncoming snow and cold, the WSA decided to call off the 440 Champ final. That race will be rescheduled at the next event in Forest Lake, Minn. Wanderscheid qualified second for that final.

Wanderscheid won't race again until January 10-11 in Plymouth, Minn., his final tune-up before the AMSOIL Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby.

Until then, we'll see you at the races.

Eckstrom, Carey Lead AMSOIL Charge in Ironwood

Semi-Pro rookie Ryan Carey is off to a great start on the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series and the second round in Ironwood, Mich. vaulted him into the championship mix.

Carey, who hails from nearby Channing, Mich., delighted a hometown crowd by finding the podium in the Semi-Pro Super Stock final. Carey had his work cut out for him after he finished seventh in the first round qualifier. Heading into the last change qualifier, Carey went to work early, leading the field through the finsih line for the win. In the final, Carey got a great start and battled in the front before finishing third, his first podium of his semi-pro career. His podium finish moved him into seventh in the points race.

Carey wasn't the only Team AMSOIL/Scheuring Speed Sports rider to find the podium on Saturday. DJ Eckstrom took care of business in the Pro Super Stock class. The Duluth, Minn. rider took third in his heat race, advancing directly into the final. Once there, Eckstrom rode his best race of the year and pushed the leaders to the end for a third place finish and his first podium of the year. Eckstrom is now fourth overall in the Pro Super Stock class.

Eckstrom's teammate Shaun Crapo ran well, finishing sixth in the Pro Super Stock final and ninth in Pro Open. Eckstrom finished 13th in Pro Open. Carey also competed in the Semi-Pro Open class, finishing sixth.

Team AMSOIL/Judnick Motorsports pro rider Ross Martin kept pace in both pro classes. Martin finished fifth in the AMSOIL Pro Open final and is second overall in the championship chase. In Pro Super Stock, Martin finished fifth and is seventh overall.

The AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series will take the holidays off and will return to the national schedule January 9-11 in Shakopee, Minn. You can buy advance tickets for the event, and receive a five dollar discount.

Results and Point Standings

Until then, we'll see you at the races.

Team AMSOIL Sets World Record

Team AMSOIL #77 made the journey to Salton Sea in the Southern California Desert for the POPRA Salton Sea Speed Week Kilo Event. The event was held December 4-7 and although not a usual destination for driver Paul Whittier and throttle man Bob Teague, The Sea has been host to many races and kilo runs over the decades.

About a dozen teams came out with high hopes that the unique environment would prove to be the ideal setting for squeezing every last drop of speed out of their boats. The combination of below sea level air density, extremely high salinity in the water, cool desert air, and a perfectly undisturbed body of water made the perfect formula for world record-breaking speeds. Unfortunately, the smooth as glass water conditions were not the best for the highest offshore boat speeds. Kevin Cooper, President of POPRA, explained that the setting was also very safe for hosting kilo runs since the only other boats on the water during a participant’s speed run were the rescue boats.

Team AMSOIL’s first run on Saturday proved to be good enough to break the previous world speed record for Cat Lite, which was 126.703 mph. The Team tried various propellers and set-ups throughout the day in attempt to better their speed. On a run towards the end of the day, Team AMSOIL was successful in upping their own speed record. By the end of Saturday, the new speed record stood at 131.319 mph. On Sunday, Team AMSOIL made several more runs and was successful once more at breaking their own speed record. The final official POPRA World Kilo Speed Record was set at 131.981 mph, certified by APBA/UIM. This speed is the best average of the Team’s north to south pass and consecutive south to north pass. The Team made a one-way pass of nearly 133 mph but ran a little slower on the back up run because of a minor deviation on the course angle.

Team AMSOIL Offshore Racing has had a near perfect racing season and can now add POPRA World Speed Record Holder to its list of accomplishments in the Cat Lite category. The Team has earned the 2008 titles of SBI World Champion, Cat Lite High Points Champion in the OPA Racing Circuit, Winner of the Geico Triple Crown, Offshore Super Series National Champion and High Points Champion.

Until then, we'll see you at the races.

Buy Snocross Tickets and Behind the Scenes

If you are planning to head to an AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series race in 2009, you can now buy your tickets ahead of time.

ISOC and the ACSS are offering a $5 discount on upcoming snocross events. Currently, you can pre-purchase tickets for the January 9-11 Air Force National in Shakopee, Minn. (Note: Pre-purchasing for this weekends race in Ironwood is closed). Weekend passes are normally $35 but you can get yours for just $30. For more information, click here.

Also new to the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series this year will be a Behind the Scenes look at snocross. The first installment gets you in touch with race teams at Planet X, the home track for Team AMSOIL.



Don't forget that round two of the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series is this weekend in Ironwood, Mich.

Until then, we'll see you at the races.

On Board with Team AMSOIL Snocross Rider Shaun Crapo

The AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series continues this weekend in Ironwood, Mich. During the first round of action at the AMSOIL Duluth National, Team AMSOIL rider Shaun Crapo strapped on the helmet cam during Friday nights practice.

It's not always a smooth ride, however.



Until then, we'll see you at the races.

AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series Heads to Ironwood

Tucker Hibbert threw down a challenge to all other professional snocross riders on the planet during round one action at the AMSOIL Duluth National over Thanksgiving Weekend, and the stage is set for intense competition December 12-14 in Ironwood, Michigan. After sweeping the AMSOIL Pro Open and Pro Super Stock finals in Duluth, other top snocross pilots have their sites set on Hibbert and the top box on the podium.

The weekend heats up Friday night at 7:00 pm with the Monster Energy Slednecks Invasion Tour. The top freestyle athletes in the world will showcase the their talents, launching their snowmobiles from two freestyle ramps to a backdrop of infused rock and free swag to the fans. Joining them will be the biggest names in cross including Hibbert, DJ Eckstrom, Shaun Crapo and Ross Martin and others for an evening of hospitality and autographs.

Competitive juices flow early Saturday morning with support class racing, culminating with the Main Event from 4:00pm to 7:30pm. This all-out showcase of the top Pro and Semi-Pro riders will be bar to bar non-stop action, with qualifying, last chance qualifiers and finals running back to back to back.

“This format will be new for many race fans familiar with traditional national snocross events,” said ISOC Race Director Blair Bodley. “It’s a format not unlike what is used in motocross or supercross and is designed to benefit both racers and spectators.”

The one-day main event is designed to improve awareness and attract a bigger crowd for the showcase event. In the past, fans were accustomed to seeing top riders race at various times throughout the three-day event. Often, fans and racers alike were unsure when they would be on the track.

“This format will guarantee fans who come to on Saturday will see the top riders compete in an action filled three and a half hour showcase,” said ISOC Marketing Director Andy Groebner. “Just like supercross, the format will ensure that fans will see each pro perform at least twice on a bigger track with qualifying and finals featuring more laps.”

Scott Lorentz, the Director of Operations for ISOC agrees. “The days of spectators spending the entire weekend at the track are gone. By creating a tight, action packed show on Saturday night allows race fans, particularly families, to see a great show and not commit an entire weekend at the track.”

The second half of the new format equation is safety. By dividing up the Pro and Semi-Pro riders from the support class riders, track technicians can alter the course for different riding styles.

“Safety is always our number one concern,” said Bodley. “This format will allow us to knock down some of the more technical areas of the track for Sunday support class racing. We want to grow this sport and we believe keeping the racing fun and injuries to a minimum for the younger and less experienced racers will do that.”

What you need to know:

What: AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series

When: December 12 -14

Where: Ironwood, MI Gogebic Community College, Mt. Zion, E-4946 Jackson Road Ironwood, MI 49938
Schedule of Events:
Friday: 7pm-8pm: Monster Energy Slednecks Invasion Tour.

Saturday: 4pm – 7:30pm: Pro and Semi-Pro Main Event; 9:30am gates open with support class qualifying.

Sunday: 9:30am: Gates open remaining support class racing.

For tickets, lodging and more details visit the national tour schedule link - NATIONAL SCHEDULE

Until then, we'll see you at the races.

Wanderscheid Second in Manitoba

The opening of the oval ice racing season in Beausejour, Manitoba has annually been unkind to AMSOIL rider PJ Wanderscheid. But the 2008 event was anything but usual for the three time world champion.
Wanderscheid and his team headed north the past weekend to take part in the annual Canadian Power Toboggan Championship opener on Saturday and Sunday. Wanderscheid took part in the Champ 440 and the Pro Formula 600 classes in Manitoba.

In the 440 class, the same class that Wanderscheid has won three AMSOIL World Championship rings, the 25-year-old proved that his switch back to Hooper Engines will be beneficial this season as he finished the final in second.

"We always us this track to see where we are and where we need to go," said Wanderscheid. "We are excited to head home knowing that the changes we made this off season are paying off early and we are closer to winning our fourth AMSOIL Eagle River World Championship than we have been for the past couple of years."

Wanderscheid also finished sixth in the Pro Formula 600 class.

Wanderscheid is schedule to take part in the World Snowmobile Association race in Rock Rapids, Iowa December 13-14.

Until then, we'll see you at the races.

Wanderscheid Opens Season in Manitoba

AMSOIL oval ice champion PJ Wanderscheid will open up the 2008-2009 season this weekend in Beausejour, Manitoba.

Wanderscheid, who has won three AMSOIL Eagle River World Championship titles, will take part in the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships starting on Saturday.

Racers from all over Canada and the United States will take part in the CPTC season opener to battle for the top spot on the one of the world's fastest tracks. Wanderscheid is excited about the start of the new season.

"Beausejour is great place for us to start the season. We like to get a lot of testing on their track because it is so close to Eagle River. Our main goal each year is to win the AMSOIL World Championship and this weekend will allow us to see where we stack up against the competition."

Racers will hit the track on Friday for practice with racing being held on Saturday and Sunday.

Until then, we'll see you at the races.

Ask Kevin Windham a Question

Racer X Illustrated offers a monthly feature called 10Q in their month print version. The feature allows ten readers to conduct an interview with a top personality in the world of motocross and supercross.
Racer X Illustrated has lined up GEICO/AMSOIL/Honda's Kevin Windham for their March 2009 issue, and they need your questions. Here's your chance to contribue to the next issue of Racer X by posing a question to Kevin.

It's easy. Just think of a great question and submit it to Racer X. If you really want your question to have a chance of making the cut, be respectful, keep it short, and come up with something really unique or interesting.

Got a question for Kevin? Click here to ask.

AMSOIL is the Official Oil of the GEICO Powersports team. Windham will be on the starting line for the opening round of the Monster Energy Supercross series January 3 in Anaheim, Calif.

Until then, we'll see you at the races.

AMSOIL Amateur Wins Three Titles at Mini O's

AMSOIL/Factory Connection rider Justin Barcia displayed an aggressive riding style on his way to three titles at the 2008 Winter National Olympics (Mini O's) at Gatorback Cycle Park in Alachua, Fla. last week.

Barcia, one of the top amateurs in the United States, swept the 250 A/Pro-Am Stock class, winning both moto's. In the 250 A/Pro-Am Modified class, Barcia won his first moto, but a crash in moto 2 put him fourth overall.

The Cairo, Ga. native also raced in three supercross classes last week, winning twice. Barcia won all three of his heat races and won both the 250 A/Pro-Am Stock and Modified finals. He wrapped up the weekend with a fifth in the Open A/Pro-am Modified final.

Barcia is also joined in the AMSOIL trailer by young Eli Tomac. The Cortez, Colo. native was dominate in the youth ranks and is now finding success in the amateur classes. At the Mini O's, Tomac raced in three motocross classes and three supercross classes.

In motocross, Tomac took two moto wins, one each in the 250 B Stock and the 250 B Modified classes. A second place finish in the stock race gave him a second overall in that class. He finished 12th in the second moto of the modified race for 9th overall. In the Schoolboy (14-16), Tomac went 2-3 for third overall.

In supercross, Tomac piloted the #43 AMSOIL/Honda to a second in the 250 B Modified main, a third in the Schoolboy (14-16) final and a fifth in the 250 B Stock class.

Tomac and Barcia will both be looking for a return trip to Loretta Lynn's Amateur Nationals presented by AMSOIL. Area and regional qualifiers begin in February 2009.

Until then, we'll see you at the races.

Record Crowds at AMSOIL Duluth National

The International Series of Champions (ISOC) returned as the sanctioning body of snowmobile racing this past spring and after more than six months of hard work and preparations, the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series was unveiled in Duluth, Minn. this past weekend.

The AMSOIL Duluth National kicks off the snowmobile racing season and the record crowd of more than 36,500 faithful fans took part in a new era of snocross. ISOC designed the largest track ever witnessed in the 17 year history of the AMSOIL Duluth National and both fans and racers took notice.

"The track is huge," said AMSOIL Pro rider Shaun Crapo. "I can't believe how much snow they have here. The new track and format should be a real test for us this weekend."

Leading the AMSOIL charge in Duluth was Pro rider Ross Martin (Judnick Motorsports) who finished third in Sunday's AMSOIL Pro Open race. Martin made Saturday's Pro Super Stock final, but a broken shock on the first lap took him out of race. Martin's teammate, Matt Judnick finished tenth in Pro Open and 11th in Pro Super Stock.

Team AMSOIL/Scheuring Speed Sports riders DJ Eckstrom had strong rides at Duluth. Both finished in the top three in their Pro Stock heat race on Saturday and advanced directly into the final. The teammates battled back and forth all race long with Eckstrom finishing ninth and Crapo in tenth. In the Pro Open class, Eckstrom was riding in the top five for the first third of the race before getting bucked from the sled. He ended the day in 11th while Crapo finished in seventh. (For more results go to AMSOIL Duluth National.)

As title sponsor of the new series and of the event, AMSOIL hosted several fan contest, including the first AMSOIL Tough Block Race which pitted three young snocross fans in a downhill race using an AMSOIL tough block. The young man took home the win and a free AMSOIL Winter Jacket.
The AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series continues its national schedule in Ironwood, Mich. December 13-14.

Until then, we'll see you at the races.