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ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICS HITS THE TRAILS AT FJ SUMMIT NO.6
We headed out to Ouray, Colorado this past week for the 6th Annual FJ Summit. We have always supported the event from Day-1, but it has been a few years since we have been able to make an appearance. Needless to say the event has doubled, if not, tripled in size since we last went and it has meant nothing but great things for the off-road community and the town of Ouray. We left Tuesday morning bright and early to make the long haul to Colorado. After driving 17 Hours (towing) through beautiful California, Nevada, and Utah scenery we pulled into Ouray around Midnight just in time to pass out in bed. Wednesday morning, the attendees began to roll into town and at this point you start seeing the streets of this little town fill up with Toyotas of nearly every variety. The Best Western Twin Peaks has been the host of this event since its inception and we can’t thank them enough for all of their hospitably and putting up with the 500+ people swarming the small parking lots of the jam packed vendor area. Our friends from BajaRack Adventure Equipment came into town to set up their booth and show off their amazing roof racks and accessories for the FJ’s, 4Runners, and Land Cruisers. Shortly thereafter Jason Demello from Demello Offroad pulled into town with his convoy. Jason is one of most knowledgeable dealers when it comes to Toyota trucks and SUV’s. This year both Jason and the ICON 4Runner was equipped with the new “S2 Modular Performance System”. The S2 Modular Performance System with our OMEGA Series Bypass is a combination, Secondary Shock mount / A-arm skid plate package. This system is designed to use the factory lower control arms, as well as the factory front bump stops! No more massive cuts taken to the frame like other secondary shock systems currently on the market. These prototypes would be put to the test out on the trails in the San Juan Mountains with not only high speed abuse, but flex and articulation operation as well. Thursday morning we set out to Black Bear Pass. For those of you who are not familiar with Black Bear, the extreme switchbacks can be seen from the town of Telluride, and up close they are even more intimidating. Rushing waterfalls, slick rock, and trails barely wide enough to accommodate an FJ Cruiser coming down the side of a mountain 13,000 feet in elevation – enough said. The scenic trails and the small bouts of rain made for a beautiful day to be out on the trail and an awesome opportunity for photos. Friday was the day for the ICON / Demello / BajaRacks / TRD Parts 4U / Pandora Adventures Party and for those who were able to make it out, despite the rain had a great time. A SoCal feast of Carne Asada, Beans and Tortillas was given out to our guests and the raffle went off without a hitch! Congratulations to all the winners of the Axial RC Car, Demello Sliders, Synthetic Winch Line from TRDParts4U, Gift Certificates from Baja Rack , and Pandora Adventures. We were even able to convince All Pro Offroad to come out and donate some stuff for the raffle. Thanks to them for also letting us use their EZ up for some more shelter from the rain. Saturday morning, the last full day out in Ouray, we decided to head out with Sergio and Chris from BajaRack to get even more great photos and some GoPro footage on Imogene Pass. Sergio and Chris took the lead in their ICON-equipped FJ and definitely weren’t scared to push the limits of the suspension. While driving aggressively (but always treading lightly), the two Toyotas cut through the pass through rain and hail to make it to Telluride for lunch just as the lightning and thunder began. If you have ever been to Telluride or Ouray, the lightning and thunder alone are worth the trip. The thunder echoes through the valley and shakes the ground. It’s truly an amazing experience. The rain on Saturday made a bit of a mess back in the vendor area but it did not dampen (no pun intended) the spirits of any of the vendors or attendees. Everyone was focused and excited for the main raffle that would take place Saturday night. We would be raffling a set of our Piggyback Reservoir Shocks and Stainless Steel Shock Guards. As usual the raffle went on into the night and by the time it was said and done, the last remaining places open on Main Street were going off until the wee hours of the morning. Sunday was another early day and Main Street was corded off for the group photo taken every year. All the sponsors lined up and took their photos and we all headed home. Thanks to all of the organizers of the FJ Summit and to all of our great customers that were at the event! Stay tuned, the new S2 Suspension System held together great and will be pushed even further in the weeks to come!
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ROAD RACE MOTORSPORTS 2012 JEEP JK WRANGLER W/ ICON SHOCKS
For Road Race Motorsports in Santa Fe Springs, California – a shop that focuses on builds and performance car parts for the road race realm, rally racing and off-road – the opportunity to build a 2012 Jeep Wrangler came last year just before the SEMA show. With strong interest from potential companies participating in the build, they went ahead and took on the challenge with only about six weeks until the show. Building a show-quality vehicle is nothing new for the Southern California-based shop, which opened its doors back in 2000 and has helped build SEMA Show vehicles for Suzuki, Mitsubishi and Kia. Owner of Road Race Motorsports Robert Tallini is a road race and rally champion himself, and in spite of the name the shop actually does quite a bit of off-road work. “We wanted to showcase what we could do from a shop with a new and fresh perspective, building what most people want and really need in a Jeep that allows it to have multiple functions with an emphasis on the overlander purpose,” Tallini said. “We’re a company that has done six-digit concept cars for companies. We have design background, engineering background and off-road background. There’s a lot of great metal fabricating shops and companies, but mostly none of them have the experience and understanding we have in regards to making horsepower and making cars perform, and that comes from our experience in other kinds of racing.” Tallini has raced off-road himself, but injuries over the years pushed him into other forms of racing. “I raced the Mint 400 20 years ago, and I worked in a shop building cars for Mickey Thompson, literally, as well as Paris-Dakar buggies before the Europeans knew what an open-wheeled off-road buggy was,” he explained. 2012 Wrangler Build Concept For the 2012 Wrangler build, RRM decided to create a vehicle that was off-road capable but also ready for the long haul. John Rocha, an avid off-roader who has worked in the industry for years, helped the shop with the concept and execution of the build. “Our approach was not to make it a rock crawler but to make it more of an overland-style rig,” Rocha said, who went on to explain the idea was to make the Wrangler functional and capable with a low-center-of-gravity design. Suspension and Wheels Along this line of thought, providing trail clearance for the RRM ’12 Wrangler is a 2 1/2-inch Rock Krawler Max Travel suspension system. Specifically tuned 2-inch Icon shocks help soak up the bumps on the trail. RRM also squeezes 37-inch Toyo Open Country M/T tires on the JK. The Toyos are fitted on 17-inch Trail Ready beadlock HD wheels, which RRM had hard-anodized in “Tuxedo Black” instead of powder-coating for protection and clean look. Protection and Armor Poison Spyder is another major contributor to the build, and its Front Crusher fender flares help provide the proper clearance for the 37-inch Toyos. The Wrangler also features Poison Spyder’s Brawler Rockers for side protection and for a side step for entering and exiting the Jeep. These aluminum PS parts are a great complement to the overland-style rig, as keeping unnecessary weight down is important. To provide added protection, RRM utilized door armor on the ’12 Wrangler including its own JK door armor piece that is constructed of 3/16-inch 6061 aluminum that is painted to match. Poison Spyder B-Pillars also provide door protection to prevent this area from buckling or collapsing if hit by a tree or other obstacle. Front Bumper and Hood The front of the vehicle is equipped with a Poison Spyder Brawler front bumper with the tube-gusset design at the request of the shop. RRM added a color-matched piece to fill in the opening on the side. A Warn VR10,000 winch is fitted on the bumper to get the Jeep out of any tough spots on the trail. Just behind the bumper is RRM’s carbon-fiber grill, an eye-catching piece that isn’t performance enhancing but certainly gives the ’12 JK front a unique look. A part that does provide more of a noteworthy benefit, however, is what RRM refers to as its “functional” JK hood, which is designed to accept cool air in and dissipate heat through “shark gill” side hood vents. Drake Off Road JK hood latches help keep the hood in place. RRM also employs small vents on the side of the JK just behind the doors to help reduce drag from a closed airflow section by letting air flow through – a concept the shop borrowed from rally racing design concepts. Performance and Powertrain Under the hood, RRM equipped its air intake system for the Wrangler JK, which opens up the restrictive stock air intake system for more power and also a good complement to the RRM hood design. RRM also installed its Fuel Calibration System, which is a piggyback system that acts pre-ECU so it requires no tuning and will actually communicate with the ECU to improve power and fuel economy. RRM equipped the ’12 Wrangler with its axle-back exhaust system that actually tucks up higher than the stock unit and places the PPE exit higher for added trail clearance. Most importantly, the system provides performance improvement while not providing an overly loud or obnoxious tone (as Tallini notes, the pitch is wife-approved). Lighting and Storage Rigid Industries LED lights provide additional off-road lighting for the RRM Wrangler, as three LED floods are used on the bumper itself, while two 4-LED lights are outfitted on each side of the front window. Atop the Wrangler’s front roof is a Rigid 50-inch E-Series light bar. For added storage, a Garvin JK roof rack is installed that RRM fitted with customized side aluminum pieces that are color-matched to the vehicle’s design. The rack does feature additional Rigid lighting in the form of a SR-10 LED lightbar on each side, as well as two SR-6 bars at the rear of the rack. At the rear of Wrangler is a Poison Spyder RockBrawler Spare Tire Carrier, which is fitted with the optional CB antenna mount and Hi-Lift jack mount. RRM also outfitted its Rotopak mount into the bumper as well as an added strut for stability to reduce any rattle on the road or trail. X-Torm 4WD helped supply the RotoPaxs on the Jeep, of which there are two 4-gallon fuel tanks and two Pax that are lockable tool kits. RRM also installed one Rigid Industries LED that can swivel to provide added light when accessing the tailgate on the trail. Another thoughtful addition is the small hook added on the RotoPax strut for a Trasharoo (or trash bag) for the trail. The OEM rear taillights are replaced with Truck-Lite LED lights. Interior and Storage Solutions Inside the rear of the Wrangler, RRM has an ARB refrigerator to keep perishable food fresh. Another Garvin storage rack is utilized in the tailgate storage area to hold tools and two 1-gallon water RotoPax (stored inside to keep them cooler). Also inside is the Viair two-gallon compressed air tank, which is connected to two compressors that are mounted under the rear of the JK. As a “just in case” backup plan, a Powertank is also stored in back of the Wrangler. Axles and Brakes Under the 2012 Wrangler, RRM retained the stock Dana 44 axles but installed 4.88 G2 gears in the front and rear. The front axle was gusseted for added strength and Poly Performance sleeves reinforce the front axle as well. Stopping power for the Wrangler is provided by 13-inch slotted rotors on the front brakes, while the rear are RRM feature slotted stock rotors – another concept borrowed from the shop’s racing background. Conclusion All in all, this 2012 RRM Jeep Wrangler is not only pleasing to the eyes, it’s competent and confident on the trails. The low-COG design can tackle some serious obstacles, while the rig is equipped with the proper upgrades and safety measures for remote off-road adventures. Contacts Road Race Motorsports 13037 Lakeland Road, Suite F Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 562-906-0080 RoadRaceMotorsports.com Poison Spyder 951-849-5911 PoisonSpyder.com Spod 4x4spod.com ICON Vehicle Dynamics 951-689-ICON IconVehicleDynamics.com Garvin Wilderness Products WildernessRacks.com Powertank Powertank.com PRP Seats www.prpseats.com Rock Krawler 518-270-9822 RockKrawler.com Rigid Industries 480-655-0100 RigidIndustries.com Toyo Tires ToyoTires.com Trail Ready www.trailready.com Viair Viaircorp.com XTorm 4WD 305-981-6006 XTorm4x4.com Warn Industries Warn.com
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ALEXANDER MOTORSPORTS TAKES 1ST PLACE AT THE BITD SILVER STATE 300
Alexander Motorsports started first of the line in the Class 5000 at the Best in The Desert Silver State 300 and never looked back. Steve Alexander and ICON’s Sean Kepler ran the first 100 miles together going from 4,000 up to 7,000 foot elevation. No matter what the Silver State 300 course threw at them the car sucked it up thanks to the expertly tuned ICON Vehicle suspension. Turn after turn the Mickey Thompson Tires dug in deep keeping the car on track. The new RC Trans prepped Mendeola transaxle proved to be flawless, owner John Houlton wasn’t kidding when he says “we’ll get you in gear”. After 2 hours and 20 minutes they reached Pit 3 only to find out that the closest competitor was 40 miles behind them. After a quick splash of fuel, a clean set of K&N outer foam filters, a Livewire Energy chew, Gavin Ferguson traded seats with Sean to attack the final 200 miles navigating for Steve whose plans were to ironman the 300 mile course. The next 50 miles would prove to be the toughest with 6 water crossings and some of the deepest silt beds the 5005 crew has ever seen, many of them still littered with incapacitated race vehicles. They arrived at Pit 4 where the crew noticed a small crack developing on the front beam. 25 miles further down the road Pit 5 had a welder set-up and ready to go. Steve made the decision to push on to Pit 5 rather to wait for a welder. The crack was repaired at Baja Pits within 10 minutes and they were back in the race. At the 200 mile marker Gavin noticed a slight loss in oil pressure; they stopped and added a quart of Torco oil. 10 miles later they arrived at Pit 6 to take on fuel. The crew noticed the motor had developed a leak and more oil was needed. Steve made the choice to push on with the help of another Livewire Energy chew to keep him alert and focused. 50 miles later at Pit 7 the crew added two more quarts of oil but the motor was getting tired. With only 34 miles to go to the finish Steve made the call it’s “do or die”. They had 3 spare quarts of oil in the car; they crossed their fingers and hit the gas. Gavin called out every 10 miles to the crew and Steve was sweating bullets. Oil pressure dropped dangerously low to 20 pounds but with the finish line in site, Steve hammered down. It was all worth it, with a total time of 7 hours and 48 minutes and no flats Alexander Motorsports crossed the finish line scoring their first Best in The Desert victory. Thanks to everyone that made this possible starting with the expert maintenance of the Alexander Motorsports crew and the support of the following sponsors: KC HiLiTES, Livewire Energy, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, RC Trans, Mickey Thompson Tires, FK Rod Ends, BTR Wheels, K&N Filters, MSD Ignition, Torco Advanced Lubricants, Getpipe.com, Butch’s Speed Shop and Patrick Sign’s.
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MONGO RACING FINISHES STRONG AT BITD SILVER STATE 300
Best In The Desert Racing Association’s Silver State 300 was held Saturday May 5, 2012 near the small towns of Alamo and Caliente NV. The 3rd race of the series was looking to be a show down in the desert for most classes and Class 7200 or the V6 Unlimited class was no exception. Saturday morning’s start was about 10 miles outside of Alamo NV and the weather was clear and breezy. As the racer’s lined up, the team of Mongo Racing did their final checks on the KC HiLiTes/General Tire/ICON Vehicle Dynamics /TNC Ford truck numbered 7281. The first vehicle off the start line was at 9:30 am. Randy Merritt, driving theKC HiLiTes/General Tire/ICON Vehicle Dynamics /TNC Ford truck, started the BITD Silver State 300 at 10:20 am and headed out into the harsh Nevada desert. This was Merritt’s second race in the new state of the art chassis designed by Tracy Rubio at TNC Machine and starting 4th out of 16 in class meant he would be in the heat of the battle at the start of the race. Randy Merritt and co-rider RD Minor raced through the Nevada desert and tried to maintain pace with the leader, but slower traffic slowed the KC HiLiTes/General Tire/ICON Vehicle Dynamics /TNC Ford truck. The breezy conditions were helpful in the open desert, but the dust seemed to just hang around in some of the narrow canyons as Merritt raced to Caliente NV for his first scheduled fuel stop. The Mongo Racing team planned a strategy for 2 fuel stops for this race and at the first fuel stop, 103 mils into the race, Merritt requested the hood be removed because it was damaged from a racing incident about 60 miles into the race. Merritt entered the pit in 6th place and left in 5th place. The top 8 trucks in the class were all within 5 minutes at this point. Merritt stayed in the top 5 physically the entire race and after the second scheduled fuel stop Randy only had about 1 minute and 30 seconds of down time in the pits for fuel only. At the Finish of the BITD Silver State 300 Merritt thanked his crew for an awesome prep job and giving him a truck that all he had to do was drive all day. Merritt also thanked General Tire for making a great tire that could handle the terrain the race covered with no flats and ICON Vehicle Dynamics for the shocks that handled that same terrain with no leaks or fade was awesome. The difference between the top 5 trucks were set ups and Merritt said, “we at Mongo Racing will go back to Parker, AZ and work on our set up for the BITD Vegas to Reno and get faster.” Merritt added, “The KC HiLiTes/General Tire/ICON Vehicle Dynamics /TNC Ford truck has been very impressive to drive. Tracy Rubio at TNC Machine has built several race vehicles and this is my third from TNC Machine, so I know it’s just a matter of time before we get our first of many wins in this truck.” Merritt drove the KC HiLiTes General Tire TNC Ford truck to a 4th place unofficial finish physically and on corrected time at 6 hours 14 minutes and 41 seconds. Merritt finished the race 34th overall, 48 minutes behind the overall leader, and 18 minutes behind the 7200 class leader. The KC HiLiTes/General Tire/ICON Vehicle Dynamics /TNC Ford truck was also the highest finishing truck in the BITD Class 7200 Season Points Championship standings. After the race Randy Merritt commented, “The past 30 days has been exciting for us at Mongo Racing, EBC Brakes, KC HiLiTes and General Tire all have come out with national ad campaigns on the internet and in magazines featuring our trucks.” The Mongo Racing Class 7200 Unlimited Ford number 7281 is sponsored by KC HiLiTes, General Tires, TNC Machine, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Trail Ready Bead Lock Wheels, Kincaid Racing Engines, Yukon, Wilwood, Pro AM, EBC Brakes, Master Craft Safety Innovations, Lucas Oil, K&N Filters, Borla Exhausts, MSD Ignition, and Mongo Made Graphics.
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ICON RACERS BRING HOME GREAT FINISHES AT BITD SILVER STATE 300
The ICON Vehicle Dynamics race program has been working hard this 2012 season with both of its sponsored racers in the BITD Racing Series (Best In The Desert). Success has been the ultimate goal and the results from the Canidae/Tap It Brewery Silver State 300 put ICON shocks on the top of the podium in 1 class and finishing just outside of the podium for a solid top 5 finish in the other class. Contingency started Friday at the Aliante Station Casino way off the strip in N. Las Vegas. ICON Vehicle Dynamics’ booth was full of racers and crew members taking a look at the product and at both of the vehicle racing under the ICON Banner: #7281 – Randy Merrit; #5005 – Steve Alexander. Race day conditions were next to perfect with cool temperatures in the unforgiving dry deserts and a nice breeze clearing the dust in the deep Nevada silt beds, giving every racer confidence when getting the green flag. The perfect weather would also be a great sign for the ICON Sponsored Racers. Randy Merrit’s Ford started 4th in a premier class with 17 entries and would remain there throughout the day, taking home a solid 4th place finish and further moving him forward in the championship points chase. Steve Alexander started up front and stayed up front throughout the day, netting him his 1st win of 2012 and putting him in 1st for the championship chase. ICON’s race support staff was there helping each team from the day before the race till the drive back to the hotel after the checkered flag. ICON is proud to support the BITD series and its sponsored racers, pushing the envelope in the most grueling of conditions to help further development for the shock program for the OE applications.
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ICON FORD F-250 SUSPENSION GOES FOR A TOUR OF NEVADA
My son is in 5th grade and has an assignment to do a report on one of the United States. Well, he picked Nevada, and we concocted a plan to do a tour of Nevada and bring along one of our UTVs to help us explore all that the Silver State has to offer. We spent ten days off-roading, visiting nationals and state parks, touring museums and wandering around old ghost towns. Our route took us through the state capitol, Carson City, then east on US 50 “The Loneliest Highway”. Along US 50, we stopped at Sand Mountain Recreation Area, several Pony Express Stations and over nine mountain passes before reaching Highway 93 just east of Ely. From there we will swing into the Great Basin National Park before heading south on Highway 93 which is also known as the Great Basin Highway. We visited Cathedral George State Park and Delamar Ghost Town on our way south. After an overnight in Mesquite, we visited Logandale, Valley of Fire State Park and Nellis Sand Dunes before stopping in Las Vegas. We made a trip over to the Hoover Dam for a tour, then did some tourist stuff in Las Vegas for a few days. Heading back north, we visited the Amargosa Sand Dunes, Beatty, Rhyolite, Clayton Valley Dunes , Tonopah, Crescent Dunes, Hawthorne and Yerington. Near Yerington we headed off-road to see the ghost town of Pine Grove before looping back up towards Carson City. We stopped at just about every Historic Marker along the way and visited local museums and visitor bureaus as well to make sure we soaked up all the rich history that the Silver State has to offer. We received a lot of comments on our Facebook page, questions via email and a ton of people asking questions every time we stop about our UTV truck rack. I snapped a few pictures along the way that really illustrate how the UTV sits as compared to a cab over camper. The top of the roll cage is slightly higher that the camper, but it feels more stable. The truck is a 2011 F350 Superduty crew cab shortbed. The rack was built by Roggy Enterprises, and the truck features frame mounted camper tie-downs up front, air bags and a 2.5″ ICON Vehicle Dynamics leveling kit. Air bags are a necessity and the ICON shocks really made the ride super plush. We thought quite a bit about what to take on this trip (motorhome+trailer, truck+trail or truck+rack) and this setup was absolutely the perfect solution for this trip. We drove about 200 miles on dirt roads and in some tight parking lots that would have been a challenge with a trailer and impossible with a motorhome. The biggest downside is the cost of the motels (I do like shower and a bed though….). Our UTV of choice for this adventure was our 2011 Polaris RZR XP 900. Our RZR XP features Pro Armor doors and harnesses, STI Tires & Wheels, DragonFire Racing bumpers, spare tire carrier, flying v brace, a-arms and high clearance radius links, Fox shocks, Beard seats, Lowrance GPS, PURE Polaris rock skids and trailing arm guards, Unisteer power steering, Muzzys exhaust and Rugged Radios. Our XP continues to exceed our expectations in a wide variety of terrain and we even raced it at King of the Hammers in February. It also fits nicely on our truck rack! Here are a few highlights of the stops we made along the way: Day 2 – Sand Springs Pony Express Station – Covered by sand for over a hundred years, Sand Springs Station lay undisturbed until 1976. It was rediscovered by a team of Archaeologists, then excavated and stabilized in 1977. The Pony Express holds a special place in the imagination and folklore of America. The “Pony” lasted only 19 months, from April 1860 to November 1861, but it quickly became a legend. At a time before there were airplanes, telephones, railroads or even a telegraph, the Pony carried the mail 2,000 miles in just 12 days in the summer and 14 days in the winter. As the Civil War loomed, it provided the Union with a vital link to its far-flung Western territories, including the silver mines of the Comstock and the gold fields of California. Racing against time, the Pony had to overcome vast distances, hostile Indians and a harsh climate. But it could not overcome progress. When the transcontinental telegraph was completed on October 24, 1861, messages could be sent from coast to coast in just minutes. The Pony was doomed and it died only twenty-seven days later. Day 2 – Sand Mountain Recreation Area, Nevada – Located in Churchill County, just north of U.S. Highway 50, “The Loneliest Road in America,” Sand Mountain is 25 miles east of Fallon, Nevada. Managed by the U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the sand dunes of the 4,795 acre recreation fee area provide challenge and excitement for off-highway vehicle riders, hikers & sandboarders. Day 4 – Delamar, Nevada – We heard about a cool ghost town called Delamar which was south of Caliente on Hwy 93. Down a dirt road about 15 miles was all the directions we received…. So off we went. At about mile 20 we had no signs of any ghost town. We stopped and I dug out a Nevada topo map that had Delamar on it. We determined we had gone too far and missed a turn somewhere. Back we went and stopped 10 miles later at a turnoff that looked promising, but no sign. My son and I decided to go for it anyways because it looked about right based on the topo map. Well the road got ugly and we stopped and decided o unload our Polaris RZR XP and see if we could find the illusive Delmar. It was a good decision because I would not have been happy driving my truck up this billy goat trail. The ghost town and mining area was quite an expansive settlement that boasted more than 1,500 residents, a hospital, an opera house, churches, a school, several businesses and saloons. Most buildings were made of native rock. The Delamar mill handled up to 260 tons of ore daily. In 1889, prospectors John Ferguson and Joseph Sharp discovered gold around Monkeywrench Wash. A mining camp was then born west of the Monkeywrench Mine. It was called Ferguson. In April 1894, Captain Joseph Raphael De Lamar bought most of the important mines in the area and renamed the Ferguson camp as Delamar. In the same year, a newspaper called the Delamar Lode began publication and a post office was opened. Soon, the new settlement boasted more than 1,500 residents, a hospital, an opera house, churches, a school, several businesses and saloons. Most buildings were made of native rock. By 1896, the Delamar mill was handling up to 260 tons of ore daily. Water for the camp was pumped from a well in Meadow Valley Wash, some twelve miles away. Supplies and materials traveled even further, by mule team over mountainous terrain from the railroad head at Milford, Utah, which was 150 miles from Delamar. Day 5 – Logandale Trail System – Located about 65 miles northeast of Las Vegas, the Logandale Trails System covers 45,000 acres of desert, washes and vivid sandstone cliffs west of Logandale and north of Valley of Fire State Park. The Logandale Trails System (LTS) contains over 200 miles of trails, suitable for a variety of OHVs. Sand, rocks and desert trails make this a great place to explore in a UTV. We will definitely be back! Day 8 – Amargosa Sand Dunes – Amargosa or Big Dune is a playground that covers about five square miles of dunes, and its centerpiece is a peak that tops out at 500 feet. Expect to find steep hill climbs and sharp ridges at the dune which is located about 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Day 8 – Clayton Valley Dunes – Clayton Valley dune field is located in the southern part of Clayton Valley, 7 miles south of Silver Peak, Nevada, and is accessible via dirt/gravel road. This is a very remote dune with very little use. If you like to dune all by yourself, this is the dune to visit. Day 9 – Crescent Dunes – This small dune complex near Tonopah is often deserted. Mostly used by local riders. There are no signs, and the area feels very remote. These dunes form under winds that blow consistently from one direction and form crescent shaped dunes. Day 10 – Pine Grove, Nevada – An Indian showed William Wilson the gold bearing rocks in June of 1866 and prospectors stampeded the area through the summer. At first called Wilsonville, the camp was renamed Pine Grove, with a post office, the weekly news, and a population of 200. Two steam powered stamp mills and three arrastras treated both both and silver ores, while stages and freight lines brought in supplies and hauled out bullion. In the early 1870s, the population reached it’s peak of 600. The tri-sectioned camp straggled for a mile of the canyon and contained five saloons, three hotels, a variety store, a hardware store, a Wells Fargo agent, a dance hall, blacksmith shops, general merchandise, barbershops, a shoeshine shop, a school, oxen yards, livery stables, and two doctor’s offices. Towards the end of the decade, the mines began to decline and by 1893, the mines were worked only intermittently. Today, only a few individuals work the mines from time to time. Most of the buildings in Pine Grove were destroyed some years ago when a severe storm sent a mudslide down the canyon destroying almost everything in its path. Today, only a few buildings still remain. Most notably the old boarding house which has about two feet of dirt covering the first floor. Pine Grove also served as a regional supply center for local ranchers until the later part of the decade, when the mines began to decline. Pine Grove is reachable by OHV from a few directions on Forest Service roads. It is best to have a GPS with topo.
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SEMA NEWS MENTIONS ICON ABOUT A GLOBAL MEDIA AWARD WINNING PRODUCT
California-based PLX Devices—the top vote getter in the 2011 Global Media Awards program poses with SEMA Senior Vice President of Operations Bill Miller (right). On winning eight awards from journalists on four continents, Paul Lowchareonkul, PLX president and CEO commented: “First and foremost we are honored to have received this many Global Media Awards. It feels great to be recognized by some of the leading international publications involved in the automotive aftermarket industry.” He noted that they are poised to take advantage of this international attention with PLX product distribution already in place in many key international markets. A total of 150 SEMA Show exhibitors received international recognition for 257 new products released at the 2011 SEMA Show. This eighth edition of the Global Media Awards program brought together 26 top journalists from 12 countries. Each of them were given the difficult task of selecting 10 products from the Ideas Alive: New Products Showcase that they felt would resonate and appeal most to consumers in their home countries. After 1,850 new products were reviewed and the judges votes were tallied, PLX Devices came out on top with eight Global Media Awards, having received the nod from judges based in Mexico, Brazil and New Zealand as well as the United Kingdom and Sweden. Other top winners included Auto Meter and Palmer Performance Engineering, each with seven awards, followed by Race Ramps and Smittybilt with six votes each. Included among the crop of SEMA Show exhibitors with international bragging rights were 21 first-time exhibitors. First-time Racing & Performance exhibitor OZMO Engineering garnered four votes—the highest among first-year exhibitors—for its carbon-fiber intake manifold, which the winning firm noted was fully designed using the SEMA Technology Transfer program, allowing all prototypes to be made without any physical measurements being taken. SEMA News talked to some of the journalists about the products they selected and why they believe they would sell especially well in their home markets. The Americas: Brazil Eduardo Bernasconi, Fullpower Auto Meter Products, 5th Gen Camaro Mounting Solution: “Chevrolet-Brazil is officially importing the vehicle to Brazil. It started a few months ago. Also, a lot of independent companies are bringing the car in. It’s becoming more popular and easy to find here, so some owners will modify it and begin with the new Auto Meter mounting solution.” Auto Meter Products, Ultimate DL Playback Tach System: “Brazilians are passionate about their cars, and they like to know what’s happening with the car. The DL Playback Tach system will help them find out all the information.” Carriage Works Inc., Driving-Simulator: “PlayStation and Xbox are pretty popular here. Brazil is one of the largest markets for them, and we have just a few companies that produce driving simulators. They don’t have mass production, and sometimes it is hard to get them right away. There is some space to grow in this segment.” Mastershift, VW Sport Shifter: “Volkswagen is the most modified brand in Brazil. This shifter will be a ‘must have’ part for any VW lover.” Mastershift, Push Button Shifter: “Automatic transmissions weren’t that popular until the last decade. Right now, everybody wants to drive a nice car with an automatic transmission. With the pushbutton equipment, they will be more fun to drive!” Procar Seating by Scat, Classic Recliner: “Right now, we’re facing some difficulties in finding nice seats. We have the Sparco ones—beautiful—but we don’t have a carbon-fiber one. The Procar seat with this finish can get attention and good sales numbers.” Race Ramps/Brute Industries, Tow Truck Flatbed Extension Ramp and Flatstoppers: “We can easily find ramps for motorcycle purposes but not for car and car-show purposes. Race Ramps showed so many different models that consumers could use in their garages or at car shows.” Sprint Booster USA, Sprint Booster: “Sprint Booster is something that consumers are looking for but just a few people know about. Some stores already have it, but we do not have a rep to make it popular. This equipment is easy to install and is the new consumer wish.” Spyder Auto, Projector Headlight: “I’ve chosen the Chevrolet Cruze one with LED. The Chevrolet Cruze is brand new in Brazil; it launched just two months ago. This product has a nice price, and consumers will modify it—for sure. These headlights will get attention.” Miguel Ricardo Puerta, Carstereo/SuperSpeed/Hot Rods Magazines automotive trade show, automotive awards, automotive international, aftermarket business Auto Meter products were among the favorites of international journalists, winning seven awards from journalists in Germany, France, Brazil and Mexico. Pictured here is company representative Joseph Mills (left) and Bill Miller at the SEMA International Happy Hour. Shutt Auto Accessories Inc., FTR-A FuelTech By Shutt Steering Wheel: “Because it’s made of aluminum, it is extremely light and offers great grip action. It allows changing gears without removing the hands from the steering wheel. Performance fanatics will love it.” Motor House Marketing, Corvette ZR1 Chronograph Watch: “It’s a collector’s item—beautifully made—that makes everyone remember this classic musclecar.” Classic Instruments Inc., V8 Speedster Series: “Great style and finish if you want to impress hot-rod lovers.” Auto Meter Products, Ultimate DL Playback Tach System: “Clear and great visual to see numbers quickly and clearly.” Palmer Performance Engineering, DashCommand: “Great idea to allow software to be installed in a device to check all performance (electrical, etc.), making shop owners and employees happier.” Old Air Products Inc., IP-350: “Nice way to keep cool. Simple, easily installed and nice style. Air can be distributed throughout the car without installing tubes.” NRG Innovations, Wood Grain Steering Wheel With Hub: “Was impressed with its style.” Retro Manufacturing LLC, Retrosound Model Two Radio: “Great way to integrate new technology to a classic-style radio when you want to keep the old-style look while taking advantage of modern devices.” Mito Corp., Gentex Mirror With Prodigy One Navigation: “Almost unnoticeable. Great idea to put a GPS system together with a rearview mirror.” iForged Performance Alloys/Forgestar Wheels, CF10 Rotary Forged Carbon: “Fantastic style and technology. Innovative idea.” Canada Kevin Willey, Two Shoes Innovations ARB 4×4 Accessories, ARB Maximum Airflow Portable Compressor: “Once people come off the trail, airing back up is always an issue, and the market is flooded with poor methods of getting the tire back to road use. ARB has solved that issue, as one would expect from a market leader in off-road equipment. This is an all-in-one solution for getting back to highway pressures quickly, with the added bonus of knowing the same self-contained unit can power air tools should the requirement present itself. Air up with ease and help your friends who are waiting on tiny, inefficient pretenders. ARB has hit one out of the park again—as one would expect.” Ark Corp., Arkpak: “Arkpak had a winner with its last battery box/charger combination, a versatile power unit for almost any requirement, whether camping, fishing or hunting. The new battery box/charger changes the game with its display of time left in the charge or time left to full charge. This evolution of the original will provide for almost any power need at home or away. I have used the original during off-road expeditions since it hit the market, and I, for one, cannot wait to get the new model.” Bracketron Inc., Twist360: “Call me old school, but I just can’t seem to be able to hold on to a tablet and use it, too. Must be too used to having a screen in a laptop configuration. This bracket solves that issue for me and also allows for using a USB keyboard—handy, that. The bracket will also allow for easy in-car mounting and using your tablet as a GPS with a screen large enough to actually see.” Bracketron Inc., Universal Tablet Headrest Mount: “Keeping the kids entertained on long trips has always been a daunting task. That should no longer be an issue; just attach any tablet computer to the bracket, and the kids can watch all the movies they can stand. Great way to avoid the ‘are we there yet’ syndrome.” Mac’s Custom Tie Downs, Mac’s Jeep Box: “Finally, someone has realized that in-vehicle secure storage can be done with aluminum. Big, heavy, steel boxes are not required, and the difference in weight may not be such a big deal at first glance, but it really adds up when you consider the gas savings over the life of the vehicle. I have shed more than 200 lbs. by changing out my steel storage boxes for aluminum in my off-road expedition vehicle. Lighter overall vehicle weight equals greater mileage and fewer visits to the pump. The addition of the tie-downs on the top is a real bonus. Very well thought out and well executed. All-American is an added bonus.” Motor City Products/US Speedo, Spotlight “Search”: “No more hunting for a flashlight in the car: It’s in the lighter socket, right where you left it. (That almost sounds like something my wife would tell me.) Hard to say much more about a product that is handy when you need it and not lost in the bottom of a console or glovebox.” Omix-Ada/Rugged Ridge, Overhead Storage Console for Jeep: “Easy to install, functional—something every Jeep owner should have. The net that covers the opening is actually big enough to enclose the contents, and the liner stops those annoying rattles. This overhead console is simply the best way to store those things we use most often and keep them within reach.” Sprintex Superchargers, JK Jeep Supercharger: “I have to admit that I saw the mini version in a shop a friend owns. His business has been in operation for decades, and he sells only the very best. So when he told me that a version for a Jeep was going to be unveiled at this year’s SEMA Show, I had to check it out. One never knows when just a little extra is going to be required from your Jeep engine, and the cool factor is way up there, as well. This supercharger has to be the easiest to install I have ever seen, coming complete with full instructions and definitely a driveway upgrade. Extra power and torque, both on-road and off-, is always a good thing.” Stone River Gear LLC, Lasered Damascus Ceramic Folding Knife SRG1TDL: “I admit it: I am a knife guy. This folding knife is one of the best I have seen. Everything from the Lasered-Damascus-look case to the ceramic blade whispered to me. This knife is art, and it’s functional, too. This is a beautiful knife that anyone would be proud to own, I have to send a link to my wife. Hope she gets the hint. Simply superb.” Superwinch LLC, Tiger Shark 17500 Winch: “Anyone who knows about off-road recovery will insist on a Superwinch. They work every time without fail in my experience during more than 25 years off-road. I cannot count the number of times ‘other’ winches have failed when trying to recover a vehicle. With the 17500 winch, pulling power will no longer be a consideration.” Mexico Angel Alcala, Supercar automotive trade show, automotive awards, automotive international, aftermarket business Pleasant Grove, Utah–based Palmer Performance Engineering’s new DashCommand won seven awards at this year’s SEMA Show. Proudly showing off their success, company representatives posed with SEMA Vice President of Communications and Events Peter MacGillivray (far right). AFCO Racing/Dynatech, ’11 6.4L Dodge Challenger Long-Tube Header System: “This beautifully designed header is essential to the good performance of the SRT line of Challengers. It should increase the performance of this powerful motor in a drastic way. The car is very popular in Mexico, and this would be a great product in our country.” Auto Meter Products, Nostalgia Series Tri-5 Mounting Solution: “This is a beautiful product that provides precision and control for correct engine readings—an essential feature on the racetrack as well as in everyday use. In addition, it’s perfectly built and has a very nice finish. This product provides the opportunity to rebuild a handsome and elegant dashboard for various custom car projects.” Baer Brake Systems, Full-Floating Rearend Conversion: “The combination of engineering and the well-applied design gives the product efficiency, intelligence and esthetic attraction, representing all the functions that good brakes should have.” Billy Boat Performance, Performance Exhaust: “An attractive design and a fine finish can be seen in this beautiful escape [header] that is crucial to improve and make more efficient the performance of any vehicle. These products contribute to the fuel savings and clean sound operation of the motor as well as redefine and stylize it.” Dakota Digital Inc., VHX Hybrid Instrument System, ’66–’77 Ford Bronco: “For those classic models that are indispensable, correct readings and good illumination in conjunction with an attractive exterior design are of good taste. I liked the finished product a lot.” McGaughys Suspension, ’09–’12 F-150 6.5-in. Lift Kit: “With a beautiful and robust design, this product gives solidity and better performance to large 4×4 vehicles in addition to being apparently easy to install.” MSD Ignition, Atomic EFI: “This is the perfect injection system for 4×4 off-road purposes. With sensational style and design as well as a great finish, this system increases the power and efficiency of much of the fuel usage and gives various improved advantages.” Nelson Racing Engines Inc., Patented Mirror Image Turbos: “The turbo is one of the most intelligent tools for fuel efficiency. These twin turbos seem to be a great solution to the lethargy of a simple turbo, and they look great in the engine. They substantially increase the power of any engine, enabling take-off with spectacular torque.” PLX Devices Inc., XWave Sonic: “Everything should be within an arm’s reach, and this product places a simple, easy and portable instrument at your service inside your smartphone, giving you the capacity of an easy and instantaneous reading. Intelligent and accessible.” SLP Performance Parts Inc., High-Output Superchargers for Camaro/Corvette/GM Truck/Challenger and Mustang: “This supercharger enables musclecars to really take off, turning them into super cars with incredible power. The torque achieved should be exceptional, and it can be used in various models—making it convenient and commercially popular. It would be a widely sold product in Mexico!” Daniel Garcia Solis, V8 Musclecars Auto Meter Products, Universal 3 Gauge Mounting Solution: “Observing the quality of restoration that some mechanics carry out in Mexico, I can assert that Auto Meter has earned a place in our market. Many use the brand for hot rods and street rods. Personally, I really like the aesthetics and definition offered by the indicators and, above all, the easy installation.” CFR Performance, Chevy Small-Block Complete Pulley, Bracket & Pump Set (LWP): “This type of accessory with a chrome finish reflects without a doubt the great power that can be offered by the motor. I’m sure that consumers are calling a lot of attention to the aesthetics so that the automobile can look as good as possible. There are more and more restorers each day that are using these auto parts.” Intro-Tech Automotive Inc., Pitstop Furniture: “I liked this product and think that it is very interesting. I see it as something new in the market because there are people in business who want a very original chair or desk to attend to their clients. It has good appearance, yet it is still very comfortable.” Optima Batteries, Optima Chargers Digital 1200 Battery Charger: “I want one of these chargers! I think that it will be very useful to have this tool in the car. It is a prevention method in case the battery dies. This happens a lot in camping. In addition, Optima is already a very recognized brand.” Specialty Auto Parts USA Inc./Proform, Chevy Orange Small-Block Engine Dress-up Kit: “I love this type of product because it offers a great view and finish to the machine. As opposed to the common accessory, this auto brand reaffirms that the engine has remained restored with a spectacular look.” Specialty Wheel LLC, Artillery Wheel: “The market for this type of product is growing, and there are more and more restorers and enthusiasts seeking auto parts that are light as well as new. That is to say, they are avoiding looking for old pieces that are oxidized. Now we can include products like this, adapted for small vintage trucks.” SuperSpare Tire Repair, SuperSpare Tire Repair: “Upon selecting this product, I observed the following qualities: ingenious, reusable, comfortable, not dangerous and versatile. There is a lot of comfort when inflating the rim and, therefore, a lot of risk is avoided when making the repair. It’s an ecological product and well thought out.” TMI Products Inc., ’64–’93 Mustang Pony Sport Seat Upholstery & Foam: “There is an emerging Mexican market for this kind of product. We have many Mustang clubs that would love to find out that there are comfortable seats specifically designed for the Pony. Just buy it, and install it. There’s nothing to restore—this seat looks brand new, like it came right from the dealership.” United Pacific Industries Inc., ’70–’73 Camaro LED Taillight: “I liked this accessory because it is a modern touch for a classic rearview mirror. I think that it gives a vanguard result by combining an antique with a modern look. In Mexico, many restorers will be attracted by this product.” Workshop Hero, a Division of Armor Protective Packaging, Metal Rescue Rust Remover Bath: “This liquid is fabulous and very innovative because it gives you the ability to remove corrosion and rust from completely deteriorated car parts. I recommend it for our market because with this liquid, it won’t be necessary to buy a new part.” Venezuela Henry Pierini, AutoZulia automotive trade show, automotive awards, automotive international, aftermarket business Five different products launched by Smittybilt at this year’s SEMA Show won Global Media Awards. Company representatives received their awards and posed for a picture with Bill Miller (right) at the SEMA International Happy Hour. 2Go Keyless, 2Go Keyless Push Button Start System: “I like this because it is a product that can be adapted to any economy vehicle, but it is a technology that usually can be seen in high-performance or luxury vehicles. It is very practical in that you only need to use one button to start the vehicle.” Cap-Pack Truck Products LLC, Storage System: “I like this product a lot because it is a compartment for additional cargo that is placed in the back of a small truck, but it doesn’t affect the cargo capacity since it is added to the ceiling and occupies little space. It is ideal for those who like to store work tools. Excellent!” Car-O-Liner Co., EVO: “This is the ideal tool to modernize mechanical workshops and bodywork repair shops. It is practical, small and has few elements, yet it is very useful when anchored to any point on a car and works with more comfort.” Custom Wheel Solutions, Nutek Concave Wheels: “The design of this wheel is excellent for giving a more aggressive aspect to any car. It is a good option for the personalization of vehicles.” Extang/TruXedo/BedRug/Undercover, UnderCover Flex: “I liked this product because it offers a cover on the rear part of the pickup in case one wanted to carry a load and protect it from climate conditions, but it can easily be folded in a few ways to occupy little space when you want to use the entire cargo space of the small truck.” Mito Corp., Gentex Mirror With Prodigy One Navigation: “This is a very complete product that places the navigation in a very convenient position in the rearview mirror and at the same time serves as a compass and radar and is connected with emergency communication services. It is a great technological advance.” Optima Batteries, Optima Chargers Digital 1200 Battery Charger: “I like it because it is a fast battery charger of practical size that helps extend the life of batteries and can still serve as a charger for other apparatuses, such as telephones and computers.” Palmer Performance Engineering, DashCommand: “It seems marvelous that a diagnostics team can read information from smartphones and computerized tablets. This means that they will save money, doing a scan of the vehicle in a portable way.” Tornador Tools, Z-020 Tornador Black: “I like this product because it is an easy way to maintain a clean interior in a car with little effort. Nowadays, the car is very valuable property and, we can extend its useful life with products such as this.” Workshop Hero, a Division of Armor Protective Packaging, Metal Rescue Rust Remover Bath: “It is good to include a product that cleans the oxide from certain parts of the car where it has accumulated over time. It takes maintenance into account, and that is a very important part of extending the useful life of cars.” Europe: France Igor Subocz, ProRider Magazine Ace Fuel Systems, Adjustable Fuel Injector: “All-in-one system. Easy, fast and efficient if you need to modify your fuel pressure during testing, for example. Color bands are made to simplify your life. Simple idea with great results.” Auto Meter Products, Universal 3 Gauge Mounting Solution: “At last, a universal system adaptable to every car, European and American, with a simple and nice design. Easy to use!” B&M Racing & Performance Products Inc., ’10+ Mustang Auto Plate and Stick Kit: “Old drag-style gear shift for modern sports cars. Great look and really nice design.” Daystar Products International, Can Cam Fuel and Water System: “An original way to carry your fuel. Cool design adaptable on many 4x4s and SUVs around the world. Original and fun idea for a product that is usually boring.” Flex-a-lite Consolidated, Flex-a-chill Radiator Coolant Additive (POP): “Smart idea for all of us who face cooling problems. Could be a technical solution for many problems. Smart and efficient product.” Kindig-It Design, Patented Smooth Door Handles: “Same opinion as the gear shift. Old-style design for modern-car solution. Change your design without mixing car brands. Could be adapted on every model. Nice and good-looking product.” MAcarbon, Mercedes Custom Steering Wheel and Shift Paddle Extensions: “Could be an aftermarket solution for Mercedes owners who don’t want to spend all of their accessories money in one deal. Technical, efficient and nice-looking item.” MGP Caliper Covers, MGP Caliper Covers: “Creativity and design for a simple but original idea. For those who hate painted calipers (I do) and want an aesthetic solution with a simple method.” RimPro-Tec Wheel Bands, Wheel Bands: “At last a simple and quick solution to changing your wheel lip. No paint, no stickers, no wasting time. A good bargain for a fast solution. Easy to install for great-looking lips.” SCT Performance, iTSX for iPhone: “The first mobile smartphone solution to modify your engine program. Smart ideas for GM and Ford companies.” Gerry Blynberg, ProRider Magazine automotive trade show, automotive awards, automotive international, aftermarket business Tom Myroniak (left), SEMA vice president of member services, congratulates Michigan-based Race Ramps and poses with (from left to right) Bill Jonson, Tracy Depuydt and Jim Moberg, as the company accepts a total of six awards for three new products: the Tow Truck Flatbed Extension Ramp, 7-in. Trailer Ramp with a Flap Cut-Out and the Flatstoppers. Rocket Racing Wheels, Rocket Strike: “The best compromise in terms of design, quality and price.” OZMO Engineering, Carbon Fiber Intake Manifold: “Perfect design for a performance look.” Kindig-It Design, Patented Smooth Door Handles: “Nice, modern and smooth design for custom cars.” Holley Performance Products, NASCAR Cup Spec EFI Throttle Body: “Quality and performance: This is Holley.” Fidanza Engineering Corp., Short-Throw Shifter for ’10+ Camaro SS: “Good sales for Camaros in France and Europe. I think it’s a good product.” Donz Wheelz/Rennen International, R8 Xtreme Concave Step Lip: “Great design. Looks really nice for the European market.” Coker Tire, Firestone Indy Tires: “Really nice ‘vintage’ look for this tire.” Billet Specialties Inc., Streamline Valve Covers: “Billet Specialties always has really good products for hot rods and customs. Really smooth and cool ‘retro’ design for these valve covers.” Baer Brake Systems, Full-Floating Rearend Conversion: “Really good performance brakes with a nice design.” B&M Racing & Performance Products Inc., ’10+ Mustang Auto Plate and Stick Kit: “The Mustang is the most popular American car in France, so this is a good product for this market.” Germany Gregor Hebermehl, Autonews OZMO Engineering, Carbon Fiber Intake Manifold: “This carbon-fiber intake manifold is not just an eye-catcher. With its high-tech material, it’s perfectly in line with the current trend of light-alloy components in the automobile industry. The carbon-fiber intake manifold takes some weight off the suspension while lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity. We also liked the high quality of the exhibited item.” Superwinch LLC, Tiger Shark 17500 Winch: “The Tiger Shark winch gave a high-quality impression that appealed to us. In addition, its 17,500-lb. pulling force—roughly eight metric tons—is sufficient for most applications. We also liked the rollers mounted above, below and to the right and left of the cable exit point, ensuring low-friction reel-in and pay-out of the cable.” EWP Global Inc., Global Double Bank Grill: “Men like BBQ grills—the bigger, the better. And men like tool chests—the bigger, the better. The Double Bank Grill combines both. What a concept!” MAcarbon, Mercedes Custom Steering Wheel and Shift Paddle Extensions: “We like the Mercedes custom steering wheel better than many of the steering wheels made by Mercedes. The steering wheel rim is nice and thick, which makes for a good grip. The carbon-fiber insert in the upper segment looks great, and the metal center position marking adds a stylish touch. We probably don’t have to explain why a steering wheel for Mercedes vehicles is likely to be especially popular in the German market.” Palmer Performance Engineering, DashCommand: “Being able to easily and clearly display relevant vehicle information on a tablet PC is something we find fascinating. It puts some data into the driver’s hands that would normally be available only to a service technician. Furthermore, any technically minded car owner will obviously want to know as much as possible about his or her vehicle and its potential. Especially in Germany, with its technically obsessed car enthusiasts, DashCommand could make many new friends.” Mac’s Custom Tie Downs, Chassis Stabilizer: “The Chassis Stabilizer struck us as a truly smart idea. Strikingly simple by design and just as easy to install, it reliably stabilizes cars hauled on a trailer—and we all know how hard air can be under high compression.” Mastershift, Corvette Manual Transmission Paddle Shifter (C5/C6/Z06/ZR1): “Toggle switches make our lives easier. Toggle switches installed on the steering wheel that move along with the steering motion are just mega fun. A great idea for Corvette owners—even in Germany there are quite a lot of them. We also liked the ergonomic switch design. We suggest placing particular emphasis on processing quality in series production—something essential for the German market.” Monster Hooks Inc., Monster Hook: “Technical equipment that works well usually looks good, too. This is definitely true for the Monster Hook, with its pleasing design and effective functionality.” Bully Dog Technologies, 3-Stage Auto Nitrous Injection System: “The three-stage injection system for diesel drag race cars does exactly what technology is supposed to do: deliver performance while making the driver’s life easier. We especially liked that the system is user-configurable and works automatically once the race has started. Plus the combination of the enormous diesel torque and nitrous injection should guarantee unequalled power in the race for the finish line.” Intro-Tech Automotive Inc., Pitstop Furniture: “A sleek desk chair for race enthusiasts—looks like this might just be the next hot- selling item. Younger race fans will be especially intrigued by this individualist chair. We think this is a really cool piece of furniture. Again, let me emphasize that ensuring excellent quality in series production is of the essence—otherwise Germany will be a tough market to conquer.” Mathias Albert, VW Speed and Tuning ARP Inc., Subaru EJ 2.0/2.5L Custom Age 625+ Head Stud Kit: “Easy handling!” Auto Meter Products, Universal Ecometer: “Great because you can use it for a lot of cars!” CORSA Performance, BMW Performance Exhaust: “BMW in Germany is very popular, and the BMW driver loves outstanding design.” Directed Electronics Inc., Viper SmartStart GPS: “Good idea, especially for Eastern Europe.” Fist Enterprises LLC, BIOSmartStart: “Good product for aftermarket sales. More comfortable than a key.” inCarBite, iPad Detachable Case and Head Rest Car Mount: “Good to use also in Europe.” KW Automotive North America, KW Suspensions BMW M3 E46 (’00–’06) 3 Way Clubsport: “Perfect technology for M3.” MITO Corp., Gentex Mirror with Prodigy One Navigation: “No more problems with a monitor. Looks clean and easy to handle.” RimPro-Tec Wheel Bands, Wheel Bands: “Easy way to give a new design to existing wheels.” Norway Espen Skogen, Bil-Revyen automotive trade show, automotive awards, automotive international, aftermarket business U.S. Department of Commerce representative Peter Perez (left) presented SEMA Chairman Paul “Scooter” Brothers with an honorary certificate of appreciation. One of the five recipients of the Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) for 2011, SEMA will receive $500,000 in matching funds over the next three years to support U.S. manufacturers that export automotive specialty-equipment products to booming emerging international markets. Big Time Auto Parts/Austin International Manufacturing Inc., BT-431: “This is a cool concept that provides custom car builders with a lot of flexibility, as the technology allows for all legally required lights to be in the same housing.” CT Johnson Enterprises Inc./Deadbolt Products, Blockhead Trailer Coupler Lock: “An elegant and clever product that should sell well all over the world. We’ve got thieves in Norway, too—and this protects your trailer while being easy to use and store.” Directus, Prodigy One Pro—TCT System: “This provides endless opportunities for innovative app developers. App-based in-car solutions are definitely something that’s going to get bigger and bigger—and this solution previews what is coming.” Escort/Beltronics Radar Detectors, Escort Live!: “We’ve had SMS-based solutions for radar warning in Norway for years, and they have been very popular. This is the future version of the text-message-based solution!” GoPoint Technology, BT1 With Android: “Any car enthusiast will need to decode error codes from time to time. With this product, we no longer have the need for bulky OBD cables!” Kindig-It Design, Patented Smooth Door Handles: “Any custom car enthusiast would love this product. I love the custom look and the ease of use. With this, you’ll easily get door handles that look like they took you forever to get right!” Paladin Innovations, Rescue Bit: “Any product that’s designed because the creator needed it himself is going to be good. If Rescue Bit is half as good as it looks, it will sell well in any market.” Phoenix Systems LLC, Hose Candy Hose Skins: “People want a custom look to their hoses but way too often end up with blue Samco hoses. That’s why we need Hose Candy.” RimPro-Tec Wheel Bands, Wheel Bands: “As with Hose Candy, these do two things at once: protect the wheels and add to the looks. What’s not to like?” Rohana Wheels, RC5: “Great wheel design that would suit an endless number of cars. The 20-in. is the go-to dimension in Europe right now for a bunch of cars, and these rims look absolutely fantastic.” Sweden Johan Eriksson, Bilsport 19/Bilsport Classic Magazines Eagle Specialty Products Inc., 429-cid Chevy LS3 Stroker Kit: “Building big horsepower on American motors—GM small-blocks in particular—has always been popular in Sweden. If this kit proves to be a more economical alternative to a complete 427ci motor, I believe it could be a hit.” Eibach Springs Inc., Multi-Pro-R2 Coil-Over: “As in America, ’92–’00 Honda Civics are popular as track-day cars. Today, owners tend to be a little older and/or willing to spend more money to increase handling performance with high-quality products.” Flaming River Industries Inc., ’63–’68 Corvette Power Rack-and-Pinion Cradle Kit: “Restoring classics to a state close to original but with technical upgrades has become increasingly popular. Products that allow improvement without cutting, welding or hammering on the original car and are easy to install would be interesting.” Hotchkis Sport Suspension, ’11 Camaro Convertible Race Pack TVS Kit: “The latest-generation Camaro will be exported to Europe and Sweden. It is already popular here, and while the coupe might sell in higher numbers, I expect that many future owners of the convertible, especially previous owners of a coupe, will find this type of reinforcement appealing.” Lokar Performance Products, Drive-by-Wire Electronic Throttle Control (ETC): “Demand for solutions that allow modern electronics in a ‘home-built’ vehicle seems to be up.” Mahle Motorsports, BMW M3 S52 3.2L E36 Engine PowerPak: “Aftermarket force feeding of BMWs is one of the most common performance modifications in Sweden, next to building Volvos and American muscle.” Phoenix Systems LLC, Hose Candy Barb Bites: “A nice under-hood touchup somewhere between original look and the bright, shiny route.” PLX Devices Inc., Multi Gauge Color DM100: “Displays and gauges that integrate well in the dash will appeal to many who prefer an uncluttered cabin environment.” Sprintex Superchargers, MINI Cooper R52 and R53 Supercharger: “Needless to say, a proper screw compressor is a major improvement over the standard Eaton. This kit appears to be of a high standard. Although this particular application might not sell in volume as kits for American cars, such as the Camaro and Mustang, MINIs enjoy some popularity in Sweden, and there should be a market for at least a few kits.” TMI Products Inc., Sport Seats ’67 Chevelle: “This is a product in line with the increasingly popular form of resto-modding in Sweden: improving performance, handling, and comfort in a classic while keeping a standard-esque look.” New Zealand Todd Wylie, NZV8 Magazine automotive trade show, automotive awards, automotive international, aftermarket business First time exhibitor OZMO Engineering won four global media awards at this year’s SEMA Show for their new carbon-fiber intake manifold. “We did not really know what to expect from our first SEMA Show,” exclaimed first-time exhibitor Renate Kroghadl of OZMO. “We were blown away at the recognition the OZMO Engineering Carbon Fiber Manifolds got. It was absolutely fantastic to be chosen for an award, but when we saw it was actually four, wow, that was quite impressive. To be singled out by four media judges from different countries that thought our product was deserving of a prize, that was quite humbling. It was a great recognition for all the time and effort that was put into developing the manifolds and preparing for the Show.” American Autowire, ’70–’74 Cuda/Challenger Classic Update Wiring Kit: “There’s a large following for the Challenger and Cuda in New Zealand, and almost all of them are modified in a style that would make a loom such as this a great asset to the owner/builders.” Drake Automotive Group, ’65–’68 Ford Mustang Tri-Y Stainless Steel Headers–Part #C5ZZ-9430-SS: “We find that most Mustang owners prefer bolt-on products to custom-made items. These headers offer the quality and performance of custom items but with the ease of being simply installed.” Eddie Motorsports, Billet Aluminum Under-Hood kit for ’55–’57 Chevys: “Here in New Zealand, ’55–’57 Chevys are extremely popular, and this kit is a cost-effective way to dress your engine bay to make yours stand out from the crowd.” Link Engine Management USA, KnockLink G4: “The KnockLink allows home tuners and professionals alike piece of mind to know that their tune-up is safe. Its simple installation and self-calibration make it easier to use than any competitor product.” MSD Ignition, Atomic EFI: “The MSD name is trusted and highly regarded in New Zealand. Combine this with the ease of installation the unit offers and the ability to provide data acquisition, and you’re on to a winner.” Plio Grip by Valvoline, Like90 Turbo Pad for Bumpers: “No mess and no pouring solvents. The Turbo Pad makes life simple and saves time for the home DIY enthusiast or trade professional alike.” PLX Devices Inc., Kiwi OBD2 to Smartphone Interface: “The popularity of installing OBD2-based engines into older vehicles is rapidly growing, as is the number of vehicle owners who are willing to tune and diagnose their own vehicles. A product like this will be in high demand.” Procomp Electronics, 289/302W Ford Downdraft Weber EFI Kit: “The look of Weber carbs, the reliability of EFI and the simplicity of a ready-to-install package make this the perfect upgrade for Ford owners.” Ron Francis Wiring, Express Series Switch Panels: “Most race-car owners like to build their own cars. However, wiring is often the one part they outsource. A panel like this allows even novice auto electricians to get involved and do it themselves.” Top Street Performance, LS Motor Fabricated Aluminum Coil Covers: “LS engine conversions are becoming more and more popular. However, many owners don’t like the look of the exposed coil packs. These covers not only hide them but also give the engine an often-desired older look.” Alastair Ritchie, Street Machine automotive trade show, automotive awards, automotive international, aftermarket business SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (center) posed with Perry, Ohio-based Fidanza Engineering during the Global Media Awards ceremony. Representatives joining Kersting on the red carpet (from left) include Alice Wilson, Adam Olenchick, Jeff Jenkins and Ed “Blake” Burgy. BorgWarner Turbo Systems, Engineered For Racing 7163: “Few people know that BorgWarner is the second-largest manufacturer of turbochargers in the world, most of which were supplied as an OEM product to manufacturers. So with that level of experience applied to the company’s first aftermarket range with the EFR series last year, it proved to be an award-winning product. This year, BorgWarner has continued to refine an outstanding product with the EFR-7163 model, which is not only lighter but has also been made even more responsive. This makes it an industry-leading product.” Braille LLC, Lithium Battery: “Braille Batteries is a small company that I’ve been watching for some time. They have excelled in product quality, design and innovation with Lithium Ion technology and continue with this latest offering in the Intensity i34CX Lithium Battery. In New Zealand and Australia, there are no regulations in motor racing as to the type of battery to be used, and this product combines a very light weight with industry-leading battery performance—a combination that becomes extremely cost effective in the world of race-car construction.” CFR Performance, Chevy Small-Block Complete Pulley, Bracket & Pump Set (LWP): “Finally someone has combined a complete pulley, bracket and water pump set ready to simply bolt on to the über-popular small-block Chevrolet. With two finishes available at a very competitive price point, this takes the hassle out of matching the various products and brackets to suit the application.” EZ Connector Inc., EZS7-02: “Every year, someone comes up with an innovative way to redesign an everyday product that traditionally causes people grief. This standout product design from EZ Connector has produced a trailer-plug system that addresses the age-old issues, not only sealing both plug ends while not in use, but producing an O-ringed sealed and magnetically attached connection system. New Zealand and Australia have massive towing fleets—from boats and campers to horse floats—so perhaps this could become the new industry standard.” Haltech Engine Management Systems, ETC2 DBW Throttle Controller: “Haltech has a strong lineup of innovative engine- management products. This year, they are releasing a unique aftermarket standalone fly-by-wire throttle controller complete with two channels for twin throttle applications. This will allow for smoother tuning control via the Haltech engine management. I can see this application becoming especially useful during cold start-up mapping.” ICON Vehicle Dynamics LLC, ’07+ Toyota FJ Cruiser/’05+ Tacoma Uniball Upper Control Arm: “The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a relatively new product in Australia and New Zealand, but the Tacoma (Hilux) is a very common off-road vehicle, many of which are used in competition applications. In these rigorous environments, the upper control arm has been a point of weakness in these vehicles, so an aftermarket product addressing this issue would be well received.” Link Engine Management USA, KnockLink G4: “Link Engine Management is a New Zealand company and is renowned for developing solid engine-management applications and tuning tools at a very reasonable price point. The KnockLink G4 should be another very popular road/racing product. As a standalone, easily installed tuning tool, it will self-calibrate and provide an instant strong visual warning to the driver that damaging detonation is occurring within the engine. Even with modern tuning and electronic engine-management systems and safe tunes locked in on a dyno, detonation can occur from something as simple as some bad fuel. This product detects the issue before any damage can occur.” MSD Ignition, Atomic EFI: “MSD is a longstanding popular electronic ignition brand in New Zealand and Australia. This new product has some excellent applications in not only the V8 tuning scene, but also the off-road scene. This package combines smooth electronic fuel injection and a quality throttle body in a bolt-on kit, complete with a handheld tuning module. Being standalone, it doesn’t require additional PC programming. This system would be perfect for off-road applications where vehicles negotiating steep vertical inclines suffer from fuel starvation.” Ohlins USA Inc., R/T Porsche 997 GT3 RS: “Ohlins is renowned for producing some of the most technically advanced road and track shock absorber systems in the world. This year, they have produced an OEM bolt-on upgrade package to suit the popular road-going Porsche 997 GT3 RS and GT3 Cup race car used in New Zealand and Australia. The GT3 cup model is the weapon of choice in both Porsche GT3 Cup racing series. With the regulations in these series allowing aftermarket suspension, this new two-way adjustable product will provide an edge when combined with a knowledgeable tuning engineer.” OZMO Engineering, Carbon Fiber Intake Manifold: “One of the tastiest new products on the shelves this year was the OZMO Engineering carbon-fiber intake manifold, suited to the popular GM LS3/L98 engine. Beautifully crafted with long runners and port-matched CNC flanges and twin plenums and throttle bodies, this certainly stood out as a desirable product. Sure, it’s not a cheap product, but quality never is. The fuelrail is cleverly integrated in such a way as not to be breached in the event of an NOS backfire.” Pro Comp/G2/Smittybilt/Rubicon Express, Smittybilt All Element Ramps: “With off-road activities being so popular in New Zealand and Australia, the combination of variety in terrain and extremely changeable conditions can end in a situation where tires are no longer ideal and becoming stuck can be a relatively common problem for the inexperienced driver. These compact Smittybilt All Element ramps are a great idea to carry, especially if you are in a stock vehicle with no winch or in an area where there is little to winch off.”
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ALEXANDER MOTORSPORTS TAKES 5TH PLACE AT 2012 BEST IN THE DESERT MINT 400
Alexander Motorsports started fourth off the line with a total of 9 entries in Class 5000. Steve Alexander and ICON’s Sean Kepler started the race. They had a flawless first lap and were running a strong second place. The new ICON Vehicle Dynamics Omega double bypass shocks on the front of the car smoothed out everything the MINT 400 dished out. Steve said that his car has never handled this good, and Sean is confident that ICON can make some more adjustments to make the ride even smoother. The new K&N filters along with the MSD ignition were doing a great job keeping the Torco lubricated Bill Shapley Racing engine running clean and strong. 20 miles into the second lap they suffered their first flat tire and quickly made a tire change. With 16 miles to the first Pit it was clear that it just wasn’t going to be their day as they suffered two more rear flats. After driving almost 7 miles in this condition, they made the decision to put the good front tires on the rear. This limited the ability to steer the car and a mile from pit one Steve high-centered the car. They were now at the mercy to BITD retrievals and thankfully they were able to get them two more tires from the pit and tow it off the berm. By the time they got back into the race they already lost 2 hours but they came back strong. Everything on the car was working perfectly but the course looked like the aftermath of a battlefield. Steve and Sean completed their second lap in the dark and thanks to KC HiLiTES every obstacle could be seen. The car was handed over to Doug Roorda and Gavin Ferguson who charged into the night to try to make up some time. They ran a great third lap but unfortunately for the team they timed out at the end of the third lap, unofficially giving a fifth place for the 2012 MINT 400. Alexander Motorsports wants to thank all of their sponsors: KC HiLiTES, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Bill Shapley Racing Engines & Transmissions, FK Rod Ends, Torco Advanced Lubricants, K&N Filters, MSD Ignition, Mickey Thompson Tires, BTR Wheels, Getpipped.com, Patrick Sign’s, Butch’s Speed Shop, and Allcoat Powdercoating. This would not be possible without their support.
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RANDY MERRITT AND MONGO RACING FINISH BITD “MINT 400” ON ICON SUSPENSION
Randy Merritt was excited to debut his new Best In The Desert Class 7200 Unlimited KC HiLiTES, General Tire, Ford at the 2012 Best In The Desert General Tire “Mint 400”. Randy said, “This is a new race for Best In The Desert and a new truck for me.” The Mongo Racing, KC HiLiTES, General Tire Ford finished unofficially 7th in a class that saw 35 starters take the green flag. The Mongo Racing, KC HiLiTES, General Tire Ford was piloted by Randy Merritt and Tracy Rubio. Less than 33 percent of the class finished this rough and challenging course and the Mongo Racing, KC HiLiTES, General Tire Ford was tough right out of the box. Randy stated, “The truck was completed in the shop about 9 am Friday morning and took the green flag at 1:30 pm on Saturday afternoon. To beat 28 other trucks in our first race is a testament to work of TNC Machine, the crew at Mongo Racing and all those companies that supply parts for this truck.” The new Mongo Racing Class 7200 Unlimited KC HiLiTES, General Tire Ford is an all new state of the art chassis designed by Tracy Rubio at TNC Machine in Kingman, AZ. The new truck is powered by a V-6 engine by Kincaid Racing Engines of Lake Havasu City AZ and is backed by a Steve Culhane Race Transmission. K & N Filters keep the engine clean while a stainless steel Borla Exhaust system ensures peak performance. TNC Machine custom fabricated the suspension and is controlled by ICON Vehicle Dynamics new Zeta Series shocks. Stopping the new truck is handled by Wilwood brake calipers and EBC Brake Pads. The 37” General Tire Grabbers on Trail Ready Beadlocks allow Randy to cross the harshest of desert terrains with confidence as he sets out on a new chapter in his off-road racing career and lit of course by KC HiLiTES HID lights as usual. Randy and the team at Mongo Racing made the move from Class 8100 Full Stock, where they were one of the premier teams in the class. Career highlights include Winning the 2006 BITD Class 8100 Championship and finishing in the top 3 for the last 9 BITD Seasons. Randy has also Won the “Vegas to Reno”, also known as the Longest Off-Road Race in the United States, twice. Randy also drove the all new Ford F-150 Raptor R in the 2008 “Baja 1000” and co-stared in the cable documentary “Born in Baja”. Randy stated, “It’s hard to believe that the sponsors and great friends I have made over the years have the confidence in me and my team to go out and kick ass in this new truck and to believe in US really amazes me.” The Mongo Racing Class 7200 Unlimited Ford number 7281 is sponsored by KC HiLiTES, General Tires, TNC Machine, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Trail Ready Bead Lock Wheels, Kincaid Racing Engines, Yukon, Wilwood, Pro AM, EBC Brakes, Master Craft Safety Innovations, Lucas Oil, K&N Filters, Borla Exhausts, MSD Ignition, and Mongo Made Graphics.
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