RockCrawler.com

Month: February 2010

  • BFGoodrich Tires Remains King of the Hammers Official Tire

    JOHNSON VALLEY, CA, FEBRAURY 4, 2010: BFGoodrich Tires continues its reign as the 2010 Griffin King of the Hammers Official Tire. BFGoodrich Tires takes the King of the Hammers race seriously to the point of developing multiple different tires specific for this event and supporting a crew of professional drivers.

    “We are proud to have BFGoodrich Tires on our team. They offer not only great support to our drivers, but also to our event with the BFGoodrich Tires Information and Media Center and also the tools and technology for assisting with race communication,” said race promoter Dave Cole.

    The last two years have brought home the scepter for BFGoodrich Tires, with Kings Jason Scherer and Shannon Campbell taking the wins. “The King of the Hammers race is the perfect next level of proving ground for us. We are proven in rocks. We are proven in desert. Now combine the two, and climb rocks after having to maintain high speed through the desert. It’s exciting to watch this race, and to know that BFGoodrich tires succeed time and time again and prove that success by dominating the podium,” said Roberts Kukainis, BFGoodrich Tires motorsports manager.

    This year, BFGoodrich Tires again has a star studded line up. Rob MacCachren will add one more discipline of racing to his extremely impressive career with a starting spot in the King of the Hammers. Driving a BlueTorch Fab car, MacCachren will be joined by legends of the sport and past rockcrawling champions Larry McRae, Jon Bundrant and Jon Nelson building a very impressive and aggressive team that is bound for success.

    The starting line will be BFGoodrich Tires lined with both Buzz Bronsema and Rich Mooneyham running the BFGoodrich Baja T/AKRT. BFGoodrich Tires has many other team drivers on the starting grid including Greg Adler, Tracy Jordan, two time 2nd place finisher Casey Currie, John Reynolds, Dean Bulloch and Tom Wayes.

    BFGoodrich Tires has successfully developed a new tire that took the existing desert tire with modifications to account for the rocks. The BFGoodrich Baja T/AKRT tire is the perfect tire to go precisely through the rocks and across the desert at high speeds that handles high pressure and is puncture resistant. This year BFGoodrich Tires is introducing another tire to their King of the Hammers specific line up, the BFGoodrich Baja TAKR tire which is a 42×13.50R20 tire. Yes, two major size changes in the tire height and the rim. BFGoodrich Tires team driver and Ultra4 Vegas to Reno champion Kevin Sacalas will be the only driver running these tires on Friday February 12, 2010.

    As with all desert races, BFGoodrich Tires will have their complete crew of top notch workers on site to help support the Drivers. They will also be hosting a BFGoodrich Tires remote pit.

    BFGoodrich Tires- Using motorsports as a proving ground for more than 30 years, BFGoodrich Tires is involved in every type of racing, including oval, sports car, drifting, drag, desert, dirt, rally, and extreme rock-crawling.  BFGoodrich Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering a high-performance tire for every type of vehicle.  Visit BFGoodrich Tires online at www.bfgoodrichtires.com.

  • Yokohama to Sponsor 2010 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series

    Tiremaker returns to short-course racing for the first time since 1994

    FULLERTON, CA (Feb. 4, 2010) – Yokohama Tire Corporation is expanding its off-road activities, becoming an associate sponsor of the eight-weekend 2010 Lucas Oil Off-Road Series. The one-year sponsorship agreement includes track signage and a space in the vendor/pit area.

    “Partnering with Lucas Oil and its successful off-road racing series is another positive step for our expanding motorsports program and benefits Yokohama in a variety of ways,” said Mark Chung, Yokohama director, corporate strategy and planning. “The series has a lot of exciting classes and receives a lot of TV coverage which will help us to promote our Geolandar® tire line.”

    Lucas Oil Off-Road combines the Midwest tradition of short-course off-road racing with a West Coast influence and features seven classes: Unlimited 4, Unlimited 2, Unlimited Lite, Super Lite, Unlimited Buggy, Limited Buggy and Kart. The season is eight weekends and features two races per day each weekend. There is a 15-race points championship battle and the final day is the Challenge Cup Shootout. The season kicks off March 6-7 at the Lake Elsinore Motorsports Complex, Lake Elsinore, California.

    “We are proud that Yokohama has chosen the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series as the venue to renew their presence in short-course off-road racing. We value the commitment they are making to the series and our race teams,” stated Bob Patison, Lucas Oil Products executive vice president.

    The last time Yokohama was involved with short-course racing was with the Mickey Thompson Stadium Series from 1989-1994. In Lucas Off-Road, Yokohama-sponsored racers will compete in the Unlimited Lite, Unlimited Buggy and Limited Buggy classes, where the drivers will use off-the-shelf Geolandar® tires.

    2010 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series Schedule

    • March 6-7, Lake Elsinore Motorsports Complex, Lake Elsinore, California
    • April 17-18, Speedworld Off-Road Park, Surprise, Arizona
    • May 22-23, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nevada
    • June 26-27, Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele, Utah
    • August 7-8, Lake Elsinore Motorsports Complex, Lake Elsinore, California
    • September 25-26, Speedworld Off-Road Park, Surprise, Arizona
    • November 6-7, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nevada
    • December 11-12, Firebird Raceway, Phoenix, Arizona

    Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series details: http://www.lucasoiloffroad.com

    Celebrating its 40th anniversary in the United States, Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global manufacturing and sales company of premium tires since 1917. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation is a leader in technology and innovation. The company’s complete product line includes the dB Super E-spec™ – the world’s first tire to use orange oil to reduce petroleum – as well as tires for high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, and off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama’s extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.

    Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the “Tire Safety” section at www.yokohamatire.com.

  • 2010 Griffin King of the Hammers Has over $57,000 of Winnings on the Table

    JOHNSON VALLEY, CA, FEBRUARY 3, 2009: The winner of the 2010 Griffin King of the Hammers will be awarded $10,000 from King of the Hammers in addition to $5,000 from BFGoodrich at the awards ceremony that will commence the 4th running of the King of the Hammers.

    BFGoodrich is not only adding to the cash prize, but is also giving the new King the offer of an eight tire contract for their 2010 racing efforts. Torchmate CNC Cutting Systems will be adding a 2×2 CNC Prototyping System to the New Kings garage. It includes a Thermal Dynamics Plasma Cutter, Hand Torch Holder, Routing Package, Torchmate CAD software, BobCad 3D Software, and is valued over $7,250. If that wasn’t enough, there is an additional $33,700 dollars available to pick up in contingency.

    A company puts up a contingency on a race stating a requirement, for example, must have stickers or their specific product on the race vehicle. They then state an award ranging from thousands of dollars to gift certificates or products depending on the drivers finishing place. Some great companies stepped up to help the drivers with contingency opportunities this year. In the shock world, FOA Shocks put $5,000 up, King Shocks put $4,000 up and Sway-A-Way, Radflo Suspension Technology, and Bilstein Shocks are also participating. Traxxas put out a fun prize of Summit radio controlled monster trucks for the winning driver and crew. The prizes aren’t all for first place, there is contingency money scattered across the board with one of the bigger one a $2,500 cash prize from Longfield Super Axles for the first person to not qualify into the 2011 King of the Hammers.

    The 4 Wheel Parts Last Chance Qualifier is going to be a strategic race for positioning in Friday’s race, but there is also over $1000 of contingency money at stake for first place. Coming out of the Last Chance Qualifier in 1st place puts you 5th position, with the only better starting position being 8th to start in 3rd position, why not go for first and grab some contingency money. There should be an even stronger battle for first now.

    $5,000 will be awarded to the winner of the Pit Bull Tires UTV King of the Hammers race. This is the largest purse in the history of all UTV racing. In addition, there is another $2500 out in contingency prizes that can be awarded.

    The awards ceremony will be a great event where all of the mentioned cash and prizes will be handed out to the very well deserving 2010 Griffin King of the Hammers drivers.

    Please see the specific listings of requirements and awards at www.kingofthehammers.com in the recent news column at the bottom of the home page.

  • Superchips Announces First to Market

    2010 Ford F-150 Raptor SVT 5.4L Vehicle Coverage

    Sanford, FL – For over 26 years of performance tuning, Superchips has been known for dominating other tuning companies with a do-it-the-right-way attitude. Now you can add the highly anticipated 2010 Ford Raptor SVT to the list of impressive Superchips efforts.

    The Ford Gas Flashpaq (part no. 1865) and Ford Cortex (part no. 1950) deliver Superchips tuning for impressive horsepower and torque to the wheels, but it’s the improved drivability and performance that have owners excited.

    The enthusiast’s most loved Raptor is now even more exciting with two available performance tunes and a towing tune file for heavy load applications. The Raptor out-of-the-box tuning includes many advanced features while also working with most aftermarket cat-back free-flowing exhaust systems and air filter systems.

    The performance tune provides enhanced throttle response and shift adjustments, optimized shift firmness, raise rev limiter and noticeable drivability improvements. The gains are substantial with the Superchips 91-Octane performance tune serving up to 33 max horsepower and 36 lb-ft of max torque when equipped. The trucks gain up to 28 max horsepower and 31 lb-ft of max torque when equipped with Superchips 87-Octane performance tune.

    Advanced features include the ability to calibrate for tire heights from 28.00” – 38.00”, calibrate for axle gears from 3.08 – 5.13, and raise the speed and rev limiter.

    Superchips tuners include many useful features including working as a diagnostic scan tool, real-time in-cabin vehicle sensor display, vehicle performance data logger for 0 – 60 and ¼ miles times, recalibrate for tire diameter and axle gear changes, recalibrate for transfer case gear changes, adjust cooling fan settings and real-time idle up for running accessories. Cortex also includes an exclusive limited 2-year powertrain warranty.

    Superchips has the number one engine and model coverage in the industry offering a complete line of hand-held programmers for most late-model cars, trucks, and SUVs including: Ford, GM, Chrysler/Dodge, Nissan/Infiniti and Jeep. All Superchips programmers are available for purchase in retail stores and online wherever automotive performance products and accessories are sold.

  • CHIPPEWA NATIONAL FOREST PROPOSAL CLOSES 27 MILES OF ROADS IN REMER AREA

    Hackensack, MN — The Woodtick Wheelers ATV/OHM Club would like the public to know that the Chippewa National Forest, Walker Ranger District, is planning to close 27 miles of roads in the Remer area to all vehicles and is now inviting comments from the public regarding the closings. Comments must be received by the CNF by February 19, 2010.

    The road closings are part of the Proposed Action for the Moon Resource Management Project, which includes activities regarding timber harvests, road management and the improvement or possible replacement of the Laura Lake Bridge.

    The project area encompasses an area on the east side of the Chippewa National Forest, Walker Ranger District. The boundary is roughly described by lines from Goose Lake and Highway 65 on the north; Vermillion Lake and Remer on the east; Mable, Swift and Lucille Lakes on the west, and the Chippewa Forest boundary to the south.

    For additional information, maps showing the roads proposed to be closed to all vehicles, and comment sheets, contact Carolyn Upton, District Ranger, Chippewa National Forest, 201 Minnesota Avenue East, Walker, MN 56484-2189 or call (218-547-1044).

    The Woodtick Wheelers ATV/OHM Club, formed last July and now with over 150 members, brings together ATV and OHM enthusiasts to enjoy, promote and protect responsible riding in the Chippewa National Forest and the surrounding area. For information, write to the Woodtick Wheelers, P.O. Box 83, Hackensack, MN 56452.

    Moon RMP System Road Obliteration (Total Miles: 8.74) Road Numbers:

    2057, 2070, 2113C, 2113G, 2113H, 2117C, 2117D, 2302G, 2301I, 2324, 2329, 2352G, 2559, 2564B, 2702, 2764, 2784, 3571, 3579B, 3579G

    Roads Recommended To Be Closed To All Vehicles (Total miles: 14.91) Road Numbers:

    2063, 2069B, 2103C, 2117A, 2117F, 2321B, 2321G, 2323B, 2559, 2579, 2583, 2703, 2792, 2792A, 2792B, 2792C, 2792D, 2792E, 2792F, 2793, 3572

    _______________________________________________________________

    I have written a Letter to the Editor and submitted it to newspapers in northern Minnesota. I have pasted a copy of that letter below.

    Thanks.

    Dave Halsey, President, Woodtick Wheelers ATV/OHM Club,

    ——————————————————————————————–

    HEADLINE:

    Chippewa National Forest Needs Greater Transparency In Road Closings.

    In the fall of 2008, the Chippewa National Forest closed the Woodtick Trail and hundreds of miles of low-traveled roads to ATVs and other off-highway vehicles. Public hearings were held, but there was no publicity of the road closings in local media. The “NO OHV” signs went up and that was that (with fines totaling $175).

    Last summer, the Woodtick Wheelers ATV/OHM Club was formed in response to those road closings. The club quickly grew to over 150 members, showing the impact the road closings had on residents and cabin owners, many who now have no access to a public forest they and their families had enjoyed for decades.

    On January 20th, 2010, the Chippewa National Forest sent out information packets announcing its plan to close another 27 miles of roads in the Remer area, not just to ATVs but “to all traffic.” After receiving a packet on the “Proposed Action” — called the Moon Resource Management Project — I looked on the web sites of local newspapers to see if it was publicized. Except for an announcement buried in the Chippewa National Forest web site, I couldn’t find any articles informing the public about the road closings.

    Not only did the project receive little or no publicity, it was made mid-winter when many people who use those roads are not even in the area, and it gives the public just 30 days to comment.

    Enough is enough. The Chippewa National Forest needs greater transparency as it continues to close or “obliterate” (their word) roads used for decades by hunters, hikers, and people from 12 to 85 who enjoy the National Forest in their cars, trucks and ATVs.

    Those who run the Chippewa National Forest are not the “landowners of the National Forest,” as their public liaison told our ATV club. They are merely the caretakers. We, the public, are the landowners. And we deserve to be treated as such.

    For additional information on the Moon Resource Management Project, maps showing the roads proposed to be closed to all vehicles, and comment sheets, contact Carolyn Upton, District Ranger, Chippewa National Forest, 201 Minnesota Avenue East, Walker, MN 56484-2189, call (218-547-1044), or go to the Chippewa National Forest web site and click on “Projects and Plans.”

    Hurry, the deadline for your comments on this unpublicized road closing is February 19, 2010.

    David Halsey – Outdoor Writer, Hunter, President of Woodtick Wheelers ATV/OHM Club

  • Snap-on Expands ¾”Flank Drive Heavy Duty Impact Socket Offerings

    KENOSHA, Wis. – February 2, 2010 – Looking for some new heavy duty sockets to make your job a little easier? Snap-on has expanded the number of heavy duty 3/4” Flank Drive® impact sockets it offers by providing almost 50 new sockets that are sure to make those tough jobs much simpler.

    “When we talk with service technicians, we always get great feedback.  Heavy duty techs told us they needed a larger variety of impact sockets,” said Scott Amundson, product manager for Snap-on.  “With the added number of heavy duty 3/4” Flank Drive® impact sockets combined with our existing part numbers, I know Snap-on has the most complete offering of impact sockets anywhere.”

    Snap-on heavy duty 3/4” Flank Drive® impact sockets are heat-treated to optimize impact service life with a lower hardness than hand sockets and are able to withstand repeated cycling loads of impact wrenches. Applications include repair of heavy duty trucks and off-road equipment.

    “Snap-on uses a proprietary blend of special alloy socket steel that provides long life and superior strength,” continued Amundson.  “In addition, our Flank Drive® wrenching system delivers up to 20 percent more turning power without slipping or rounding while exceeding ANSI performance standards.”

    Customers can learn more about the Snap-on heavy duty 3/4” Flank Drive® impact sockets by contacting their participating Snap-on franchisee, visiting www.snapon.com or calling toll free 877-SNAPON-2 (877-762-7662).

    About Snap-on Tools

    Snap-on Tools is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics and equipment solutions for professional users. Product lines include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions which are used by technicians and professionals at vehicle dealerships and repair centers and in the marine, powersports and aviation industries.  Snap-on Tools is one of the largest non-food franchise companies in the world, selling its products through more than 4,500 franchisees worldwide and through company-direct sales and over the Internet. Snap-on Incorporated, which was founded in 1920, is a $2.9 billion, S&P 500 company located in Kenosha, Wis. with operations throughout the world.  For additional information, visit www.snapon.com.